Guyana Chronicle E-paper 1-26-2020

26th January, 2020

Book reviews:

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The President and 19 national unity PAGE

‘Resist the spin’

No.105891

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

-GECOM Chair urges responsible elections media coverage

----Tells reporters: “Be aware of hearsay reports, do not report them unless you verify your stories

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger on Saturday opened a two-day Robotics workshop, at the Lusignan Learning Centre, East Coast Demerara. The workshop is expected to benefit 30 children ages nine to 16, from the Good Hope and Lusignan communities.

Mrs. Granger commended the Lusignan Robotics Club for their commitment to ensure that the club remains active, since its formation in 2016.

In this Ministry of the Presidency photo, First Lady, Mrs. Granger (seated centre), is flanked by, from left to right, Confidential Secretary to the First Lady, Lieutenant–Colonel Yvonne Smith; Administrator of the Lusignan Learning Centre, Ms. Padmoutie Pooran and Facilitators, Ms, Aisha Peters and Mr. Joshua Reece. Also in picture are the children who will be participating in the two–day programme

‘No visible sign of of PPP’s legacy’ …Deep South Rupununi toshao hails work of gov’t in Region 9

Banks DIH takes aim at auto, ‘green’ energy sectors 04 PAGE

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-Chairman says new automotive and services division will spearhead transformation

‘No extra-judicial killings, cops better trained’ 10 PAGE

…Guyana tells UN Human Rights Council

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

‘No visible sign of PPP’s legacy’ …Deep South Rupununi toshao hails work of gov’t in Reg. 9

By Alva Solomon IT was almost 18:00hrs on Saturday afternoon and Toshao of the Deep-South Rupununi village of Awarewaunau, Vitalis Alfred, was preparing to listen to the news on National Communications Network’s (NCN) affiliate, Radio Aishalton.

It was a moment which he never dreamed would have existed until February 2018, when the radio station was switched on at Aishalton.

Today, many villagers at Awarewaunau are able to follow developments across the country and beyond via the radio station, one of several which were commissioned by the David Granger-led administration, across the country.

Vitalis, an ardent follower of current affairs, told the Guyana Chronicle from his home on Saturday, that he would “read between the lines” to see if the government of the day is paying attention to the development of the village.

The former educator, who started his teaching career in 1977 before retiring in 2015, said he would listen to the plans which the politicians “come with to our village, but we know better.”

Quiet recently, a group of activists from an opposition political party visited the remote village to lay down their plans but according to the village leader, he was too busy participating in other village matters outside the village, all geared at development and enhancing awareness in the village.

“They give statistics of what this (APNU+AFC) government has done for the past four years and what they, the opposition, would do. They said things like increasing salary, they didn’t say how, but and they would try to tell us that there is no development,” he said.

But the village leader commended the coalition government for working to improve the lives of residents in the area. “I think they did something worthwhile for

their four years in office, when compared to the other one which had 23 years,” Alfred said in a frank tone.

The village leader had a question of his own. “I asked what they have done in the past 23 years, there is no visible sign,” he said.

He recalled that for years, the Opposition Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) “did nothing for us.” According to him, in the weeks leading up to the 2015 elections, “they came with graders and try to impress upon us and grade a little 800 meters in each village.”

Alfred said it was one of the most appalling situations he had ever observed. “That was the only thing they did, and then they shared out solar panels but those are from the Norway project, that wasn’t from them, it was tax-payers money which was coming right back to us here” he said.

LINK TO THE AIRWAVES The village leader said that while he holds a neutral

lage will benefit fully when that project is 100 per cent completed.

However, he noted that another project was undertaken by the government to upgrade the water system and as such, some households are now able to have improved access to potable water.

HE explained that Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) officials stated that low pressure was an issue they faced in connecting the well to households. He expressed hope that the situation will be remedied.

Toshao of Awarewaunau, Vitalis Alfred

position on political issues, he would not place a blind eye on development in the village and further afield.

He credited the coalition government for linking Awarewaunau to the airwaves through Radio Aishalton, as well as the implementation of a remote Wi-Fi communication system, which he noted is still undergoing some testing.

He said that although the road network in the area feels the brunt of rainy weather, the coalition government has been continuously maintaining the roads in the DeepSouth Rupununi. He reiterated that although the roads have been graded, one cannot stop Mother Nature. “We are

happy for those upgrading of the roads,” he said.

WATER In 2018, as part of a Complementary Agreement to the Basic Agreement on Technical Cooperation signed between the Presidents of Guyana and Brazil, to develop infrastructure projects, the Brazilian Army Engineering and Construction Battalion (BEC) undertook a project which entailed the drilling of eight wells in eight South Rupununi villages to provide water security during the dry seasons.

Awarewaunau was one such village selected and according to Alfred, although not fully completed, the vil-

HEYS Alfred said that several villagers are the beneficiaries of grants which fall under the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs flagship project: the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, and they are currently developing their businesses. “Officials would come from time to time to monitor their progress and this is good for the people so that they can do things independently,” the village leader said.

NEEDS OF THE VILLAGE He said at the moment, the village is working to raise funds to repair its minibus which was given to the council by the coalition government under the government’s TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

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‘Resist the spin’ -GECOM Chair urges media to be responsible in coverage of elections

----Tells reporters: ‘Be aware of hearsay reports…do not report them unless you verify your stories’ with election content, which provides knowledge to the citizenry and helps them in the electoral process. The content also encourages democracy and lends itself to advocacy for all of Guyana to participate in the democratic process.

