Guyana Chronicle E-paper 12-23-2018

23rd December, 2018

No.105497

Hope for bald men 12 PAGE

–– young doctor’s research shows encouraging results

No cause for alarm, confrontation 03 PAGE

–– President Granger says Gov’t will facilitate smooth elections

–– will meet with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Drinking spree leaves Guyana condemns 02 one dead 10 Venezuela’s incursion in EEZ PAGE

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AFC expels Charrandas Persaud 16 PAGE

The Norwegian seismic ship, the Ramford Tethys which was intercepted by the Venezuelan navy at 10.30hrs on Saturday (PGS photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

Guyana condemns Venezuela’s incursion in EEZ

GUYANA has condemned the interception of research vessel Ramform Tethys by the Venezuelan navy at 10.30hrs on Saturday in its exclusive economic zone as illegal, aggressive and hostile.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said Venezuela’s action violates Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and once again demonstrated a real threat to Guyana’s economic development.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be bringing this latest act of illegality and blatant disrespect for Guyana’s sovereignty by Venezuela to the attention of the United Nations. It is also in the process of informing the several governments of the seventy crew members of the threat to their safety. The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will also receive formal communication from the Government of Guyana on this matter,” the statement said.

The vessel, flagged by the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, was contracted to conduct seismic work by Exxon Mobil and had a total of seventy crew members on board, including the captain.

It was intercepted in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at a position of N 09 deg 17.19 min / W 058 deg 16.20 min at an approximate distance of 140 Km from the nearest point to the provisional equidistant line with Venezuela, the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Meanwhile, the Ramform Tethys, which was conducting seismic surveys offshore Guyana on behalf of ExxonMobil, is heading out of the area, the Norwegian company, Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) has confirmed.

“We are operating in Guyana under the authority of the Guyana Government and has all necessary permits

The Norwegian seismic ship, the Ramford Tethys (PGS photo) to perform this survey. The vessel has now stopped seismic acquisition and is now heading east,” a company official at PGS told the Guyana Chronicle via email.

The official said the company is working to obtain

more clarity on the situation.

It was noted by PGS that the safety and well-being of the crew onboard the vessel is its first priority.

Reports are that the Venezuelan naval ship has since vacated the area.

ExxonMobil said earlier, that it has put its seismic operations in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana on hold “until they can be safely continued”.

In a statement, the American oil giant said 3-D seismic data acquisition of the western portion of the Stabroek Block began earlier this month.

PGS provides images and 3D data about the subsurface beneath the ocean floor. This assists oil companies in undertaking oil finds.

Earlier this month, the American oil giant announced that it made a 10th oil discovery offshore Guy-

ana.

Exxon said the resource estimate, up from the previous estimate of more than four billion oil-equivalent barrels, is a result of further evaluation of previous discoveries and includes a new discovery at the Pluma-1 well.

“The discovery of a resource base of more than five billion oil-equivalent barrels in less than four years is a testament of our technical expertise and rigorous evaluation and pursuit of high-potential, high-risk opportunities in this frontier area,” said Neil Chapman, ExxonMobil Senior Vice-President.

“We will continue to apply what we’ve learned to identify additional exploration prospects and potential future discoveries that will deliver significant value to Guyanese people, our partners and shareholders.”

The Pluma-1 well encountered approximately 121 feet (37 metres) of high-quality hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone reservoir. Pluma-1 reached a depth of 16,447 feet (5,013 metres) in 3,340 feet (1,018 metres) of water.

The Noble Tom Madden drillship began drilling on November 1. The well is located approximately 17 miles (27 kilometres) south of the Turbot-1 well. The Noble Tom Madden will next drill the Tilapia-1 prospect located 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometres) west of the Longtail-1 well.

“Together with the government and people of Guyana, we are continuing to grow the value of the Stabroek Block for Guyana, our partners and ExxonMobil with successful exploration investments,” said Steve Greenlee, President of ExxonMobil Exploration Company.

No cause for alarm, confrontation

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

–– President Granger says gov’t will do everything to facilitate smooth elections

–– will meet with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo ONE day after his government was effectively voted out of office, President David Granger assured that his administration will abide by the Constitution which stipulates that general elections must be held within 90 days of a successful no-confidence motion.

In an unsuspected move Friday night which shocked the nation, Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandas Persaud threw his support behind the Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/C (PPP/C) – to pass a no-confidence motion against his government. AFC forms a major part of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government which holds a one-seat majority in the National Assembly.

In a press statement on Saturday issued by the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Information and Press Services Unit, the Head of State said his government will embark on discussions with its coalition partners the AFC and APNU as it charts a way forward.

“We will do everything necessary to facilitate the smooth functioning of General and Regional Elections bearing in mind the need for normal governmental functions to continue uninterrupted,” President Granger was

quoted as saying.

Article 106 (7) of the Constitution of Guyana states, “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly deter-

we are going back to the polls,” the prime minister said.

He said government and its advisers will meet to explore and discuss available options and their timelines.

Like the President, he too called on all Guyanese to respect to outcome of the motion, and to conduct their business as usual.

The no-confidence motion was filed by Opposition Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo mine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the elections.”

The President said too that he is anxious to engage Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on any concerns he may have.

“Mr. Jagdeo contacted the minister of state and a meeting will be arranged as early as possible so that his concerns can be addressed,” the President added.

President Granger said there is no need for con-

frontation.

“This is a constitutional process which can have favourable outcomes for the nation… There is no cause for alarm and there are no grounds for any form of disorder and we will continue to work to provide a good government and deliver public services to the people and to work even more closely with the opposition,” he explained.

President Granger disclosed too that he met with some ministers on Saturday morning, who will be engaging the AFC ministers.

At a late night press conference on Friday at the Public Buildings, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had told reporters that while the outcome of the motion was not favourable, it must be respected.

“The outcome has to be accepted and we want our supporters, in particular, to understand that

Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in mid-November shortly after it was announced that President Granger was suffering from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of cancer, and would require constant treatments abroad.

Shortly before MP Persaud crossed over, Prime Minister Nagamootoo, during the debate, told the House that the no-confidence motion

President David Granger was a “self-serving” move by the opposition leader and his supporters, noting that it was the opposition’s motive to destabilise the government and by extension the country.

He said PPP/C Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali is hoping to have the 19 fraud charges before him dropped, and from all indications will stop at nothing to achieve that objective.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

Government shutdown likely to drag on past Christmas

A partial U.S. government shutdown was almost certain to drag through the Christmas holiday after the Senate adjourned on Saturday without breaking an impasse over President Donald Trump’s demand for more funds for a border wall.

With no deal in sight on a bill to fund the government, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell sent senators home until Thursday.

While he said he would call them back if a deal was struck, the decision all but guaranteed a partial shutdown would stretch at least until then.

Lawmakers will depart Washington with Trump and Senate Democrats seemingly as entrenched in their positions as ever.

Financing for about a quarter of federal government programmes - including the

departments of Homeland Security, Justice and Agriculture - expired at midnight and will not be renewed until a deal is done.

Federal parks were to close and more than 400,000 federal “essential” employees in those agencies will work without pay until the dispute is resolved. Another 380,000 will be “furloughed”, meaning they are put on temporary leave.

Law enforcement efforts, border patrols, mail delivery and airport operations will keep running.

The shutdown caps a perilous week for the president, with Defense Secretary James Mattis resigning in protest at Trump’s sudden decision to pull U.S. troops out of Syria.

The planned withdrawal was widely criticised, even by senior Republicans in Congress.

The political turmoil added

to fears about the economy that are plaguing investor sentiment, helping fuel continued heavy losses in the stock market on Friday.

The latest dysfunction in Washington does not bode well for bipartisan cooperation next year, when Democrats will have a stronger hand as they take control of the House of Representatives in January.

Vice President Mike Pence and White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney huddled with the Senate’s top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, on Saturday afternoon, but they appeared to make little headway toward a deal to re-open the government.

“The vice president came in for a discussion and made an offer. Unfortunately, we’re still very far apart,” a spokesman for Schumer said.

Trump put off a plan to spend Christmas at his Mar-aLago resort in Florida because of the shutdown, the White House said. First lady Melania Trump, who is already in Florida, will return to Washington

to spend Christmas with her husband.

In a call with reporters, a senior Trump administration official said the president was still pressing for $5 billion for a wall or barrier along the border with Mexico and other security enhancements.

Building a wall to keep migrants from entering the United States illegally was a central plank of Trump’s presidential campaign, but Democrats are deeply opposed and have rejected his funding request.

Following a meeting at the White House with several Republican lawmakers, Trump again tweeted about the need for border security to ward off “the crisis of illegal activity.”

Republican Senator Richard Shelby, who attended the meeting, said it was unlikely any agreement on a stopgap funding measure was imminent.

Earlier in the week, leaders in both the Senate and House of Representatives thought they had reached a deal that

Trump would sign that contained less money for border security, only to watch the president, under pressure from conservatives, re-assert his demand for $5 billion at the last minute.

The House, where Trump’s fellow Republicans currently hold a majority, passed a bill that included the $5 billion, but it ran aground in the Senate.

In a joint statement on Saturday, Schumer and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said that if the shutdown continues past next week, they will pass legislation to re-open the government when Democrats take control of the House on Jan. 3.

While the promise of building a border wall was a fixture of Trump’s 2016 campaign, it is not a top-tier priority for most Americans.

According to a Reuters/ Ipsos poll in late November, only 31 percent of those surveyed said improved border security should be among the top three priorities for

Congress.

That suggests Trump is taking a political risk by gambling on a shutdown to press his point as Democrats are gearing up for the 2020 presidential primary elections and looking for issues to seize on for an advantage.

The longest federal government shutdown, lasting 21 days, occurred in December 1995 and January 1996, triggered by conflicts between President Bill Clinton and congressional Republicans over Medicare funding and government spending. Clinton is widely viewed as having won the political battle over the shutdown, and was re-elected in 1996.

In 2013, the government shut down for 16 days after conservative Republicans demanded to strip funding for, or delay implementation of, President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare legislation. Republicans suffered in public opinion polls and eventually capitulated.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

Colombian guerrilla leader killed

A Colombian guerrilla leader has been found and killed, the country's president says.

Walter Arízala, known better under his alias “Guacho”, was wanted for the murder of two Ecuadorean journalists and their driver earlier this year.

On Friday, Colombian President Ivan Duque said he was killed in an operation near the Ecuadorean border.

In a statement, Duque described him as "one of the most horrendous criminals the country has known".

"The message is clear, we won't take a step back in the defence of legality, life, honour and the property of Colombians," Duque said.

On top of killings, Guacho was also suspected of drug trafficking and extortion.

The 29-year-old was a former member of Colombia's Farc rebel group. He is one of thousands who have refused orders to lay down arms after the guerrilla group

Colombian President Ivan Duque (centre) announced the death on Friday

signed a peace deal with the Colombian government in 2016.

Guacho broke away from the Farc and founded the Oliver Sinisterra Front -

a dissident gang thought to have about 70 to 80 combatants operating around the Colombia-Ecuador border area.

The group came to in-

ternational attention earlier this year after kidnapping two Ecuadorean journalists - 32-year-old reporter Javier Ortega and 45-year-old photographer Paúl Rivas - along

with their 60-year-old driver Efraín Segarra.

Two weeks after seizing the three, the group announced they had "died" when the army came close to

where they were being held.

Shortly after their bodies were recovered, the group were also blamed for the murder of an Ecuadorean couple.

Oscar Villacís, 24, and Katty Velasco, 20, went missing from Puerto Rico, a rural area near the Colombian town of Tumaco, on the border with Ecuador.

A video of them, restrained with ropes around their necks, was released by the Guacho's group days after their disappearance.

The couple were later found dead with stab wound injuries, and their bodies were flown home to distraught relatives.

The murders led Guacho to become a top target of both countries' governments.

Colombia deployed more than 3,000 members of its armed forces to search for the group's leader "dead or alive", Reuters reports.

(BBC)

Argentina ex-president faces trial Argentina's former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is to go on trial for corruption, a federal court has ruled.

She is accused of accepting millions of dollars in bribes over a 12-year period in what has become known as the "corruption notebooks" scandal.

Fernández, who is now a senator, denies any wrongdoing and claims the charges are politically motivated.

She has immunity from imprisonment, but not prosecution.

Three of her homes were raided in August as part of the criminal investigation.

Fernández, 65, is accused of being at the centre of a massive corruption racket that allegedly saw millions of dollars in bribes paid by businessmen to government officials.

The allegations stem from a batch of records kept

by Oscar Centeno, a driver for a public works official, between 2005 and 2015.

In the notebooks, Centeno writes about delivering bags of cash from construction bosses to government officials, which prosecutors say totalled some $160m (£125m).

Former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner

Centeno's notebooks include a reference to money exchanging hands at the home shared by Fernández and her late husband, Néstor Kirchner, as well as the presidential residence and government headquarters.

However, none of this has been proved.

More than a dozen people, including businessmen and former government officials, were arrested after the notebooks were handed to authorities by La Nación newspaper earlier this year.

They are also due to stand trial.

Fernández served as

president for two consecutive terms, from 2007 to 2015, having succeeded her husband who was president from 2003 to 2007. He died in 2010.

(BBC)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

Avoiding mosquito-borne diseases THE rainy season is here and with it will come an increase in the prevalence of mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes may be tiny, but experts say that they are the most dangerous creatures on earth, because they can carry so many different deadly diseases. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), worldwide, about 700 million people get sick from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, causing between 725,000 and 1,000,000 deaths every year. It is therefore vitally important that everything possible be done to fight mosquito-borne diseases.

Scientists call creatures such as mosquitoes, vectors, because they carry disease from an infected person to other people.

Mosquitoes are considered the deadliest of all vectors because it can transmit malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, filariasis, tuleramia, dirofilariasis, Saint Louis encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis, Western equine encephalitis, Ross River fever, Barmah Forest fever,

La Crosse encephalitis, Zika, as well as a recently discovered virus called the Keystone virus.

All of those diseases cause severe illness and can result in death.

Doctors say that anyone can die from a mosquito-borne disease, but the young, the elderly, persons with weakened immune systems and people who are already sick account for the highest number of fatalities.

In Guyana, five of those diseases are most prevalent.

Chikungunya causes sudden fever, debilitating pain in the joints, headache, nausea, and skin-rashes. Dengue can cause blood-vessel damage, liver enlargement, fever, and internal bleeding. Filariasis may result in unsightly swelling about the body. Malaria can cause the organs of the body to fail, coma, and death. And Zika can result in rashes, fever, joint pain, and eye infections. Pregnant women who are infected by zika are at great risk of producing babies with microcephaly (a small head and under-developed brain).

The Ministry of Public Health has reported that despite our small population, on average, a person is diagnosed with malaria every hour. The ministry said too, that 76.8 per cent of persons diagnosed with a mosquito-borne disease are in the 15-49 years age-group – the most productive years of life. Evidently, such diseases can impose a huge burden on families, communities, and the country generally.

There are other risks too: mosquitoes have no borders, they can travel from country to country. This means that mosquitoes can bring new diseases into Guyana. Diseases for which our healthcare system may be less prepared to combat. For example, Guyanese heard about chikungunya for the first time during the massive outbreak in 2014. And before the 2016 zika outbreak, most Guyanese had never heard of that disease. All of those facts represent major challenges to government; challenges which must be overcome if we are to develop.

Authorities say that mosqui-

to-borne diseases are a nationwide problem, but are most prevalent in Potaro-Siparuni, Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, and the Rupununi regions; health workers in those areas are trained accordingly.

