Guyana Chronicle E-paper 12-25-2018

TUESDAY

PAGE

03

25th December, 2018

No.105499

‘No need for hostility, hate’ PAGE

10

– President urges in Christmas message

Hughes insists confidence 09 motion failed PAGE

… says PPP needed 34 votes

Caricom 19 condemns Venezuela

To all Readers

Next Edition December 27, 2018

‘Not a done deal’ Merry

… gov't sought legal opinions on no-confidence vote

… Cabinet sub-committee 03 to advise on way forward PAGE

Christmas

PAGE

… says latest act violates the sovereign rights of Guyana

Hundreds of children from several Region Nine communities including Fairview, Wowetta, Annai and Aranaputa in the North Rupununi and St. Ignatius in Central Rupununi benefitted from the government's annual Christmas toy drive over the weekend.

In this DPI photo some of the children of Fairview examine their toys

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

‘Not a done deal’

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

… gov’t sought legal opinions on no-confidence vote … Cabinet sub-committee to advise on way forward

FOLLOWING the passage of Friday night’s no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, Cabinet has examined all of the legal and constitutional aspects of the vote and established a sub-committee to advise on this matter.

According to a statement attributed to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, President David Granger on Monday convened special meetings of the Cabinet and the National Security Committee (NSC). During the meetings the President iterated the important role the Cabinet and the NSC play in the security, stability and good governance of Guyana.

It was noted that Cabinet examined all of the legal and constitutional aspects of the vote in the National Assembly on Friday, December 21st.

That sub-committee will examine all the legal opinions available and report to Cabinet on Thursday, December 27th with recommendations on the way forward. “The government wishes to give the full assurance to you the citizens that all necessary measures to ensure your safety and security are in place and that, in this regard, you go about your business in a confident manner,” the release said.

President Granger as-

President David Granger meeting with members of his cabinet at Ministry of the Presidency sured the nation on Saturday 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 unsuspecting 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. “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 David Granger on Monday morning, met with members of the National Security Committee (NSC) at the Ministry of the Presidency

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 determine, 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 confrontation.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Ousted Pakistani PM Sharif gets seven years' jail for graft ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to seven years in prison on Monday and fined $25 million on corruption charges that he says were politically motivated.

The anti-corruption court in Islamabad said in its ruling that the three-time prime minister was unable to prove the source of income that had led to his ownership of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. Under Pakistani law, this is taken to

prove corruption.

Sharif had already been sentenced by the same court to 10 years in prison on charges related to the purchase of upscale apartments in London, after the Supreme Court removed him from power. He was freed from custody in September pending an appeal.

Sharif’s supporters said he would also appeal against his latest conviction.

The anti-corruption court in Islamabad said in its ruling that the three-time prime

minister was unable to prove the source of income that had led to his ownership of a steel mill in Saudi Arabia. Under Pakistani law, this is taken to prove corruption.

Sharif had already been sentenced by the same court to 10 years in prison on charges related to the purchase of upscale apartments in London, after the Supreme Court removed him from power. He was freed from custody in September pending an appeal.

Sharif’s supporters said he would also appeal against his latest conviction.

Sharif was ousted and disqualified from holding office by the Supreme Court

1

7

8 24

1,10, 13, 15, 20

BBC NEWS - A man who pretended to be a priest for more than 18 years has been dismissed by the Catholic Church in Spain.

Miguel Angel Ibarra carried out weddings and baptisms, first in Colombia and then in southern Spain, despite having never been ordained.

Those ceremonies will still be recognised, the church says, but not his

6, 7, 2

2, 0, 0

communions or the confessions he heard.

He was found to be an impostor after a complaint was filed in Colombia.

The complainant alleged Mr Ibarra had forged his documents.

After a "thorough investigation", it was found that he had never been ordained and he has now been ordered to return to Colombia, church officials say.

Turkey working to carry Khashoggi investigation to U.N.: foreign minister

ISTANBUL (Reuters) Turkey is working with other countries to carry the investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to the United Nations, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday.

Cavusoglu made the comments during a news

Tuesday, December 25, 2018 - 05:30hrs

22-12-2018

in July 2017, and convicted in absentia a year later. He was arrested on July 13 on returning from London.

The court ruled on Thursday on two charges related to Sharif’s assets: the Al-Azizia Steel Mills in Saudi Arabia, set up by Sharif’s father in 2001, and Flagship Investments, a company established by his son, Hasan Nawaz, that owns luxury properties in Britain.

Sharif was once a favourite of Pakistan’s powerful generals but fell out with them. The military has denied exerting any influence over the court proceedings.

Fake Catholic priest unmasked in Spain after 18 years

conference in Tunis alongside his Tunisian counterpart. He also called on Saudi Arabia to share its findings on the case with the international community.

Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul nearly three months ago.

2, 3, 11, 13, 14

11 25 28 o

21-12-2018 3

7

9

11

14

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Mexico Puebla governor Martha Erika Alonso killed in air crash BBC NEWS - The governor of Mexico's central Puebla state, Martha Erika Alonso, has died in an air crash, just days after being sworn into office.

Her husband, Senator Rafael Moreno Valle, was also killed.

Reports from Mexico say the accident happened shortly after the aircraft took off from the city of Puebla.

Ms. Alonso, 45, became

the first female governor of Puebla after hotly contested elections. She was a member of the centre-right PAN party.

The deaths were confirmed by Mexico's new president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

It was not immediately known whether the pilot was also killed in the incident near the state capital of Puebla, Mexico's second

largest city.

Ms Alonso had taken office only on 14 December, narrowly beating President Lopez Obrador's favoured candidate for the governorship of one of Mexico's most populous states.

Her husband had also once served as the state governor.

Monday's incident comes after a number of high-profile deaths in helicopter crashes

Martha Erika Alonso was only sworn in a Puebla’s governor on Dec 14

over the years in Mexico, including Interior Minister Francisco Blake Mora in 2011, the BBC's Will Grant

reports.

Earlier this year, 13 people died when a minister's helicopter crashed

into a crowd, although the minister himself survived, our correspondent says.

Media worker Derrick Rodgers missing JAMAICA OBSERVER Derrick Rodgers has been missing for two months.

Family members, living in Georgia and Massachusetts in the United States, fear that the worst has happened to him. The 60-year-old Lawrence Tavern resident disappeared on October 13.

His niece, Natalie Redman, contacted the Jamaica

Observer recently saying that the family is on edge.

“We reported it to the Constant Spring police, but we were told that the family would have to physically go in and make the report. After that, we contacted the father of the church he used to attend and he was able to go in and make the report. The police say that they have since

circulated a missing person report at all their precincts across the island so now we are just waiting,” Redman told the Observer.

She said that the family realised that something was amiss when her mother, Rogers' sister, sent money for him through a financial institution and the money was not

collected.

“He is always in contact with us. He is never out of touch. My mom always sends him money and he always calls to say thanks. When she sent the money on October 13 he never called. We called and he didn't answer. We called [financial institution] and they said that the money was not picked up.

Guatemalan family mourns 'irreparable loss' of migrant girl at wake SAN ANTONIO SECORTEZ, Guatemala (Reuters) - Shortly before daybreak on Christmas Eve, Claudia Maquin wept silently when she was finally reunited with the still body of her daughter Jakelin Caal, two weeks after the Guatemalan girl died in U.S. custody at the age of seven.

An indigenous Maya who had been hoping to begin a new life in the United States with her father, Jakelin came down with a fever while in the hands of U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities, and died in an El Paso hospital on Dec. 8.

Her death fueled renewed criticism by opponents of U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, and gave a face to the many children who have accompanied parents on the long road north from Central America through Mexico to the border.

Under a gray sky, friends and relatives filed in to Jakelin’s wake in the thatched hut of her grandfather. In a lami-

nated white coffin, her small body was laid out clothed in a blue sweater and a red coverlet emblazoned with bears.

“This is not a merry Christmas, it’s a bad Christmas,” said her grandfather Domingo Caal, 61. “To lose a child, a human being, is difficult,” he added, as well-wishers and neighbours shuffled through the wooden house and its earthen floors.

Her mother Claudia wept but did not speak, looking down on the child for a few moments in the coffin.

Plagued by chronic gang violence and endemic poverty, Central America has sent out an endless stream of migrants desperate to reach the United States at almost any cost.

Jakelin’s father, Nery, remains in the United States waiting to see whether he will be allowed to stay. The two had handed themselves in to U.S. border agents in New Mexico on Dec. 6. She fell ill soon afterwards and died after suffering cardiac arrest, brain swelling and liver fail-

ure, U.S. officials said.

HELPING HANDS In the early hours of the morning, Claudia had stood at a gasoline station some 20 kilometres (12 miles) from her impoverished mountain village of San Antonio Secortez, waiting to meet the white minibus that bore her daughter’s body.

During the slow, winding procession back home through the municipality of Raxruha, the driver honked the horn as it passed dwelling places. A few villagers came out to give Claudia and the grandfather money.

Struggling to make its way through the steep, rugged mountain roads in the gloom, the minibus briefly ground to a halt and had to be pushed onwards by helping hands.

White balloons with messages of love for the girl hung over the coffin. On top of the casket was a small framed photo of Jakelin.

To one side hung a yellow note in Spanish.

“Domingo Caal and family thanks: the media, the vice-president, the embassies of Guatemala and the United States, the mayor of Raxruha and everyone in general who in some way or other has accompanied us in this irreparable loss.”

“Right now, to be honest, we're on edge. You have to just be bracing yourself right now for the worst.

There's no way something

hasn't happened to him.

[Getting] No response from him has us worried,” Redman said.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

The Christmas spirit

IT is Christmas again--the time of the year when the world pauses to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

CHRISTMAS is truly a rare universal moment that breaks down the inevitable human barricades. It is a religious moment that transcends the religion from which it flows. It is also a truly global moment that transcends political, social, cultural and national borders. It is a moment with a narrative of hope, love, goodwill and peace from which we continue to draw strength and resolve to correct our failings as a species.

The birth of Jesus gave the world hope that a better future was possible for God’s children.

Hence, it is a moment that is pregnant with optimism about humanity. The moment told us and continues to tell us that ours is not doomed to be a world where mankind must live in perpetual hostility—we can live in

peace and mutual love. Hence, the Christmas moment is more than a narrow Christian moment; it is Christianity’s gift of love to the world.

It is for that reason that despite the recent commercialisation of Christmas, the moment still retains a certain level of authenticity. Not even the lure of markets and profits can diminish this special moment. The human spirit has a way of digging beneath the surface to discover the essence of our being. And the Christmas moment facilitates that process of digging and discovery.

There is no doubt that Christmas brings out our softer, gentler and gracious sides. It is as if all our failings and frailties are forgotten during the Christmas season. It is the time when families come together to commune. We travel long distances to be with our families and loved ones. We bring gifts of joy to share and we

pool our earnings to prepare meals for all to partake of. Even if we are not able to be physically in one place, we find ways to link and celebrate together. There is indeed power in the Christmas moment.

At Christmas time we sing joyful songs—songs of love and optimism that befit the birth of hope and goodwill. We go to our places of worship in larger numbers than usual and we connect with our God in real and symbolic ways.

It is a time when the bells chime differently and when the smell of Christmas tells us that we are alive in a special way.

Christmas is indeed a season of giving and loving. The beauty of humanity is laid bare as we rediscover our possibilities for peace, sisterhood and brotherhood. We are at our most vulnerable for kindness and mutual love. One wonders what our world would be like if we can sustain the Christmas spirit beyond the

Christmas moment.

And the Christmas moment is also a time for little children, for it was the birth of a special child that triggered the Christmas tradition.

We remember our children and lavish them with gifts because they are the hope that Jesus’s birth engendered. In a season of hostility to and violence against children, let the Christmas moment draw us to the frontlines of the struggle to make our world a safer place for our children. The Christmas story itself reminds us of the violence that was unleased by the agents of terror at the news of the birth of Jesus. Just as he survived the violence of that time we can survive the violence against children of our time.

The Christmas moment is, therefore, the opportune time for us as a nation and as communities to reflect and draw strength to overcome our divisions, most of which are prod-

ucts of our collective neglect of the Christmas spirit. The Christmas spirit must mean something to us beyond symbolism. If people of different faiths and religions can celebrate Christmas together, then we can celebrate Guyana together. This past year we have endured our fair share of pessimism born of our seemingly intractable appetite for discord and division.

Our history is littered with these narratives of doom, but if we let the power of the Christmas moment into our consciousness, we can see another more noble side of our existence. So, on this Christmas day, let us reach for the sobering power of the Christmas moment to turn back our drunken state of division and make the coming year a more cohesive experience for our nation.

An act of political treachery

Dear Editor

FORMER Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud’s decision to cast his vote, along with those that defeated the coalition government, can only be described as a political rat out. It was unsuspecting, as it was shocking, since it was not expected.

To be precise – he entered the National Assembly and sat on the government benches as one of its thirty-three MPs. In the end, he betrayed them all. He, therefore, committed the classic Judas Act. If his actions would have numbed his coalition colleagues, then it sent a tsunami surge through the thousands of coalition supporters who would not have been expecting such treachery, much less the type that would have brought about the stipulated constitutional end of their

government, causing an election to be imminent.

Certainly, for whatever reasons Persaud would have given for such an act of unforgiven disloyalty, there were avenues that he could have pursued, beginning with urgent discussions with his coalition leaders as a means of resolving whatever these issues were. And if after such efforts, there was no change, then he ought to have resigned and go public with his dissenting views.

The Westminster system allows a cabinet minister to resign his/her office, and support his/her particular view by way of becoming a back-bencher. The latter option could not have been available to Persaud, given the fact that he had been a Member of Parliament. But, there are two issues, among those which he has tendered as reasons for the knife that he pushed into the back of his

coalition colleagues, that are interesting for the dishonesty and prejudice which they represent.

How can he, in all good and fair understanding, criticise the coalition government’s decision to give former prime minister Hamilton Green the pension to which he had a legal entitlement because of service to country? Editor, it needs not be repeated that Green had been reduced to a beggar as he repeatedly requested the then PPP/C administration to right this anomaly. It would seem that Persaud has something personally against the former prime minister. But whatever it is, Green would have served this nation, and so earned the right to such an emolument, no more or less than Ramotar, who would have served as President for only three years.

And for his reference to this national political elder

receiving some kind of a payment from the PNC: If I have read him correctly, is he saying that such is all that Green is entitled to? Or that the latter party must be responsible for his entitlement?

As an attorney, as I understand him to be, this is grossly convenient, displaying definite bias, prejudice along ethnic lines, and surprising ignorance. Certainly, Persaud must be aware that even though Green had been a member of the PNC party, that he had served the nation through the government formed from the latter party.

He must, therefore, be reminded that it was the state which paid him his salaries etcetera, and which must also be responsible for his poststate service entitlements, whatever they must be.

I cannot understand this claim against the APNU coalition, either coercing its junior AFC partner to agree

with its policies, or that the latter has been complying with the wishes of its largest ally without question. Where had been Persaud when Minister Trotman voiced, publicly, his objections to a section of the Cyber Crime Bill?

It would seem that Persaud and others of his ilk had expected that there would be daily political fights between the two political principals, because of disagreements.

Of course, like all coalitions, there are disagreements; however, in the larger business of governing in the best interests of the nation, they have done remarkably well.

Also, Persaud’s party-the AFC-- has a stake of four key cabinet offices, which along with the other members from the other components of the coalition, are part and parcel of the cabinet decision-making process – collective responsibility. So, where is the coercion, or submissive

status that he has tagged the AFC? Given the fact that Persaud now claims that he voiced his dissatisfaction internally yet he had campaigned on the party platform along with prime minister Moses Nagamootoo, and even assured of his support prior to entering the Assembly chamber, points to a well-planned and orchestrated decision, and not one that had been overnight, or a snap-ofthe-finger act. And if one is to believe the contents of a recording currently viral, Persaud is dead guilty of the most infamous act of political treachery thus far in Guyana.

Regards Earl Hamilton

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Resignation now by this government is not some fait accompli Dear Editor, IT was on Tuesday 26th June this year that the Caribbean Court of Justice (by a 6-1 majority) upheld the exercise of the power and right of Parliament to alter/amend our Constitution in the manner as restricted only by the provisions of article 164 (the Cedric Richardson, Third Term Case).

The vote of confidence defeat of the APNU + AFC Government has, as I will show, brought into sharp focus the political necessity for the exercise of such power by this government. I will argue that as a counterattack against the Jagdeo-Persaud conspiratorial House AMBUSH, it is both constitutionally astute and politically good sense to enact an amendment to article 106(7) of the Constitution.

By no Orwellian illogicality must this government be the victim of the burden of the PPP/C’s assertion of its vote of confidence right under article 106(6), but deny itself as if it was somehow only entitled to a lesser equality; the benefit of a constitutionally permitted “longer period” beyond “three months” permitted by article 106(7).

The constitutional prognosis for this government to remain in office until 2020 is good.

And this “longer period” is of utmost necessity given the present medical circum-

stances of President David Granger. The PPP/C must not be permitted to, with predatory instinct, exploit to their political advantage, H.E. President David Granger’s medical inconvenience.

Editor, constitutional law and action can sometimes be a very intricate business.

Sometimes it goes beyond the superficiality of the layman’s first impressions from the cold printed words in the Constitution, as for example the “three months” hysteria about Elections. It is the intricacies of this matter that I elucidate.

The starting point is, of course, for the layman/reader’s benefit a full quote of articles 106(6) and 106(7) thus – “ 106(6) The cabinet, including the President shall resign if the government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence”; and “ 106(7) 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, determine and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election”. So, plainly, the “three months”

period was never conceived of by the constitution framers as necessarily final, binding and absolute. It was, and is, amenable to enlargement or extension vis-à-vis the words “such longer period” (indefinite in its phraseology).

