Guyana Chronicle E-paper 4-1-2019.pdf

MONDAY 1st April, 2019

Minister Lawrence flags false reports No.105594

–– says cause of Region One death, illnesses not yet known

– residents believe bat dung is probable cause

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Significant improvement Mary Idila Crawford in packaging –– fourth edition of UncappeD 05 Marketplace hears PAGE

–– Still going strong at 100 08 PAGE

Radio broadcasting revolution in Guyana 09 PAGE

Albouystown youth kil ed 14 by armed gang PAGE

This young lady proudly displays one of the very many local products showcased at UncappeD Marketplace, Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

Dead: Christopher Mansfield

Gender parity a gov’t priority 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

–– President Granger

PRESIDENT David Granger on Saturday said his government puts emphasis on gender parity and is fostering equality in the society through education.

The President made these remarks when he joined First Lady Sandra Granger and several women leaders at Delices Appetisantes, an afternoon of conversation, cultural presentations and dining in observance of Women’s History Month.

The event was held at the Baridi Benab at State House.

The event was hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of the Presidency’s

Department of Social Cohesion. The First Lady was the patron of the event.

“It is my belief that if women were economically independent, if they were educated and if they were empowered, we would not have this sort of domination and domestic violence that are taking place in this country. So, I call upon you my sisters, to move the process along by ensuring that your girlchildren particularly, can get to school, that they are protected from abuse, that they are given education and that they can take control of their lives,” President Grang-

er said.

The President also recalled that since making a request for a school bus for his 70th birthday in 2015, the government has now established the Public Education Transport Service (PETS) and boasts a fleet of 29 buses.

“We now have 29 buses on the road in this country… over 12 boats and about 1200 bicycles. The point I’m making… we have to get our girlchildren into schools, so that they could become economically independent,” the head of state said.

The First Lady echoed

President David Granger and guests at the Delices Appetisantes held at State House observe a dance performed by a troupe from the National School of Dance (Ministry of the Presidency photo) these sentiments, noting that she too believes that empowering women enhances their quality of life, as well as that of their children and families.

“Girls and our women have to be educated and independent and to know their power; to know how they are going to spend their money and to know how they are going to make the demands that come with that power and that comes with that sisterhood; then is when we will really start to see women moving forward,” Mrs. Granger said.

The First Lady noted that women who endure domestic abuse often do so because the man is the one who earns in the relationship; and if the man goes to jail, the woman worries about the well-being of herself and her children.

“My husband and I talk often about education, and we also talk about the burdens on women, particularly single women who are parents of children and struggle to get them to school and to put a roof over their heads and feed them…. We have to look at enforcing new legis-

lation… charge the man and find some programme where he can continue to support the family, while getting some kind of counselling and training,” she said.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawerence and other representatives from the ministry; United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Resident Representative, Ms. Sylvie Fouet; and representatives of other government and non-governmental organisations also attended the event.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

First Lady Sandra Grange speaks at Delices Appetisantes, an event honouring women, held at State House (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

Minister Lawrence flags false reports –– says cause of Region One death, illnesses not yet known

PUBLIC Health Minister Volda Lawrence has refuted claims that the H1N1 virus is to blame for the death of a Chinese national working in a mining firm in Barima/Waini (Region One).

Such reports were circulated in some sections of the media after employees of the Guyana Manganese Incorporated (GMI) fell ill, having displayed symptoms of pain, fever, headache and respiratory distress, resulting in the death of one worker.

On Saturday, the men who were involved in the cleaning of a manganese tunnel at Matthew’s Ridge, North West District last week, were air-dashed to the city to receive medical attention.

The team included eight Chinese nationals and one Guyanese; however, one of the Chinese men died while receiving treatment on Saturday.

In a media release, the ministry indicated that as of Saturday evening, Ministry of Public Health specialists were still conducting “a battery of tests” to identify

the virus blamed for the manganese miner’s death and the hospitalisation of others.

According to the minister, “there is no determination (as yet) of what the ailment is but all the patients displayed similar symptoms”.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud has stated that a “respiratory ailment” is to blame for the death and hospitalisation of the GMI workers.

“The deceased worker was ailing for days before seeking medical attention at the Matthews Ridge Hospital last Thursday.

He died Saturday. His body will be airlifted to the capital Sunday,” the release stated.

It added: “The seven other ailing GMI employees were airlifted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Inc (GPHC) for further treatment. Neither the deceased nor those currently hospitalised had travelled overseas recently. The seven patients are to be transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital in Essequibo

Islands/West Demerara (Region Three) on Sunday, and will be isolated.”

This is according to the public health minister who also indicated that a team of officials including a pathologist, a senior environmental health officer, a mortuary attendant and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specialist would be visiting the manganese mining site from Sunday.

The team was complemented by medical specialists, including Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Vishal Ramdas, operating in Barima/ Waini, among others.

Furthermore, following the incident, the Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, activated a National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to bring all the key stakeholders together to ensure a Common Operating Picture (COP).

The meeting was hosted at CDC’s headquarters in Thomas Lands on Sunday and aimed at identifying the key response

The tunnel the workers were cleaning when they mysteriously became ill stakeholders who will (MARAD) and the Guy- neighbouring territories track, monitor and docu- ana Police Force (GPF). to exchange information” ment the situation.

At the end of the meet- about the ongoing health Although the Minis- ing, a plan of action was crises in the Southern try of Public Health has developed and agencies Hemisphere. been identified as the lead were designated specific “We are asking Reagency for response, it is responsibilities which are gion One residents to being supported by the to be executed within an continue performing Guyana Civil Aviation identified timeframe. their usual hygiene Authority (GCAA); the O n S a t u r d a y e v e - habits such as washing Ministry of Indigenous ning, Minister Lawrence their hands after visiting People’s Affairs (MoIPA); hailed the collaboration the washroom; coverthe Ministry of Commu- among the MOPH, the ing their mouths when nities (MoC); the CDC; GPHC, PAHO/WHO and coughing,” Lawrence t h e G u y a n a G e o l o g y other partners who have instructed, adding: “If and Mines (GGMC); the indicated that they will you are not feeling well, Maritime Administration continue to “work with go to a health facility.”

Mental health efforts being ramped up in Region Three MENTAL health is an integral part of the Sustainable Development Goals #3 (SDG #3).

Reducing mental health problems and suffering is important in itself. In addition, good mental health is related to the ability to reach the SDGs, as the very definition of mental health reflects.

And, as Guyana works towards achieving its goals, the Ministry of Public Health continues to forge ahead with the implementation of the Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020, which plays an integral part in this country’s National Health Strategy — Health Vision 2020.

Cognisant of this, the Regional Health Administration of Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) is moving against all odds to establish a mental health and physiotherapy unit at the Leonora Comprehensive and Diagnostic Treatment Centre (LC&DTC).

Health Administrator at the Region, Ms. Kathlene Armstrong, told the Guyana Chronicle that the need for a mental health unit arose after it was observed that there are several mental health issues coming out of the (LC&DTC) catchment area which is the communities of Leonora, Stewartville and Uitvlugt.

“We have found that quite a number of the patients who visit the hospital to be attended by general practitioners are being sent to the West Demerara Hospital (WDH) for mental health evaluation. We have at least five doctors at WDH who are trained in mental health and at least two can be sent to Leonora to help take off the heavy patient load there,” she said.

At the Leonora facility apart from having to deal with accidents and the occasional suicide, there is a chronic disease clinic.

And, according to the senior regional health official, in 2018 it was decided to take the hospital to the people. To this end, several

outreaches have been conducted at schools in the catchment area and farming areas such as Hague and Hubu backdams. Pep talks were also held with parents attending Parent Teacher’s Association (PTA) meetings.

At those visits, the doctors educated those present on the first things to do if having a heart attack, or if someone is bitten by a snake, among other home tips that residents can use in case of an emergency and until medical attention can be given.

Meanwhile, at the helm of the stateof-the-art facility is Mr. Kevin Reddy, Assistant Hospital Administrator.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

Dharmic Sabha’s work celebrated

ALTRUISTIC service, education, culture and assisting others without seeking recognition and rewards are some of the principles that resulted in the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha being conferred with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.

This was underscored Saturday evening when the High Commission of India hosted a reception at India House, Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara in honour of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

President of the Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud had

received the award in person from President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony on January 23, 2019 in Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

the words that inspired the launch of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on January 8, 1974. It was an incredible path for the Dharmic family.

Dr. Persaud said it was an

expended.

“What has been done through community service has been done in a genuine way from our hearts and we pledge today as we celebrate our 45th year in 2019 the work will not stop, we will continue, grow and expand and we will continue in the manner in which we have done to collaborate not only amongst the Hindu community but beyond that,” Dr. Persaud said.

Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud and his daughter,” the high commissioner said.

Noting that the award is the most coveted given to any member of the Indian diaspora, the high commissioner said only two global Indian organisations received the award this year, and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was one.

He explained that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is the only organisation

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha President, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

The award from the Government of India is in recognition of the Sabha’s outstanding contribution in the field of community service.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Sabha. It was founded by Dr. Persaud’s father, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.

Dr. Persaud in her remarks thanked the High Commissioner and Indian Government for the recognition and promised to continue development of the Sabha through selfless service.

“Action thy duty, reward not thy concern,” she said were

Dance teacher attached to the local Indian High Commission Pankhuri Srivastava performs an enthralling dance at the reception (Delano Williams photo)

Monday, April 1, 2019

03:00 hrs

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honour to collect the prestigious award that pays tribute to the tireless efforts, vision and leadership of the founder of the organisation.

“This award does not only belong to us at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha but it belongs to all of Guyana because the work we do, the service we do selflessly is done for all of Guyana,” she said.

Noting that no one at the organisation was expecting any recognition for their service, Dr. Persaud said the group’s motto does not teach members to expect rewards for efforts

14:30 hrs

Indian High Commissioner, Venkatachalam Mahalingam addresses the gathering on Saturday

She continued: “Wherever people are in need of service and in need of anything that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha can offer, we will do that.”

ONE FAMILY Emphasising that the ties between Guyana and India have gotten stronger with time, Dr. Persaud said the world can learn from Guyana in the field of religious tolerance, since the world is essentially one family.

“All of us have the same desire and goal to live in harmony, peace and to look out for each other, to care for each other, and to leave a legacy that the future generations will be proud of and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha can be assured that that legacy will continue,” she said.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner, Venkatachalam Mahalingam said the award honours exceptional and meritorious contribution in a chosen field or profession.

“The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has achieved progressive growth in every field and has expanded through the length and breadth of Guyana.

In the entire Caribbean there is no such organisation as big and as successful as the Dharmic Sabha and the credit for this should go to the founder

to receive such an award for community service within the last decade.

India, he said, is always proud of its diaspora.

“Wherever Indians go they have become model citizens of the country they belong, Indian diaspora is known for their professional achievement, hard work, community spirit, tolerance, disciple and their law abiding nature.”