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, for this reason, President David Granger said earlier this year that, “Vector-borne diseases must be tackled as an environmental hazard – they are linked to human activity and, particularly to reckless and irresponsible environmental practices.” He spoke of miners who fail to cover their mining pits after completing their operations, providing open craters and pools which can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

He cited the dumping of receptacles such as old tyres, plastic bottles, food boxes, and coconut shells; he mentioned abandonment of equipment, boats, and vehicles, all of which can hold stagnant water and provide breeding sites for deadly mosquitoes. He added,

“Sound environmental practices are pivotal to reducing and removing the breeding sites for mosquitoes that cause diseases, and must be part of the solution of the vector-borne disease threat.”

While citizens must do their part to eliminate breeding areas, use nets and repellants, and remain vigilant. Government’s approach to the problem is in line with WHO’s Global Vector Control Response 2017-2030 (GVCR).

Guyana has a four-point approach: 1. Environmental control 2. Personal protection measures 3. Biological control, and 4. Chemical control While fogging, oiling, and net distribution are important, government has said that the most important intervention is educating the public, especially during rainy seasons, about the dangers of mosquitoes to help Guyanese protect themselves from the deadly diseases that the insects carry.

Ronald Gajraj gone but not forgotten

Dear Editor

THE sudden death of former Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Ronald Gajraj at the age of 65 is understandably being met with drastically different reactions from a cross-section of Guyanese.

For his family, former Presidents Ramotar and Jagdeo and many of his political colleagues and supporters, the lament is “gone too soon.” For a huge part of the Guyana population at home

and abroad, as well as for the family and loved ones of the 400 Guyanese who were extra-judicially killed under the political watch of Mr. Ronald Garaj, the lament is “took too long to go.”

And for as long as the truth of that ghastly period remains shrouded in secrecy, lies and cover-ups, there will be no national reconciliation.

And until there is reconciliation, the epitaph over Ronald Gajraj, indelibly etched in the memory of Guyanese, will

be “gone… but not forgotten.”

Regardless of how the legacy of the late Ronald Gajraj has affected you, or whether it has affected you at all, extra-judicial killings under the direction of, or with the tacit approval of an elected representative of the people, is State-sponsored Terrorism. This guts every fundamental fibre of the rule of law which reserves state punishment for those found guilty in a court of law, after

due process has been exhausted.

In the periods before and after the Ronald Gajraj era, Guyana has demonstrated its allegiance to the rule of law, and from this commitment we must never flinch. When in 1961, the PPP, under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan allegedly instituted the politically savvy but socially divisive philosophy of “Apan Jat” that led to Indo-Guyanese using their numerical superiority to obtain political power in Guyana, it also

sowed the seed of Civil War between Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese. Aided by the visible disparity in the rate of wealth accumulation between Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese, Guyana has continued to be a racially divided society.

Against that background, when, under the watch of a majority Indo-Guyanese government, 400 predominantly Afro-Guyanese were killed in a short period while “holed up in Buxton”, it is impossible not to associate this with

deep-seated racism and an associated political vendetta.

But because this is at best a strongly evidence-based suspicion, a nationally transparent investigation monitored by international observers continues to be a pre-requisite for the national reconciliation that we need.

But there is another side to the story. Crime is a scourge to every society and must be eradicated by the society TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

Professional, neutral and politically impartial Public Service Dear Editor For a Public Service Law: THIS letter is continuing to bring to the public’s attention, essential aspects of the Report of Professor Harold Lutchman’s Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service 2016, which recommended a Public Service Law for the management and administration of the Public Service. This law would require that the Public Service Ministry function under “a Public Service law in which the governing principles are laid down. The basic tenets would be embodied in a Public Service Act” along with regulations as recommended by the G. Burgess and J.K. Hunn‘s Report on Public Administration in Guyana, dated 16 November 1966. This proposed Law would create a strong, well structured, and capable Public Service Ministry with clearly defined functions for such a ministry, which is responsible for public management and administration. Such an Act would define the status and duties of the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry with powers, duties and responsibilities for the effective organisation of the departmental and ministerial machinery

of government, and human resource management, outside the constitutional remit of the Public Service Commission.

Professor Lutchman’s CoI Report on the Public Service 2016, further emphasised that a Public Service Act was an essential requirement in line with the 1969 Professor Bertrand Collins’ Commission Report on the Public Service, affirming the need for a Public Service Act to enable a strong and professional Public Service. A Public Service Law governs the public management and administration in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Belize, and The Cayman Islands, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa.

Professor Lutchman’s Commission accordingly recommended the enactment of a Public Service Law with related Regulations for effective public management and administration of the Public Service to insulate the Public Service from irregular political influences and other external pressures.

THE PERMANENT SECRETARY AND PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS WITH MINISTERS The public administration system, in line with the constitution, Article 115

and other laws, mandates that where any minister has responsibility for any department of government, he/she shall exercise general direction and control over that department and, subject to such direction and control, every department of government shall be under the supervision of a permanent secretary.

This direction and control is of a general and policy nature. While the minister is primarily concerned with the determination of policy, the permanent secretary and the technical and other staff under the permanent secretary are required to faithfully implement the policy decisions of the government of the day in an impartial and professional manner.

The permanent secretary assists the minister in the formulation of policies, prepares papers for Cabinet, and is also the accounting officer who manages and is accountable for the funds voted by the National Assembly for the ministerial departments, and is answerable to the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly for public expenditure. These duties and responsibilities have not changed since the PSC Circular No 46 of 1966, embodying an extract from a speech from the Prime Minister L.F.S. Burnham, which

stated in part with reference to the permanent secretary’s responsibility as the accounting officer: “… A minister should never therefore give instructions for expenditure to be incurred on any project without prior consultation with his permanent secretary to ascertain that appropriate funds are available…”

Similarly, in a letter dated 5 May 1989 to permanent secretaries, President Desmond Hoyte stated that under the constitution, permanent secretaries had the responsibility to manage their ministries, to advise their ministers, to help the ministers in formulation of policies, and the effective management of the resources of personnel, finance, stores, plant, machinery, equipment, vehicles and buildings. The letter further stated that, “…

No minister has authority to direct a permanent secretary to ignore the law or to breach regulations and directives governing the administration of finances, the use of government property, etc.

Indeed, no minister has the power to direct a permanent secretary to commit any other act that is unlawful or otherwise irregular…”

President Hoyte’s letter also reiterated that a permanent secretary was expected to act strictly within the

Ronald Gajraj gone ...

FROM PAGE

within the provisions of the laws of that society. The social scourge of crime has its roots in poverty, inadequate education, politically motivated and/or drugturf fuelled feuds, and the self-perpetuating desire for reprisals. Understanding the nature of a problem is a pre-requisite for solving the problem. But regardless of the motivation or the anatomy of crime, it remains a social scourge; and those who pursue a life of crime, and especially gun-related crime must al-

ways entertain a reasonable expectation to die by the gun.

Our policemen who, in an encounter with armed criminals, face the grim choice of “kill or be killed” will, and must kill. Members of our society who harbour criminals under a range of pretences must understand that they are accomplices of the criminals, and are part of the opposition to the rule of law.

As a nation, education and economic opportunities must be made available to all, and those who to date have lagged behind, must be

given a monitored “helping hand” to “catch up” with the rest of our society. Equal rights and justice for all demand nothing less. For so long as we are divided by any social, economic, ethnic or other external standard, we will fall, and only when united will we stand.

President Granger apparently no longer thinks it politically correct or expedient to pursue his commitment to shine a searchlight on the atrocities of the Ronald Gajraj era. But

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until there is reconciliation or God-inspired forgiveness among Guyanese regarding the 400 extra-judicial killings committed under the watch of the former Minister of Home Affairs, Guyana and its projected attainment of greatness will be reduced to limping forward, instead of leaping forward.

Regards Phyllis J. Jordan Caretaker-Councillor – Constituency Four

scope of law and relevant regulations and other rules governing the management of finances and other resources. The letter further admonished permanent secretaries to bear in mind that the Public Service exists to serve the people promptly and in an efficient manner, and to treat all with courtesy and consideration. The permanent secretaries were to ensure that the Public Service delivered quality service to citizens and the public at all times. The letter reiterated that the permanent secretary and the minister’s principal technical staff were concerned with providing advice and assistance in policy determination and formulation. This called for a cordial working relationship among the permanent secretary, technical and other staff of an impartial Public Service in a spirit of mutual respect and confidence.

In keeping with the forgoing and the supporting testimonies of many witnesses, Professor Lutchman’s commission affirmed

the principles for a capable, professional, and efficient Public Service outlined in PSC Circular No. 46 of 1966, and Hoyte’s letter on 5 May 1989 as sound, valid and relevant for the contemporary situation in the Public Service. The commission accordingly recommended the incorporation of these principles in the provisions of the proposed Public Service Law, and related regulations. It is time for the National Assembly to enact a Public Service Law as recommended by Commission Reports of Hunn and Burgess, and Collins, and in particular, Burnham’s statement and Hoyte’s letter under reference, and now called for by Lutchman’s Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service, 2016.

Regards Joshua Singh

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HISTORIC NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE

SOME may see it as Black Friday; others as Good Friday. But on Friday, December 21, 2018, a duly elected government was defeated on a vote of noconfidence that was tabled by the opposition.

The motion was tabled by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) which has

32 MPs in Guyana’s 65seat National Assembly, as against 33 MPs on the APNU+AFC Coalition’s government benches.

Passage of the motion required a majority of all elected members of the House which, in effect, translated to 33 MPs. On the surface, without the requisite ma-

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

jority, the opposition had no prospect of success. But when the vote was taken, a Government MP voted with the opposition.

That vote made history, as this is the first time that a government has to resign from office upon the approval of a no-confidence vote.

CONSCIENCE VOTE The MP claimed that he was exercising a conscience vote, against which the government’s Chief Whip had advised before and on the day that the matter came up for debate.

It is felt that if indeed it was a conscience vote, then the MP could have abstained – instead of voting with the opposition to defeat his own government.

Also, the government has had suspicions that one of its male MPs had been compromised, but it was unable to identify or recall him before the crucial debate. It is in this context that the APNU+AFC government would have reasons for claiming that it has been betrayed, not defeated.

While two of the privately owned newspapers yesterday carried identical headlines, GOV’T FALLS”, the state-owned newspaper chose a tabloid-type banner, “`JUDAS’ AT CHRISTMAS”, which I found to be distasteful. It carried a huge photo of the rogue MP, identifying him as Charrandas Persaud, who held a seat on behalf of the Alliance For Change (AFC), the coalition’s junior partner. The MP has since been expelled for voting against the party’s line, and going against the Party List from which his name had been extracted after the 2015 polls.

Nothing that he has said would justify casting his vote, which he has held in trust for those who supported his party, against his own government.

Absenting from the Sitting or abstaining from the vote could have conveyed his grievances, none of which he mentioned before or on the day of the debate when he came to the sitting clothed in the coalition’s yellow and green colours.

MANDATE BETRAYED The 206,000 voters who elected the APNU+AFC in 2015, would justifiably be enraged with the action of the MP, and would feel that he has betrayed the mandate given him to faithfully represent the coalition in the National Assembly. But the rage has to be tempered by the coalition’s own commitment to the norms of parliamentary democracy, which it has helped to restore.

As I noted after the vote, “Guyanese must understand that the democratic process is sometimes unpredictable.

You may have results that are not planned for and, like cricket, democracy could be a game of great uncertainty.

But the outcome has to be accepted.

“It may be a surprise to some, it may be a shock to others; it may be welcomed by some, and others may rejoice over the results.

But that is how democracy works.”

Friday’s vote is no doubt an early eye-opener for the coalition. It would wake up to the reality that a one-seat majority is just not enough in a society where ethnic identification could trump political loyalty. It is also a serious set-back at a time when a government is overcoming inherited socio-economic problems and trying to deliver as against mounting expectations.

If it has learned anything, it is that it must hit the electoral trail to console and motivate its supporters; and to energise them to re-elect the coalition with a bigger majority.

PARLIAMENT

PROROGUED The PPP had experienced its own dose of no-confidence, from which it ran in 2014, only to fall on its own sword.

Rather than debating the no-confidence motion that was tabled by the AFC, the then Ramotar government cowardly prorogued parliament. It opted for premature elections, which it lost to the coalition. That was the first time that a no-confidence motion has been moved against any government in Guyana.

Unlike 2018, the 2014 motion was triggered by flagrant violation of the republic’s Constitution and breaches of fiscal laws, at a time when the PPP was swamped in “pervasive corruption” and haunted by allegations of death squads, gang-related extra-judicial killings and mass murders.

Several mega projects were shrouded by corruption, such as the sale of the Sanata Texile Mill to, and creation of an investment bonanza in, the Berbice River Bridge for friends; the distribution of radio/ television licences to party cronies and posh house-lots to government elites; the investment of NIS funds held mostly for sugar workers in the Clico ponsi-scheme; and the scandal associated with waste of monies on the Skeldon sugar factory, the Amaila road project, the still-born specialty hospital and the Enmore Sugar Plant, to mention just a few.

By that time the PPP government had also raided several special billion-dollar accounts into which public monies had been placed and were never transferred to the Consolidated Fund.

Those included the Petro Caribe Fund; the Lotto Fund; GGMC Fund, Wild Life Fund, etc.

When the PPP refused to debate the 2014 no confidence motion, it cast a blemish on our system of parliamentary democracy, and the electorate punished the former government at the polls.

ELECTIONS & DIALOGUE This is not the case today. The APNU+AFC government did not hide or run from the opposition motion. It did not interrupt or cancel the debate. The motion was fully ventilated in the National Assembly.

The rest is now history.

Guyana is heading into new elections in 2019, given an indication by the Elections Commission that it is ready. The constitution provides that these elections should be held within 90 days, but this period may be extended with the consent of the parliamentary parties.

In the interregnum, this unprecedented situation might see openings for political dialogue as never hitherto witnessed in contemporary Guyanese history. Both sides would hopefully see that the prospects for forging working relations in the national interest are far more attractive than stand-offs, conflicts and confrontation.

It is commendable that the parliamentary debacle did not flow over into the wider multi-ethnic society, and that our Guyanese people continue to enjoy the joyous Christmas season without social disruptions This speaks to the maturity of our young but vibrant democracy.

Hoyte served Guyana selflessly 9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

–– says Greenidge at former President’s 16th death anniversary

FORMER President Hugh Desmond Hoyte faced a number of challenges and crises during his tenure as Head of State but in handling those he committed and surmounted in his cause even if it damaged his

ana’s second Executive President Hugh Desmond Hoyte SC, held at the Place of Heroes in the Botanical Gardens.

Underscoring that the former President placed national interest above his own and those of his polit-

Carl Greenidge, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs

dertaken, one of the things we see today in Guyana is that there is a degree of lawlessness that makes it very difficult both for governments and for those who drive in the streets,” Minister Greenidge noted.

He said Hoyte spent a lot of time ensuring that laws were enforced since he was regarded highly within the local and international community of legal luminaries.

“Freedom of expression was also an area he guarded as an important pillar in ensuring that the market works, because if you were going to reform and move from the pillars of a socialist economy which is where we were, you had to also ensure that individual action and choice could be properly exercised in making economic and related decisions,” Greenidge said.

Sister of the Former President Gloria Hoyte laying a floral tribute during the commemoration (Delano Williams Photo) cials, including the Ministers of Communities, Public Health, Social Cohesion, Social Protection,

Government and PNC/R officials at the commemoration party and electoral prospects.

This is accordingly to Carl Greenidge, Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs who shared a friendship and worked under the former President.

