Guyana Chronicle E-paper 02-14-2020

FRIDAY 14th February, 2020

' No.105910

‘Judge for yourselves’

…First Lady makes strong pitch for President Granger's re-election …says Guyana has come a long way since election of coalition “We both believe that the people of Guyana deserve the best life they can have. If they look back these past four years they would recognise how far they’ve come and how far they can go,” Mrs Granger said during an interview on The Political Show, on Kaieteur Radio 03 PAGE

Sod turned for AC Marriott Hotel …hundreds of jobs to be created

$57.5M Immigration Office 05 opens in New Amsterdam PAGE

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Parties signed code of conduct

…vowing to eschew racism, violence during elections campaign

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Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon on Thursday afternoon, commissioned the historic $57.5M Immigration Office at Canje, East Berbice- Corentyne. Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Banks DIH pours money into education institutions

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Parties sign code of conduct …vowing to eschew racism, violence during elections campaign

By Lisa Hamilton ON Thursday, political parties contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections signed on to a Code of Conduct crafted by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), holding them to reject violence, harassment, intimidation, racism, discrimination, threats and the destruction or defacing of property during the election season.

The parties singed the code at the Georgetown Club in the presence of the full commission, former members of parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and international observers. In his remarks to the audience, ERC Chair, Dr. John Smith, stated that the promotion of harmony takes a collective effort and the commission is therefore pleased that the Code found consensus amongst the parties.

He also noted that it is the first time since its establishment that the commission has endeavoured to have a code of conduct for an election. “The pro-

motion of harmony takes a collective effort including all those who hold and those who aspire to hold public offices. There is tremendous influence within that grouping; influence that can become a potently positive force to aid in the realisation of the desirous change in the manner of thinking and the conduct of public discourse,” Dr. Smith stated.

“The code of conduct therefore becomes an important step in that journey; a journey that must never be allowed to cease. Once again, on behalf of the commission, I commend the political leaders involved.”

However, Dr. Smith said that internal reports compiled from monitoring public meetings and the traditional and nontraditional media remain a major cause for concern of the commission.

He said that as the country traverse this sensitive period, there is need for a multipronged approach to lessen the tensions which have historically risen around the period. He en-

couraged: “With behavior and utterances not helpful to the efforts of promoting harmony, we urge all to work towards eliminating such public displays through a more responsible approach in an effort to ensure that the remaining period of the campaign is free of ethnic division, discrimination, hate speech, incitement and provocation. This must be extended throughout Elections Day and beyond.”

The ERC Chair thanked

Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Dr. John Smith

Director General at the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon (centre) and AFC Leader, Raphael Trotman (third left), sign the ERC’s Code of Conduct in the presence of ERC Chair, Dr. John Smith (first left), and ERC Commissioner Major General (rtd), Norman McLean

Presidential Candidate of The Citizenship Initiative (TCI), Rondha-Ann Lam (centre), signs the ERC’s Code of Conduct

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha, signs the ERC’s Code of Conduct

the sub-committee which led the process, noting that it was an elaborate one which took

cess. The preamble of the code of conduct speaks to freedom of expression, freedom to

some time. He also thanked the various pollical parties which participated in the pro-

assemble and freedom to associate and to demonstrate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

‘Judge for yourselves’ …First Lady makes strong pitch for President’s re-election …says Guyana has come a long way since election of coalition

FIRST Lady Sandra Granger called for Guyanese to have a vision that is beyond partisan politics, to think wisely and vote for a government that will look after the community needs of the people and ensure that they get the best for their dollar.

The restoration of the local government system, and grassroots programmes such as the David G 5Bs initiative, the increase of old age pension, as well as improved investments in health, education and other social services, were some of the programmes that she noted as having directly impacted communities for the better.

Ms. Granger emphasised that she shares in her husband’s, President David Granger’s, dream of a good life for all. “We both believe that the people of Guyana deserve the best life they can have. If they look back these past four years they would recognise how far they’ve come and how far they can go,” Mrs Granger said during an interview on The Political Show, on Kaieteur Radio, on Wednesday.

“I’ve heard people complaining that the David G buses only go on the main road and say ‘I live down in the street and if they don’t come to pick up my child at home I’m not voting’.

Where’s the logic? You had nothing before and now you have a bus transporting your child safely to and from school. And even in the most developed country it doesn’t

stop at your home… it goes to a corner and you have to find yourself at that corner,” she pointed out. Defending her husband’s track record since becoming President in May 2015, Ms. Granger shared that: “This government has only been in office for less than five years… be reasonable, things are happening. It may not have gotten everything perfect but the coalition has tried to improve the lives of people.”

She called on persons not to be swayed by partisan media coverage, but to judge the situation for themselves and vote accordingly when General and Regional Elections come on March 2, 2020. “Look at what people are saying. Look at what has been done in the past four and a half years, look at the opposition over the previous 23 years but you have to be present. You have to exercise your right, and it is your duty to vote and make the right decision for yourself and your children,” she advocated.

President Granger took over the presidency when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition won the 2015 elections, unseating the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), which governed for 23 years prior.

OPPOSITION NON-COOPERATION When asked if she thought that enough was done to effect cooperation between the government and the opposition, Mrs Granger

First Lady, Sandra Granger

called out instances where the opposition was purposefully uncooperative. “You can’t complain if you don’t participate. How many parliamentary committees did not meet because people didn’t turn up? How many boards have not had the presence of the opposition members on those boards?” she questioned.

The instances were not only relegated to instances of the politicians being uncooperative in parliament and constitutional organisations.

Notwithstanding the restoration of the local government system to Guyana after an almost two-decade hiatus, many Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), which are a part of the local government system, are still to realise their true potential.

In some cases there has been purposeful resistance against development efforts by some of the opposition-aligned

Mrs Granger emphasised the areas of health and education, saw pivotal developments over the past four years.

“We are seeing the availability in the region of medical services that were not there before. You go to the maternity ward at GPHC and there’s a difference from 2015 and 2019. They have the hot meals programme in schools and they’re trying to expand it. The parents in many instances do not have the burden of paying transportation to get their children to school. I have to commend the citizens of Guyana and corporate bodies that have

“We both believe that the people of Guyana deserve the best life they can have. If they look back these past four years they would recognise how far they’ve come and how far they can go,” Mrs Granger said during an interview on The Political Show, on Kaieteur Radio, on Wednesday. councils. The situation has also been prevalent at the level of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs).

“They will not work with the coalition members for the benefit of the communities.

They stymie development to say that nothing is happening.

Doing nothing,” Mrs Granger asserted.

Notwithstanding the resistance, much has been done. Aside from the developments of local government

donated these things,” the First Lady expressed.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION When questioned about how she feels about the poverty encountered during the campaign trail with husband and what she thinks can be done for the country’s poor, Ms. Granger responded ”they have already started to fix it”. “Dealing with instances of poverty, if you

look at what is happening, the government has started to look at the social impact on our children, our people’s development,” she related.

She reminded that when the APNU+AFC came into office in 2015, the government was faced with an uphill task of development deficits and limited resources. “We have to remember a government has to focus on its human resources as well as material. It had to pay several judgements made under the previous government to international companies. And that was a huge drain on the resources of this country before they can start looking at what they could do. We have to do better but we have to have resources to improve,” she said.

Because of that, she pointed out that the government had to carefully go about allocating resources, noting: “You’re seeing improvements but it’s not a jack in the box where everything pops out… you have to assess… you have to analyse, look at the resources you have, project the resources you need.”

She emphasized the need for more social programmes that target groups such as the elderly, and at risk youths in the communities, and believes that with the resources from the oil and gas sector more social programmes can be implemented.

More pan more music MAHDIA Secondary School has become the latest beneficiary of steelpans provided by the Ministry of Education.

The presentation was made at the opening ceremony of the National Children’s Mashramani Competitions on Wednesday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, and Unit of Allied Arts Administrator, Lorraine Barker-King.

The aim is to foster the advancement of the artform in the school and, by exten-

sion, Region Eight as well as create more well-rounded students in schools.

This is another of several efforts by the Ministry of Education, to deliver on commitments to develop the allied arts in schools and achieve the ministry’s goal to provide equal opportunities for schools in the hinterland and coastal areas.

This follows several presentations in other schools across the country, including Port Mourant in Region Six, and Kwakwani

Secondary and Mackenzie High Schools, in Region 10, among others.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion and Republic Bank also contributed to the artform in Guyana by sponsoring steel band workshops, and music literacy programmes, that have increased the number of bands in schools, and subsequently increased the number of entries in this year’s Mashramani Steelband competitions. (DPI)

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry (second left) and Unit of Allied Arts Administrator, Lorraine Barker-King (first left) make the presentation to representatives of Mahdia Secondary School (right) and the students (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Banks DIH pours money into education institutions EDUCATION is inseparable from economic development, President David Granger reminded at the Banks DIH Jubilee Republic Anniversary Education Celebration and Award Ceremony on Thursday.

The ceremony was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and saw the local beverage company handing over donations of $250,000 each to 15 public education

President David Granger (sitting centre) with Banks DIH Chairman, Clifford Reis (sitting right) and Human Resources Director, Andrew Carter (sitting left) with representatives from the awarded education institutions (Adrian Narine photo)

institutions, many of them technical and vocational institutions.

President Granger described the initiative as a celebration of Guyana’s statehood, public education and a private corporation’s

demonstration of social good.

The President related that celebrating education as part of the country’s Jubilee Republic anniversary is very apt as “education was a central feature of the republic’s pursuit of national development”.

He noted that companies should view support for education as an investment rather than an expression of corporate responsibility.

“Education represents a social investment; it supports the public good by aiming at total development of soci-

ety. Banks DIH has been a pioneer and trailblazer in the corporate world and its support to education is a continuing step in the right direction.

I thank you for this sensible and timely initiative,” the President said.

The President went a step further and encouraged the organisation to not only invest in public institutions but to consider opening its own “college of science and technology to take things further along the institutional path”.

Banks DIH Human Resource Director, Andrew Carter, noted that the company is already considering starting its own training school.

Banks DIH Chairman and Managing Director, Clifford Reis, emphasised that the company values and recognises the benefits of an educated workforce.

“Success in life is closely linked to our ability to access and benefit from proper education just as food is necessary for a healthy mind and body. Education is the essential tool to be used to craft that bright future that is the hope and aspiration of all persons,” Reis said.

Reis called for all in society to play a role in ensuring the nation’s children receive

a sound education.

“We must move to recognise home is the first place of education and parents are the first teachers. Parents should enable the process whereby we learn the importance and value of an education,” Reis said.Reis also emphasised the role of education in the Decade of Development.

An initiative of President David Granger, the Decade of Development is the government’s plan for the next decade based on four pillars: the green state, the digital state, the petroleum state and the education nation.

“The education nation will be characterised by Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) with every child attending primary school, every child graduating from secondary school.

In this way, the country will have a more highly-educated workforce,” President Granger said on Thursday.

The President reminded that the country’s Constitution mandates that every citizen has the right to free education from nursery to university as well as at non-formal places where opportunities are provided for education and training.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Harmon commissions $57.5M Immigration Office at New Amsterdam

DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, on Thursday, reaffirmed government’s commitment to decentralising and improving access to government services for every Guyanese.

Director-General Harmon was, at the time, officially declaring open the Department of Citizenship’s spanking new $57.5M Immigration office at Canje, New Amsterdam, East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six. At the simple ceremony, Harmon said government has a responsibility to ensure that state services are available to all citizens, regardless of geographic location, political affiliation or any other factor.

He noted that this was the first vision outlined by President David Granger when he assumed office in May 2015.

“When we first came into office, the President met with Minister Winston Felix and myself and gave us some clear directions on what he sees to be the services that should be available to the Guyanese public, especially with regard to passports and birth certificates. Since then, the minister has gone on a crusade to ensure that the vision of the President is actually put into practice.

He has restructured and reorganised not only the Central Passport Office, but the way also in which we deal with birth certificates. No longer can you just walk into somewhere and print a birth certificate and turn up somewhere with it. All of our systems started to receive reviewing and revamping and I want to commend the Department of Citizenship for the job they

The new $57.5M Immigration office at Canje, New Amsterdam (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon and Regional Executive Officer of the East Berbice-Corentyne, Kim Williams- Stephens unveiling the plaque as Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix looks on (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

have done,” he said.

The director-general noted that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that these basic services are provided to the citizenry and it is a responsibility this administration takes seriously.

“What is happening in immigration is symptomatic of what is happening in the entire country. When we came into office, we took this position that the suffering which we saw that people had to go through to

get government services, we had to put that to an end. The President spoke about decentralising power, governance and services. We have created capital towns to ensure that the government services are decentralised and you have better access to these services. What is happening here today is what is happening in other parts of the country.

This is all part of a process taking place. Very quietly the Department of Citizenship is moving and getting to the

places where people require services,” he said.

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, in providing a background to the completion of the office, said that when the administration assumed office in 2015, the police was tasked with receiving applications for passports in the East Berbice, Corentyne Region. He noted that this process was extremely slow and therefore, many persons left as far as the Corentyne and journeyed to Georgetown from as early as 02:00hrs to line up at the Camp Road,

Eve Leary office.

“A visit was paid to the crowded Central Immigration and Passport Office during an afternoon period and interviews were done following which, it was discovered that the majority of persons awaiting service were from Regions Five and Six. This triggered the thought of decentralising the passport office to areas outside of Georgetown. The President was of the view that these services should be available in capital towns and so Corriverton was visited. However, neither land nor building was accessible or useable.

This location entered consideration and the contract was signed. On July 15, 2019, the building was put into operation to test the equipment and the efficiency of the staff.

They have responded admirably to the task,” he said.

From July 2019 to date, the New Amsterdam office has accepted and processed 6,122 applications for passports, which are handled within seven working days.

Minister Felix noted that in addition to the cost of the

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building, the office has been outfitted with equipment to the tune of US$3, 512,760.

Meanwhile, regional executive officer of the East Berbice-Corentyne Region, Kim Williams-Stephens, in brief remarks, praised the development which she noted will be of significant benefit to residents.

“Having such a service has been impactful not only to the residents of this region, but also our neighbouring region. Apart from the obvious benefits such as saving money, time is also saved. Citizens no longer have to travel to Georgetown to receive this essential service. This is part of the government’s vision of building empowered, sustainable, strong communities, towns and regions. It has also provided employment opportunities to persons within this region,” she noted.

The immigration office is currently managed by nine staff members and will be outfitted in coming weeks with solar panels for energy generation. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

We must stand in solidarity against RUSAL THE Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), owned by Russian aluminium giant, RUSAL, has been making headlines in local news recently owing to various workers disputes arising out of the company’s operations in Guyana.

On January 22, the company announced that 142 employees would be laid off the following day. Again, on January 30, the company announced that an additional 146 employees would also be dismissed. Finally, on February 2, the company announced that they had terminated the services of 326 employees and would be suspending their Guyana operations in Upper Demerara-Upper Kwakwani.

Following the first batch of terminations, the company cited “reduced operations” due to “shortage of fuel” as their reason for taking that

action.

