Guyana Chronicle E-paper 2-26-2019

TUESDAY 26th February, 2019

No.105560

RUSAL disregards reinstatement appeal --serves almost 90 workers termination letters

GECOM's 2019 work GNSC commissions $125M programme timelines state-of-the-art bond to be presented for 02 approval today 12 PAGE

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-finance minister challenges shipping company to employ modern warehouse strategies

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Guyana, South Africa talk joint-ventureship –– ahead of landmark extractive industries deal

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Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and his team meeting with Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources of the Republic of South Africa, Godfrey Oliphant M.P., and his delegation on Monday at the Natural Resources Ministry’s Main Street Office (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

RUSAL disregards reinstatement appeal

––serves almost 90 workers termination letters

By Vanessa Braithwaite INSTEAD of honouring their commitment to contact Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally by last Saturday as promised to relate positive word on the reinstatement of the 61 workers who were terminated, the managers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc, (BCGI) on Monday served them with official letters of termination and, more regrettably, as this newspaper was reliably informed, called another close to 30 workers to the office, and issued them too with termination let-

The RUSAL workers that were terminated at a meeting on Monday at the Kwakwani Workers Club

ters, thus making the total number of workers being terminated to around 90.

In the letter, signed by Company Manager Mihail Krupenin, RUSAL says that it regrets having to inform the workers that as a result of its having to downscale its operations, management had no other choice but to lay off workers. The letter was dated February 20, and the workers received them through the mail. It also stated that they would receive wages up to February 20. “It is our hope that the layoff will not be more than the period allowed by law,” the letter, seen by this publication, stated.

One of the recipients of the letter expressed frustration that the situation seems to be worsening instead of what was promised by the ministers upon their visit on Friday. “We had solid word from the minister herself, that we would be reinstated,” the worker said, adding that it is now clear to him that RUSAL has no regard for the government, and that was relayed by them at a meeting held by senior managers in the Kurubuka Mines. He said that while the letter received by the 61 was penned and mailed before the Ministers’ visit, the issuance to the additional workers on Monday showed that neither the government nor the union has any say in the internal decisions of RUSAL. He further charged that the ‘scaling down of JUST A FRONT operations’ excuse as just a front, as the government had no legal ramifications to fight against such a reason.

He also wanted to know why the Russians did not mention this to ministers while they were in Georgetown or during their meeting in the Mines.

He and his colleagues find it rather convenient that all of a sudden, Rusal will be closing operations, when it only just recently invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the very same operation. “That cannot be true!” he charged. “For last year, they bring in about 12 machines and about 18 trucks; if you not making a profit, why you keep investing in something you not gaining from,” the worker reasoned.

Another charged. “They keep buying these triple-seven trucks; about 12 last year, and brand-new loaders.

These things cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Bauxite loading and shipping like normal, even when they had the sanction.”

The worker is calling on

the government to be more forceful in dealing with the issue as tension is getting higher every day. “No one (Russian), would have met with us, it is really frustrating to everyone, it is almost nine days since this ordeal and no one is getting paid, we are hoping it is resolved quickly because we have families and children, tension is raising and the situation is getting ugly, “ the worker said.

On Monday, February 26, 2019, the scores of workers who were terminated, assembled at the Kwakwani Workers Club and were utilizing the supplies provided by government. Another set of workers were in Maple Town, Aroaima, and the workers related that no one was going anywhere, until the matter was resolved.

CONDITIONS NOT ARGUABLE Despite this unfortunate turn of events, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has said that the conditions of reinstatement laid out by him and other ministers when they met with RUSAL managers last week are not arguable, and the government will not ‘flinch’. He told Lindeners at the recent flagraising ceremony that all 61 workers must be reinstated; that the GBGWU must be engaged, and that Rusal must recognise the union, which is the elected voice of the workers.

“We made it very clear that the workers must be treated in a respectful manner, and that at all times, our labour laws must be upheld. This government takes this matter seriously at the earliest possible time and therefore we as a government will do whatever necessary to ensure that this happens,” Harmon said.

HIGHLYREGRETTABLE Commenting on the issuance of termination letters, Regional Vice-Chairman Elroy Adolph said that it is highly regrettable that the workers were officially terminated, despite the government’s intervention. “It adds to the woes of our community and our country; it adds more insult to injury, now more persons are off the job, communities are suffering and we need to know definitively, when this will be resolved,” Adolph said, while calling on the government and the subject ministers to continue to fight for the rights of the workers. “I am thinking about the financial impact on our Region. For 61 persons TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

Guyana, South Africa talk joint-ventureship

–– ahead of landmark extractive industries deal

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA’S Natural Resources Ministry and South Africa’s Department of Ministerial Resources are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) later this week, covering five critical areas, in a move that could see South Africa investing in Guyana’s extractive industries sector, and transferring its wealth of expertise to Guyanese.

The two parties agreed to the drafting of the MoU during a high-level meeting between Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Oliphant and members of his delegation on Monday at the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Main Street Office.

Minister Trotman, who was accompanied by high-ranking officials from his Ministry as well as the

Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Guyana Gold Board, highlighted three critical areas in which Guyana could benefit from South Africa, among them the transfer of knowledge and skills.

RICH MINING HISTORY With South Africa’s rich history in mining gold and diamond, Minister Trotman said there is much Guyana could learn in areas such as underground mining. “South Africa is a very large, complex and exciting place, but it brings experience about how they have overcome the challenges that we are facing, so we hope to expose our staff at the GGMC and the Gold Board, at the policy level, to be able to experience First World training opportunities,” Minister Trotman told reporters minutes after the meeting.

During the course of the meeting, which was open

to the media, Minister Trotman made a pitch for South Africa to invest in Guyana’s Extractive Industries, saying that there is room aplenty not only in the extractive sector, but in the budding Oil-andGas Industry as well, as there is currently no African nation investing in Guyana’s Extractive Industries. He also called on the South African delegation to lead the way.

“We believe that, financially, South Africa has the wherewithal; and it has experience in mining, gold and diamonds in particular,” he subsequently told reporters.

Guyana, he posited, should not only seek to tap into the financial resources and technical expertise from western nations. “It’s important, we think, that we not only look to the west insofar as mining is concerned. Canada, Australia, China... We believe that we can, and should have some African interest mining in Guyana.”

It is also anticipated that

coming out of the South African delegation’s five-day visit, the relationship between the Natural Resources Ministry and the Department of Mineral Resources, and the governments, by extension will be strengthened.

“We hope to deepen the exchanges between the two countries at a government-togovernment level, and at the institutional level where the counterpart at the GGMC must be able to relate to its counterpart in the South African region or southern Africa,” said an optimistic Minister Trotman.

Deputy Minister Oliphant and his delegation were also brought up to speed on the operations and programmes of the Ministry of Natural Resources, GGMC, the Gold Board, and EITI, in addition to insights into the Gold, Diamond and Bauxite mining here in Guyana.

The South African Deputy Minister said the meeting was in the pipeline for

some time, and is pleased to engage his Guyanese counterparts. “South Africa is a very huge mining country, we have been mining in that country for over a hundred and fifty years, we have what it takes; the experience, the knowledge, the skills and we are still going to mine for the next hundred years,” he said.

The South African Deputy Mineral Resources Minister, who without hesitation signaled a willingness to have Guyanese trained in South African, took note of the fact that none of the mining operations are completely owned by the state.

“Last year when we got the invitation, we couldn’t come then, but here we are today to share experiences, also to learn from your beautiful country,” he said.

Both Minister Trotman and the South African Minister agreed that the teams would initiate the drafting of a MoU on Monday and complete it before the end of the visit. Oliphant said such a move was necessary to clearly state the areas of

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mutual interests, and to guide the process moving forward.

Minister Trotman was accompanied by his Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Joslyn McKenzie, Guyana Gold Board General Manager Eondrene Thompson, and GGMC’s Manager (Geological Services Division) Gordon Nestor among others. During their visit, the delegation is expected to visit some of Guyana’s Gold Mining Operations to engage with both large, medium and small scale miners.

On Monday, the South African delegation was also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

South Africa’s gold and diamond mining industries have played a critical role to its development, and continue to contribute significantly to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Political climate influenced by greed for power – Nigel Hughes ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Nigel Hughes says it is unfortunate that as Guyana is heading into what may be the best economic situation possible for the country, the political climate is one motivated by a greed for power.

Hughes made this, and other observations, during a recent interview with Enrico Woolford, host of the television programme ‘Context’, to be aired this evening on the National Communications Network (NCN), at 19:00hrs.

“The legislative agenda [is] just for oil—forget everything else---the legislative agenda [is] to get us to a position where we have a decent institutional framework [such as] a Petroleum Commission; the regulations, all those things that, in the best of years, would have been a tight, packed legislative agenda …all of that goes on suspension while we have this war,” Hughes reasoned.

On November 15, 2008, leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Bharrat Jagdeo, filed a no-confidence motion against the three and a half years government, claiming “unbelievable” levels of corruption.

The move spiraled into several controversies such as the conceding vote for the no-confidence motion by a former government Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandass Persaud, now under investigation, and the court challenge which ensued of whether the MP could vote against his own party; what constitutes a majority and whether MPs can hold dual citizenship. The court matters are now under appeal.

The no-confidence motion also resulted in the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) most recent decision that it cannot hold elections within the constitutional 90-day period and, besides, it does not have the funding for such an undertaking.

The Elections Commission will now continue its 2019 work plan, which includes the budgeted-for house-to-house registration which is receiving the support of government ministers. Meanwhile, the Opposition is continuing to lobby for elections to be held within the 90-day timeline, even with less than 30 days remaining of the timeline.

The Constitution, however, allows for an extension of the threemonth period, through a two-thirds vote of the National Assembly.

But Jagdeo has stated that, at this time, his party will not be voting for an extension of the period;

he will not ask for a meeting with the President, and threatened that if elections are not held by March 21, 2019, he will be considering legal actions against the government.

Continuing on his trail of thought regarding preparation for oil, Hughes cautioned: “We are going to roll into production next year in absolute chaos. We won’t have the legislative agenda, we won’t have the institutional framework in place; we won’t have the people who should really be filling those positions because we’re going to argue about every single appointment, not from the perspective of whether or not the person appointed is the best, but it’s going to come from a semi-political angle and the country is going to continue down this path of division…” “…I find that in Guyana we’re so obsessed with the competition… and in the competition to dominate the ‘pie’, we are prepared to destroy the pie just to say we won. So you would be standing up over scorched earth saying ‘yes, we won’.”

The attorney-at-law also rationalised that Guyana’s political climate had for years been dominated by race, adding, there is need for constitutional reform to ensure that the country has a future where all races no longer fear exclusion.

Touching on the ruling of

Chief Justice (CJ) (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, on the three matters currently before the court, including the majority case which he, Hughes, is credited for bringing to the fore, Hughes maintained his stance that, in Guyana’s 65-member National Assembly, where the Government holds 33 seats and the Opposition 32, 34 represents the majority.

This, he posited, is determined by an absolute majority which has a `specific’ legal meaning and which comes down to half of the total members plus one, with the consideration that there is no half of a person.

Meanwhile, the simple majority as is argued by those in Opposition, means the majority of persons who are present and voting where the majority represents one more than the other.

“You can’t pass a no-confidence vote based on the majority of people who turn up,” Hughes explained.

“Within the Constitution it has different requirements for passage of different acts of parliament and therefore it’s not ‘one fits all’. In a case of a no-confidence motion, you specifically have to have a majority of the elected members,” he added.

Hughes, however, acknowledged the CJ’s ruling that, while the language used means ‘absolute

majority’, in the case in question, the majority is one more than the other, where one “numerical person” exceeded the other.

“In her case, absolute and simple majority happened to coincide.

That differs from the interpretation that I have, and I think it differs from the interpretation that several persons have, including the attorney general and people who have examined that,” Hughes contended.

He added that this is one of the issues that will be determined both in the Court of Appeal and, ultimately, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Hughes opined that, either way, as the debates pass through the courts to the final stage, Guyana will, once and for all, put an end to the dispute and avoid such obstructions to progress, should a similar situation arise in the future.

“The important thing about this is, that we need a decision on this now, so that every successive election, if we end up in the next election and there’s not clear majority, we don’t have an argument on whether it’s 33 or 34. [We need to] satisfy and clear that up at the present moment,” he suggested.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

OS&H Dept. investigating two recent plane crashes TWO recent plane crashes are among several accidents which the Ministry of Social Protection’s Occupational Safety and Health (OS&H) Department is actively investigating.