The Indian diaspora in Guyana has contributed tremendously to a contemporary country although it is only the fourth generation that first came from India 180 years ago.

Ambassador Mahalingam also noted that the Indians have worked hard with their African brothers to develop Guyana for future generations.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred by the President of India as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conventions on a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Person of Indian Origin (PIOs) or organisation or institution established and run by NRIs or PIOs, who have made significant contribution in several fields.

I n a t t e n d a n c e w e re special invitees and distinguished personalities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

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Significant improvement in packaging -- fourth edition of UncappeD Marketplace hears

By Lisa Hamilton

THE packaging and presentation of locally-made products have significantly improved over the years, said Business Minister Dominic Gaskin and Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Vice President, Ramsay Ali, at the fourth edition of UncappeD Marketplace on Sunday.

The GMSA initiative was hosted on the tarmac of the Guyana National Stadium and saw some 90 exhibitors showcasing packaged food items, art and craft, body and hair products, produce, fruits and plants.

any imported product on the shelf of local supermarkets,” the minister said.

He added: “I’m seeing in all those sectors, little by little, that there is work being done. People are producing more. Guyana today is producing more than it was five years ago. I am seeing it and I think local consumers are seeing more and more locally produced products which make us all proud.”

The sentiments were shared by GMSA’s Vice President, Ramsay Ali. “If one were to check from the last four years to now, we’ve had significant improvement in the packaging in terms of products; in

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and his wife check out the products of various exhibitors at UncappeD Marketplace 2019 (Samuel Maughn photo)

Scores of persons attended the event which has come to be known as an ideal opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs to promote their brands.

Speaking with the media on the sidelines, Minister Gaskin said he is pleased with the turnout and the general marketing of items which improves more and more each year.

“Three years ago there were a lot of things in plastic bags with a little printed paper pasted on it [but] there is a lot more professionally packaged products [here today]. They can stand next to

terms of extension of product lines because of the quality of the products. We’ve had many more of these agro-processers having their products in supermarkets in Guyana and we’ve even had successes of them being able to export.”

With the improvement in presentation and packaging highly visible, Gaskin said what is needed next is for these businesses to begin accessing export markets.

The minister noted that while some of the business owners he interacted with have begun efforts towards this end, greater progress is needed and the Ministry of

Business remains committed to assisting in ways it can.

“We want, as a government, to work with them; we want to work with the private sector and the GMSA, whose brainchild this event is, and who has really brought it to what it is today. We’d like to continue working with them and see how we can encourage some of these producers to get their markets out of Guyana,” he stressed.

Gaskin also encouraged local supermarkets to continue placing more local products on their shelves as opposed to relying heavily on exported goods and items.

LOCAL BUY-IN “Local supermarkets, five or 10 years ago, would have been carrying almost all imported products [but] are now carrying local products,” the minister pointed out.

“I know the New Guyana Store plays a very critical role in actually starting off new producers, getting their stuff out there but the big supermarkets, they also have a role to play. I think they’re playing a role, they’re taking on a lot of stuff and if you go around and you ask, a lot of what you see here on display today is actually available in supermarkets. To me, that’s a success story and I think Uncapped, the event itself, has made a difference over the last few years as well as all the other expos,” he said.

Apart from the government, another main sponsor of the event is ExxonMobil.

“We hope that this type of initiative just continues to highlight the wonderful small businesses owner that are here and help them to actually build capacity working together and network so that others can be able to support local vendors,” ExxonMobil’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe told media operatives.

Speaking to a few of the small business owners present, the Guyana Chronicle

got a feel of what it meant for them to be able to display their products at the expo.

“It will help my business because I get the kind of publicity I need free of cost, thanks to the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association. It helps us to

grow because people see who we are and what we’ve been manufacturing locally,” said Ulene Garraway of Abbie’s Agro Processing who displayed bottled and canned fruits and vegetables.

Desmond Hollingsworth told the newspaper that he

Many locally made products on display were well packaged (Samuel Maughn photo)

Desmond Hollingsworth shows off his handiwork (Samuel Maughn photo)

has been in the craft business for over 50 years and this is his first year at UncappeD Marketplace.

He pointed to the many self-made wooden sculptures, craft, carvings, towel racks and more for which he has won a European award.

He stated: “I hope that people will start recognising the craft that we have in Guyana and purchase when they can.”

Meanwhile, farmer out of the community of Mocha on the East Bank Demerara, Wayne Gordon, said the inclusion of farmers in this year’s event has allowed for a fresh set of eyes to be laid on his organically grown produce.

“I plant organic food. I plant with ash and water, no fertiliser,” he said. “I would be glad for them to get more farmers on board because we would be able [to] bring more to display.”

Surrounded by a wide array of indoor and outdoor plants, Monica David said it was her first time at UncappeD but that she has been in the plant business since 2009.

Noting that she, too, utilises the organic way to grow plants, she expressed appreciation for the event and the opportunity to display her hard work.

There are two other similar events planned for the year in Leonora, West Coast Demerara in August and in Albion, East Berbice-Corentyne at the end of the year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

Critique must be grounded in reason

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UYANA has over the years been a victim of both government overreach and opposition overzealousness. Some may argue, with much justification, that the two outcomes are inter-related. Suffice it to say that the country’s democratic credentials have been called into question to the point where some analysts have described us as authoritarian—at least at different points in our post-colonial journey.

In fact, Professor Clive Thomas was moved to describe Guyana as a “Criminalised State” under the PPP. This perception of the state of our democracy may have played a pivotal role in the historic change of government in 2015. Three and a half years into the life of the new government, the opposition PPP has consistently attempted to call into question the democratic intent of those in charge of managing the state. Such charges are a norm in Guyanese and Caribbean opposition praxis. In many cases, these opposition parties were themselves recent perpetrators of democratic abuse—a case of “the pot calling the kettle black.”

The simple truth is that the now opposition PPP presided over one of the most undemocratic governments in the modern history of the Anglophone Caribbean. From the descent into a culture of extra-judicial killings to institutional assault on the media, to the merging of the party with the state and government to the wholesale transfer of state assets into private hands, that government brought too Guyana close to the edge of systemic dysfunction.

But if one were unfamiliar with Guyanese politics, one would have much difficulty associating those ills with the now opposition party. But a close observation of its behaviour would give some insight into the way it governed. In other words, there has not been much change in the general approach of the PPP to politics and society since it lost the seat of power. Its politics of domination, political spite, ethno-racial fear-mongering and manifest destiny are as active now as they were while the party was in power.

The argument here is that the PPP, in opposition, is undermining democracy as much as when it held power. Understandably, the burden is on government to uphold the democratic principles of governance; but opposition parties are just as responsible for that outcome.

Although the day-to-day exercise of power is disproportionately weighted in favour of

governments, the opposition does have strategic instruments of democratic check on government. So those parties could in some instances hold the political process to ransom.

It is our considered opinion that this is exactly what the PPP has been doing. Just as it used the cover of democracy to govern as an authoritarian regime, it is now using the cover of opposition oversight to undermine democracy. The tactic is simple, but subtle—frustrate the government with the hope that in the interest of discharging its constitutional duties it acts in ways that the opposition can deem to be undemocratic. It is a case of the PPP, in Bob Marley’s words, “playing smart and not being clever.”

Our Westminster system assumes that at some levels the opposition is part of government and as such, has certain fundamental obligations to make the system work effectively.

The PPP has deliberately used these obligations as barriers to democratic advance. The party’s attitude to selection of the GECOM Chair comes to mind—the opposition leader utilised his major role in the process to hurt and eventually dismantle the democratic spirit of the Carter Formula. The same approach was at work on the sugar issue and the appointment of top officers to the judicial branch. The constant vulgarising of the National Assembly is aimed at delegitimising that institution and then blaming the government for the chaos that ensues.

The truth of the matter is that this government cannot be charged with presiding over an authoritarian state. In fact, one of its crowning achievements is precisely its sterling record in the areas of human rights and the upholding of civil liberties. Such an assessment cannot be reasonably refuted by even government detractors. So, the PPP’s antics are uncalled for—a case of creating a fictionalised dictatorship and seeking to normalise it.

It is therefore the responsibility of fair-minded social and political forces to stand in the way of this travesty. There must be a distinction between opposition and civil society oversight on the one hand, and wilful destabilisation of the process. There must always be a place for opposition critique, but such critique must be grounded in reason and commitment to democratic and moral principles.

Overwhelmed by kindness, hospitality in Guyana Dear Editor

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IKE most Americans, the only thing I knew about Guyana is that a very tragic event transpired some 40 years ago in the jungle that featured a megalomaniac preacher. There is a saying that we in the U.S. can’t locate a country on a map until our military bombs it.

Among all the things I learned over the past few years was that Guyana had a sizable Hindu population. Thankfully, attending the annual Hindu Mandir Executive Conference in Trinidad some four years ago resulted in a serious offer to visit. The trip would be sponsored by a few Guyanese along with my advocacy organisation, The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), where I sit on its National Leadership Council (HAFSITE.ORG). Though the A in HAF specifically indicates “America,” as in “United States of…” the board and staff agreed that we must not dismiss such sizable populations in close proximity.

The scenery in Guyana is awesome, but it is the people who really make the lasting impressions. I was immediately overwhelmed with great kindness and hospitality.

The first few of my nine days were spent at The Social

Services Centre of Excellence in Woodley Park, WCB. This was founded by pandit and educator, Ram Rattan; Ram currently spends most of his time in Florida, but continues to maintain a presence in Guyana. This is truly a jewel of a place, offering classes for social and individual improvement.

Sri Ramji was kind enough to provide me with a room and all meals when he learnt the purpose of my trip. He even joined me for several of the lectures I gave in that general area.

Since so many Indians who became indentured in Guyana were from Utter Pradesh, my experience allowed me to sample new tastes -- seven curry on lotus leaves.

One breathtaking trip was the ferry from Parika to Essequibo. Everything about it—the water, passing the beautiful islands, and the wonderful breeze all contributed to a feeling of great content.

Guyana has absolutely stunning homes. What impresses most is the originality of the designs and architecture. All the houses are unique unlike our dull sub-divisions. I know that Guyana is not a “rich” country, but everyone in the U.S. with whom I shared my photos would like to visit. I saw many inspiring temples, outstanding among which was the one at Gay Park, overseen by female Pandita Srimati Maraj. Our guide for the day, generous and always willing to help, Rudy

(back shop) Rampersaud, made sure that we visited the site where indentured servants first landed in 1838.

I would encourage Hindus from the U.S. and India alike to take a lesson from the way pujas and yagnas are conducted in Guyana. We spend too much time in rituals that few can understand, but in the land of endless summers, the rituals are briefer. There is always an accomplished harmoniumist and percussionist. The power of bhajans create an atmosphere of true bhakti. The kathas delivered by the pundits are the centre of attention. Drawing from the stories of the Ramayana (mostly), they engage the devotees in a way that I don’t often see in standard American Hindu temples. There are exceptions here, but they are rare.