And that brings me to this point, how is that “such longer period” to be achieved given that this government does not have the two-thirds majority presently necessary to pass the “resolution” in terms of article 106(7). And here is where superficiality ends, and intricacies begin. I contend that this government could, as a matter of strict constitutional law, delete the whole article 106 with retrospective effect, and vitiate and render nugatory its defeat by the vote of confidence.

What it could have done prior to the defeat, it can equally do after, as it “remain in office” But I do not argue or advocate for such an entire repeal. Not at all. I argue the constitutional permissibility of a partial alteration of article 106(7) by the deletion of the words “supported by not less than two thirds” therein, and the substitution ‘there for’ of the words “by a majority”.

So, I must unravel and elucidate a further intricacy: how would this government be able to so easily amend/alter article 106(7) in that way?

Here is the good news, perhaps by Divine prescience,

perhaps by some material anticipation of the likes of Charrandas Persaud in Guyanese politics, the Constitution framers DID NOT ENTRENCH article 106 of the Constitution in either article 164(2) (a), or 164 (2) (b).

And for the layman/reader, entrench connotes protection from easy alteration by a requirement of a referendum and a two-thirds majority; or a two-thirds majority only (as the case may be) for an alteration, but article 106 was left vulnerable and susceptible to alteration by a government with a bare one-seat majority in the National Assembly.

And in the events which have happened, exploiting this vulnerability attracts no opprobrium. And one must not confuse the two-thirds in article 106 (7) with the twothirds conditionality in either article 164 (2) (a) and 164 (2) (b) for the simple reason that the two-thirds requirement in article 106 (7) does not convert article 106 into an article 164 (2) (a) or 164(b) article for alteration purposes. Article 106 remains and falls within article 164(1) for alteration purposes.

And, so it is, that after the formalities of a RECALL and ouster of Charrandass Persaud as a member of the APNU + AFC in the National Assembly [see article 156 (3) (c) and 156 (4) (b)]; and his replacement by “further extraction” by President

Granger from the APNU + AFC List of Candidates that contested the 2015 General Elections [see section 99A (1) of the Representation of the Peoples Act, Cap 1:03] are completed in due course, this government will have regained its majority in the National Assembly and so be able (on its own) to introduce a Bill for the amendment of article 106 (7), have it debated and passed, and assented to by the President in due course; immediately thereafter the Prime Minister (as leader of government business in the House) would propose/present a motion/ petition (as the case may be) for the resolution (in terms of article 106 (7)) to extend the life of the government to January 2020. It is as simple as that. Time is of the essence.

I anticipate howls and screams of protestations and lamentations by the Opposition, and perhaps by public relations, and political science commentators. But a problem that turns midwifery into abortion needs a condign, robust and intense solution; it needs intensive care, not first aid. In this matter, pacifist, abstract disquisition on theories about democracy is neither useful nor expedient if it defies the self-interest and adversariality inherent in the very idea of an Opposition wanting to cut short the life of a government elected for five years. Persaud, by his

membership, was entrusted (as one of the 33 MPs) to deliver this government’s full five (5) years term. Instead of delivery, he has acted in concert and has attempted wilful abortion (some might say infanticide), by his vote with the PPP/C, and against this government for whom he was a co-trustee, in a constitutional agency relationship.

I end with this: for myself, resignation now by this government is not some fait accompli. It is neither a politically viable, nor constitutionally astute option. This government should, and must, avail itself of that “longer period” which the intricacies of our Constitution facilitates.

The choice for the government is as between meekly succumbing to the wound inflicted by the Jagdeo-Persaud ambush, or a decisive counter-attack within its constitutional boundaries, and within its governmental powers, as the government which “remain in force”.

History will not absolve this government if it panders to this PPP/C Opposition.

Regards Maxwell E. Edwards

This mole embedded himself right in the bosom of the Coalition Dear Sir, THE biggest Con was perpetrated against the Coalition Government on Friday 21/12/2018 in the National Assembly. It was a bigger con than "The Sting" with Robert Redford and Paul Newman.

Even bigger than John Le Carre;"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" as he ferreted out the mole in M.I.6.

Unfortunately, however, this mole embedded himself right in the bosom of the Coalition, eating and drinking, slapping high fives, and showing off family pictures. Unfortunately, however, they failed to identify him.

They should have though. There were a number of tell-tale signs that should have pulled their coats to the suspicion that skulduggery was expected. When the PPP/C Chief Whip wrote to [Police] Commissioner James " voicing concern at what she said were likely threats to public safety and security and our information points to some very

ominous plans to physically disrupt the sitting; further, that these plans include preventing Members of the Parliamentary Opposition from exiting the compound.." That request should have rung a very large bell within the coalition. When they were the opposition and had tried to bring a no-confidence vote against the PPP government, no such request was made. The PPP, on the other hand, knew that they had a mole in the hole, but they were apprehensive of the outcome. They knew that dethroning of a popular government would possibly create some type of disturbance. Therefore, with the mole's escape already planned, they were not leaving anything to chance.

The coalition was also put on notice by Mr Rickford Burke, who according to him, wrote four leaders in the coalition and provided information that something like this was possible. But the coalition failed to act. Without a cursory investigation, the Ministry of Social Cohesion debunked Burke's concern. Now

they have eggs all over their faces.

I doubt that anyone in that ministry can be trusted?

The mole said that he "voted his conscience, that the lives of the sugar workers in Berbice were being destroyed." I presume that this conscience of the downtrodden, who lives in the wonderland of kit and kin, was oblivious to who was responsible for the downward spiral of the sugar industry in the first place. He would know nothing of Jagan "apan jatt" election victory.

He definitely would have no idea that Jagan disembowelled the Public Service as soon as he took office.

He probably was not around when the Bauxite workers were put on the breadline and their severance confiscated. Maybe he is even oblivious to the eight thousand, three hundred and ninety-five days of misrule by the PPP where they had the audacity to foist an uneducated person in charge of the Foreign Service Ministry, showing their contempt for the Guyanese people. But now like Rip

Van Winkle, his slumber disturbed by the crying and wailing of his disenfranchised kit and kin in the sugar industry, he thought it imperative that he play a part.

He, like the scribes and writers mostly (Trojan Horses, and opposition) who get continuous ink in the dailies, [is gleeful] at this outcome. Their headlines reek of ‘I told you so’. One scribe alluded to the "Chronicle Scandal" which in itself should and could have been the catalyst for the removal of the Coalition, because these Guyanese stalwarts (don't make me laugh) were deprived from writing their stuff in the Guyana Chronicle. Maybe one day this scribe, who obviously is a stalwart himself, will tell us what these stalwarts have done for this country. These stalwarts like to write and they don't even have a magazine of their own, forget a newspaper.

Where is the day care centre with their name written on it or the club house, or the playfield that they [had] renovated and donated to underpriv-

ileged children? How many bursary awards have they ever given out.

The collective job of the stalwarts is to criticize, over and over again, and this democratic government allowed them the privilege. Who could forget how one of them had to run out of his house, jump over drains and through bushes to escape the ‘phantom killers’. Let me remind them, the return of the PPP is the return of the phantom killers; stalwarts indeed.

The Goddess of truth points out that there are TWO paths of KNOWLEDGE: one leading to a knowledge of TRUTH, and the other to a knowledge of the OPINION of MEN. The honorable Dr Eric Williams, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, in 1963, speaking in Arima about running the government "You think it easy, it ain't easy."

Regards Milton Bruce

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

The AFC need to improve its intelligence

Dear Editor

SO Mr. Charrandas Persaud turned against the AFC as part of the collation, causing the collapse of the new government in Guyana.

On sober reflection, MP and Attorney at Law Charrandas Persaud has the right to be wrong now and then. This, we have noticed in all human history- individuals presenting sometimes plausible reasons for breaking ranks with their tribe, organizations or held beliefs.

We have examples of good and acceptable reasons, but also instances of bad, misguided, selfish and oft times personal reasons for breaking away.

Yes, we have had both conditions over time.

Mohammed (to whom be peace), Confucious, Bud-

ha and Martin Luther the German theologian, who inveighed against the established Christian church and led them to the establishment of protestant Christianity, We in this part of the world understand the vile state of the Sanhedrin’s, Roman bureaucracy. Mr. Charrandas Persaud is a classic example of either an MP’s misguided pursuit or the action of a person for purely selfish reasons. One of the reasons Mr. Persaud gave for supporting the no-confidence motion was the pension and benefits the parliament gave to former Prime Minister Hamilton Green. This honorable gentleman, attorney at law is obviously unaware of the global and universal practice in every civilized society of awarding its former presidents, prime ministers etc. the benefits and pensions that

should allow them to maintain a lifestyle consistent with that high office achieved.

This honourable gentleman seems blissfully unaware that the PPP in Parliament did not vote against the provisions for a former Prime Minister. Dr. Jadgeo and the PPP MPs must be given credit for this show of decency and an appreciation of what is internationally acceptable.

So, Mr Persaud’s post-vote statements are no more than a (red herring) and unworthy of a sitting Parliamentarian.

So, Mr Editor and people of Guyana - why not Mr. Persaud tell us the real story. Note the bravado in his post-press statements, yet within hours he was on a plane outward bound. Now what was his fee, was it $7.5 million US or seven hundred Guyana dollars. (or enough to buy a portion of chicken fried

rice). What is the connection with those billionaires in neighboring countries whose eyes are on our newfound oil and gas.

Earlier, I noted that people who break ranks could be for either good or improper reasons. The public must judge. Jesus of Nazareth had twelve disciples 25% wilted at the crucial moment, one doubted him, one denied him and one betrayed him. C’est la vie.

Come on Mr. Persaud, as you sever your present joy, know that only the truth will make you a free man. Let me say, as part of the political events for over three generations, crossing the floor is not new; we have had the Teekas, Chandisinghs, Carter, Kendall and others.

These sometimes can energise our political landscape.

The AFC need to improve its

intelligence, sit down with its partners in the collation and work with securing a government to take us forward and give our people a good life. And learn from the old masters as the PPP seems to be doing.

Beyond this, we need to persuade the PNC and the PPP to talk and find a modus vivendi so that all Guyana, I repeat all, can have a good life and a stress-free environment. After all, with timber, gold, diamonds, manganese, agricultural and marine resources and now oil and gas, 83 thousand square miles and less than a million people, Mr. Granger and Jagdeo, what are we waiting for? A friend of mine, at a function in Campbellville last night, proposed that both parties consider the establishment of a council of elders to provide guidance to those who

now hold office. We have the likes of Sase Narine, Ashton Chase, Rex Mc Kay, Hamilton Green, Rashleigh Jackson, all residents, I am sure available here who can serve and help. In addition, a panel of young people to be a parallel body to the council of elders; Life is not worth living unless we can work to make life worthwhile.

Finally, as one who has shared our Halcyon hours and hours of horror in Guyana, it is my hope that the leaders of the PNC and the PPP will sit down and cast aside personal preferences, selfishness and talk to find the modus vivendi to make unity with peace a reality – that will be the best Christmas gift to our people.

Regards Hamilton Green

The purpose of Jesus Christ

Dear Editor,

THE life and influence of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, throughout history has always produced great changes in the lives of men and women, and of all nations.

Wherever His teachings and influence have gone, there have been a multitude of other changes that have been made for the good of mankind. Individual lives are also dramatically changed through the teachings of Jesus Christ. His works throughout His own time as teacher, healer, and His overall purpose for existence have influenced many.

We must ask ourselves some serious questions about life itself.

Questions such as: Who am I? What is my purpose in this world? What can I do to contribute to society?

What is my destiny after I am gone from this life? Jesus came to offer the world answers to life’s deep spiritual and moral questions. He came to save all mankind from sin and to offer us life after death.

We see the effect of His teachings from the Bible, and how His morality has shaped the minds of many good people. Jesus began His ministry by announcing, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” His calling was based on the vision of the Kingdom of God. He shared this vision with ordinary

people, fishermen and tax collectors; and seeing their potential, shaped 12 of them into a team. Jesus demonstrated His character as a servant leader, and when faced with opposition and conflict, responded with humility and integrity.

Was that His mission? His mission was to guide us and to let us know Him. It also was to show us a better path, full of truth, so that no one who believes in Him is lost. It also was to show and to remind us of the love of His Father and what He wants for us. Jesus Christ came to redeem humanity from sin. Jesus came to deliver truth in a world of false beliefs. Our greatest need is a spiritual need, which we cannot fulfil with the gains in this life, such as profits or pleasure, but by lasting peace in Christ.

His mission was to change our way of thinking so that we would know the love of God. He came, driven by an immense love, to suffer for us and to purge our sins, showing us how to live. He came to live in this world to complete His mission, which was to suffer and die for our sins on the cross. Right now, He is in us so we can follow His path, full of love, as He showed us, to have a better life, to obtain the glory in the eternal life, and to follow the commandments that He left us. Jesus’s life and teachings influenced some of the greatest men that ever lived. His Sermon on the

Mount influenced the great Mahatma Gandhi. In the words of Gandhi about Jesus, he said: “A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including His enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.”

Mother Theresa said the following about Jesus: “I believe in person-to-person.

Every person is Christ, for me, and since there is only one Jesus, that person is the one person in the world at that moment.”

“Jesus Christ was an extremist for love, truth and goodness.” — Martin Luther King Jr. These are just a few people. The illustrious Billy Graham preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to over one billion people around the world face to face. He is one of the greatest preachers and international scholars. He influenced millions of people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of the greatest scientists of our time, who is widely studied universally, said the following about Jesus: “I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene. Jesus is too colossal for the pen of phrase-mongers, however artful.” He further added: “No man can read the gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus.

His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such

life. Theseus and other heroes of his type lack the authentic vitality of Jesus.” — Albert Einstein – Scientist and Mathematician.

Sir Isaac Newton, another famous British scientist, spent over half his life studying the Bible in over thirty versions, reading it in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin.

He wrote over five million words alone on the Bible, investing the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ and the interpretation of a Bible Code. The magnificent scholarship of his writings in science, astronomy, mathematics and philosophy and theology were over ten million words in length he had written.

Today, the gospel of Jesus Christ has produced over one billion followers and believers of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to teach us the philosophy of love and forgiveness for all. Charles Dickens, one of the greatest English novelists, said these profound words about Jesus: “I commit my soul to the mercy of God, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I now most solemnly impress upon you the truth and beauty of the Christian religion as it came from Christ Himself, and the impossibility of going far wrong if you humbly but heartily respect it.”

— Charles Dickens, British writer, 1812-1870 The illustrious William Shakespeare wrote his Epitaph and Will with the following words, using

Jesus’s name: “Good friend for Jesus sake forebear.

To dig the dust enclosed here.

Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones.”

Shakespeare also mentioned this magnificent statement in his Will.

“First, I commend my soul into the hands of God, my Creator, hoping and assured, believing through the only merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour to be made partaker of life everlasting and my body to the Earth whereof it was made.”

As we commemorate another Christmas, let us be reminded that Jesus’s teachings are for all mankind from all walks of life. As we enter into the new year 2019, let’s join with each other to build a better nation, let’s join to eradicate crime and illiteracy, let’s join and pray for our political leaders, let our political leaders pray and ask God for divine guidance for them to rule this nation justly; and let’s not break the laws of the land by bribery and corruption.

May God bless and guide us as we build a Guyana devoid of hate as One People, One Nation, One Destiny. A blessed 2019 to all Guyanese.

Regards, REV.DR. GIDEON CECIL

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Hughes insists confidence motion failed …says PPP needed 34 votes

By Lisa Hamilton THE position that the number of votes which carried the no-confidence motion against the Coalition Government is inadequate has begun to gain momentum with more attorneys-at-law coming forward to support the theory.

Deliberations on the issue emerged on Sunday when prominent local attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes put forward his position on social media stating: “For a no-confidence motion to pass and be valid, the motion has to enjoy more votes than one- half of the full House.”

At the time the no-confidence motion was debated and passed, there were 65 sitting members of the National Assembly present, 33 of whom were represented by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance For Change (AFC).

The remaining 32 belonged to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Former AFC member, Charrandas Persaud had voted in favour of the motion, resulting in its passage.

However, Hughes is now saying that, mathematically, one-half of the House equals 32.5 members, which is highly impossible.

“There is no such thing as a half member, so half of the House is 33 members. This is because you have to round up to identify half of the House,” he said, by which he meant taking the figure to the nearest whole number.

At a media briefing on

Monday, Hughes said: “To be defeated, whoever it is that brings the motion has to acquire 34 votes.”

Ralph Ramkarran, another prominent local attorney, had back in November put forward similar arguments in a Stabroek News article.

RAMKARRAN’S ABOUT-FACE He, however, took to social media on Monday, recanting his remarks saying that he had erred, and that the opposition had in fact needed one, not two additional votes, to succeed.

Said he in retrospect: “For a no-confidence motion to succeed, Article 106(6) of the Constitution requires the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly; 33 as against 32 is a majority.

“When I said that two votes were required for the no-confidence motion to succeed, I was obviously wrong.

I meant two abstentions.”

At a press conference on Monday also, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, the one who tabled the motion, dismissed the discussions on 34 votes being needed for majority as “mere speculations”.

He said he’s already in receipt of an official letter from the Clerk of the National Assembly stating that the matter has been passed, and that any move in another direction is simply a desperate attempt to stymie the process.

But from the tone of his presentation on Monday, Hughes seemingly no inten-

tion of changing his position much less letting up, as he cited several precedents, such as the Kliman v Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu; Hughes v Rogers Civil Suit 99 and 101 of 1999. Anguilla. Delivered Jan 12, 2000.

“The more important one,” he said, “is the one of Kilman against the Speaker of the House in the State of Vanuatu.

“And that is an identical case to this, where there was a vote of no-confidence, and, in effect, it was half plus one for you to get the majority.”