The OS&H Department is charged with the responsibility of monitoring, encouraging and enforcing the practice of good safety and health standards.

The ministry noted in a release that the four recent accidents, which resulted in deaths and injuries to employees, include last Thursday’s plane crash in which

Captain Randy Liverpool of Domestic Aviation, died at the Eteringbang Airstrip in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni region when his aircraft fell into the jungle while he attempted to land there.

The body is also investigating the accident involving Captain Lincoln Gomez who was injured during a plane crash aback Canal Number Two last Monday night. Police Constable Mark Grimmond, the lone passenger on board the Cessna 182, is also currently recovering from the accident.

The ministry stated, too,

that it is also investigating the death of Andre Park who died after he was reportedly crushed by a log which fell from a machine in the Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice region last week.

In addition, the death of 17-year-old Romeo Ruben, who also died when the eastern wall of the Gold Hill Backdam mining pit at Upper Mazaruni suddenly collapsed recently, is under investigation.

OS&H Officer Dwain Vyfhuis and Senior OS&H Officers, Roydon Croal, Neville Nicholas and Max-

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr. Keith Scott

ean Bess from the OS&H department, are currently investigating the four cases.

Friday 22, February, 2019

02 03 07 20 22 25 04

K

07, 12, 05, 19, 11

3, 1, 3

4, 3, 6

The ministry said that to date, the officers have taken the necessary steps by writing the various police stations, hospitals and the Forestry Department requesting information on the incidents. Interviews were also done with witnesses.

“On completion of the investigations, recommendations will be made to prevent reoccurrence,” the agency said.

The OS&H Department reminded employers that according to the laws of Guyana, any accident arising out of and in the course of the employment of any worker, causing loss of life to such worker or disables such worker for more than a year from earning full wages at the place of his employment at the time of

such accident, written notice of the accident in the Form, accompanied by the particulars set out in the First Schedule, shall forthwith in the case of paragraph (a) and within four days in the case of paragraph (b), be sent by the employer to the Authority and the committee, safety and health representative or trade union, if any.

The OS&H Department is charged with the responsibility of monitoring, encouraging and enforcing the practice of good safety and health standards.

The objective of the Department is to improve working conditions and environment in Guyana with the emphasis on preventative rather than curative measures.

02, 03, 08, 12, 16 22, February, 2019

01 05 15 17 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

Minister Cummings visits crash survivors MINISTER within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, has given assurances to the pilot and a policeman who survived a recent plane crash that the authorities will “do everything possible” to ensure their full recovery.

According to the ministry, Minister Cummings recently visited Captain Lincoln Gomez and policeman Mark Grimmond, who survived last week Monday Minister Cummings listens to Police Constable Mark Grimnight’s plane crash aback mond during her visit to the injured policeman (MoPH photo)

Dominican charged for overstaying time A NATIONAL of the Dominican Republic, on Monday, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly, having being charged with overstaying his stipulated time in Guyana.

It was alleged that Eric Guante, between January 5th and February 24th, 2019, failed to comply with the conditions upon which he was granted permission, to stay in Guyana from December 6, 2018 to January 5, 2019.

Guante who pleaded

guilty to the charge, explained to the court that he was unaware of the conditions.

Also, he was told that due to his fathering a child in the country, he legally became a citizen.

The defendant, further stated, his intentions to get married, and that at the time of his arrest, he was in the process of looking after his documents for same.

Prosecutor Richard Harris objected to the defendant being granted his pre-trial

liberty, on the grounds that the court will not have any jurisdiction over him, and too, any issue in relation to deportation.

But,a representative from immigration department pleaded with the magistrate to grant the defendant bail, with the undertaking that the department will undertake all responsibility.

Guante was subsequently fined $30,000, but with conditions that he remains in the custody of immigration.

FROM PAGE 2

RUSAL disregards... to be unemployed; to be added to the hundreds who are already unemployed, is a regional disaster, and the government needs to intervene before it escalates.

Those persons have their families to finance; they might have children writing CXC; children to feed. People are losing faith, and everyone is panting for breath,” he said.

The dismissal of the employees was prompted after the workers initiated strike action on February 16, protesting the imposition of a one per cent salary increase, among other grievances.

Notwithstanding the fact that Guyana’s Constitution provides for employees a freedom to strike, BCGI had deemed the strike by the employees as an “illegal action”, believing that the company was within its legal right to fire the workers.

The company’s representative said the workers’ contracts did not provide for them to be absent from work, not even in the event of a strike.

At last Friday’s meeting

with the workers, Ally assured them, “This government can’t be supportive of anyone who wants to treat our workers anyhow. We will not allow it. There’s no question of our allegiance, because home comes first. ” “We view this matter to be a serious one, and very important for us as a government. From the onset we are behind you… we are supportive of the workers of this company… don’t feel for any moment that we are against you. We will work with you to ensure everything is restored to its fullest.”

Meanwhile, the GBGWU on Sunday issued a statement calling on the Opposition and all other newly-formed political parties to add their voice to the situation and stand up for the workers.

SILENCE NOT AN OPTION “Silence is not an option when Guyana’s national interest is under threat,” the statement said, adding: “It is not an option for [the] Opposition Leader or [any] politician. The leaders of these po-

litical parties see themselves wanting to lead Guyana…

GBGWU, therefore, urges them to demonstrate the quality of leadership they would give to Guyana, not when, or if they are elected, but now, when our national interest is under threat from RUSAL’s violations. [The] Guyanese workers need your involvement and protection now.”

The GBGWU also reminded that they are holding the government to its word, to ensure justice is served to the workers “We commend the minister, [but] GBGWU is not prepared to only accept the Minister’s call for respect of our laws; we hold her and the government accountable for ensuring the RUSAL management conforms to these without delay, failing which, there must be immediate consequences. The workers are also calling for the improvement in working conditions, better wage negotiations and for the company to respect the labour law of paying double on Sundays.

Canal Number Two on the West Bank Demerara.

“We are glad that your lives were preserved and much thanks is given to God for life spared,” Minister Cummings told the survivors.

Gomez, who was the pilot of the aircraft, and Grimmond, the lone passenger at the time, are recovering well a medical doctor told the minister when she visited the two men.

Cummings assured Captain Gomez that GPHC staff and MoPH health workers

“will do everything possible” to ensure their full recovery.

Gomez suffered a broken jaw and other facial injuries and Grimond suffered a broken leg, when the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in Canal Number Two after the plane, a Cessna 182, reportedly ran out of fuel.

The aircraft was transporting the body of Christopher Matthews, who died after falling off a mountain in Arau, Cuyuni/Mazaruni.

Gomez expressed happi-

ness with his recovery despite his injuries and other physical challenges from the neardeath experience.

Gomez and Grimmond are grateful for the support they are receiving from Public Health Ministry, the agency said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

Red House and the PPP IT has been over three years now that the controversy over the fate of Red House was sent to the High Court for adjudication. The nation is still awaiting a ruling in this very important matter.

It is the view of this newspaper that this matter could have been resolved amicably had it not been for the aggressive and insensitive stance taken by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). It is still to be proven otherwise, that the manner in which the PPP went about acquiring the building and State funding for the institute are symptomatic of that party’s style

of governance, which some commentators have described as being grounded in the need to monopolise and dominate the common political space.

The attorney general’s reasonable proposal at the time, when this matter surfaced back in 2015, that the building should house the papers and other works of all presidents, was meant as a compromise on this very sensitive issue. It was also a gesture of reconciliation, which has been a central part of this government’s praxis.

The PPP’s response to the AG’s proposal was shocking.

In very crude terms, the party literally said it would be sac-

rilegious to have Dr. Jagan’s papers housed in the same building as those of Mr Burnham and Mr. Hoyte. What is most surprising is that the one who was leading this chorus was former President Donald Ramotar. Considered to be among the more moderate elements in the PPP’s leadership, the former president was un-ceremoniously dumped by his party after its ouster from power earlier that year. One would have thought that he would have been among the more reasonable on this matter.

We fully support the AG’s proposal then, and do so now, even as we look

forward to the court’s ruling. In our fractured society, this would be a powerful statement for national unity.

The PPP’s argument that Dr. Jagan’s belief in democracy was different from that of Mr Burnham and Mr Hoyte is simplistic. A close study of our political history would show that all of our leaders have presided over undemocratic actions. But even if some were less guilty than others, that should not be a litmus test for national unity. Difference should not be equated with superiority or inferiority. We strongly reject such advocacy whether implicitly or explicitly

expressed.

The PPP continues to engage in a very counter-productive course of action that could further setback the quest for national reconciliation. To suggest that Mr Hoyte and Mr Burnham do not belong in the same category as Dr. Jagan is an insult to the supporters of those presidents and the country as a whole. If we are to realise our dream of one nation in which all its components are respected, we have to move beyond petty political differences. In the face of challenges from outside our borders and myriad internal challenges, we can ill-afford

these manifestations of hyper political tribalism.

Guyana deserves a political maturity that speaks to our oneness without diminishing our diversity and vice versa. Like Dr. Jagan, Mr Burnham and Mr Hoyte are national treasures who, if studied and as part of a common tapestry, could open the eyes of the younger generations to the possibilities of a national ethos. They were political adversaries, not political enemies as the PPP is advocating.

The country, including PPP supporters, should speak up on this matter.

Should Guyanese overseas be excluded from commenting on local politics?

Dear Editor,

I AM all for free speech regardless of race, socioeconomic background or geographical location.

Unfortunately, in Guyana, some folks do not believe in that. Today’s letter is hopefully to initiate a national debate on this issue.

Let me start this debate with a snippet of a Facebook post by Terrence Campbell formally of ANUG. “I am especially angered when it is advanced by those who have ‘no skin in the game’ locally. The taxes paid by the private sector are critical for the provision of social services and development of Guyana.”

Mr Campbell was erroneously arguing that Guyanese in the diaspora are arguing that the PSC should not be commenting on local politics. Mr. Campbell is being disingenuous with the facts. That’s not what we are saying. That’s not what Rickford Burke and I have said.

What was being argued by Rickford Burke, myself and thousands in the diaspora, is that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) should not be political biased, and should not be getting into matters of the Constitu-

tion in 2019, when they disregarded similar matters pre-2015.

In our humble opinion, their role in politics is to engage the government to create a better business environment. Komal Singh, the secretary of the PSC, articulated those views very well. I will quote him verbatim. “We have not been the leader in the past when we had constitutional breach, so why should we be the leader now? I am sure there was a very good reason in the past why the PSC was never so vocal.”

I will also paraphrase one of his statements as was written in the printed media, “He said if members of the commission are interested in preserving the PSC as an engine of growth, they should, instead, lobby government for a better business environment.”- Guyana Chronicle.

That’s the very argument we have been putting forward all along.

I would now provide rebuttal to Mr. Campbell’s argument, by making a closer, evidence-based examination at Guyanese in the diaspora.

In an article written in the Guyana Chronicle on 23rd July 2016 titled, “The migration of tertiary-educated Guyanese,” the statistics on migration was highlighted. Mr. Editor, I

do wish to quote verbatim a paragraph: “The news that 93 per cent of persons migrating from Guyana have a tertiary education cannot be comforting. As Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine opined, it is a national tragedy.”

From those statistics, it is obvious that the vast majority of the smartest and brightest Guyanese are outside of Guyana. That’s a fact Mr. Campbell. Someone who is analytical and has Guyana’s interest at heart, would look at the facts closer, would analyse the facts and would ask the following questions.

1. Why are most of our smartest and brightest leaving?

2. What can Guyana do to have those professionals return to help develop Guyana?

3. How can we get them involved and engaged in Guyana’s development-tapping in on those first world knowledge and skills?

4. What suggestions can they provide to stop this brain drain?

With this simplistic and tribal approach being articulated by Terrence Campbell and others, namely Freddie Kissoon, Gerry Gouveia, Kit Nascimento and many others, it would have one inevitable outcome-

alienate overseas based Guyanese.

Terrence and others may not wish to hear this, but it has to be said, albeit in a humble manner. Guyanese in the diaspora don’t need Guyana.

Guyana needs them. No country can develop when 93 per cent of the tertiary educated have migrated.

The fact is that a country’s greatest resource is its human resources.

Forget about the natural resources, without the appropriate skills they will all go to waste, or foreigners would have to be employed to fill that gap in the professional labour market.

Let me now examine the paying of taxes argument postulating by Terrence Campbell. Unfortunately, he is not the only one with that ridiculous argument. Gerry Gouveia, Freddie Kissoon, Kit Nascimento among others, have put forward that weak argument. There are many others all over social media championing this weak argument. When they are challenged to defend it in an intellectual debate, they struggle.