At US temples, people overindulge in socialising. No matter if it is a church, synagogue or mosque, members have to be constantly told to stop talking. However, at a yagna with over 500 in attendance at Hampton Court on the Essequibo Coast, all eyes and ears were on presiding pandit Lalaram from the Bath Settlement, Berbice. They were also very kind to me when I was asked to speak.

Regards, Fred Stella

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

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Don’t bash our judges Dear Editor

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OLLOWING the recent court decisions resulting from the no-confidence motion, there has been unprecedented commentary in the public square about our courts and judges. While I firmly and thoroughly believe in open discussion about matters of public interest, I am more than a little concerned about the tone and tenor of much of the commentary about our judiciary following the recent decisions. The tone has been shrill, and the tenor mean-spirited, personal, and irresponsible.

Because of the way that the United States dominates international airwaves, that country has tremendous influence on behaviour and attitudes around the world, but especially here in the English-speaking Caribbean.

I hope that some of the public comments by Donald Trump about the American judiciary have not begun to take root here in Guyana. This is a trend we must vigorously resist! When Judge Gonzalo Curiel was assigned a case involving a claim against Trump University, candidate Trump said the judge would not be impartial because he was Mexican (the judge

is American by birth) and did not like Trump’s immigration policies. Later as President, Trump referred to federal Judge Jon Tigar as an “Obama Judge” after Judge Tigar had ruled against the Trump administration on an asylum issue.

Trump’s comment on Judge Tigar was so outrageous that it provoked the exceptionally rare occurrence of a public rebuke from a sitting chief justice of the United States. Chief Justice John Roberts had to remind Americans that the judiciary did not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges, but rather had an “extraordinary group of dedicated men and women doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them.”

In Trump’s view, any judge that disagreed with his legal position is motivated not by a review of law and precedent, but by some extra judicial animus against Trump.

There are many interesting and novel points of law raised in the trilogy of cases that arose from the no-confidence motion.

The constitutional issues are critical and need to be ventilated. Public discourse of these issues could be healthy and should be

encouraged. However, we seem bent on missing the opportunity for edifying comment and are opting instead for the cheap attention-grabbing lines that appeal to the basest instincts in our plural society.

In many ways, comments about the decisions of the chief justice and Justices of Appeal in the no- confidence motion cases reflect the same type of assault on the integrity of the judiciary as Trump’s intemperate attacks on U.S. judges.

Comments here in the public square in Guyana are almost completely lacking in serious analysis, but are full of political, misogynistic and sometimes racial vitriol. I hope that our responsible public figures would resist the temptation to be Trump-like. After all, to paraphrase U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts, we should not see our judges as APNU judges or PPP judges, but as a group of men and women doing their level best in these politically charged circumstances to do equal right to those appearing before them. For that we should say thank you.

Regards B. Mayo Robertson

Stop spreading rumours about Minister Broomes Dear Editor

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HE National Mining Syndicate Incorporated and individual syndicates were birthed from the plethora of challenges which face hundreds of small-scale miners. It was established to address the concerns of small-scale miners, provide solutions and to bring the mining industry together.

Miners are now afforded the same opportunities as medium and large-scale miners, since the initiative was birthed by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ms. Simona Broomes.

As such, I implore you not to be misguided by those who continue to peddle non-factual information against Minister Broomes.

Minister Broomes has in no way attempted to prevent miners from accessing concessions.

I reference a video posted on social media ‘Live in Guyana.’ Sometime in 2017, this said character accused the Minister of Natural Resources, Minister Raphael Trotman, of acting against the ‘Toraparu

Syndicate.’

There is no legally recognised syndicate bearing the name ‘Toraparu Syndicate.’ Following the video which was laden with accusations, a letter of apology was issued to Minister Trotman from the accusers.

All allegations levelled against the ministers are patently false, mischievous, and slanderous, and ought to be condemned by right-thinking members of the mining fraternity.

Those who claim to be representative of the ‘Toraparu Syndicate’ have made spurious accusations against the minister.

The National Mining Syndicate calls on persons of the illegal Toraparu Syndicate to desist from peddling misinformation and disunity among miners. The syndicate initiative should not be used as a weapon to spread discord.

We strongly condemn this tasteless, atrocious and scandalous act by a select few, who are bent on character assassination. It must be noted that while the mining syndicate is a government initiative, it is a non-political body made up of people who represent

all of Guyana, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender and political persuasion.

We represent equality and opportunity for all within the mining industry.

With the existing opportunities available, miners ought to be united for the betterment of the sector.

The National Mining Syndicate is a structured organisation and all syndicates must be registered therein. There are rules to be followed and not bent.

As such, we stand with pride alongside our ministers and reject the outrageous attacks on their characters.

M o re o v e r, i t m u s t be noted that all mining properties utilised by the syndicates are the properties of the Government of Guyana. Lands are leased to individual syndicates and are located within closed areas.

These leased lands are issued and monitored by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the regulatory body responsible for monitoring of the said lands.

Regards National Mining Syndicate

Why the Constitution does not say ‘absolute majority’ Dear Editor,

I

DO not understand why even distinguished lawyers are having protracted arguments about the fact that our Constitution does not use the word “absolute” in describing the type of majority required for the successful passage of a vote of no-confidence.

I hold neither an LLB nor an LEC. What I do hold is a rare BSc in Economics and Law from the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, where I was taught Constitutional Law by the once Honourable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony and where I developed a passion for research.

When my good friend, Nigel, came up with what he has described to me as his “new math” theory of the half-man, I immediately began a marathon of sleepless nights of legal research which yielded much fruit. In the course of this research, I came across the simple explanation of why the word “absolute” is not used in the Constitution That simple reason is that it is not necessary. The framers of our Constitution were, unusually for lawyers, very precise and verbosity was anathema to them. There was no reason to say “absolute majority” because this is defined in the rest of the Article.

The majority of a vote by “all elected members” is, by definition, an absolute majority.

Regards F. E. Alleyne

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

Mary Idila Crawford –– Still going strong at 100

MARY Idila Crawford, of East Berbice, Corentyne, on Friday last celebrated her 100th birthday and credited her longevity to “the good life” the good Lord has blessed her with.

Born on March 29, 1919 at the family home on Num-

role was to take care of her siblings while her parents toiled to make ends meet.

Since her siblings were boys, Crawford developed a love for riding motorcycles, and it remained her favourite pastime for a long time.

Apart from a little hearing

doing domestic work to earn a living.

After a few years as a ‘domestic’ as such women were called back then, she got an opportunity to work in Georgetown, and while there, she started to give sewing lessons.

She would spend most of her life in Georgeown,but when her sister decided to migrate she asked her to return to her place of birth to look after her family home.

She heeded the call, sold her home in Georgetown and returned to Number One Village, Corentyne once more.

A devout Anglican, Ms Crawford has never missed a sermon on Sundays, as it’s one of the things she most looks forward to, since it’s the one opportunity she gets to catch up on a little gossip with her extended family.

She’s easily the most loved and well-known person in the congregation, and if for some reason she misses church, the members show up at her home immediately after the service is over to check up on her.

She credits her longevity to contentment.

“My doctors always ask me what is it that I eat whenever I go to the US to make my body so healthy, and I

always tell them the same thing I am going to tell you.

I eat any and everything, just like everyone else. Whatever is there, I will eat; I am always content, and don’t have any favourites for anything,” she said.

Her advice to everyone, especially the youths, is to stay away from conflict and situations that can cause harm.

These days, Ms Crawford’s hobbies include knitting, working on crossword puzzles, reading the bible and watching television, especially the ‘soaps’.

She celebrated her 100th birthday with a prayer service, followed by a family‘get-together ’, during which event she opened the dance floor to Soca music and insisted that everyone joined her.

“Happiness is the key to long life, so be happy and avoid worries and stay away from trouble, and the good Lord will bless you to live as

Mary Idila Crawford long as me,” she said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge on Friday joined Sita Nagamootoo, wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, and the friends and family of Crawford to celebrate her 100th birthday.

“It’s been a great pleasure to share with Mary Crawford today the celebration of her 100th birthday and to see the warmth of the relatives, villagers.

On behalf of the people of Guyana, as well as the government, it is a pleasure to share these happy moments with the family and friends and to share with her the expectation and the hope that she will be able to enjoy many more of such milestones in both good health and in sound mind,” the foreign minister said.

Mary Idila Crawford with family and friends on her 100th birthday ber Road, Corentyne, the eldest of nine children, she lived a simple life like most country girls, but was always a bit of a tomboy, since she grew up with seven brothers.

She attended the Courtland Primary School but did not attend secondary school as most girls in those days.

Being the eldest sibling, Crawford became the second mother of her home since her

impairment and having to use a walking cane to maintin her balance, the centenarian has been given a clean bill of health by her doctors.

Even though she does not have any children of her own as her marriage was shortlived, she is considered a mother to many in the village.

After her marriage did not work out, she returned to her parents’ house and started

Through the lessons and her domestic work, she managed to build her own home in Georgetown, which became the base for her sewing lessons.

“I had over 15 sewing machines in my house, and I taught the girls to sew; how to knit and make things like socks, jerseys and other things,” Ms Crawford told the Guyana Chronicle.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and Sita Nagamootoo, wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, with centenarian Mary Crawford. Also in photograph are close family members and friends

3-drug strategy to speed up elimination of Filaria

By Svetlana Marshall THE triple therapy IDA (Ivermectin, Diethycarbamazine and Albendazole) will accelerate the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis - a disabling and disfiguring neglected tropical disease commonly called Filaria or ‘Big Foot.’

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “evidence from recent research studies has demonstrated that adding Ivermectin to the currently recommended combination of Diethylcarbamazine citrate plus Albendazole clears microfi-

laria more efficiently from the blood than the two-drug regimen and is equally safe.”

At a recent press conference, a high-level Technical Cooperation Mission joined the Ministry of Public Health and the local Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) office in advocating for Guyanese to embrace the use of the triple therapy IDA when the 2019 Mass Drug Administration is rolled out in October.

Guyana’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Campbell; PAHO/ WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow; PAHO

Regional Advisor on Neglected Infectious Diseases, Dr. Santiago Nicholls; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Representative, Dr. Kim Won; and Dr. Natalia Machuca from USAID all underscored the importance of Guyana utilizing the triple drug therapy IDA against the two-drug regimen – Diethycarbamazine and Albendazole (DA) at this stage.

Dr. Campbell explained that the use of the triple therapy IDA from this year is necessary if Guyana is to be successful in interrupting See page 9

From L-R: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Representative, Dr. Kim Won; PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow; Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Campbell; PAHO Regional Advisor on Neglected Infectious Diseases, Dr. Santiago Nicholls; and Dr. Natalia Machuca from USAID. (Photo by Delano Williams)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

There’s a radio broadcasting revolution in Guyana

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–– Prime Minister tells regional radio conference

MORE than 40 regional radio broadcasters, drawn from Indigenous communities in Regions One, Six, Seven and Nine and the Voice of Guyana in Region Four, recently participated in a Regional Radio Workshop held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) in Georgetown.