This democratic process will only be achieved through responsible journalism and reporting, said the GECOM chairperson, adding that she has already listened to, watched and read some very “disconcerting stories.”

In her advice to media outlets and in response to such stories, she said: “sensational reporting is irresponsible journalism, particularly when election is just around the corner…such reporting evokes emotion, which will stimulate mistrust and vio-

By Navendra Seoraj WITH General and Regional Elections a mere 36 days away, Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice Claudette Singh, has urged media workers to be responsible in their reporting, considering the political climate at this time.

“This is not cricket, during cricket season we are all together but I don’t know what takes place during elections…so in the interest of peace and stability, I urge you not to execute your functions at the expense of a peaceful society…resist the spin and contextualise your stories,” said Justice Singh, during her address to media workers on the first day of a media training exercise for elections coverage, at Palm Court, on Saturday.

The media, as the fourth estate, will be disseminating a vast amount of information, with messages specifically targeted at the political par-

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GPA: Media workers at the elections training

ties and their candidates, as well as other key stakeholders such as the electorate.

And, Justice Singh believes that it is commendable when the landscape is saturated

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‘No visible sign ...

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Five ‘B’s programme.

He said, as expected, the bus experienced mechanical problems after continuous use and sourcing spares is an issue facing the village.

He noted that the bus came as a blessing for school children living in far-flung areas of the village.

Alfred noted too that job creation, although a complex issue, should be examined more by the authorities. He said that for decades, there are students who leave the villages to enhance their qualifications but on return to the village, the only available opportunities, like most Hinterland areas, are teaching and working with the health sector.

He said the opposition politicians have been harping on the large number of jobs they will make available to the hinterland areas but this, he noted, is impossible. “I am sure they won’t give me a job,” he said.

WIND AND SOLAR PROJECTS Alfred noted that the word Awarewaunau in Wapishiana signifies “windy hill”, and this name was given to the village since it sits atop a hill.

On this note, the village leader said that the authorities should consider placing wind energy projects in the village as a means to power the community. In addition, he posited that the villagers would welcome a large-scale solar project since he noted that agriculture is a major economic activity at the village. As such, the need for cold storage for produce is vital.

He said too that finding markets for produce is a bugbear which villagers have faced for many years. He explained that Coastlanders would enter the village to buy their produce and propose low sums of monies for products such as peanuts and farine.

He explained that a pound of farine is sold for $150 but the traders would propose $100, noting that the villagers have very little choices. “If we can get better markets that would be helpful,” Alfred added.

The village leader was elected in 2018 after years of turning down the opportunity as proposed by the village of 700.

He said that in 2018, when he was elected to serve to village, he placed accountability and development of his people as among the priorities. Alfred said he had no cause to launch an election campaign to be village leader. “I didn’t ask a single person to vote for me, the people saw leadership quality in me and maybe they were tired of the previous leaders,” he said, as he prepared to tune his radio to Radio Aishalton to catch the news.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

Banks DIH takes aim at auto, ‘green’ energy sectors

-Chairman says new automotive and services division will spearhead transformation

By Navendra Seoraj IN responding to the

growing demands and needs of Guyanese, the Banks DIH Group will be investing in the transportation and renewable-energy sectors.

“We will be the future of transportation and alternative energy,” said Chairman of the local conglomerate, Clifford Reis, in his address to shareholders at the company’s annual Shareholders’ Meeting, on Saturday.

He reminded shareholders that they live in a rapidly-changing environment,

where science and technology influence every aspect of life. And, Reis believes that by ignoring this reality, the company would be doing so at its own peril.

In keeping up with the changing times and making sure that it is not left behind, the company will be looking to expand its manufacturing, wholesale and retail sales base, and financial services.

“The economy, which is poised to undergo dramatic changes, will bring new challenges, demands and realities…we have already seen an increase in the demand for additional housing and industrial zones to satisfy the increasing manufacturing capacity,” said Reis, adding that, with Georgetown practically running out of space, persons had to search for housing and jobs away

from the city and surrounding areas.

The “new reality” has accelerated the need for mobility and the demand for vehicles and other methods of transportation.

Directors of Banks DIH Ltd., in responding to the new reality, has commenced discussions with the manufacturers of a brand of motorcycle, which the company hopes to import and sell.

Reis, while not disclosing the manufacturer, said the model of motorcycles are considered to be more attractive and cost-effective than those on the market. The company is also exploring the possibilities of securing the rights for a car dealership from a “recognised” manufacturer of motor vehicles. According to Reis, this initiative will complement the company’s

SUNDAY JANUARY 26, 2020 - 05:30hrs

vision of satisfying the nation’s transport needs.

In addition to the transport sector, the company, as part of its “diverse business model,” had installed solar energy at its Qik Serv restaurants, in an effort to reduce energy charges. “After noticing the results, a decision was taken that we will convert all areas across the company to the use of solar energy, utilising solar panels to be mounted on the manufacturing plant and office buildings,” said Reis, adding that their plan does not stop there.

In addition to utilising solar for its activities, the company is also investigating the methodology of sourcing and importing PV panels and related equipment, in order to offer a service.