Greenidge was at the time giving remarks on Saturday at a ceremony to commemorate the 16th death anniversary of Guy-

ical colleagues, the foreign affairs minister said Hoyte was realistic in his expectation and understood that change is inevitable.

“Desmond Hoyte had an obsession with working within a framework of the rule of law, and the rule of law is very important.

Lawyers would recognise its importance, because the rule of law ensures that contracts can be un-

Greenidge also said that Hoyte’s contributions also made the Economic Recovery Programme during his tenure a success.

“He was exceptionally gifted, very private, very much preoccupied and interested in young people,” the foreign minister said.

The observance saw the attendance of several senior government offi-

Housing and Legal Affairs, among others.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence in her contribution described the late President Hoyte as a patriot who lived for the people and the country.

Hugh Desmond Hoyte, SC was born on March 9, 1929 and served Guyana in several capacities including Home Affairs Minister from 1969 to 1970, Finance Minis-

ter from 1970 to 1972, Economic Development Minister in 1974 to 1980, Prime Minister from 1984 to 1985 and President of Guyana from 1985 until 1992.

He died on December 22, 2002.

The former President, and Senior Counsel, was husband to the late Joyce Hoyte and father to the late Amanda and Maxine Hoyte who both died tragically, after their vehicle crashed into a tractor trailer, on route to the town of Linden.

During his time in of-

fice, the late President had responsibility for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) affairs under the Lomé Convention and was the ACP spokesman on sugar for 1981 to 1983.

As a member of the Heads of Government of CARICOM Conference he was charged with promoting freedom of movement within the Community and for coordinating CARICOM’S policy on the environment for the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. He was also nominated CARICOM’s spokesman on sugar.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

Understanding Energy

Year in Review

THE year 2018 was undoubtedly one of the busiest years in recent history.

As this column has covered weekly, the energy industry hit a new peak of activity and development. While a number of discoveries were made and production timelines continued apace, the lives and outlook of Guyanese began to shift as businesses, local and foreign, began to offer new job opportunities in the energy sector.

This week, we look back at some of the most significant developments.

DISCOVERIES Reports from just last week highlight the fact that it has been an unbelievable year for Guyana, as energy industry analysts announced that Guyana led the world in new oil and gas discoveries with a total of more than 2 billion barrels found in the past 12 months. Remarkably, Guyana finished above Russia and the United States…and it wasn’t even close.

The string of discoveries kicked off way back in January. * January: Ranger discovery, adding to prior discoveries in Liza, Payara, Snoek, Liza Deep and Turbot * February: Pacora discovery * June: Longtail discovery * August: Hammerhead * December: Pluma, the10th discovery to date The streak of new discoveries has raised the estimated recoverable reserves in Guyana to over 5 billion barrels of oil

equivalent.

The scope of the reserves has generated real enthusiasm from the production consortium. Some analysts believe that as many as five floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels could be active in Guyana, producing around 750,000 barrels per day by 2025.

DEVELOPMENT The discoveries helped fuel a virtuous cycle of exploration and investment. In March of this year, the drillship Noble Bob Douglas arrived in Guyanese waters to begin operations.

In late October, the Noble Tom Madden became the third active drillship offshore, indicating significant exploration and production activity. In addition to the discoveries above, ExxonMobil drilled their first development well for Liza Phase 1 in June.

The Final Investment Decision (FID) on Liza Phase 2 could come early next year once the government approves the development plans, which will be the next significant concrete step in offshore development activity.

The Environmental Impact Assessment was approved in November.

GOVERNMENT PREPARATION The developments offshore had significant impacts onshore as the government began preparing to manage the oil revenue that is expected to begin in 2020 and ramp up signifi-

cantly by 2025, when cost recovery is complete.

Local content was a major focus, as leaders looked to increase employment and business opportunities within Guyana. Major developments included: * May: the second draft of the Local Content Policy Framework was released, outlining the requirement of a governance framework to ensure compliance * August: Dr. Mark Bynoe was appointed Head of the newly formed Department of Energy. Advisor Matthew Wilks followed quickly. * Also in August, the Natural Resources Fund Green Paper was approved by the Cabinet Council and moved to the National Assembly, which found that a sovereign wealth fund would be the ideal model for revenue management The government’s efforts also received support from various international entities including$20 million US for capacity-building efforts from the World Bank; and a further $35 million US in July to help prepare the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The International Monetary Fund was also active in Guyana this year, sending a delegation at the end of April to assist in discussions for the 2018 Article IV Consultation and approving the government’s fiscal preparation work thus far.

INT’L ATTENTION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT The slew of discoveries and rapid pace of development generated huge

international interest in Guyana throughout 2018.

Various events were held to facilitate business opportunities and growth, including the GIPEX summit in February, the Guyana-Aberdeen Trade Mission in November, and ExxonMobil’s Liza Phase 1supplier forum just this month.

Guyanese businesses also began positioning themselves to grab a piece of the new business opportunities. The Center for Local Business Development provided training to local businesses, such as Guysons Oil and Gas Logistics and Services.

Guysons became the first, through CLBD’s assistance, to receive the important ISO9001:2015 Certification—an international recognition for quality management awarded by the International Organization for Standardization in sectors including the petroleum industry. Other companies also made significant progress this year.

As 2018 comes to a close, it is obvious that Guyana is increasing in stature on the international stage. The U.S. Congressional delegation’s visit in August was significant, and in recent months the U.S. has come out in support of Guyana in our land dispute with Venezuela.

International industry experts such as Rystad Energy and Wood Mackenzie, are also turning their focus to our potential impact on regional and global supplies begins to register more widely.

Drinking spree leaves one dead

By Vanessa Braithwaite SHOCK waves permeated the peaceful farming community of West Watooka, Linden, after news spread of the untimely murder of its young resident Leonard Peters called “Lenny” who resided at 29 West Watooka, Wismar, Linden.

Peters met his demise a few mo-

ments after being rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) after being stabbed to the left side of his chest.

According to police reports, Peters was allegedly stabbed by his two associates commonly known as “Giddie” and “Gaza” who are brothers, ages 19 and 23 respectively. According to commander of ‘E’ Division, Linden Lord, the suspects were arrested and

subsequently confessed to the murder.

They then took the police back to the Lot 6 West Watooka home, where the murder, occurred and handed over the murder weapon which has been lodged at the station and taken as evidence.

They remain in custody, assisting with investigations.

The brothers, in a confession, related that a misunderstanding oc-

curred while they were partying and Peters accidently spilled his alcohol on Gaza. He allegedly became irritated and started a physical altercation with Peters. His brother came to his defence and Peters was eventually stabbed to the chest.

Friends of Peters described him as a popular, hardworking and outgoing personality.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

Exercise responsible eating as you celebrate the festive season

By Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health THE mission of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is to ensure that Guyanese are the healthiest within the Caribbean.

One essential component in realizing and maintaining a healthy life is nutrition.

After all, we are what we eat.

We at the Ministry of Public Health sincerely hope that 2018 was a very good year for all of you. It is now that time of year when we celebrate the season of good cheer. Christmas is truly a special time of year, but a Guyanese Christmas is always somewhat a little more special. One very prominent feature of a true Guyanese Christmas is food. We go all out to prepare all the scrumptious meals we enjoy this time of year. We indulge wholeheartedly in all the culinary offerings available to our delight and satisfaction. However, I would like to ask that you be mindful and not over indulge. A lot of overeating goes on at Christmas. We must be responsible citizens and enjoy the season in moderation.

A lot of food that is prepared at Christmas are high in calories, fats and sugars.

Therefore, it is very important that you pay careful attention to your portion sizes and the frequency with which you repeat some meals.

While we do not wish to dampen your Christmas mood, we ask that you be mindful of the risk factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs); one of which is poor dieting.

ENJOY YOUR FOOD RESPONSIBLY Do not be afraid to join in the Christmas fun and enjoy the culinary delights and treats on offer for you to enjoy.

If you are prone to overeating, you may think you would not be able to control yourself if you have just one taste of dessert.

Do not worry! With some focus and smart strategies in place to exercise restraint, you can enjoy your Christmas food without overdoing. On the other hand, if you are a restrained eater and opt for an undressed salad while your family or colleagues enjoy their pepperpot and black cake, perhaps it is time you relax a little and join in. Again, responsibility is the key. Rather than eating too much, have mindful tastes and sensible portions of the shared fare.

If it is a buffet, fill your plate with samples of those foods you truly want to try, combined with plenty of lovely plant foods.

SLOW DOWN If you are the type of person who is capable of devouring a meal in five minutes, you need to slow down.

Eating slowly not only helps you be mindful about what you are eating, but it also allows you to notice when you have had enough. It takes the body a while to register fullness, so slow it down and let those fullness cues kick in before you feel like you are carrying around Santa’s belly.

Whether it is pepperpot, garlic pork, baked chicken or fish, or black cake, your favourite food should be celebrated and enjoyed.

What is important is being able to manage

‘Terrible Dog’ killed by chef POLICE are investigating the murder of a man whose real identity and details are currently being ascertained, but who is known as “Terrible Dog”.

Police said the murder occurred about 18:00hrs on Friday at Chinese Creek Backdam, Puruni River, allegedly by a foreign national chef who goes by the alias “Suseh

God”. Police are hunting for the chef.

Investigations revealed that the victim and suspect (chef) were engaged in a heated argument over the frying of sausage and the suspect allegedly stabbed his opponent in his left side ribs.

The body is presently at the Bartica mortuary.

your portions and setting aside a moment to really savour them.

There is no point banning yourself from your favourite food at this time of year – instead, have a little and enjoy every mouthful.

CONSIDER THE ‘ONE PLATE’ RULE It might be stating the obvious, but it is something to easily overlook in practice, especially when faced with another full canape tray as it swings around the venue once more.

Before you are faced with a situation where you are likely to over eat, consider what would be a sensible amount. A good way to do this is to consider a one-plate rule. Have what you like, but make sure it is all on one plate at the same time.

If you saw all the food you were eating piled on to one plate, would you really still want it all? It is a sure fire way for the calories to creep up on you.

SIP SOME WATER Have some water with your meals, even if you are having a glass of wine or some other beverage.

It is also good to sip on some water in between meals to fill those gaps. It helps to prevent mindless eating and overindulging in those high-sugar, high-calorie drinks. In fact, it would not hurt to make water your preferred beverage throughout the season, before and after meals.

And do not forget, this is the short part of the year. Avoid crash dieting afterwards, but simply return to healthy eating and physical activity, and you can be sure that any pounds that may have insidiously attached themselves to you will be banished soon enough.

Exercise responsible eating as you celebrate this festive season of Christmas.

On behalf of the Ministry of Public Health, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed, productive and healthy 2019.

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

Hope for bald men –– young doctor’s research shows encouraging results

By Alva Solomon

WHILE growing up at the valleys close to Paramakatoi village in the Potaro-Siparuni region, Dr Sevanie Williams would listen to her grandmother’s stories on herbs and other plants which the elderly woman and other family members would use to treat their hair.

She would think about the realities of transferring that treatment of the human hair from one that is more traditional to one that is scientific in nature.

Today, she is progressively working towards the creation of her own

Dr. Sevanie Williams products with the hope of taking the indigenous remedies from the village to the world.

Dr Williams was raised in North Pakara-

one-hour walk down the slope in the afternoons.

This lasted all the way until secondary school and later she was offered a scholarship by the government to study medicine in Cuba.

She said while growing up at the village, she always had a keen interest in the composition of chemicals, plant life and organisms. She even recalled examining cows’ organs when they were slaughtered in the village.

breakthrough.

‘KAPOHN’ AND HER GRANDMOTHER She said at the moment, she is testing hair on the human head.

She explained that her grandmother paid keen attention to managing her own hair and she wants to use that information which was passed down to her in scientific experiments.

Dr Williams said she focused on pattern baldness, which is caused by

during the experiment, she saw a patch in the bald area of her grandfather’s head had hair, while another family member was seeing encouraging results.

“The new hair which was growing was growing black, while the roots of his grey hair were starting to get black,” she recalled of her grandfather’s head.

According to her, the product works on all forms of hair, including on individuals with

ima valleys near Paramakatoi and Kato. She recalled during a recent interview the treacherous journey to school up the mountains and the

The results of treatment done on Dr. Sevanie Williams’ grandfather’s hair She said that while medicine was her main area of study, her strength lies in research.

“That’s something that I love,” she noted.

Dr Williams decided to explore the reasons for hair loss and more importantly, finding a cure for hair loss. Since there is no cure for baldness, studies have shown that there are treatments, but none can leave an individual totally satisfied.

Dr Williams is trying to complete the treatment, one which can see a human being, being completely satisfied with the hair-regeneration process.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she has been studying and conducting research on hair regeneration for over six years and two years ago she found a

genetics or it can also be hereditary. She said there is no scientific data to indicate it is indeed genetic. “I have used my grandmother’s formulas, I have made some improvements, some alterations over the years to make a product,” she said.

The young doctor noted that her family members decided to cut their hair short to start the oil experiments. She said that her cousins and in-laws , many of whom were experiencing hair loss , started to see results, while her grandfather who was bald for over 40 years experienced hair regeneration after using her product which she titled “Kapohn”, an indigenous word which means a divine being.

She recalled that

Afro-textured hair. She pointed out however, that the longer someone is bald, the longer he/she may take to respond to the product.

At the moment she is working along with Dr Emmanuel Cummings, the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Guyana and a local lab where she is conducting tests and further research.

She said with the assistance of experts, she is developing other varieties which can be applied to the hair.

Dr Williams said her late grandmother had a wealth of knowledge and she noted that the information, which was told to her in the form of stories, was actually the remedies which in time may be the cure for baldness.

Democracy at work

13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

–– stakeholders urge peaceful elections

By Svetlana Marshall THE single vote from the governing side of the House that helped the Opposition defeat the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government is an indication that democracy in Guyana is at work, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) said in a statement.

The ERC was among several stakeholders including the British High Commission, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) that said the fundamental tenets of democracy were upheld on Friday when the no-confidence motion was passed in the National Assembly.

In a statement on Saturday, the ERC said the debate on the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly is indicative that the democratic process of the country is at work, noting that despite sharp political differences, democracy was made foremost.

It noted too that the carried motion is unprecedented in the country and now paves way for the holding of General and Regional Elections in accordance with the Constitution.

“Our nation’s history is unambiguous in reminding us of the inherent challenges that unfortunately surrounds our electoral process. Clearly, the results of the said motion present another delicate period for our country and which uncompromisingly must be managed with utmost maturity through responsible leadership by all,” the ERC said.

The commission said it is cognisant of the potential for sensitivities to be heightened during this period, and as such, it urged Guyanese to foster harmony and good relations.

“The commission therefore wishes to encourage every Guyanese in all strata of our society to demonstrate an added

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn sense of tolerance and respect for each other and the processes which will soon unfold.

This is vital to the sustenance of our democracy and presents an opportunity for us all to collectively rise to the challenge of placing first the welfare of our nation and its people,” the ERC said.

HEARTENED It said too that it is heartened over the sentiments expressed by political leaders thus far calling for peace and stability.

“This is the maturity and leadership that are necessary and which must be sustained and holistic in the national interest,” the ERC stated, while adding that it is also heartened by the transparent and peaceful conduct of the November 12 Local Government Elections.

“As we endeavour through these sensitive moments, all are encouraged to resist being overcome by emotions and to disallow the infusion of hatred. Let us remain mindful that all are sons and daughters of this dear land dependent on each other for the creation of the mutually desired future. It therefore becomes imperative that each play their part responsibly,” the ERC encouraged.