The broadcasters were exposed to guidelines on how to use their respective stations, and how to provide quality programmes.

They were also exposed to sessions on the Guyana Constitution, the Amerindian Act and defamation laws.

During today’s meeting, the radio announcers had the opportunity to introduce themselves and provide overviews of their programmes and identify their challenges.

Opening the conference was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who noted the historic nature of the event.

Describing it as a “revolution of radio broadcasting in Guyana”, he pointed to the fact that for the first time in the history of national broadcasting, radio has been carried to the wider hinterland.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (centre-front row) along with other officials and participants “We have now brought to the attention of the world that we have nine peoples residing in the far-flung hinterland and that they can communicate with the rest of the world in their own languages, that’s a revolution.”

According to the prime minister, while the idea was of community radio stations has been around for some time now, it was not undertaken until the coalition government took office in

2015.

“I found strong support from President David Granger, he’s not afraid to expand the horizon of communication and information… the President had said that we need public community radio stations in every region. We now have in five and I’m sure in due course we will have in every region. We should have radio stations in every capital city in every region in Guyana so that we can all

be linked.”

Additionally, the prime minister announced that talks have started with the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Department of Public Information and NCERD to add public information content to through the Guyana Learning Channel television stations in 16 locations in the hinterland.

Today, many communities are now connected through community radio

stations in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Region Nine, through the establishment of Radio Lethem, in May 2016; in Barima-Waini, Region One with the setting up of Radio Maburama, in June 2016; Radio Mahdia, Potaro-Siparuni, Region Eight in October, 2017; Radio Bartica in CuyuniMazaruni, Region Seven in November, 2017; Radio Aishalton in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Region nine in February, 2018; and

Radio Orealla, East Berbice-Corentyne District, Region Six in March, 2018.

The Office of the Prime Minister also recently upgraded Radio Paiwomak.

Recognising the importance of communication to improving the lives of the Indigenous peoples of Guyana, the APNU+AFC Government upon assuming office in 2015 set out to link the hinterland with the coastland through the establishment of community radio stations and ICT hubs in villages in all the hinterland regions.

Also present at the conference were several government ministers including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes; Chairman of National Communications Network (NCN) Enrico Woolford; Coordinator of Government’s Regional Radio Project, Dr. Rovin Deodat; Technical Manager for Regional Radio, Devon Roberts; and Regional Radio Manager Michelle Abraham-Ali. (DPI)

3-drug strategy to speed up elimination ...

From page 8

the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis by 2020 as required.

“The challenge is, for Guyana to reach eligibility for the elimination status for 2020 we would need another three years of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) using the twodrug regimen that we have been using in the past (but) we don’t have three years. So, if we are to reach eligibility we have to slightly adjust our strategy. The strategy that we have available to us, is to implement a triple drug therapy (IDA),” the Deputy Chief Medical Officer explained.

Guyana, she further explain, would have to achieve over 80 per cent coverage for the next two years using the triple drug therapy – IDA in order to become eligible for elimination status.

In this part of the world, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Suriname have achieved elimination status while Guyana, Haiti, Dominica Republic and Brazil remain endemic to Lymphatic Filariasis.

Questioned about the side effects of using the triple drug therapy, which is new to Guyana, Dr. Campbell said the effects are mild,

noting that the drug regimen is in use in other parts of the world. The DCMO noted that the side effects which include headache, nausea, and fever in some cases are nothing compared to the pain and suffering Filaria causes when left untreated.

Dr. Adu-Krow made it clear that all medication have side effects. He, however, noted that in the case of the triple drug therapy, the side effects are similar to those of the twodrug regimen.

Weighing in on the issue, Dr. Nicholls said based on a study completed in late November, 2017 the triple drug therapy destroys the microfilaria present in the blood of the infected at a faster rate when compared to the two-drug regimen, saves time and money, and has minor side effects. “When IDA was compared to DA the rate of reduction of microfilaria, the parasite in the blood, was much faster as it was with DA. So the studies concluded that it was enough to give two years of IDA instead of five years of DA. It reduces the time by three years, but it also has implications for budget and logistics,” Dr. Nicholls noted.

He said conducting a Mass Drug Administration for a period of five years with a required coverage of 65 per cent is not easy task. Notably, at this stage, Guyana according to the health authorities cannot meet the 2020 mark if it continues with the two-drug regimen.

In 2000, Guyana embraced WHO Global Programme for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis by 2020 which entails a comprehensive strategy to stop the spread of the infection through large-scale annual Mass Drug Administration and alleviate the suffering caused by the disease.

In 2001, a mapping among school children revealed that Guyana is endemic to Lymphatic Filariasis. The MDA was identified as the best intervention to eliminate the disease.

“In 2003, Guyana started with the use of Diethyl Carbamazine (DEC) fortified salt; however, it proved difficult to confirm the epidemiological coverage. In 2008, Guyana started to implement in some geographical settings Mass Drug Administration using diethylcarbamazine and albendazole pills,” Dr. Campbell had explained.

Since then, the Public Health Ministry has had difficulties in successfully executing five consecutive of the MDA as required for the elimination of the disease.

Guyana’s current strategy is tailored to target the population within schools and workplaces with support coverage at fixed points such as market places and religious institutions, the DCMO said.

With Guyana’s geographical coverage currently at 44 per cent, Dr. Campbell said key to scaling it up to 100 per cent is a remapping survey which is being conducted in the six regions (1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9) that have not yet implemented the Mass Drug Administration. In the past, MDA was only conducted in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 10. “This survey will give an updated picture as to which other implementation units need to be included in the current Mass Drug Administration excise,” the DCMO explained.

PAHO/WHO donated the Diethycarbamazine and Albendazole for the initial rounds of the MDA, and has committed to supply the country with additional drugs for the IDA if it is accepted on the ground.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

Children emulate their parents

THERE are many things that threaten the health and general well-being of children, such as alcoholic parents or parents who are drug addicts.

Although parents may be functional enough to do a reasonable job providing for their children, children are still missing out on some of the fundamental traits that are needed for them to develop holistically. To the average person, it may seem that the child is coping fine although he/she has a drug-addicted mother, and the mother herself would profess to all and sundry how much she loves and cares for her child, but the whole sorry set of circumstances should not even exist.

Children should not have to witness an adult being dependent on any type of recreational drug or alcohol in order to cope with life or to ‘get by’ on a day-to-day basis.

Growing up in this type of setting will affect the child concerned in a detrimental way.

Firstly, he/she will grow with the understanding that drugs and/or alcohol is either an outlet for stress or mental anguish, or a convenient remedy that helps to deal with hardships in life, because this is the example portrayed by parents or caregivers. And secondly, as the child grows, it is likely that he/she might use the same types of ‘stimulants’ as a crutch,

because they have always been, and remain, an acceptable part of their existence.

A father of two, (a son and a daughter) ‘enjoyed’ his drink to the extent that, when totally intoxicated, he would sit upstairs on his verandah and cuss. He cussed his wife, he cussed at passers-by and he became wellknown in the neighbourhood for his ranting and drunken behaviour. His daughter married pretty much after leaving school and moved out, but the son stayed at home, also marrying and bringing his wife to live with him in the apartment below.

It wasn’t long before their marriage ran into problems and the son, to alleviate his unhappiness, began to drink excessively: and although he did not sit on the verandah cussing at his wife and at passers-by, he did begin to look dishevelled and down-trodden.

His wife eventually left, taking with her their then one –year-old daughter; however, she allowed him access to the child every other weekend. Unfortunately, the drink continued to take its toll on him and for the best part of each day he appeared to be inebriated as he worked from his family home as a mechanic.

In due course, the wife refused to let the child spend time with her father, much to the

disappointment of the child’s grandparents and the matter is now being taken to the Family Court. The grandmother insists that her daughter-in-law is unreasonable and refuses to accept the fact that the ‘alcoholic environment’ she lives in is not conducive for a growing child. Making reference to all the toys and material accessories purchased on behalf of the child, she holds strongly that her grand-daughter is missing out on a warm and loving family setting.

Most adults who live in dysfunction do not recognise it as such and very rarely do they make a conscious decision to rise above their circumstances, or aim to do better. Children are resilient and they have no choice but to accept whatever situations (they are born into or what) they are given.

Unless there is an intervention of some kind and/or the children in question are exposed to a fresh and more productive way of life, it is likely that they will follow in the footsteps of their parents or caregivers.

Many adults smoke marijuana in front of their children, because they say it is a natural herb and of course it tends to relax smokers and/or put them on a ‘high.’ However, there has been more than one story where a parent has found that their ‘joint’ seemed to move

from one place to another, or it was smaller than they had imagined or, on the rare occasion, it had disappeared all-together.

That’s right, you guessed it: their child had taken up smoking marijuana and they didn’t even see it coming. There was a father who beat his nine- year- old son for stealing his ‘herbs’, rolling a ‘spliff’ and smoking it with his friends under the house. The boy was simply emulating his father, albeit in an adverse fashion.

To preserve the health and well-being of children, adults need to be cognisant of their actions around the children in their care; this goes for all adults who interact with children regularly.

Children are learning more each day and even if they do not question what is going on around them, they are still making mental notes.

Adults should use discretion and be respectful around, and to children.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or you want to report child abuse you can ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or email childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

Probe intensifies into respiratory illness

–– residents cite bat dung as probable cause

DAYS after one Chinese man died and seven persons, including a Guyanese, were hospitalised, reports have surfaced that the tunnel they were clearing was blocked for more than 50 years.

According to information reaching this publication, it could have been poisonous bat faeces which caused the individuals to get sick.

Although this was not confirmed, individuals from Mathew’s Ridge said that bat faeces are indeed poisonous and could be deadly if inhaled for long periods.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has since sent a team to the area and is engaging in discussions to ascertain the cause of the ailment.

In a press statement, Public Health Minister

Volda Lawrence refuted claims in some sections of the local media that the H1N1 virus is to blame for the death of a Chinese man working in a mining firm in Barima-Waini (Region One).

Lawrence said Saturday night that Ministry of Public Health specialists were still conducting “a battery of tests” to identify the virus blamed for the manganese miner’s death and the hospitalisation of eight others, including a solitary Guyanese, who is an employee of the Guyana Manganese Inc (GMI) firm.

According to the minister: “There is no determination [as yet] of what the ailment is, but all the patients displayed similar symptoms including pain, fever, headache and respiratory distress”

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud, said a “respiratory ailment” is to blame for the death and hospitalisation of the GMI workers.

The deceased worker was ailing for days before seeking medical attention at the Matthews Ridge Hospital last Thursday.

He died Saturday and his body will be airlifted to the capital Sunday.

The seven other ailing GMI employees were airlifted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for further treatment. Neither the deceased nor those currently hospitalised had travelled overseas recently.

QUARANTINED The seven patients are to be transferred to the West Demerara Regional

Hospital in Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) on Sunday, and will be isolated, the Public Health Minister said.