CLOSER TO HOME Moving on, Hughes said: “In the case of Anguilla, closer to home, there was a case of interpreting what exactly constituted a quorum.

A quorum was 1/3, I believe, and mathematically, it came up to 1/3 of a person. And Justice Saunders, who happens to be the present head of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), sitting in First Instance in that case a constitutional crisis, ruled that you have to round it up to the next number.”

Meanwhile, the law office of Attorney-at-Law Amoura Giddings, in a candid statement to the media on Monday, concurred with Hughes’ position.

According to Giddings: “The no confidence motion moved by the Opposition received thirty-three of the votes of the elected sixty-five members of the National Assembly.

Ralph Ramkarran

“And this is not a majority vote required by this Article [Article 106 (6)].

Therefore, the effect of this Article cannot be brought into operation by the mere thirty-three votes of the elected members of the National Assembly, since it is not a majority vote as required by the Article.”

WHAT’S NEXT Hughes told the media on Monday that with the National Assembly being an independent arm of the State, the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland can be invited to revisit his interpretation.

“I would imagine the Speaker, being as prudent as I know him to be, would probably seek the advice of

senior counsel locally and internationally to assist him in the interpretation of that section,” the attorney said.

On the issue of whether he would be interested in taking the matter to court himself, Hughes declined, stating that the persons in power who have interest to serve will do so if they so please, as he has no interest in this regard.

Said he: “Whether the government wishes to demit office and go to elections, that’s a matter for them. I just merely wanted to state so that everybody in Guyana, at least, would have an opportunity not only to look at that section, Article 106, subsection 6, but to also look at what the authority says.

Nigel Hughes

“I made a statement on my interpretation on what the legal position is in relation to a vote of no-confidence.

The outcome of it I have no interest in.”

Pressed further on his scrutiny of the Constitution at such a time, when motions have been carried by the government’s one- seat majority for years, Hughes said: “I have put forward my position; I have supported it by arguments. Those who think those arguments are silly or not worthy are entitled, of course, to their opinion, and I respect their opinion.”

He, however, said that apart from matters settled in Parliament: “The forum in which we determine these issues is the court.”

NALICO signs salary increase agreement with CCWU

CCWU President, Sherwood Clarke

IT took the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union and the administration of North American Life Insurance Company (NALICO) just one day to negotiate and agree on a retroactive 10 per cent across the board 2018 salary increase for staff at the insurance company.

The two sides officially signed the agreement on Monday at the boardroom of the Department of Labour. The agreement covers rank

and file employees and supervisors.

The retroactive increase covers the period December 1, 2017 to November 30, 2018; and though the one year agreement was signed yesterday in light of the festive season the company kindly facilitated for the staff to be paid earlier in the month.

“We’re very happy with this outcome,” said NALICO Branch Representative Tessa Hinds.

“We have very good relations with the CCWU, and for the next

agreement we will look towards a multi-year agreement.”

Also present on behalf of NALICO was Admin Manager, Shivraj Singh. Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, oversaw the signing of the agreement.

Aside from their retroactive salary increase, employees at the company were also treated to a one month’s pay Christmas bonus. The agreement also saw the “bicycle allowance” for office assistant be-

ing set at $4000, the cashier’s “risk allowance” was set at $3000.

Signing the agreement on behalf of the CCWU was its President Sherwood Clarke, who commended the relations between the Union and NALICO. “We took only one day to negotiate this agreement and that was very good,” Clarke said.

No need for hostility, hate

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

–President urges in Christmas message

PRESIDENT David Granger has called on the nation to accept that differences exist and that there is no need for hostility and hate.

“Guyanese, despite the divisions of the past and the difficulties of the present should accept that differences would sometimes exist, but they need not be hostile or hateful,” the Guyanese leader said in his Christmas message.

He reminded that Christmas celebrates the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ.

“Guyanese at home and in the diaspora are observing this sacred event with joy.

It is special season on that is filled with the spirit of friendship and fellowship,” he noted.

The President said that the promise of

peace and goodwill on earth is central to the festival of Christmas and to the ministry of Christ. “The gospel of St. Luke in the Holy Bible reminds us that, on the eve of Jesus’s birth, angels proclaimed: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’

The promotion of peace and the fostering of goodwill are the eternal messages of Christmas and the essential conditions for achieving social cohesion in this country and everywhere in the world,” he noted.

He said that the lesson of Christmas teaches one the value of peace among peoples and goodwill toward all and he noted that the government is creating a community of citizens based on mutual respect and aimed at ensuring the common good.

He noted too that “Guyana is becoming a gentler, kinder, more compassionate country. Everyone, regardless of race, religion, political persuasion, social status or place of residence could look forward to sharing the goodwill of this festival and to living in peace with one another.”

The festival of Christmas could be celebrated most meaningfully by remembering the biblical proclamation of Jesus’s birth, the President said. “ Let us work together to eradicate the capital vices of anger, greed and hatred and to engender peace and goodwill in our families, in our communities and throughout our beloved country,” he added as he wished the nation happy and peaceful Christmas.

President David Granger

‘Opportune time to demonstrate difference with Local and Central Governance’

THE Mayor and Town Council of the municipality Bartica have declared independence in their leadership and plans for the town.

Following the no-confidence motion being won by the opposition, causing induced Central Government elections in the country, the Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall and his council have professed their commitment to executing their promised plans to their people.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Mayor Marshall said that local government provides for autonomy, in that, the local leaders are not controlled by the central leaders.

“Municipalities are expected to be autonomous.

The people would have spoken on November 12th, when they voted us as their respective representatives.

Now we have to carry out our mandate of fulfilling our promises to transform our municipality,” Marshall said.

In fact, he believes that this is the opportune time to

demonstrate to the people, the difference between local and central governance.

“We have a responsibility of differentiating regional, local and central governance, and I believe that this is our opportunity to show the people that regardless

ty for development. “… because despite whatever disruptions may be had centrally, the local communities will not be vastly affected, since there will be leaders carrying out their duties in their respected Local Authority Areas.”

and the way forward.

The outgoing members expressed satisfaction and contentment with their works over the past two and a half years. Previous Mayor, Kamal Persaud said that it was a privilege serving her community and

bers are anxiously awaiting the New Year of which they will be officially instated to start executing their plans. They told the Guyana Chronicle that in spite of ruckus in the country, they will continue to exhibit transparency, loyalty and

Some of the outgoing and incoming members of the Bartica Town Council sharing a bittersweet photo moment at the council’s office last week of what is occurring at the central level, we will continue to represent their best interest,” he added.

Mayor Marshall said that this will also in the interim, highlight why the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) saw local government as a necessi-

Just last week, the town council saw the last statutory meeting for the outgoing councillors and the first for the incoming. The leaders shared a bittersweet gathering in the boardroom of the town council, as they conveyed their sentiments on Bartica’s development

she enjoyed every moment of bringing the town from where it was, to where it is.

Most of the past members indicated commitment to continue serving their community as a member, despite not in the leadership position.

The new council mem-

commitment to developing their town and bettering the lives of their people.

The lone Alliance For Change (AFC) representative, Zulfikar Hack said that he is saddened by the no-confidence motion but is even more encouraged to show his commitment to the

coalition government.

“I will be supporting the plans that the coalition government has. I am saddened by the win of the PPP in the no-confidence motion, but where there is life, there is hope,” Hack said.

He shared that come January, his ambition to bring to the council is to empower the school drop outs in Bartica. He said that number of drop outs per year is very high, which means that the unemployment rate of young people are high as well. Making them marketable is a strategy that must be taken he said, therefore he will push to have a technical school in the town.

Each council member has a myriad of intentions for the small town and the mayor assured that they will be fulfilled.

“Subventions were already allocated for the municipality and the monies were already passed in the budget. I do not foresee any of our work being stifled as a result of what transpired on Friday,” Marshall said.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Jagdeo rules out ‘youths’ as presidential candidate LEADER of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo has announced that the executive committee of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will commence discussions on the selection of a presidential candidate for the party on Thursday.

“Because of the recently passed no-confidence motion,” he said, “we have to accelerate our process, but we are not scrambling to do it.

“We have a big pool and a lot of young people,” he told reporters during a press conference at his Church Street office on Monday, adding that the position will however be harder for a “newbie”.

Although the opposition leader did not fully rule out the option of choosing an inexperienced person, he said most of the people in the pool of potential candidates of which he spoke are used to leadership and have executive experience at the Cabinet level.

According to Jagdeo, the pool includes people who are within the age range of 30-50 years old.

“We have a fantastic pool to choose from,” he reiterated. “We will be considering people who expressed their interest, and there are

who is appointed as presidential candidate would be labelled his puppet, but it’s a reality he has come to accept.

Jagdeo had said before that the PPP/C would announce their candidate before the end of the year, but the recently concluded Local Government Elections

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

also those who will express interest,” said the opposition leader, noting that their vision is that any candidate would bring the people together.

As the party prepares to discuss its options for presidential candidate, Jagdeo said there has been no discussion as yet as to who will be the prime ministerial candidate, but they intend on settling that matter closer to the elections season, which is expected to be in 2019.

Despite not making a decision on the two candidates,

Jagdeo was certain that he will be part of the government, should his party win the elections.

“As the general secretary,” he said, “my job is to work hard to get them elected and ensure we deliver…

“I will have to ensure we deliver on our promises; I have to ensure that it happens…

“I have no interest in the things people believe, but I have to make sure we deliver, so I will be there as a counsel to deliver.”

He believes that anyone

(LGEs) and the budget debates would not permit the party to do so.

“I have been in favour of doing it pretty early,” he said.

“The process, so far, is that you have a discussion at the level of the executive, and it goes to the central committee, which is made up of 35

members.

“And then at that level, it is agreed by consensus, or then we go to balloting,” said the opposition leader, adding that only the central committee of the party could change the process.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

FITUG calls for political maturity at this time

THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) hails the manifestation of our nation’s cherished democratic culture heralded by the debate and subsequent vote in the National Assembly on the no-confidence motion.

The FITUG recognises that though the notion of such a motion is not new and has long been a Constitutional feature, it is the first time that such a motion has been successfully charted.

The federation was heart-

ened to learn that the government has accepted the results of the vote and not too long from now National and Regional Elections will be held. We, at this time, look to the Guyana Elections Commission to fulfill its mandate and deliver an election that is free and fair and free of fear too. Our organisation, of course, will be following developments on this front.

We also recognised the statements of Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo who has committed to dialogue

with the administration as our nation finds itself in uncharted waters. This, we believe, is a step in the right direction.

We noted too that President David Granger has signalled his willingness to meet and we hope that such meeting could be soon convened recognising the medical treatment the President is receiving at this time. We certainly hope those discussions will yield fruits in the interest of the Guyanese people.

Indeed, the events of December 21 and the days that follow have gripped the nation’s attention and those who support and promote democ-

racy must be wary of attempts to seek to put a brake on its forward direction. For the FITUG, as our people celebrate the year-end holidays, a period characterised by togetherness and genuine Guyanese hospitality, we seek that this collectiveness is carried into the new year as we begin to engage in essential considerations and takes related to the electoral process.

The Federation, at this time, wishes all Guyanese a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful 2019 filled with joy, happiness and success.

CIOG calls for respect of democratic process

FOLLOWING the recent political developments in our country, where a no-confidence motion was passed by parliament, the Central Islamic Organisation in Guyana calls on citizens to respect our maturing democracy.

Guyana belongs to all Guyanese, regardless of race, creed, or religion. Our country is on the cusp of a massive transformational economic and social trajectory that can only be undermined by a divided Guyana. CIOG calls on all Guyanese to reject separatism and ethnic fear mongering for these would damage our country, harm our people, and benefit only economic mercenaries.

As we progress through a turbulent political climate, CIOG categorically states that our politicians, citizens, and civil organisations have a moral and ethical responsibility to work together to safeguard our birthright, protect our democracy, and ensure the well-being of each and every Guyanese.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

13

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

GAWU: The human spirit and the Christmas message must prevail CHRISTMAS, as we know, is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

His religion – Christiani-

ty – has survived many trials in its history and is known for many values humanity has embraced. Among these are

peace and empathy for the poor and vulnerable.

Today, in the Middle Eastern lands where Jesus

Christ was born and where he lived we see continuous conflict and turmoil. Thousands are losing their lives, losing their homes and meagre possessions and forced to contend with dire circumstances.

In our Guyana, at the present time, we are witnessing growing intolerance and escalating economic pressures, unemployment and high-handedness stalk many communities. In this season, we see the heartless measure whereby sugar workers remain jobless and clueless about the future. Really, this will be the most challenging Christmas for the Guyanese working-class.

The human spirit, however, knows how to overcome adversity. Ways and means

must once again be found to deal with our misfortunes.

This is the season of hope and we must resolve to never give up. It must be noted that Jesus is regarded as a type of religious rebel who confronted courageously the Roman rulers on behalf of the oppressed. Hope dwelt amongst them.

With the foregoing sentiments uppermost in our thoughts, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins the Christian community in celebration, yet again, in this season of Christmas. We wish the Christian community, indeed all Guyanese, a joyous season.

This season now transcends its origins as all Guyanese seem to be caught up in some aspect

of the twelve-day celebration whether in church, home or community. Christmas signals the closure of 2018, a year of severe challenges for the masses of Guyanese. It also brings us to the threshold of a new year, which if it is to be a better year requires our united struggles and selfless efforts. The celebration of Christmas 2018 embraced by so many, presents the opportunity for togetherness to prevail over selfishness, political high-handedness and discrimination and set our nation on the path to harmony and strive to ensure that peace and goodwill among men and women prevail.

A joyful Christmas and a New Year of Hope from GAWU – to all Guyana!

PPP: as the New Year beckons, new challenges may be forthcoming CHRISTMAS is the season of merriment and a time for compassion and kindness, the People’s Progressive Party said in a message.

It is also a time for prayers and goodwill among people. Whatever challenges may confront Guyanese they always find ways and means to share in the spirit of the season. Our Christmas traditions and values are internationally renowned. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Christian community here and in the diaspora for a merry Christmas and a successful New Year. As we celebrate, our party would like to urge reflection so that the pertinent messages and significance of this

festive time are not lost.

Christmas marks the birth of the saviour Jesus Christ, whose exemplary life and teachings provide guidance for the upliftment of humanity. Let us all be inspired by what he stood for to build a more tolerant society where hope of a better future becomes the prevailing sentiment and mood. As we celebrate, the PPP also urge that the needy and the less fortunate and the many others who are faced with challenges of various sorts remain in our thoughts and enjoy our usual generosity.

As the new year beckons, new challenges may be forthcoming but if we remain steadfastly hopeful, we As Guyanese will overcome them.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Another Christmas Day with Amanda –– bonding with the elderly at the Palms

Patient-care Assistant, Amanda Mendonca

By Alva Solomon FOOD is placed on the table, the elderly sit around, chatting about yesteryear, awaiting the invitation to eat as a radio in the corner plays Christmas Carols.

This is how life at the Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam usually is on

Christmas Day, according to Amanda Mendonca, a patient-care assistant who is spending her ninth Christmas at the facility.

She will be working the night shift on Christmas Day, and while she would prefer being with her family, she said she has a duty to fulfill.

Mendonca said that working at the Palms, looking after the elderly can be challenging but it’s a job she enjoys. “I do enjoy it, especially around this time of year. This is the time when they feel sad,” she said, a hint of melancholia creeping into her voice as she spoke.

She noted that each year, the situation at the Palms on Christmas Day is almost the same. Many of the residents would reflect on life and share stories of their good and not so good times, especially Christmas stories.

They would share those sto-

The Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam

ries with each other on most occasions, and also with the staff.

Among her many duties on that special day is to put a

smile on the faces of the residents. The mood is usually quiet, she said. The nurses normally share breakfast, and the residents would sit

around and wait their turn when the food is served.

Some residents are abandoned by their relatives, so at Christmastime, the staff

would ensure that they always have company.

On Christmas Day, Guyanese traditional foods such as pepperpot and bread, cake and are usually on the table at breakfast and at lunchtime. Some folks listen to the songs on the radio, while others prefer the interviews and other live radio programmes.

“Sometimes I do feel sorry,” she said, “because you have moments where you think, ‘When I get older, I want something different.’”

But some residents do get the odd visitors on Christmas Day. Mendonca said the institution can do with a little extra help with caring for the elderly, as with only two nurses per shift, it can be tough going at times. “We do provide as much care as we can to residents,” she said, as she prepared for her next shift.

PNCR: The Christian spirit of charity continues to inspire Guyanese of all religions THE miraculous birth of Jesus Christ–celebrated by most Christians on the 25th December–is recorded in the Gospel according to St. Luke as heralding an era of “peace on earth and good will toward men.”

Jesus’ humble birth took place in a common manger in a tiny town in an obscure country. He was able, nevertheless, with a small band of disciples, to preach a gospel

that transformed the world in a most fundamental way and created a remarkable Christian civilisation of which we are all heirs.

Guyana being a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is in a unique position to benefit from the teachings of the religions of all of its peoples. Christmas is, therefore, not only for members of the Christian community but for all Guyanese in a very

real sense. There is abundant evidence that the teachings of Christianity and its practices have influenced the lives of all of our people.

In other words, this country has seen the benefits of the policy of allowing all religions to flower in Guyana. Christian beliefs go well beyond the religious and have had a notable effect on all aspects of life in Guyana, in terms of the production of art,

literature, our way of living and our objective of building a harmonious and tolerant society.

The Christian spirit of charity continues to inspire Guyanese of all religions.

Ordinary people everywhere reach out with compassion and generosity to help their brothers and sisters in distress. We call to mind the plight of the aged, the poor and other vulnerable citizens.