It said through its constitutional mandate, it remains ready and committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure

AMCHAM Guyana President Zulfikar Ally

PSC Executive, Captain Gerry Gouveia

peace and togetherness prevail during this process.

British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn, hours after the motion was carried, said democracy had prevailed, and called on persons to respect the end result.

“The democratic process as laid out in the Constitution has been followed. It is important that everyone now respects the results. Members of Parliament must be allowed to undertake their constitutionally mandated roles in the absence of fear or favour,” the British high commissioner said.

He said maintaining the fundamental tenets of democracy is paramount to all, noting that while everyone has the right to protest, it must be peaceful.

“We urge calm on all sides and look forward to a free and fair election and a campaign fought on the issues that confront Guyana and its future development,” High Commissioner Quinn encouraged.

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), in a statement, said a private sector team led by Captain Gerry Gouveia was an active observer in the National Assembly on Friday during the debate.

calls upon our leaders and our people to continue to respect and honour the democratic decision of our Parliament. We urge our leaders to continue to respect and honour the highest principles of democratic government and the maintenance of law and order which our nation has embraced,” the PSC urged.

It added: “The Private Sector Commission expects that the nation will now properly prepare itself for a peaceful, free and fair election going forward.”

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, GTUC said while the decision in the National Assembly was not favourable to all, it was lawful and binding.

“The GTUC expects that the AFC Member, Charrandas Persaud, who voted for the government’s life to come to end, will share with his constituency, the coalition, as well as the nation the rationale for his decision-making.

No longer should the public be made to accept, as the norm, public officials making critical decisions without providing justification. The coalition, but most specifically the AFC, needs to explain to the nation,” the union said.

It also said leaders must go all out to avoid or minimise triumphalism.

“All parties and citizens should be watchful of attempt to provoke conflict and create ethnic tension and mayhem. We still have a nation to build and a destiny to mould. We are One People, One Nation, One

DEMOCRACY PREVAILED Based on its observation, the PSC said it is satisfied that democracy prevailed in the National Assembly, and Guyanese ought to be proud.

“The commission now

Destiny, and we cannot allow partisan interest to divide us,” the trade union body said.

It said too that Guyanese must now position themselves for early General and Regional Elections consistent with the Guyana Constitution and Representation of the People Act. It noted that finances to execute such an exercise, coming immediately after the Local Government Elections, will take precedence over other expenditures.

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH AND MATURITY “Both parties, opposition and government, have a responsibility now to ensure the national interest is served. GTUC calls on every citizen to be a watchdog. Guyana has an opportunity for growth and maturity,” the GTUC emphasised.

Meanwhile, the President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce Haleem Khan urged Guyanese to go about their business as usual and let democracy prevail.

“Guyanese are proud that as a nation our leaders and citizens continue to respect and honour the democratic decision of Parliament. As such, the Chamber of Commerce urges leaders to respect and honour the highest principles of democratic governance and the maintenance of law and order which is paramount,” Khan said.

He said Guyanese should not allow partisan interest to divide the nation and as such all parties and citizens should be watchful of attempt to provoke conflict and create ethnic tension and mayhem.

In an open letter to the youth of Guyana, ASPIRE Youth Network Guyana said it is committed to bridging the gaps between all tribalisms that have historically divided the nation, whether it is race, ethnicity, colour, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ability,

religion, creed, political opinion or any other identifier.

COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY “We know that what has transpired as a result of this no-confidence motion beckons uncertain and unsettling times, but we urge you: Do not be afraid.

YOU-th are the change that will revolutionise this country, so it is up to us to rise above racism and show love to every single Guyanese. No matter which party or principle you support, remember that you have a responsibility to move this country forward,” the organisation said.

It said that the next 90 days will be a test of the character of Guyana, and Guyanese, particularly youth must show the world that the country has learnt from the past.

“As young people, we ought to strive to be responsible and respectful citizens of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Let us use our advantage as the most educated generation, to show politicians and other members of society that we are a new era of civically engaged youth who will not let party lines and race move us. We are PRO-GUYANA!” President of AMCHAM Guyana Zulfikar Ally applauded the process and called for all to respect the decision of the National Assembly.

“Amcham Guyana respects and supports the results of the democratic process of our nation’s Parliament. We commend and support both, President Granger and the Leader of the Opposition Dr. Jagdeo’s call for peace and cooperation as we head into general elections.

Amcham also supports our country’s leaders in their call for calm and peace at this time,” Zulfikar said.

He urged Guyanese to remain united as one people, one nation, one destiny as the country heads into the election season.

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

‘Some people thought it was me’ –– but they were wrong, never Jaipaul Sharma

JUNIOR Minister of Finance and lone representative of the Justice For All (JFA) Party in the APNU+AFC government, Jaipaul Sharma, said the opposition’s no- confidence motion that was passed in the House on Friday was “strategic.”

The parliamentary opposition, the People’s Progres-

sive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has 32 seats in the National Assembly, while the APNU + AFC government has 33 seats, which gives them a majority in the House.

To successfully pass a no-confidence motion, the opposition required a vote from the government benches.

During the budget debate

a few weeks ago, Sharma was singled out as the government parliamentarian who would support the opposition’s no-confidence motion. ““I stood in Parliament and I said then I would never support a no-confidence [motion] in this government,” he reminded. On Friday, another government Member of Parliament (MP), Charrandas

Persaud voted in support of the motion.

Sharma said the opposition was very strategic in their approach of introducing the motion and subsequently fingering him to support them, so as to remove suspicion from Charrandas.

Charrandas, an AFC MP, represents Region Six. His vote on Friday night, howev-

er, was not the first time he offered different views from those of his party.

In 2013, it was reported that he left the AFC after feeling sidelined by the party.

However, he was present at a press conference organised by the AFC some two months later and claimed that he had never tendered his resignation.

According to Sharma, the government could have taken measures to unearth who might be a potential ‘crossover’ vote during the budget presentations.

According to him, each presenter during the budget presentations should have been tasked with highlighting their disapproval of the motion since then. This would have allowed the government to know when exactly the government MP decided to support the opposition’s motion.

“If the opposition has decided to call a division

APNU Parliamentarian Jaipaul Sharma when the budget was being passed and [Charrandas] had said no, then the government would’ve fallen then. So why extend that?” he questioned.

“I think they had him in their corner since then,” Sharma said.

Dhanraj is ‘G’ Division’s Best Cop

Lance Corporal Clain Dhanraj with his prizes LANCE Corporal Clain Dhanraj, who joined the Guyana Police Force seven years ago, could never imagine that at age 25, he would emerge as the best cop for ‘G’ Divison.

He was named best cop during the Force’s Christmas incentives programme held Wednesday morning at the Guyana Police Force Headquarters Square, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Dhanraj received a plaque and $100,000 in cash. After receiving his incentive, Corporal Dhanraj said he felt great and will continue to serve with the highest level of professionalism.

The young cop said he remains committed at all times and enjoys being a cop.

Dhanraj, who joined the Force on October 13, 2011, is the eldest son of his parents and resides at Number Nine Village, West Coast Berbice.

Enjoy Christmas, then gear up for elections

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

15

– Gov’t ministers urge supporters

SEVERAL Government ministers have called on Guyanese to enjoy the Christmas season as much as possible because when it ends it will be time to gear up for Regional and General Elections.

On Saturday morning, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes said Christmas is the season of peace and goodwill.

“We want peace and prosperity in our beautiful Guyana,” she said.

While urging Guyanese to enjoy the season, she cautioned all to avoid potential situations of conflict while noting that the government will be correcting its missteps.

“Back to the drawing board; we have an election to win,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, also wants the citizenry to have a very merry Christmas.

“We are asking you guys to enjoy our Christmas and let us come together whenever the date is set [for Regional and General Elections] and start hitting the road.”

She was at the time addressing emotional supporters who were distraught over the passage of the no-confidence motion.

“Please… please, I’m asking you all to just enjoy the Christmas,” Ferguson urged.

This emboldened the supporters who told the minister that they were ready to “hit the road” right away and “forget about Christmas”.

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, also had some useful advice to the electorate “Let us all bond together and let us unite unlike any time before because this is the real time to come together for Guyana,” she remarked.

According to her, the motion has been passed and she is pleased that her government was able to act in a “responsible fashion” by allowing the motion to go through. She also expressed appreciation that supporters of both sides of the House have come to accept the motion and have remained peaceful.

“That is behind us now. It is time to move on and move forward,” she said, adding: “Whenever it is time for the polls, bring it on -- I am ready!”

But until the date is announced for elections, she urged all citizens to enjoy the merry season that comes but once a year.

“Really, from the bottom of my heart I would want for us to have a merry, merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” she said.

Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes speaking to supporters

Ministers Simona Broomes and Annette Ferguson speaking to supporters following the passage of the no-confidence motion

16

AFC expels Charrandas Persaud

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

– says shocked and betrayed by unforeseen vote

SHOCKED and betrayed were the two words used by the Alliance For Change (AFC) as it reacted to the move by its member Charrandas Persaud to vote in favour of the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.

Charrandas’ vote in the 65-member National Assembly was all that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) needed to uproot the David Granger administration, and though he disappointed his colleagues on the governing side of the House, it was welcomed by those on the opposing side.

“The party can state, categorically, that at no time did Mr. Persaud express that he had lost confidence in the APNU+AFC coalition government, its policies, programmes and vision.

To the contrary, he gave his solemn commitment, on more than one occasion that he will vote resoundingly against the motion,” AFC said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement was issued one day after Charrandas’ vote sent shocked waves throughout the coun-

try and ignited discussions to the effect that the AFC was fully aware that one of its Parliamentarians had been very disgruntled with the coalition government.

But the AFC on Saturday maintained that the Member of Parliament did not exhibit any sign of discontent.

“Just two weeks prior, Mr. Persaud voted in favour of Budget 2019 and the coalition government’s plans for development and progress for our beloved Guyana. Mr. Persaud also made a spirited, positive contribution to the debate in which he also denounced the opposition,” the AFC stated.

The alliance, which forms part of the coalition government, said it regrets the dissenting vote of MP Persaud and assured Guyanese that at no time did the party had any indication whatsoever, either from Persaud or otherwise, that he would vote in any way other than firmly against the motion.

“The AFC acknowledges that this unforeseen development would have come as a shock to many Guyanese in Guyana and the diaspora and those persons would be distraught

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman and hurt by it,” the party said.

AFC’s Disciplinary Committee met on Saturday and expelled Persaud. As such, the party has initiated the process of his recall as a Member of Parliament.

Pursuant to the constitutional requirement for elections, the party has begun to plan, prepare and mobilise.

“The AFC held an internal executive meeting today and will engage our supporters, our coalition partner A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the people of Guyana, on the way forward,” it said.

COMMITTED TO THE COALITION The AFC is assuring its

supporters and all Guyanese that it remains unwaveringly committed to the APNU+AFC coalition government.

“The AFC reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law and reassures Guyanese that in this Yuletide season peace and goodwill will prevail. We extend best wishes for the season to all Guyanese,” AFC said.

The embattled MP, who reportedly flew out of Guyana on Saturday morning shortly after voting “yes” in favour of the no-confidence motion, told a pool of reporters that he was disgusted by the voiceless posture of the AFC in the coalition government.

“We are sitting in Parliament like yes men to APNU, and we are AFC, and we have not blended with APNU; the other parties have, we have not.

The government is APNU+AFC, we have not blended, so why are we doing everything they want to do like passing former Prime Minister Hamilton Green’s Pension Bill,” Persaud told reporters.

In March 2017, the APNU+AFC government had used their one-seat majority in the House to pass former Prime Minister Hamilton

Green’s Pension Bill – a move that sees him now receiving a monthly sum of $1.3M; but Persaud said he had openly objected only to have the AFC throw its support behind APNU. “We are not opposing anything, we are not saying no to anything and that is what my problem is. I can’t stand that. As Jessica Levy, in the House of Commons in Great Britain, said there are times when you have to vote according to your conscience and not because of party affiliation. This is a conscience vote,” he said.

He also expressed disappointment that Leader of the AFC, Raphael Trotman, defended the Public Health Minister and Chairman of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Volda Lawrence when she found herself in hot water over statements that suggested that she engage in the hiring of PNC/R supporters.

MP Persaud also cited government’s decision to down-size the sugar industry, nothing that the lives of thousands of sugar workers were placed on the breadline.

“You destroyed the lives of sugar workers in a village and a district that I live in,

Embattled MP Charrandas Persaud and I can’t live with that.

So if I die now, people may not be happy with what I have done, I will die a happy person and have a clear conscience,” he said.

Amid speculations that he was coerced or even paid by the PPP/C to vote against his Government, Persaud maintained that it was a conscience vote.

“I am not a PPP member. I am not affiliated to the PPP. This is not because of the PPP; this is because my conscience is now clear.

My life may go but you know what I will die a happy person with a clear God damn conscience,” MP Persaud said. Persaud said he will be resigning from the National Assembly.

More migrant families receive hampers

SCORES of Venezuelan migrant families residing in the Khan Hill community, Region One on Saturday received food hampers in time for the Christmas holiday.

The hampers contained basic food items such as canned beans, oil, milk and biscuits.

This was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the Civil Defence Commission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Regional Democratic Council and the Guyana Defence Force.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe was on the ground leading the undertaking. The minister said it is Guyana’s international obligation to make sure that our neighbours are cared for. “We are

here to ensure that they have an enjoyable Christmas” Minister Garrido-Lowe stated.

The minister said that with the number of migrant children at Khan Hill, she will ensure they receive toys for the holidays.

Further, preparations are being made to assist Venezuelan families in other areas in Region One. Last week, a similar exercise was conducted in Kaikan in Region Seven for the migrant families living there.

Over the last few months, Guyana has seen an increase in the number of Venezuelans crossing the borders into Guyana to escape the political and socio-economic crisis in their homeland.

The government has been working to ensure that these migrants are documented and vaccinated upon entry and housed in prope16r shelters. (DPI)

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Major Sean Welcome distributing hampers to migrant families (DPI photo)

16

AFC expels Charrandas Persaud

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

– says shocked and betrayed by unforeseen vote

SHOCKED and betrayed were the two words used by the Alliance For Change (AFC) as it reacted to the move by its member Charrandas Persaud to vote in favour of the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.

Charrandas’ vote in the 65-member National Assembly was all that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) needed to uproot the David Granger administration, and though he disappointed his colleagues on the governing side of the House, it was welcomed by those on the opposing side.

“The party can state, categorically, that at no time did Mr. Persaud express that he had lost confidence in the APNU+AFC coalition government, its policies, programmes and vision.

To the contrary, he gave his solemn commitment, on more than one occasion that he will vote resoundingly against the motion,” AFC said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement was issued one day after Charrandas’ vote sent shocked waves throughout the coun-

try and ignited discussions to the effect that the AFC was fully aware that one of its Parliamentarians had been very disgruntled with the coalition government.

But the AFC on Saturday maintained that the Member of Parliament did not exhibit any sign of discontent.

“Just two weeks prior, Mr. Persaud voted in favour of Budget 2019 and the coalition government’s plans for development and progress for our beloved Guyana. Mr. Persaud also made a spirited, positive contribution to the debate in which he also denounced the opposition,” the AFC stated.

The alliance, which forms part of the coalition government, said it regrets the dissenting vote of MP Persaud and assured Guyanese that at no time did the party had any indication whatsoever, either from Persaud or otherwise, that he would vote in any way other than firmly against the motion.

“The AFC acknowledges that this unforeseen development would have come as a shock to many Guyanese in Guyana and the diaspora and those persons would be distraught

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman and hurt by it,” the party said.