A good advert as to why that 93 per cent is desperately needed.

Let me digress a bit, to provide international evidence as to why this argument of paying tax is impotent

at best, and will require a good dose of viagra to help it stand up to scrutiny.

One of the first steps Donald Trump took when he went into government was to change the corporate tax laws. Apple, a big American company was having most of its trillions of US dollars in Asia, since the tax involved in transferring such monies to America was too high. A reduction in those corporate taxes encouraged Apple to transfer those monies to America. Overseas-based Americans are contributing to America, despite being overseas.

Forward thinking, may I add.

America has been placing pressure on Guyana and many countries, to have systems in place to make sure American companies pay American corporate tax. Overseas-based Americans are contributing to their country, despite being overseas. Again, it forward thinking. My point is that an American can live and have companies overseas but can still contribute to his country. Should they also be banished from commenting on Trump’s policies TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

No Jagdeo, No!

Dear Editor,

WHY is the PPP-Civic so obsessed to hold elections now? Why are they opposed to a clean voters’ list?

Is it because the current voters’ list is so bloated that they fear a fair list? Let’s examine why.

According to Commissioner Vincent Alexander, with Guyana’s population of 740,000 we have a voters’ list in the vicinity of 500,000.

This means that about 67 per cent of Guyanese are eligible to vote. But Alexander may be too modest in his assessment since the reputable KnowledgeWalk Institute, a Barbados-based educational research institute with Caribbean Elections.

com, has published the 2015 voter registration at 583,444 and the United Nations has estimated our population at 750,000. So, for the 2015 elections, Guyana had 78 per cent of its population eligible to vote – an alarming number and one for the Guinness Book of Records.

In our sister-Caribbean states and the developing world, the voters’ list is about 51 per cent of the general population.

The data shows many trends. Since the elections of 1992 the number of registered voters on record is as follows: 1992 – 384,195; 2006 – 442,369; 2011 – 475,496; and 2015 – 583,444. Voter registration increased by 23 per cent in 2015. Were they

driven to register everyone or to reproduce voters, given the demise of the Jagdeo-Ramotar’s government in 2014, going into the May 2015 elections? There is no other country in the world, where such unbelievable statistics would be accepted and the bloated list used for future elections. So, with our population holding constant at 750,000 and none of the 10 regions experiencing population decline, how can we plausibly explain this sudden and steep rise in the electorate from 2011 to 2015?

There is none, other than blatantly inflating the voters’ list. The numbers just do not correlate with the previous elections cycles, or with the stable population number.

The only rational conclusion is that the massive increase in voter registration was to facilitate multiple voting.

The PPP leadership knows that elections by March 2019 will disenfranchise many of our young voters, about to be 18 years of age. They also know that since the 2015 elections, many youths have not registered to vote. If this PPP leadership truly believes in democracy and youth empowerment, they will support the removal of every road block, to ensure that Guyana’s youth, who represent 20 per cent of our population (Guyana Bureau of Statistics 2012 Census), are not denied their civic right to choose their leaders

and government. If denied, the PPP leaders should take heed that our youths have the right to file class action suits in our courts. Nothing justifies disenfranchisement, even though arguments that opportunity to register exist.

The PPP leadership is obsessed with going to the polls immediately, as they did with the Confidence Vote.

It reminds us of the saying, “when bline man seh he gon pelt ya, ee already gat brick in e han”. The brick is the PPP’s bloated list. GECOM is justified in advising the President and the nation that the commission is not ready for a fair and free election.

Act 1 Scene 2 of the Charrandass plot: No Jagdeo, No!

Mr. Editor, my fellow Guyanese should be able to see why we need a new voters’ list based on houseto-house registration. We also need to replace those voter ID cards with new electronic fool-proof ones. It will help us to have a sound database, eliminate duplicates of voters, and weed out names of repeats and the dead.

For Act 1 Scene 3, let us all sound our voices and cast votes of No Confidence in the PPP. Shout it out NO JAGDEO, NO! Regards, Max Wallerson

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FROM PAGE

06

Should Guyanese overseas be ...

because they reside overseas?

Back to the substantive issue at hand: To stimulate this debate, I would humbly ask Terrence Campbell and whoever may choose to respond to this letter the following questions.

1. What taxes are they alluding to?

2. What percentage of Guyana’s GDP does this local tax make up?

3. How does this compare to monies and taxes coming from the diaspora?

4. Can a Guyanese own

a local business, pay tax but yet reside overseas? Should his geographical location exclude him from commenting on local politics? How would you identify such a person, as the gate keepers of local political commentaries, so as to provide him/her a permit

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

to comment?

5. In your businesses, how many of the products are locally produced?

6. Your car, SUV or jeep, where are they produced?

If Guyanese, who are foreigners in your books, are excluded from any role in Guyana, then why are you driving foreign cars?

7. Can a Guyanese be in a cave in Afghanistan, but yet be up to date with what is happening in Guyana via technology, hence, can make an informed contribution to Guyana? In the apartheid struggle in South Africa, were South Africans in the diaspora excluded from making political commentaries, in view of the fact that they were not living and paying taxes in South Africa? What about international countries and organisations. They were not paying “tax” in South Africa, do you think apartheid, one of the worse post-slavery political systems, would have be toppled without their input?

8. Which other country has that philosophy of excluding their nationals from commenting on local politics once they migrated? It does not happen in Europe, Canada, America, Australia, New Zealand to name a few.

9. What evidence you have that it will work in Guyana? That that’s what is best for Guyana?

10. From 2020, Exxon will be paying the most “tax” in Guyana. With tax being the criteria for a voice in Guyana, should they have the biggest voice and the biggest say?

11. Are Guyanese working in other Caribbean countries, which is part of the CSME, also excluded? If yes, why?

12. Can an overseas-based Guyanese have properties in Guyana that he/she is paying significant “tax” on. As a result of you making that broad statement that Guyanese in the diaspora do not pay tax looks ridiculous?

13. In terms of the members of the PSC, how much does overseas-based Guyanese contribute to your businesses? The last time I was in Guyana I spent over US$2000US on travelling to Kaieteur Falls and Baganara.

I think a significant percentage of that went to Gerry Gouveia’s business. I spent over US$1000 in subscription to Stabroek News over the years. I spent thousands on Church’s Chicken, KFC, at multiple petrol stations and supermarkets etc. All these services I paid value-added tax. All these companies are members of the PSC. Oh yes.

On leaving I paid airport tax.

Does that count or only this nebulous and ignorant term

“tax” is what counts?

14. Mr. Campbell et al, please provide one example where an overseas-based Guyanese made or wrote a statement that was illegal and would adversely affect Guyana? I suspect Mr. Campbell was alluding to Rickford Burke and my informed writing on the economic boycott of the PSC. Let me educate Mr. Campbell and in extension, the PSC of economic boycott. It is not divisive as Gerry Gouveia has argued. It has been around for centuries for people whose voices are not being heard.

Perhaps the world’s oldest boycott was by Aristophanes when he wrote Lysistrata. Tired of the endless Pelopennisian war, Lysistrata convinces the women of Athens to barricade themselves in the Acropolis, thereby denying their husbands sex until they negotiated peace with Sparta. The end result was inevitable. Hitting men where it hurts. The war on the battle fields ended in one second, in fear of losing the “war” in the bedroom.

The term economic boycott originated at the time of the Irish Land War in the late 19th century. Captain Charles Boycott was a land agent who was shunned after refusing to negotiate with tenants. The entire town stopped doing business with him eventually driving him out of town. That may happen to the PSC if they do not listen and transform. Just remember it happened to Kashif and Shanghai.

In 1955 Rosa Parks sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The bus company lost 65 per cent of their income and the boycott was the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. The small act of defiance and the boycott that followed, eventually led to the Supreme Court declaring that Alabama and Montgomery’s laws requiring segregated buses was unconstitutional. The birth of “I have a dream” In 1986 the International Marine Mammal Project began a campaign to make people aware of tuna fishing practices that were killing dolphins. Economic boycott was done against offending companies. Four years later, the three biggest tuna companies agreed to stop selling tuna caught using the dolphin scooping method. That means that now, 90 per cent of the tuna sold in the US, is caught using methods that don’t harm dolphins. Long live the dolphins. And they are many others populating history.

The point is that economic boycott has been an effective tool for the masses that are being ignored. When

Gerry Gouveia speaks of it being divisive, he is arguing from a business and not a national perspective. It can potentially divide a biased PSC. When Terrence Campbell uses the rubbish argument of “no skin in the game locally,” he too, is articulating from a business and not a national perspective. They and others like them, don’t want the betterment for Guyanese. They wish the betterment for themselves, that’s why they wish for us to be silence. Patriotic currency not to country.

Finally Terrence Campbell had this to say, “BTW, did you guys notice that Kit got a national award? I wonder how his critics feel about this?” Simply put, I’m elated.

It shows the maturity of the government. It completely negates Timothy Jonas’s argument that his Senior Counsel was rescinded because of his political association. Kit, a fierce critic of the Government being rewarded! Compare that to Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP, who said that Nigel Hughes would never become a Senior Counsel under his watch. Who vindictively denied Mr. Desmond Hoyte a state funeral? Who denied Mr. Hamilton Green a state pension? Who victimised Freddie Kissoon, his wife and his daughter? That was heartless and unforgivable. Who banned state companies from providing advertisements to Stabroek News? And I can state many more of PPP’s vindictive evils.

I will now close my argument by stating, that I do not support the position that paying tax must be a pre-requisite for one contributing in the politics of Guyana. What should be paramount is the love of country. That’s the reason why we contribute. Paying tax must be a pre-requisite to one benefitting from the social services, health services, state pension, etc but not political commentary.

If that were the case then the Carter Center and the ABCE countries should also be excluded from the local political commentaries since they don’t pay “tax.”

Over to you Terrence and who ever may choose to respond.

Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

Dengue contingency plans hit a snag –– residents advised to take the necessary precautions

PLANS by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to deal with a possible dengue outbreak in Georgetown have been stalled due to a shortage of chemicals and other items needed to pull off a massive campaign to reduce the likelihood of the occurrence.

The M&CC, at January’s press conference, declared that in view of the possible outbreak, the body wanted to be proactive, rather than reactive. More than a month later, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Suzette Reynolds, told the Guyana Chronicle that the municipality is still in the process of procuring spray cans and other items.

She said that the Ministry of Health is also in the same position where items have been ordered and must be shipped into the country.

“So even if we want to go ahead, the stuff is not available in the country. At this juncture, even if we want to collaborate with the ministry, they don’t have the stuff as yet”, Reynolds informed.

“Of course I am very concerned,” she added, “But I can’t beat the system. If the suppliers or the distributers of the chemicals need to bring it into the country, then that’s all we can do.

There’s no other way of possibly getting it.”

According to Dr. Reynolds, the Vector Control Department is continuing

Medical Officer of Health Suzette Reynolds.

with routine works. “But the big campaign that we wanted to pull off, we haven’t been able to,” she said, as she does not know when the items are expected to arrive in the country. She explained that the routine work by the Vector Control Department would not be enough to deal with this issue. The plan was that over the next two months or so, it would have tried to incorporate other departments to get the work done.

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquito bites. Some of the symptoms include severe headaches, a high fever, pain in the muscles, bones and joints; pain behind the eyes and digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea. It can also be accompanied by a rash, but the absence of rash does not mean there is no dengue.

There may also be bleeding from the mucus membranes.

There can even be hemorrhagic shock, which can result in death.

According to Dr. Reynolds, the disease can result in a very vicious cycle, “An infected mosquito bites someone and when this person becomes infected; if they are not isolated under nettings and so forth, a healthy mosquito can now bite that sick person, get the dengue virus and then transmit it to other persons. The mosquitoes can reproduce in clean or dirty water.

Symptoms appear at between four to seven days after the infected mosquito would have bitten the person and after that incubation period, the symptoms start with very high fever, pain when moving the eyes, pain in the main joints, bones and muscles; rashes throughout the body, mild bleeding from the nose or gum, and a tendency to bruise easily.

Persons with chronic diseases are more at risk such as those with diabetes, renal problems, asthma, and liver diseases. Pregnant women or recent post natal women, infants, and adults over 60 years of age, are also more prone to the virus.

“Someone who has had it before may not get it again. If a patient has had dengue type one in the past, and a mosquito bites them that carry the same type one, they will not be infected.