She said a team of officials including a pathologist, a Senior Environmental Health Officer; a mortuary attendant, and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specialist will be visiting the manganese mining site from Sunday, Lawrence indicated.

She said the team will be complemented by medical specialists, including Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Vishal Ramdas, operating in Barima-Waini among others.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Saturday night hailed the collaboration among the MoPH, the GPHC, PAHO/ WHO and other partners and will “work with

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence neighbouring territories to exchange information” about the ongoing health crises in the southern hemisphere.

“We are asking Region One residents to continue performing their usual hygiene habits such as

washing their hands after visiting the washroom; covering their mouths when coughing,” Lawrence said.

“If you are not feeling well, go to a health facility,” the minister counselled.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

Leonora ‘smart hospital’ on the move

By Wendella Davidson

THE Leonora Cottage Hospital which has been rebranded the Leonora Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (LCD&TC) is on record as the only public health institution, countrywide, to offer an endoscopy service.

The non-surgical procedure entails the examination of a person’s digestive tract, by passing an endoscope camera through the mouth and throat and into the esophagus. This allows a doctor to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the patient’s small intestine.

The service is offered free of cost as against a lone private institution where it also offered. According to Region Three, Regional Health Officer, Kathlene Armstrong, the facility sees in excess of 20 patients on a weekly basis.

Patients from as far away as Region Nine, the Corentyne, Region Six and Linden, in Region 10, have accessed the services, she said; the institution is one of five health facilities countrywide that have been retrofitted to be `Smart Hospitals.’ The others are the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Mabaruma and Lethem Regional Hospitals and the Paramakatoi Health Centre.

The `Smart Hospital’ concept refers to a health facility which is both safe and utilises ‘green’ technology. Hospitals and other health facilities embracing this concept must provide standard and efficient health care before, during, and even immediately after the event of any natural or man-

made disaster.

The LCD&TC is being upgraded from an antenatal clinic to one where a full range of maternity services, from pre-birth to post-delivery health care, will soon be offered. This is in a bid to reduce the number of referrals to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) and the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton and Minister of State, Joe Harmon, who had accompanied the President on the visit, were urged to upgrade the facility so that it would cater better to maternity cases.

Prior to the upgrade, the facility was a cottage hospital and had a maternity section that was condemned, resulting in all maternity cases being referred to the

services that are being offered there.

The facility is already being viewed as one with a difference: it serves not only the catchment areas of Leonora to Uitvlugt; it is also the first point of treatment for critically ill patients who go there from Hubu backdam, Parika backdam , Wakenaam and Leguan and other neighbouring islands.

Those critically ill pa-

with seven local doctors and eight nurses service the 24hour facility.

Upon completion, the state-of-the-art maternity ward with 25 beds, 10 for pre-natal cases and 15 for post-natal, will cater for C-Section patients as two theatres, a large and small, have been included. In addition, there is a recovery room, a scrub room, nurses’ station, a ramp, a chute to

The rebranded Leonora Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (LCD&TC)

BRAINCHILD The project is the brainchild of President David Granger, who during a visit to the maternity ward of the GPHC in 2015, expressed concern about the condition under which pregnant women were being treated at the main facility. Then,

WDRH. As a result of the President’s initiative, a number of women have started going there to give birth, even as construction is ongoing. Armstrong said she expects more women and other people to begin accessing the facility, as word gets out about the various

Dr Eladio Silot, orthopaedic surgeon, is assisted by Dr Danaids Rodes, paediatrician, in attending to a little boy who suffered a broken arm

tients are diagnosed, treated and stabilised, before being referred if their condition is critical, to the West Demerara Regional Hospital or the Georgetown Public Hospital.

A total of eight Cuban and five nurses from the Cuban Medical Brigade, along

convey dirty linen, a laboratory, along with a spacious drugs bond and a records department.

OTHER SERVICES Other services being offered are dental, where in addition to extractions polishing, cleaning and the

filling of teeth are offered as well, VCT, and eye care.

The latter is offered at a department that is staffed by Dr Tahira Alli, the optometrist; Dr Alli is assisted by Cuba-born Jaline Fvoman Linares an ophthalmologist, with Guyanese Fiona Jordan functioning as a clerk. Eyes glasses are also dispensed at the department.

Among others from the Cuban Medical Brigade who serve at the facility are Dr Eladio Silot, an orthopaedic surgeon, who has been working in Guyana for 10 years and Dr Danaids Rodes, a paediatrician who has been in Guyana for 20 months.

Meanwhile, through an initiative by Regional Executive Officer (REO) Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall, a kitchen is under construction to cater for that build-up in patients that is anticipated. Plans are to extend that facility by the year 2020 and to build a tuck shop, where patients can purchase basic amenities.

The road leading to the LCD&DC also serves as a main roadway for the National Insurance Scheme and access to the sea defence.

Over the years, it had deteriorated and Armstrong said transporting patients via an ambulance or the stretcher had become very risky.

The thoroughfare was recently repaired at a cost of about $10M, and a car park to the tune of $10M was also built to cater for visitors to the hospital, who because of inadequate parking space, had been utilising both sides of the roadway. The vehicles too had posed difficulty for the movement of the ambulance.

The Endoscopy Room at the rebranded Leonora Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (LCD&TC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

Hururu residents call on Toshao –– for giving false information to the media to step down

By Vanessa Braithwaite

COUNCILLORS and residents of Hururu, a Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice)community located up the Berbice River, last Monday called on Toshao Winsbert Benjamin to step down for allegedly sup-

that the residents learnt what the toshao did and unilaterally penned the letter.

The letter, which was sent to editors, stated that resident businessman Ameer Bacchus had undertaken several community projects costing him millions of dollars. In his letter to the press,

One of the three bridges businessman Bacchus said he spent $2.5 M to build plying falsified information to the press in which he praised a businessman without the consent of the Council.

Councillor Sabrina Nohan, along with former Councillors Bibi Thomas and Carl Perreira, in addition to other residents, related to this publication that it was only after the articles were published in some sections of the media

Toshao Benjamin described Bacchus as a patriotic, exemplary and charitable resident of Hururu who would have expended millions of dollars on constructing three bridges in the community as well as a mortuary, and undertaking the rehabilitation of the community’s lone road and donating books, kites and other items to the community. Councillor Nohan

said that not only were the projects exaggerated, but the costs attached were highly inflated as well. “This man never did these things,” she said, adding: “He claimed he made three bridges; that is a lie.

Is the same old bridge, and he just put on a new surface.”

WICKED The toshao also stated in the letter that the businessman built a mortuary to the tune of $4M, and that the facility would bring an end to an old village practice of digging a hole and placing the corpse in it.

Bibi Thomas, a resident, said that this is totally untrue, since what villagers usually do in the event of a death is have the body stored in Linden until the funeral. “How can you put things like this!”

Thomas exclaimed. “You are degrading us! Why you have to do this!” she said.

Because of his lies, the residents, at a public meeting, asked the toshao to step down. “Why we asked him to step down? If this had never surfaced on the Internet, the residents would have never known; the Council would have never been aware of it. If this toshao could sign something like this, claiming it is true when it is false, then how much more we don’t know about, how can we put our trust in a toshao that can sign something behind our residents’ back,” the residents argued. They are hoping that their action will help clear the air, and that the

The mortuary Bacchus said he spent $4M to build

truth surrounding the issue will be disseminated.

In an invited comment, Toshao Benjamin said that though the letter exalting Bacchus was written and disseminated unilaterally, he did not fabricate its content, and that the issue lies with the inflated costs, but he only

went with what the businessman reported to him.

“It is not something that was fabricated; it is things that he would have done. But what they are saying is the cost is less than that. But that is the man’s value of what he did,” Benjamin related.

He admitted that he erred

in disseminating the letter, and has agreed to write a letter of apology to the Council and the residents, and is hoping that that would correct the issue.

“We apologise, we know that is an error, but then there is correction,” the toshao said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

GTA completes new integrated marketing, communication strategy

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Concept Farm have completed a new living integrated marketing and communications strategy and action plan for Guyana, and are now working to implement the strategy by integrating it into their work plans for this year.

Director of the GTA, Brian Mullis, said the new action

plan is designed to act as a road map for the authority’s collective marketing efforts between the GTA and their partners, including local stakeholders.

“The plan helped to identify the right audiences for sustainable growth and develop a comprehensive strategy that includes digital and social media, content development, web

development, public relations, partnerships, influencers and email marketing to maximise exposure, engagement and ROI through the core markets in North America, Canada, and the UK and investment markets such as Germany and the Netherlands,” said Mullis in an invited comment.

Concept Farm, an international firm, and the GTA

developed the strategy and plan to fully integrate the communications mix across North America, Europe and Latin America. The plan will stretch for five years.

“Importantly, Concept Farm provided the GTA with the training necessary to evolve the plan over time, so that we no longer have to utilise external consultants

to develop our marketing plans.,” he said.

GTA representative, Nicola Balram, said the authority is in the process of updating their internal staff, marketing sub-committee and subcontractors on the outcomes of this plan and starting to integrate it into their 2019 work plan.

As part of an effort to increase tourist arrivals and promote Guyana as an emerging and sustainable destination, the GTA had enlisted Concept Farm, a boutique strategic advertising agency based in Long Island City, New York, to develop the strategy and action plan for the destination.

Virtually untouched, Guyana lies on South America’s northern coast and is home to pristine rainforests, immense waterfalls, savannahs, mountains, rivers and rich biodiversity found nowhere else on the planet.

Guyana also boasts a healthy birding population, many of the world’s giant species, welcoming indigenous peoples, and diverse cultural and heritage roots.

Unique to the destination is its fusion of Caribbean and

GTA Director Brian Mullis South American influences and the fact that it is the only English-speaking nation in South America.

With a specialisation in tourism, Concept Farm has worked with many partners in the past to help shape and build their destinations and product to the right audiences. They recently launched an Authentic Aruba campaign, using local voices to distinguish the island from its Caribbean competitors.

The activation won Aruba and Concept Farm 11 HSMAI Adrian Awards – the most for any destination – for best use of content strategy, virtual reality, social media, video content and the prestigious Pioneer of Visual Storytelling honour.

Albouystown youth killed by armed gang

THE police are investigating the murder of 18-yearold Christopher Mansfield who was chopped, beaten and shot early Sunday morning.

Manfield’s Aunt, Vanessa Mansfield, said he was on his way to West La Penitence to play football when he was attacked and killed by several assailants who were armed with a cutlass, knife and gun.

“All we hear is he get shoot and when we reach he body was covered in a sheet…we know he wasn’t in any bad business or anything, so this is a shock to we,” she said in an invited comment.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force, Christopher, who resided in Barr Street, Albouystown, was at Nonpareil Street, also in Albouystown, where he was attacked.

“Around 06:47hrs, whilst walking, the suspects approached on bicycles and attacked and shot him in the

Dead: Christopher Mansfield right side abdomen,” said the police. The victim ran to seek refuge in a nearby yard at 154 Nonpareil Street, Albouystown, where he collapsed.