RUSAL asserted that since mid-January they were forced to implement a fuel-austerity regime which led to mining operations being downscaled and then stopped completely. The company further claimed that their fuels dropped to a critical level because they had been experiencing long processing times for fuel concessions by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

GRA Commissioner, Godfrey Statia, has since denied that the GRA has withheld tax exemptions from RUSAL. Mr Statia then confirmed that RUSAL is currently under investigation for abusing their fuel tax concessions as they have been allegedly retailing fuel purchased as part of their duty-free concession.

The GRA’s investigation is currently ongoing.

Former employees of

BCGI retaliated to the round of terminations by blocking the Berbice River in protest of the company’s actions.

Workers have engaged the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) who is representing them in their demands for reinstatement, compensation paid to two employees who were electrocuted whilst on duty and an increase in salary in line with other local bauxite companies. BBGWU President, Lincoln Lewis, who has been leading the charge against the company’s actions on behalf of the terminated employees, notes that there is still a long way to go with the company. Mr Lewis said that company has violated the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement and local Guyanese laws; however, he contends that they are more concerned with the actions taken by the workers after

they had been dismissed, mainly the blocking of the river.

The company has garnered the attention of the Ministry of Social Protection which issued a statement noting that the Department of Labour is of the position that the employees were improperly dismissed according to local laws and that the company should reinstate the terminated employees immediately. At a roundtable meeting between the BBGWU, the Department of Labour (DoL) and RUSAL, matters were plainly laid out with the DoL calling for the reinstatement of the workers as they had been improperly dismissed according to local laws. RUSAL however remained steadfast in their reluctance to reinstate the workers. Since the meeting, RUSAL contends that they have paid all severance and

benefit to the affected employees, a claim which the DoL is investigating.

RUSAL’s actions must be condemned and the resultant handling of the company’s misdeeds must indicate that action will be taken at the highest levels of government to ensure that the rule of law is respected by foreign entities wishing to conduct business in Guyana. RUSAL should be a cautionary tale to the government. Guyanese should always be the ones who benefit the most in the exploitation of the country’s natural resources.

RUSAL’s actions must be addressed and a precedent has to be established so that other multinationals wishing to do business in Guyana would be aware that the “all for nothing” culture will no longer be tolerated. The present situation between RUSAL

and its former employees reeks of exploitation and a clear abuse of power by the multinational giant. The government must continue to press to ensure that the former employees, their families and communities are not arbitrarily affected to a greater extent than they already have been. If the company and workers cannot negotiate through this impasse, then workers have to be properly compensated, including the payment of severance and all other associated benefits owed to them in line with local labour laws. Guyanese cannot contend with an environment in which they and the resources of the nation are exploited to the benefit of outside parties.

We must stand in solidarity with the BCGI workers and demand a just and equitable outcome.

GRA welcomes efforts to level playing field through reporting and self-compliance

Dear Editor,

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) would like to extend its gratitude to Mr. Loric Peters for highlighting a suspected instance of non-compliance with Value Added Tax (VAT) in the Friday, February 7, 2020 edition of the Kaieteur News letter column.

Mr. Peters is encouraged to provide the information on the company that is allegedly in breach of the tax law. He can also write the GRA to provide the information following which the GRA will conduct its own investigation and take the necessary mea-

sures to ensure the alleged defaulter is compliant.

The GRA would also like to remind the general public that every person who carries on a taxable activity is required to apply for registration within 15 days to charge VAT if your taxable turnover equals or exceeds the threshold of $15 million at the end of any period of 12 or fewer months (Section 11 (a), VAT Act) or at the beginning of any period of 12 months where there are reasonable grounds to expect that the total value of taxable supplies to be made…will equal or exceed the threshold (Section 11 (b), VAT Act).

VAT is charged at the standard rate of 14 per cent after registration on the supply of all items taxed at the positive rate. For more assistance on registering for VAT, contact the Tax Advisory Services Section on telephone number 227-6060 extensions 1201-1204.

The GRA can institute civil penalties for failure to apply for VAT registration.

Section 80(1) of the VAT Act notes a person who fails to apply for registration as required by Subsection 11(1), (7), or (8) is liable for a penalty equal to double the amount of output tax payable from the time the person is

required to apply for registration until the person files an application for registration with the Commissioner.

Continued failure to apply for registration can also lead to criminal penalties being instituted against defaulters. This is in accordance with Section 66 of the VAT Act which states a person who knowingly or recklessly fails to apply for VAT registration as required

by Section 11(1), (7), or (8) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $25,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.

The Authority remains

committed to ensuring equal opportunity for economic growth in Guyana through the fair and transparent administration of the country’s tax laws. This can be achieved through voluntary compliance and enforcement activities which include investigation of reported breaches of the tax laws.

In this regard, the GRA is continuously engaged in compliance campaigns to ensure that entities that are required to be registered are so registered and the applicable taxes are charged and remitted. The Authority encourages the general public to continue

to be vigilant as we continue to work together to level the playing field. All instances of suspected tax fraud can be reported to the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) via telephone number: 2276060 extensions 3200-3208.

Additionally, our Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Hotline can be contacted on 225-5051. Reports can also be made anonymously and all information provided will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

Regards Guyana Revenue Authority

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

CGID calls on US Ambassador to clarify statement accusing gov’t of violating Constitution Dear Editor ON February 9, 2020, United States Members of Congress, Gregory Meeks and Yvette Clarke, hosted a town hall meeting in Brooklyn, to brief the Guyanese-American community on their recent fact finding mission to Guyana.

The Congressional delegation, which was led by Congressman Albio Sires, visited Guyana on January 22, 2020.

At said meeting, I brought to the attention of the legislators the following September 19, 2019 joint statement

by United States of Ameri-

ca Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, United Kingdom High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Greg Quinn and the European Union Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Ambassador Fernando Ponz Cantó.

QUOTE: “The United States, United Kingdom and the European Union thank the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for devising a proposed elections timeframe for conducting General and Regional Elections. However, we deeply regret that, by surpassing September 18, the Government is currently in breach of the Constitution following its failure to adhere to the decisions of the

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on 18 June and its subsequent orders. This situation comes at great cost to the people of Guyana. The prevailing political uncertainty undermines Guyanese institutions, compromises economic opportunities and delays development across all areas including infrastructure, education, health, and social services. It also hinders our ability to support Guyana’s development needs. We, therefore, call upon the President to set an elections date immediately in full compliance with Guyana’s constitution.” END QUOTE. The members of Congress

unequivocally disagreed that the APNU+AFC coalition government had breached the Constitution of Guyana. They contended that there was no evidence of any constitutional violation. Moreover, the Members of Congress said the United States Ambassador to Guyana had affirmed this conclusion.

I raised this matter with the Members of Congress because there is indeed no evidence of a constitutional breach by Guyana’s coalition government. No court in Guyana or the Caribbean Court of Justice made such a finding. Therefore, the Ambassadors’ statement is inexplicable. It referenced

no legal authority for its shocking assertion, which the nation perceived as an attack on the democratically elected government of Guyana. This erroneous statement appeared to be predicated singularly on false propaganda by the opposition PPP and other anti-government entities.

I have the utmost respect and admiration for these Ambassadors. I believe that they are objective and want to ensure that the March 2, 2020 elections are credible, free and fair. I see their love and respect for the Guyanese people, and appreciate their eagerness to assist Guyana to achieve its development goals.

Diplomats must eschew embracing one political party or another in an elections, as well as eschew the perception thereof. This is precisely why the September 19, 2019 statement, which was damaging to our country and led to partisan attacks against the government, requires urgent clarification by the US Ambassador.

Regards Rickford Burke President, Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

Kudos and warmest congratulations Dear Editor It is indeed fitting and very deserving the conferral of

the Commonwealth Points of Light Award to leading HIV/AIDS advocate, Ms Desiree Edghill.

Ms Edghill has led from

the front and is one of the leading light and point person in the gargantuan work and task of educating and raising awareness in society of this

disease.

Because of the work of Ms Edghill and the organization she heads this once little understood and dreaded

disease is now better apprehended and fathomed.

Kudos and warmest congratulations. Keep up the good work.

Regards

Shamshun Mohamed

Some minibus touts have big ‘connections’ Editor I REFER to the letter column of the Guyana Chronicle dated Monday, February 10, 2020; an article written by one Sahadeo Bates captioned ‘Do something about Minibus touting’. The United Minibus Union (UMU) would like to congratulate Mr. Bates for his very factual and lucid article but there are some parts of his missive that I would like to clarify.

We agree that commuters continue to be forced to endure abuse by minibus ‘touts’ and operators. Need I remind you that the UMU has said and continues to maintain that we have zero tolerance for soliciting ‘touting.’ To minimise and even-

tually eradicate this scourge among other ills from our public transportation sector, a partnership was cemented among the Ministry of Business (Department of Consumer Affairs), the Guyana Police Force, U.M.U and the Guyana National Road Safety Council which resulted in the creation of a Code of Conduct that will regulate the relationship between public transportation service providers ( Minibus/hire care) and the travelling public, that requires exemplary conduct by members of this sector while they are serving commuters.

This Code of Conduct, which was launched in February 2019, was also meant to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of public transportation and to make

the system accessible to all commuters on a non-discriminatory basis. Mr. Bates, of the four stakeholders aforementioned, the GNRSC and the UMU are not empowered by an Act under the Laws of Guyana that gives the powers to enforce; the UMU more or less have to work on its members conscience with a view to eradicating the inherent culture of lawlessness and greed, that is normally embraced as a hustle, by most of the operators.

The UMU in keeping with Clause 4:1 of the Code of Conduct that reads ‘Display professionalism, be a part of an association, wear a uniform and an identity badge/card’ has uniformed members in Berbice (Route #56), Bartica (Route #73),

Hospital/ Lamaha (Route #45), Patentia (Route #31), Timehri (Route #42) and the University of Guyana (Route #44) and we are having reasonable success in this department. However, we have noted that your concern seems to be “touting” at the Sophia, Kitty and Campbellville parks by some persons whom you easily identified as members of the UMU by their apparel. That is what makes being uniformed so important, that you could’ve identified them. It is now for the leaders of the Union’s Sophia branch to rope in those persons, report them to the Union and we will have them expelled. However, the other action that ought to have been taken is that they should have been arrested

and charged by the police.

Soliciting passengers by any Minibus Transportation Service Provider including our dispatchers or “touts” is against the Law. The good policemen do their jobs but they are also faced with challenges, for example, “touts” who are connected, Court fines that are ridiculously low and persons with conductor licence who are rescued by the bus drivers closest to them as that bus conductor. What is very disturbing, however, is that on your daily travels you saw the anomaly while the Branch Executives nor the police did [not].

The Ministry of Business and the other stakeholders in the latter part of 2019 trained more than

200 minibus operators in safe driving, hospitality, and other related areas at the Police “Zara” Training Centre. Those operators will be graduating shortly and the training of more operators will continue.

Finally, we would like to make it clear that repairing this broken system requires a partnership that otherwise to the Statutory bodies must include the commuters and the general public at large, as we all have an important role to play if we are to successfully salvage a sector that embraces indiscipline as a culture.

Regards Eon Andrews President United Minibus Union

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Disability voters’ education campaign launched -- GECOM chair says legislation needed to address disability concerns

By Telesha Ramnarine WITH general and regional elections just 17 days away, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) wants those who are differently-abled in society, to have a hassle-free and independent voting experience come March 2.

It is for this reason that the disability body launched a voters education campaign, on Thursday, that will ensure that persons with disabilities understand the voting process and what their rights as voters are.

GCOPD Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh, who chaired the proceedings at the National Library in Georgetown, offered that while the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) did a good job at ensuring that information is in the public, the disability community wants to reinforce necessary information and give persons with disabilities information that is even more practical.

Other workshops will be implemented over the next two weeks in various Regions across the country, and GCOPD is currently in the process of developing audio clips and a brochure to

forward to GECOM so that their elections day staff can be fully aware of how to interact with persons with disabilities.

“The culture in Guyana is not always open to persons with disabilities and can be negative at times. We don’t want to have those situations on elections day,” Singh commented, adding, “All we want is to live independent lives, and that is why we have the Guyana Persons with Disabilities Act which was signed into law in 2010.”

He thanked the International Republican Institute for doing its part to ensure that

cil as a key partner in pursuing shared objectives in supporting free and fair elections in

Chairman of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh (left), sharing a moment with United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch

GECOM has implemented sign language in many of their informative election videos so far

the campaign is implemented.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch, said her embassy is honoured to have the coun-

Guyana. “I hope the campaign will empower all voters to confront and overcome challenges many take for granted on Election Day,” she offered.

Parties sign code ...

It has been agreed that failure to abide by any provision of the code will render the parties liable for breach of agreement and “necessary actions and sanctions may be implemented”.

The parties which signed the code of conduct were: A New and United Guyana (ANUG), signed by its Presidential Candidate, Ralph Ramkarran; A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), signed by Director General at the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon and AFC Leader and Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Change Guyana (CG), signed by Prime Ministerial Candidate of the party, Mishka Puran; Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), signed by Davon Van Veen; Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP), signed by its Presidential Candidate, Gerald Perreira; People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), signed by Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha; The Citizenship Initiative (TCI), signed by its Presidential Candidate, Rondha-Ann Lam; People’s Republic Party (PRP), signed by representative Phyllis Jordon; Federal United Party (Fed-UP), signed by a representative; The New Movement, signed by representatives Carlisa Ifill and

Latchman Dindayal; and the United Republican Party (URP), signed by representatives of the party.

In remarks on behalf of the coalition government, Harmon reminded that the code of conduct was birthed out of political discourse with all involved parties.

He committed the APNU/ AFC/s adherence to the code, noting that candidates of the coalition had additionally and previously been given a guide of public speaking which coincides in many ways with the ERC’s code of conduct.

“This code of conduct was a process which started some time ago and has now taken us to this point where we commit our parties to behave in certain way, during the elections campaign, on Elections Day itself and immediately after. We want to say from the APNU+AFC that we commit ourselves to the code and the statements made in the code,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mustapha congratulated the ERC for putting together the code and assured that the PPP/C is committed to heeding the guidelines within. “Our participation here this morning reiterates our commitment for elections to be held free and fair and in an environment where there is peace, tolerance and no intimidation

Chairman of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh, noted that the purpose

nor violence,” he said.

He also called on all organisations in the country to support the Guyana Elections

that there is no provision in the legislation for persons with disabilities to vote with

GCOPD Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh, interacting with persons at the launch

GCOPD wants persons with disabilities to have a hassle-free experience while voting on March 2

of voters’ education is to disseminate balanced and objective information on what citizens need to know in order to exercise their right to vote.

Presently, she noted FROM PAGE

braille. “Representation of the People Act Chapter 103 does not make provision to enable a person who is blind or physically incapacitated to vote independently,” she said,

does not auger well for persons with disabilities, since there is a concern that they cannot guarantee that the individual would vote in conformity with the instruction of the visually-impaired electors.

While GECOM is sympathetic to these complaints, there is need to have the necessary legislation implemented.”

She added: “I will urge the commission as soon as the Law Reform Commission is established, to address your concerns so that the enabling legislation can be passed to give effect to your needs.”

02

being discriminated against as small parties and the big parties and their members have put us in a position

its weight, we do not yet but will soon have the clout in which we can influence some of the issues raised in the

Members of the audience at the Georgetown Club on Thursday (Delano Williams photos)

Commission (GECOM) in the holding of free, fair and credible elections.