AFC’s Disciplinary Committee met on Saturday and expelled Persaud. As such, the party has initiated the process of his recall as a Member of Parliament.

Pursuant to the constitutional requirement for elections, the party has begun to plan, prepare and mobilise.

“The AFC held an internal executive meeting today and will engage our supporters, our coalition partner A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the people of Guyana, on the way forward,” it said.

COMMITTED TO THE COALITION The AFC is assuring its

supporters and all Guyanese that it remains unwaveringly committed to the APNU+AFC coalition government.

“The AFC reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law and reassures Guyanese that in this Yuletide season peace and goodwill will prevail. We extend best wishes for the season to all Guyanese,” AFC said.

The embattled MP, who reportedly flew out of Guyana on Saturday morning shortly after voting “yes” in favour of the no-confidence motion, told a pool of reporters that he was disgusted by the voiceless posture of the AFC in the coalition government.

“We are sitting in Parliament like yes men to APNU, and we are AFC, and we have not blended with APNU; the other parties have, we have not.

The government is APNU+AFC, we have not blended, so why are we doing everything they want to do like passing former Prime Minister Hamilton Green’s Pension Bill,” Persaud told reporters.

In March 2017, the APNU+AFC government had used their one-seat majority in the House to pass former Prime Minister Hamilton

Green’s Pension Bill – a move that sees him now receiving a monthly sum of $1.3M; but Persaud said he had openly objected only to have the AFC throw its support behind APNU. “We are not opposing anything, we are not saying no to anything and that is what my problem is. I can’t stand that. As Jessica Levy, in the House of Commons in Great Britain, said there are times when you have to vote according to your conscience and not because of party affiliation. This is a conscience vote,” he said.

He also expressed disappointment that Leader of the AFC, Raphael Trotman, defended the Public Health Minister and Chairman of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Volda Lawrence when she found herself in hot water over statements that suggested that she engage in the hiring of PNC/R supporters.

MP Persaud also cited government’s decision to down-size the sugar industry, nothing that the lives of thousands of sugar workers were placed on the breadline.

“You destroyed the lives of sugar workers in a village and a district that I live in,

Embattled MP Charrandas Persaud and I can’t live with that.

So if I die now, people may not be happy with what I have done, I will die a happy person and have a clear conscience,” he said.

Amid speculations that he was coerced or even paid by the PPP/C to vote against his Government, Persaud maintained that it was a conscience vote.

“I am not a PPP member. I am not affiliated to the PPP. This is not because of the PPP; this is because my conscience is now clear.

My life may go but you know what I will die a happy person with a clear God damn conscience,” MP Persaud said. Persaud said he will be resigning from the National Assembly.

More migrant families receive hampers

SCORES of Venezuelan migrant families residing in the Khan Hill community, Region One on Saturday received food hampers in time for the Christmas holiday.

The hampers contained basic food items such as canned beans, oil, milk and biscuits.

This was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the Civil Defence Commission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Regional Democratic Council and the Guyana Defence Force.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe was on the ground leading the undertaking. The minister said it is Guyana’s international obligation to make sure that our neighbours are cared for. “We are

here to ensure that they have an enjoyable Christmas” Minister Garrido-Lowe stated.

The minister said that with the number of migrant children at Khan Hill, she will ensure they receive toys for the holidays.

Further, preparations are being made to assist Venezuelan families in other areas in Region One. Last week, a similar exercise was conducted in Kaikan in Region Seven for the migrant families living there.

Over the last few months, Guyana has seen an increase in the number of Venezuelans crossing the borders into Guyana to escape the political and socio-economic crisis in their homeland.

The government has been working to ensure that these migrants are documented and vaccinated upon entry and housed in relied shelters. (DPI)

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Major Seam Welcome distributing hampers to migrant families (DPI photo)

New era of empowerment

17

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

MINISTER of Communities Ronald Bulkan has noted that a change is ongoing in the governance at the community level in Guyana – to a decentralised and fully autonomous system of governance.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan was at the time delivering the charge to the Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDC) Councillors in Region Five, Mahaica-Berbice, at the compound of the Fort Wellington Secondary School on the West Coast Berbice (WCB).

He said the current change allows people at the grass roots level to have a direct say in the development of their communities. “This system was entrenched in the Constitution of Guyana but had been ignored by the previous administration,” Minister Bulkan said.

The communities minister further added that “the APNU/AFC Government has restored the system and is committed to improving it and having it entrenched in the governance system to the extent that no future government would ever be given the right to dispossess grass roots citizens of their rights to self-determination entrenched in the laws of Guyana.”

Minister Bulkan noted that the November 12 Local Government Elections (LGEs) has been the fourth in nearly half a century in Guyana; and the 2016 LGE which was followed by the 2018 LGE were the first ever to be held consecutively in the country after a dearth of 23 years.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan along with NDC councillors and officials of Region Five (DPI photo) He assured the councillors also of a “hands-off guarantee” from the Central Government citing article 75 of the Constitution of Guyana which gives municipalities and councils full autonomy for their activities without a central influence.

Minister Bulkan said: “Article 75 of the Constitution says that Parliament shall ensure that Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) shall be autonomous. That is, have the right to manage their own affairs.”

He added: “This provision was there all along but was deliberately ignored by the previous administration.

The allowance for autonomy is a direct opposition to the

concept of winner takes all; what we have here now is not a government that makes decisions for the entire country from Georgetown; what we have is a quiet revolution; a change is taking place in the governance of our country from centralised to decentralised governance and we in the APNU/AFC Coalition Government are committed to this.”

Minister Bulkan stressed that the Coalition Government had in just over three years ensured that the democratic credentials of the Local Government Councils are intact and has provided considerable support by way of training and capacity building within councils.

Stop food waste ALL over the world, holidays mean the return of certain specialties: Olivier salad for New Year’s in Russia, Red bean porridge for solstice in Korea, Haleem for Ramadan in India and the Middle East, Mince pies for Christmas in England, Poga?a bread for Orthodox Easter and Banana cakes for Lunar New Year in Vietnam.

Whatever the holiday is and wherever in the world it is celebrated, there is usually a type of special food that goes along with it.

The holidays are a great time to celebrate food and to appreciate it. Yet, in some parts of the world, holidays have become synonymous with over-eating and food waste. In general, 1/3 of all the food produced in the world is either lost or wasted. That amounts to 1.3 billion tonnes per year. And food isn’t the only thing that is wasted when it goes uneaten: all of the resources (like seeds, water, feed, etc.), money and labour that go into making it are also lost.

While we celebrate the people and ideas that we value, let us make saving food one of them.

Here are six tips on how to avoid and reduce holiday food waste: 1- Be realistic – Plan in advance and

don’t prepare food for 50 people if only 5 are coming to dinner.

2- Freeze leftovers or give them to guests – If you do cook too much food, encourage guests to take some home with them.

Whatever is left, put it promptly in the freezer for another day. In general, food should not be left at room temperature for longer than two hours.

3- Turn the leftover food into the next day’s lunch or dinner – There are many creative recipes on the internet for using leftovers. In fact, several dishes like casseroles, goulash, fattoush and panzanella started from the desire not to waste fruits, vegetables or even excess, bread. Make sure that you store any leftovers in the refrigerator and use it as soon as possible.

4- Finish leftovers before making something new – The instinct to make something different for every meal is quite common, but before cooking a new dish, see if you have anything already prepared and still safe to eat to finish first. Alternatively, turn your old leftovers into a new dish. Just remember to avoid re-heating food and then putting it back into the refrigerator later.

5- Allow guests to serve themselves so

“We have been putting our money where our mouth is,” he underscored.

Minister Bulkan observed that there is more to be done and to this end the government will be aggressively pursuing a programme for the further empowerment of the local government system of governance in Guyana.

“We are in a new era, an era of people’s empowerment.”

Minister Bulkan stressed that the intention of the Coalition is to have the system of decentralised governance so entrenched that citizens all across the country will realise the utility and validity and the superiority of this approach to governance and will resist any attempt to resuscitate the

old and discredited model of centralised governance.

The chairpersons for the ten neighborhood councils in Region Five were sworn into office by Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison. Other attendees included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities, Emil McGarrell, senior staffers of the ministry, senior officers of the Regional Democratic Councils and overseers of the NDCs and other special invitees.

Meanwhile the newly-elected NDC leaders in Region Six, East Berbice-Corentyne, took the oath of office before Regional Executive Officer, Kim Williams-Stephen on the Lawns

of State House in New Amsterdam.

Regional Chairman David Armogan called on the leaders to allow participation from the people and be their servants instead of the other way around. “Democracy is, consulting with the people, allowing them to participate in the process of decision making and that is what we expect from our newly-elected councillors and vice chairs,” he said.

Armogan also called on the community leaders to be fair in all aspects of the execution of their duties and serve in a way that would make the lives of the citizens more comfortable.

(DPI)

Food isn’t the only thing that is wasted when it goes uneaten. All of the resources, money and labour that go into making it are also lost. ©Nito/shutterstock.com they can choose as much or as little as they want – As nice as it is to serve people, a host might not accurately gage how much or how little someone wants to eat, and usually errs on the side of too much. Allowing guests to serve themselves means that they can choose the amount that they would like to eat. (As a food waste tip for guests: when a meal is self-serve, don’t take more than you can eat!)

6- Donate what you don’t use – If you

buy extra cans, dried goods or other non-perishable food that can be donated, there are many local charities that happily accept these foods. Check the internet for places near you that accept donations.

This holiday, remember that having enough food is a privilege. Don’t waste it!

Learn more on how to avoid food waste and to play your part in a #ZeroHunger world. (FAO)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

Samaritans spread Christmas cheer at Plastic City

Children residing in Plastic City and their parents enjoy their presents (Delano Williams photo)

By Vishani Ragobeer

The Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central (RCG-C) joins hands with the Jewan Ka Nritya (JKN) Dance Company team (Delano Williams photo)

SOME 150 children in Plastic City were feted on Saturday as the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central (RCG-C) joined hands with the Jewan Ka Nritya (JKN) Dance Company to spread the Christmas cheer in the seaside village.

President of the Rotaract Club, Chricell Whitney told the Guyana Chronicle that the club would usually engage in a charity project for the Christmas season.

Though this is usually done at orphanages or homes for the elderly, the group decided to visit the area after reading about Plastic City in the media.

Plastic City is a little squatter settlement off the Vreed-en-Hoop foreshore and mem-

drive on their own for the children, but found out that RCG-C was doing the very same thing, on the very same day, and they agreed to collaborate.

JKN chose this area because it had observed that at a previous drive done in areas closeby, there were lots of children, many of whom needed a little extra Christmas cheer.

“We spoke to some of the families to find out what they really wanted and in fact, they said apart from food hampers and so, they really wanted to have interactions with the children, and have the children more involved in activities and have lessons or classes to help them with their school work,” Persaud said.

As such, the group decided firmly on this Christmas venture to really establish a relationship with the children so that they could

Some of the children and their parents gathered at the Vreed-en-Hoop Primary School on Saturday for the drive organised by the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central (Delano Williams photo) bers of the Rotaract group actually walked around the entire community, twice, so that they could ascertain what service would be most impactful and how many children should be catered for.

The children were feted during a fun day during which they were presented gifts in keeping with the spirit of the festive season.

For the Jewan Ka Nritya (JKN) Dance Company, this event was one of the first instances it has gotten involved in charitable work.

“It was a really great experience because they [RCG-C] have been doing charity work all time, and we got to really learn a thing or two from them… seeing how it’s done firsthand makes us know better how we can plan for ourselves,” founder of the company’ Roshini Persaud said.

The group had intended on doing a charity

embark on the lessons programme.

The lessons, she explained, will seek to provide the children with assistance in Mathematics and English as well as their homework.

Progress in this programme will be monitored after the first three months to ensure it is actually helping the children.

“We’re looking to do it on Sundays, because we usually have dance classes then.

So instead of dancing all the time, for maybe about two hours we can work with the children,” Persaud said.

But though the group needs to plan the specifics of the programme, Persaud said a mother in the area has already indicated that she has a blackboard and is willing to lend it.

Many persons within the group have also indicated that they would be willing to volunteer their time and services too, she said.

19

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

Six arrested in guns, ammo find The firearms and rounds seized by police

POLICE ranks on patrols in ‘A’ and ‘D’ Divisions arrested six men during three stop- andsearch operations on Friday and early Saturday morning, after the men were collectively found in possession of three handguns and 21 live rounds.

Pending the outcome of investigations, the suspects will more than likely be placed before the courts.

According to the police, the first weapon without ammunition was found in the possession of a 40-year-old labourer of Buzz Bee Dam, Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD) at

around 07:30hrs at Craig New Housing Scheme.

Around 09:30hrs the second weapon with 14 rounds was found in Third Street, Agricola on a 22-year-old resident of Curtis Street, Albouystown.

The other weapon, with seven rounds, was found on one of four persons intercepted in a vehicle at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge about 00:20hrs on Saturday.

It was outlined that two of the men are from Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD and the others of Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

Thieves break into Spring Gardens Mandir

The Spring Gardens Mandir that was broken into MEMBERS of the Spring Gardens Mandir in Region Two were shocked when they woke up Saturday morning only to discover that thieves had broken into the building.

Executive member Ravin Sharma said that when he visited the mandir Saturday morning around 08:00 hrs, he discovered the lock on the kitchen door was broken.

He said a gas bottle, blender, groceries, ghee, flour and several fairy lights were stolen.

According to Sharma, Saturday’s incident was the third time thieves had broken into the holy place, noting that the last time they stole an amplifier, a transformer and speakers.

Sharma also said that two nights ago thieves broke into a Hibernia home, stealing household items. Another home, he said, was broken into at Good Intent.

He is calling for an increase in police patrols in the Good Hope/Pomona area.

20

Kathy Griffin calls out all-male comedy rich list

KATHY Griffin has criticised the lack of women on Forbes magazine’s latest list of the world’s best-paid comedians.

The Emmy Award-winning comedian tweeted the top 10 of Forbes’ list along with the words: “No Women.”

Jerry Seinfeld topped the rankings with estimated earnings of $57.5m (£45.3m).

Amy Schumer was the first woman to make the list last year but has dropped back out this time. Ricky Gervais is the

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

only British comedian on the list.

He is a new entry in fifth place with earnings of $25m (£19.7m). Forbes said that was thanks to Humanity, his first stand-up tour for five years. Humanity was also on Netflix, and he has signed up for another Netflix special.

Griffin, meanwhile, was unlikely to make the list herself.

She was fired by CNN and said she lost a number of other jobs after she posed with a fake decapitated head of President Donald Trump in May 2017.

Kathy Griffin Another comedian missing from the list is Louis CK, who was in last year’s top 10 with $52m (£41m) earnings.

But after he confirmed sexual misconduct allegations against him in November 2017, his second Netflix special was cancelled and he has only performed a handful of dates since.

Seinfeld has topped the list in all but one year since it was first compiled in 2006. Kevin Hart took the top spot in 2016.

Forbes attributes Seinfeld’s earnings this year to his 2017 Netflix deal and Hulu’s streaming rights to all nine seasons of Seinfeld, as well as more than $30m (£23.6m) from stand-up.

Hart is close behind in second place with $57m (£44.9m).

The comedian, who recently pulled out of hosting the Oscars due to controversy over homophobic tweets, also earned more than $30m from touring and starred in the Jumanji film remake.