Mansfield was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public-spirited citizens and was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body is at the GPH mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. Four persons have been arrested and are assisting with the investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

Regional radio workshop 2019 a success

15

–– participants applaud gov’t support for development of radio broadcasters FORTY regional broadcasters over the weekend were exposed to procedures to operate and manage their stations and provide quality programming.

They also participated in sessions on the Guyana Constitution, the Amerindian Act and defamation laws.

These sessions were part of the first-ever Regional Radio Workshop held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Georgetown.

The radio announcers who are from Indigenous villages in Regions One, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and also from Region Four, are now better equipped to present important and useful information to their respective communities.

Coordinator of the Governance Office at the Office of the Prime Minister, Tamara Khan, in her presentation on the Guyana Constitution and the Amerindian Act, explained to the broadcasters that the Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana.

“This means that all other laws made by Parliament cannot go against the Constitution or they will be invalid or unconstitutional.”

Khan further explained that the Constitution guarantees the most basic rights, “including our right to life, liberty, property and to participate freely in our democratic system.”

Speaking to the Depart-

ment of Public Information, several of the broadcasters applauded the government’s support for the development of regional radio stations across the country.

Michael Williams, from Radio Paiwomak in Annai, North Rupununi, said: “Paiwomak is 19 years this year and the journey ahead of us calls for commitment and with this workshop, we learnt many things that we can take back.”

Nicholas Poon, from Radio Aishalton, explained that “I am happy to be part of this weekend where we have gained so much from the training, particularly on the Constitution.” He noted that the knowledge he has gained will enable him to enhance his local broadcasting.

From Radio Mabaruma, Tellisa King appreciates being able to participate in the first ever radio workshop. “More so, I am thankful that I have a copy of the constitution to take back to share with my listeners.”

Radio is etched in Guyana’s history and with the establishment of stations across the country, the government is committed to connecting communities since communication is vital to improving people’s lives and creating more opportunities for them. Between May 2016 to March 2018 the Coalition Government has established six community radio stations.

Albouystown teen held with cannabis THE police, on Sunday in Albouystown, arrested a male teenager with 1,445 grammes of cannabis.

According to information from the police, the youth, who resides in Victoria Street, Albouystown, was seen acting suspiciously and was pursued by officers who were on patrol in the area.

“When approached by the police, he ran into his house and was found in the south-western room of his house with a green bulky haversack in his hands,” said the police.

The police took possession of the haversack and found three transparent plastic parcels which contained leaves, seeds and stems which appeared to be cannabis.

The teen’s mother was summoned to the station where she assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The Office of the Prime Minister recently upgraded Radio Paiwomak while Radio Essequibo in Region Two is slated to be commissioned by the end of 2019.

(DPI)

Participants at the Regional Radio Workshop held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Georgetown (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

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Hamilton profits from Leclerc heartbreak in Bahrain

(REUTERS) - FIVE times world champion Lewis Hamilton took a lucky Bahrain Grand Prix win for Mercedes on Sunday after engine trouble in the dying stages denied Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc a first Formula One victory.

The luckless Leclerc had looked like becoming Ferrari’s youngest ever race winner, at 21, after starting on pole position and leading comfortably. Instead, the Monegasque ended up third.

Hamilton and team mate Valtteri Bottas, lapping far faster than the stricken Ferrari, reeled him in and breezed past to secure the team’s second one-two finish in as many races and against the odds.

“That was extremely unfortunate for Charles,” said Hamilton after starting in third place and behind the Ferraris.

“He drove such a great race. We’ve got work to do to keep these guys off our tails,” added the Briton, who embraced Leclerc after they stepped out of their cars and

offered commiserations.

The race finished with the field following the safety car, deployed as marshals removed Daniel Ricciardo’s stranded Renault.

“I was not expecting that result,” added Hamilton,

who had complained earlier of feeling like a sitting duck with his fading tyres.

Hamilton’s win was the 74th of his career but first this season. He is now 17 wins short of Michael Schumacher’s all-time record

Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates on the podium with third placed Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 31, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain.

(Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)

of 91.

The Briton stayed second in the championship but is now just one point shy of overall leader Bottas, who won and scored the extra point for fastest lap in the season-opener in Australia two weeks ago.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said it was always a balance between performance and reliability.

“Charles was very unfortunate today,” he agreed.

“He was the quickest guy and should have won the race but then things swing in the other direction.”

Third place was still a first Formula One podium for Leclerc, and he also took an extra point for setting the fastest lap of the race, but that was scant consolation considering how much more he could have had.

“It’s a very hard one to take,” said the youngster, in only his second race for Ferrari. “It’s a shame to only finish third, but it’s part of racing and we’ll come back stronger.”

Liverpool overcomes Tottenham to regain PL lead (BBC) - TOBY Alderweireld’s late own goal gave Liverpool a priceless victory and put them back on top of the Premier League.

Vi s i t o r s To t t e n h a m looked on course to earn a point - and even wasted chances to go in front - after Lucas Moura deservedly equalised Roberto Firmino’s first-half header for the home side.

Liverpool were on the brink of losing ground to Manchester City - 2-0 winners at Fulham on Saturday - until the title race took another dramatic twist in the closing moments in front of the Kop. Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris failed to hold Mohamed Salah’s routine far-post header and the ball ricocheted into the net off Alderweireld.

It was sheer elation for Liverpool, who are now two points clear of City having played a game more, but misery for Spurs, who are in a real fight for a top-four place and were left to regret Moussa Sissoko’s glaring miss when through on goal minutes earlier.

Liverpool are simply refusing to be denied in their Premier League title battle with Manchester City - no matter how late

they have to leave it to get the three points.

They were fortunate victors here but once again they dug deep, rode their luck, and were the beneficiaries of another dramatic conclusion at Anfield. And not for the first time this season, a visiting goalkeeper was culpable.

who might be privately cursed by Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.

There was little degree of difficulty about the save the France World Cup winner needed to make from Salah’s header, which was on target but hardly laced with menace, in the final minute of normal time.

advantage to City.

And yet credit to Klopp’s side. Just as they did by winning 2-1 with a late penalty at Fulham in their last league game, they refused to lose the belief that they could win. They did so in a game where their opponents were the stronger side for much of the second

Aanensen hopes new leadership provides “breath of fresh air”

CWI vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow (left) listens to former West Indies captain Sir Richie Richardson during a meeting last weekend.

CMC – A FORMER Cricket West Indies chief executive hopes the election of Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow brings much-needed “breath of fresh air” and provides respite from the conflict which has riddled the administration of the game in the region.

Trinidadian Bruce Aanensen, who spent six months as CEO in 2007, said he was happy with the change in the CWI top posts, pointing out that Skerritt and Shallow were now ideally placed to effect change in the organisation.

“I am very happy because I don’t think Mr Cameron should have been returned. I think it’s high time that somebody else gets an opportunity to move West Indies cricket forward,” Aanensen told the Newsday here.

“I think the pair of Ricky Skerritt and Kishore Shallow is a good [one]. Hopefully, they would get down to the job and not allow divisiveness to prevail but rather to size up the situation.”

He continued: “There will be changes to be made but I just hope that whatever they do is done in the best interest of West Indies cricket. There [has] been too much fighting in West Indies cricket over the last few years.

“I’m just hoping that this is a breath of fresh air and we can see some more

positive leadership and better relationships with all the stakeholders in West Indies cricket.”

Skerritt toppled controversial three-term incumbent, Dave Cameron, for the position of president at the CWI annual general meeting in Kingston last Sunday while Shallow defeated Vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan.

And in a series of media interviews following, Skerritt said they were anxious to begin a roll-out of their 10-point Cricket First Plan, which they said would make cricket once gain the central focus of the administration.

Aanensen agreed with the move, noting that the new administration could mark “the dawn of a new era”.

“I think the immediate focus should be back to cricket. They need to focus more on grassroots cricket,” the experienced businessman said.

“They need to heal all the rifts that exist at the moment and they need to try to get the boards in the various regions operating in conjunction with [CWI] so that everybody is reading from the same page. “[They need to] see if they can bring some togetherness again to West Indies cricket. If people are happy, they would perform better. This could be the dawn of a new era. I’m hoping that is so.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday, April 1, 2019)

Toby Alderweireld’s own goal was the 33rd in the Premier League era that Liverpool have scored after the 90-minute mark

Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Crystal Palace’s Julian Speroni have both had nightmare moments in front of the Kop that have resulted in tight home wins; now Lloris can add his name to the list of those

He fumbled the routine save and it was the unfortunate Alderweireld who got the final touch.

Liverpool had the win, just as it looked as if they would have to settle for a point and hand the title

half.

As Klopp went through his mandatory fist-pumping in front of the home support, you could sense just how significant this late show might prove to be.

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Brendon Mc Cullum-158* (KKR vs RCB, 2008) (2) Sohail Tanvir-6/14 (RR vs CSK, 2008) TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) How many matches were scheduled for the inaugural IPL? (2) Who were the finalists of IPL 2008?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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(ESPNCRICINFO) - A VINTAGE MS Dhoni innings -- one that ended with three sixes off the last three balls -- tipped Chennai Super Kings from par score to winning score as they staged a comeback to beat Rajasthan Royals by eight runs in Chennai.

A part of Dhoni’s unbeaten 75 off 46, his highest score at home, was built in partnership with Suresh Raina after the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

Vintage Dhoni usurps Rajasthan

pair had been united on 27 for 3 after Ajinkya Rahane had put them in.

But it was at the end that Dhoni turned it. With Dwayne Bravo, who would later defend 12 off the last over, Dhoni put up 56 in 29 balls as Royals conceded a match-defining 67 off the last four overs.

Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, and Jofra Archer played crucial knocks, but Royals’ own col-

lapse at the start of the chase compounded meant they had too much to do at the end.

Super Kings got only one of the first two overs.

Jofra Archer had hit Ambati Rayudu on the forearm before closing the wicket-maiden off by having him fend one to the keeper.

Short of a length fast bowling still seemed the optimal strategy and Shane

Watson was cognizant of this, getting boundaries off Dhawal Kulkarni and Ben Stokes on the back foot.

His indulgence was shortlived though. Having just pulled Stokes for six, he guided an upper-cut straight to short third man two balls later.

Kedar Jadhav also perished in an attacking haze shortly afterwards - two pull shots for fours off Stokes, out third ball throwing his hands at a wide ball from Kulkarni.

At 27 for 3, Royals had Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni to bowl at in the last over of the Powerplay, and Super Kings’ senior-most batsmen looked vulnerable.

The length of attack remained the same, Archer attacking Raina’s ribs with a leg gully and getting him hopping and fending.

MS Dhoni goes over extra cover © BCCI

When Dhoni took strike, his back foot defence rolled back onto the stumps, only for the bails to remain in place.

Then, things got easy.

Royals chose to save Kulkarni’s remaining over for the slog overs, meaning the pressure was immediately relieved with five straight overs of spin.