The transportation and renewable energy activities will be spearheaded by the company’s new “Banks Automotive and Service Inc.,” which will be located at the group’s Demerara Park.

“Despite all of this, we cannot and should not cultivate the luxury of thinking that we have accomplished everything that can be accomplished…we must continue to build,” said Reis.

In reflecting on the achievements in 2019, he said Banks DIH Ltd. Group’s third

party revenue was $32.917B compared to $30.518B in 2018, representing an increase of $2.4B or 7.9 per cent. The trading profit from operations for the group was $7.5B when compared with $6.8B achieved in 2018, representing an increase of $692M or 10.1 per cent.

He said the profit after tax attributable to the shareholders of the parent company was $4.8B compared to $4.2B in 2018, an increase of $611M or 14.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, revenue generated by Banks DIH (the company) was $29.5B compared to $27.4B in 2018, an increase of $2.1B or 7.8 per cent. The profit after tax for the company increased from $4B to $4.5B, reflecting an increase of $439M or 10 per cent.

“For the greater part of 2019, we were challenged to adjust the impact which rising fuel prices had on the company’s revenue streams.

This challenge, among others, required prudent management of the financial and human resources,” said Reis.

The company was, however, able to get over its challenges and managed to improve its capacity by installing an increased storage capacity of potable water and equipment to accommodate TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

Banks DIH takes aim at auto, ‘green’ energy... increased production of the ice cream products and new flavours of Frostee products.

He said too that the Trisco modernisation project continued in 2019 with the installation of new packaging equipment to produce new and exciting packages for biscuits. The list includes those for the Midwest range of biscuits and cookies, as well as whole wheat crackers.

In addition, the expansion of the security system via the installation of additional night vision cameras, as well as the installation of additional freezers, beverage coolers and water dispensers, were among the progressive moves made by Banks in 2019.

Chairman/Managing Director of Banks DIH Ltd, Clifford Reis (Carl Croker photo)

media outlet functions as a public relations mouth piece for whichever government, industry or power interest controls or exercises direct influence over the outlet, said the ambassador.

“Without the careful efforts of editors and journalists to dedicate their professional life to objectivity and unbiased reporting of facts, media outlets would function as purveyors of party propaganda and spin,” Ann-Lynch asserted, adding that, in both cases, whether lacking independence or neutrality, truth can be obscure.

In referring to the 2015 General and Regional elections, the ambassador said assessments of the media environment were conducted by some observers, who later reported that the media was biased in its election coverage.

The observers noted the diverse range of content and opinion across the media, but some of the assessments showed, only a small amount of the coverage was neutral and unbiased.

In encouraging the media to improve, the ambassador said: “this election is your opportunity to turn your page on that history and to more faithfully and convey unbiased information to the citizens of Guyana…in doing so, the press will display leadership role, as the purveyors of facts and balanced analysis on the elections.”

President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Raghubir, who spoke before the ambassador, also made a crucial point about the role of the media, especially during the elections season.

“More than ever, our jobs have placed us in a position to ramp up the level of our fact-checking, put a greater effort into striking balance, digging deeper to present stories with all the facets of fairness and to present information without prejudice.

“This has proven to be very tricky and sometimes dangerous, as journalism battles with social media to present news in real time, break stories in a competing business environment while

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Some of the shareholders who attended the meeting on Saturday (Carl Croker photo)

‘Resist the...’ lence, in an already-charged environment.”

Justice Singh urged media workers to be careful in their reporting on any Election Day incident and also encouraged members of the media to stay away from sensationalism and ensure that there is credible information.

“Be aware of hearsay reports…do not report them unless you verified your stories,” said the GECOM Chair.

While the media sets out to be balanced and accurate in its reporting, she said, GECOM has many safeguards at every polling station to ensure that there are free, fair and transparent elections on March 2, 2020. Among GECOM’s safeguards are parties, elections’ agents, and local and international observers.

US Ambassador, Sarah Ann-Lynch, in her remarks, said: “we are here because a free and robust press is vital to democracy and good governance…to fulfill its highest civic focus the press must be both independent and unbiased.”

Without independence, a

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all doing this with shrinking newsrooms,” said Raghubir.

She believes that credibility is the only value media workers have in their profession and if they are serious about what they do, they should work to ensure that “every box” is checked in order to have fair, balanced and informative stories.

With elections fast approaching, GPA encouraged media houses to do have some introspection and examine how the work of the media can impact on the greater good of Guyana, especially in this period and beyond.

In emphasising her point, she said: “we need to examine whether or not we are writing the real stories that ought to be told; are we covering the real issues tied to elections and the post-election period when the real work ought to begin; are our headlines and sound bites informing our audiences; and most importantly, are we really holding our politicians accountable.”

In that regard, the me-

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dia training, which was organised by the GPA and the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham), is geared at ensuring that media understands its role in providing coverage of elections and also understanding its role in the dissemination of credible information in this period.

The programme, which ends today, will also ensure that media workers know their role in fostering an environment of social cohesion, during an often tense period.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

Voter-Turnout IN his address to a Coalition rally at Golden Grove on the East Coast of Demerara, President David Granger called on his supporters to vote in large numbers at the coming elections. The President was of course addressing the thorny issue of low voter-turnout. He hinted to the large gathering that the 2020 elections would be determined by those with the capacity to get their supporters to the polls or what he called the “battle of numbers.” Speaking specifically to Region Four voters, he said: “The problem I face tonight is that 25 per cent of this region was absent without leave…

This time, let us not make a mistake, I don’t want 75 per cent of the people to

turn up, I want 80 and 85 per cent of the people of this region. If we get that mobilisation, we win the country.”