On behalf of the PRP, Phyllis Jordon stated that she was particularly interested in the part of the code which speaks to freedom of expression, as she believes that small parties contesting the elections are at a disadvantage. She asked the ERC and international observer missions to look into the absence of representation of small parties at the elections commission and their limited access to the media. “We are

noting that it instead confers a right to vote by proxy.

“This method of voting

where they have robbed us our freedom of expression and I would like to ask all concerned to look into this matter with immediate effect,” she said.

As the head of ANUG, Ramkarran commended the ERC for bringing the parties together for the signing of the code and suggested that the document be adopted by GECOM to give it official recognition. He stated: “I hope that the major political parties in Guyana observe the terms of the condition. While ANUG is punching beyond

code of conduct.”

Representing TCI, Lam said that her party has been campaigning in keeping with the ERC’s code of conduct even before it was signed by the party and is proud of such. On behalf of the OVP, Perreira said that at the last elections, certain political parties were misleading the electorate on how they should vote and urged the ERC to pass on such concerns to the commission.

Marcia Lewis, in representing of the URP, thanked the ERC for preparing the

code of conduct and congratulated the parties for signing on. She said that the URP has its own code of conduct and one of the guidelines states that should any representative of the party show any form of discrimination, they can be removed from the party.

VanVeen told the audience that LJP had no hesitation in signing on to the code, as it is a party for all Guyanese with the core motive of equality and equal rights. He said that the party hopes to change the current culture of discrimination in Guyana and looks forward to maintaining cordial relations with all parties involved.

Dr. Turhane Doerga of TNM said that his party was very pleased to sign the code of conduct, as they are not inclined to show hate or discrimination in any form.

Puran said that Change Guyana has always had inclusivity at its main focus which is why it is happy to be a signatory to the code of conduct. Dr. Smith later assured the media that the ERC will be looking into having the document adopted by GECOM to give its adherence more weight during the election season.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

'Oil contract with Exxon was well thought out' …Ramjattan sees big benefits to Guyanese, higher standard of living

By Svetlana Marshall A PARTNERSHIP for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Prime Ministerial Candidate and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, said the aged-old border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, the ailing Sugar Industry and the increasing use of renewable energy, were among factors that influenced the 2016 Petroleum Agreement with U.S oil giant ExxonMobil.

Minister Ramjattan opened up about the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, which has come in for much criticism, during his appearance on Guyana Chronicle’s online programme – Vantage Point – on Wednesday.

Criticisms by individuals and organisations such as Global Witness that Guyana stands to lose an entitled $55B as a result of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement lack merit, Minister Ramjattan told this newspaper.

In its report–‘Signed Away,’ Global Witness, an international investigative company, alleged that Guyana will lose $55B due to what it considered as a bad oil deal with ExxonMobil.

According to Global Witness, Guyana presented “feeble negotiation terms” and ExxonMobil, being an aggressive company, exploited the country.

But Minister Ramjattan discredited the report as nothing but a propaganda piece. “I have gone through this document called ‘Signed Away’ by Global Witness, and I must say…that was a pathetic piece of propaganda that came at a time, midway into a campaign to make us look bad,” he said.

The Public Security Minister, in rejecting the report, said one must understand the geopolitical climate that existed at the time of negotiation and the signing of the contract. He said the agreement was signed at a time when Venezuela aggression towards Guyana was increasing.

Records show that since Venezuela laid claims that the 1899 Arbitral Award was null and void, there were a number of incidents involving military force, coercion and bullying by the Spanish-speaking country against Guyana. Military force and the threat of force included Ankoko Island, Cuyuni occupation (1966); the Sponsored Rupununi uprising 1969; the Leoni Decree – the attempt to seize territorial sea (1968); assault on Eteringbang outpost 1970 & innumerable subsequent military acts; the military seizure of Technics Perdana — seismic survey vessel of Anadarko in 2013; and most recently, the attempted boarding of seismic vessel Ramform Tethys (December 22, 2018).

“The minute we announced

that we got the oil, Mr. Maduro from Venezuela gone and draw a boundary that says all that oil

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

belongs to him. That security, that geopolitical concern of ours was very important, in my mind as security minister too,” the APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate, reasoned.

He posited that while critics of the government have condemned the agreement, it must be recalled that the original agreement with ExxonMobil was signed in 1999 with a one per cent royalty. He said it was the APNU+AFC Government that had pushed to have the royalty increase to two per cent to complement the 50 per cent profit.

“The thing measured up international best practices – two per cent royalty, plus 50 percent profit share, and we were going to have a company, which was American and nobody will touch American Assets out there like they did with Anadarko,” he said.

UK-based global law firm, Clyde & Co, in a recent report, had made similar observations, explaining that the signing was influenced, in part, by the government’s intent of maintaining a strategic relationship with ExxonMobil and its partners as the country’s territorial integrity was being threatened by neighbouring Venezuela.

In its report, Clyde & Co explained that the government’s and the ministry’s desire was to see the contractor consortium complete their exploration activities so that the full extent of the then-evident resources could be identified and that EEPGL and CNOOC would continue to act as “a deterrent to Venezuela and as a check against the ambitions of Venezuela’s government.”

Contrary to the predictions made by Global Witness, widely respected oil and gas analytical firm, Rystad Energy, said Guyana stands to gain significantly from the contract.

“In the current fiscal regime, the government collects its share through a two per cent royalty and a 50 per cent profit oil levy.

Rystad Energy estimates that this will give the government 60 per cent of the profit from the various

projects (government take). The average government take of 60 per cent in Guyana is indeed favourable when compared to other large offshore producers.

For countries that only recently opened up for [exploration and production] activities – such as the Falkland Islands, Israel, Mozambique and Mauritania – the government take is in the range of 50 per cent to 65 per cent,” the firm explained.

Minister Ramjattan noted that apart from the 50 per cent profit oil and two per cent royalty, the government will also receive withholding taxes. It has received a US$18,000,000 signing bonus, and already over 1,900 persons are directly employed in oil and gas sector to date. Reports coming over the Department of Energy indicate that there has been over US$300M in foreign direct investment to date and over 700 service providers to date.

He said despite challenges, Guyana has moved from exploration to production within a period of five years, and Guyanese must be appreciative of this remarkable achievement. According to Rystad Energy, based on a variety of oil price scenarios, including US$90, $70, and $50 per barrel, reported that Guyana estimated total revenue over the next two to three decades ranged from $51 to US$160B. These estimates were not based only on Liza Phase One, but also the planned Liza Phase Two. With the revenues, Minister Ramjattan said Guyanese can expect higher standard of living and improvements across all sectors.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Ali’s fraud matters now set for late March FRAUD charges against People’s Progressive Party (PPP) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, have been deferred until March, 2020.

Ali is currently facing some 19 charges for allegedly conspiring to defraud the state of some $174M in ‘Pradoville’ land sales.

The matter was called before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

However, when the matter was called, Special Prosecutor Patrice Henry told the court that, on January 23, 2020, the Appeal Court had arguments from Ali’s lawyers in relation to why his 19 fraud charges should be dismissed.

It was also outlined by SOCU as to why Ali should face a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The Chief Magistrate adjourned the matter, pending ruling by the Appeal Court. The matter was adjourned until March 24, 2020, for reports and fixture.

The charges read that, between 2010 and 2015, Ali conspired with persons unknown to defraud the Government of Guyana, when he acted recklessly, in presenting the value of 19 plots of state land, situated at Plantation Sparendaam and Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, and sold the said lands at a grossly undervalued price, without first obtaining a valuation to determine the true value of the lands.

Ali is accused of defrauding the state of over $174M after selling the lands at an undervalued prices. The former minister of housing is accused of selling the lands to former President, Bharrat Jagdeo; former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon; and former ministers Priya Manickchand, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Robert Persaud and Clement Rohee; Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, and former army head Gary Best and Fortune Developers Inc., Guyana.

He also sold lands at the locations to former Gener-

PPP's presidential candidate Irfaan Ali

al Manager of the Guyana Gold Board and daughter of former President Donald Ramotar, Lisa Ramotar; former President of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo; the son of former Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul, Dr Ghansham Singh; former Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Chief Executive Officer, Rajendra Singh; former president of the Caribbean Development Bank, Compton Bourne; Andrew Bishop, former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Shaik Baksh, Safraaz Khan and George Hallaq.

The controversial ‘Pradoville Two’ issue came to the fore when the coalition government commenced several investigations into suspicious financial transactions of state officials that bordered or amounted to corrupt practices and/or abuse of office.

It was found that several persons close to the last government had received prime sea-front lands belonging to the state, at extraordinarily low cost.

It was reported that the ‘Pradoville’ recipients, the majority of whom held very high positions within private or state organisations, received, and later built posh or luxury homes on the properties after paying as little as $114 per square foot; citizens, on the other hand, were being made to pay as much as $500 per square foot for ordinary land.

The ‘Pradoville’ arrangement was made during the PPP’s term of office, 2010-2015. Ali was the Housing Minister during that period.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Over $28M raised in Pinktober 2019

THE annual GTT Pinktober programme, aimed at raising awareness of cancer, has grown to be one of the most successful charitable events held in Guyana.

The telephone and telegraph company, at a sponsor-recognition ceremony at the Herdmanston Lodge on Tuesday, announced that over $28M was raised, combining all the proceeds from month-long activity.

GTT's accountant, Jason Lewis, said this is a great achievement compared to the $4M raised in 2017 and $11M raised in 2018.

“It's a lot of work but it is worth it. The goal of Pinktober is to raise funds and the intent of the funds would be for cancer awareness, cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and psychosocial support.

The funds are disbursed to various NGOs who apply through grants. This empowers them to cater to the needs of the Guyanese public,” Lewis said.

He noted too, that GTT received tremendous support in 2019 with the activities.

Twelve major sponsors donated between $500,000 to $3M and 11 smaller sponsors

donated below $500,000.

There were six sponsors for the Live Aware activity, who donated stuff needed to ensure a successful execution.

Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, commended the company for its excellent work in raising awareness of breast cancer and thanked all those who contributed to the worthy cause.

“It is imperative that we continue to air the message of screening, that we educate our women on the risk factors which, if observed and adhered to, can go a long way in assisting in control of this dreaded disease. I must commend GTT for their successful campaign activities, for bringing the message to the doorstep of our citizens, whom it is our duty to protect and ensure their well-being.

The momentum must be maintained to impact every community, every village, in all the regions across our beautiful country. In Guyana, the good health of our citizens is top priority and the Ministry of Health is sparing no effort to ensure that accessibility to our cancer services is widely available.”

She urged that persons utilise measures that are in place at the GPHC, the free

GTT CEO, Justin Need (seated) and Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, with representatives from some of the major companies that sponsored Pinktober 2019

mammogram service that is offered, and have annual checkups.

“We are mere human beings and are apprehensive about going to find out but knowledge is power. The ability to act, to seize the moment, to get a lifeline on our health, GTT and its sponsors are making things

Rape accused to face new trial

RAPE accused Leslie Castello, will have to face a new trial, after a 12-member jury failed to reach a verdict on Thursday, February 13, 2020.

Castello was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Sexual Offences Court of the High Court, Georgetown, accused of raping a 13-yearold girl, twice, in 2014.

The two indictments alleged that, between November 1 and 30, 2014, in the county of Demerara, he engaged, twice, in sexual penetration of a girl child under the age of 16 years.

He had pleaded not guilty

Leslie Castello

to the charge and was represented by attorney-at-law Folio Richards.

The jury was unable to reach a verdict for the indictments which resulted in Castello having to be retried

at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes. He will remain on bail.

In June 2018, Castello made his first court appearance before Justice Barlow for the indictments which ended after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. A retrial was ordered.

According to reports, one day while the victim was walking home from school, she was allegedly attacked by Castello who grabbed her and took her into a secluded place. He reportedly raped her twice and then made good his escape.

Miner charged for illegal possession of ammunition A 25-year-old miner was, on Thursday, February 13, 2020, remanded to prison by Magistrate Rushell Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court for ammunition possession.

Devon Price called 'Bambalu', of Ogle Street Triumph, East Coast De-

merara, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to prison until February 25, 2020 It is alleged that Price, on February 10, 2020, at Sparendaam Public Road, had (1) live .32 ammunition, in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

According to reports, on the day in question, police along the Sparendaam Public Road saw Price acting in a suspicious manner. Price was contacted, searched and the ammunition was found in his possession. He was arrested and later charged.

happen financially. Let us reciprocate by our positive action to them. It is evident that the Ministry of Public

Health cannot unilaterally manage this fight… and so the answer lies in our collaborative efforts and our

initiatives,” she said.

The company is looking forward to an even bigger success in 2020.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

President holds talks with executives of Ansa McAL

President David Granger on Thursday morning received a courtesy call from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ansa McAl Group of Companies, Mr. Anthony Sabga III at the Ministry of the Presidency.

President Granger iterated Government’s position that Guyana is open for business and welcomes sister Caribbean states to its shores.

The Head of State described Guyana as the “Hinterland of the Caribbean” noting that Guyana has many opportunities.

“Guyana is open for business. We have always welcomed people from the Caribbean…we can produce anything the Caribbean needs and we welcome investors,” he said. Mr. Sabga, who was appointed Ansa McAl’s CEO recently, said the compa-

ny is keen on extending its range of services in Guyana, making mention of financial, automotive and construction services.

“We are a Caribbean conglomerate…We would like to further our existence in Guyana,” the Ansa McAl Group CEO said.

Ansa McAl has been operating in Guyana since July 1992. Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams and Minister of Business Mr. Hemraj Rajkumar accompanied President Granger while Mr. Sabga was accompanied by Mr. Peter Hall, Sector Head-Beverage and Ms. Beverley Harper, Country Head Ansa Mcal Group-Guyana.

President David Granger (centre), Mr. Anthony Sabga III, CEO Ansa McAl Group (second right); Ms. Beverley Harper (right), Country Head Ansa Mcal Group-Guyana; Mr. Peter Hall, Sector Head-Beverage (left) and Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Williams-Hastings (second (left)

Man accused of trafficking narcotics granted bail A 20-year-old man was, on Thursday, February 13, 2020, released on $100,000 bail by Magistrate Allan Wilson at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for narcotics

trafficking.

Michel Persaud of Logwood, Enmore, East Coast Demerara was charged for the offence which alleged that, on January 21, 2020, at Lethem

Central Rupununi. He had 435 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Persaud made his first court appearance on Janu-

ary 22, but was remanded to prison.

However, when he appeared in court on Thursday, with legal representation, he was granted bail.

The attorney argued that the police file in the matter was still incomplete and there was no information as to when it would be available.

The Magistrate agreed and granted Persaud $100,000 bail.

Michel Persaud

The case was adjourned until March 4, 2020, for report.

According to reports, on the day in question, police ranks were conducting a search on a motor bus on the Main Road in the vicinity of Manari, Lethem.

Persaud, who was a passenger of the said minibus was searched and the ranks found a black plastic bag containing a quantity of suspected cannabis weighing 435 grams.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Sod turned for modern epidemiology lab, Gold Board HQ

By Navendra Seoraj

THE process has begun for the construction of two modern facilities, which will house the Ministry of Public Health’s Epidemiology Laboratory and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB)’s head office, at Liliendaal.