Shreyas Gopal and K Gowtham were reasonably economical to start off, but Raina grew increasingly more confident and took them on.

When the bowling change came about, it was Jaydev Unadkat and as most teams

have done, Super Kings went after him straight away. Dhoni flat-batted a slower ball for his first boundary and Raina tickled one fine later in the over.

But Royals got some openings. In his next over, Unadkat bowled Raina a ball after he’d survived a run-out attempt, and in the next over, Gowtham dropped Dhoni - a difficult chance - at extra cover.

The 61-run stand had done enough to put Royals on the defensive and with a well-set Dhoni surviving that chance, Super Kings looked set for a big launch.

Sunrisers condemn RCB to third straight loss (ESPNCricinfo) - WITH their third straight opening century stand, with the highest ever opening partnership in IPL, and with rapid centuries of their own, Jonny Bairstow and David Warner consigned Royal Challengers Bangalore to their third straight loss.

The 232 chase fell on Virat Kohli’s shoulder early in the innings, as Mohammed Nabi removed the top order, including the big scalp of AB de Villiers in the first four overs.

cause he expected the pitch to be slow in the first innings.

He opened the bowling with Moeen Ali, and immediately saw Bairstow go after him.

The second ball was swept for four to begin the boundary barrage.

While Warner made room for deliveries that were outside off for punches and drives, and walked across to swat and nudge the others on the leg side, Bairstow mainly targeted the leg side right through-

Jonny Bairstow and David Warner celebrate after Bairstow’s hundred BCCI

Kohli crawled to 3 off nine in the Powerplay, but was out soon after. At one point, RCB slumped to 30 for 5, and it was game over.

Sunrisers reached the IPL final last year without Warner. This year, without Kane Williamson, their captain and IPL 2018’s highest run-getter, they’ve put on three century opening stands.

On Sunday, the demolition mantle was taken over

by Bairstow, who scored his second T20 century and first in the IPL, off 52 balls.

Kohli opted to bat be-

out.

In the Powerplay, Bairstow hit Mohammed Siraj for consecutive fours in the fourth and sixth overs when he went short or wide.

There was a hint of the openers slowing down when 16-year-old debutant legspinner Prayas Ray Barman conceded only six off his first over, the seventh of the innings, but they didn’t take long to line him up. Bairstow tore into Barman off his next.

He followed an inside-out six over the covers with two fours on the leg side to bring up a 28-ball

half-century.

Bairstow even hogged the strike from there for the rest of the partnership, with plenty of swipes and lofted sixes on the leg side, mixed with technically-correct drives and punches when required.

Bairstow was equally punishing off Colin de Grandhomme, dispatching two slower short balls for six.

Exactly three overs after Warner brought up his 32-ball fifty in the 13th over, Bairstow reached his century with a couple off Barman.

He celebrated the milestone the way Warner does - with a running leap and helmet in his hand.

His first 50 runs saw more runs through fours (nine) than sixes (one), but his acceleration from 50 to 100 featured four sixes and only three fours.

Barman returned to bowl the 16th, and conceded 20, the most expensive over of the innings.

Bairstow fell soon after, but the damage had been done. Warner was on 70 off 42 balls then with 21 deliveries to go.

From there, he struck Siraj and Umesh for sixes, and ran several singles and doubles even after he had batted through a hot Hyderabad afternoon.

With a single on the last ball of the 19th over, he had six balls to face and seven to get to century.

By steering a low full toss past short third man for four, Warner showed the original celebratory leap for his fourth IPL hundred.

Siraj’s 0 for 38 were the most economical figures of the innings.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

21

Australia whitewash Pakistan (ESPNCricinfo) - Once more, it was Pakistan who had the centurion, while Australia walked away with the victory.

Haris Sohail’s career-best score of 130 went in vain as Australia secured what was in the end a fairly comfortable 20-run win, their eighth on the bounce.

It was set up by the batsmen, the top four all registering half-centuries as Australia exploited Pakistan’s sloppy fielding and uninspired bowling performance to plunder 327, the biggest total of the series.

Targets in excess of 300 have only ever been chased successfully once in 26 times in the UAE, and despite Pakistan’s valiant efforts, they would not be adding to that statistic today.

From the moment Haris was dismissed, the result looked inevitable, with Pakistan eventually finishing up on 307.

The chase began inauspiciously with Abid Ali, passed fit to open after a nasty shoulder injury had forced him off the field during Australia’s innings, nicked off for a firstball duck.

It was a sharp lesson that in Pakistan cricket, there’s very little space

between extreme highs and crushing lows; in the fourth game, he had made Pakistan’s highest ever score on debut with 112.

well, who played nearly as important a role with the ball as he had with the bat.

With Umar Akmal, Haris put on another century stand;

Haris Sohail put up some resistance for Pakistan against Australia in the 5th ODI © Getty Images

Shan Masood and Haris consolidated well, however, taking control of the innings during the Powerplay as they kept pace with Australia. It was only after Masood was trapped in front by Adam Zampa, breaking a superb 108-run partnership, that Pakistan struggled to find a reliable partner for Haris.

Mohammad Rizwan fell early, thanks to a superb catch at mid-on from Nathan Lyon off Glenn Max-

this one tallied 102. Umar displayed a maturity that has been absent from his game for much of his career, rotating the strike and finding the odd boundary when the opportunity allowed.

Haris appeared to be playing on another pitch altogether, so assured was his footwork and so extravagantly confident his strokes.

Despite their pluck, however, it never looked sustainable, and the fact Pakistan

have a long tail must have played heavy on the minds of the pair. Ultimately, Umar fell in predictable fashion, his patience finally deserting him.

With the required rate approaching nine, he charged Nathan Lyon, who was experienced enough to drop the ball short. Nowhere near the pitch, he went for the heave anyway, sending it more up than away.

Jason Behrendorff at long-on actually had to charge in from the boundary to complete the catch, and the clean sweep was looking ever more assured.

Four balls later, Haris guided one from Kane Richardson straight into backward point’s hands, and from thereon it was just Imad Wasim thwacking a few to try and make it as tight as possible.

It was an entertaining cameo, Pakistan’s stand-in captain scoring a breezy 34ball 50 to keep Australia honest right to the end.

But with support dwindling from the other side, the percentages were always in Australia’s favour, and all Pakistan could manage was the consolation of their highest total of the series.

DCC storm into U19 final after big win over MSC THREE half centuries and quality bowling propelled the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) to a comprehensive victory over home team, the Malteenoes Sports Club, yesterday in the second semi-final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Noble House Seafoods U19 Generation Next 50-over cricket competition.

DCC will now meet the Georgetown Cricket Club who won the first semi-final on Saturday.

In their clash, DCC won the toss and opted to take first strike. Their openers Jaden Campbell (12) and Tameshwar Permaul (1) were undone by opening bowler Jerimiah Scott, but former West Indies U16 captain Sachin Singh and Alphius Bookie batted their team to a strong position.

Singh, known for his hard hitting, was initially watchful before he began scoring with his big shots.

In total, he laced the boundary five times, while he crossed it three times for a score of 71.

Bookie too was watchful, but when he went, he went hard. He clobbered seven fours and three sixes in a knock of 72.

The only bright light for

the home team during the first innings was leg-spinner Wayne Bollers who took wickets at regular intervals. Although he removed the middle order, he had no answers for West Indies U19 left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd, who has been excellent in this tournament with the bat.

innings which helped to push the visitors to 331-8 from their allotted overs.

Bollers was the pick of the bowlers with 4-26 from 10, while Scott finished with 2-49 from 10 overs.

on their innings. Scott played three fours and a six in a score of 20, but as Hicks, he too was bowled

by Bamfield.

The only player to hold his own was Bollers, who

Ashmead Nedd (left) and Dequan Bamfield were among the runs and wickets for the winners.

Daniel Mootoo finished with 3-21 to lead DCC’s bowling attack.

Batting at six, Nedd scored 51 unbeaten runs (3X4s, 1X6), while Osafa Green (34) struck two fours and an equal amount of sixes late in the

Malteenoes were never stable in their reply.

Tuen Hicks was bowled

by Dequan Bamfield in the second over of the innings, which started the slide. Although Shemar Yearwood played a few shots for his 27 (4X4s), he, nor none of the other batmen were able to build

scored three fours in an unbeaten 26.

Mootoo finished with 3-21 from 6.1 overs, while opening bowlers Qumar Torrington (another player with West Indies junior experience) and Bamfield finished with two wickets each to help bowl out the side for 115 in 23 overs.

Guyana finish second ...

From page 23 ◄

AN all-round performance by home team Guyana propelled them to an overall second place finish at the 61st edition of the Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships, which concluded last evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Although Guyana ended without a gold medal, the side still tallied 750 points. Only the Dominican Republic, who dominated the doubles and the teams, finished with more points. Their 1530 points highlighted their supremacy at the meet.

Barbados finished third with 640 points, due mostly to their performance in the Masters: victory for Trevor Farley (males) and silver for Angela Reid (females).

Cuba and Puerto Rico were superior in their game play, but the former came was a small group (no female team), while Puerto Rico only travelled with a men’s team.

Despite the limitation, Cuba still managed a fourth place finish after tallying 600 points. Daniela Carrazana Fonseca, the lone Cuban female participant, was one of the standout performers at the tournament. The 19-yearold finished with the Women’s Singles title yesterday to go with the U19 title which she had won earlier in the week.

Puerto Rico finished fifth in the points table after second place finishes in the Men’s team and the men’s singles competitions.

Jamaica, who copped a gold medal via Sandra Riettie in the women’s over-45 singles, finished sixth with 250 points.

Trinidad and Tobago ended on 70 points, for a seventh place position, while St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guadeloupe and Martinique brought up the rear.

FINAL DAY MEDAL Yesterday, Guyana bowed out in the semi-finals (automatic bronze) of the senior singles in both the male and female divisions.

Shemar Britton, who finished with a silver medal in the U21 competition, defeated Martinique player Fabrice Elie-Dit-Cosaque 3-0 (11-4, 11-8 and 11-7) in the first round, before he got the better of Dominican Samuel Galvez 3-0 (11-8, 11-8 and 11-9).

In a rematch of the semi-finals of the U21 and last year’s U21 championship clash, Britton again defeated Barbadian player Tyrese Knight. His latest victory ended 4-1 (11-5, 11-6, 4-11, 11-9 and 11-5).

In the semi-final, Britton fell to Puerto Rican player Hector Berrios 1-4 (8-11, 11-6, 7-11, 9-11 and 10-12).

Guyana had seven players in the two-day senior competition and five made it to the round of 16, but only Britton advanced.

Nigel Bryan, who defeated Samuel Delepine from Martinique 3-1 (7-11, 11-7, 11-8 and 11-8), fell 1-3 to Ricardo Jimenez from Puerto Rico in the next round.

Team captain Christopher Franklin got past Barbadian Marcus Smith 3-1 (11-5, 7-11, 11-5 and 11-4), but lost to U21 champion Livan Martinez in the round of 16, while Elishaba Johnson got the better of Jamaican Mark Phillips in the opening round 3-2 (12-10, 12-10, 5-11, 8-11 and 11-4) before falling to Dominican Isaac Vila in the round of 16.