The top 10 best-paid comedians 1. Jerry Seinfeld - $57.5m (£45.3m) 2. Kevin Hart - $57m (£44.9m) 3. Dave Chappelle - $35m (£27.6m) 4. Chris Rock - $30m (£23.6m) 5. Ricky Gervais - $25m (£19.7m) 6. Gabriel Iglesias - $20.5m (£16.1m) 7. Terry Fator - $18m (£14.2m) 8. Jim Gaffigan - $17.5m (£13.8m) 9. Jeff Dunham - $16.5m (£13m) 10. Sebastian Maniscalco - $15m (£11.8m) Source: Forbes. All earnings estimates are from 1 June 2017-1 June 2018.

At number six, Gabriel Iglesias, AKA Fluffy, is known for his shows I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy and Hot & Fluffy.

Terry Fator, a ventriloquist, impressionist and comedian who won season two of America’s Got Talent, is in seventh. (BBC)

21

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 23, 2018

Tax unhealthy foods, says top UK doctor

ENGLAND’S top doctor has accused the food industry of “failing the public” and is calling for taxes on unhealthy food high in sugar and salt.

Chief medical officer Prof Dame Sally Davies said her dream was to make fruit and vegetables cheaper for everyone from the proceeds.

In her annual report, she also urged the government to ban added sugar in jars of baby food.

The food industry said taxes would not change consumer behaviour.

Dame Sally Davies’ report details plans to create a more healthy nation by 2040, with the focus on improving the environment we live in to make it easier for people to be healthier.

This means tackling the preventable causes of 50% of chronic diseases and 40% of cancers - namely, unhealthy diet, smoking, physical inactivity, drinking too much alcohol and air pollution, she said.

Based on the success of the tax on sugary drinks introduced in April, Dame Sally wants the government to do more to force the food industry to cut sugar and salt in our everyday food.

Dame Sally said “industry had not delivered” on voluntary targets set by Public Health England to make their products healthier and called for them to do more.

“Those sectors that damage health must pay for their harm or subsidise healthier choices,” her report says.

She hinted she would like to see a tax on chocolate and junk food, with the proceeds going to subsidise fruit and vegetables, which should be on offer in obvious places in shops.

But she recognised this was “a dream”.

The report recommends: * extending the tax on sugary drinks to sweetened milk-based drinks * a ban on added sugar and salt in jars of baby and infant food * more ambitious targets for salt reduction in food (to 7g a day), saying progress had stalled since 2011 * taxing foods high in sugar and salt, as a start * incentives to get people eating more fruit and vegetables And it urges the gov-

ernment and NHS England to set targets to reduce inequalities in childhood obesity and smoking in pregnancy, which predominately affect poorer communities.

Dame Sally said obesity was an issue of inequality, with children and adults in the poorest communities more likely to have diseases related to their weight at an earlier age, and lasting for longer.

She said she would be accused of being “chief nanny” of a nanny state but it was her job to shape the environment for children who could not make their own choices.

“We should not be adding empty calories to baby food,” Dame Sally said.

“It sets the taste for sweeter food and results in children gaining unnecessary weight before going to primary school.”

The report says a health index for the UK is needed to measure all the factors which affect our health and its outcomes in order to see if progress is being made.

‘WRONG-HEADED LEGISLATION’ A spokesman from the Treasury said it would not shy away from further action, including tax changes, if the food industry “fails to face up to the scale of the problem through voluntary reduction programmes”.

Kate Halliwell, head of UK diet and health policy at the Food and Drink Federation, said some manufacturers had been reducing sugar and calorie content in shopping baskets for more than a decade.

But she cautioned that changing recipes for food products could not happen overnight.

“Sugar plays a variety of roles beyond sweetness in food including colour, texture and consistency.

“It is for these reasons that we have long said that the guidelines are ambitious and will not be met across all categories or in the timescale outlined.”

And she said portion control and product reformulation, rather than taxes, were policies more likely to change consumer behaviour.

“Food and drink companies should focus efforts where they can have the maximum impact, instead

of managing the impact of wrong-headed legislation.”

Meanwhile, the government has announced £3.13bn will be given to councils in England next year for public health initiatives, such as stop smoking services, weight management services and exercise support.

It represents a real terms cut of 4.6% since last year. (BBC)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

FROM PAGE

From back page

Golden Jaguars can lift the spirit of ...

Speaking exclusively to Chronicle Sport, Forde made it clear that his Federation remains “politically neutral and will continue to be,” while pointing out that the GFF will only take the concerns of fans and visiting teams if the need arises.

“In fact, I think the game will be good to lift the spirit of the nation.

Things can sometime be tense, especially now, but this is a perfect opportunity for football to help lift the nation when we qualify,” the GFF top brass said.

Coach Michael Johnson’s side were given a lifeline from Barbados; the team they faced in the opening game of the 34-team qualification tournament, and drew 2-2.

Though the team had beaten Turks and Caicos 8-0, a 1-2 away loss to French Guiana placed Guyana in a position where it was mathematically improbable for them to reach the CONCACAF showpiece, since only the teams finishing in the top 10 will advance.

Luckily for Guyana, it was later revealed that the Carlisle United and former Bury FC forward Hallam Hope, who had scored both goals against Guyana, did not have the proper clearance from FIFA and the English FA to represent the Land of the Flying Fish.

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) revealed that its Disciplinary Committee decided to sanction the Barbados Football Association (BFA), by declaring as a forfeit the CON-

CACAF Nations League Qualifying match played against Guyana, on September 6, 2018.

CONCACAF noted that after due examination of the evidence, the Committee determined that the BFA infringed the applicable articles of the Tournament Regulations and the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes, in relation to the eligibility of players to play for representative teams by fielding ineligible players Hope and Krystian Pearce.

In accordance with Articles 55 and 31 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the BFA lost the match against Guyana by a score of 3-0.

That result pushed the Guyanese men to 8th position behind Curacao (1), Haiti (2), Cuba (3), Canada (4), Jamaica (5) and Martinique (6) who rounded off the top six teams in the tournament, having picked up full points from their three matches. Bermuda (7th) St Kitts and Nevis (9th) and the Dominican Republic are the other teams in the top ten.

Belize, Guyana’s next opponents, are in 13th position with six points (two wins and a loss) and can crash the party if coach Johnson decides to replicate his November 20 decision to not play the best lineup available as he did against French Guiana.

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Timehri Panthers are ...

14th minute to even things up for Agricola, just before the halftime whistle was sounded; a pulsating first half – 3-3.

The second half was fiercely contested with both teams having their moments and coming close to scoring but it was the Agricola boys who tasted victory and with just one minute to go, Morris achieved his second and the winner in the 29th minute.

After all the on-field action ended, it was time for the presentation. The dedicated trio of referees who laboured day in, day out were recognised for their efforts by the EBFA - Colin David, Dawn Joseph and Orien Angoy, received a medal and a whistle.

Association secretary Wayne Francois was also recognised for his efforts towards making the playing venue ready for matches. He was presented with a branded ball and medal.

Swan goalkeeper Kedon Nazir, a differently-abled player received a special prize, compliments of Grove Hi Tech coach Levi Braithwaite for his outstanding performances during the league. He stood between the uprights in every match his team played.

Swan also walked away with the Team Sportsmanship Award for being adjudged the Most Disciplined Team of the League while Colin David of champions Timehri Panthers was named Best Coach and received a plaque.

The individual awards went to Anderson Webber (Swan) Most Promising Player; Jamal Cordis (Grove Hi Tech) Most Disciplined Player; Zewdi Francois (Grove Hi Tech), Best Goalkeeper; Omar Sam (Timehri Panthers) Top Goalscorer – 23; Keron Williams (Timehri Panthers) Most Valuable Player. Each of these players was rewarded with a plaque and backpack.

Each player of Timehri Panthers and Grove Hi Tech, for placing first and second, received a replica trophy while each player from 3rd and 4th place, Agricola and Swan, collected medals.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

Five-star Manchester United rediscover swagger; City stunned 3-2

By Ian Chadband LONDON, England (Reuters) - Manchester City stumbled to the most sensational defeat of the Premier League season yesterday before neighbours Manchester United began their brave new world under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a glorious reminder of long-forgotten attacking swagger.

After City’s sensational 3-2 reverse against Crystal Palace at their Etihad fortress, United seemed liberated and re-energised after Jose Mourinho’s midweek sacking, as they romped to a 5-1 win at Cardiff City - the first time they have hit five in the league since their golden Alex Ferguson era.

A remarkable 30-metre thunderbolt from Andros Townsend adorned Palace’s remarkable comeback from a goal down in the rain as Pep Guardiola’s champions City saw their 100 percent league home record this season shattered.

So, what recently looked like an imperious title defence now looks problematic as City lie four points behind leaders Liverpool, who had thrown down the gauntlet with a 2-0 win at

visitors further clear with a penalty after the break before Palace survived a late onslaught that saw Kevin De Bruyne score five minutes from time.

“It’s complicated but we fight until the last second. We

chester United seemed mentally and physically re-born, playing with verve, pace and attacking intent that reflected the smile of their still freshfaced caretaker boss and old club hero, Solskjaer.

He was beaming after

Manchester United’s Anthony Martial scores their third goal. (Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough)

Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

There was more good news for the Reds as fourthplaced Chelsea also squandered their unbeaten home record with a 1-0 defeat by Leicester City.

Arsenal kept up their pursuit in fifth, thanks to a double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a 3-1 home win over Burnley that put the Gabonese striker top of the league’s goal-scoring charts.

After 18 matches, Liverpool are now the only unbeaten side left in England’s top four divisions on 48 points, with City on 44 and Tottenham Hotspur, who visit Everton today, third on 39.

Chelsea and Arsenal both have 37, while United are on 29.

On a remarkable, rain-sodden afternoon at the Etihad, Manchester City, who had lost their season’s unbeaten record at Chelsea two weeks ago, seemed predictably dominant when striding into a first-half lead through Ilkay Gundogan.

But Palace responded quickly with a Jeffrey Schlupp strike and three minutes later a wondrous volley from 30 metres from the mercurial England international Townsend, which will be a contender for goal-of-theseason.

Luka Milivojevic put the

Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan scores their first goal. (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine)

are in December and we will try and recover and try and win games again,” shrugged Guardiola, conceding that his side needed to “recover mentally and recover physicality”.

UNITED REBORN In stark contrast, after a traumatic week which saw the end of Mourinho’s twoand-a-half-year reign, Man-

three minutes when Marcus Rashford’s free kick put United ahead and further goals before halftime from Ander Herrera and Anthony Martial - after a dazzling passing interchange - and a second-half double from Jesse Lingard made it a perfect start for the Norwegian.

United, with Paul Pogba back in the fold, poured forward in a free-spirited

manner rarely seen under Mourinho and Lingard’s last-minute goal ensured they netted five in a league match for the first time since Ferguson’s final match in charge in 2013.

Chelsea’s loss at Stamford Bridge seemed almost as unlikely as Manchester City’s with Leicester facing the prospect of a third straight defeat but Jamie Vardy’s first-time finish soon after the break brought much-needed relief for the Foxes’ manager Claude Puel.

At the Emirates Stadium, the predatory Aubameyang took his season-leading tally of league goals to 12 with his double in the win over Burnley, one more than Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

Fulham earned a goalless draw at Newcastle United but remained bottom of the table on 10 points alongside Huddersfield Town, who were beaten 3-1 by a Southampton side that look rejuvenated under new Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuettl.

Watford moved into seventh place with a 2-0 win at West Ham United, thanks to goals from Troy Deeney and Gerard Deulofeu.

Lewis, Paul inspire Windies rare series win DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC) – Evin Lewis and Keemo Paul provided a glimpse of the future for West Indies as the Caribbean side won only their second series in any format this year with a dominant 50-run victory over Bangladesh, in a controversial decisive third Twenty20 International here yesterday.

The left-handed Lewis, short of form in recent times, broke out of his rut with a sparkling 89 off just 36 balls as West Indies rattled up 190 all out with four balls remaining in the innings.

Tasked with completing their second highest successful run chase, Bangladesh were taken apart by 20-year-old seamer Keemo Paul, who produced stunning career-best figures of five for 15 to blow the hosts away for 140 off exactly 17 overs.

Liton Das slammed 43 at the top of the order to get Bangladesh up to 65 for one in the fifth over but a contentious no-ball incident in the fourth over

seemingly sparked the Windies to life, and Paul led the revival by wrecking the middle and lower orders to send the last nine wickets tumbling for 75 runs.

West Indies’ only series win this year in any format came against Bangladesh in the Caribbean when they swept the Test series 2-0.

The success also took some of the sombreness off an otherwise wretched tour which saw the Windies whitewashed 2-0 in the Test series and hammered 2-1 in the one-dayers.

Asked to bat first, West Indies showed their intent in the first power-play, galloping to 88 for one, with Lewis providing most of the momentum.

He clobbered six fours and eight sixes, dominating a 76-run opening stand off just 30 balls with Shai Hope whose 23 came from 12 balls and included three fours and a six.

In the third over of the innings which gushed 27 runs, Lewis blasted left-arm seamer Abu Hider for four

sixes, en route to reaching his fourth T20I half-century off 18 balls in the fifth over.

He lost Hope in the same over, bowled missing a heave at left-arm spinner Shakib-al-Hasan (3-37) but fashioned a 32-run, third-wicket stand with Rovman Powell (19), after the promoted Paul fell for two in the seventh over to seamer Mustafizur Rahman (3-33).

Lewis appeared set for a third T20 hundred when he too missed a slog, this time at off-spinner Mahmudullah (3-18) and had his stumps rattled at 122 for three in the 10th over.

Bangladesh wrested back control thereafter even though Nicholas Pooran struck a pair of fours and sixes in 29 off 24 balls, to get the Windies up to a challenging total.

Bangladesh kept up the momentum at the start of their innings with Das and Tamim Iqbal taking 22 from the 10 balls but Tamim found himself short on a second run at the striker’s

end and was run-out for eight, courtesy of Powell’s throw from the deep.

Das then asserted control for the hosts, blasting three fours and sixes in a 25-ball knock as he put on 43 for the second wicket with Soumya Sarkar (9).

Controversy erupted in the fourth over, however, when Das holed out to mid-off off fast bowler Osane Thomas for 28, only for umpire Tanvir Ahmed to signal no-ball.

Subsequent replays showed Thomas had not erred, leading to animated discussions on the field between captain Carlos Brathwaite and umpires, and then with fourth umpire Sharfuddowla Ibne Saikat and ICC match referee Jeff Crowe.

Despite the Windies protests, the umpire’s decision stood and Das remained at the crease, and off the resulting free hit, Das smashed Thomas over cover for the third six of the over which went for 30 runs.

Obviously upset by the decision

especially after an earlier umpiring mistake on a no-ball call also resulted in a six, the Windies rallied brilliantly to haul themselves back into the contest.

Left-arm spinner Fabian Allen knocked over Sarkar and captain Shakib (0) in successive balls in the fifth over to catches in the deep by Sheldon Cottrell and in the following over, Mushfiqur Rahim (1) pushed Paul to cover where Allen held the catch, as Bangladesh lost three wickets for one run off eight balls.

Mahmudullah struck two fours in 11 before picking out Brathwaite at mid-off in the eighth over from Paul. In his next over, the 10th of the innings, Paul prised out Das and Araiful Haque (0) in successive deliveries, to leave the innings in ruins at 89 for seven.

Paul got his fifth wicket when Mohammad Saifuddin (5) feathered a catch behind to Hope, putting the run chase well beyond rescue.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

Real Madrid ease past Al Ain for fourth FIFA Club World Cup title ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Real Madrid lifted the FIFA Club World Cup for a record fourth time yesterday after thrashing local side Al Ain 4-1 in the final in Abu Dhabi with the help of impressive distance strikes in either half, from midfielders Luka Modric and Marcos Llorente.

Recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner Modric took one touch before thumping the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box to break

the deadlock in the 14th minute after Al Ain had missed two early chances to take a shock lead.

Madrid’s home-grown midfielder Marcos Llorente doubled the European champions lead on the hour-mark with a superbly struck volley from outside the area.

Real captain Sergio Ramos grabbed his side’s third goal with a powerful header from a corner before Al Ain, who shocked South Amer-

ican champions River Plate in the semi-finals, got a late consolation goal through Japanese defender Tsukasa Shiotani.

Madrid substitute Vinicius Jr burst through in stoppage and fired in a shot which defender Yahia Nader diverted into his own net.

Real have won the last three editions of the tournament, also lifting the trophy in 2014, and moved ahead of Barcelona as the team to have won it the most times.

Real Madrid players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Club World Cup. (REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah)

Chronicle’s Toney, Bisnauth, among media personnel rewarded at NexGen awards SENIOR Sports Journalists attached to the Guyana Chronicle, Rajiv Bisnauth and Rawle Toney, were among a number of media personnel been rewarded by NexGen Global Marketing for their outstanding contribution to sports for the 2018.

The inaugural media awards ceremony by the Marketing Agency was held at the ceremony Bookland Gardens at Woolford Avenue and Albert Streets on Thursday night last.

Bisnauth, who was voted 2017 Cricketer Journalists-ofthe-year by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), was rewarded the Best Sports Journalist while Toney won the Best Freelance Reporter award.

Meanwhile, the Awards ceremony was initiated by vice-president of NexGen Global, Aleem Hussain, who was readily supported by Banks DIH, Macorp, ISG, New Trend Auto, Brusters, AR Printery and Party Castle and Mr Hopkinson of Bookland Gardens.

Hussain stated that this was the first of many more events that NexGen Global Marketing would put on at the fabulous Bookland Gardens venue, adding that it was the most elegant and best kept secret in the country – but not any longer.

“We have every intention of making this location with its gorgeous garden setting the number one entertainment spot in a short time.

Following is a full list of the other awardees.

CNS Channel 6 Chandranarine Sharma – Top TV

Working Radio and TV Personality Joel Gansham – Best TV Personality 104.3 Power FM Staydon Payne – Best Regional Radio Host

Rajiv Bisnauth

Rawle Toney

Personality Savitree Singh Sharma – Top Local Reporter Tyrone Ali – Top News Reporter Capitol News’ Esan Griffith – Top Sports Reporting Royston Drakes – Top Editor Rudolph Morris – Top Photographer Stabroek News Romario Samaroo – Best in Sports Emmerson Campbell – Best Athlete/Reporter Duncan Saul – Best Local Sports Arnon Adams – Top Business Editor MTV News Update Godfrey Broomes – Top Political Reporter Lashana Gomes-Cornelius – Most Developed Journalist Chelsea Griffith – Top New Sports Reporter HGPTV Travis Chase – Best TV Investigative reporter, Top TV Personality Jevone Vickerie – Best Backup TV News Anchor Stanford Howard – Best Sports Editor NCN; Eric Collymore – Best Sports Journalist

Travis Seymour – Best Sports Coverage Kester Pompey – Best Sports cameraman Channel 2 Headline News Esther Sobers – Top Upcoming Investigative Reporter Wendell Jeffrey – Best International Reporter Kaieteur News Zaheer Mohamed – Most Dedicated Sports Reporter Calvin Chapman – Top Sports Coverage Kianna Wilburg – Best Hard News Reporter Guyana Times Brandon Corlette – Top Sports Coverage Shemuel Fanfair – Top Major News Rupa Sewnarine – Top Local News Clifton Ross – Best Sports Reporter 2018 HJ Curtis Casual Armstrong – Top DJ Felize Robertson – Best Radio Personality Gordon Moseley – Best On-line Reporter Stan Gouveia – Best Business Reporter Radio NTN TV & Radio Frederick Rampersaud – Hardest

NCN Linden Tracy Liverpool – Top Regional Reporter DPI Stacy Carmichael – Most Dedicated Communications Officer Isaiah Braithwaite – Most Enthusiastic Communications

Officer Derick Tegpaul Bridgemohan – Top Videographer Guyanese Critic Michael Rodriguez – Best Social Media Reporting

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

Ailing LeBron nets triple-double (REUTERS) - LeBron James, sick enough earlier in the day that his ability to take the court Friday night was in doubt, nonetheless finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists as the hosts Los Angeles Lakers turned back the New Orleans Pelicans 112-104 on Friday night.

It was James’ third triple-double as a member of the Lakers and his second in four games. It was also the 76th of his career. Kyle Kuzma added 23 points for the Lakers, who ended a two-game losing streak.

Anthony Davis produced 30 points and 20 rebounds for the Pelicans, who lost their third consecutive game and are 0-2 to start their four-game road

BUCKS 120, CELTICS 107 While Giannis Antetokounmpo got off to a slow start, his Milwaukee teammates used their size and 3-point shooting to build a 26-point first-half advantage, and the visiting Bucks went on to win at Boston.

Antetokounmpo attempted only four shots from the field in scoring 11 points before the break. He finished with 30 points on 8-for-13 shoot-

Trophy Stall donates towards Kennard’s Boxing Day meet

Proprietor Ramesh Sunich (right) presents one of the trophies to Justice Cecil Kennard.

THE Trophy Stall’s 20 plus years of sponsorship of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Boxing Day meet continued on Friday.

During a simple ceremony, proprietor, Ramesh Sunich handed over a number of trophies to president of the turf club, Justice Cecil Kennard.

The annual Boxing Day event has been one of the country’s traditions over the years and this year’s meet is being deemed the ‘biggest’ in recent years.

Kennard thanked the business entity for its continued support. Sunich, on the other

BULLS 90, MAGIC 80 Lauri Markkanen scored a season-high 32 points, one shy of his career best, and made the jump shot that put Orlando away for good in Chicago’s home win.

Robin Lopez scored 14 points and Kris Dunn added 12 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Bulls, who won for just the third time in the past 15 games.

Evan Fournier sank five 3-pointers and scored 24 points, and Nikola Vucevic had 19 points and 19 rebounds for the Magic. Aaron Gordon added 14 points and 12 rebounds, but Orlando shot just 32.6 percent from the floor.

trip.

Los Angeles’ Rajon Rondo scored eight points and dished out nine assists in his first game since November 14. He missed 17 contests because of a broken bone in his hand that required surgery.

hand, pointed out that the contribution is a way of giving back to the sporting fraternity.

The main event, which is the E and Lower will cover a distance of seven furlongs, with the top prize being $800 000.

Apart from the main event, there will be six other races, the first of which will gallop off at 12:30hrs at the Club’s Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne track.

They include the L-Non Earners 2018, Two-YearOld Guyana-bred, H1 and Lower, L-Non Winners, T h r e e- Y e a r - O l d G u y ana-bred and L Class Open.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) and forward Julius Randle (30) during the second half at Staples Center. (Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

ing to go along with eight rebounds, five assists and three blocked shots. Khris Middleton added 21 points and Eric Bledsoe had 16 for the Bucks.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 21 points off the bench. Jayson Tatum finished with 20 points despite missing 10 of 15 shots from the field.

RAPTORS 126, CAVALIERS 110 Kawhi Leonard matched his season best with 37 points on 12-for-16 shooting, and Toronto defeated visiting Cleveland.

OG Anunoby equalled his career bests with 21 points and eight rebounds for the Raptors. Pascal Siakam added 15 points and 10 rebounds, Fred VanVleet added 14 points and eight assists, and Norman Powell scored 11 points.

Jordan Clarkson had 20 points for Cleveland. Collin Sexton added 17 points. Larry Nance Jr. had 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Cedi Osman chipped in with 12 points for the Cavaliers.

PACERS 114, NETS 106 Victor Oladipo recorded 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists to help Indiana beat Brooklyn in New York.

Thaddeus Young scored 21 points while Domantas Sabonis and Bojan Bog-

danovic added 17 apiece for the Pacers, who ended a two-game slide. Myles Turner contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Rodions Kurucs scored 24 points and DeMarre Carroll added 16 for Brooklyn, who had a season-best seven-game winning streak snapped.

Spencer Dinwiddie scored 15 points, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Joe Harris had 13 apiece.

SPURS 124, TIMBERWOLVES 98 Bryn Forbes poured in 22 points, 15 of them in the first half, and six of his teammates scored in double figures as San Antonio cruised past visiting Minnesota.

San Antonio rolled to their third win in a row.

Minnesota took their second straight loss and their sixth in seven games.

Marco Belinelli added 17 points for the Spurs, with Davis Bertans tallying 15, Rudy Gay hitting for 14, and DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl scoring 12 each. The Spurs outshot Minnesota 52.9 percent to 39.8 percent and out-rebounded the Timberwolves 50-39.

JAZZ 120, TRAIL BLAZERS 90 Ricky Rubio scored 24 points and dished out eight assists as visiting Utah blew

away Portland.

Kyle Korver and Jae Crowder came off the bench for 18 and 16 points, respectively, and Rudy Gobert contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Jazz, who had lost four in a row on the road.

Damian Lillard scored 19 points to lead the Trail Blazers, who saw their three-game winning streak come to an end. It was Portland’s second-biggest margin of defeat this season, next to a 143-100 drubbing at Milwaukee on November 21.

KINGS 102, GRIZZLIES 99 De’Aaron Fox capped a huge comeback by sinking the tying and go-ahead free throws with 1:17 remaining, and hosts Sacramento took advantage of a late scoring drought by Memphis to score a victory.

Willie Cauley-Stein and Buddy Hield each added two free throws to ice the victory for the Kings, who snapped a two-game losing streak.

Hield led all scorers with 28 points for the Kings, who trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half and began the fourth quarter down 74-65.

Mike Conley made seven 3-pointers while scoring 23 points for the Grizzlies, who lost their fifth straight.

HORNETS 98, PISTONS 86 Marvin Williams scored 24 points, with a career-high seven 3-pointers, and hosts Charlotte continued their mastery over Detroit.

Williams hit four of his triples in the third quarter, when the Hornets pulled out to a 14-point lead and took control of the game for good. It was Charlotte’s third win over the Pistons in three games this season, and it was the second in the past 10 days.

Blake Griffin led the Pistons with 23 points. Andre Drummond finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds.

HAWKS 114, KNICKS 107 Kent Bazemore scored 22 points and sparked his team’s strong second-half defence to lead visiting Atlanta over New York.

Bazemore also pulled down six rebounds to help Atlanta win their second straight game and break a five-game road losing streak.

Bazemore hit a pair of free throws with 48.7 seconds remaining to give Atlanta a seven-point lead and ice the game.

New York were led by Emmanuel Mudiay with 32 points, the third time he’s reached the 30-point mark this season - all in the last five games. Kevin Knox added 24 points and six rebounds.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

UDFA GT Beer Christmas football

Rockers crush Blueberry Hill 5-1, Winners Connection overcome Topp XX, 2-1

By Joe Chapman TOP-ranked Net Rockers continued their impressive showing in the Upper Demerara Association’s GT Beer Christmas football championship with another dominant display, this time brushing aside the challenge of Blueberry Hill 5-1, while Winners Connection held off Topp XX as the tournament continued Friday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The Rockers got an early goal which developed from a play on the right side by Shane Luckie to Hussain Cumberbatch who volleyed home in the second minute for a 1-0 advantage.

Hussain Cumberbatch then doubled the score in the 21st minute for his second goal, 2-0, then Shane Luckie sent his team up 3-0, heading

Winners Connection scorers, Arnold Davidand Carlos Grant

home his first of the night in the 37th minute.

In the 40th minute, Denzil Pryce got into the fray of things and scored from a Cumberbatch cross making it 4-0 which they enjoyed up to the halfway stage of

the encounter.

After play resumed the Rockers’ defence lapsed and Blueberry Hill’s Royston Fraser penetrated to get a close-up shot that scored in the 54th minute, 4-1.

However, the Rockers

Rockers scorers from left: Hussain Cumberbatch, Shane Luckie and Denzil Pryce

continued their aggressive play and when Shane Luckie was fouled in the box, his penalty made it 5-1 for the team from the Wismar to move into the semifinals.

Game two was competitive with Winners Connec-

tion and Topp XX battling for supremacy. Winners Connection took the lead through a penalty which was awarded, after Carlos Grant, going down the right side, hit a cross.

The ball seemingly de-

flected from the defender’s foot to his hand and was adjudged a penalty in the 27th minute and Arnold David made it a 1-0 score for the Connection. But Newel Murphy levelled the scores in the 39th minute to bring the game back on an even keel; the first half ended 1-1.

Carlos Grant then propelled his team again into the lead with a close-up tap-in in the 50th minute and that score remained to the end as the Winners Connection moved safely into the semifinals. Topp XX still have a chance though to reach the final four when they play on Boxing Night against the defending champions Eagles United.

‘Sandpapergate’ scandal dominates cricketing year

By Amlan Chakraborty NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - A ball-tampering scandal that devastated Australia cast a dark cloud over a dramatic cricketing year during which England soared, master Indian batsman Virat Kohli shone and two new Test-playing countries underwent a baptism of fire.

Even if Cameron Bancroft’s career survives ‘Sandpapergate’, the 26-year-old will remain the face of the worst scandal in Australian cricket since Trevor Chappell bowled an under-arm delivery against New Zealand in 1981.

In an era when a cricketer’s every move comes under the televised microscope, Bancroft did the unthinkable - and unthinkably foolish - in Cape Town, even if he was merely following instructions from senior team mate David Warner.

Bancroft scuffed up the ball with a yellow tape and later, when alerted, sheepishly shoved it down the front of his trousers, as the Australians’ already ill-tempered series with South Africa simply exploded.

The mayhem that ensued first led to captain Steve Smith, deputy Warner and Bancroft being sent home in disgrace and slapped with lengthy bans.

“It was a failure of leadership, of my leadership, I’ll do anything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused,” a remorseful Smith said in a statement.

As fans and sponsors reacted in dismay, heads rolled. Darren Lehmann stepped down as head coach, to be replaced by Justin Langer in May, while long-serving CEO James Sutherland also vacated his post.

Cricket Australia (CA) commissioned a review into the team culture and the board’s governance - and the conclusions were far from flattering.

It branded CA “arrogant” and accused it of allowing “alpha-male” egos to develop a win-at-all-costs approach.

The purge culminated with David Peever resigning as CA chairman last month, having been re-elected the previous week for a second term.

Australian’s David Warner and Steve Smith

The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) demanded a reduction in the length of the bans on Smith, Warner and Bancroft but CA refused to oblige.

Tim Paine was put in charge of a depleted Test team, who lost the series opener to India in Adelaide on Monday.

WORLD CUP BOOST In contrast, Ashes rivals England will have few complaints about the year, having risen to the top of

one-day rankings a year before hosting the World Cup on home soil.

Eoin Morgan’s team registered impressive away-series victories in Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, offering signs that they could break England’s World Cup duck.

The Test team under Joe Root also impressed with a 3-0 whitewash in Sri Lanka, ending England’s 17-year wait for a series victory there, which followed a 4-1 defeat of India at home.

England also bade a fond farewell to their record Test scorer Alastair Cook, who signed off with an emotional hundred in his final innings at the Oval.

Sri Lankan cricket also said goodbye to spin spearhead Rangana Herath, who retired with 433 wickets, the most by a left-arm spinner in Test cricket, from 93 Tests after the Galle Test against England.