This call by the President is timely. Motivating citizens to vote in large numbers has in recent times been an uphill task for politicians in the wider Caribbean. On an average more than one-third of registered voters in the Region fail to turn up to vote on election day. In the recent election in Dominica, for example, voter turnout was a disappointing 53.7 per cent. Here in Guyana, voter-turnout has gone from 88.4 per cent and 91.7 per cent in 1997 and 2001 respectively to 72.92 per cent in 2015. The turnout in 2006 and 2011 was 69.3 per cent and 72.9 per cent,

respectively.

It is clear from those numbers that voter-turnout has dropped considerably.

Regardless of which side of the political fence one sits, this must be cause for concern. No doubt, individual parties tend to motivate their supporters to go to the polls while hoping that those of opposing parties stay away. But from the national standpoint, the country benefits from full participation in elections. It indicates popular confidence in the political process, something that is essential in a functioning democracy.

Most of the research on the cause of low voter-turnout suggests that alienation from politics and the political process is one of the major factors. These voters tend to

feel that their votes would not alter the outcome of the elections or change the larger picture. In other words, they do not see the linkage of the vote to their individual material circumstances. Citizens do have a role to play in ensuring that they carry out their civic duties, of which voting is an important component.

Each voter who decides to stay away from the poll is in effect ceding to someone else his or her right to determine the fate of the nation.

Elections are determined by those who vote and the party that wins for the most part determines policies and laws for the entire nation.

But politicians and parties must take some blame for the apparent alienation of voters.

Some parties often solicit votes at election time only to

cease communication with voters when the election is over. Others turn elections into a carnival of lies or appeals to the worse instincts in their supporters. The combination of these factors, no doubt, drives citizens away from the process.

So, it is incumbent upon political leaders to address this problem. The President must be commended for publicly raising it. It is time we have a conversation about it that cuts across the political divide.

A functioning democracy is enhanced by increased citizen participation and one of the most important forms of participation is voting. There is also a role for civic and non-governmental groups such as the

media, the church and other people’s organisations in educating voters about the importance of voting.

It is with that in mind that this publication joins the president in calling on all citizens, regardless of political leanings, to go out and cast their votes on March 2. There is much at stake.

We understand why some voters are alienated, but we ask that you consider the larger picture. The preservation of the democratic process hinges on more, not less participation. We also remind voters that if they do not cast their votes, it would weaken their right to complain about the electoral outcome.

View of political environment absolutely correct ONE refers to Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh’s, quote, “Only one way I know and that is the correct way... there are so much[sic] negative things in the newspapers.

I will not sell my integrity for all the oil in Guyana. It’s [the] only way I know it and that is the only way I will deliver credible elections,” News Source, January 20, 2020, Headlined, “GECOM Chair defends integrity following criticism from Opposition Leader.”

Apart from the fact that this statement is the firmest of declarations so far, made by the authoritative chairperson of

GECOM Justice Singh, that she intends to deliver on her constitutional mandate, it speaks a million truths in terms of what has been occurring in this society, from since May 2015, but particularly from the seminal date of December 21, 2019.

Of course, as one with so many decades of impeccable service as a member of the local judiciary, and who should have been chief justice, but for the narrow mindedness of the executive at the time when her recommendation had to be decided, she is clear in her statement that her integrity cannot be bought, or be subverted for any offer, not even the lure of the oil dollar.

Editor, this nation has wit-

nessed so many personalities of former moral rectitude who once stood on the high pulpit of national correctness, doing some astonishing somersaults, in supporting first, an opposition party, which policies when formerly in government, they had condemned in good principle; and, secondly, which political bandwagon they have subsequently joined, in seeking to remove a duly elected government.

How do they explain, their fullest public support for a former political party’s government, now in opposition, which criminalised the state, can only best be understood by their indecent haste to do so? There have been other inferences as

Let us end violence in schools now!

Dear Editor,

IT is almost painful and heartbreaking to watch the video of two students of a secondary school in the mining town of Linden having

to resort to violence to solve their problems.

This speaks to my mind of a wider problem that exists in our society today.

I do not profess to be a sociologist; in my humble opin-

ion the problems faced by our young people today are more complex than they seem, and therefore this drop in the bucket so to speak, speaks to a wider problem in the fragmentation of our society.

to the role of oil, corrupting the good consciences of many persons, who were known and respected for their high public morality, published in your columns. But the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM) Chairperson’s is one of the very few made at such a very senior level of state.

And about the negativity of the media – an absolutely undisputed view, about a very important component of democracy, which some of its parts continue to be guilty of the grossest acts of media distortion, fake news, and accommodation of some of the most heinous acts of crooked interpretations of the law for political ends, ever witnessed

in this country.