We remember our servicemen and soldiers who will spend this joyous festival separated from their families at sea and on our far-flung frontiers. We recognise the service of our nurses, servicemen, technicians and working people who maintain our utilities, sanitary facilities and security services to ensure that citizens could be safe and that the nation could be secure.

The biblical promise of peace on earth and good will toward men, however, remains unfulfilled. Guyanese are urged on the occasion of this sacred festival–through thought, word and work–to make Jesus’ message of mercy and his ministry to the poor and needy the main motifs of their celebration.

Caricom SG: It is a time for peace, joy and reflection IN the past year, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has made some significant advances.

Agreements have been reached and legal instruments have been signed as the Member States demonstrated their commitment to strengthening integration.

As is to be expected the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) has been at the forefront of our activities, culminating in the St. Ann’s Declaration on the CSME issued following a Special Meeting of the Heads of Government in Portof-Spain in December.

Earlier in the year, in June, I had convened a broad-based consultation with stakeholders including the private sector, labour, non-governmental organisations, youth and the media in Georgetown to get their views on the CSME. Their

positive and constructive views on how to improve the operations were much appreciated and factored in to the plans for advancing implementation.

Indeed, so successful was the session that the Heads of Government have requested that such a consultation be convened annually by the Lead Head of Government with responsibility for the CSME and the secretary-general. To maximise the potential of the event, it is expected that national consultations will be held with the same purpose.

A vital aspect of both the CSME and the entire integration process is the access to efficient and affordable transportation. A huge step was taken in that regard with the approval and opening for signature of the new CARICOM Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA).

So far eight (8) Member States have signed the agreement. This instrument is aimed at improving connectivity and facilitating movement of people in the Region as well as increasing trade in goods and services.

Steps are being taken to reinforce the operation of our security mechanisms as, among other things, we seek to ensure the integrity of the regime allowing the free movement of CARICOM nationals. The issue of crime and security has also engaged our youth who have been working assiduously on the Youth Advocacy and Action Agenda on Violence Prevention. They have conducted internet-based discussions and live workshops as well as surveys and interviews to create this agenda. It represents what they believe needs to be done to tackle

the issues of crime and violence in our communities.

This is a very significant initiative on a most relevant issue which will be presented to a Youth Summit in Guyana in January. Internationally we have resumed our leadership role in the fight against chronic non-communicable diseases with the six priorities on which the Region advocated during the United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs finding favour and being part of the Outcome Document. These included implementing policies geared towards preventing childhood obesity which is of serious concern to our Region. Our youth has also drawn to my attention an often overlooked NCD–that of mental health–when I had an interactive session with them from across the Region, organised by the CAR-

ICOM Youth Ambassador corps last July. Mental illness is another NCD that we have to confront.

As we approach the last year of our five-year Strategic Plan (2014-2019), the reform process to help re-position CARICOM is moving on apace. We have instilled a results-oriented culture complete with tools for measuring and evaluating our progress and a strategic business plan for the secretariat is being finalised. We are seeking to review our Regional institutions to optimise the benefits that could be obtained from those specialised bodies. The imperative is to improve the service to our citizens and ensure they feel the positive impact of integration in their daily lives. Let me wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and a peaceful 2019.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Hope for Good Hope residents

–– as SDA ministers to people’s needs

By Lisa Hamilton RESIDENTS of the East Coast Demerara (ECD) community of Good Hope for the first time have access to services addressing their social, mental, physical and spiritual well-being all at one place with the launch of a new Life Hope Centre.

The centre, a two-story building large enough to accommodate comfortably 100 persons at one time, was commissioned by the Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day-Adventists (SDA) on Sunday.

Director for Missions of the Conference, Pastor Margaret Ramsarran explained the function of the centre as one which would help to influence the elimination of alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence, illiteracy and many other social ills from the community.

“This Life Hope Centre is for the people of Good Hope.

It is here to serve the people, to help them to take control of their lives and grow and develop physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually,” she said.

Pastor Ramsarran revealed that the idea was birthed in the mid-1990s with the Conference’s vision of intentionally bringing hope to the less fortunate and vulnerable in rural communities.

Although Lusignan was initially pinpointed as the best location, social activist in the area Azeez Khan highlighted the neighbouring village of Good Hope as having the potential to benefit a larger population.

In June 2017, construction of the building commenced, and although there were insufficient funds at hand, Ramsarran said that by faith, the leaders pressed on and were rewarded in the end.

A BEAUTIFUL COMPLETION “Thank God that He always provided the funds at the right time, and has brought us to a beautiful completion,” Pastor Ramsarran told the audience.

According to President of the local Conference, Pastor Richard James, it is the first time in the history of the Caribbean SDA Church that such a centre is owned and built by the body.

Contributing financially to its realisation were the General Conference; the Caribbean

Community members and SDA leaders cutting the ceremonial ribbon to formally declare the Centre open. From left are: CARU President, Pastor Kern Tobias; CARU Religious Liberty Director, Dr. Clive Dottin; Director for Missions, Pastor Margaret Ramsarran; SDA President, Pastor Richard James; Executive Secretary of the local conference, Pastor Exton Clarke and others

The newly-commissioned Life Hope Centre at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara

Community members at the building’s commissioning (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Union Conference (CARU); and the Guyana Conference of SDA. Individuals contributing included Mahase Ragoonauth of Trinidad and Tobago; Waveney Stokes of the USA; the Richmond Hill SDA Church in Queens, New York; Asha Singh of the Cayman Islands; and Pastor Cliffmond Shameerudeen.

As Pastor James observed: “This Centre exists to minister to the needs of people in our multicultural and diverse communities. For example, at this Centre, demonstrations on cooking healthy, non-expensive meals or providing counselling on how to prepare a budget and to make wise financial decisions are part of the activities that will be taking place.”

Noting also that neighbouring communities stand to benefit as well from the services offered by the Centre, Pastor James said: “Additionally, it can provide people with something to eat or a place to pray and counsel with persons who are divorced, bereaved or just desperately lonely. That is why it is called a Life Hope Centre.”

Also in attendance at the dedication service were CARU President, Pastor Kern Tobias; CARU Religious Liberty Director, Dr. Clive Dottin; and Executive Secretary of the local Conference, Pastor Exton Clarke.

In his feature address, Pastor Tobias said that in the same way Christ expressed love to all Mankind, so, too, do Christians have the responsibility to do likewise by assisting others.

COMMUNITY IN NEED “When our community stands in need of help from us and we have an opportunity of being of service to them; when they differ in their opinion and practice from us in such cases as this, it will be known whether we have this badge of being Christ’s followers by the love we display,” he said.

Remarks came, too, from representative of the Lusignan-Mon Repos Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Althea Harper who said that the much-needed facility will help to strengthen families and individuals for better communities.

Many from the area turned out to the launching, while several others involved in its success were present, too, and were thanked for their support during the project’s embryonic phase.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Minister Harmon, family fete West Demerara children MINISTER of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and his daughter, Mrs. Danielle Harmon- Klien on Sunday feted over 400 children drawn from communities on the West Bank Demerara at their annual Children’s Christmas Party, which was held at the West Demerara Secondary

School’s auditorium.

The children, who came from the communities of Phoenix Park, Pouderoyen, Best Village, Vreeden- Hoop, and Malgre Tout among other communities were delighted to receive Christmas presents and goodies.

This year marks the 12th

year that Minister Harmon and his family have hosted the Christmas party for children living in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) Region. Every year, since its inception, the Christmas party has grown and as a result, can no longer be kept at the minister’s Phoenix Park home. The Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, surrounded by his daughters Joelle Harmon and Danielle Harmon- Klien, as he addresses the attendees

Some children of West Demerara eagerly awaited their gifts from Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon today at his 12th annual children's Christmas party held at the West Demerara Secondary School

minister of state believes in giving back to the community and as such, he said he remains committed to contributing in a tangible way to the development of youths.

“We have been blessed throughout the year and what better way to celebrate this season than giving back?

So today we want to give back to you the children. We believe that it is important for us to give back than to receive and so that is what we are doing here today,” Minister Harmon stated.

More importantly, the minister of state said that as a member of government, there is both a personal and professional consideration for children and young people while noting that the APNU+AFC government will continue to invest in youth.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Harmon-Klien, who is based in the United States, said each year she looks forward to spending time with the children. “It is good to see some of the faces that we’ve been seeing over

the years,” she said. Tenyear-old Alisha Moideen, of Best Village, said she was happy to have been invited to the party. Two other children, Ms. Zaynab Providence and Ms. Badieh Williams of Phoenix Park, each thanked the minister.

Deputy Regional Executive Officer of Region Three, Mrs. Jenifer Ferreira- Dougal as well as other regional officials attended the Christmas party. (Ministry of the Presidency)

M&CC lawyers say contractors breached contracts LAWYERS attached to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) have advised that that the City’s two main garbage contractors have breached their contracts with the municipality when they decided to pull their services recently.

Outgoing Mayor Patricia Chase-Green made the announcement at the municipality’s final statutory meeting for the year.

According to ChaseGreen, the M&CC will be seeking a second opinion to that which was provided

by Attorney-at-law Roger Yearwood.

She informed that in the interim, the M&CC will continue to work along with the smaller contractors who will remain on board until January 31, 2018.

The government, though, has entered into an arrangement with the two contractors–Puran Brothers Disposal Services and Cevons Waste Management Inc.–for them to provide services to the City until the end of 2018.

The government has also pledged to pay the contractors all of the monies outstanding by M&CC since June 2018.

It is not clear where the

M&CC is going with trying to obtain a second opinion of whether or not the contractors breached their contracts with the municipality. But Chase-Green and a number of councillors were arguing recently that they need to find a different approach going forward in 2019.

Some other councillors, though, sympathised with the contractors and acknowledged that the companies could not continue working without pay.

Chase-Green was complaining that the contractors use the Christmas season every year to hold the City Council at ransom. The contractors have however denied that they deliberately take this stance every Christmas.

Meanwhile, following the latest arrangement by the government and the two contractors, Cevons will provide services for the rest of the year to Georgetown’s Groups Five and Six. Groups Seven and Nine will be covered by Puran Brothers, which has already placed its compactor back at the Albouystown Market.

Cevons has also placed its compactor back at the Bourda Market.

“That help is welcome

–– Council seeking second opinion

Councillors on Monday at the final statutory meeting of the Mayor and City Council for 2018

because the last week of Christmas and the one after Christmas would see a lot more garbage than normal.

So that help is most welcome,” Director of Solid Waste, Walter Narine has since expressed.

Both contractors wrote to the M&CC recently, stating that it was not that they wanted to stop working, but

that their current financial positions could not permit them to continue to purchase fuel and meet other expenses needed to get the job done.

Representatives of both companies said that they were frustrated by the M&CC’s inability to make timely payments to them.

The contractors were also hoping that since the govern-

ment stepped in and bailed out the municipality in 2017, M&CC would have made an effort to make payments in a timely fashion and not allow the outstanding balances to pile up.

The contractors had also agreed to move the credit facility in the contracts from 21 to 90 days to allow the City Council more time to pay.

But the contractors now feel that that City Hall took advantage of such a facility and made no effort to pay within the 90 days. The City Council is now seeking legal advice to determine if the contractors breached their contracts.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Caricom condemns Venezuela … says latest act violates the sovereign rights of Guyana under international law

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) views with grave concern the reported interception by the Venezuelan navy on Saturday of a seismic research vessel flagged by the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

“Such acts violate the sovereign rights of Guyana under international law, its entitlement to a territorial sea, Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf, and pose a threat to Guyana’s economic development and national security,” Caricom said in a statement Monday evening.

“The Caribbean Community reiterates its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, including its right to peacefully explore and exploit its onshore and

offshore resources,” the statement added.

On Sunday the U.S. Government called on Venezuela to respect international law and the sovereignty of its neighbours in the wake of the interception of research vessel the Ramform Tethys by the Venezuelan navy. In a tweet on Sunday, Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. Department of State Robert Palladino said the U.S Government is closely monitoring the situation.

“We are monitoring reports that the Venezuelan Navy may have interfered with vessels operating on behalf of ExxonMobil. We underscore that Guyana has the sovereign right to explore and exploit resources in its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone,” Palladino said.

According to official reports, at around 10:30hrs on Saturday, the vessel, flagged by the Govern-

ment of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, was conducting seismic surveys on behalf of ExxonMobil in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, when it was intercepted by Venezuela’s Navy. At the time, a total of 70 crew members were on board, including the captain.

Guyana’s foreign affairs minister has dubbed the move illegal, aggressive and hostile, explaining that Venezuela’s action violates Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and demonstrates a real threat to the country’s economic development.

“The Ministry of

a televised statement.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the letter to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has already been dispatched, and the Guyana Government is awaiting a response.

This newspaper was also reliably informed that ExxonMobil is awaiting a response from the Venezuelan Government before it allows the seismic survey to continue. The survey was halted Saturday following the incident and the vessel left the area, Norwegian company, Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) told the Chronicle.

The Venezuelan naval ship has reportedly vacated the area as well.

The Chronicle understands that the foreign

Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. Department of State, Robert Palladino

Photo of the tweet made by Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. Department of State, Robert Palladino

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 70 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,” Minister Greenidge said in

affairs minister met with several members of the diplomatic community here, including the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Terry Steers-Gonzalez; Deputy British High Commissioner to Guyana, Ray Davidson; and diplomats from the Russian Embassy to brief them on the situation.

FULL SUPPORT Greenidge has also been in communication with Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge who has offered his full support to the Government of Guyana in treating with this matter.

The crew members hail from 18 countries with the majority from the Philippines. The Guyana Government is in the process of writing the respective Governments of the foreign nationals as well as the United Nations.

In a statement on Saturday, 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 had made a 10th oil discovery offshore Guyana. 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 the Guyanese people, our partners and shareholders,” he said.

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.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

PPP facilitated Charrandas after ‘betrayal’ vote told reporters that he was grossly disappointed in the AFC, the party to which he belongs. “We are sitting in Parliament like ‘yesmen’ to APNU, and we are AFC,” he said. “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 Prime Minister Hamilton Green’s Pension Bill?” Persaud told

reporters. “We are not opposing anything,” he said.

“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 government MPs maintain all is not lost conscience vote,” he said.

He denied being coerced or even paid by the PPP/C

to vote against his government, Persaud maintained that it was a conscience vote. There have been rumours that Persaud was paid to vote against the government. “I am not a PPP member; I am not affiliated to the PPP,” he said. “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.”

PPP, member Peter Ramsaroop escorting Charrandass Persaud out of Parliament Buildings

FOLLOWING his betrayal of the coalition during his vote for the no-confidence motion against the government last Friday Charrandas Persaud was facilitated and escorted out of the Parliament chambers by the ruling People’s Progressive Party.

Photographs on Monday surfaced showing PPP member, Peter Ramsaroop escorting Persaud out of the Parliament Buildings as well as raiding with him in a vehicle that was parked outside of the Parliament gate. Ramsaroop was also seen pumping his first in the Parliament cham-

bers when Persaud delivered the shocking ‘yes’ vote on the motion. Ramsaroop a known political hop-scotcher had remained behind Persaud throughout the debate of the motion.

Minutes after voting “yes” Persaud on the corridors of the Public Buildings,

PPP member, Peter Ramsaroop joins the vehicle that spirited away Charrandas Persaud following his ‘betrayal’ vote (Keno George photos)

IDB lends further support to CDB’s investments –– in regional energy security BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has mobilised more than US$85 million to increase the region’s energy security through geothermal energy development.

CDB’s Board of Directors has approved acceptance of further financing under the Sustainable Energy Facility (SEF) for the Eastern Caribbean from IDB, with resourc-

es coming from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Government of the Italy.

SEF is part of CDB’s GeoSmart Initiative, which aims to reduce the financial, technical and institutional barriers to geothermal energy development in five Eastern Caribbean states – Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The programme also helps governments build capacity and strengthen institutions so

they can be better equipped to implement and manage geothermal energy initiatives.

US$85.6 million will expand the pool of existing resources under SEF Programme with US$80 million coming from GCF and US$5.6 million from the Government of the Republic of Italy. It will go towards financing the often cost-intensive stages of development from the pre-feasibility studies to

exploration drilling, and eventually field and plant development such as developing wells and building power plants, sub-stations and transmission lines.

Monica La Bennett, Vice-President (Operations) welcomed the new financing, saying it would help to advance the energy transformation and economic development of the beneficiary countries.

“The reality for these countries is that they have small and isolated electricity markets which lack scale, and are heavily dependent on diesel fuel for power generation. This has made the cost

of electricity higher than the global average,” she said.

The Vice-President noted that some of the countries, given their volcanic origins, have large potential for geothermal energy, which could provide lower-cost constant power.

However, the risks that form barriers to exploration and development are often high. The approved package of funding consists of investment and technical grant, contingent grant, as well as concessional loan resources, and will help the countries overcome the barriers to geothermal energy development.

“CDB, by collaborating with partners such as the IDB, is focused on removing these barriers, and creating a low-carbon diversified energy matrix based on more affordability and indigenous renewable energy options, thereby increasing energy security. This is critical for these tourism-dependent economies if they are to improve their competitiveness and fiscal and macroeconomic stability,” she added.

The GeoSmart Initiative contributes to achieving the objectives of CDB’s 2015-2019 Strategic Plan, in which energy security is a cross-cutting theme.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Avenues cleaned with volunteer help

Solid Waste Director Walter Narine on Main Street Sunday morning

Narine, at left, with staff and volunteers who showed up to work on Sunday

APPROXIMATELY 30 staff members of the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) Solid Waste Department, along with members of the public turned out Sunday morning to help clean some of the City’s main avenues.

The initiative was spear-headed by Solid Waste Director Walter Narine who deliberately organised the clean-up initiative on the last weekend before Christmas.

Narine told the Guyana Chronicle on the Main Street Avenue, that the other avenues being looked at were the ones at Carmichael, Waterloo and Camp Streets.