But if a mosquito that carries

Phone service down in De Veldt for over three months Dear Editor, WE, the residents of DeVeldt and Gatroy of the Berbice River, would like to bring to your attention a matter of dire importance to our communities.

For the past three months, the phone service in our communities has not been working, which is a huge setback, in the sense that this is our only and main source of communication. The ab-

sence of this service is causing major setbacks, namely: no access to family members, following up on important correspondence, giving in medical reports, notification on important meetings, business transaction and the list goes on.

We would be grateful to GTT to have this service re-instated as early as possible, as it is crippling our communities’ population of the 507 residents that the

phone serves. If this can’t be done, maybe, the company can deliver cellular service for which we would also be grateful.

Yours co-operatively, Leah Lepps-Kertizous Secretary of the De Veldt Community Development Council (CDC) This letter was also signed by 262 residents of the communities

types two, three or four bites them, they will be infected and very much likely will suffer a worse form of manifestation of that illness”, Dr. Reynolds warned.

The main prevention mechanism is isolation under netting for infected persons. “We should use

screens on doors and windows, and if they don’t have such, keep them shut. Especially for children, insure that they wear long sleeve shirts, pants and footwear when outdoors especially at night. Use insect repellant.

Limit your exposure especially at the time of dusk and

dawn, because that’s when the mosquitoes are most active and do not give them a place to breed.”

Dr. Reynolds emphasised, “Preventing dengue starts with you. You can do simple things to avoid the transmission of dengue!”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

Greater focus on mainstreaming Indigenous languages needed

–– activists say

LOCAL activists have called for greater focus to be placed on mainstreaming indigenous languages, particularly in the education system, as the government moves ahead with efforts to preserve these languages.

Indigenous rights activist, Laura George, called for the development of policies that would mainstream In-

digenous languages in the education system so that this system can become one which is more applicable to Indigenous youth.

At a forum held recently in commemoration of International Mother Languages Day, George shared her own experience where her classes were taught in the Akawaio Language but the examination was not given in that

language, instead, it was given in English.

“So how am I expected to be on par with the rest of the nation, who are not Indigenous speakers? And not being taught all the way, I am now forced to compete with those children,” she questioned rhetorically.

“Many times our children fall to the wayside, being deemed as non-performers, [and] it is a disadvantage; it is an injustice to indigenous children in Guyana,” she posited and later added:

“Many times formal education would have contributed to the erosion of cultures and the erosion of values.”

As such, she called for a “total reform” of the education system when dealing with Indigenous youth. And the reform process should include Indigenous teachers, Indigenous people who are involved in the rights’ approach and Indigenous elders.

“In the development of policy, it has to be something that is done in an inclusive way,” she said, while stressing that too often only the “academia” is included in these discussions.

“We need to discuss in a collective way how to do it. And it is not just preservation but the promotion [of languages],” George said.

Furthermore, she opined that technology can be harnessed in the endeavour to promote and preserve the languages.

At the same forum, Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton highlighted that community radio stations have been established at Orealla, Bartica, Lethem, Aishalton and Mahdia. This move was to create channels of communication that would promote the usage of the languages.

Additionally, as part of a move to preserve the Wapichan Language, three schools in Region Nine have been targeted for a bilingual education programme, where the language would be incor-

Social activist Vanda Radzik

Indigenous rights activist, Laura George

porated into the curriculum.

Meanwhile, social activist, Vanda Radzik, called for avenues to incentivise Indigenous people themselves to take part in the promotion and preservation of their languages.

“In the arts – such as ceramics [and] textiles – Indigenous Guyanese they shine, they win the prizes and it’s just works of excellence and yet where is the equivalent for the Guyana Prize [for] the Indigenous poet or fictional writer or novelist?” she questioned.

The Guyana Prize is Guyana's most prestigious literary award that celebrates outstanding Guyanese who have contributed in the literary field.

The time has come for Guyanese to move beyond just documenting Indigenous folk stories and instead document and experience indigenous literature through the native languages, according to the woman.

“Part of my dream... is that in a few years’ time, there will be a Guyana Prize in literature for works in Indigenous languages,” she said. “That will then galvan-

ise the poets, the writers and so on.”

And according to her, it is one thing to just preserve the languages but it is an entirely different dimension to have the languages “live”.

Giving life to the languages would include persons fully embracing it through practice and usage.

“I really think that incentives like [the Guyana Prize] will go a long way in really inspiring and making language really ‘live’,” she said.

The year 2019 has been proclaimed as the International Year of Indigenous Languages by the United Nations General Assembly.

The aim is to raise awareness of the consequences of the endangerment of Indigenous languages not only in Guyana but across the world.

GNSC commissions new $125m state-of-the-art bond -finance minister challenges shipping company to employ modern warehouse strategies AS part of its effort to improve cargo handling and boost capacity, the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) has commissioned a $125 million state-of-the-art warehouse at La Penitence.

GNSC, which has been a local leader in shipping for over 40 years, made the new step to improve the services which are offered, said Managing Director of the company, Andrew Astwood, during his presentation at the commissioning of the facility on Monday.

Astwood said the facility was designed by Engineer Marcel Gaskin and built by Nabi Construction Inc. and B and J Civil Works- Construction Services.

“This is part of our 2020

vision, because we want to build two more similar facilities to the north and west of the warehouse,” said the managing director, adding that the facility will enhance the company’s cargo handling capacity ahead of the establishment of the local oil and gas sector in 2020.

The facility is 140 feet by 90 feet, with the highest point of the building being 25 feet. According to Astwood, the building was made from a concrete steel frame with reinforced concrete flooring.

He said the new bond will be able to store about 2,500 tonnes of bulk cargo, a huge boost to the company’s storage capacity.

The new bond was constructed on the company’s property which was pur-

chased from Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) for $300 million in 2000.

With the new facility ready for operation, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan challenged the company to develop modern warehousing strategies.

“Because of the changing business environment and advancement of technology, companies need to adapt to changing customer needs in order to remain relevant and successful,” said the minister, adding that he is certain that the bond is part of the company’s plan to become more relevant and profitable.

He encouraged the company to continue in the path of development but also to consider TURN TO PAGE

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

Guyanese in Toronto rally ‘round the Golden Arrowhead

11

–– amidst calls to ‘stand united’ in face of global challenges woman of Indo-Caribbean extract to be elected to the Ontario Legislature, spoke briefly of Guyana’s rich heritage, and urged the few Guyanese present to never forget where they came from.

Singh, whose mother is Guyanese, while her father was born in India, is also the first woman of colour to attain the post of deputy leader of the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP).

Consul-General Anyin Choo (centre) enjoys the anniversary cake with MPP Sara Singh (left) and Dean of the Consular Corps of Toronto Ann-Marie Layne

Story and photos by Frederick Halley GUYANA’s Consul-General to Toronto, Anyin Choo, last Friday called on diasporans to stand united against ever-evolving global challenges.

“In the 21st Century, the challenges that lie ahead are still evolving as we still continue to face threats as a nation, threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity, national security, global warming and climate change, cyber-security and challenges in our own economic development,” Ambassador Choo said, adding: “As a nation, we must stand united in the face of these challenges, and FROM PAGE

be very cognisant of the fact that as diverse as we are, our strength as a nation lies in our unity.”

“Let us not lose focus on the road that still lies ahead as a nation,” he told guests gathered at the consulate’s offices in Scarborough, Toronto to celebrate Guyana’s 49th Republic Anniversary.

Among those guests were Dean of the Consular Corps of Toronto, Consul-General Ann-Marie Layne, and Sara Singh, Opposition Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP).

He also asked those of his countrymen in attendance at the function to use the occasion to reflect upon “the sacrifices and the selflessness of our ancestors who displayed patriotism, resilience and

unwavering commitment to severing our final official ties to colonial rule,” and to take responsibility for “defending the Motherland and developing the economy.”

And, seeing that they were all under one roof, he seized the opportunity to commend the Guyanese Diaspora in Canada for maintaining ties with home. “Thank you for your tireless engagement in diverse diaspora groups and organisations, contributing to the further development of our beloved homeland. The Consulate of Guyana in Toronto recognises your efforts and stands ready to support you, and strengthen diaspora engagement,” Ambassador Choo said.

MPP Singh, the first

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GNSC commissions new ...

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and officials of the GNSC cutting the ceremonial ribbon to declare the bond open (Samuel Maughn photo)

partnerships to counter financial constraints.

The Guyana National Shipping Corporation was a member of the Booker Group of Companies, trading under the name BOOKERS SHIPPING TRANSPORT AND WHARVES LIMITED. In 1951, the name was changed to BOOKERS SHIPPING (DEMERARA) LIMITED. On 26th May

1976, when the Guyana Government acquired the holdings of Booker McConnell & Co. Ltd. in Guyana, the entity was renamed "GUYANA NATIONAL SHIPPING CORPORATION LTD.".

The company traded successfully under this name for the last 32 years and now stands among the foremost companies of its kind in the country. The Guyana Na-

tional Shipping Corporation Limited renders maritime transportation services to all sectors of the economy.

The Company’s major role in the shipping industry is the provision of related quality services to shipowners, operators, and other customers, locally and internationally.

As Antiguan-born, Dean Ann-Marie Layne observed, the Guyana Diaspora in Toronto and across Canada can be justly proud of their tremendous contribution to the socio-economic and cultural landscape of the Caribbean Community. “As one of the founding signatories of the 1973 Treaty of Chaguaramas,” she said, “Guyana, through its leadership and fortitude, has led the way

in coordinating economic policies that have elevated the Caribbean Community internationally...”

President of the Guyana Ex-police Association of Canada (GEPAC) led the audience in the singing of the national anthems of Canada and Guyana, while the proceedings were chaired by Consul Mishelle Butters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

GECOM's 2019 work programme timelines to be presented for approval today

GECOM Commissioner Desmond Trotman

THE timelines for the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOMs) 2019 work programme, which include fresh house-tohouse registration, is expected to be presented to the full commission today.

This is according to Commissioner Desmond Trotman who said that the timelines will be presented

by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and staff.

“Because they designed the timelines, they will be presenting that for approval,” he said, while a guest on the Walter Rodney Groundings television programme on Sunday, February 24, 2019.

He continued: “The 2019 programme included houseto-house registration as an important element, and so the Chief Elections Officer understood that he and his staff will have to sit down and advise the Commission, on how they will proceed with that 2019 programme.

So, they’ll be coming to us on Tuesday will all of the timelines.”

Trotman said that, when the timelines are presented, he is confident that approval will be given and that work will go forward in a quicker pace than at present.

During the programme, the commissioner also gave an account of the meeting between the Commission and the Chiefs of Mission of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and European Union.

While all Commissioners would have made presentations, Trotman said it was clear that when one Opposition-nominated Commissioner spoke, he attempted to lay a foundation before the diplomats which he (Trotman) found to be “sickening”.

“The most sickening incident, for me, was when Commissioner Benn sought to prostrate himself before the visitors and to say to them, ‘look, this is the situation and

it’s y’all got to save us from what’s going to happen’,” Trotman said.

“In effect, he was inviting them to be the new colonial masters and the PPP were prepared to be the puppets of the colonial masters. The thing was sickening. I don’t even know if it is that he understood what it is he was doing, not only to himself, but to the party and to the country as a whole.”

Trotman noted that, from such occurrences, and others witnessed, it was obvious that the Opposition’s motives lack the interest of citizens.

He reminded that Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, at his last press conference, stated that People's Progressive Party (PPP) parliamentarians, at this time, will not be voting for an extension of the 90-day time period.

This is even as GECOM has stated clearly that it cannot facilitate General and Regional Elections in 90 days and does not have the necessary funds to do such.

Nonetheless, Trotman said that he and other likeminded Commissioners will continue to represent the interested of the people and the fundamental right, of all eligible, to vote.

“When GECOM sits down, to determine the way forward, what is first in my mind is the interest of the people and I am going to represent the interest of the people. It seems to me that the interest of the people conflicts with the interest of the PPP commissioners and Jagdeo,” he said.

“The interest of the people of this county is paramount to Commissioners Corbin, Alexander and myself. And, not withstanding what Jagdeo says, we are going to continue to argue for the interest of the people to be placed first and foremost before any party interest.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

LGC paid salaries, other monies

CHAIRMAN of the Local Government Commission (LGC), Mortimer Mingo, has confirmed that salaries for staff and commissioners have been paid and money for operational expenses received, after an agreement had been struck with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Ministry of Communities (MoC).

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle via telephone interview, Mingo, yesterday ( Monday, February 25, 2019) said he could not provide full details but verified that the 27 staff and eight commissioners of the LGC have been paid their January and February, 2019 salaries.