This particular segment has shamelessly been pandering, continuing to do so, to dangerous partisan political ends for a price that is not worth the eternal damage that it has done to traditional media: being the political public relations mouthpiece for politicians whose service to country is the worst to have been recorded in the annals of CARICOM. Using its traditional position of influence, the vested interest and politically aligned media has been very instrumental in allowing its pages to publish some of the most outrageous lies mouthed by the very cabal that is guilty of pillaging

this country. Even GECOM has not been spared, or its past chairperson, and also the current Justice Singh, from the media attempts propagating sensationalism and muckraking to denigrate its constitutional authority. This is what one believes could be drawn from the above statement, as quoted – the integrity and moral souls of men, bought and all lost, cheaply for a pint of oil.

As a society we must take a brother’s-keeper approach in dealing with the social ills that plague our society.

We must be able to guide our young people and point them in the direction that violence is not the way to solve our issues. A cultural shift is

therefore critical, if we as a society will be an end to such moral decadence. The days when there is a callous approach or a mind-your-own business toward violence among our youths must cease now.

We as a society cannot stand idly by and see our

young people engaging in brawls without calling on the members of our disciplined forces, particularly the Guyana Police Force, for their intervention. Let us fight to stamp out this social ill now.

Regards Earl Hamilton

Best Regards, Dillon Goring

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

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Why only now? Why the tender footedness in carrying out its mandate?

Dear Editor

SO, the Ethnic Relations Commission(ERC) has now decided to begin a programme of “…an education initiative to change mindsets and tackle the long-standing issue of division among Guyanese… remains convinced that education is the key to help change mindsets for the removal of stereotypes…. will continue to prioritise educational programmes in 2020,” Guyana Chronicle, January 10, 2020 “ERC zeroes in on social media.”

I am somewhat confused here, since in the succeeding paragraphs, there is a statement about several symposiums that have been held in all 10 administrative regions…. for the year 2019.”

Immediately, I must ask how well publicised were these public interactions, since I do not ever recall reading/ hearing much about such critical endeavours on the part of the ERC that had seemingly taken on a reactive approach in matters of race and activity in Guyana. Unfortunately, the opinion was not published.

What had been perceived would be the role of an ERC being re-constituted, with regard to how it would en-

gage the challenge of race/ ethnicity in Guyana. Could there be a fear to discuss the issue of race/ethnicity in Guyana? Particularly the role of the ERC in challenging its ugly presence, particularly when propagated by certain sections of Guyana, and politically driven by certain political quarters for dangerous, divisive ends.

Editor, the fact of a heightened, deeply polarised society, exacerbated by self-serving political quarters for anti-national purposes, is a fact which cannot be denied. In fact, if one is prepared to sweep it under the proverbial carpet or make light of its presence and concomitant effect on our society, then we are saying that the events of the 23 years of a particular type of governance did not exist, or we have recently awakened from a Rip Van Winkle sojourn.

One recalls the highly contradictive behaviour of the defunct ERC of that period, which administrative body had been holding reported public engagements throughout Guyana. But what was the reality of such endeavours, if they were really genuinely done by the last administration? The latter was carrying out an institu-

tionalised policy of racism against a section of our nation. This is a fact which cannot be disputed.

Moreover, there is no mistaking the fact that racism became the epicentre of certain politicians and their vested interests, with the ante raised to alarming decibels since 2015, as they sought to undermine the government while attempting to incite social tensions throughout the society. It therefore goes without any debate that any organisation such as the ERC being resuscitated at that particular time, should know that it has a challenge on its hands, and it has to be pointed in confronting the challenges of a dangerous beast that threatened the peace of the society.

Therefore, it could not have been found wrong, or out of its mandate, to call in those particular political quarters and its leaders responsible for fuelling the hatred of race, and divisiveness in our country. For such is within its constitutional functions. Was this ever done?

Nor could it have been incorrect in demanding that these leaders responsible for what took on a racial insurgency, admonish their constituents to halt their use

of social media for the daily dissemination of the poison of race and division, allied with attacks on a particular segment of society. Or publicly condemn such dangerous attempts at race incitement. I am very certain that the ERC’s Media Monitoring Unit has been aware of such incendiaries, inclusive of one that spoke about the Sophia night school attempting to get its students into the University of Guyana through “the back door.’’ Where were the condemnation of such an unfair comment, which was clearly being carried against a background of race? One can even refer to the unbelievable comments,on the announcement of air links agreement between Guyana and some African states. I felt very offended on those unjustified and dark portents of race which were the enduring background of such attacks.

Surely, the ERC could not have missed such horrible statements and others of similar tenor, which have come to epitomise the political page of social media in Guyana.

In plain language – it ought to have ever since been confronting this incendiary that continues to threaten the peace.

Editor, it would be un-

realistic for me or anyone to expect overnight success from the ERC in engaging the dangerous enemy of race and ethnicity in Guyana.

Neither is its task going to be made easier when there are certain politicians who continue to use this dangerous social scourge for selfish ends. However, the ERC must understand that race is indeed a national issue – constituting the greatest threat to the dreams and aspirations of a better Guyana, especially one that is now on the cusp of truly great things. It must understand, quite clearly, that its task is to not only educate the nation as to the dangers posed by this monster, a public offensive that it should have proactively been doing from its inception, and investigate cases alleging discrimination brought to its attention, but to also reprimand those responsible for posing threats via such dangerously reckless behaviour, irrespective as to who these anti-nationals are. And since there is provision in the powers of this body to prosecute persons, then let it be. Since there are segments who have perceived the organisation as a collective of mere talkers.