The buildings will be located just off the Rupert Craig Highway, at a site where the public health ministry’s Medex building once stood.

ministry because there has been a shortfall in the area of research.

In speaking about the shortfall, Minister Lawrence said: “One of the things in health is continuous research, and we have not been doing a lot of research, just small things…doctors do research but not from a laboratory aspect, and given the fact that we live in the tropics where diseases are spread by insects and water and so on, we need to have space where we can continuously do research.”

SYNERGIES The placement of the two buildings at the same site, however, presents the opportunity for synergies between the two ministries.

It will be beneficial, especially in the fight against Malaria said Minister Lawrence, adding that persons from the Ministry of Natural Resources and GGB will be able to participate as an observer in the testing process.

“In that way, we can ensure that we eradicate Malaria from Guyana,” she assert-

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (right) and Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence turn the sod for the new Epidemiology lab and the new Guyana Gold Board Office, as other officials of the two ministries look on (Carl Croker photo) fitting that the gold board gets its own office and by extension a modern facility.

While oil and gas has amassed the bulk of the local and international attention locally, Trotman said mining will continue to contribute to the development of the

An artist’s impression of the buildings which will soon be constructed at Liliendaal (Carl Croker photo) As an indication of the ministries’ intention to start the construction project, a ceremonial sod-turning exercise was done on Wednesday.

In keeping with Guyana’s changing infrastructural landscape, both the Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Natural Resources have set out to have modern facilities which will offer quality, efficient and effective services.

With regards to the public health ministry, Subject Minister, Volda Lawrence said the project will cost about $400 million. The cost includes construction and furnishing of the building. A cost has not yet been finalised for the construction of the GGB head office.

“When we build, we are putting in the cost for equipping because we want modern equipment…we want lab facilities, so we are ensuring we invest and spend smart,” said Minister Lawrence, adding that the facility will have a staff complement of 50.

The project is seen as a ‘huge’ initiative for the

The facility will allow the ministry to look at new methodologies for dealing with diseases, especially if there is resistance.

“You must be able to go to the lab and do further test and ensure that you can be able to spearhead the way in which the medical services should be delivered in terms of drugs and medication,” said Minister Lawrence, noting that the laboratory will help the ministry to break a lot of ‘new ground.’

Additionally, the facility will encourage medical students to become more involved in research. The current lab is not a ‘conducive place’ for working, the minister lamented.

“It has been an issue for us to find a place and do something and here we are today (Wednesday)…we have identified the spot and Minister Trotman asked if he could put the GGB at that spot too, since they will be having a lab too,” said Minister Lawrence.

ed. It was reported in 2017 that Guyana was able to reduce the number of malaria cases from around 85,000 in 1995 to just about 32,000 cases in 2012.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease commonly caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Symptoms usually occur at least seven to nine days after a bite by an infected mosquito and include fever, chills, sweating, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman was also optimistic that the two stakeholders can work together and share experiences. He said persons will be able to be tested for Malaria at the epidemiology lab and could also trade and sell their gold right next door.

Speaking specifically about the gold board, the minister said, there has been increased and improved business over the years, so it was

economy.

“But, we want to ensure that as we go forward, there will be less use of mercury and more focus on safe and sustainable mining,” said the minister.

Gold declarations in 2019 reached 634,905

ounces and amounted to 18,682 ounces above what was declared in 2018 (616,223). And, the revenue earned by the GGB, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, was US$ 111,971,234.84, equivalent to 79,702.849 ounces.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

GRA urges citizens to report all smuggling activities –– clarifies lawsuit against tax body

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is calling on all citizens with information on persons or businesses involved in smuggling, to relate such activity to the GRA via telephone number 227-6060 ext. 3204 -12.

The agency noted that GRA will treat such information with strict confidentiality.

The tax body, in a press missive, noted that on February 12, 2020, in a section of the media, a report from Robbie Outar underscored that he is suing the GRA for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment on December 31, 2019.

Since this matter has been ventilated in the press, the authority would like to set the record straight on the issues that led to the arrest of Outar.

The GRA stated that on December 31, 2019, Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) officers, acting on information received, proceeded to Mahaicony,

East Coast Demerara, and observed several individuals who appeared to be loading boxes in one of two parked motor vehicles.

As the officers drew closer, shouts of “customs, customs, customs” were heard which led to the individuals trying to make good their escape.

The GRA noted that Outar, who was in the company of the group, attempted to flee in one of the motor vehicles but was apprehended. He was subsequently lodged at the Mahaicony Police Station for the offence and placed on station bail.

“The vehicle, which is registered to a known smuggler, was subsequently searched

by LEID officers who found the Identification (ID) Card and drivers licence of another known smuggler therein. Both individuals (registered owner of vehicles and individual whose ID card was found) are both before the court for dealing in un-customed goods,”

the GRA noted.

The GRA noted that one of the vehicles was returned to the registered owner since no un-customed/restricted goods were found therein.

The second motor vehicle, the GRA said, which incidentally had false number plates, departed the scene, and was later found abandoned at Mahaica Public Old Road laden with Section 218 of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01 provides that every person who:(a) Imports or brings or is concerned in importing or bringing into Guyana any prohibited goods, or any goods the importation of which is restricted, contrary to such prohibition or restriction, whether the same be unloaded or not with intent to defraud the revenue of any duties thereon; or (b) Unloads or assists or is otherwise concerned in unloading, any goods which are prohibited, or any goods which are restricted and imported contrary to such restriction with intent to defraud the revenue of any duties thereon; or (c) Knowingly harbours, keeps or conceals, or knowingly permits or suffers or causes or procures to be harboured, kept or concealed, any prohibited, restricted or uncustomed goods with intent to defraud the revenue of any duties thereon; or

a quantity of foreign chicken.

Its owner was contacted but has refused appearance. Consequently, it has been forfeited in keeping with the provisions of Section 225 (2) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

The GRA said it will continue to be relentless in its approach to smuggling and tax evasion and those aiding and abetting such activity. (d) Knowingly acquires possession of or is in any way knowingly concerned in carrying, removing, depositing, concealing, or in any manner dealing with any goods with intent to defraud the revenue of any duties thereon, or to evade any prohibition or restriction of or applicable to such goods; or (e) Is in any way knowingly concerned in any fraudulent evasion or attempt at evasion of any import or export duties of customs, or of the laws, and restrictions of the customs relating to the importation, unloading, warehousing, delivery, removal, loading and exportation of goods, shall be liable for each such offence to a fine of treble the value of the goods or ten thousand dollars at the election of the Comptroller; and to imprisonment for one year and all goods in respect of which any such offence shall be committed shall be forfeited.

Remedial works at Stabroek Wharf to be completed soon REMEDIAL works are currently ongoing at the Stabroek Market Wharf and Stelling to make the facility safer for the public, even as the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) continues to work towards a complete overhaul of the facility.

The remedial works cost approximately $13M and is being carried out by the Transport and Harbour Department (THD) under the MoPI. “It’s remedial, no major overhaul. It’s to ensure we guarantee the safety of the commuters. We would’ve done some work on the area on the inside: the booking office, washroom, and the car park area. We’re now doing some works to the speed boat platform on the outside,” explained Chief Mechanical Engineer, Dwayne Griffith.

Griffith explained that the work first began in December 2019, but several factors have been affecting the timeline,

nonetheless the works are expected to be completed in a few weeks. Griffith noted that, “the duration is a bit staggered because we have persons commuting there on a daily basis. Some of the works we have to do under the stelling, so low tide is when we can execute most of our works so our time to do work is limited. But we’re supposed to close off in about a week to two weeks’ time.”

The Stabroek Market Wharf and Stelling have been in a dilapidated state for some time. In 2018, vendors at the wharf were relocated to a section of the Stabroek Market Square, after it was labelled a danger zone for the vendors and other citizens. Further compounding the issue, in November 2018, the wharf was ravaged by fire in a suspected act of arson.

In 2017, the Caribbean Development Bank approved a grant of $161M to fund a feasibility study

and designs for the rehabilitation of the coastal and river infrastructure including the Stabroek and Vreed-enHoop Stellings. According to reports, Mott McDonald, a consultancy group from the United Kingdom, was contracted to conduct a feasibility study, which had been expected to be completed last November. Up to press time on Thursday, the MoPI had not responded to an email for an update on the feasibility study. Griffith noted that in addition to the Stabroek Market Wharf and Stelling, the THD has also carried out similar remedial works at three other stellings.

“Works of a similar nature were done at the Vreeden-Hoop Stelling. We did most of the work there in the parking lot area to the tune of approximately $9M. We also did works at Rose Hall and New Amsterdam to the tune of $12M and $13M,” he said.

Ongoing remedial work at the Stabroek Stelling and Wharf (Elvin Croker photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

CDC begins exercise to strengthen Guyana’s oil spill response capabilities AS Guyana is now declared an oil-producing state, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), on Wednesday, began its first exercise with several agencies to strengthen Guyana’s oil spill response capabilities.

Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, explained that the activity is a table top and more of a command post exercise that engages all the agencies that have roles and responsibilities that are included in the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

“This activity is part of what is called Exercise Tradewinds. Exercise Tradewinds is a regional security exercise but has a component for disaster response or what you call humanitarian resistance and disaster relief. So as part of Exercise Tradewinds 2020,

Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig which will be held in June, we will test two components of our national disaster mechanism; the oil spill response component

and the flooding response component. Leading up to that, we’re doing a series of training exercises to ensure that the players know their responsibilities, and understand what they want to do.

The best way to do that is through these exercises, so we started off with this, to orient the players to their roles and responsibilities, and it is also for teaching purposes to ensure they understand exactly what to do,” Craig expounded.

The participants included representatives from the Maritime Administrative Department, Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Ministry of Health, CDC, and more. Also present were partners from the US

Some of the participants of the training activity at the CDC

who came to give technical support – US Coast Guards, Canadian Defence Force, NASSAU and more.

Craig said that with the exercise, they sent out injects to the participants and based on the different injects, the players have to take action based on their role and responsibility. Based on the responses and actions taken, the CDC team assisted by

their US partners, will gather information on how they can further strengthen the plan and development.

“The plan and development is a continuous, elaborative process, where as you go along and test, you make adjustments to suit the local context,” Craig said. He told the Guyana Chronicle that with their response training sessions, they place empha-

sis on minimising impact.

Additionally, they will also be conducting on-the-ground assessments to ensure that Guyana is safe during the oil production.

CDC is the competent national authority to deal with disaster management and they began in-house training three years ago, to equip them with oil and gas.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

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Sod turned for AC Marriott Hotel … hundreds of jobs to be created

By Lisa Hamilton

AS Guyana heads into an era of unprecedented development, the country expects a sharp increase in visitors for several reasons and the AC Marriot, state-of-theart hotel, set to begin construction next month, will meet the growing need for accommodation.

On Thursday, at a simple sod turning ceremony for the US$75M project just off the Ogle Airstrip Main Road, Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, voiced these sentiments. “The coming to Guyana of AC Marriott is a development that the Ministry of Business is applauding. From an investment standpoint, the US$75M project is evidence of an increased investor confidence in Guyana as a viable place for investment,” the minister said.

“From a tourism standpoint, the AC Marriott Hotel will add number and quality to our room stock, thereby boosting our accommodation capacity at a time when demand for quality accommodation has been on the rise.”

In 2019, Guyana experienced a 9.75 per cent increase in visitors with over 319,000 persons coming to the country which translated to a $6.2B increase in revenue to the country.

The Business Minister estimates that by 2025, an additional 200,000 persons will be coming to the country as it hosts more international conferences, generates greater business value and expands in the area of tourism.

The hotel project is collaboration between the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and Trinuyana Investments Inc. of Guyana for a world-class, select service, internationally-branded hotel set to create hundreds of permanent jobs for Guyanese. Rajkumar gave Trinuyana Investments the government’s best wishes and thanked them for choosing Guyana for their investment.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London, said that the sod turning is merely a foretaste of the bountiful “harvests” ahead for Guyana.

He said the negotiations to settle the deal were robust but fair to both parties and he is confident that with years of experience in the business, Trinuyana Investments will lead the project to success. “At today’s ceremony, we turn the sod; in the near future we will turn the keys for the entrance into the grand glorious ‘garden’ to be nurtured here, then we will follow years of reaping in joy,” he told the gathering.

Added to this, Head of the Business Development Unit at NICIL, Rachel Henry, has noted that the hotel will add 150 rooms to the local hotel stock in Guyana; 20,000 square feet of office and retail space; will facilitate skills transfer between Guyana and Trinidad and will spark a robust boost in local employment. Also addressing the audience was President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Clinton Williams, who said that the US$75M project is consistent with the positive growth witnessed in Guyana over the past five years or so.

He posited that the tourism sector can assume a dominant position in Guyana as the country transforms itself into a ‘green’

state but to do so, transportation and hotel accommodation remain key elements.

“We welcome this initiative, this particular project and it is our considered view that it will significantly contribute to the development of the vibrant tourism sector with forward and backward linkages not only to the emerging oil and gas sector, but also to the development of other tourism products such as nature and agriculture-based tourism,” he said.

SUCCESSFUL CAREER The company is headed by Trinidadian, John Aboud, who told the audience that he is proud to have led a group of investors which has had a long and successful career in real estate development and management, stretching from North America, to the Caribbean and now South America.

He said that the group of investors has, together, developed over two million square feet of real estate with experience ranging in areas such as office buildings, retail shopping malls, industrial parks and special purpose buildings. “As investors or developers, we are always on the lookout for investment and development opportunities and it was not difficult to identify Guyana as a country that has infinite possibilities into the future not only because of your recent good fortune in oil and gas, but the tremendous opportunities this will provide to Guyana in developing the vast natural resources be it in mining, agriculture or tourism,” he said.

Aboud informed the gathering that Trinuyana Investments is committed to making a worthwhile economic and social contribution to Guyana and in all of its construction jobs it hopes to employ Guyanese nationals either directly or through Guyanese contractors and sub-contractors. “In the operation phase, with the exception of perhaps five people, all the employees will be Guyanese nationals,” he assured.

The sale of the land – formerly owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and vested to NICIL in 2017 – was made to Trinuyana Investments at over GYD$26M per acre. It was sold at a higher cost than its valuation. Heath-London added: “Their company… is listed on the Trinidad stock exchange and this development in the future will be added to that stock and Guyanese will be given opportunities to invest via buying shares in the company.”

Meanwhile, Guyana can expect a similar ceremony next week for another state-of-theart hotel to be built in Guyana at the same Ogle location set to create 300 temporary jobs and 175 permanent jobs.

With NICIL’s support, a modern cold storage facility will also be opened at the former Wales Sugar Estate as government continues its programme of diversifying the sector and providing jobs for workers who were laid-off as a result. Heath-London acknowledged the “sterling leadership” of Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, for entrusting NICIL with the responsibility of spearheading the monumental projects.

It is expected that construction will begin in March 2020, while the project should be completed in less than 30 months.

It is anticipated that the pending highway to run from Timehri to Ogle will boost ease of transportation to the hotel.

Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, shakes hands with head of Trinuyana Investments Inc., John Aboud (both centre), in the presence of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London (first left) and President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Clinton Williams

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Children ‘Mash’ com THE Ministry of Education, on Wednesday, launched its annual National Children’s Mashramani Competition 2020, which will see pupils and students from all across Guyana competing in various categories at the weeklong event.

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, in her feature address at the launch held at

the National Cultural Centre, underscored the importance of the Arts and Mashramani, as she encouraged the children present to put their best foot forward in the national competition.

Mashramani, she noted, is the festival that celebrates Guyana becoming a Republic in 1970, which includes parades, music, games and danc-

ing. “As you showcase your talents, allow your festivity, performance and spectacle to educate the public about what this republican status means, or even that it exists. Your role is to display that brilliant transformation through your heartened performances.”

The minster added that, the National Theme for this year’s Mashramani which

Minister of Education, Dr Nicolette Henry

The steel pans that were presented

A cultural presentation by th

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

mpetition launched states: ‘Guyana Together: Reflect, Celebrate, Transform,’ underscores the importance of all Guyanese to unite as one people, in pursuit of a prosperous destiny for this great nation.

Minister Henry also pointed out that the theme also asks Guyanese to reflect and acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices our

ancestors made. She said, “this reflection should build our determination to validate those sacrifices by enhancing our national state of identity with class and dignity that is above and beyond international standards.”

In closing, the Minister Henry noted that 2020 is a year of transformation, restoration and socio-economic

Ms. Lorraine Barker-King, the administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts

d to the Mahdia Secondary School

he National School of Dance

evolution, so there is much to celebrate.

The hosting of the annual Children’s Mashramani Competition began in 1992, organised by the Unit of Allied Arts. Ms. Lorraine Barker-King, the administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, said that due to the interest, vision and contribution of the Ministry of Education, there have

been improvements in many ways regarding the arts.

She added that, the arts have become more visible and physical education is now being done in most, if not all, schools across Guyana. She said that this improvement could not have been possible either without the support from the officers within the Ministry, teachers,

parents and members of the community. “We have to ensure that the arts progress and take its rightful place at the centre of the curriculum,” Ms. Barker-King noted.

She added that the opening ceremony was intended to reflect on the history and beauty of Guyana and its people through the arts. Following the opening

ceremony, steel pans were presented to the Mahdia Secondary School which represented the continuation of an exercise by the Ministry of Education to distribute steel pans to schools across Guyana to enhance the music programme.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Financing for legit marijuana industry possible – CDB president

By Rabindra Rooplall

SOME states have legitimised marijuana and as the trend continues, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will support the fledgling regional cannabis industry.

This is according to President of the Bank, Dr. Warren Smith, at the bank’s annual news conference on Tuesday in Barbados.

Currently, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda have approved marijuana cultivation for sacramental use and medical purposes.

Barbados introduced legislation late last year in the form of the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Act, laying the groundwork for a build out of the industry to commence this year.

St. Kitts and Nevis and other states are also in the process of developing laws in relation to that industry.

Dr. Smith underscored that countries such as the US and Canada, have an established, marijuana-based industry.

“I believe it is a legitimate industry for our countries to pursue as long as it remains within the law. That is the position I think we would want to take at the Caribbean Development Bank.

As to whether we finance the development of that industry or not, who knows? It could be that it could be through the small business sector. I don’t know,” Dr. Smith said.

Dr. Smith warned that as Barbados and other countries develop the cannabis industry authorities should ensure that locals and the country benefit.

CLOSE EYE “The legitimisation of this product should not put our countries in a situation where that new area of production becomes dominated by foreign interest and our people, especially our small people, do not benefit from this new industry.

That is something that I think we need to keep a very close eye on. We need to be real beneficiaries from this new industry,” he suggested.

Pointing out that the Caribbean was already recognised for the quality of its marijuana, the CDB President said he saw tremendous opportunity for export but warned against any overreliance.

“If you have a heavy reliance on a small sector and it runs into difficulties then it has a big impact on your foreign exchange earnings and your economic position.

So any way in which we can find avenues to diversifying our productive base, and especially our export base, I think it is a good one,” the CDB President noted.

He continued: “My expectation is that it is only going to continue to replicate not only across this Region but across the world.”

Meanwhile, he said in 2019, the bank remained resolute in its commitment to assist the Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

He explained that approvals for capital projects, policy-based operations and technical assistance totalled US$347M. The board of directors, he said, approved funding for several sizeable projects for the modernisation of the Kingstown Port in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A second policy-based loan of US$75M was approved to support Barbados’ ongoing economic stabilisation and recovery programme.

A US$50M exogenous shock policy-based loan for The Bahamas following the passage of Hurricane Dorian was also approved.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES “Let us now take a look at some of the strategic initiatives. We leveraged our partnerships in search of new and additional sources of concessionary funds while operationally, our interventions were underpinned by the imperatives of adaptation, resilience-building, innovation and inclusion,” Dr. Smith said.

Early in 2019, he said three international rating agencies re-affirmed CDB’s credit rating. “This paved the way for our inaugural borrowing on the German capital market and the issuance of a EUR250M 20-year registered bond.”

“With our entry into this market, we diversified our investor base and increased our BMCs’ access to resources at attractive terms.

We signed an agreement for a new Procurement Procedural Framework with the European Investment Bank. This framework is intended to harmonise our procurement procedures and promote more efficient financing, implementation and monitoring for a range of climate-focused investments in the Caribbean,” the CDB President noted.

Adding that the agreement came on the eve of the

rollout of a new procurement policy and procedures in November, the CDB head said last year, the bank successfully concluded the Accreditation Master Agreement with the Green Climate Fund, paving the way for the mobilisation of additional climate financing.

“We also partnered with the German development agency, Deutsche

Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to provide almost EUR250,000 to help Eastern Caribbean countries prepare projects for funding consideration by the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund and CDB,” he added.

The CDB President is projecting a regional GDP growth of 4.1 per cent, con-

sistent with expectations of accelerated global economic activity.

However, he noted that, “with estimated daily production of about 100,000 barrels of oil, Guyana should dominate regional growth performance.

Other growth drivers in the Region should be the construction, tourism and agriculture sectors.”

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President of the Bank, Dr. Warren Smith

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

GPF, DPP, Judiciary public relations officers receive training

THE Public Relations arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Judiciary recently completed a two-day training on producing compelling photographs and videos for use in print media, social media and promotional materials.

The programme was conducted by Justice Education Society (JES).

Participants included GPF Public Relations and Press Officers, Superintendent, Jairam Ramlakhan and his Deputy, Cadet Officer, Ike Grandison; Director of Public Prosecutions, Communications Officer, Liz Rahaman; and Guyana Judiciary Communications & Protocol Officer, Jonelle Fields.

The course commenced on Monday, February 10 at the Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Street, Georgetown.

Training was conducted by JES expert, Stephen Herman, who is a civil lawyer and photographer/videographer and has been working with JES since 2010.

Herman is involved in filming documentaries and photos of JES’ international work in countries such Vietnam, Ethiopia and Central America.

Also present throughout the training were JES Project

JES Project Director (at left) with officials and participants of the training programme Director, Evelyn Neaman; Project Manager, Galina Sergeeva and JES Country Representative, Rolinda Kirton.

The sessions consisted of classroom training which covered in-depth aspects of photography such as camera orientation, angle, depth of field, lighting and composition to name a few, as well as practical photo shooting sessions which helped the participants to shoot and produce more compelling photographs.

Press Officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, said great videos and photos grab the attention of the audience and give a fantastic first impression along with a unique story.

He explained that while photography remains important, digital videography is on the rise and it is being fuelled by important developments in video camera technologies.

The superintendent noted that video can produce versatile and engaging content format that not only gives a real-life picture of what is going on, but it is also easy to share across multiple platforms.

As such, he noted that photographic and video content is also easy to digest, entertaining and engaging and if done correctly, can assist law enforcement in promoting their messages.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

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‘Gov’t has your back’ - Minister Ally assures RUSAL workers

MINISTER of Social Protection, Amna Ally, has reiterated government’s support for the 326 workers who were recently dismissed by Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated/RUSAL. The minister and her team met the laid-off workers at the Kwakwani Recreational Centre on Thursday.

Minister Ally was warmly received by the workers and their relatives who used the meeting to express their frustration. She assured them that the government would not rest until the issue was

six months or no months, we will go to arbitration.”

Minister Ally also distributed several food hampers during her engagement with the workers. Marcy Agard, a wife of one to the former RUSAL employees, expressed their appreciation.

“It was really indeed a pleasure having her here and we as wives of employees who were laid off from RUSAL, we appreciate her a lot and what the government and the union is doing for the workers here at Kwakwani and Aroaima.”

The company initially

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, hands over food hampers to the laid off RUSAL workers resolved.

“I want to say to you this morning that you can be assured that the Department of Labour isn’t selling you out and the government is on your side, and like I said earlier, we have alternatives,” Minister Ally stated.

She also urged the workers to be patient and avoid altercations in the interim.

“So, one way or the other, whichever six months we have, we will make full use of it. And be assured that

laid off 142 workers in January, saying a fuel shortage had forced them to scale down operations. A week later they announced the dismissal of an additional 288 workers. The frustrated workers then blocked a section of the Berbice River at the Kwakwani riverfront.

The Department of Labour had called for the reinstatement of the laid-off workers at the last meeting with the RUSAL executives. (DPI)

Man sentenced for damaging windshield of car MAGISTRATE Annette Singh, on Wednesday, sentenced a 37-year-old man to two months in prison on a charge of ‘damage to property’.

Jason Stevens had made an earlier appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Faith McGusty and denied the charge, when it was first read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on February 8, 2020, at South Road, Georgetown, he damaged a car’s windshield valued at $49, 999, property of Uana Rodriguez.

On the first instance, Stevens’ matter was transferred to Court II. When the matter was called before Magistrate Singh on Wednesday, Stevens changed his plea from not guilty to guilty, stating: “I am living at the court.

I am a convict.” Magistrate Singh then sentenced him to two months in prison.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Ankoko launched at Jubilee Film Festival

ANKOKO is a local Guyanese film set in a modern-aged play written by Mosa Telford, Bonnie Alves and Tiffany Vasquez and directed by Denise Harris. The film was made three years ago to address the Guyana and Venezuela border dispute; however, it was officially released on Wednesday night at the Umana Yana during the launch of the 50th Jubilee Film Festival.

According to the President of Cine Guyana Incorporated, Burchmore Simon, the film festival is a collaboration between the Ministry of The Presidency, Department Of Social Cohesion, Culture Youth and Sport and Cine Guyana Inc. to partner with filmmakers and other film-related entities to lift the standard of film-making in Guyana.

“This festival is significant in a number of ways, the partnership between the Ministry of The Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion Youth and

Sport and Cine Guyana Incorporated, because part of the mandate ducted by Cine Guyana is to partner with people and associations in order to lift the standard of films,” Simon noted.

He added that Cine Guyana had vowed to partner with the Government of Guyana to broaden the film diaspora and to ensure persons who would have submitted films for the festival are paid for their work.

“We vowed that we would do, work with the government and work with film makers across the world and the third thing, the most significant, is that people would be paid for their content that would be used in this festival. I think that is a huge step in the right direction and we certainly hope that other agencies will have the same principle, paying for content,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Creative Director of Guyana’s 50th Jubilee Celebration, Russel Lancaster noted that when himself

and team envisioned their plans for this year’s celebration, they thought of film and Guyana’s history in film.

“I just want to say that when we envisaged what we would do for the 50th anniversary our thoughts went to all the areas we could cover in the shortest possible period of time, for instances, based on the theme ‘Guyana Forever, Reflect, Celebrate, Transform’

celebrating who we are and we should be looking to the future to where we are going,” he stated.

Lancaster added that Guyana has the talent and potential to make it on the big stage in film.

Renowned singer, song writer producer Bonny Alves, posing next to a poster of the film, Ankoko. Alves is one of the writers and producers of the film

Creative Director of Guyana’s 50th Jubilee Celebration, Russel Lancaster

President of Cine Guyana Incorporated, Burchmore Simon

we should be looking back,

“When I saw the other night that at the Oscars a Korean film won best picture, immediately my mind went to Guyana and I said we have got the potential to do this and it can only happen

when we come together, meaning, we can use all our skills together… we can use those skills in a way that will ensure people can see who we are and how special our country is and when I think about the diversity of our country and when I think about the flora and the fauna, scenes that can be filmed in this place, I know that Guyana has a place in film,” he gushed.

Woman dies in Linden Highway crash

Mash Village opens AMID a rich cultural display, Guyana’s Republic Jubilee Mashramani Village was declared open by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, on Thursday.

In declaring open the event being held at D’Urban Park, the Prime Minister said the Mash Village creates an ideal opportunity for Guyanese to showcase their wide variety of value-added products and services, 50 years after Guyana would have gained its Republican status.

“It is a moment of triumph for us. Where the exhibits are located, you’ll see local goods, beverages, craft, arts

and artifacts on display, which would make us become even more proud of what we have become, and give us an indication of who and what we can be, when we fully utilise our talents and resources to make things in Guyana and to use things that are Guyanese.”

Prime Minister Nagamootoo also urged exhibitors to express confidence in their products and invest in the conversion of such into world-class products that can be packaged and marketed to the international community.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, in his address, said that it was the first

ever Republic Golden Jubilee Mash Village, while making note of the fact that Mash is a festival indigenous to Guyana through the celebration of a job well done and, more specifically, a celebration of the dedicated efforts that led to Guyana becoming a Co-operative Republic. Norton, further stated: “As significant as it was for our country to gain Independence in 1966, it was really our attainment of Republican status that secured us the freedom to charter our own course and shape our unique identity as a nation.”

Dr. Norton said the Republic Declaration on Feb-

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo examines some of the products on display

ruary 23, 1970, marked a new beginning for Guyana “and so, each year, in celebration of this remarkable achievement, we host our signature Mashramani festival. Mashramani depicts

who we are as a people; it showcases and celebrates our individualities and the unique identity we were able to cultivate as a land of six peoples.“

36 youths graduate from entrepreneurial training THIRTY-SIX youths have received a financial boost to kick-start their business ventures following their graduation from a 12-week entrepreneurial skills-training programme facilitated by the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme.

They were the third batch of participants to graduate. The graduates received some $313,291 (US$1,500) each to help set up their small businesses. The training exercise ran from September to December last year and included training in financial fitness, marketing, customer management, record keeping and business plan writing.

One of the graduates, Lindener Kerryann Johnson, told DPI: “This entrepreneurial skills training was a blessing. I have gained a lot of experience and experience is one thing you cannot shortcut.” According to Johnson, the knowledge acquired will go a long way in assisting her to manage her fashion business, KG

Enterprise, effectively.

Delivering the feature address at Thursday’s ceremony, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan said the training served as a prevention measure for crime and violence. “That is why, over the past five years, we have seen a decline in crime. It is not as a result only of law enforcement; it is also because we have started a process of ensuring that community officers go and find at-

Sixty Guyanese films will be shown over the weekend at the Umana Yana, Theatre Guild and the Moray House simultaneous from 14:00hrs and 17:00hrs in the afternoon from Today to Sunday, February 16, 2020.

Films will vary from fantasy, drama, thriller, folklore and animation.