Camp Street Avenue, for one, has been in bad shape, Narine noted. “The grass is very high there. We’re trying to weed, remove the debris and clean the drains adjacent to the avenues,” he informed.

Although no one showed up at Narine’s planned 7:00am time, workers of the Solid Waste Department were already on the road mobilising the tools and starting the work. Narine too, helped with weeding and other work.

“We hope to have more of these volunteer exercises so as to have more participation from the citizens of Georgetown. Hopefully, we will be able to build back confidence with the municipality and citizens of Georgetown. If we do the work together, I think we will achieve much more,”

The Camp Street Avenue after it was cleaned

Narine expressed.

Commenting on the day’s proceedings, he said: “We were small in number but big in hearts and loud in

achievements. Thanks to my amazing team and my special friends for their efforts today.”

The Solid Waste De-

Cleaning a section of the Main Street Avenue

partment has a number of initiatives that it will be zooming in on during 2019; including making better use of plastic bags, proper waste

separation, and ensuring that all waste haulers/garbage trucks are licensed to operate in the city.

These new initiatives

were already placed in the council’s budget and presented to the Finance Committee, Narine disclosed.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Jagdeo to meet President Granger early January –– plans to discuss GECOM, other issues

By Navendra Seoraj

MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon has confirmed that President David Granger has agreed to meet with Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo in January to discuss the way forward following the no-confidence vote last Friday.

Jagdeo had approached Harmon to arrange a meeting with the president after the Alliance for Change (AFC)’s Charrandas Persaud, in an unexpected move, voted in support of the opposition-led motion.

Minister Harmon, in a Letter of Reply to Jagdeo’s request, said President Granger has acknowledged the request and advised that the opposition leader be prepared for a meeting in early January.

“The President departs for Cuba on December 25, 2018 for a follow-up visit on the regime of medical treatment for his health condition. On his return, a precise date and time for the meeting will be communicated to you,” the minister of state said in his letter.

The opposition leader said he intends using the opportunity to discuss where the country will go from here, in

the wake of last Friday’s turn of events.

“Given that after the motion is passed,” Jagdeo said Monday, “elections are expected within 90 days.

NEED TO TALK “We need to talk about this period, and a conduct that does not polarise our country and what happens in the future,” he said, adding that he is also

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

prepared to talk about what happens in the post-elections period, which would result in a new government either controlled by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) or the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

He believes that the PPP/C should not be triumphalist about the motion, because it would disrupt the festive season.

One day after the vote, President Granger assured the nation that his administration will abide by the Constitution. The president 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

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly, determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the elections.”

CARETAKER MODE Jagdeo, in his interpretation of Article 106 (7), said it was to determine the behaviour of the government which is expected to act in a “caretaker fashion” until the elections.

It’s a happy Christmas at the Red Cross Convalescent Home

DURING the festive season of Christmas a lot of persons see a time to give back to the less fortunate, and one organisation that has been really grateful for these donations from the public is the Red Cross Convalescent Home (RCCH) in Durban Backlands.

RCCH provides residential care and support for children usually age five and under, convalescing from malnourishment, abuse, neglect, abandonment and orphanage; working in conjunction with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA).

The home currently caters for some 18 children, including three that are under the age of two. The smallest is a onemonth-old infant. If the CCPA permits some of the children are allowed to go home to spend the Christmas with their parents or relatives.

This year four of the children ages 2–7 years old have gone home to spend some time with their loved ones, however, Christmas for those children spending it at the home is far from bleak, thanks to the abundance of kindness that the Home continues to see.

“They get a lot of toys, food stuff…

they get more than some children at home,” shared Amocia Vanvied, one of the Home’s administrators.

Though nothing can replace the love from a parent or relative, at the convalescent home the staff of 22 try their best to make up for it.

“We try our best to make them feel comfortable and happy. They’re not missing anything, and we try to show them that love,” Vanveid said.

In the least when it comes to the Christmas season the children are not left out of the festivities. All the varying things that help make it special for children. Matter of fact for them the feting even starts a little early.

“They go out to parties and they’ve had parties here at the home. Since November they’ve been going to parties,” Vanvied shared with a laugh.

Vanvied has been working at the home some 13 years now. A constant that many of the children at the home look forward to. House Mother, Joan Stephens-Deveaux has also been at the home for some time now.

Quite a few of the children suffer from disabilities, including children

who are mentally challenged, and those suffering from cerebral palsy.

“Donations are very good and the children are very, very excited,” Stephens-Deveaux said as she sat on a bed feeding the one month old infant.

In a corner Apostle Alex Selom is surrounded by the children as he shares toys and goodie bags, an illustration of the kindness being bestowed on the children.

A radio preacher, Selom is from the Revealed Word Christian Centre in Kitty.

Throughout the year the church looks after meals for the children every Thursdays and Fridays. However December 24 being the birthday of the church’s Bishop Anthony Fontanelle from New York, special donations of food and toys are made to the Home on this date every year.

Fontanelle himself usually visits the orphanage on this date, however this year he is out of the country and the donations were made by Selom.

“We start doing this over 30 years now. Every year he is in the country to celebrate with them but this very year he could not make it to come but we want that legacy to continue as a church so we buy gifts, we cook food. It’s a festive

season and we want to put more happiness on the faces of the children,” Selom shared.

“We bring toys based on the children’s age, so we have some dolls, books, cars, football for the bigger ones, keyboard and different, different stuff.”

As the children walk away with their goodies, one child drops to the floor crying. She is being visited by a staff on maternity leave to whom she is attached.

She doesn’t want the staff to leave. The young lady tried to console her.

In a crib nearby, a nine month old boy is also in tears. He has been learning too much “hand”, the staff said, as they ensure that he is changed and fed. He has to learn to be in his crib for a while.

The noisy atmosphere bothers no one.

This is everyday life at the Home.

Aside from the 22 staff, several volunteers would often pass through the home to help out with the children.

Although the home caters for children up to five years old, children suffering from mental and physical disabilities often stay much longer.

There are two disabled teens at the Home.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

GTUC: Don’t forget the reason for the season

THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) wishes all Guyanese Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Let us in this period of merriment not forget the reason for the season, more particularly at this time where there exists anxiety about the country’s state of affairs.

According to the scriptures, the birth of the Son of God represents His

promise in sending His only begotten Son in order to bring redemption; a new beginning to man’s holistic well-being.

It is a birth that ushered in the era of justice, equality, fair play and love for our fellow man. Guyanese, like the people of yore, are urged to reflect on the stated religious commitment and efforts by mankind in realising same, and how same too can impact our lives—spiritu-

Bishop Francis Alleyne MAY Christ’s gifts of integrity, confidence, honesty grow in our hearts “Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord (Lk 2:11).

THE story line in many books and films is about a savior, a super hero, some one who will save the day, and restore order, security, peace and right relations where these have been compromised. In the time of Jesus, and before, the people of Israel expected the coming of a Messiah and some imagined that this Messiah would take on a military or regal or political role to liberate the people from oppression and misery.

In Guyana today there is much discussion and debate, at various levels in society, about a petroleum “saviour” that is due to appear in 2020. Many are looking towards this coming to be saved from financial difficulty, limited opportunity, unstable and threatening circumstances, not to mention the underlying hopes that some part of the abundant wealth will come their way.

In the discussion on oil revenue, a recommended approach to evaluate its “saving” capacity is to pay attention to the outcome in other countries which experienced a similar wind fall. The evidence strongly suggests that revenues managed well through transparent initiatives in service of the people and for the common good worked best for all concerned. We hope that this will be the case for Guyana.

But the Saviour born to us is not in the image of the hero in the story line moving in on behalf of others to save the day. The Saviour born to us is seeking a place in our hearts to defibrillate, to arrest the arrhythmia brought on by the trends and influence of the world and restore the beat of integrity, peace, justice, love, in sync with his own.

On the first Sunday of Advent we read from the Prophet Jeremiah: See, the days are coming–it is the Lord who speaks– when I am going to fulfil the promise I made to the House of Israel and the House of Judah: ‘In those days and at that time, I will make a virtuous Branch grow for David, who shall practise honesty and integrity in the land.

In those days Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell in confidence.

And this is the name the city will be called: The-Lord-our-integrity.’ (Jer 33:14-16) This is the Saviour born to us; not an external agent acting on our behalf but one seeking a place in our hearts so that we can act on his behalf, individually and together, many “virtuous branches” becoming a presence of Integrity, justice, love, and peace inserted in the reality of this present world. In the days to come the real boon and treasure and saving grace that would bring prosperity to Guyana is a people living their integrity and honesty and dwelling in confidence.

My wish to you, beautifully articulated for us in this season of Christmas, is that the integrity, honesty, confidence and the multiple gifts our Saviour born to us gives us may continue to grow in your hearts always.

al, social, economic and political.

GTUC urges all as they go about their daily lives to create greater space and seize the opportunity to be our brothers and sisters’ keeper. Let us as Guyanese redouble our commitment to that new beginning achieved by our forebears in solidifying the desire of being One People, One Nation, with One Destiny.

23

This season couldn’t be more fitting of the commonality in the struggles of those in biblical times that resulted in the birth of Christ and that of our forebears which resulted in the birth of this nation.

Ours is a nation to build, protect and defend, spiritually and otherwise. And onward, upward we must ever go!

Gov’t in Stabroek

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

… children receive gifts, words of cheer for holidays

‘TWAS’ the night before Christmas and all through the town, everyone was hustling and bustling—trying to get their last-minute shopping done.

There was bumper

to bumper traffic but the APNU + AFC coalition government feted persons comfortably at the Stabroek Square.

The event could easily be mistaken for a political rally, but this

gathering had its underpinnings in the merry season. Earlier on, children received gifts from several of the government ministers present. “We are out here not only because it is

Christmas, but we want to touch and feel you,” APNU parliamentarian and Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence said.

She and other ministers and officials from with the A Partnership

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo addressing t for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) political parties were out in their numbers interacting with citizens on Christmas Eve. “This is Christmas. It is the season of joy, happiness, goodwill and love, and we must show that to our brothers and our sisters and we must speak to children,” she said and later added: “Even as you speak with your families, let them know that we have work to do.”

Following the no-confidence motion brought against the government, many of these persons have become fearful of what the next move is and what new elections might bring.

“We want to let you know, that as Bob Marley said: ‘Everything gon be alright’,” Lawrence posited. “We want to say to all of you that we may have been hit, but we gon knock back.”

She urged all citizens to eat their pepperpot, drink their ginger beer and rest assured that the incumbent government has their best interests at heart. “We have many challenges before us and I hope that together we can confront them and try and make life a lot better for you in the year ahead,” Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl

The crowd that eng

Junior Minister of Public citizens [Delano Williams

Square outreach

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

the crowd at Stabroek

Greenidge also said.

He highlighted that he was happy that the event allowed him to meet with many persons and listen to them air their concerns and spread their best wishes.

And he extended best wishes of his own. “I hope that you are looking forward to having an excellent Christmas and a prosperous New Year in the year 2019,” he said.

Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Georgetown: Ubraj Narine and Alfred Mentore also joined with the ministers to share their well wishes. Narine

gulfed the Stabroek Square on Christmas Eve

c Infrastructure Annette Ferguson interacting with photos]

stressed: “Let us work together for a better Guyana and let us work for our society and our communities.” The man of the moment came soon after the ministers and officials gave their wishes and remarks. Oh, but it was not Santa Claus—

it was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who came to the party clad in his crisp blue suit. And instead of bringing gifts, he brought words of reassurance.

“Christmas gives us hope of a great earth and if we have to go back as

a people to have a renewal of our mandate it is part of the renewal of the life of the coalition,” he said. The prime minister assured that the coalition is strong, stable and good for Guyana.

“Christmas for us must be the day of lib-

eration; [it is] a feeling of freedom, a feeling that we are reborn and if you have never been a supporter of the coalition—you must feel [on Christmas Day] that you are reborn as a coalition supporter,” he said seriously.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Watooka man charged, remanded –– for murder of young Linden footballer A 22-year-old was on Monday charged for the murder of young Linden footballer, Leonard Peters, also known as “Lenny”.

Michael Emmanuel, of West Watooka, Linden was not required to plead to the indictable charge, after he appeared before Magistrate Dylan Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The particulars of the charge state that on December 21, 2018 at West Watooka, Emmanuel murdered Peters.

He was remanded to prison, and is expected to make his next court appearance on January 8, 2019.

According to reports, there was a social event on Friday night in West Watooka, where a misunderstanding developed between the victim and two men, one of whom was the accused, Michael Emmanuel around 22:00hrs.

It is alleged that the victim accidentally spilled alcohol on one of the two suspects, and this subsequently resulted in a physical confrontation.

Following the confrontation, Peters, 21, was observed bleeding from a wound in the region of his heart and was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he reportedly died whilst receiving medical attention.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Guyana Chronicle gives back to their readers

Administrative staff of the Guyana Chronicle pose with the winners of the company’s Christmas giveaway THE Guyana National Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Guyana Chronicle newspaper, added to spreading the joy of Christmas, by hosting a Christmas giveaway for their regular readers.

Persons were encouraged to buy the daily and cut out the coupon for a chance to enter a draw to win five prizes comprising of a printer, $10,000 gift voucher, $10,000 cash, a fruit basket and a cake hamper.

Last Thursday the competition came to an end as the five winners were selected; Dwaine Moses, Karta Pestana, Mohandai Myandat, Teneshia Jonas and Shanta Lall.

Upon collecting their prizes, the excited five said that they all buy the Guyana Chronicle newspaper every day and to have received this gesture of appreciation in this season of giving makes them very grateful.

One winner said, “I read the Chronicle

from Sunday to Sunday and I find it to be very comprehensive. I was traveling and as soon as I came back, I saw the coupon and it took me like three days before it clicked to participate, since I read the papers everyday… and I would love to have a food basket. So when Santa Claus called and told me I won, I said dreams really do come true at Christmas.”

Acting General Manager, Donna Todd expressed how happy she was that they were

reading the newspapers every day, and she encouraged that they continue even after the giveaway.

“We recognised that during the promotion, our circulation went up a little, so we encourage, and will continue to encourage persons to buy our daily. Even if they can’t afford every day, at least the Sunday’s publication so that we can have a wider reach,” Todd told the winners.

‘Savannah Drive’ goes ‘walkabout’ to Moraikobai –– taking Xmas cheer to community’s children

SAVANNAH Drive, headed by founder and coordinator Shane D’Andrade and team, recently hosted their third annual Christmas Party for the children of Moraikobai.

The initiative was made possible by Digicel Guyana and Pristine Waters among others donor agencies, by providing toys and other items for the children during this season.

About 300 children

were catered for where they were treated to the usual Christmas goodies as well as toys.

According to D’Andrade, the event was made possible through the kind donations of its sponsors and the team itself, where they went into their pockets to make the necessary purchases of toys for the children of the Amerindian settlement.

He said that every year

they try to put smiles on the faces of children in the community, and this year was no different and deemed the event as being successful.

D’Andrade is, however, hoping that more sponsors come on board to make the Christmas party for children even bigger.

In 2017, Savannah Drive was officially launched, taking to the savannahs of Guyana to

expose participants to Guyana’s natural beauty while building lasting relationships between Amerindian villages and visitors.

The Drive involves a team of bikers, led by Andrade, following ancient Amerindian tracks, along changing terrain, from sandy to muddy, and past ruins, creeks and several Amerindian villages, including Swan, Laluni and St Cuthbert’s Mission.

Moraikobai children awaiting their toys from ‘Savannah Drive’

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Supplying families with Christmas cakes

––– for over two decades

a quick second to interview her for this piece. She was as usual busy baking scores and scores of black, fruit and sponge cakes for her clients, who just can’t get the job

done, or may be too busy to do it.

Reflecting to when she started, Arlene said it was in the 1980’s when she attended a graduation of a friend at

Arlene Collins

LIKE me, many may not fancy cake baking though they are cake lovers. The thought of creaming butter for hours and making fruits just seem to be too much work for many.

However the tradition of a Guyanese Christmas constitutes that at least a pan of black cake should be in the home for the holidays, as should gingerbeer, pepperpot and mauby. For those who do

not consume alcohol or are just not fans of black cake, sponge or fruit cake can be good substitutes, “but not box cake; that is downright cheating”, affirms experts of Guyanese Christmas.

Making a Guyanese Christmas a reality for many homes in Linden and around Guyana is well known cake decorator, Arlene Collins of Amelia’s Ward Linden. I basically had to beg her for

the YMCA and it was there she knew she had to be in the next batch. “When I was there I just wanted to jump out my seat, something within me started beating and I wanted to do the course too,” she noted.

Arlene was then successful at the beginners and advanced courses of cake decoration after which she immediately started receiving clients little by little. She not only baked Christmas cakes, but for weddings as other events as well.

While the process may be tedious, she has come to love what she does and does it to the best of her ability. This I can attest to, since I always go crazy over Arlene’s black cakes. The texture, the taste, the composition of ingredients are always right.

Describing the entire process of making traditional Christmas black cakes, Arlene said, “I would first start creaming the butter and the sugar with the lard, I would add my other ingredients such as rose water, eggs, burn my sugar, smalta and so forth but I never use baking powder and then I would make sure everything is right before I place it in the oven,” she said.

While she completed the cake decorating course, Arlene still believes that her prayers before baking each cake add to its perfection and so she gave God praise for bringing her thus far, as this has been her only means of earning.

Arlene testified that almost all of her customers would refer her and she has additional customers in that way. “I bake cake for persons on the West Bank of Demerara, Berbice and Georgetown that I have not even met, all through my customers in Linden,” she related. “These persons would just have one bite of my cake and then send in their orders and up to now I haven’t seen their faces.”