Of course, every Guyanese must support an initia-

tive of national education, in which all will be involved in grappling with the race threat to this society, as it occasions great opportunities for serious discussions and enlightenment about a social incendiary which can only bring great harm to this nation, especially having a future general bequeathing a burden, which their antecedents would have failed to solve, or the least limit. And this should be in the form of bringing communities together in joint discussions about each other, and the need for mutual respect and a better understanding, which does not have to be influenced by fear.

My further question is why has the commission waited so late before it now speaks of offering public education on racism and its dangers; and paying close attention to social media?

Just look at the immense damage that the latter dark corridors would have done to this country, inclusive of the latter five years. How can the ERC not accept that it needs to let its mandate be respected?

Regards Carla Mendonca

A call for order and vigilance Dear Editor TODAY I wish to express my disappointment regarding the altercation with two young female students from Linden which resulted in the stabbing and subsequent hospitalisation of one of the students. I watched the video with pain for the student and utter disappointment as I also observed the callous nature of the onlookers. As a teacher for over 18 years and a qualified Social Worker, I am here to declare that we cannot have a callous approach or a mind-my-own business approach towards violence among our youth.

We should be our brother’s keeper. We can no longer have a hands-off approach as it relates to our youth. We must not stand idly by as schoolchildren fight or enter into altercations with each other. Some of the adults who were present should have

called the police or threaten to call the police even before it reached the stage of stabbing.

It is my belief that this situation was avoidable on every level; therefore, I hereby recommend that we revert to the village approach that proved successful in times past to ensure that this unacceptable behaviour is not repeated. A cultural shift must take place.

Should parents follow these steps, we will be able to avoid and minimise these incidents.

As a society we must see ourselves as part of the solution. Healthy families produce grounded and responsible children. We as parents, aunts, uncles and older relatives have a vital role to play in disciplining the young members of our family. Parents must no longer oppose other relatives who attempt to instill discipline in our children. We should welcome this discipline as it could save them from getting into serious trouble. There is

great value in this; we must appreciate that someone else other than us loved our child enough to correct them. Love is not only about emotional expressions or buying of expensive gifts, but it is also about correction and discipline. When we allow others to correct our children, they learn respect for authority.

There is a colloquial saying, “I mek this child, but I didn’t mek his mind.” Today I am here to refute this statement as it shirks the responsibility of moulding the mind of the child, to the child. Parents must know their children’s friends and associates, check their children’s school bags, check their phones and by extension their social media accounts. Many children have cyber wars, they post demeaning and horrifying things about each other on WhatsApp status and other forms of social media.

Educate your children,

let them know that if trouble occurs that they should call for help, and I repeat, “call for help,” not try to stop it themselves. Tell our kids to call for help instead of filming fellow students being bullied and hurt with the intention of further humiliating the students and putting same on social media.

Let us teach our children to walk away from trouble and avoid trouble at all costs; even if they are provoked they should call for help. Tell your kids to go home immediately after school and forbid loitering.

Know who are your children’s social media and phone contacts and last, but not least, do not be afraid to seek counselling for your children.

We must get involved, these simple steps could stop problems before they start. I am convinced that if these best practices are fol-

lowed that we will be able to avoid and minimise violence among our young people.

We can condemn the act, but we must employ best practices to avoid future incidents. We all have a re-

sponsibility to our children, so let us all work with them to build a strong and safer future for all its inhabitants.

Regards Jermaine Figueira

8

ONWARD, UPWARD! TRANSPARENCY International reported that during 2019 Guyana climbed three points on the ladder of its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), and has registered its best score ever.

As I read the report, our serene, national patriotic song, “Onward upward may we ever go; day by day in strength and beauty show…” echoed.

With a score of 40, Guyana is ranked at 85th among 180 countries, and is listed as one of the countries that have significantly reduced corrupt practices.

BIG NEWS This is big news for Guyana. It helps to project our image as a country with which others could do business. It also recognises that our country has been implementing better practices that promote confidence and integrity in our governance systems.

This achievement did not come easily in a country that, just a decade ago, was cited for pervasive corruption. The level of sleaze was responsible eventually for the removal of the PPP from government after an unbroken 23 years in office.

PERVASIVE CORRUPTION The charge of “pervasive corruption” was first made by veteran party executive and former House Speaker

Mr. Ralph Ramkarran (who quit the PPP and is now the presidential candidate of a new political party), and which was quickly re-affirmed by Dr. Cheddi (Joey) Jagan, whose parents had not only co-founded the PPP, but were former presidents of Guyana.

Widespread corruption (once cynically spelt with three Ps – corruPPPtion), was the reason for the motion of no confidence in 2014 against the former government. The motion contained 10 words, “That this National Assembly has no confidence in the government”. Those tiny words, I had explained, were extracted from the biblical Ten Commandments, one of which exhorted, “thou shall not steal!”

AUGEAN STABLES It was no easy task for Guyana to wriggle out from the Augean Stables of corruption. Under the former regime monies from the public purse were spent without the approval of the National Assembly, and in defiance of specific disapproval by the House. Public funds were squandered on questionable contracts with cronies for blotched projects, such as the Specialty Hospital, the Amaila “road to nowhere”, single-sourced pharmaceuticals etc..

The former regime had refused to pass public procurement legislation which

resulted in expenditure of public funds (in the tune of hundreds of billions) being compromised. It failed to re-establish an Integrity Commission, which reinforced the perception that public officials were not accountable.