“We have been paid, yes for both January and February. We have come to an agreement on all funds. It was a tripartite [agreement],” Mingo confirmed.

The newest development marks an end to an over onemonth long impasse between the LGC and the MoC, over

the releasing of funds for the LGC to function. At a press conference held on February 15, 2019, Mingo said the commission was “effectively shut down”, but, subsequently, issued a statement saying the commission was nonetheless still operational.

The commission had its cellphone services cut earlier in February, while the fate of its other utilities and even rent remained uncertain.

Staff and commissioners had not been paid salaries since December 14, 2019.

This was after MoC Permanent Secretary, Emil McGarrel, said he could not sign over monies to the LGC because the work programme, submitted by the commission, had an excess of approximately $25M over the $124M allocated for commission’s annual current expenditures.

McGarrel said his hands were tied because, if he signed over monies to the LGC, he would be in viola-

Drug trafficker granted bail

Selwyn Dean

A construction worker attached to N&P Investment was, on Monday, February 25, 2019, granted $15,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, on a drug trafficking charge.

Selwyn Dean of No 4, West Coast Berbice, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, on February 22, 2019, at the Bartica Police Station, Dean had 17 grams

of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Dean’s attorney, Mark Conway, made an application for bail on the grounds that his client was the sole breadwinner for his family of six, and his wife was four months pregnant.

Police Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield made no objection to bail.

The chief magistrate released Dean on $15,000 bail and transferred the matter to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for March 14, 2019.

LGC Chairman, Mortimer Mingo

tion of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA), unless the LGC submitted a budget within the limits of the $124 allocated to it for current expenses in the 2019 budget.

The LGC is essentially supposed to be a constitutional body with financial independence. However, it is yet to be placed on a constitutional agency register.

In the interim, it receives its finances via a subvention under the MoC.

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In its 2019 annual budget,

the LGC requested some $305M. However when the 2019 national budget was approved, the LGC was allocated only $137M, with $124M for current expenditure and $13M for capital expenditure.

In February 2019, the LGC wrote to the MoF asking if the shortfall could be addressed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

GPF mulls establishment of aviation unit

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is in the process of making arrangements to commence training of ranks, which will serve in a newly-formed aviation unit. This is of utmost importance, according to Minister of Public Security, Kemraj Ramjattan, who in his recent address to residents of Lethem, noted that the GPF has to prepare itself for the emerging oil and gas industry. He said that the aviation unit will be further developed with resources that will emerge

from oil and gas sector and this unit will focus on tackling piracy, amongst other crimes that are associated with oil production.

“Of course that is recommended and we are in the process now of making the arrangements, as to training some of our policemen for that kind of thing,” he said.

The GPF is currently depending on the Guyana Defence Force for assistance from its aviation wing and it was successful in tackling piracy in the Corentyne area, which saw a rapid decline. The GPF

aviation unit will also address human trafficking, which has seen some level of reduction.

Ramjattan described human trafficking as a very serious crime, since women and children are not only trafficked for sexual exploitation but labour exploitation as well.

He called on residents to play their part in tackling crime by speaking out. “We must have individual personal morality to know that we should not be doing this, and that we should be speaking out, far too few of us speak out and when we don’t speak

Minister of Public Security Kemraj Ramjattan

out, things get worse,” he affirmed.

For this reason, the GPF is investing millions in its

Citizens Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP), to train the citizenry to be law enforcers in their own way, by speaking out. US $15 Million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is being used on training programmes across Guyana. To date, Ramjattan said that 1,251 persons have been trained. The programme also includes the enhancing of the GPF assets such as the police stations, fire stations and prisons.

Ramjattan also spoke of

the realignment of the police divisions, which will see each region being assigned as a division, so that the commanders would be resident in the district and have a better understanding of the crimes that are peculiar to every region. He reassured the residents of Lethem that the government is seeking to ensure the public security of its citizens and though they are constrained by finances, there is much work ongoing in this regard.

Trotman to replace batteries for Aishalton Secondary’s solar energy system AS a result of the recent ministerial outreach to Region Nine – held between February 15 and February 17, 2019 – Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, promised the residents that he will provide replacement batteries for the solar energy system at Aishalton Secondary School.

This was one of the concerns of the residents in Region Nine during the outreach. The solar energy panels that usually power the school are currently in bad condition. When the ministers visited the school, Minister Trotman examined the equipment and batteries and was briefed of the problem at hand.

Many residents are dismayed at the conditions under which they currently live and is calling on the appropriate team to address the problems they face.

“We are looking at it, and we are working on them, and I will be back later this year to give you an update on what is going on, but I think we all agree that the mining is, or the gold and the minerals, are part of God’s gifts to us and how we use them, we must do so in a responsible way, and each one of us has a right to partake in them,” he said.

He reassured the residents that he is committed to ensuring a safe environment for the citizens and highlighted the necessary steps being taken to formulate a plan to tackle various issues the region is facing.

Residents voiced their concerns as it related to the condition of the roads and water pollution. He made them aware that the administration is currently looking for solutions to rectify the issues in the coming months.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

GWI disconnects water supply at municipal markets THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has disconnected water supply from three of the city’s municipal markets, owing to outstanding monies owed.

Public Relations Officer at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Ms. Debra Lewis, told Guyana Chronicle on Monday that the disconnection began with Bourda Market and continued with the Stabroek and Albouystown Markets. To date, the three markets are still without water, and a meeting between GWI and M&CC is fixed for some time next week.

Mayor Ubraj Narine asked for an update on the issue when the council met for its fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall yesterday. Acting Town Clerk, Sharon Harry, responded that she was in talks with the chairman of GWI’s Board of Directors.

Councillor Patricia Chase-Green said that such an urgent issue requires the town clerk to state exactly when, “a date and a time”, when the two bodies will meet to iron out the issues.

Harry repeated that a meeting will be held with GWI sometime next week.

Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved an increase in rates and tariffs

by GWI, and has given the company several deadlines to improve its water services so that they can meet international standards. In an order released on June 7, 2018, the PUC approved

The issue of the markets’ disconnection was raised at City Hall’s statutory meeting on Monday

the rates increase be implemented in two phases beginning on October 1, 2018 and again on October 1, 2019 to help alleviate the financial burden on consumers.

These changes came after GWI indicated that its revenue streams are insufficient to meet its operating costs and the utility was still operating under the 2005 tariff regime. From October 1, 2018, metered residential consumers started to pay a monthly fixed charge of $250 and a monthly consumption charge of $86 per m3 for those in the $60.90 category while all others will pay $112 per m3.

From October 1, 2019, all metered residential consumers will pay a monthly fixed charge of $500 and

a monthly consumption charge of$112 per m3. For unmetered residential consumers, there was a monthly fixed charge of $250 in 2018 to be increased to $500 in 2019, while the monthly consumption charge for 2018 stood at $1,100, and is to be increased to $1,450 in 2019.

Metered non-residential consumers in 2018 paid a monthly fixed charge and a monthly consumption charge of $250 and $125 per m3 respectively, and $500 and $150 per m3 respectively for 2019.

Unmetered non-residential small commercial and small industrial consumers were billed monthly fixed and monthly consumption charges of $250 and $2,200 respectively in 2018 and

East Ruimveldt man in court for alleged rape of minor AN East Ruimveldt, Georgetown resident, accused of raping a nine-yearold girl, was, on Monday, February 25, 2019, brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Mario Heywood, a 36-year-old employee at the Giftland Mall, was not required to plead to the charge which was read in-camera.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, between October 1, 2018, and November 20, 2018, at East Ruimveldt,

Mario Heywood

Heywood engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16.

Heywood was released on $250,000 bail and the matter was adjourned until March 7, 2019. He was also ordered to keep away from the victim.

According to reports, it is alleged that, during the period mentioned in the charge, the child was left in the care of Heywood. It is alleged that Heywood raped the child, while her mother was out.

The child, upon her mother’s return told her of the incident and the matter was reported to the police.

$500 and $3,000 respectively in 2019.

Unmetered non-residential, medium commercial and medium industrial consumers paid $250 and $5,700 for

monthly fixed and monthly consumption charges in 2018, and $500 and $8,000 for same in 2019.

Unmetered non-residential large commer-

cial and large industrial consumers paid (in fixed charges) $13,000 in 2018 and $15,000 in 2019; and $21,000 in 2018 and $24,000 in 2019, respectively.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Guyanese go on a rediscovery of ‘Eldorado’ –for ‘Mash 49’ GUYANA celebrated its 49th Republic Anniversary with a myriad of well-coordinated and well-executed activities organised by the Ministry of Cohesion – Culture, Youth and Sport.

The events saw the support of thousands of Guyanese who came out in their numbers to celebrate their culture, under the theme,

‘Celebrate Mash 49, With Victory in mind: Rediscovering Eldorado’.

At the flagraising ceremony held to usher in the golden day, persons descended on the D’Urban Park, and could be heard screaming at the top of their lungs their undying love for this beautiful land of ours.

And they were not to be

disappointed, as they were well rewarded with a rich mix of cultural presentations, all depicting the wealth that Guyana possesses.

Dancers from the various dance schools, named their dances to portray various sectors of our country, such as ‘Black Gold’, in tribute to Guyana’s emerging oiland gas industry; ‘Golden Treasures’, depicting turtle conservation in Region One; ‘Gems’ which celebrated the gold, diamond and bauxite

industries of Regions Seven and Ten; ‘Food Basket’ - which celebrated the agricultural industries in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six; ‘Nation Building’ which recognised the hard work of Guyana’s labour force; ‘Majestic Beauty’, which celebrates the rich biodiversity of the Kaieteur National Park in Region Eight, among many other treasures.

Spectators were also treated to performances from local artistes such as the 2019 Soca and Chutney Monarchs, Brandon Harding and Steven Ramphal, respectively.

While Diana Chapman and the National School of Music’s string band also gave outstanding performances that were well received by the people.

The highlight of the evening, however, was the uniformed march pass done by 400 ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the National Cadets, National Coast Guards, among other members of the Disciplined Services.

The people stood and applauded the magnificent display of uniformity of the well-trained ranks of our country.

After the display, the Guard of Honour took his position to take the Presidential and Prime Ministerial salutes.

As President David Granger exited the vehicle and gave a brotherly pound to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, the crowd could scarce contain itself. Persons

President David Granger waving to the screaming crowd at the D’Urban Park, with First Lady Sandra Granger by his side

were heard screaming “We love our President. We love you David Granger.”

And more screams filled the Park as the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted, followed by a beautiful fireworks display.

The Central Mashramani Committee for 2019, organised all the events, in a way

to revive Guyana’s Golden culture. For the first time, on the Calendar of activities, they included a folk night, where scores of people of all ages assembled on the tarmac of the National Cultural Centre engaging in Guyanese games, such as dog and the bone, saul out, hopscotch, Maypole, and many others.

A section of the uniformed ranks during their parade at the flagraising ceremony

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Children being entertained by a masquerader at D’Urban Park on Mash Day

The Golden Arrowhead overshadowed by the firework display

The support continued well into ‘Mash Day’ proper, as people came out by the thousands, flooding the streets of Georgetown, and seats of D’Urban Park to watch the costume parade. Possibly one of the biggest crowd turnouts in recent history.

This year’s Mashramani Costume and Float Parade was complimented for being “colourful”, “educational” and “informative” by several patrons.

They were all seen with smiling faces, enjoying the colourful display.

President Granger said in his Mashramani greeting to the nation, “Everyone wins when the nation is united.

Let us work together to ensure that our country remains secure, our economy is stable and that everyone is safe and could enjoy a good life. I extend greetings and best wishes to all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora on the occasion of our 49th Republic Anniversary. Happy Mashramani.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

50 teachers for Cadet Officers Training programme

FIFTY teachers indicating their interest have been enrolled into the Ministry of Education’s Cadet Officers Training programme and are now preparing to be assigned to the11 Education Districts as Education Officers.

According to a release from the Ministry, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration), Ingrid Trotman, said that the 50 teachers were chosen out of 128 applicants.

Forty were successful at their interviews while the additional 10 are persons already in the system attached to the Special Education Needs Unit at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) in the different regions.

An orientation exercise, which began yesterday, (Monday, February 26, 2019) is scheduled to last all week, after which the teachers will undergo an 18-month training programme prior to being assigned to the education districts.

Delivering the feature address to the new cadet offi-

The cadet officers take a photograph with the Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson (centre) and Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration) Ingrid Trotman (fourth left) (Ministry of Education photo)

cers was Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson, who had also benefitted from the Cadet Officers Training programme.