This Christmas, Arlene has already baked 20 pounds of fruit cake, 10 pounds of sponge cake and 36 pounds of black cake for families this season. She said that it melts her heart to know that she is completing the package of preparation for the holidays in someone’s home and plans to do so for years to come.

A wide variety of shopping choices for Lindeners With the establishment of over seven supermarkets on the Mackenzie shore alone in Linden, Lindeners can now enjoy a wide variety of choices for their Christmas shopping, compared to previous years when they had to journey to Georgetown to do so.

Grocery shopping was very hard for Lindeners, even in the recent past, after its main shopping centre, ‘Crescent Shopping Plaza’, closed its doors some year ago. To experience that supermarket feeling, Lindeners had to journey to the capital city as well as to access many products that were not available at the small grocery and variety stores in the market arena.

This situation has changed and more noticeable, is that the community of Amelia’s Ward which is a residential community, also has two supermarkets, thus negating the need for residents to take transportation to go down to central Mackenzie to do shopping.

Most of these supermarkets are Chinese owned and while they initially com-

menced with the selling of groceries, they have now extended to variety supermarkets and Lindeners can access a wide variety of products including clothes, cosmetics, toys, household items and decorations under one roof. Owner of one of the extended supermarkets Yeng Yu told the Guyana Chronicle that his family moved to Linden because he realised there was a need and as that need grew, they decided to expand. He said that business is good and he has not regretted his decision.

One of the most supported locally-owned supermarkets is Jermaine and Family, which expanded from Jermaine’s Cheap Shop.

The supermarket is one of the largest and provides a wide variety of items at very competitive prices in a shopping-friendly environment.

It is currently expanding its upper flat which will be a furniture and electronic store.

This festive season, Jermaine and Family Supermarket, is giving back to the Linden community with several house hold items up for grabs

after a grand drawing. Jermaine and Sons’ also has a supermarket on the Wismar shore and another variety store and is providing employment to over 50 Lindeners.

This publication spoke to a few residents who were shopping in the supermarket on Sunday who said that this year, Christmas in Linden is way better, since much more is available in the town. “Before I used to go to town at Bounty, every Christmas and that used to cost me passage, taxi fare, you have to buy thing to eat and all of that, plus if you compare the prices, sometimes some of the things far more expensive than in Linden, so yes I am happy that several supermarkets are open to make shopping easier for Lindeners.”

Another shopper said, “not only Christmas but before, every month I used to go to town and shop at Mattai’s, but now we don’t have to do that, we have our own supermarket right here and this is good for us, I am happy about this.”

While several vendors in the market arena have described sales as somewhat slow compared to previous years, they are optimistic that on Christmas Eve, more persons will come out and support them.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

The Christmas spirit is upon Berbice TODAY December 25th, Christmas Day, is the most celebrated holiday worldwide—a day that many consider as the happiest day of the year where families from all walks of life and religious denominations especially Christians converge and have a scrumptious meal, attend church service, enjoy lots of goodies, presents are exchanged, toys are bought and the kids have a frenzy.

The beauty about Christmas is that every family, region, county and country has unique ways of celebrating this auspicious day, for some it’s a tradition that has been passed on from their fore parents for generations.

In Region Six, East Berbice Corentyne, the “Christmas Spirit” is very much in the air, from as early as the 1st of December the Christmas shopping began and got more intense as the days wind down.

Yesterday, Christmas Eve day, the ‘B’ Division Ranks had to shut down the main road in Rose Hall Town from JC Chandisingh School Street to Outpost Street and divert traffic through the streets as thousands flocked to the stores for last-minute shopping literally bringing the traffic to a standstill. This continued late into the night as stores kept their doors open as late as midnight to accommodate their customers.

As this is ongoing, the sound of music, laughter and scent of Bar-B-Que fill the town as sound systems line the public road where the annual Christmas Eve lime took place. Families can be seen in their red and white outfits synonymous with the holiday, flocking to the various photo studios and booths to get their “Christmas photo with Santa” taken.

The remittance centres of Western Union and MoneyGram had lines to the road as people flocked to collect their “holiday raise” from relatives and friends overseas. While the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Christmas village in Rose Hall Primary School Compound was filled to capacity with excited kids running around in awe at the numerous inflated Christmas balloons, toys and games. The parents can be seen in tow trying to get them still for a photo by the manger, which depicts a proud Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms.

Another must have item for Berbicians at Christmas time is their “ice apple” as the vendors try to entice as

Apostle Kevin Pereira

many customers as possible with their deals ranging from 7-15 apples for $1000. Earlier in the day many homes the housewives kept the men and kids busy as they made preparations for the big day today.

Curtains were being hung, old furniture being moved to accommodate the new one, carpets being laid out and of course the kitchen was busy and the aroma of food fill the air.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the home

ago in preparation for this one day, the black cake already bake, because that can keep but the fruit cake and sponge cake don’t really last as long so those will be baked when the bread finishes. I will finish almost at midnight with everything so that we can all eat be merry and enjoy the day”.

She explains that despite going to bed late she will awake early to attend the Christmas day Sunrise Mass at the New Testament Church of God with her family. The

Miss Newland in preparation mode to complete her fruit cake

for Christmas, Aunty Millie says she surely will make for the new years as that too is part of the Christmas tradition. She will however still have her fill of both since her

Many neighbours compete with each other to see who can outshine the other for the holidays.

Meanwhile, Apostle Kevin Pereira of Changing of Life

birth of Christ. It was the beginning of God’s plan for humanity so people can be saved from their sins. People are more engaged in worldly activities so there a miscon-

Shoppers earlier on Christmas Eve Day in Rose Hall Town

of 68-year-old Amelia Stephen-Newland, a retired teacher of #68 Village, the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air and as this reporter got closer the taste buds started to tingle and mouth watered as the scent of spice and pepper from her pepperpot infused with the scent of the bread.

Fondly called ‘Aunty Millie” or Miss Newland, Christmas Eve day she says, has always been the day to bake the bread, sponge and fruit cake and make her pepperpot. “Since I migrated from Essequibo in 1985, this is our tradition, we start one week

church also has a gift exchange for its congregation followed by carolling, and then the family will return home for breakfast of pepperpot and homemade bread, followed by the opening of gifts. Aunt Millie, a mother of four, says now that her children each has families of their own she is quite happy that they have been carrying on the Christmas tradition and look forward to seeing and spending time with each of them and her grandchildren and give thanks for life, health, peace and happiness.

While she did not make ginger beer or sorrel this year

children made and will take for her. Ginger beer, mauby, Sorrel and in some homes, wines, are a must for Christmas and is usually prepared a week before and allowed to ‘cure’ for a better taste.

Most families on the Corentyne celebrate similar to Aunty Millie with many, especially the younger families, trying to wrap up their preparations by afternoon to either head to Corriverton or Rose Hall Town and New Amsterdam for the shopping deals, family portraits and lime. Houses are lit up with colourful lights that will remain until after the New Year.

Ministries, Williamsburg, says that while some have held on to traditions and the true spirit of Christmas, many are lost and need to take time out to be knowledgeable about what Christmas is all about.

“Things has changed, growing up it was more church and the emphasis was bringing honour and glory to Christ, acknowledging Christ, but somehow or the other in today’s world , the modern world, some have a misunderstanding about what Christmas is all about, while at the same time some gets carried away with the activities of the world.

Christmas is about the

ception of what Christmas is all about.”

Pereira recalled his mom would take him to church often, and during Christmas there is a special feeling of the birth of Christ. He recalled the excitement to be a part of plays portraying Mary and Joseph, noting that sadly those are not a regular feature for some.

He encouraged all to enjoy the holiday season but be conscious that. “Jesus is the reason for the season” and not to lose sight of that by indulging in activities that are not in keeping with the season.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Fire guts part of Diamond Secondary School

A FIRE during the wee hours of the morning on Christmas Eve destroyed the administrative building at the Diamond Secondary School on the East Bank of Demerara.

According to a release from the Ministry of Education, at around 01:20hrs on Monday, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) responded to the report of a fire at the school and upon arrival, found that the administrative building which housed the headteacher and deputy’s offices along with the computer laboratory and the library were engulfedin flames.

The ministry said that thanks to the GFS’s prompt response, firemen were able to contain the blaze to that building alone, which is now

Diamond Secondary School after the fire

completely destroyed.

It said that while the cause of the fire is still unknown, inspections were done by the GFS to ascertain whether there was a power surge affecting that area at the time of the blaze, and found there was nothing untoward.

“It should be noted that no other building was affected or damaged by the fire, and therefore school will reopen as scheduled,” the ministry said, adding that it is currently engaging the school’s administration and other Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) officials to ensure plans are in place to cater for the smooth operations of the school when the new school term begins.

‘Generation Next’ makes 37 more marketable –– after eight-week life-skill training course

THIRTY-seven youngsters are today better off for having attended an eight-week course offered by Generation Next, youth arm of the First Assembly of God church on D’Urban Street, Wortmanville.

All 37, who were successful at several life skills courses, were presented with their Certificates of Completion on Friday during a little graduation ceremony, the eighth to date, at the Generation Next headquarters on D’Urban Street.

According to Administrator, Ms Melissa McCullock, the youths were trained in cake decoration, cookery, floral arrangement and information technology.

The courses, which lasted eight weeks, McCullock said, were offered at a minimal cost, since they wanted to give youths the opportunity to be equipped with a skill so they can earn.

A rich cultural programme was laid on by Generation Next for the graduands, before they were presented with their certificates.

The latest batch of Generation Next graduates with members of the Board of Directors and Trustees after they would have received their certificates on Friday

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

‘Bless the Children’ still fulfilling children’s purpose IN the community of Industry, on the East Coast of Demerara, an extended Christian family has built up a unique support system for each other, and has set out to make the most of the Christmas season and their time together.

This is the family found at the Bless the Children

President of the Bless the Children Home, Fiona Pyszka home. It is a private orphanage founded by the late Sheila Surujpaul and her husband Rev. Surujpaul, which opened its doors to children of Guyana in 2008.

President of the Bless the Children Home and daughter of the founders, Fiona Pyszka shared that at one point, there were about 40 children living at the home but currently, there are about 28 children residing there.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Fiona related her parents believed that every person should have a chance and instead of building a retirement home, her mother built an orphanage to give children this chance.

“Moving on beyond just caring for the kids is ensuring that their purpose is fulfilled so that they get a chance to do what they were created to do,” Fiona said.

But there are challenges that confront the home and this agenda.

“The major challenge that we have is the systems that we have to work with in Guyana to make sure that a child has complete information for them to succeed,” the President said. Here, there is a holdup in the process for children to get their necessary documentation—like their birth certificates.

Children also come into the home after facing traumatic experiences or with emotional issues, and as

such, she highlighted: “I am working on setting up a psychological team to help the kids work through that so that they can have someone to talk to, it’s confidential and they can work through their problems and whatever reason brought them here.”

Fiona said, “Presently the main thing that we use to combat all of it is to create an environment where the kids are safe and they can be heard and that they can be themselves.”

Aside from these issues, the road leading into the orphanage is also a bugbear, since it is filled with potholes and hampers donors’ sojourn to the home. To this end, Fiona related she has written letters to the relevant authorities, and remains hopeful that the recently-elected councillors for the area would look into it.

The woman visited Guyana recently to check up on the children and on the operations of the orphanage, since the founders passed away earlier in 2018.

“I am here to comfort the children, work with the staff and assure everyone that the work being done will continue,” she related. And now as the figure responsible for the orphanage, she takes her role very seriously—because like her parents, she believes in giving the children another chance to be themselves.

It just so happens that it is Christmas time too, so she can ensure that each child gets the best possible holiday season!

“Christmas for us is very significant because we are a Christian orphanage,” she explained and added: “It’s a time for giving back and thanking God for what we have.”

At the home, the children have their gifts wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. Donors would also stop by every day to ensure that they are feeling the Christmas spirit.

In fact, according to Pyszka, the orphanage is supported by local and foreign donors and almost every meal is supplied by these donors. And definitely, at Christmas time there are more frequent and generous donations, she highlighted but posited too: “It’s after Christmas where we do need the help too.”

“We are debt-free and we’re hoping it keep it that way,” she said and highlighted that she was looking to establish a base of supporters where persons who would not only periodically donate but there would be fixed

persons who would function as partners, to continuously contribute to the success of the home.

Nevertheless, she was effusive with her praises for all of the businesses, families and volunteers that support the children and the home.

Furthermore, she shared too that she was overwhelmed with the support from the local community.

“It’s very refreshing to see the local community come together and help,” Fiona affirmed.

That road that leads into the orphanage is badly deteriorated

32

Try something different for Christmas

LOCAL entrepreneur and chocolatier, François Muhammed has set out on a journey to challenge Guyanese to try something unique and different this Christmas season—his handcrafted, all-natural chocolate creations.

François, is a Frenchborn Guyanese chocolatier who opened the coun-

try’s first artisanal chocolate shop on the second floor of the City Mall on Camp Street, Georgetown. Named “Maison François”, you can easily find some of the most interesting chocolate creations.

In fact, François said: “We have like sixty different types of chocolates in the store right now.”

Whether it’s his fruit flavoured creations or chocolates made with 18 carat edible gold, you might think his ritzy creations could not possibly be created by the simple man.

But what is even more fascinating is that François has decided to make handcrafted, Christmas-themed chocolates for the season.

Taking blocks of his choc-

olates made from scratch, he has carved out models of Santa Claus, Christmas trees and the Christmas gingerbread houses.

Very versed in his field, François highlighted that it does not take very long for him to create these chocolates. In fact, he said: “It would only take about thirty minutes to carve the Santa. But the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Local entrepreneur and chocolatier, François Muhammed trees are very easy, and the houses are even easier.”

These creations can be further customised to suit customers’ likings— like carving their names or simple messages. But the entrepreneur noted that with his business, being the first of its kind

in Guyana, persons are yet to fully appreciate the full scope of his business.

“Instead of making custom orders in advance and uplifting it, people would perhaps prefer to come in on See page 33

François’s Christmas Gingerbread house

A white chocolate Santa Claus and a Christmas tree made by François

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Prison system searched ahead of holidays – operation nets cache of banned items

A MASSIVE search of all five of the country’s prisons on Monday has unearthed contraband and prohibited items.

The search, which involved some 260 security officers from both the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Prison Service, was mounted between 05:50 and 14:30hrs.

Among some of the items found were: Cellphones, 21 in all; SIM and Memory cards; 61 lighters; 12 smoking utensils; four metal forks and spoons; 52 razor blades; six earpieces; several packets of cigarettes and bamboo; four phone adapters and a quantity of phone chargers; five pairs of scissors in addition to a large quantity of improvised weapons; 12 bottles of fermented wine and three bottles of pepper sauce; a quantity of nails, six compasses and five pieces of broken mirrors; a quantity of

stones; ‘AAA’ batteries and sandpaper; and 46 grams of cannabis.

According to the authorities, the smuggling of contraband items into prisons remains a perennial problem within the system, but they have been working assiduously to curb the practice.

Their efforts, they say, have not gone unpaid, as they have resulted in several prison officers being caught facilitating the illegal trade, which is said to be “big business”.

Back in July, Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels had disclosed during a press conference that several prison officers had been relieved of their duties, after they were found to be working in collusion with each other in order to facilitate the movement of suspected contraband into the Lusignan Prison Holding Bay area.

Try something ...

From page 32

Christmas Eve and just pick up whatever is here,” the chocolatier said.

Though there are always the normal boxes of chocolates, why not embrace the extra special goodies?

“This is my first Christmas in Guyana as a business owner and this is something new and real.. All all-natural stuff,” he remarked.

And the chocolatier explained that his chocolates are made from real cocoa and that his creations have about 70 per cent ‘dark chocolate,’ which means that while they will be yummy for your tummy, they are also much healthier.

In Guyana, he knows that persons are accustomed to getting the renowned chocolates- the Hershey’s, M&M’s, Lindt and the Ferrero Rocher goodies. But for him, his creations add a touch of magic to any Christmas festivity.

“I think this Christmas people are going to see natural stuff,” he said.

“These are all things that they have not seen before... and not the packaged stuff they are accustomed to, but locally-made, natural chocolates.”

Some of the items found during the prison raid

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

No ‘hero of democracy’ but a ‘stoolie’ –– says PNC Region 10 of Charrandas’s betrayal THE Region 10 Committee of the People’s National Congress (PNC) believes that former Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandas Persaud is no “hero of democracy” as he is being hailed in some quarters.

Rather, they believe that his betrayal of the Coalition

was “pre-meditated and fully orchestrated” by the Opposition.

In a statement to the media on Monday, the Committee further called on its supporters across the (Upper Demerara-Berbice) region to defend their right to the good life as promised by the coalition government.

Said the group in their statement: “We have noted the desperate attempts by Mr. Persaud to portray himself as a hero of democracy for having exercised his ‘conscience for the first time’ since taking up his seat in the National Assembly, notwithstanding his own indications that he disapproved of several issues

which came up for a vote in the House over the past three years but voted ‘Yes’ each time.

“It is incredulous that Mr. Persaud would attempt to have us believe that his vote of betrayal, resulting in the fall of the coalition government during last Friday’s sitting, was as a result of a sudden

awakening of his conscience.

“We believe that his actions were pre-meditated and fully orchestrated as part of the ruthless machinations of the PPP/C, in their desperation to regain political power at all cost, ahead of first-oil for Guyana, and their insatiable appetite to steal and squander our country’s resources, while denying hardworking Guyanese the good life we all deserve.”

Having gotten that off their chest, the group is now urging PNC supporters to re-examine the intentions and achievements of the Coalition since entering office, as well as the President’s long-term vision for the country.

“Examine the interventions by the Coalition Government since taking office,” they say, “and recognise the merits of our collective vision to rebuild and transform the public infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country;

the significant adjustments in the living wages of our public service and pensions for our seniors; the bold attempts to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity and our new-found oil wealth; our radical overhaul of institutional approaches to equity and wealth distribution for all Guyanese and; our visionary approach to sustainable development in the context of the national Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) under the leadership of our beloved President David Granger.”