For years our country incubated what has been described as the “parallel economy” which was stifling the commercial oxygen from the legitimate private sector. That underground economy was characterised by trading in contraband, narco-trafficking and money-laundering.

The unwelcome spinoffs were widespread kickbacks, extra-judicial killings, misappropriation of state resources, including improper allocation to friends of radio/television frequencies, forestry and mining concessions, and prime lands to state officials and friends.

MELEE OF CORRUPTION In the ensuing melee of corruption a minister of government was assassinated, some 500 young people were “shot and killed” and there were separate episodes of massacres. Several officials of government were fingered in one type of excess or the other; some of them are now before the courts facing criminal charges. Among them are a former attorney general and

the current PPP presidential candidate.

When the six-party APNU+AFC Coalition came to office, it inherited systemic corruption that had required Herculean efforts to cleanse.

The Granger government quickly put in place the legislative and institutional framework to contain the excesses. These include laws on anti-money laundering and terrorism financing which in turn spawned the Financial Intelligence Unit, the national anti-narcotic agency, the special organised crime unit, and the state assets recovery agency.

The government was serious about stamping out corruption, drugs and crime.

It brought back the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and re-established ties with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

While it remains an uphill task to fully uproot corrupt practices which had eaten into the sinews of our society, Guyana has come a long way. The results show that we are trying, and getting kudos for our efforts.

FLURRYING FLAGS Those efforts, along with

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

our emerging image as a stable, orderly, clean and “green” country, radiate a calm assurance of the re-election of the coalition government. Supporters are rallying with the coalition in huge numbers and with flurrying flags – all green and gold!

This gives the opposition no comfort. The PPP’s chief henchman, Mr. Jagdeo, was quoted as saying on Friday, “flags don’t win elections.”

Funny that he should say that, as it was the PPP that had started what might have appeared to him as a “flag war.” What was more funny, if not shameful, was that the PPP placed a flag on every pole on which the coalition government had placed street lamps!

Besides, they stuck posters on the poles, one saying that the PPP would remove VAT and the other promising free university education. Funny, again, since it was Jagdeo’s PPP that had imposed the 16 per cent VAT (which the Coalition reduced by 2 per cent and will reduce down the road, incrementally); and it was the PPP that had introduced fee-paying at the University of Guyana.

But I had advised our campaign activists who were putting up flags that when the PPP go low, we must go high (paraphrasing the famous exhortation by Michelle Obama), and even put up bigger flags! Bigger is better!

SWEET CHORUS Having surrendered in the “flag war”, Mr. Jagdeo tried to put some wind in the opposition sail by saying that everybody is complaining that they don’t have enough spending money.

Of all the funny things that he could say, was that his hairdresser was also complaining. That must be either a sick joke, or a bald-headed lie!

But this is the silly season, and politicians are allowed space for both serious talk and idle prattle. Voters, however, will look critically at the corruption index.

They will choose between those who had mired us in sleaze, and those who are cleaning the old, dirty slate.

On the lips of every voter must be the sweet chorus: “Onward, upward may we ever go!”

Understanding Energy

New find in Suriname

EARLIER this month, oil companies Total and Apache announced their first significant offshore find in Suriname, just across the maritime border from the prolific Stabroek Block where ExxonMobil has already made 15 discoveries.

France-based Total, one of the world’s largest oil companies, bought a 50 per cent stake in Suriname’s Block 58 in late 2019, likely due in part to the immense success in Guyana. Total paid its new partner, Apache, to be a part of the block that they have been exploring in Suriname since 2015.

The Maka-Central 1 well was described as a “significant” find by both companies. Apache executives told the Financial Times that their results indicated “the potential for prolific oil wells” in the 1.4-million-acre block.

This is Suriname’s first offshore find, but the country has been an oil producer for years from three

small fields on its coastal plain.

The biggest, Tambaredjo, has been producing since the 1980s. Suriname’s output has steadily hovered around 20,000 barrels per day. This documented history of oil production was one major benefit from the perspective of international oil companies.

Nevertheless, that production figure is about one tenth of what Liza Phase 1 alone will produce.

Before the new find offshore, Suriname’s remaining reserves stood at about 87 million barrels, according to Geoscience and Technology Explained, an industry magazine.

Suriname has a small refinery outside Paramaribo and a national oil company (NOC), Staatsolie.

Suriname shares much of its geology with Guyana. Both are part of the geological formation called the Guiana Shield which stretches between the Orinoco and the Amazon rivers and includes eastern

Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil.

Naturally, many Guyanese are curious what the contract terms were in our neighbour’s case and what it might get for any oil it produces.

Suriname is not normally considered a “peer” country with Guyana. Even though it is our neighbour, its long history of oil production, infrastructure and industry experience puts it in a different category. For example, having Suriname’s NOC, Staatsolie, means that many of Suriname’s contracts and exposure to the industry will vary greatly from Guyana, where there is no NOC. All of this makes it difficult to compare contract terms directly.

Instead, countries that are just starting out as oil and gas producers like Mozambique, Mauritania, and Israel, can be more helpful comparisons.