Kerryann Johnson receiving her certificate from Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan (centre), with senior officials of the CSSP entrepreneurial skills training programme along with the graduates

risk youths that could have otherwise be distracted,” the minister said.

Highlighting the fact that Guyana will soon experience a dramatic transformation in its economy, Minister Ramjattan noted the need for qualified personnel with the required skills to take the country forward.

“Our government has increasingly recognised that entrepreneurship and the inspiration of empowered youth can drive economic development… it alleviates poverty,” he stated.

“It is our task to prevent every young person from becoming violent or being involved in crime,” he continued. To date, over 123 young people have been trained from Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 including the 36 that graduated yesterday. Over $36Million has been disbursed in ‘starter’ grants. (DPI)

A 50-year-old driver is in police custody after a woman was struck down and killed in the vicinity of the Moblissa Bridge on the Linden Highway at around 23:30hrs Wednesday.

The driver of the taxi, HD 119, is in Police custody as investigations continue. The deceased woman has not been identified.

Reports indicate that the driver was heading to Georgetown, proceeding west along the southern side of the aforementioned road at a fast rate of speed when he saw a pedestrian crossing the road from North to South in his path.

On seeing this, he applied brakes to avoid a collision. However, the right side front of the car collided with the female pedestrian causing her to fall onto the bonnet then to the front windscreen and onto the road surface.

An ambulance was summoned and she was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the linden hospital complex where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body of the woman is at the Wismar Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post- mortem examination. A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver which found that he was below the limit.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 14, 2020

‘Folk It Up Tour’

2020 started off with a bang for the

OVER the past few weeks, local creole rock musician Gavin Mendonca has been on tour in New York City, performing at open mic nights and representing Guyana for the first time at ‘Folk Alliance International’ (FAI) and at Full Sail University in Orlando.

FAI is an organisation that puts on an annual summit for folk musicians and festivals around the world, and this year, during the 32nd edition of the conference in New Orleans (Bulbancha), Gavin represented his home country for the very first time on behalf of the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival.

“I met with folk musicians from all over the world - from the US, Canada, Colombia, Australia, Ireland…all over! They all want to come to Guyana to share their music and culture and I have been able to create a bridge between these musicians and Guyana for the very first time,” Gavin said.

He wants to create opportunities for other young people like himself to gain exposure to international stages.

At FAI, there was also the 2nd annual International Indigenous Music Summit which allowed Indigenous Musicians and Activists to gather together to discuss Industry, Challenges, Solutions and Resolve.

Last year Gavin released his debut Folk album with his partner ‘Chucky’.

“It was an amazing experience to be a part of. Recently I’ve been working with the Indigenous Languages of Guyana in my work. Participating in this gave me a greater appreciation for our Indigenous Peoples and Cultures. My aim is to put together a Guyanese Contingent and participate next year…even put on a showcase with SherryAnna Balkaran, who has a beautiful voice and sings in Patamona. Guys like Michael McGarrell who’s doing a lot of work for Indigenous rights, Andrew Campbell and his work with Organic Food, and Nigel Butler and his Art. Our voices need to be heard and this is the platform for it.”

Last Jan 29, Gavin performed at a student social at Full Sail University in Orlando and described his experience as a spectacular one.

Last year Gavin released his debut Folk album with his partner ‘Chucky’. “This is a project I’m working on to record and preserve 100 of our folk songs in a series of albums. Our first single ‘Gangamani’ was released on Christmas Eve and featured local rapper ‘A-TayJah’ who has invented her own style of Rapping from a Guyanese perspective.”

Performing at Full Sail University in Orlando recently.

Local musician Gavin Aaron Mendonca.

Akeem Alexander placed in both Junior competitions

While many are celebrating the victory of the Junior Monarchs that were declared two Saturdays ago in Lethem, there was Akeem Alexander who was the only contestant to secure a space in both competitions.

The 19-year-old placed second in the Junior Soca Monarch and fourth in the Calypso.

In an interview with ‘The Buzz’, the young man said that he has always been very passionate about music.

The name of his two entries were ‘Time for love’ which was the soca, and ‘Wake up’, which was the calypso.

The message behind the soca entry he said, is to tell persons to spread love,

be happy, enjoy life and know your worth.

The calypso he said is letting persons know what used to happen in our country with our youths and what is currently going on.

“It was my very first time entertaining the competitions and I entered because it’s a way of being seen or recognised in the music business. It was a very great experience. I got to make friends with other artistes I got to meet well known artistes such as Brandon Harding, Vanilla, Diana Chapman, Kady Kish, and Mark Batson. And to add to that, I got to meet with great producers as well. It was an amazing

experience,” Alexander said.

Going forward, the young entertainer said that with the help of Kast Talent Management, everyone will continue to hear and see him.

“I’m working in the studio to have new music out for everyone to hear. I’m also working on my very first music video, also I’ll be performing all around the country and I’ll be taking my career to an international level,” he said.

To keep up with his work, you can follow him on Facebook page at Akeem Alexander Official or on YouTube ‘Akeem Alexander Official’ and Instagram @iamakeem.

Akeem Alexander performing at the Junior Monarch competitions

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J’ouvert and Futsal Competition at Bartica as Guyana Celebrates 50th Republic Jubilee As part of the celebrations of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary, ‘Live in Colors 2020 J’ouvert’ will be happening at Bartica on February 21, 2020, at the 4th Avenue Beach.

According to the organiser, Akeem Prowell, “The theme represents Guyana, the land of different ethnicities and what we stand for; ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’. It speaks of togetherness, different races coming together to celebrate the 50th Jubliee.”

This will be the fifth year Bartica will be hosting a celebration of this kind.

“The Mashramani J’ouvert celebration started in February 2016. Although it was something new to Barticans, it was something great and it has continued to grow every year,” Prowell said.

When asked about the gen-

eral experience last year, the young promoter said, “It was one to rememAkeem ber, the Prowell, Organiser of cooperathe events. tion from the Mash C o m mittee and Town Council of Bartica always play a major role in making this significant event a success.”

The momentum is already building up in the township and Prowell guarantees that this year will be “one like never before”.

J’ouvert T-Shirts are also available, he said.

In addition to the J’Ouvert set for next week, Prowell not-

ed too that there is a Futsal Competition, scheduled from today, February 14 to Sunday, February 16, 2020, at the Bartica Community Centre. “ T h i s Futsal Competition has now been incorporated into the plans of the Mashramani Celebrations and this, I also guarantee will be fun and exciting,” he said.

He noted too that these events were made possible by 592 Lager Beer, Lucozade, Ansa Mc Al, KGM Security and Superbet.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 14, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday February 14, 2020

Guyanese version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for NCC tonight

Tonight, ‘Signature Productions’ will host Romeo and Juliet with a Guyanese twist.

The production, scheduled for the National Cultural Centre tonight at 20:00hrs, will mark Leza Singh’s (Radika from Parika Backdam) directorial debut, although she is no stranger to theatre in Guyana.

Leza is confident that patrons will love her show! She told the Buzz that while she feels a mixture of emotions at this point, to say she is nervous would be an understatement. However, the help she has received from the rest of the cast has only made things easier for her.

“This is the first time I will be directing a full-length play, but the cast makes it easy. Their suggestions, advice and the pooling of their ideas, are sure to guarantee a great product,” she expressed.

The play was written by her, Maria Benschop and Clemencio Goddette, all faces behind the very popular and well-loved ‘Nothing to Laugh About’ Comedy Show.

Tonight, two families will showdown when the play gets underway at the National Cultural Center (NCC).

This version of the play puts a Guyanese twist to the story of two lovers and the heavy strife between their families.

The two families, Bharrat Persaud (played by Michael Ignatius) and David Blackman (played by Mark Luke Edwards), are all fictional, but they do draw elements from real situations in Guyana, Leza said, adding, “The play addresses some serious issues and it utilises comedy, sarcasm, drama, farce, dark humour and satire to achieve it.”

The producers of the show are bringing to the

Mark Luke-Edwards.

Michael Ignatius.

Ladonna Kissoon.

The cast and crew of tonight’s ‘Romeo and Juliet.’

Guyanese audience a play that was deliberately written to target typical problems around elections time, and will be working along with some of the country’s most loved, talented, and versatile actors and actresses.

These include, apart from those mentioned above, Ladonna Kissoon (Aunty Baby), Aleena Hoalim (Juliet Persaud), Mark Kazim (Anil Chatree), Charles Adrain (Irfaan Alleyway), Sophera Waldron (Sandra Blackman), Denzil Jones (Romeo Blackman), Yohance Koama (Chris Jones), Andre Phillips (Pope London), and Nirmala Narine (Narrator).

According to Leza, the play will tackle such issues as racism, the political divide, suicide and mental health. “We are smack in the middle of the election season, so the play is deliberately written to target the typical issues we have around this time,” she said.

In fact, Leza has always tried to keep things real, even in her comedy. “I try to be realistic with my comedy, and most of my jokes come from what actually happens. And I don’t even think people know that,” she said. “They think I’m just talking ‘stupidness’ on stage. Most of my jokes are true; it might be slightly exaggerated, but most are true. It’s things people tell me or things I would have experienced growing up,” she’d told this publication in a previous interview.

Tickets are out for $1,000, $1,500 and $2,500. The show is expected to start at exactly 20:00hrs.

Meanwhile, patrons can expect a sizzling show and performance from the cast members and producers of the show, who have a track record of producing high-quality entertainment in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Lord’s cricket card fraudster faces jail time A MAN who faked a membership card to access the best seats at Lord’s has been told he could go to jail.

James Lattimer put his photograph on to a card - originally owned by a Lord’s member who died in 2014 - after he bought it on eBay, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

Lattimer, 51 and from Bournemouth, was found with the faked card in August.

He admitted fraud at a hearing in November and is due to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court at a later date.

It costs £1 000 to become a member of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), known colloquially as the home of cricket, and there is a 29-year waiting list.

Lattimer, of Green Road in Bournemouth, used the faked card to get into an exclusive members-only area after buying a ticket to enter the ground.

Passing sentence, District Judge Samuel Mark Goozee told Lattimer: “I

consider my powers are not sufficient for sentence.”

Lattimer, who runs a corporate cleaning company, was released on unconditional bail. (BBC Sport)

SOUTH AFRICA Fairview 08:10 hrs Fiery Fory 08:45 hrs Bhaltair 09:25 hrs Rock The Cot 10:03 hrs Twin Falls 10:40 hrs Natural Jade ENGLISH Lingfield 10:00 hrs Estrella Star 10:35 hrs Plantadream 11:10 hrs Badri 11:40 hrs Amazing News 12:10 hrs Battle Of Marathon 12:40 hrs Its Nice Tobe Nice SANDOWN 09:20 hrs Captain Rockbeard 09:50 hrs Billingsley 10:25 hrs Rosie And Milliz 11:00 hrs Captain Seuol 11:30 hrs Danny Kirwan 12:00 hrs Horatio Horn Blower 12:30 hrs Steal A March AMERICAN Race 1 Micromillion Race 2 Too Fast To Pass Race 3 Kilmarknock Race 4 Black kettle Race 5 Kemba Race 6 Stay Fond Race 7 Lucky Move Race 8 Daddy Knows Race 9 Little Mazzy IRISH Dundalk 13:00 hrs Sabrina Faiechild 13:30 hrs Eglish 14:00 hrs Kasperenko 14:30 hrs Munaajaat 15:00 hrs China’s Storm 15:30 hrs Wild Shot 16:00 hrs Mulzamm 16:30 hrs Munfallet

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Mike Tyson, Buster Douglas and a Warde moment that changed boxing forever unbeaten … February 11, 1990 was the day Tyson lost and boxing took the turn it needed.

It is not easily forgotten, even if nobody cared at the time half-century prop up Leewards

By Steve Bunce The Independent

NOBODY really cared about the heavyweight title fight in Tokyo that early morning when Mike Tyson, after weeks of sleeping with Geisha girls, walked to the ring to massacre Buster Douglas in February 1990.

At ringside in the Dome, two wild-haired powerbrokers from vastly different, but equally sordid, business worlds took their seats to watch Mike do what Mike had been doing far too easily, for far too long.

Don King and Donald Trump were all smiles as they relaxed to watch the three or four-round destruction. The bookies had Douglas at 40-1 and in Las Vegas just one punter had placed a bet on the roly-poly nice guy from Ohio.

done nothing to prepare for a fight during his crazy stay in Tokyo. His “wilding” is well documented, celebrated to be honest, and in the Douglas fight his legs and not his desire to continue betrayed him.

His comic corner had only a condom filled with ice to bring down the brutal and critical swelling to their fighter’s left eye. That was a ring-tool malfunction, but more damning was their combined inability to motivate their boss when Douglas refused to wilt, fold and play the surrender game.

Tyson’s corner were shameful under pressure, they deserted him in need.

Going in that early morning, Tyson was unbeaten in 37, including ten in world title fights. Douglas had lost four times and, more importantly, his bravery and guts were questioned after his loss

I should quickly add, but there were many ignored signs.

However, Douglas was at the very centre of a perfect storm of emotional unrest, a crushing triple of hurt, the type of chaos that trainers fear, but at the same time relish. Douglas had lost his mother two weeks earlier, had split with his wife and the mother of his child had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. It is safe to say that Douglas was in turmoil as he flew to Tokyo; he landed two weeks after Tyson and his party people.

“I knew he would break if I kept on hitting him and what did I have to lose?” Douglas told me one afternoon in Las Vegas a decade after the fight.

Tyson did break. He was well and truly broken before he went down heavily for the end.

Douglas just kept on

– Tyson knocked out Douglas before Douglas knocked out Tyson,” hollered King. It is, even with time, still hard to grasp the fevered insanity of those hours: the desperation, the greed, the vanity.

Looking back now it is without doubt one of the most outrageous reversals ever taken in sport, any sport, in any epoch and under any rules.

It took a day for sense to return to the boxing madhouse, and by Monday evening, Buster Douglas was reinstated and universally recognised as the world heavyweight champion. Tyson arrived in New York battered, bruised and contrite for a conference: “He won,” he uttered, a capitulation barely audible under the click of cameras.

B i g B u s t e r ’s re a l

Hurricanes opener Montcin Hodge HIT 52.

Buster Douglas celebrates his victory at the Tokyo Dome (AP)

It was meant to be so easy. Tyson had a fight planned with Evander Holyfield that would set box-office records.

King and Trump started to panic early and were ironing out a deal for a rematch long before the end. There is some confusion – in boxing that means there are several untrue versions – about when exactly the pair shook hands on a second fight.

It was probably after Douglas survived a long count in round eight and just before the-still shocking moment when Tyson, groping on the canvas like a midnight drunk for his gumshield, failed to beat the count in round ten. It was over, Tyson was finished. However, luckily for King, he had Douglas under contract.

Douglas had simply refused to lose and Tyson had

in a world title fight to Tony Tucker in 1987. ‘Douglas had no heart’ was meant to be the simple backstory to yet another Tyson walkover while the boxing press – most stayed away from Tokyo – questioned his selection.

There was an alternative tale that day. Tyson had a revolving door to his bedroom for sex workers for three weeks in Tokyo. He was depressed, his moods savage and he was knocked down quite heavily in sparring 19 days before the fight.