The CEO told the officers that the programme is aimed at producing officers with high standard and quality.

“We must take pride in our duties and our responsibilities. This programme has been strategically designed to help you understand the workings of the education system,” he remarked.

He added that during the course of the programme, the

officers will recognise that the needs of the schools on the coast and the hinterland differ.

With this in mind, he urged the cadets to bring a new level of thinking that will influence change.

“There is a gap in performance and we must bridge that gap, and you must bring your talents and skills to bridge that gap,” Hutson encouraged.

The cadets were advised by the CEO that during their training they should embrace two main “watchwords”

which are literacy and leadership.

He also encouraged them to preserve their integrity and challenged that by the end of the training they should use the knowledge acquired to make a difference.

Meanwhile, giving the new cadet officers words of advice on what to expect during the training, was Education Officer (Georgetown), Sherwyn Blackman.

He delivered words of reflection and focused on his experience as a cadet.

He told the cadets that

they will be exposed to a wider span of information on how the Education sector operates, and will be given the opportunity to visit various education departments, particularly in the hinterland, where they will be involved in special projects.

Assistant Chief Education Officers (Nursery), Samantha Williams, who is also a product of the Cadet Officers Training, told the gathering that the best minds were chosen to lead and guide in the new year.

She told the cadets that

the opportunity now exists for them to extend their legacy and contribute to a greater good by impacting and shaping the Education Ministry's trajectory.

The Cadet Officers Training programme started in 1996 with 28 participants.

It continued in 2008 with three participants; in 2009 with five; in 2015 with 33 and now 50 cadet officers are enrolled in the 2019 batch.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

Grass fire leads to several being displaced at Better Hope

Rosana speaking with members of the media on Monday (Samuel Maughn photos)

ALMOST 11 Better Hope residents were temporarily displaced after a “grass fire” quickly escalated on Monday, February 25.

Rahaman Ally was blamed by his neighbours for setting alit several tyres, eventually causing the fire to spread to surrounding grass and even to a neighbour’s fence.

Ally, who owns three lots in Better Hope, allegedly failed to monitor the blaze before it spread.

“The fire started since Friday night…the fire service came that night and then on Saturday the fire start back,

but when we called, they said we cannot waste their time”, said Ally’s neighbour Rosana.

The fire service however debunked those claims, noting that they responded on every occasion when they were contacted.

Rosana and 10 of her relatives were temporarily displaced because the smoke made it almost impossible to breathe. The woman’s house was scorched and their fence was destroyed by the blaze.

After the fire became more intense, residents alerted the Guyana Fire Service which responded and extinguished

Tuesday, Feb 26, 2019 - 10:30hrs

the blaze.

Neighbours believe that Ally deliberately lit the fire and will do it again.

“He landfills his property with tyres”, Rosana explained, adding previously that Ally threatened to set the land ablaze. Other residents echoed Rosana’s sentiments. They are urging the police to thoroughly investigate the matter.

Firefighters working to extinguish the blaze

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

East Bank traffic chaos highlights need for alternative roadway

By Paul Mc Adam SUNDAY’S more than twohour traffic jam on the East Bank Public Road brought home the reality of the need for an alternative route in and out of Georgetown. This opinion was shared amongst stranded motorists, in no uncertain manner.

For Stacy Reece and her brother Sheldon, it was an exercise in patience. The motorist said that years ago when she heard of the East Bank Road’s four lane expansion, she envisioned a few “fly-overs” or over-passes with access to an alternate road to ease the congestion.

The traffic jam, she added, showed the urgent need for the government to construct an alternate road to avoid the “madness” that occurred.

Her brother said it was time to put aside politics and use common sense to work for the betterment of all. He pointed out that initially plans were drawn up under the PNC’s Burnham Administration, but sadly never got off the ground.

He questioned, “Imagine, if the authorities gave us four hours to evacuate because of an imminent tsunami? Think of the confusion!”

For the Nauth family, heading into the city, the wait to solve what seemed to be a simple problem, was far too long. Despite driving a well relatively spacious Toyota Raum, the driver and patriarch, Rajesh Nauth, like many others, had to leave his vehicle to stretch his legs.

His entire family agreed there was a need for an alternate route.

Attorney-at-Law David James was also en-route to the city. He too noted that yesterday’s incident pointed to the urgent need for an alternative to the East Bank Public Road.

Many other motorists voiced their opinions as they pointed to the urgent need for another route but in language far too colourful to be published.

The blockage began around 17:00hrs after the driver of an articulated truck, with the insignia of GYSBI, attempted to make a U-turn near the Shell Gas Station at McDoom. He was attempting to access to the Guyana Shore Base operations at Houston, East Bank Demerara. His attempt halted after his trailered rig, leaned right and partially fell off. This stalled the truck and trailer, immediately blocking both lanes on the western side of the carriageway and one of the two on the eastern side.

Calls were placed to the

Guyana Police Force and ranks responded quickly to try and maintain some semblance of traffic flow. Gradually traffic slowed to a trickle as employees from GYSBI and nearby establishments, hurried to the scene in efforts to solve the problem. As many began trying to offer advice on how to get the equipment off the trailer, two fork lifts were summoned and after removing the precariously perched equipment, after close to two hours, the traffic resumed.

The buildup stalled traffic as far as Grove, East Bank Demerara to Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

The Government of Guyana, through a loan provided by the Government of India, has entered into an agreement for the estimated US$104,000,000 East Bank – East Coast Road Linkage Project.

Consultant Senior Highway Engineer of RITES Limited, Rajendra Sothwal, recently explained that “the main alignment is four-lane, four connectors are there, one connector is Aubrey Barker, second connector Haag Bosh, the third connector is Mocha Arcadia and the last one is at Great Diamond. The total length of the project is around 25 kilometres and the main alignment is 13.5 kilometres. We propose the four-lane highway’s speed to be around 100 kilometres per hour.” The road will be outfitted with four ground culverts, four steel composite bridges, intersections, sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

Two residential properties at Goedverwagting, 18 at Ogle, nine at Aubrey Barker road, 14 at Mocha and six at Diamond will be affected during execution of the threephase project. The project implementation has three stages, these are the detail project report preparation, construction supervision, post construction stage-defect liability.

According to the senior highway engineer, the road safety provisions include metal beam barriers, concrete crash barriers, highway lighting, traffic signs, pavement marking, impact attenuators, road studs, pedestrian footpath, cycle tracks and shrub plantation, and in raised median to cut headlight glare.

It is anticipated that the project’s designs will be completed by April and then a few months later – by mid-2019, construction will proceed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

‘Blondie’ retrial closes - Sum-up, verdict set for Wednesday

Murder accused Quaison Jones called ‘Blondie’

THE retrial for Quaison Jones, called ‘Blondie’, came to a close on Monday morning and the court was adjourned until Wednesday for the summing up of the case, and possible verdict.

The now 54-year-old man was sentenced to 57 years imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh back in 2014, after a jury found him guilty of murdering his co-worker, Marlon Greene.

Jones, who maintains that he is innocent of the crime, appealed his sentence and was granted a retrial.

According to reports, Greene had been a fish cleaner attached to the Meadow Bank Wharf Fish Cleaners, and his killing on Monday 17th January, 2011, allegedly followed an argument relating to an old story.

On the day in question, at about 09:00hrs, five other fish cleaners were attracted by a ‘hollering.’ They said they ran to the scene and saw “Blondie over Marlon cuffing away at him.”

According to them, when they got close enough, they noticed that ‘Blondie’ had a knife in his hand, and what appeared to be blood stains were visible on the blade.

The witnesses observed that Marlon was bleeding from a wound to the neck, and they all concluded that Blondie had been stabbing away, instead of cuffing away at Marlon as they had first thought.

Businessman Stephen Vieira, whose statement was used as the evidence-in-chief in the trial, testified earlier this month. He told the court that in January 2011, he was living with his family at Meadowbank Wharf koker, and related that he knows

the accused and knew the deceased.

The witness identified the accused, seated in the box, and said that on the day in question, he was at home when he heard a noise and decided to inquire what was happening.

Vieira said he saw both the deceased and the accused ‘squaring up to fight’, and recalled seeing ‘Blondie’ in a ‘cuffing’ motion over the deceased, who had fallen to the ground.

He stated that he shouted at them to stop and went to get a closer look; he then realised that the ‘cuffing motion’ he saw, was the accused ‘boring’ the deceased with a knife he had in his hand.

The witness said he, along with others, picked up the injured Greene, who was bleeding from a wound to the neck, and took him in his bus to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Several other witnesses testified, all of which confirmed Vieira’s story. The other witnesses, who were all fishermen and were at the scene of the crime, said they saw ‘Blondie’ stabbing Greene.

However, under cross-examination by defence attorney Ronald Birch-Smith, it was highlighted that the witnesses are all friends of the deceased, and there is a possibility that they could have ‘cooked-up’ their story.

The suggestion was however denied by the witnesses.

On Wednesday February 27th, Justice James Bovell-Drakes will sum up the retrial, and after the jury’s deliberation, the verdict will be announced.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

FROM BACK PAGE

CPL facing...

“The idea is that we would try and do it (India tour) in such a format that we maybe play the Test matches at the end where you’d have least player disruption,” he noted.

Cameron said the ongoing chaos in the BCCI has further complicated discussions over cementing tour dates.

“Right now the organisation is particularly in disarray in India and so there’s really nobody in charge,” the Jamaican pointed out.

“There’s a CEO, two COA members that don’t agree, there’s an acting president, acting secretary, an acting treasurer and so it’s really a challenge in getting decisions out of India.”

The COA – Committee of Administrators – is a four-member panel appointed by the Indian Supreme Court to oversee the affairs of the BCCI, until the governing body undergoes stipulated reforms.

FROM BACK PAGE

Rain ruins third Windies, England ODI ST GEORGE’s, Grenada, (CMC) – Persistent rain here Monday ruined West Indies’ hopes of building

on their momentum, as it forced the abandonment of the third OneDay International against England without a ball bowled.

The adverse weather kept players off the field and ground-staff and match officials occupied, before the match was eventually called off at 2:40 pm, with rain still hovering at the Grenada National Stadium.

Early morning showers had put a prompt start in doubt and then delayed the toss by 40 minutes. Even when England called correctly and asked West Indies to bat, the 10:35 am start time was then revised after rain returned.

Umpires then identified a second scheduled start time of 11:45 am, which would have seen the contest reduced to 42 overs per side, but the weather yet again intervened.

Officials will hope for better weather for the fourth ODI which gets under here on Wednesday at 9:30 am, as the Windies chase a crucial series lead against the world number one.

The series is tied 1-1 after England won the first ODI by six wickets last Wednesday and West Indies bounced back with a 26-run victory three days later, in the doubleheader in Bridgetown last week.

The final match of the series is set for St.Lucia next Saturday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

FROM BACK PAGE

NSC/ Magnum Mash Cup

Sparta Boss...

SPARTA Boss blew away nemesis ‘Gold is Money’ to book their spot in the final while fellow finalist, Back Circle, prevailed over last year’s winners, Bent Street, on Sunday night.

On Saturday evening (March 2) when the curtain comes down on this year’s National Sports Commission (NSC)/ Magnum Mash Cup at the National Gymnasium, a new champion will be crowned. Considered the most successful team in the futsal, Sparta produced a thrilling display in their semi-final clash against ‘Gold is Money’ that left their rival and their supporters in a state of utter shock.

The final 9-3 scoreline represented the most lop-sided result in the two teams history of bitter rivalries.

Playing in the second semi-final of the evening before another large crowd, the two archrivals completely overshadowed the opening last four clash between defending champion Bent Street and Back Circle.

The two battled end to end in enthralling fashion before Back Circle prevailed 6-5 in sudden-death penalty shootout following a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time.

Sparta Boss, in their game, opened the scoring within two minutes through a masterful display of skill from Jermin Junor, who chested down a long ball,

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raced on to it, before unleashing a cracking left-footer into the far corner.

Five minutes later, ‘Gold is Money’ through another wonderful exhibition of skill, equalized through Hubert Pedro, who expertly evaded two tackles to fire past the opposing custodian.

However, Sparta ensured that there was enough daylight between the two teams, slamming home four unanswered goals to take a commanding 5-1 lead. Junor added his second in the 11th minute and his effort was followed by a quick brace from Gregory Richardson and a strike from Sheldon Shepherd after twenty-one minutes.