International cricket was also robbed of one of its biggest crowd-pullers when South African talisman AB de Villiers, famed for his 360 degree batting and incredible athleticism in the field, announced he had “run out of gas”.

Also in May, Ireland made their debut as the 11th Test playing nation when they hosted Pakistan in Dublin.

William Porterfield and his men endured a chastening and rainy initiation though, losing by five wickets after being made to follow-on.

Afghanistan fared worse in their debut in India the following month, beaten by an innings and 262 runs inside two days by the top-

ranked Test team.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) also made an effort to help grow the game by submitting a bid for the inclusion of women’s Twenty20 into the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. “... (It) demonstrates the commitment both organisations have to growing women’s sport and delivering greater equality, fairness and opportunity in sport across the Commonwealth,” ICC chief executive David Richardson said.

Australia were quick to support the bid, two days after Meg Lanning led the team to World Twenty20 title victory in the West Indies.

Individually, the unquestioned number one batsman was Virat Kohli, who smashed 11 international centuries, including six in one-dayers, to underline why he is considered arguably the best batsman of his era.

Top-ranked in both the Test and one-day games, Kohli was especially dominating in the 50-overs format with a 133-plus average.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

We need the officials to give what is rightfully ours: skipper Brathwaite CARLOS Brathwaite, Windies Tt20 skipper, expressed his frustration as he felt close decisions were going against his team through the course of the two limited overs series - ODIs and T20Is - on the Bangladesh tour.

Even as the tourists won the T20I series 2-1, with a 50-run win in the decider in Dhaka, a controversial umpiring decision took centre-stage.

Chasing 191 for a win, Bangladesh had got off to a quick start, erasing 54 runs off the first 3.5 overs. However, what was to be the final ball of the over in which Oshane Thomas had already conceded 22, Liton Das got a top edge and was caught at mid-off only for the on-field umpire to signal a no-ball for overstepping.

Soon enough, however, the big screen at the ground displayed that a part of Thomas’s foot was behind the line. It was the second time in the over that Thomas was incorrectly called for overstepping.

Brathwaite, wasn’t pleased after looking at the replays and asked for DRS. Confusion ensued as the third umpire and the match referee too intervened in a passage of heated discussion where the play halted. Eventually, as per the rule, which doesn’t

allow no balls to be reviewed unless the appeal is for a dismissal, Das was given not out and a free hit was awarded.

Shedding light into the heated argument in the middle, Brathwaite said, “The rule is that if a no-ball is called it cannot be reviewed or reversed. But if it isn’t called, it can be reversed checking the video. Everyone saw that it was not a no-ball.

“For a young man who is inexperienced, Oshane Thomas was under the pump. To finally get a dismissal but the ball has gone to your name as free-hit, to bowl the extra ball with an extra run, obviously it messed his mindset.

“As captain, I had to take call for the team. I had to make a stance not just for myself or the team but for West Indies cricket.

We haven’t been getting favourable calls or 50/50s since I have been playing cricket. I think it showed that when we played a passionate game by doing the right things, then things happen for us. We need the officials to give what is rightfully ours.

“Again, I am not saying the officials are cheating because I think they are professionals.

However, I can just call what I see. If we are seeing we are not getting the rub of the green, the 50-50s, then as captain of the

Carlos Brathwaite was involved in a long discussion with the umpires (and the match referee) in relation to the no-ball controversy.

ship I will say that.

“Sanctions may come and go, but if you don’t stand for something, you fall for everything. If the sanctions are to be handed, I would gladly take it.

My teammates need to be stood up for and as the captain of the ship, I will stand up for them,” he added.It was only after match referee Jeff Crowe maintained his stand that the decision cannot be reviewed and Brathwaite accepted his decision, did the game continue. He got all the players in a huddle and had a

pep talk before continuing with the game.

“I must commend the match referee,” he added. “After we had some stern words, it was resolved. We worked too hard for my team to walk off the field or forfeit the game or series.

The decision was to stay on, fight on and finish the game. But I also asked the match referee for five minutes that our team can get their head around playing a cricket game, forget the debacle that had just happened, get past the event and let us just finish

the remaining 16 overs. Thankfully it was allowed. It gave me the opportunity to speak to my teammates. It was us versus everyone else.

“I was the only person who spoke in that huddle and then everyone started to chime in, everyone said we have to win this game, we have to fight for this. And then you can see what happened afterwards. The first overs were Jekyll and the last 10 or so were Hyde. It was big from the inexperienced group of guys, and I think we can keep them together, teach them how to be professionals, I think we will do well in cricket.”

As it turned out, the halt in play affected Bangladesh’s momentum. Even though the free hit was dispatched for a six to resume the contest, a flurry of wickets followed thereafter.

It began with Fabien Allen bagging two in two to dismiss Soumya Sarkar and the in-form Shakib Al Hasan, but the carnage was carried forward by Keemo Paul who returned a five-for. Bangladesh dipped from 65 for 1 to 98 for 8 in a space of 7.2 overs before eventually being bundled out for 140.

“I knew that the call that wasn’t given was about to change the game (smiles),” Brathwaite explained. “It wasn’t

a deliberate ploy to halt the momentum. Looking back, it may have. I can’t say for sure. But at that point, it was about getting the right decision.

Firstly, understanding why the decision was made, understanding what the law was, if common sense can prevail against the law, which they said no to, and then finishing the game of cricket.

“It would have been easy for our guys to put their heads down and complain about the decision.

We didn’t do that. Those 10 guys got together in the huddle and decided to put our bodies on the line and fight for every single ball.”

The big question after the no-ball fiasco was whether the law should be amended to ensure that other decisions by the umpires, apart from just the dismissals, should come under the purview of the Decision Review System or not. The Windies skipper believes, the rule needs to be relooked at.

“I don’t know what all the rules are pertaining to reviews so I don’t want to tell them how to do their job. But it can be looked at. The laws may be put into question after this incident,” he concluded.

(Cricbuzz)

Archer’s brace helps Hobart beat Heat Scorpions head coach

GOLD COAST, Australia, (CMC) – Barbadian fast bowler Jofra Archer made an immediate impact in his

second season in the Australian Big Bash, grabbing two wickets to help Hobart Hurricanes beat Brisbane

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday December 23, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 4 West Indians (2) 3 Bangladeshis Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first player to lead Bangladesh in a T20 Int’l game?

(2) Who is the first player to captain the WI in a T20 Int’l match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Heat by 15 runs here Saturday.

Playing at Carrara Oval, Hobart rallied to 159 for six in a game reduced to 19 overs, with D’Arcy Short top-scoring with 67 off 52 balls and Ben McDermott getting 25.

Short slammed four fours and sixes, while adding 59 for the third wicket with McDermott, who counted a four and two sixes off 16 balls.

Seventeen-year-old Afghan off-spinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, was superb with two for 23 from his four overs.

In reply, Ben Cutting top-scored with 58 from 32 deliveries with two fours and five sixes but Brisbane folded for 144 in the 19th over.

Nineteen-year-old Max Bryant chipped in with 30 from 15 balls and captain Chris Lynn, 29, but new-ball seamer James Faulkner claimed three for 25 to help undermine the innings.

Archer picked up two for 23 from his four overs, getting the all-important wicket of Cutting in the 18th over – to be one of three bowlers with two wickets as seamer Riley Meredith and off-spinner Johan Botha both ended with two for 30.

The 23-year-old Archer was a standout for Hobart last season with 16 wickets after being drafted in at the last moment as a replacement player.

Robert Samuels fired

CITING a string of poor results from the Jamaica Scorpions and off-field issues, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) will not renew the contract of head coach Robert Samuels.

Samuels, whose previous contract expired on August 31, 2018, agreed to an extension to December 31, 2018. However, based on his performance, his contract will not be renewed.

The Jamaica Scorpions, who had won five consecutive titles under coach Junior Bennett, have had a string of poor performances. The team finished fifth in the 2016/2017 regional four-day competition and were fourth in the 2017/2018 season.

The Scorpions also lost their opening match against the Barbados Pride this season.

The team fared marginally better in the Regional Super50 with a fifth-place finish in 2016. They finished second last year and made it to the semi-finals earlier this year.

It is against this background that the JCA decided that it was time to move on from the former Jamaica and Windies opening batsman.

“With full consideration given to on-field performances and offfield areas which needed improvement, the Board concluded that a change was necessary,” the JCA said in a statement released on Thursday.

“The decision to not renew Mr Samuels’ con-

tract is the first in a number of changes coming to Jamaica Scorpions franchise which will be made public in due course,” the statement continued.

“The Board sincerely thanks Mr Samuels for his positive contribution to cricket in Jamaica which spans many years and wishes him every success as he continues his journey in the sport.”

The JCA said interviews are being conducted to find an interim replacement and will announce its decision during the course of the Christmas holidays. (Sportsmax).

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 23, 2018

Timehri Panthers are EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League champions … Keron Williams is MVP; Omar Sam ends with 23 goals TIMEHRI Panthers continued their dominance of East Bank football when they captured the 3rd annual East Bank Football Association/Ralph Green Under-11 League yesterday with a 2-0 win over Friendship All Stars.

The Young Panthers won the championship by a single point ahead of Grove Hi Tech who ended with 29 points. Taking the 3rd place in a thrilling final match to this year’s league were Agricola Red Triangle, who out-hustled Swan FC 4-3 coming back from two goals down.

Diamond Upsetters ended in 5th followed by Samatta Point/Kaneville, Diamond United, Mocha Champs, Friendship All Stars, Kuru Kururu Warriors, Herstelling Raiders and Hauraruni Eagles rounding out the twelve teams which participated.

In the final three matches yesterday, Samatta Point/

Kaneville and Diamond United battled to a 1-1 draw.

Diamond United had taken the lead on five minutes through a Ricky Ramotar goal but that advantage was cancelled on in the 25th

win to take the top spot and that they did via a 2-0 margin over Friendship All Stars. Their captain and the league’s leading goalscorer Omar Sam netted the first goal in the 7th minute with

day and league was a thriller with Swan in their first tournament at this level after joining the EBFA, taking on Agricola Red Triangle who had won the first two editions of this

Differently-abled goalkeeper of Swan, Hedan Nazir, is presented his trophy by coach Levi Braithwaite.

Captain of champions Timehri Panthers, Omar Sam, collected the winners’ prize from Franklin Wilson in the presence of his excited clubmates.

minute when Troy George scored for Samatta Point.

Timehri Panthers then took to the field cognizant that they needed to

Keeron Williams rounding out the win whilst sealing the league with his 25th minute goal.

The final match of the

league.

Behind Agricola on goal difference, Swan sailed to a 2-0 advantage with just two minutes on the clock, their leading marksman and

league’s Most Promising Player, Anderson Webber, heading both goals in, in the 1st and 2nd minutes.

But Agricola, who had squandered a two-goal advantage against Timehri Panthers when they met a few days ago, showed admirable determination and fired back with a beautiful shot off the boot of Trevor Gordon to reduce the deficit in the 5th minute.

But in the 12th minute, Webber completed his hat-trick and 20th of the league to increase the lead for Swan. However, the experienced captain Jonathan Andries tapped in Agricola’s second goal to reduce the deficit in the 13th minute and his teammate, Mikel Morris, netted the first of his double in the TURN TO PAGE

25

New GPC supports GFF-ExxonMobil Incoming PCB official hopeful International Futsal tournament of Australia visit in 2019

donia United headline the list of teams from overseas which also features ZV AllStars from Suriname, and a Brazilian side from the state of Sau Paulo.

The Guyana Select side will also come up against a team from Linden, East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara and West Demerara football associations.

On December 27, the tournament will open with a female encounter, followed New GPC Inc.’s Elizabeth Ram presents tickets to Aubrey by the March Past of the ‘Shanghai’ Major at the agency’s Ruimveldt headquarters. participating teams.

Morvant Caledonia UnitAS the countdown con- as an undisclosed monetary ed will face the Linden unit tinues to the start of contribution, which will go from 20:00hrs, then make GFF-ExxonMobil Inter- towards airline tickets for the way for Brazil versus West national Futsal Festival, international participating Demerara, Georgetown scheduled to take place teams. against Suriname and Guyat Cliff Anderson Sports Elizabeth Ram, the comana versus East Coast clash Hall from December 27 to pany’s Marketing Assistant, 31, the New GPC Inc. is on presented the contribution will bring the curtain down board and has joined the on behalf of New GPC Inc. on night one of the four-night list of partners in support while Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ fiesta.

The winning side team of the inaugural tourna- Major, one of the tournawill pocket $1.2M, while ment. ment’s organisers, received second- through fourthThis commitment was on behalf of the GFF. made last Thursday in the The tournament, a first place will go home with form of the printing of in- in Guyana, will see Trinidad $600 000, $300 000 and vitations and tickets as well and Tobago’s Morvant Cale- $100 000 respectively.

(REUTERS) - Incoming Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) managing director Wasim Khan has said he hopes Australia will come to the South Asian nation to play at least part of a one-day series currently scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates in March.

Most cricket nations have avoided touring Pakistan since 2009 when gunmen attacked a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers, injuring six players and killing six security personnel and two civilians.

Australia have not toured Pakistan since 1998 but Khan hopes they can be persuaded to play there.

“I will ask the question,” Birmingham-born Khan told ESPNcricinfo.

“We will continue to offer them the highest level of security and, if they have any concerns, we will act to meet

Recently-appointed PCB managing director Wasim Khan

them.”

Sri Lanka returned to Pakistan in 2017 for a oneoff Twenty20, while West Indies played a three-match Twenty20 series in Karachi in April this year.

Khan said he wanted to speak with other boards to see how he could help get

regular international cricket back to Pakistan.

“It will probably be a process of baby steps,” Khan said.

“I need to sit down with other boards and ask them: where are the gaps in our plans that worry you? What can we do to assure you?

What will it take to get you to come back? I want to hear what concerns they have and find a way of meeting them.”

English county teams would be invited to use the PCB academy in Lahore for pre-season training, said Khan, who remains Leicestershire chief executive until the end of January.

“We have excellent facilities. We have a great passion for the game. If we can get more foreign players coming to Pakistan more often, hopefully we can normalise playing in the country again.”

Lewis, Paul inspire Windies rare series win

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26

West Indies opener Evin Lewis goes on the attack during his Man-of-the-Match 89 in yesterday’s third T20 International.

Keemo Paul is ecstatic after dismissing Mohammad Saifuddin to finish with career-best figures of five for 15.

Golden Jaguars can lift the spirit of the Nation – Forde GFF boss says Gold Cup-deciding game against Belize on schedule notwithstanding General Elections

By Rawle Toney ON December 21, the entire Nation was ‘taken aback’ with news of the APNU+AFC coalition Government losing a ‘No Confidence’ vote in Parliament, despite having a one-seat majority.

The result meant that the David Granger-led Government could be preparing for General Elections within the next 90 days, according to the country’s constitution, landing it squarely around an important fixture for Guyana’s senior National Men’s football team.

Popularly known as the Golden Jaguars, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) flagship senior team, competing in the ongoing CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers, are one win away from reaching the CONCACAF Gold Cup men’s tournament for the first time in the country’s history (‘Lady Jags’ became the first team from Guyana to reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup, doing so in 2010).

On March 23, 2019 Guyana will host Belize in a game where only a win is needed to see them reaching the Confederation’s marquee tournament and despite the current political situation in Guyana, Wayne Forde, president of the GFF, told Chronicle Sport yesterday that the game presents a perfect opportunity for sports to play a pivotal role in uplifting the spirit of the nation.

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FLASHBACK! Guyana players in celebration at the Leonora Track and Field Centre. (Samuel Maughn photo)

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018