Nobody saw the signs.

Douglas was considered a total no-hoper. Many of us repeated a similar act of wilful negligence last year before Anthony Joshua lost to Andy Ruiz in New York. Ruiz had no chance under any circumstances: “He’s not Buster Douglas,” we mused. Joshua never had a revolving door,

James Douglas drops Mike Tyson to the canvas in the 10th round of their heavyweight champion bout (AP)

throwing the stiff jab, a shot from the history books, finding space for the big right and not flapping when hurt.

Tyson was made poor by Douglas in Tokyo, made to look bad. Douglas should always get credit.

King and Trump left ringside that Sunday knowing they had a deal for an Atlantic City rematch at one of Trump’s ailing properties.

However, King first had magic to perform at noon in Tokyo as he set about persuading everybody in attendance and involved in the fight that Tyson was the winner, and that Douglas should not be the new world champion. It was utter lunacy, believe me.

King needed about six hours to get the WBC and WBA – two of the sanctioning bodies – to withdraw recognition of Douglas as champion. “The count was long

achievement was ruining Tyson. It would never get better for Buster, and Tyson would never be the same.

Don King lost his hold on the heavyweight championship in Tokyo, his reign was finished.

Douglas broke his contract with King, made 24 million dollars for losing to Holyfield, King and Trump received 4.5 million dollars in compensation for not promoting the rematch, Trump is the American president, Tyson still haunts Las Vegas, King is still promoting and Douglas, after one diabetic coma, spends his time fishing. And, spending his money!

February 11, 1990 was the day Tyson lost, King lost it, Trump did a deal and boxing took the turn it needed. It is not easily forgotten, even if nobody cared at the time.

FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica, (CMC) – Terrance Warde struck an important unbeaten half-century to prop up Leeward Islands Hurricanes and frustrate Jamaica Scorpions on the opening day of their fifth round clash here Thursday.

With his side tottering on 146 for seven, Warde carved out 53 to follow up opener Montcin Hodge’s 52, as the visitors closed on 215 for nine at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium.

Crucially, number seven Warde put on 28 for the eighth wicket with Jamaican Damion Jacobs (10) and a further 28 for the ninth wicket with Nino Henry (15), to ensure Hurricanes fought back in the final session.

All told, the right-hander struck six fours in an attritional 137-ball knock in 2-¾ hours at the crease.

No such rearguard effort appeared necessary with Hurricanes well placed on 92 for two after lunch, with Hodge and left-hander Amir Jangoo (35) involved in a key 39-run, third wicket stand.

Seamer Derval Green had earlier hit left-hander opener Kieran Powell in front for nine while fast bowler Nicholson Gordon had also gained an lbw verdict against Devon Thomas (16) after he put on 38 for the second wicket with Hodge.

In need of a stand, Hodge and Jangoo saw Hurricanes to lunch on 70 for two and flourished afterwards before off-spinner Pete Salmon broke the stand, getting Hodge to play down the wrong line to a straight ball and trapping him lbw.

The right-handed Hodge faced 119 deliveries and counted seven fours in 143 minutes.

Jangoo, who counted four fours off 85 balls in nearly two hours, added 25 with captain Jahmar Hamilton (7) before left-arm spinner Patrick Harty sliced through the innings with four for 41, to put Scorpions in command.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

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Newlands scandal born of leadership gulf - Ricky Ponting RICKY Ponting has revealed his belief that the road leading Australia to the Newlands scandal had started years before when he became fearful of a decline in the level of senior experience around the national team, to adequately mentor younger players as to how to conduct themselves.

Speaking to a fundraising dinner of almost 500 guests for the Chappell Foundation at the SCG on Tuesday night, Ponting said that he could see a link between the anxiety about leadership in the Australian team, that saw him play on for several years after he might easily have retired, and the eventual crisis in South Africa that saw Steven Smith and David Warner banned for a year while stripped of their leadership roles.

Cameron Bancroft, a more junior member of the side, was suspended for nine months.

Put simply, Ponting

s a i d , a l l w e l l - ro u n d e d teams needed senior figures around them who have the ability to “say no” when questions of character, ethics or sharp practice are raised. This was conspicuously absent at the height of the Newlands scandal.

to say ‘no’ basically,” Ponting said. “If I look at where things got at Cape Town I just don’t think there were enough people around that team to say ‘no’ to some of those guys.

Things got completely out of control. That’s very much an outsider’s view on

Ricky Ponting chats to Steven Smith during the Ashes (Getty Images)

“I was a bit worried that with a lot of the experience going out of our team at the same time, that there would be a bit of a void left with experienced players to be able

it. I had nothing to do with the team really until the last couple of years around some Twenty20 cricket and the World Cup last year.

“I probably should have

Morgan says his team have ‘lessons to learn’ ENGLAND have plenty to learn in the run- ing back for a second that would have up to the Twenty20 World Cup after their forced a super over, leaving England with one-run defeat by South Africa, according their first one-run defeat in a T20 interto captain Eoin Morgan. national.

The tourists failed to chase 178 in the first “I know recently we’ve played in a lot of of a three-match series in East London. tight games, but we want to play in as many “We should be winning that 10 times out of these as we can, because we want guys of 10,” Morgan told the Test Match Special exposed to as much pressure as they can be,” podcast.

Morgan added.

“It’s about learning, going through a pro“You cannot replicate the pressure you’d cess we’ve gone through over a number of have in the World Cup, but in situations like years, to try to get better.” that we have to find a way to get over the After winning the 50-over World Cup line.” last July, England will look to become the Morgan also defended the omission of first men’s side to hold both global lim- batsman Dawid Malan, who made a cenited-overs trophies simultaneously at the tury in his last T20 international in New T20 World Cup in Australia in October Zealand in November, likening it to the and November. time Jonny Bairstow spent time out On Wednesday they recovered from a of the one-day team before poor start with the ball and in the field to forcing his way into limit the home side to 177-8. the World Cup-winThey were coasting the chase when ning side.

Jason Roy made 70 from 38 balls, only to “Malan is an lose three wickets in four overs. exceptional playEven then, Morgan’s 52 took them er and given the to needing seven from seven balls, success of the before the captain was caught at white-ball team long-on from the final delivery over a short periof the 19th over. od of time, he’s a “Getting out off the last ball bit of a victim of of the 19th over was horrifically that,” said Morbad for me, given my experigan. ence and how many games I’ve “Dawid has played,” said the Irishman. done absoluteFrom there, England ly everything he needed seven from the final needs to do to be over and after Lungi Ngidi in the squad. He had Tom Curran caught at just needs to wait deep mid-wicket, Moeen for an opportunity and Ali was bowled, leaving hopefully take that.

Adil Rashid to get three “There is extreme from the only ball competition for places he faced, the last and for captain, coach, ball of the match. the whole team, it’s a very He was healthy sign.” run-out com- England white ball captain Eoin Morgan (BBC SPORT)

retired three or four years earlier than I did but I was really worried about where the direction of the Australian cricket team was going if I wasn’t around. And I wanted to be around to help Warner and Smith and Nathan Lyon and Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson. I wanted to help them through that initial phase of their international careers because I knew it wasn’t going to be easy for them.”

Had Ponting retired at the conclusion of the 201011 season when he gave up the captaincy to Michael Clarke, he would have finished with 152 Tests, 12 363 runs and an average of 53.51, with 39 centuries.

As it was, he stayed on until midway the Test summer of 2012-13, adding two more hundreds and another nine Test match victories to take his career tally beyond 100.

However, at the same time Ponting’s average was steadily eroded to 51.85 by the time of his last match in

Perth against South Africa.

“I was just a little bit worried with the void that was left on the experience side,” Ponting said. “Every great team that I played in, whether it be a club team or an Australian cricket team or a state team, there was always a lot of old hard heads around just to make sure when the younger guys came in that they understood what it meant to be playing for each of those teams. And if I had have retired ... I was worried there wasn’t going to be enough people to point them in the right direction.”

Working primarily as a commentator, Ponting kept a professional distance from the Australian side until he began to become involved in some T20 coaching from 2017 onwards, but his closeness to the set-up was greatly increased once his close friend Justin Langer became the senior coach in the wake of the Newlands

scandal in 2018.

“Having Justin around the national team now, I think we’ve already seen a bit of a change in behaviour and I think we’ve seen the public are really starting to enjoy and embrace the Australian cricket team again,” Ponting told the gathering.

“Even looking at (Monday night), the way that David Warner spoke at the Australian Cricket Awards, winding the clock back 12 or 18 months, that wasn’t possible for him to do. I think he did a terrific job. And I think he’s slowly starting to gain a lot of the respect of the Australian public back again.”

The Chappell Foundation, which collects funds for homeless youths, raised more than A$400 000 on the night, as Ponting and the foundation’s founder Greg Chappell also took guests on a guided tour of the Australian dressing-room.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Boult, Ferguson ‘tracking nicely’ as New Zealand build pace depth WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - Injured New Zealand pace bowlers Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson are “tracking nicely” as the side begin their preparations for the Test series against India, according to captain Kane Williamson.

Bowling spearhead Boult broke his hand in the second game against Australia in Melbourne while Ferguson bowled just 11 overs in his Test debut in the first match in Perth before breaking down with a calf strain.

B o t h missed the Twenty20 and one-day international series against India but Williamson said there were hopes they could be available for the first match against the world’s top ranked Test team that starts on February 21 in Wellington.

“They’re tracking nicely,” Williamson said after his side sealed a five-wicket win and 3-0 series sweep of the one-dayers against India at Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui.

“It’s an exciting opportunity ... against one of the best sides in the world.”

The injuries to Boult and Ferguson and regular squad member Matt Henry, who broke his thumb in the third

Test in Sydney, forced New Zealand to test the depth of their pace bowling stocks against India.

Hamish Bennett was recalled after almost three years in the international wilderness, while Kyle Jamieson, who was brought into the Test squad in Australia as cover but did not play, made his debut in the one-day series.

Bennett took the most wickets for New Zealand in the one-dayers and was joint top wicket-taker in the Twenty20 matches with leg-spinner Ish Sodhi.

While expensive in his opening spells, Bennett proved to be a solid death bowler with h i s ability to mix his pace a n d

Pacer Hamish Bennett took the most wickets for New Zealand in the one-dayers

length, something noted by Williamson.

“We were put under pressure by India, but we were able to have a really good death phase, which helped us keep India to about a par total,” he said.

“A lot of positives in different areas; so it’s an opportunity to build on this series and keep moving forward as an ODI side.”

The 2.03m-tall Jamieson, however, could have been the best find for the hosts after he was the most economical New Zealand bowler in the ODIs and presented some difficulties with his ability to get the ball to move and lift off a length.

He also showed he was a more than capable lower-order batsman when he scored 25 not out and shared a 76-run stand with Ross Taylor that helped New Zealand post a winning total in the second match in Auckland.

“An outstanding start from Kyle,” Williamson said.

“To get the opportunity to bowl with the new ball and bowl really nicely ... he’s an exciting prospect.

“Coming in with that height does bring a point of difference, a great attacking weapon.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Smith, Warner must ‘ride the storm’ in South Africa: Hazlewood MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Steve Smith and “It’s nothing we haven’t experienced before ... we’ll David Warner will be ready for whatever South African be fine.” crowds throw at them when the Australia batsmen return Both Smith and Warner have thrived since returning to the to the nation two years after the ball-tampering scandal, national fold after their bans expired last March. paceman Josh Hazlewood has said.

Smith played a leading role in Australia’s retention of The pair will fly out with the Australia the Ashes while Warner was awarded the Allan Border squad today for a limited overs tour in the Medal for the third time on Monday as the country’s top duo’s first visit to the country since serving cricketer in 2019.

12-month bans for their parts in the tamperLocal media have reported that the head of the national ing plot during the Cape Town Test. players’ union will tour with the side in South Africa to offer The pair were jeered relentlessly by Enextra support for the players. glish crowds during last year’s one-day Hazlewood said Smith and Warner would not need to World Cup and the following Ashes be shielded. series, and Hazlewood said they “They’ll probably try to take as much heat as they would be unfazed by more hoscan actually, try to keep the young guys out of the tility. spotlight,” added the paceman.

“Steve and Dave have Hazlewood said engaging positively with fans ticked off pretty much was the best way to defuse them. every box since coming “Join in and try to have a good back,” Hazlewood told time with them. Often when reporters in Sydney yesyou do that, they end up being terday. on your side after a couple of Paceman Josh Hazlewood “It’s just another one overs,” he said. of those and I don’t think “It is when you fight them it’ll faze them one bit. that it becomes to and fro, and quite abusive. Ride the “They probably play better when it’s like this. storm and go along with it.”

Bounty Farm handicap squash tournament

Walcott, Cadogan warm up with wins KASSIE Walcott and Abosaide Cadogan were among the premier winners when the 2020 Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament spiked up last evening at the Georgetown Club.

With a total of 13 matches in Category A and the Open Category, serious action commenced immediately. Shiloh Asregado (-5) lost in straight games to Walcott (13) 15-8, 15-9 while Joshua Verwey (-5) was beaten by Grant Fernandes (10) 15-1, 15-4.

Tiana Gomes (13) beat Rylee Rodrigues (9) 15-8, 1115, 15-14 while Lajuan Munroe (2) whipped Brenno Da Silva (10) 11-15, 15-12, 15-14.

Cadogan (0) owned the Open category after hammering Tian Edwards (12) 15-12, 15-14. Louis Da Silva (10) cruised past Ian Mekdeci (-2) 15-2, 15-10 while the talented Zachary Persaud (10) proved too good for Lydia Fraser (7)

winning 15-2, 15-9.

The tournament continues nightly at 18:00hrs with the

Shiloh Asregado (-5) 15-8, 15-9.

Grant Fernandes (10)

Abosaide Cadogan got herself off to a winning start

finals are scheduled for Sunday at 11:00hrs.

Category A Kassie Walcott (13) beat

trounced Joshua Verwey (-5) 15-1, 15-4.

Tiana Gomes (13) beat Rylee Rodrigues (9) 15-8, 1115, 15-14.

Lajuan Munroe (2) defeated Brenno Da Silva (10) 11-15, 15-12, 15-14.

Rayad Boyce (5) beat Demetri Lowe (9) 15-14, 15-7.

Beau Fernandes (7) bettered Nandishraj Singh (13) 15-7, 15-11.

Dhiren Persaud (3) defeated Lucas Persaud (7) 15-12, 15-12.

Open Category Abosaide Cadogan (0) got past Tian Edwards (12) 15-12, 15-14 Louis da Silva (10) beat Ian Mekdeci (-2) 15-2, 15-10.

Zachary Persaud (10) thrashed Lydia Fraser (7) 152, 15-9.

Mohryan Baksh (0) beat Dane Pereira (9) 15-12, 15-11.

Steven Persaud (9) overcame Reagan Rodrigues (8) 14-15, 15-5, 15-10.

Brian Edwards (9) beat David Fernandes (9) 15-5, 15-12.

United States equal lowest-ever score of 35 in ODI defeat by Nepal THE United States have equalled the record for the lowest total in a oneday international, scoring 35 runs in a World Cup League 2 defeat by Nepal.

Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane took six wickets for 16 runs as the U.S. were bowled out in 12 overs in Kathmandu.

Former West Indies batsman Xavier Marshall

Nepal, playing their first international series on home soil, reached the target in 32 balls.

The United States’ total matched the score Zimbabwe were bowled out for in Harare against Sri Lanka in 2004.

Former West Indies opener Xavier Marshall, who made 16, was the only

U.S. batsman to reach double digits.

The U.S. were awarded ODI status in 2019 after taking part in a ICC World Cricket League Division Two event in Namibia.

Nepal, the United States and Oman are taking part in the series in Kathmandu. (BBC Sport)

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports 2020 U-15 Inter-County Tournament

Exciting opening round set for Sunday

ROUND ONE of the 5th annual Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Dave West Indian Imports 2020 U-15 Inter-county tournament bowls off this Sunday, with a number of mouthwatering encounters.

At the Lusignan ground on the East Coast of Demerara, Demerara, led by Josh Alves, will battle the Benny Persaud-led Essequibo team. The President’s XI will face Rampertab Ramnauth and his Berbice team at Bourda Cricket Ground with both matches set to bowl off at 09:30hrs.

Round 2 will see Essequibo tackle the President’s XI at Everest, while Demerara and archrivals Berbice will take their fight to the Lusignan ground all on Tuesday, February 18.

The third round is set to bowl off on February 20, featuring a clash between Demerara and the President’s XI at Bourda. The Cinderella County boys will then lock horns with Berbice at Lusignan as the teams vie for a position in the final. The two teams with the highest aggregate points battle for the title at GCC. ESSEQUIBO Benny Persaud (capt.), Shazif Mohamed, Ragindra Ramblin, Bruce Vincent, Ijihad Kadir, Gladwin Henry, Mohandas Ali, Akeem John, Gulcharran Chulai, Tekeshwar Nankoo, Adesh Dass, Ramesh Seeram, Davendra Lall, Kehav Deonarine, Coach: Anthony Adams, Manager: Vickram Ramnarine.

Berbice Rampertab Ramnauth (capt.) Avishkar Persaud, Zadeem Larose, Sanjay Algoo, Rashaad Gafur, Nyron Hicks, Damion Cecil, Kevin Kisten, Salim Khan, Matthew Pottaya vice-capt., Kumar Deopersaud, Lyndon Simon, Aaron Craig, Shiv Harripersaud, Ameer Rahaman - Manager, Leslie Solomon - Coach DEMERARA Romeo Deonarine, Riyad Latif, Josh Alves (capt.), Sachin Balgobin, Joshua Alves, Nityanand Matura (vicecapt.), Reziekel Renee, Reyad latif, Dhanesh Persaud, Wayvell Allen, Bramanand Rabindranauth, Alex Datterdeen, Nicholas Sheopersaud, Hemraj Harriprashad, Coach Latchman Yadram, Manager Omar Hussain.

PRESIDENT’S XI Stephon Sankar (capt.), Tulsiram Ramkarran (vice- capt.), Arun Gainda, Sohail Gangaram, Tularam Chitamani, Yodesh Sumitra, Deonarine Dindyal, Andrew De Santos, Afazul Kadir, Aftrz Ali Budhoo, Jeremiah Singh, Tariq Walters, John Persaud, Manager Yeuraj Khemraj, Coach Ryan Hercules.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday, February 14, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

(1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

Yashasvi Jaiswal-400 runs (IND) Ravi Bishnoi-17 wickets (IND)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) What was the highest individual score made in the ICC

Under 19 World Cup 2020?

(2) What were the best bowling figures in a single match?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 14, 2020

Bishoo strikes late as Volcanoes reach 212 for six on rain-hit day

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC) – Discarded Test leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo struck a key blow late in the day when he removed half-century maker Kavem Hodge, to give Guyana Jaguars the edge on the rain-hit opening day of their fifth round match against Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Sent in, Volcanoes were heading towards the close on 200 for five when Bishoo prised out Hodge for 53 as the visitors closed on 212 for six at the National Stadium here Thursday.

Keron Cottoy, batting at number seven, finished the day on 37 not out while veteran Devon Smith, opening partner Roland Cato and Andre Fletcher all chipped in with 27.

Bishoo claimed two for 43 while left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (2-39) also picked up two wickets.

Volcanoes were given a decent

Kavem Hodge … top-scored with 53 for Vocanoes. start when Smith put on 38 for the first wicket with Cato and a further 29 for the second wicket with Hodge.

Enterprising seamer Nial Smith got the breakthrough when he removed Cato to a catch at the wicket

after the right-hander had struck four fours in a 57-ball innings.

Smith added 29 for the second wicket with Hodge before he too perished after facing 66 balls in nearly two hours at the crease and striking two fours.

Hodge then took responsibility for the innings in a knock lasting 164 balls in a shade over 3-½ hours, while hitting six boundaries.

Crucially, he put on 44 for the third wicket with Fletcher and a further 31 for the fourth wicket with Guyanese Bhaskar Yadram who made 16.

When Yadram and 20-year-old wicketkeeper batsman Emmanuel Stewart perished 14 runs and 29 balls apart, Volcanoes were stumbling on 156 for five.

However, Hodge added a vital 46 with Cottoy whose innings has so far included seven fours and lasted 64 balls, as the hosts rallied.

Fast bowler Seales eyeing senior West Indies spot PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Following an impressive showing at the just concluded ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, Trinidadian fast bowler Jayden Seales is already targetting West Indies senior team honours.

He was one of the tournament’s leading fast bowlers with 10 wickets as West Indies Under-19s reached the quarter-finals before bowing out with a fifth-place finish.

Seales said his aim was now to make his first class debut with the ultimate dream of representing West Indies in the longest format.

“I always told my father I want to play Test cricket.

I want to open bowling in Test cricket,” Seales told the NewsDay here.

“For me right now it is about staying fit, training harder, getting myself ready to play four-day cricket

Stoute resists but Muhammad, Hinds limit Pride BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – A Kevin Stoute half-century underpinned critical rearguard action from Barbados Pride and denied Trinidad and Tobago Red Force total domination of the opening day of their fifth round match here yesterday.

Opting to bowl first, Red Force snatched the early advantage as seamers Uthman Muhammad (3-47) and Terrance Hinds (3-51) sliced through the Pride top order to reduce the innings to 47 for six after lunch, before the hosts recovered to reach 209 all out at Kensington Oval.

Stoute, in his third match of the season, top-scored with 52 batting at number seven while Ashley Nurse slammed a better than run-a-ball 48 and Test seamer Kemar Roach, an important 38.

In reply, Red Force lost Joshua DaSilva for 13 as they reached 52 for one at the close, with left-hander Jeremy Solozano ending unbeaten on 35.

Needing precious points from the encounter after enduring the frustration of a rain-ravaged drawn fourth round game against Windward Islands Volcanoes last week, Red Force enjoyed a dream start.

Left-handed opener Shayne Moseley struck four fours in his 23 before Hinds found his edge in the morning’s ninth over for DaSilva to take a smart

Left-arm seamer Daniel St Clair catch at second slip.

Seven runs later with 30 on the board, Muhammad removed in-form Test batsman Shamarh Brooks for four to a catch low down at gully by Kjorn Ottley, the right-hander driving loosely outside off-stump.

And with no runs added in the same over, Justin Greaves lost his middle stump to a full-length delivery, leaving Red Force in control of the first hour.

Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who has struggled this season averaging 21 from eight innings, continued his miserable run – shouldering arms to one from left-armer Daniel St Clair

(2-39) in the last over before lunch and falling lbw for four.

Brathwaite took 20 balls to get off the mark and lasted 55 balls in an hour-and-a-half at the crease.

Tottering on 33 for four at the interval, Pride found little reprieve after the resumption as Hinds bowled Kyle Mayers in the second over, spectacularly removing the left-hander’s off-stump for 10.

In the next over, St Clair shattered Test wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich’s stumps for three, after breaching the right-hander’s defence.

Stoute started the revival when he put on an invaluable 87 for the seventh wicket with Roach before adding a further 26 for the eighth wicket with Nurse.

The 34-year-old Stoute played an attractive innings, counting nine fours off 85 balls in just over two hours at the crease.

Roach crunched a couple of fours and three sixes off 72 balls before edging a slash at a wide ball from Muhammad and going caught at the wicket at 134 for seven.

Red Force then got the prized wicket of Stoute just before tea, caught down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin sweeping at left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein (2-49) but Nurse, who punched seven fours in a 47-ball cameo, rallied the innings.

I could be sacked if Man City fail to win Champions League – Guardiola From back page profession, to imagine what we can do to beat them.

“If we don’t beat them, OK, come the chairman or the sport director and say, ‘It’s not good enough, we want the Champions League, I’m going to sack you’. “(I would say) ‘OK, thank you,

it was a pleasure’. I don’t know (if that would happen). It has happened many times and could maybe happen.”

City’s hopes of winning the Premier League title for a third consecutive season have faded in recent weeks with league leaders Liverpool 22 points ahead of them.

Guardiola, however, does not

think their season has been a complete failure.

“You say the season is a disaster but if you win the Champions League it will be exceptional. Why? It’s difficult to win it,” he added.

“If you don’t, we can say in more than 100 years of history (there) were 100 failure seasons for Manchester City. That’s not true.”

Fast bowler Jayden Seales celebrates a wicket during the recent ICC Under-19 World Cup. and hopefully get into West Indies-A team or the senior team soon enough to play for the senior team in Test cricket.”

Seales played a critical role in the Windies success in the group stages. His four-wicket haul in the Caribbean side’s opener sent pre-tournament favourites Australia tumbling cheaply for 179, setting up a three-wicket win.

And even though he went wicket-less in the second game against highly-regarded England, his 10 overs cost just 21 runs as opposing batsmen found the going difficult against him.

Seales produced another four-wicket haul against minnows Nigeria, helping West Indies to finish the group stage unbeaten.

For his efforts, Seales was one of two West Indies players – the other was all-rounder Nyeem Young – to be selected to the team-of-the-tournament.

“For me personally, it was a good performance.

Coming off the tri-series (against Sri Lanka and England) I did not have the best performance,” he explained.

“I wanted to do better for the team so I trained very hard when I came back home and in the World Cup itself (in) the training sessions I worked hard.”

West Indies looked set to reach the semi-finals when they reduced New Zealand to 153 for eight in pursuit of 239 for victory in the quarter-final. However, tail-enders Kristian Clarke and Joey Field staged a record 86-run, unbroken ninth-wicket stand to stun the Windies.

Controversially, Seales sent down only six overs in the contest for just 21 runs but was never brought back with the game slipping away.

“It was a good performance by the team,” he said of the Windies’ performance in the tournament.

“I know we could have done better especially against New Zealand but all that is in the game, so it is just about us learning from it and going on to being better cricketers in the end.”

Government, GCB ‘Golden Republic T20 Bash’ to bowl off on February 21 … Hetmyer, Rutherford respective captains, to battle for $1M

I could be sacked if Man City fail to win Champions League – Guardiola Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola

From left, NCN Marketing & Sales Manager Dellon Murray, GCB secretary Anand Sanasie, TDO Colin Stuart during yesterday’s T20 Bash launch

By Clifton Ross Sanasie said the bash is expected Murray said NCN’s role is pivotal to mirror that of a high-intensity T20 in the Jubilee celebrations as being a IN wake of Guyana’s upcoming 50th affair, as West Indies players Shimron part of such a historic event, especially Anniversary (Jubilee) celebrations, Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford will given cricket’s message of unity. He the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) lead the two respective sides; named said archiving of the match will allow it and Ministry of Social Cohesion/ the ‘Hetmyer Hurricanes’ and ‘Ruther- to hold a special place among the list of Sport in partnership with National ford Renegades’. other activities Guyana will host during Communications Network (NCN), The pair of Windies stars will have this time of merriment; adding that unveiled the ‘Golden Republic T20 a number of Guyana Jaguars and Acad- Guyanese, 50 years from now will be Bash’ set for February 21 at the Guy- emy players at their disposal while able to see how Guyana celebrated her ana National Stadium, Providence.

Sanasie also said that Windies players milestone anniversary.

While a number of activities are Carlos Brathwaite, Chadwick Walton NCN will stream the match live on planned for the country’s celebratory and Rayad Emrit could be a part of the cable, or ball-by-ball on the company’s period, the Government of Guyana and match, as organisers are in talks to get a Facebook page while Radio coverage is GCB have sought to collaborate in order few regional players involved. expected to be widespread as to afford to bring the best national players and Only all-rounders Romario Shep- all Guyanese an opportunity to show possibly a few regional stars together herd and Keemo Paul will not feature support to their local cricket stars. for the T20 spectacle. in the Bash after being on West The GCB secretary also pointed out At yesterday’s launch held at NCN Indies duties. Meanwhile, the teams that the entrance fee is $2 000 to any of Studio on Homestretch Avenue, GCB will showcase their specially custom- the stands at the Providence stadium. secretary Anand Sanasie, Territorial De- ised playing kits for the match next The day’s festivities get undervelopment Officer (TDO) Colin Stuart week, as the organising committee way with a softball exhibition match and NCN Marketing & Sales Manager promised its final press-conference from 14:00hrs with the main feature Dellon Murray, unveiled the particulars ahead of the match and official un- match set to bowl off under lights at regarding the upcoming match. veiling of teams.

18:00hrs.

(REUTERS) - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said his job at the Premier League club may be on the line if they fail to win the Champions League title this season.

City have won five major domestic trophies since Guardiola took over in 2016 — including two Premier League titles and an historic domestic treble last year — but have never progressed past the quarter-final stage of the Champions League since the Spaniard’s arrival.

Former European champions Real Madrid await in the last-16 this season, with the first leg to be played later this month, and Guardiola said he is keen on getting his hands on the trophy he last won with Barcelona in 2011.

“I want to win the Champions League,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “I dream (of it) and I’ll enjoy preparing for the games against Madrid... this process, two weeks before, will be the happiest moments of my See page 35

Bishoo strikes late as Volcanoes reach 212 for six on rain-hit day

See story on page 35

Trophy Stall on board Republic Cup 2020

DEFENDING champions Regal Masters will be hard-pressed to retain supremacy when the annual Republic Cup softball tournament, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Incorporated, takes place at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground on Sunday.

Regal Masters recent showing have seen them slipping from their usual dominance with Wellman’s Masters rising to the top in domestic competitions while Fishermen Masters will look to create another upset in a major tournament.

Newcomers, East Coast Demerara Masters, will have their work cut out as they look to get their hands on the Trophy Stall-sponsored first prize ahead of the other seasoned

contenders.

In addition to the championship trophy there are also trophies for the runners-up, player-of-the-match in the final, best batsman of the tournament and best bowler, all compliments of Trophy Stall.

There will be live entertainment from the Caribbean Hot Shots Band and live commentary from international commentators Inderjeet Persaud and John Ramsingh.

The first ball is bowled at 10:00hrs on the small outfield in semi-final action, followed by the final at 14:00hrs.

The participating teams will also be using the Republic Cup tournament as further preparation for the Orlando Cup, scheduled for March 20, 21 and 22 in Orlando.

Defending champions Regal Masters

Lord’s cricket card fraudster faces jail time Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

See story on page 31

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020