With this in mind, citizens were urged to make full use of the “crucial” months ahead leading up to the elections by rallying around their party straight way into the elections.

Back in the 2015 general elections, there was a 68.4 per cent voter turnout in the region, with 16,791 voting solidly for the Coalition, and 2,785 for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Second man charged, remanded –– for assault, robbery of undercover cop

A SECOND person has been charged and remanded to prison for allegedly assaulting and taking away a policeman’s gun while he was on duty at a nightclub.

He is Joshua Austin, 20, who appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly on Monday to answer to the charges at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Particulars of the charges allege that on December 15, 2018 at Second Street, Alberttown, Austin, while being in the company of another, robbed Julius Bowlin of a gold chain worth $21,000, and a pistol with six rounds of ammunition valued $125,000 in toto, property of the Guyana Police Force.

He was also charged for unlawfully wounding Bowlin during the commission of the robbery.

Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail due to the seriousness of the offence, and the fact that Austin has another assault matter in another court.

According to the prosecutor, two more persons are expected to be charged for the same matter.

Another youngster, 21-year-old Keston Duke, of Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust was last Thursday charged for the same offence and remanded to prison until January 4, 2019.

Similarly, bail was refused Austin, and he, too, was remanded to prison, but until January 21, 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

35

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

37

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 25, 2018

GPL says remain committed providing reliable electricity supply to customers THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) says it remains committed to providing reliable electricity supply to customers during the holiday season.

In a statement, the GPL said it has made every effort to ensure the availability of generating units, however, the inadequacies in the aged Transmission and Distribution (T&D) network continue to pose problems. This has been exacerbated by persons accidentally coming into contact with the facilities. “The most recent was December 23, when a privately operated excavator came into contact with one of our primary distribution lines, resulting in the entire line going out of service and outages in the Eastern Georgetown area for approximately an hour.

Therefore, we urge the public to exercise caution when operating machinery within close proximity to our infrastructure,” GPL said in a statement issued on Monday.

According to the GPL, it concluded pre-planned maintenance activities on the T&D network on December 16. The team, however, continues to patrol and monitor the various systems to ensure that issues that could cause potential widespread outages during the holidays are addressed, the statement added.

In some instances, this may mean having localised outages for shorter periods of time. “We apologise for these situations, but they are necessary, given the vulnerabilities in the T&D network, to prevent more widespread outages and potential total system shutdown,” GPL explained.

The following is a breakdown of the situation for the areas served by GPL. It should, however, be noted that in all instances the distribution network is radial and failure of any one component is likely to result in outages to customers.”

We are using our best efforts to prevent these failures and to act promptly when they occur in order to minimise supply interruptions.

DEMERARA-BERBICE INTERCONNECTED SYSTEM (DBIS) The current available generation capacity within the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) is 133.7 Megawatts

(MW).

This means all existing operable units are available, thanks to the extraordinary effort of the team.

Peak demand during the season is expected to be about 112 MW and therefore, barring multiple plant failures, there will be enough generating capacity to meet demand.

ESSEQUIBO • ANNA REGINA Commissioning of the new Anna Regina Power Station has progressed to the stage where the three units totaling 5.4 MW are now available to complement the existing generating sets, for a total available capacity of over 12 MW. Even though the new units are still under observation, having just commenced operation, there is enough capacity to adequately meet the expected demand of approximately 5 MW. • Bartica 4.3 MW of generation will be available to provide customers in Bartica with an adequate power supply to meet the peak demand of approximately 1.6 MW. • Leguan Two units with an aggregate capacity of 828 Kilowatts (kW) are currently available at Leguan. These units will adequately supply the peak demand of approximately 280 kW. Generation capacity will be boosted in January with an additional 414 kW. • WAKENAAM With a peak demand of approximately 280 kW, customers in Wakenaam will have adequate power generation with the availability of 650 kW. An additional 325 kW will be added by month end.

IMPROVEMENTS IN 2018 In 2017, the GPL recorded a total of 25 total system shutdowns.

For 2018, we have managed to reduce this to 12, with one since September.

This is largely due to the hard work and innovation of the team.

As we work towards improving our service delivery, we take this opportunity to wish all our customers a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

39

ARIES You can’t figure out whether you feel more comfortable at home or on the job, especially if family responsibilities demand your attention today. Although you might experience cabin fever, thoughts of returning to work leave you feeling restless and uninspired. You need a dramatic change to your surroundings now. Search for fresh art work or new ornaments to decorate your office or house. If this beautification project doesn’t ease the tension, use the standoff between the sensitive Moon and indifferent Saturn to plan a vacation with a spiritual bent. Finding a place of peace starts within your heart.

TAURUS You might be confronted with the disconcerting experience of recognizing how little you know about something today. This realization often rears its head when you learn a skill or subject more on your own than in a formal manner. You end up learning as you go along, making rookie mistakes that slow your progress. Unfortunately, you may not grasp how much knowledge you still must acquire. Maybe someone who is more astute on the topic crustily puts you down. But a bruised ego can rebound with humility and a resolve to grow smarter and stronger. Consciously choose to be on a path to transformation.

GEMINI You may be fretting too much about your finances now. The greatest challenge with money is how your net worth has a hold on your self-esteem. However, the celestial civil war between the nurturing Cancer Moon and miserly Saturn in Capricorn could play out in your heart. Although you’re keenly aware of your blessings, you crave more if you become overly concerned with what a colleague or neighbour owns. Every person has his or her own journey, with or without riches. Instead of longing for something different, create the life you want. Theodore Roosevelt said, Comparison is the thief of joy.

CANCER Achieving the kind of intimacy you desire could be a struggle now. Perhaps you want a longer hug from your children before they run off, or a little more snuggle time with your partner.

However, there’s a solid chance that you can find the affection you seek from someone who loves you, if you’re willing to ask. The Cancer Moons delightful trine with Mars and Neptune indicates that a visit to a museum, theatre, or your favourite restaurant will take your mind off your troubles and offer the solace you need. Giving away what you want the most often brings it back to you.

LEO Although nothing seems to be good enough today, including your efforts, it’s just not true. It doesn’t necessarily matter who is playing the role of the tough critic. But it certainly hurts more if someone with authority delivers withering disapproval of you or your work. Unfortunately, you’re still prone to be insecure now, even if no one dispatches a harsh edict. Of course, there’s always room for improvement. But when standards are set too high, its more reflective of a profound self-doubt rather than a certain truth. Starting from a place of compassion immediately changes the dynamics.

VIRGO It might be up to you to play the disciplinarian with your colleagues or friends. It’s never an enviable role to be the person who always must stick to the rules or enforce them. Unfortunately, you could be accused of not knowing how to have fun today, but the criticism you receive isn’t likely to be fair. Chances are, you’re doing the right thing, and others secretly admire your conviction and courage. Standing up for principle instead of surrendering to peer pressure demonstrates your moral authority.

LIBRA You may need to pull rank with a family member before someone does it first to you. Perhaps you believe you must assume the mantle of older sibling to a younger one who needs unsolicited advice. On the other hand, maybe an elder feels compelled to have a serious talk with you about your lifestyle choices. Instead of reacting defensively, navigate with respect for authority.

Considering how your approach or reproach looks from the other persons perspective prevents close bonds from fraying. Walk a mile in another's shoes and you will see the world differently SCORPIO Honouring the current circumstances teaches you many valuable lessons now. Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is believing that how you feel in any one moment is permanent. The tough opposition between the mushy Cancer Moon and somber Saturn highlights serious feelings or memories. Nevertheless, like trees, the power of now roots deep into the past while also branching out toward the future. Choose where to focus your attention and grow in that direction.

SAGITTARIUS Thinking about what you don’t have reflects a certain lack of gratitude and is also a recipe for putting yourself in a foul mood. The stare-down opposition between the reactive Moon and stoic Saturn in your 2nd House of Resources suggests that money -- or the scarcity of it -- is defining too much of your self-worth. Gather your thoughts and remember what keeps you full. Norman Vince Peale wrote, “Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.”

CAPRICORN Deciding whether you want to be alone or with others is tricky today. It’s not that you’re suddenly turning into a misanthrope; it’s just that the face-off between the watery Cancer Moon and dry Saturn in your sign heightens your search for secure land amidst your own stormy feelings. You’re already apprehensive around people who are very emotional, and you don’t need to have a party of two or more drowning in a sea of misery. Instead, reach out to one of your more surefooted friends for comfort rather than spending the day moping in solitude.

AQUARIUS You have more control over current circumstances than you realize, no matter how overwhelmed you may feel today. The likely way to stay afloat while a heavy Saturns opposition weighs down the emotional Cancer Moon is to swim straight to the shores of productivity.

You can build self-confidence by using short strokes instead of long ones to get across the pond. Making choices that allow you to see small results motivates you to keep moving toward your target. Focusing your vision on the land right in front of you enables you to reach your destination in record time.

PISCES No one person can be down for everything you enjoy and want to do. Sometimes you must go it alone or find another more willing accomplice. Unfortunately, you might have a tiff with a friend because you’re at cross-purposes over pursuing a particular activity. You may be inclined to cajole, guilt-trip or manipulate him or her into capitulation. However, the deeper issue isn’t about someone else's reluctance; it’s about you. Don’t let anyone else’s judgments drag you down. Madonna said, Poor is the man whose pleasure depends on the permission of another.

40

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

41

42

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

43

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Bakewell throws support behind GFF/ExxonMobil International Futsal tournament BAKEWELL, one of Guyana’s largest bakery establishments, is the latest member of corporate Guyana to throw its support behind the GFF-ExxonMobil International Futsal tournament scheduled for December 27 – 30 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The monetary donation was presented by Bakewell’s Manager, Rajendranaught Ganga, to GFF’s President Wayne Forde on Friday last in the presence of Aubrey “Shanghai” Major, the tournament organizer representative.

The four-day festival will kick off with six matches that will be played from 18:00hrs to 24:00hrs, with each match being played on the hour, culminating with the final match at

23:00hrs.

The teams, which include Morvant Caledonia United from Trinidad and Tobago, ZV All-Stars from Suriname, and a São Paulo selection from Brazil, will be placed in two groups.

The locally participating teams are an East Coast All-Stars, Linden All-Stars, Georgetown All-Stars and West Demerara All-Stars.

The winning team will pocket $1.2 million, while the losing finalist will receive half that amount. Third and fourthplaced finishers will pocket $300,000 and $100,000 respectively.

GBA boss fulfils promise to Sophia Warriors Boxing gym PRESIDENT of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, recently made a personal donation of gear to the Sophia Warriors Boxing gym.

Ninvalle said that he had promised the gear after Coach Winston Pompey approached him several months ago. Pompey had said that the GBA president was his last resort after being “pushed around” by others.

The coach thanked Ninvalle and assured that the gear, which included gloves, head-gear and groin protector, would be used for the development of the sport in Sophia.

Gold and Diamond Miners Association supports GFF Super 16 tourney WITH the grand finals set for January 1 at the GFC ground, Bourda, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has donated an undisclosed sum to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) STAG Beer-sponsored ‘Super 16’ year-end tournament.

The presentation was made

on December 20 by GGDMA’s Administrative Manager, Avalon Jagnandan to GFF’s Marketing Coordinator, Andrew Small.

The agency extended its best wishes for a successful tournament and indicated its interest in a long-term partnership with the GFF. The GFF-Stag “Super 16”

Year-end tournament kicked off on Friday December 14 and is at the midway point with four double-headers remaining, culminating with the thirdplace playoff and final.

Meanwhile, the venue for the second qualifier on December 26 and the semi-finals on December 28 respectively has been shifted to the National

Track and Field Facility, Leonora while the final is now scheduled for the GFC ground, Bourda.

The tournament winner will walk away with $2M, a trophy and equipment; the second-placed team will receive $1M, a trophy and equipment; the third place team will get $500,000, a trophy and

equipment while the fourthplaced team will receive a trophy and equipment. The tournament will conclude with the grand finals on January 1 at a venue to be announced.

Admission fee is: $1,000 (semi-finals) and $1,500 for the final.

Archer outshines Bravo in Hobart win HOBART, Australia, (CMC) – Barbadian fast bowling sensation Jofra Archer starred yet again as he helped power Hobart Hurricanes to a six-wicket win over Dwayne Bravo’s Melbourne Stars in the Australian Big Bash here Monday.

The 23-year-old, currently eyeing selection for England’s World Cup campaign, snatched three wickets which restricted Stars to 155 for five off their 20 overs at Bellerive Oval.

Sent in, Stars were set back early when Archer removed both openers inside the first six overs, with Travis Dean (11) and Ben Dunk (10) both departing cheaply with 32 on the board.

Captain Glenn Maxwell then stroked 47 from 31 balls with five sixes, reviving the innings in an 87-run, third wicket stand with Nick Larkin whose 45 required 33 deliveries.

When both fell in successive overs to leave the Stars on 123 for four in the 16th over, Marcus Stoinis chipped in with a 15-ball unbeaten 22 to keep the innings going.

However, there was no such enterprise from Bravo who laboured for a run-aball 12 before holing out to square on the leg-side.

Archer finished with three for 25 from his four overs.

In reply, captain Matthew Wade hit 52 off 37 balls, putting on 55 for the first wicket with D’Arcy Short who made 34.

Ben McDermott (28) and George Bailey (27) added 52 for the third wicket to keep Hobart on course for victory.

Bravo’s first over leaked 20 runs and overall conceded 38 runs from three overs.

Jofra Archer finished with three for 25 from his four overs.

44

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

NBA roundup:

Curry sinks Clippers with late winner (REUTERS-Stephen Curry scored on a drive with .5 seconds left to lift the Golden State Warriors to a 129-127 victory against the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

Curry finished with 42 points, Kevin Durant had 35 points and 12 rebounds and Draymond Green contributed 14 points, six assists and five steals for the Warriors.

Tobias Harris had 32 points and nine rebounds, and Danilo Gallinari finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who shot 18-of-23 from 3-point range.

Los Angeles made a franchise-record 13 3-pointers in the first half and led by as many as 11, but watched that lead dissolve late in the second quarter and into the third.

Hawks 98, Pistons 95 Veteran Vince Carter came off the bench to score a season-high 18 points as Atlanta, playing without its most productive player, won in Detroit for its third straight win.

The Pistons had a chance to tie the game with 23 seconds left when Blake Griffin missed two free throws. Jeremy Lin grabbed the rebound, was fouled and made two free throws to give Atlanta a 94-91 lead with 21 seconds left. The Hawks hung on from there.

The Hawks were playing without forward John Collins, who was out with a left ankle sprain. Collins, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, had posted double-doubles in eight of his previous nine games.

Pacers 105, Wizards 89 Myles Turner finished with 18 points and 17 re-

bounds as Indiana used a balance scoring attack to defeat visiting Washington.

Seven Pacers scored in double figures, led by Domantas Sabonis’ 15 points and 10 rebounds, Bojan Bogdanovic’s 14 points and Victor Oladipo’s 12 points, nine assists and six rebounds.

Markieff Morris led Washington with 16 points off the bench. After missing Saturday’s game because of the flu/illness, Wizards guard John Wall played but scored only seven points in 28 minutes.

Celtics 119, Hornets 103 Kyrie Irving scored 25 points and dished out five assists to lead Boston past visiting Charlotte.

Jayson Tatum added 17 points to pace four other Celtics in double figures.

Marcus Morris added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Al Horford and Daniel Theis chipped in 10 points apiece.

Kemba Walker (21 points), Willy Hernangomez (19), Jeremy Lamb (14) and Malik Monk (13) finished in double figures for Charlotte, which was vying for its third straight win. Hernangomez added 10 rebounds to record a double-double.

Nets 111, Suns 103 Reserve Spencer Dinwiddie led six players in double figures with 24 points, and Brooklyn rebounded from its first loss in more than two weeks with a home victory over Phoenix.

Dinwiddie scored 11 fourth-quarter points and produced his 28th straight game in double figures. He was 7 of 14 from the field, hit 8 of 9 free throws and added seven assists.

D’Angelo Russell added 18 points and eight assists as the Nets rebounded from Fri-

kanen made 5 of 10 from long range, and the Bulls as a team went 11-for-22.

cit to defeat visiting New Orleans.

Willie Cauley-Stein had

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives in ahead of LA Clippers guard Patrick Beverley (21) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena.

Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

day’s eight-point loss to Indiana and their first defeat since Dec. 5. The Suns lost their second straight following a four-game winning streak as T.J. Warren was held to four points on 2-of-11 shooting.

Bulls 112, Cavaliers 92 Lauri Markkanen scored 31 points — 14 in the decisive third quarter — and Chicago won in Cleveland.

The 21-year-old from Finland has 30-plus points in back-to-back games, following up Friday’s 12-of-20, 32-point effort against Orlando with an 11-of-18 showing Sunday.

After holding Toronto to 29 percent from 3-point range in a loss to the Raptors on Friday, the Cavs couldn’t stop the Bulls from beyond the arc on Sunday. Mark-

Heat 115, Magic 91 Tyler Johnson’s big third quarter propelled Miami to an easy road win at in-state rival Orlando.

Johnson led the Heat with 25 points — 20 in the third — and Justise Winslow had 22 points, six rebounds and five assists. The Heat made 16 of 31 3-pointers and forced the Magic into 19 turnovers. Miami has won five straight and is 9-3 in its last 12 games.

Orlando failed to top 100 points for the seventh consecutive game, and Miami held its opponent below 100 points for the fifth consecutive game.

Kings 122, Pelicans 117 Buddy Hield scored 28 points, and Sacramento overcame an early 19-point defi-

22 points and 17 rebounds for the Kings, who scored 36 points in the fourth quarter.