Guyana’s other representative in the men’s single was Colin France. The 62-year-old, who finished with a bronze medal in the Over-45 competition, got past Trinidadian Derron Douglas in the opening round 3-1 (6-11, 11-8, 12-10 and 11-6), before he fell Berrios.

Trenace Lowe ended with a bronze for the local side.

The female captain defeated Barbadian Janae Lewis 3-1 in the opening round (11-5, 6-11, 11-8 and 11-6), before she got past another Barbadian, Kenady King, in the quarter final via a score of 4-0 (11-6, 11-8, 11-2 and 11-6). She however fell to eventual silver medallist Esmerlyn Castro 0-4 (9-11, 6-11, 6-11 and 7-11) in the next round.

Guyana had players in three of the four quarter-final clashes. Natalie Cummings got past Jamaican Dadrian Lewus 3-0 (11-4, 11-9 and 11-7) in the round of 16, before losing to Dominican Eva Brito 1-4 (6-11, 8-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-13), while JodyAnn Blake who defeated Barbadian Krystle Harvey 3-1 (9-11, 11-5, 11-9 and 16-14) in the round of 16, suffered a heartbreaking loss to Castro in the final eight. The match finished 4-0 to Castro, but the first three games were very close at 12-10, 14-12, 14-12 before an 11-4 loss.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

GCA/NBS Second-Division 40-over competition…

Everest into final after thumping police in day/night clash LED by half-centuries from Amir Khan and Manjrekar Bhola, the Everest Cricket Club were able to defeat Police Sports Club by 56 runs in the first semi-final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) NBS Second-Division 40-over competition on Saturday at the DCC Ground.

Although Khan and Bhola played their hand, it was a batting collapse by the Lawmen under lights in the day and night fixture which undermined their chase.

Everest won the toss and opted to take first strike. They were in a spot of bother early after losing openers Ronaldo Renee (11) and Dwayne Adams (09), but Khan and Bhola joined forces and added 92 runs for the third wicket, which proved the catalyst for a first innings score of 238 in 39.3 overs.

Bhola, batting at three, struck 10 fours and a six in a score of 56, while Khan, who preferred the aerial route, finished with five sixes and

four fours.

Both batsmen were dismissed by off-spinner Kelvin Leitch, which gave the Lawmen momentum. The pendulum swung in their favour in the latter part of the innings as the last six wickets fell for 44 runs.

lot less. Looknauth scored 45 (4x4s, 2x6s) before he was run out.

Leitch, who took a wicket in his first over, finished with 3-40 off eight overs, while opening pacer Raun Johnson finished with 2-39 from eight overs.

Amir Khan (left) and Manjrekar Bhola scored halfcenturies for Everest.

If former national U-19 all-rounder Richie Looknauth had not batted himself in before playing a few shots, the team could have folded for a

EXCELLENT START Andrew Lyght Jr. then fired Police ahead with a 111run first wicket partnership

with Kevon Boodie. Lyght, who struck nine sixes in a top score of 72, was the aggressor. He demolished Everest’s opening bowlers. In the first over, he belted Looknauth for 13 runs, before he struck Raylex Payne for 34 runs from his first two overs. In Payne’s second over, Lyght blasted three sixes.

At the other end, Boodie (10) was a spectator to the hitting, but he rotated the strike. Lyght’s wicket, which was the first of three for skipper Adams, started a chain reaction that resulted in Police’s 10 wickets falling for 71 runs (111-1 to 182 all out).

K e m o l S a v o r y, w h o played a few shots in a score of 27 batting at three, and Johnson who scored 20 batting at 11, brought sanity to the innings.

Adams finished with 3-13 from six overs, while Khan finished with 2-7 from six overs and Payne, who bounced back with wickets in his second spell, took 2-49 from 4.1 overs.

MILO Schools Football Tournament 2019…

CWSS, Lodge snag final semi-final spots LINDEN’S Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School and Lodge Secondary have secured the final two spots in the ongoing MILO schools Football tournament.

Following the final two quarter-final games at the Ministry of Education ground yesterday, the two teams had contrasting pathways to the next round.

In the opening game, the Linden side was eager to show its worth against the West Coast Demerara side, Vergenoegen.

The West Dem side wasted no time in showing their plans, getting a number of shots off within the first 15 minutes.

However, it was CWSS, in the 18th minute, who scored the first goal-- a curling free-kick just over 30 yards out which went over the wall and the Vergenogen keeper, Dorwin George’s lone goal helped Lodge nestling into the corner of the net.

Secondary through to the semi-finals

Vergenoegen were not about to take the game sitting down and a constant attack on the Linden side would finally yield the result they wanted when a counter-attack caught the linden keeper off his line in the 35th.

Tyrese Lewis, three minutes later, restored the Linden side’s lead and the half ended that way.

Two more goals by Lewis in the second half (70th and 72nd) ensured the Linden side cruised through to the next round.

In the second game of the day, St Johns College could not overcome the one-goal advantage that Lodge Secondary had instituted in the 17th minute through Dorwin George.

Meanwhile, in the semi-final lineup, CWSS will meet Annandale Secondary while President’s College plays Lodge Secondary next weekend.

GFF President calls Gold cup qualification ‘a win for all’’ President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde says qualifying for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification was the collective achievement of everyone who has contributed to Guyanese football and it will take a further joint effort to reap the full benefits.

the field for many decades.

The sum of all tourism promotion and advertising cannot surpass the global visibility that the CONCACAF Gold Cup will bring to Guyana. When our boys walk out on to the pitch for their first game, the millions of people that will be watching either live or on television around the world

GFF President Wayne Forde

Releasing a full statement today, the GFF boss said that, “Qualifying for the men’s CONCACAF Gold Cup is an achievement that belongs to the entire nation. I want to dedicate this moment to everyone in Guyana who loves football: anyone who has ever coached a team, played the game, managed a club, any organisation, company or person that has sponsored or supported football, and anyone who has ever contributed at an administrative level. This is our collective victory. It could not have been achieved without you. So many great football servants have gone before us and we stand on the shoulders of those giants.

It is truly a very humbling experience for me to be at the helm of the sport at this time and to share this extraordinary accomplishment with the other dedicated members of the GFF Executive Committee, who contribute in equal measure to the intense work and many sacrifices this qualification campaign demanded of us all. I feel a deep sense of pride for the sport, in particular, which has had its challenges both on and off

– will Google “Guyana”. I would like to call on all our stakeholders from politics to business to appreciate the magnitude of this opportunity and to work with us to embrace its potential.

What action those fans around the world take after that Google search will be vastly influenced by what pops up, so let’s give them good content and a good impression of our nation – its beautiful landscape and wildlife, its investment opportunities, its people, its sporting talent, and its culture. Let’s show our country in the best possible light.

There is still a tremendous amount of work required in order to lay a robust and lasting foundation for the sustainable development of our sport. We are finally moving in the right direction, but we need everyone on board as one team to achieve lasting success. The GFF cannot overhaul football without the help of corporate Guyana, the Government of Guyana and other key stakeholders. A well-run sport will produce well-rounded men and women – Guyana wins when football wins.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 1, 2019

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CWI Women’s T20 Blaze…

Jamaica women lose low-scoring thriller against Guyana

By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE Jamaican women’s team paid the price for a dismal batting performance as they lost to their Guyanese counterparts by 20 runs in a thrilling third round Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze encounter yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence.

The win, the second in three matches for the Guyanese, now put them in with a chance of winning the title. On the other hand, this second loss for Jamaica, the defending champions, has diminished their chances of retaining the title.

At the outset of the match, the Guyanese, asked to bat first, set the Jamaicans a meagre 115run target for the loss of eight wickets.

However, the hosts’ bowlers, led by left-arm seamer and player-of-thematch, Erva Giddings (313), and Akaze Thomspon (3-16), bowled disciplined lines, claiming three wickets each, to restrict the visitors for just 94 in 18.4 overs.

Sheneta Grimmond and Plaffiana Millington chipped in with 2-18, and 1-12 re-

spectively.

As the hosts’ batters took to the pitch, openers Grimmond and Tremayne Smartt had a decent start, adding 61 for the first wicket in 9.4 overs.

who racked up 25 of 27 balls, with a four and two sixes.

Thereafter, Vanessa Watts, the off-spinner and medium pacer Chedean Nation, decimated the

in the space of 12 balls to finish with figures of 3-17.

Those dismissals triggered a slide for the home team, with only Captain Shemaine Campbelle (11), and Shabika Gajnabi (10),

The Guyanese players celebrate another Jamaica wicket. (Adrian Narine Photos)

Smartt, the former West Indies player, was the leading scorer for the hosts with 44 off 36 balls, counting three fours and two sixes, followed by Grimmond,

home team batting lineup, with the duo capturing three wickets each.

Watts, who played a single ODI for the Caribbean side, removed both openers

managing double digits.

Nation ended with 3-14, while Jodian Morgan chipped in with 1-16.

The target loomed large after the Jamaicans

slipped to 4-19 inside the powerplay overs.

Giddings was the chief wrecker upfront. She bowled both openers, Jodian Morgan (1), and Natasha McLean (12), before Plaffiana Mil-

Henry then added 49 runs for the fifth-wicket, but after the stand was broken, Thomspon and Grimmond claimed five of the last six wickets.

Taylor ended with 48

Erva Giddings celebrating after bowling Rashada Williams.

lington bowled Nation (1).

Giddings then got into the act again when she bowled Rashada Williams without scoring. At that point, Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle

off 57 balls with six fours and a six while Henry made 12.

Guyana will be in action again tomorrow evening.

Guyana finish second overall at Caribbean TT Championships -Lowe and Britton win bronze medals on final day

Men’s singles champion Dominican Emil Santos (second from left), silver medallist Puerto Rican Hector Berrios (left) and bronze medal winners Cuban Livan Martinez and Guyanese Shemar Britton (right).

Turn to page 21 ►

Women’s singles champion Cuban Daniela Carrazana Fonseca (second from left), with second place finisher Dominican Esmerlyn Castro (left) and joint third place finishers Eva Brito (DR) and Guyanese Trenace Lowe (right).

Jamaica women lose low-scoring thriller against Guyana

CWI Women’s T20 Blaze…

Page

23

Captain Shemaine Campbelle (right) was all pumped up after the Guyanese claimed another wicket.

Erva Giddings bowled Natasha McLean

MILO Schools Football Tournament 2019…

CWSS, Lodge snag final semi-final spots 22 Page

The CWSS (grey) enjoyed an easy second-half against Vergenoegen Secondary in their quarterfinal game at the Ministry of Education ground yesterday (Samuel Maughn photo)

Guyana tallied 750 points for a second place finish at the championships.

Guyana finish second overall at Caribbean TT Championships Page

23 & 21

-Lowe and Britton win bronze medals on final day

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MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2019