Randolph Wagner netted a pair then pulled one back in the 30th for ‘Gold is Money’, but recent acquisition Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett lit up the arena with three rapid goals which were only interrupted by Shepherd’s completion of his second to put the game beyond reach.

Wagner scored his second, but the game was already won by the ‘Bosses’.

It was fitting revenge for Sparta that had lost to ‘Gold is Money’ twice in recent encounters. Saturday night promises sizzling action in both the third place and final matchups.

Trophy Stall, Insurance Brokers and Nigel Hinds are also the sponsors on board.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

‘Surgeon’ Joshua vows to reconstruct Miller’s face in New York

By Alan Baldwin LONDON (Reuters) Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua warned American challenger Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller on Monday that he would strip him of his soul and reconstruct his face at Madison Square Garden on June 1.

The fight in New York will be WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champion Joshua’s U.S. debut.

Coming face to face at a news conference amid tight security at a plush West London hotel, the usually calm

Joshua was riled when Miller suggested the Briton was ‘too posh’, chinless and with his nose in the air.

“Come June 2 and Jarrell will be irrelevant,” said the 29-year-old, who has a record of 22 undefeated professional fights, 21 of them by knockout and who told reporters he had 10 more years ahead of him.

“I don’t know football, rugby, NFL, basketball or kick-boxing. I know how to knock people out and beat them up,” added the 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight champion, in a dig at Miller’s kick-boxing past.

Joshua said a knockout ‘needs to happen’ to announce his presence in the United States.

Monday’s news conference came after a similar one in New York last week that ended in pushing and shoving between the two fighters.

If the physicality was missing in London, there were still plenty of barbs, delivered with a strong sense of theatre but no real menace.

“All that spirit that this boy’s got in there... I’m going to strip it from him... I’m going to strip him of his soul in that ring. I’m going to reconstruct his face and his

Maxwell unaware of place in World Cup pecking order MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Glenn Maxwell issued a timely reminder of his worth with a decisive half-century in Australia’s first Twenty20 against India but believes he has more work to do to secure a ticket to the 50-over World Cup. On a difficult pitch in Visakhapatnam, Maxwell came to the crease with Australia vulnerable at five for two in their chase of India’s 126 and his 43-ball 56 anchored an 84-run third wicket stand that steadied Australia.

But being Maxwell, Australia’s infuriating genius, there was a less laudable sub-plot at play as he threw away his wicket by heaving at a wide legbreak from Yuzvendra Chahal that went to the long-off fielder.

The dismissal triggered a collapse as Australia lost four wickets for 24 runs and had to rely on the cool heads of tailenders Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson to smash 14 runs in the final over and squeeze the three-wicket win.

Instead of soaking up a key role in what should have been an easy victory, Maxwell was left sweating to the final ball.

Glenn Maxwell hit a match-winning 56 against India on Sunday

“We probably should have lost and if it wasn’t for Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson pulling something out of the hat,” the relieved 30-year-old said.

The glass-half full brigade will focus on Maxwell’s studious innings that pulled Australia out of the fire, but the half-empty types will carp that he should have gone on with it and remains too risky a player to rely on at the World Cup in England and Wales.

Maxwell, himself, remains unaware of his standing in Aaron Finch’s oneday squad, for all his past heroics in Australia’s 2015 World Cup triumph on home soil, when he was the team’s third-highest run scorer behind Steve Smith and David Warner.

“I have no idea if I’m go-

ing to be in that World Cup squad or what number I’m going to bat, so I suppose it just comes down to opportunity - if I can keep making most of opportunities like tonight,” he said.

“It would have been nice to finish it off, but I chose that Chahal (over) as my time to go tonight and I still back that as the right decision.

“If I can turn those sorts of innings into not-out, 75ish, and be consistent that way, I think I can probably go a long way in pencilling my name for the World Cup and hopefully continue that job for the rest of this year.”

Australia meet India in the second T20 in Bengaluru on Wednesday before starting a five-match ODI series in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Anthony Joshua & Jarrell Miller Press Conference - Hilton London Syon Park, London, Britain - February 25, 2019 Anthony Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

body on June 1. I’m looking forward to it,” said Joshua.

“I’m going to be your surgeon.”

Miller, also undefeated and with a record of 24 fights (23 wins and a draw), said he planned to stop Joshua in seven rounds.

The American, pretending to snore at one point as

Joshua talked about his past from teenage streetfighter to world champion, said all he had heard since arriving in London was talk of Tyson Fury.

Fury and promoter Frank Warren this month signed a deal with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions, which has a multi-year contract with

ESPN, that will see former world champion Fury fight a minimum of two bouts per year in the United States.

“He’s not the powerful one, no more. I come to the UK and I hear Tyson Fury, Tyson Fury,” said Miller.

“He (Joshua) is a sucker, bro... he’s not ready for me.”

BCB/RHTYSC/GBTI Inter- Secondary School Cricket Tournament:

Port Mourant, Tagore Memorial, Corentyne Comprehensive High, Berbice High and BEI advance.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) 2019 cricket season continues to roll along despite the rainy season which affected venues across the Ancient County.

The BCB recently started the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports club/Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry 20/20 Inter-Secondary School Tournament for Schools in Region 6.

Port Mourant Secondary, Tagore memorial, Berbice High, Corentyne Comprehensive High and Berbice Education Institute have all advanced to the next round.

The tournament is being organised as part of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS Say No to Suicide/ Drugs and Say Yes to Education/Sports Programme.

At Cumberland: Port Mourant Secondary School defeated Canje Secondary School by 48 runs.

Port Mourant Secondary School batted first and

reached 108 all out in 20 Overs with Nicholas Lawson topscoring with 22 and Premchan Mangal 13. Extras contributed a healthy 44. Javon Persaud 2 for 18 and Zaden La Rose 2 for 6 were the best bowlers for Canje Secondary.

Canje Secondary School were bowed out for 60 in 18.2 Overs. Anthony Williams 15 was the only batsman to reach double figures.

Matthew Pottaya 4 for 15 and Raj Persaud 3 for 12 were the best bowlers for Port Mourant Secondary.

At No. 73 ground: Tagore Memorial squeezed past Skeldon High by 7 runs.

Tagore Memorial 107 all out in 20 Overs. John Tulsi 38. N. Singh 3 for 13. Skeldon High 100 all out in 17 Overs. Sarwan Chaitnarine 50 with four boundaries and three sixes. M. Felix 12, B. Patrick 16, Inderlall Singh 3 for 26, S. Kahn 3 for 34 and John Tulsi 3 for 14. Khan’s

three wickets gave him hattrick.

At BHS ground: Vryman’s Erven Secondary lost to Berbice High School by 51 runs. Berbice High School rattled up an imposing 201 all out in their allotted overs with Abdul Ramsammy hitting 71, Clifferin Williams 37, Zeymul Ramsammy 29 and Rajindra Persaud 21 being the best batsmen.

Tamani Ceasar took 5 for 32 and T. Sinclair 3 for22 for Vryman’s Erven who were bowled out for 150 in response in 20 Overs.

Lee David, Tomani Caesar 26, Ricardo Henry 20 were the only Vryman’s Erven batters to reach double figures.

The Ramsammy brothers Abdul 2 for 22 and Zemul 4 for 41 were the Berbice High School top bowlers.

Berbice Education Institute got a walk over from New Amsterdam Secondary School.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

Disappointed Du Plessis bemused

by South Africa loss to Sri Lanka

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (Reuters) South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was at a loss to explain his side’s surprise 2-0 home Test series loss to Sri Lanka, an unexpected setback for a team hoping to topple India as the number one side in the world.

Sri Lanka became the first Asian team to win a Test series in South Africa and ended the Proteas’ run of seven home series wins in a row, after an epic one wicket win in Durban and a convincing eight-wicket success in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

“It’s probably up there with the most disappointed I have been, certainly from a personal perspective but also for the team,” Du Plessis told reporters.

“You don’t want to be losing series at home, and obviously we didn’t play our best cricket. It’s a massive dent, I thought up until this

test series we were looking good. But credit to the team that played the best cricket.

“We were playing well, we were playing positive, aggressive test cricket. But these last two tests we were not on it as a team. I wish I can give you an explanation as to why.”

South Africa’s batting has been a concern for some time and failed again in the series, with a top score of 259 in their four innings.

The batting troubles have often been masked by a much-vaunted bowling lineup that has rescued the team on a number of occasions in tests.

South Africa have passed 300 eight times in their last 28 innings, which includes being bowled out for 73 by Sri Lanka in Galle last July.

Their cause has not been helped by the seamer friendly wickets that the team asks for on home soil, though Du Plessis refused to blame the

ting surface.”

South Africa’s captain Faf du Plessis looks on

Port Elizabeth pitch for their latest loss.

“There is no finger to be pointed at the wicket.

Obviously they (Sri Lanka) bowled well, but the biggest

Seyhodan, Persaud help McGill overcome La Grange in WDCA T20 competition

Medium-pacer Sudesh Persaud finished with a hat-trick for McGill Superstars.

A hat-trick from right- arm medium-pacer Sudesh Persaud and an all-round performance by national U-19 cricketer, Keshram Seyhodan, propelled the McGill Su-

perstar Sports Club to victory in the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) T20 knockout competition which started over the weekend.

La Grange All Stars SC won the toss and decided to field at the Wales CDC ground.

McGill, led by Seyhodan, reached 153-5 in their allotted overs.

Seyhodan, who fancied going over the top, struck four sixes and two fours in a top score of 44.

Abdul Razack finished with three fours in a score of 31, while former national U-19 captain, Travis Persaud, supported with 22 (1x4). David Manohar finished with 2-11 from one over, while Greg Singh and Saif Persaud supported with a wicket each for the bowling team.

In reply, La Grange All Stars were pegged down at 91-7 from their 20 overs.

Persaud, who got his hat-trick in the 18th over, led the bowling attack with 3-22 from three overs, while left-arm spinner Seyhodan finished with 2-15.

Ghansham Singh, who scored three fours in a score of 26 and Jadesh Ramroop, who finished with 18, led La Grange with the bat.

disappointment is the batting,” the captain said.

“We have got some really good batters in there, but probably 99 per cent of the dismissals were soft judge-

ment errors.

“When I was batting it felt like a really good wicket.

In the first innings there was a little bit of nip now and then, but it was a good bat-

WORLD CUP The makeup of the South African one-day international side is different from the Test team, but Du Plessis said they don’t want the disappointment of the series loss to hinder the 50-over team just months out from the World Cup in England.

“There is a big five months coming up, so for us it’s making sure that you never take your preparation for granted,” he said.

“If you see the guys starting to slack a bit in terms of that then you address it as soon as possible, because that is the one area you can control.

“The guys should be very motivated for what is coming up, it is one series and then the World Cup.” South Africa and Sri Lanka will next contest a five-match ODI series that starts on March 3.

South Africa recall fit again Ngidi for Sri Lanka ODI series CAPE TOWN (Reuters) South Africa have recalled fast bowler Lungi Ngidi to their one-day international squad for the fivematch home series against Sri Lanka, restoring their first-choice fast bowling line-up ahead the World Cup in England.

Ngidi made a successful return to provincial cricket this month after injuring his knee in November and along with Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn, is an important element of the side as South Africa seek to win a first World Cup trophy.

“His recent form for the Titans in the (domestic) One-Day Cup has been most impressive and he is clearly match fit for international cricket again,” Cricket South Africa selection convener Linda Zondi said in a statement on Sunday. There is also a first call-up for fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who is also back from injury.

“We want to see what he can offer the Proteas after his highly impressive form

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi

in the Mzansi Super League.

Outright pace is not something that you can coach, and he looks another exciting addition to our pace arsenal,” Zondi added.

South Africa have rested experienced opener Hashim Amla, while all-rounder JP Duminy has still not returned from a shoulder injury sustained in October.

The first ODI against Sri Lanka will be played in Johannesburg on March 3, with the series to conclude in

Cape Town on March 16.

South Africa open their World Cup campaign against hosts England at the Oval on May 30.

Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Rassie van der Dussen.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

‘No indication’ India v Pakistan World Cup match will not go ahead-ICC

THE International Cricket Council (ICC) says there is “no indication” the World Cup match between India and Pakistan in Manchester will not go ahead.

The match on 16 June is in doubt after a Pakistan-based militant group took responsibility for a suicide attack in Indian-administered Kashmir this month.

There have been calls from some Indians for India to boycott the game at Old Trafford. “We will be monitoring the situation with our members,” the ICC said.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this terrible incident.

“Sport, in particular

cricket, has the wonderful ability to bring people together and unite communities and we will work with our members going forward on this basis.