Bogdan Bogdanovic had 24 points and seven assists, and De’Aaron Fox had 19 points and 11 assists. Nemanja Bjelica had seven points and 10 rebounds.

Anthony Davis scored 26 points and grabbed 17 rebounds for the Pelicans, who have lost four in a row, and Jrue Holiday had 27 points.

Timberwolves 114, Thunder 112 Andrew Wiggins scored 30 points, including a key jumper with 14.3 seconds left, as Minnesota won for just the second time in eight games and ended host Oklahoma City’s four-game winning streak.

Wiggins didn’t exactly

make it easy on Minnesota, though, missing three critical free throws in the final 1:36 to help keep Oklahoma City in the game.

Paul George had 31 points and 11 rebounds to lead Oklahoma City. Russell Westbrook had 23 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his 113th career triple-double.

Trail Blazers 121, Mavericks 118 (OT) Damian Lillard scored 33 points and dished out seven assists as Portland pulled out an overtime victory over visiting Dallas.

CJ McCollum added 22 points, and Jusuf Nurkic had 10 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for the Trail Blazers, who won for the fourth time in five outings.

Harrison Barnes scored 27 points, and Luka Doncic collected 23 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for the Mavericks, who lost their sixth straight game.

Grizzlies 107, Lakers 99 Rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 27 points, and Mike Conley added 17, including two key back-toback 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, as visiting Memphis ended a five-game losing streak with a victory in Los Angeles.

Marc Gasol also had 17 points as the Grizzlies won for the first time since defeating the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 12.

LeBron James scored 22 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, and Brandon Ingram added 20 points as the Lakers lost for the fourth time in their last six games.

Thunder claim Sydney derby honours as Buttler, Curran shine JOS Buttler was the star of the show as Sydney Thunder beat city rivals Sydney Sixers by 21 runs in the Big Bash League on Monday, despite a fine all-round effort from Tom Curran.

England star Buttler thumped six fours and three maximums on his way to 63 from 37 balls at the top of the order.

The Thunder lost their way somewhat after Buttler’s dismissal in the 12th over, stumbling to 169-9 as Curran returned 3-24 from four impressive overs and Steve O’Keefe chipped in with 2-27.

However, the Sixers collapsed alarmingly in reply, Fawad Ahmed’s three wickets leaving them in disarray at 56-6 after nine

overs.

Curran again did his best to turn things around, compiling 62 off 40 balls and sharing 88 for the seventh wicket with Sean Abbott (35 off 28).

Yet the former was dismissed at the end of the penultimate over with 26 runs still needed and the Sixers ultimately finished well short of their target on 148-9.

PLAY IT AGAIN, SAMS Buttler and Curran may grab the headlines, but Daniel Sams delivered another excellent performance for the Thunder.

Having made 34 and taken 3-5 in his side’s opening match against the Melbourne Stars, the all-rounder again contributed significantly with

then chipped in with another three scalps - including Sixers skipper Moises Henriques.

As a result, Sams can celebrate Christmas as the leading wicket-taker in the BBL.

Tom Curran compiled 62 off 40 balls.

bat and ball on Monday.

He was the only Thunder bats-

man to shine after Buttler’s exit, smashing 28 from just 11 balls, and

ABBOTT GOES THE DISTANCE Abbott’s admirable defiance in the Sixers’ innings came after he had endured a dismal time of things with the ball.

The seamer had 1-18 after two overs, but he was then clobbered for 19 in his third - Sams doing the bulk of the damage - and finished with the painful figures of 1-48 from four.

45

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Langer hints at Mitchell Marsh inclusion for Boxing Day Test MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Mitchell Marsh is likely to be recalled for the Boxing Day test against India after coach Justin Langer endorsed the all-rounder’s potential value on a pitch which tends to test the bowlers.

The hosts are yet to announce their playing XI but Peter Handscomb’s middle order position looked in jeopardy after Langer backed Marsh who missed the first two tests of the four-match series currently level at 1-1.

“In a perfectly balanced side, you’ve got someone who can bowl some overs,” Langer told reporters yes-

terday.

“And Mitch becomes an attractive commodity on a wicket unlike Adelaide and Perth... although there’s a bit of moisture in it, we also know the history of it.”

Number five Handscomb has managed 68 runs in four innings against India.

Forecast for warm weather and only three days’ gap before the final test in Sydney also means Australia would be extra careful about managing the workload of their frontline pacemen.

“Our fast bowlers have been lucky, we’ve bowled less overs than India’s bowlers at the moment, particu-

larly (Jasprit) Bumrah, and that’s an important part of the series,” Langer said. “We’re always looking at how we’re trying to manage it.

“In this instance, this is the only test we’re thinking about. But we’re always aware that there’s two backto-back test matches, which is tough.”

Langer joked the selection dilemma had taken his mind off everything else.

“Pete’s a very good player of spin bowling... and Mitch is a pretty good player of spin bowling too,” he said.

“We’ll weigh up all those things, and they’re the hard decisions. All those factors,

Warrington beats Frampton to retain IBF world featherweight title most likely opponent.

The bout was scored 116-113 on two of the judges’ scorecards, with the other awarding Warrington a 116-112 win.

WARRINGTON AGAIN DEFIES BOOKMAKERS Josh Warrington extended his unbeaten The styles of the record that now spans 28 fights with a unanimous points win over Carl Frampton. fighters pointed to this being a classic featherJOSH Warrington retained weight contest, and so his IBF featherweight world it proved, with both men backed title as a blistering start set up a by raucous support to create a unanimous points win over Carl memorable night.

Frampton in a fight-of-the-year Warrington seized the belt with contender in Manchester. a wonderful display of front-foot Captivating from start to fin- boxing against Lee Selby in May, ish, the Englishman’s staggering but still few could have anticipated work-rate laid the platform for a the incredible onslaught he prohugely impressive win - his 28th duced in the opening two rounds, in succession. twice rocking Frampton with a Having narrowly avoided beterrific flurry of shots.Frampton, ing dropped in the opening round, having sustained a cut under the Frampton fought gallantly with left eye, worked his way back into wonderful shot selections to tighten up the contest in the middle the fight and landed several neat hooks but it was the champion who rounds.

However, the Northern Irish- continued to produce the more man could not reverse the damage eye-catching combinations.

Little separated the pair sufficiently, as he slid to defeat in a world title fight for the second from the third round onwards, with Warrington remarkably time.

Warrington now looks set for a catching a second wind in the unification bout against one of the eighth to prevent Frampton seizdivision’s other belt holders, with ing the momentum in the crucial WBO champion Oscar Valdez his final rounds. (BBC Sport)

Coach Justin Langer backs ‘attractive commodity’ Mitchell Marsh (right) ahead of Boxing Day Test.

trust me, we think about it.

“It’s a bit sad, really; I’m not thinking about what Christmas present I’m going to give to my kids, I’m thinking about who plays spin better, whether we’ll play the extra bowler, how many

overs have the fast bowlers bowled. It’s sad.”

Langer also said he could not wait to welcome Steve Smith back in the side once the former captain has served out his ball-tampering ban, which ends in March.

“We can’t wait to have him back. He’s the Virat Kohli of the Australian cricket team,” Langer said, likening the 29-year-old to India’s talismanic captain and batting mainstay.

WADA denied Moscow lab data access, leaving Russia facing ban

By Steve Keating TORONTO, Canada (Reuters) - Russia’s Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is again on the verge of suspension after a World Anti-Doping Agency inspection team that visited a Moscow laboratory was denied access to raw data to complete its full reinstatement, WADA said on Friday.

The five-member WADA team had spent a week in Russia but left the Moscow lab and returned home frustrated and without having retrieved any of the data in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) it had been promised access to.

If RUSADA is found to be non-compliant Russian athletes could again be on the outside looking in with another Olympics approaching in Tokyo in 2020.

Russian authorities said that the inspection team’s equipment was not certified under Russian law. Access to the lab and data was a condition of WADA’s September decision to reinstate RUSADA. The inspection team will now prepare a formal report which will be sent to the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC). The CRC will meet on January 14-15 when RUSADA’s code compliance status will again be considered.

The CRC’s recommendation will then be considered by the WADA executive committee.

WADA had set a December 31 deadline for RUSADA to meet the condition or once again be found non-compliant and face even tougher

sanctions laid out in the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories.

RUSADA was suspended in 2015 after a WADA-commissioned report outlined evidence of massive state-backed, systematic doping in Russian athletics, allegations Moscow has denied.

Russian authorities, at first, downplayed the latest crisis with Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov describing the problems in a TASS report as “technical issues”.

Kolobkov added: “The experts are satisfied with the visit,” and said there were plans for a follow-up visit to the lab.

However, the head of RUSADA, Yuri Ganus, said yesterday that if WADA experts fail to obtain the Moscow lab data before the deadline, this would be “destructive” for the Russian sport.

“I want to stress that it is in Russia’s interests, first, to provide the data; it is in our national interests,” Ganus told TASS, adding that the issue should be solved before December 31.

WADA told Reuters there were no more visits planned but that the team of experts would remain on standby ready to proceed with full data extraction should the matter be resolved.

The good faith displayed in conditionally reinstating RUSADA on the guarantee it would meet all requirements appears to have blown up in WADA’s face. WADA came under scathing criticism from athlete and global anti-doping groups when it approved RUSADA’s reinstate-

ment in September.

“Let’s hope WADA doesn’t get played again and immediately declares them non-compliant,” United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) CEO Travis Tygart told Reuters after learning of WADA’s unsuccessful trip.

LONG-RUNNING SCANDAL The opening up of the Moscow lab was supposed to be the end of the long-running doping scandal that began in 2015 and prevented Russian athletes from competing in two Olympics and world championships.

Russia was banned from this year’s Pyeongchang Winter Games but some athletes were allowed to compete as an ‘Olympic Athlete of Russia’, as long as they satisfied strict conditions.

A limited number of Russian athletes competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro under their own flag but only after they had met strict criteria, including a clean doping past and sufficient testing at international events.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has, however, yet to reinstate the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF) and this month voted to continue its doping-related ban of RusAF. This has been in place since 2015, until there is full access to the doping data stored in Moscow and financial compensation for investigation and legal costs.

46

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

India’s batsmen must step up and their bowlers, says vice-captain Rahane MELBOURNE (Reuters) India’s batsmen must step up and help their bowlers if the world’s top-ranked Test side are to win more consistently away from home, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said on Monday ahead of the third test against Australia.

India, who last lost a test series at home in late 2012 against England, suffered defeats in South Africa and England this year due to a lack of batting support.

Their openers have struggled in Australia in the first two tests and the lack of runs at the top has intensified pressure on the middle order of a team which has a lengthy tail.

“The batsmen definitely need to step up,” Rahane, who has scored 164 from his four innings including two fifties, told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s third test.

“When we discuss the

India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane

batting unit, that point is very important. Especially when we are abroad, the bowlers have been taking 20 wickets since South Africa, so if the batsmen help the bowlers the results will be favouring us.”

India scored 250 and 307 on a difficult pitch in their victory in the opening test at Adelaide but surrendered meekly in their second in-

nings at Perth, where they were all out for 140 chasing 287 for a 2-0 series lead.

Rahane, who has played 54 tests, hopes he can convert his half-centuries into hundreds and contribute more with the bat.

“It (century) will definitely come. I’m really sure it will come in this Test match with the way I am batting

since Adelaide,” he said.

“I think I will get two hundreds but it will be important for me not to think about it and continue the way I am batting. If I can read the situation well and bat accordingly it will be better for the team. Personal milestones can come later.”

The touring side’s players took a three-day break leading up to the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rahane said India would look to make a fresh start.

“We will now look at it as a two-Test series going ahead,” said the 30-yearold. “We got a break after the first two Tests, which was very important because sometimes the intensity of the test match is too much.

“Break can be good or bad, but for our team it is a good thing and we will have a fresh start in the Melbourne test.”

GT Beer football continues on Boxing Night with a double-header

By Joe Chapman THE Upper Demerara Football Association’s sixth GT Beer year-end football championship will continue

tomorrow-- Boxing Night-with a double-header as the round robin stage of the ten-team championship nears its end at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday December 25, 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) Stephen Fleming & Ricky Ponting (NZ vs AUST, Auckland, 2005) (2) Dwayne Bravo & Ricky Ponting (WI vs AUST, Barbados, 2008) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has led his team in most T20 Int’ls to date?

(2) Who has captained the WI in most T20 Int’ls to date?

However, the evening’s matchups are likely to be crowd pullers as the first game will see the defending champions, Botafago, taking on Topp XX in a battle for a semi-final spot.

From 19.00hrs, Botafago will have to show early form as they seek to retain their crown and Topp XX will be hoping to make the best of a second chance to reach the final four after they narrowly qualified to play for a place after being the best group second team, and second in Group Three behind Winners Connection.

That opportunity Topp XX will be looking to grasp with both hands or feet and their team should be brimming with confidence after losing narrowly to Winners Connection, 2-1, in their last outing.

The champions, Botafago, are going to be going all out to move to the semi-finals after gaining a bye to this final round play.

The second game is doubtful between Eagles United and Hi Stars.

Hi Stars of West Watooka are mourning the loss of one of their players, Leonard Peters (Jr.), who was fatality stabbed a few days ago and that in itself could be a good reason that they are unable to field a strong team against the Upper Demerara Champions-- Eagles United.

Capital FC is looking at the situation since they and Eagles played to a 0-0 stalemate and they defeated Hi Stars and the result between the two, Eagles and His Stars, could determine their fate.

What is possible is that should Hi Stars decide that they cannot field a team, then a decision should be taken by the UDFA to have Eagles United and Hi Stars battle.

Capital FC, on their debut, held Eagles to that 0-0 stalemate.

Could they do it again since a result will have to be arrived at to determine which of the two will play in the semi-finals set for Friday at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground?

Pant out as Karthik returns to India’s ODI fold MUMBAI (Reuters) - Experienced Dinesh Karthik has pipped young Rishabh Pant for the spot of second wicketkeeper-batsman in India’s one-day international squad for their matches against Australia and New Zealand.

The 21-year-old Pant was the backup to former captain and regular stumper Mahendra Singh Dhoni during India’s home five-match series against West Indies.

Pant played three of the

play a three-match one-day international series in January.

That will be followed by a five-match ODI series in New Zealand before India return home for another fivematch ODI series against Australia.

India’s top players will then be involved in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament before the World Cup begins on May 30 in England.

Manish Pandey, who has

India recall the experienced Dinesh Karthik as second wicketkeeper.

five matches as a specialist batsman and scored 17 and 24 in the second and third ODIs. Karthik, 33, has played 86 ODIs and was part of India’s Asia Cup squad but was left out for the West Indies matches.

“After returning from Australia post the test series, Rishabh Pant will play for India A in the five-match oneday series at home against England Lions,” the Indian cricket board said in their statement while announcing the squad.

Karthik was inconsistent and could not convert starts into big scores at the Asia Cup and finished with a total of 146 in six matches, missing the opportunity to secure the number four spot India have been looking to fill ahead of the 50-over World Cup next year.

But Karthik could well have sealed the spot with captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri confirming recently that India’s period of experimenting with their ODI side is over with five months left before the World Cup in England.

After the conclusion of the ongoing four-Test series against Australia, India will

also auditioned for the middle-order spots, was also axed from the ODI squad after warming the bench against West Indies.

With the return of frontline seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav found himself out of favour. Mohammed Shami and Khaleel Ahmed were the other quicks in the squad while all-rounder Hardik Pandya also returned to the squad after recovering from injury.

India also named their squad for the three-match Twenty20 series in New Zealand which was highlighted by the return of Dhoni after the long-serving cricketer was left out of their shortest format matches against West Indies and Australia.

Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Top race horses for Kennard’s Boxing Day meet Rajiv Bisnauth TURFITES get ready, the stage is set for the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) grand horse race meet which is scheduled to run off tomorrow at the club’s track at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

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, according to club President, Justice Cecil Kennard.

“What I can assure persons is that almost all the top race horses locally will be on show, so definitely turfites can expect not only a family fun day, but top horse racing action,” Kennard told Chronicle Sport yesterday.

The 82-year-old made it clear that the races will be run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.

According to Kennard, in the event that there are less than five horses entered for any event, the club reserves the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money after consulting with the horse owners.

He further noted that owners of horses must pay at least $5000 for each horse at the time of entry. If not paid, the horse’s name would not appear on the official programme and the horse will not be permitted to run.

According to Kennard, five horses must start before

Cecil Kennard

a third-place prize is paid, while seven horses must start a race before a fourth-place prize is paid.

For tomorrow’s event, the feature race is for horses E and Lower, over seven furlongs with a winning tag of $1M. Other races billed for the day are the H1 and Lower race, along with the Threeyear-old and over races which will see the winners taking home $250 000 and $240 000 respectively.

Meanwhile, the race for two-year-old Guyana-bred horses (Maidens), which will be contested over a distance of five furlongs, will see the winner gallop away with $200, 000; the L-Open $140, 000, L Non-winners $120, 000 and L non-earners $100, 000.

Race time is 12.00 hrs, (Rajiv Bisnauth)

Turfites can expect not only a family fun day, but top horse racing action.

47

Bakewell throws support behind GFF/ ExxonMobil International Futsal tournament

Bakewell’s Rajendranaught Ganga makes the presentation to GFF’s president Wayne Forde.

Also in photo is Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major.

Gold and Diamond Miners Association GBA boss fulfils promise to supports GFF Super 16 tourney Sophia Warriors Boxing gym PAGE

PAGE

43

GGDMA’s Administrative Manager Avalon Jagnandan (Right) presents their contribution to GFF’s Coordinator Andrew Small.

43

Pompey (left) collects the gear from Ninvalle while gym members look on

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2018