“There is no indication that any matches at the World Cup will not go ahead as planned.” The group game attracted half a million requests for 25,000 tickets.

At least 46 Indian paramilitary police were killed in an attack which has sparked anger and anti-Pakistan protests across India, although Pakistan has denied any involvement.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had called on the ICC to “sever ties with countries from

which terrorism emanates”.

On Sunday, India captain Virat Kohli said his team would stand by the decision of their “government and board” over whether to boycott the game.

India have won six consecutive matches against Pakistan in World Cups.

India legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter that while it would be painful to lose potential points by not playing Pakistan this summer, he would support the decision of the BCCI. The situation has also led to the International Olympic Committee suspending applications from India to host future events after two Pakistan athletes were de-

Old Trafford is due to host the game in June

nied visas to compete in the country.

Two shooters were denied entry for a World Cup

event in New Delhi.(BBC Sport)

WIPA executive returns Russell drafted into Windies squad for for consecutive terms

From left: WIPA executives Wayne Lewis, Wavell Hinds, Ridley Jacobs, Nixon McLean, and Liam Sebastien.

KINGSTON – The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) in its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday last, ratified the return of all members of the executive.

As such, Wavell Hinds will continue as presi-

dent and Wayne Lewis as honorary secretary for the fourth consecutive term.

Nixon McLean will continue as vice-president, Liam Sebastien as assistant honorary secretary and Ridley Jacobs as treasurer for the third consecutive term.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday February 26, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: (1) WI won by 26 runs (2) Shimroy Hetmyer (WI) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has scored most ODI runs for the WI against ENG without hitting a century?

(2) When and where did ENG & the WI contest an ODI in the Caribbean for the first time?

Answer in tomorrow's issue

Hinds in his opening remarks highlighted, one, the provision of a comprehensive health insurance plan for all retained players, regional and international, men and women, which, in addition to health insurance, provides critical illness coverage; and two, the expansion of WIPA’s cricket development programme, WIPA in the Community, to Jamaica.

Health Insurance cards were later presented to the retained players from the Guyana Jaguars franchise.

Lewis said: “The fact that the executive has been returned unopposed for a fourth consecutive term is a significant statement of confidence placed in us by our members.

They’ve obviously recognised the tremendous work we have been doing

as an executive to advance their position and this AGM also demonstrates that we’re growing positively as an organization with the full backing of our members.”Lewis also made special mention of the newly established health insurance plan, which he was instrumental in acquiring, calling it “a watershed moment in West Indies Cricket.”

“We at WIPA are extremely proud to be a part of it,” Lewis said. “We are relentless in our efforts to work tirelessly with CWI to improve the fortunes of West Indies Cricket by forging new and effective partnership agreements and cooperation.”

The sentiments were echoed by WIPA vice-president, Nixon McLean: “The fact that we were elected once again to serve unopposed is testament to hard work we have done and the faith the membership has in us.

The health insurance handing-over ceremony was the highlight of the night, as being able to continue to improve the lives of our membership is one the key areas where we put our focus.” (Barbados Nation)

final two ODIs

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – All-rounder Andre Russell has been drafted into the West Indies squad for the final two One-Day Internationals against England.

The 30-year-old, overlooked for the first three matches, has been campaigning for Multan Sultans in the ongoing Pakistan Super League.

Russell, a powerful lower order batsman and effective fast bowler. replaces experienced seamer Kemar Roach who suffered a lower back injury prior to the opening match in Bridgetown and was ruled out of the five-match series.

“We believe Russell will add value to the squad,” chief selector Courtney Browne said.

“We are well aware that although Andre’s bowling may be limited due to a knee problem, his tremendous batting ability to power the ball in the back end of the game will be an asset to the team.”

Russell has not played for West Indies in ODIs since the three-match series against Bangladesh in the Caribbean last July. He played the opening match but then missed the next two with injury.

He recovered to feature in the Twenty20 series against Bangladesh a few weeks later

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell.

but has not played for the Windies since, missing subsequent tours of India and Bangladesh.

Russell’s career has been plagued with a dodgy knee, and the Jamaican has preferred to focus on the shortest format in recent times.

He has scored 998 runs from 52 ODIs with four half-centuries and taken 65 wickets.

Russell will be a massive boost for the Windies who have proved competitive in the opening two ODIs in Bridgetown.

They lost the first match last Wednesday by six wickets despite posting a venue record 360 but rebounded to win the second three days later by 26 runs.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 26, 2019

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports Inter-County cricket

Demerara, President’s X1 victorious after round one

By Rajiv Bisnauth

BOTH Demerara and the President’s X1 registered comprehensive wins in round one of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)-sponsored Dave West Indian Imports Inter-County Under-15, 50over tournament yesterday at separate venues in the capital city.

Demerara whipped the defending champions, Berbice by 56 runs, while the President’s X1 completed a six-wicket win over a hapless Essequibo side.

A spirited Demerara team managed to defend the small total of 166-7, restricting Berbice from a position of 66-1 to 110 all out from the last ball of their allotted overs.

The victory was set up courtesy of a spirited bowling effort, led by spinners Krisan Singh (3-14, who was named man-of-the-match and Aliv Mohabir (2-13), while medium-pacers, Tuddue Lovell and Jaash Charles claimed 2-8 and 1-16 respectively.

Earlier, the defending champions’ bowlers produced a disciplined bowling and fielding effort to restrict Demerara to the modest total but their batsmen then failed

for the fourth-wicket before Dindyal was run out, but the Berbice bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length to restrict the scoring significantly thereafter.

The visiting team’s openers, Ramnauth and Ravishkr Sobhai, then posted a 61run first wicket partnership.

They scored at a slow rate which eventually cost them the game. However, when the partnership was broken, the innings fell apart.

Clueless – Essequibo

A dismal batting performance saw them being bundled out for 116 in 42.1 overs.

The Cinderella County side were lacklustre in all departments of the game as they slipped to the level of the indifferent, allowing their opponents a comfortable six-wicket victory.

Asked to bat first and on a pitch which held no terrors, Essequibo’s total was possible due to a ninth-wicket stand of 36 runs between

Anthony Khan collects his man-of-the-match trophy.

to deliver with the bat, with only openers Rampertab Ramnauth (37), Ravishkar Sobhai (14), and Damion Cecil (10) reaching double figures.

Demerara opener, Jadan Campbell, top-scored with 35, while Lovell (34) and Mavindra Dindyal (22), were the other two key contributors with the bat. Off-spinner Matthew Pottaya claimed 4-27. Winning the toss and deciding to bat on a traditional Bourda wicket, flat and slow, the hosts seized the early advantage with openers Campbell and Romeo Deonarain putting their side in a position of comfort.

Both openers started off cautiously, but as the innings

progressed, they grew in confidence.

The right-handed Campbell, who was put down by wicket-keeper Damion Cecil prior to his dismissal, was the dominant contributor, hitting three boundaries in a stand of 65, which lasted for 22.4 overs.

However, after the impressive opening stand, Campbell was brilliantly caught at long-on off Pottaya while the left-handed Deonarain was run out for 10 in the space of 17 deliveries.

The home side then lost Alvin Mohabir, leg before to Pottaya without scoring at 71-3.

Skipper Dindyal and Lovell then added 41 runs

Krisan Singh collects his man-of-the-match trophy from Dave Narine of Dave West Indian Imports.

crash to six-wicket defeat Essequibo suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the President’s X1 counterparts at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Aryan Doodnauth (26) and Gladewin Henry (five not out). The pair came together at 56-8, after spinners Sachin Balgobin (4-13), Nityanand Mathura (2-19), and Budram

Off-spinner Matthew Pottaya claimed 4-27.

Lakeram (1-23), did the early damage.

However, when the partnership was broken by spinner Sanjay Algoo, Sherwin Stoll (14), hit three consecutive boundaries to take Essequibo pass the 100-run mark. Dillion Ramsaroop (113), was the other successful bowler.

In reply, the President’s X1 reached 117-4 in 30.4 overs with man-of-the match Anthony Khan hitting a composed 50, inclusive of eight boundaries. He received support from Algoo with an unbeaten 35. Terrence Softleight claimed 3-19 in a losing effort.

The tournament continues today with Essequibo playing Berbice at Lusignan while Demerara and the President’s X1 do battle at Everest.

Skerritt: ‘Cameron’s pettiness and negativity will not distract us from our forward-looking election campaign’ BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - Presidential candidate Ricky Skerritt is disappointed but not surprised at Dave Cameron’s negative response to the announcement by Dr. Shallow and himself to challenge for the offices of President and Vice President.

Skerritt responded to Dave Cameron’s recent media interview on the CWI-funded Line and Length network, with the CWI President referring to Skerritt’s four-year stint as manager from 2000 to 2004 as, ‘that period of turmoil’.

“While I was team manager there was zero industrial unrest by players,” Skerritt said. “We were proud ambassadors for West Indies

cricket globally.

This period was a time when we were still winning more matches than we lost and players were still respected by the CWI leadership.

Instead of making such unfounded and petty attacks on me, I recommend that Mr. Cameron hold audience with former players and ask about their experiences and existing relationships with me.

But relationships with facts and truth apparently mean little to Cameron.” Skerritt added.

On the other hand, Skerritt said while at the helm of Cricket West Indies, Cameron has faced multiple instances when the Board and the senior players specifi-

Windies Presidential candidate Ricky Skerritt

cally have battled in public view, often with expensive financial claims and damages resulting.

Skerritt stated, “If Cameron wants to talk about turmoil, perhaps he can explain why former head coaches Otis Gibson, Phil Simmons, and the several others who Cameron hastily and summarily dismissed from both the men’s and women’s teams, have collectively cost CWI well over US$1Million.”

Under Cameron’s presidency, the senior men’s team took industrial action and withdrew from the ill-fated 2014 tour of India. Two years later, Captain Daren Sammy openly challenged the board following the 2016 T20 International World Cup Victory in India. Sammy has never been selected since for the team he led to World Cup

glory.

Both experiences, according to Skerritt, were “stimulated and mismanaged directly by Cameron’s insensitivity and stubbornness.

These tumultuous instances have caused significant damage to the CWI reputation, commercial health, and team performance. Cameron really should not allow the subject of ‘turmoil’ to become the feature of this campaign”, Skerritt said.

Skerritt and his Vice-Presidential candidate, Dr. Kishore Shallow, have launched their ‘Cricket First’ 10-point manifesto which promises to place significant focus on repairing stakeholder relationships. Skerritt said they still intend to campaign

on the future needs and solutions for West Indies Cricket and will avoid being drawn into an ongoing negative debate with the incumbents.

Dr. Shallow said, “The opportunity to rescue Cricket West Indies is now. It is imperative we change the narrative of our cricket, in the West Indies and globally, by rebuilding relationships with our best and brightest players in order to bring our passionate fans back to the game. This starts with credible, innovative leadership that listens.”

Skerritt and Dr. Shallow were nominated by the Leeward Islands and Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Boards to contest the election on March 24.

Part of semi-final action between Sparta Boss and Gold is Money Saturday night at the National Gymnasium.

NSC/ Magnum Mash Cup

Sparta Boss thrash Gold is Money; Back Circle prevail over Bent Street

See Page 27

CPL facing disruption from revised India tour

Cricket West Indies president, Dave Cameron.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – The region’s premier domestic Twenty20 tournament, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), will face some disruption due to a revised itinerary for the India tour.

India had been scheduled to tour the Caribbean in July and August for a full series of Tests, OneDay Internationals and T20s but Cricket West Indies president, Dave Cameron, said the Indi-

an Cricket Board (BCCI) had asked for the tour to begin in August instead.

CPL recently announced last month it had reached an agreement with CWI for the tournament to be played in the window from August 21 and September 27.

“Yes it (India tour) will clash with CPL and we hope our loyal fans will understand and appreciate, and our players will also understand,” Cameron said.

“We can’t give up an India tour, you simply can’t give up a match in India. It’s way more than the money we can get from the CPL.” He explained: “The dates we had originally proposed would have see them starting a few days after the World Cup – the finals of the World Cup. They (India) have asked to push that back on the basis that they’ll be in the finals and potentially win so that is really the

biggest hurdle that we’re having.”

India are one of the favourites to win the showpiece in England which runs from May 30 to July 14.

Cameron said the Supreme Court in India had ruled that India must have a 15-day hiatus between tournaments.

He said, however, CWI was hoping to minimise the disruption to CPL. SEE PAGE 26

Rain ruins third Windies, England ODI See Page 26

The playing area at the Grenada National Stadium remains under covers.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2019