Suriname doesn’t publicly release its production sharing contracts, as Guyana did, but its draft contract framework shows that Staatsolie has a contractual option to buy up to a 20 per cent stake of a project. In other words, the Surinamese government will help with the substantial costs of exploration and production—something Guyana has avoided as the oil companies pay all the upfront costs.

Guyanese media have correctly cited the fact that Suriname apparently receives a 6 per cent royalty and up to 36 per cent corporate income tax but have failed to address the critical issue of profit sharing.

Under Guyana’s current contract with Exxon, we will receive a 2 per cent royalty and 50 per cent of all profits. It appears that in Suriname’s case, the maximum profit sharing it could get would be 20 per cent, and only if Staatsolie shared in the costs of the project up front. If it

didn’t, Suriname would not receive any cut of the profits, just normal business taxes and a royalty. That might mean that Suriname’s overall government take is lower than Guyana’s, especially if profits are high.

Analysts and other oil companies are eagerly awaiting more information about the discovery.

Apache is set to drill the next two wells on the block, after which Total will take over as operator.

Neither company has released an estimate yet for just how big the find might be.

But any significant find will help prove that the incredible value of the Guyana Basin is only just being discovered. If Suriname’s offshore territory does indeed hold considerable reserves, it may have a considerable impact on the valuation and outlook of Guyana’s industry.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

STARR Computer opens security store The weakened drug empire has a horse in the race

FOR clarity sake, the equestrian metaphor enclosed in the caption above references Guyana’s upcoming national and regional elections and the influence of the moribund drug empire in Guyana. The pre-2015 will forever remain etched in the memory of Guyana’s drug empire as the glory days. During this period, this illicit trade reached its apogee with record profits which allowed them to infiltrate every crevice of the Guyanese society. Their triumph immediately ceased when David Arthur Granger took the oath of office on the balcony of the National Assembly on May 17, 2015. Ever since this auspicious national development, the ‘bosses’ have experienced very difficult days. They have been in decline for the past four years. All reports suggest they see the upcoming national elections as a chance to recapture their unfettered access to the state apparatus and to once again operate with impunity, running roughshod over the society. The modus operandi of drug gangs across the globe has been known to set their sights on infiltrating politics and national elections.

There is nothing to suggest Guyana’s depleted drug empire will depart from this wretched practice and insofar as they do not deviate from this thrust, it is safe to conclude that they have a horse in Guyana’s imminent national elections.

THE DRUG EMPIRE AND POLITICS Lest we forget, Pablo Escobar, one of the biggest drug lords in modern history, was elected to a seat in Columbia’s House of Representatives in 1982. The penetrators of the illicit trade understand the importance of seeking to influence the key decision-makers and the decision-making process. In the Guyana context, they seek to cut secret deals with candidates and fund political campaigns. Guyana is not Colombia, we cannot easily replicate their ignominious example. We may never see the blatant and open political solicitation

of the drug underworld that seeks to get their dirty hands on access to power because, here, they are extremely subtle in the ways they solicit political influence.

These efforts are so clandestine and surreptitious, it is near impossible to produce any evidence to argue the case which is being submitted here. However, this should not exclude focused analysis of this issue based on theoretical constructs, global trends and logical arguments. It is too consequential to be ignored based on the lack of evidence. Politics represents the avenue through which access is gained to those who control the state apparatus. The illicit trade thrives when there is control over the executive, the security forces and the Judiciary. Access and influence over the executive are not easily achieved and it is for this reason the dirty work begins during political campaigns. Using their unlimited ill-gotten financial largesse, they seek to emasculate Presidential candidates during the campaign season. There is no doubt this is occurring as I type and it is logical to conclude that His Excellency David Arthur Granger is not their man, they have seen their worst years under his watch. This begs the question, who is their guy? Basic logic would suggest that the party that controlled government when drug dealers enjoyed their best days would be their preferred choice.

itself in the form of killers for hire, hit squads, numerous executions and above all, the targeting of political opponents.

The narco-republic will return and lest we forget, the narco-Republic manifested itself in the daily lives of Guyanese in its ugliest forms. In the streets, killers and goons under the protection of powerful drug barons moved without fear of punishment or being answerable to the law.

They killed at will and exacted violence on innocent civilians while boldly stating ‘I could kill you and nothing will happen’.

They donned opulent gold chains, bought Toyota Allions, walked around with guns in waists and bestrode Guyana nightlife like untouchable giants. Bodies popped up everywhere and unsolved cases became the order of the day. Trepidation gripped the society, and law-abiding citizens cowered in their homes. In the festival of blood and guns, mothers cautioned their children and pleaded with them not [to] incur the wrath of the drug empire on their way to school or church. This all came to a screeching halt with the decent and honest Presidency of David Arthur Granger; but the time is here again. The day of reckoning is upon us and the beleaguered drug empire is determined to recreate the Narco-state. It is for this reason they are backing their horse in the race to the hilt.

THE DANGEROUS MARRIAGE BETWEEN DRUGS AND POLITICS Once the party or presidential candidate favoured by the drug empire is victorious at national elections, the nation’s security is compromised. It does not matter what manifestos or promises document, the necessary repayment of the dirty contribution makes this a sad reality. The drug lord immediately communicates to his army that they may do as they wish, ‘we boy deh in power’. This scary boasting translates into the complete disruption of ordinary life and what we witnessed in the pre-2015 period will return with vengeance. It will manifest

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO HALT THIS FRIGHTENING ENTERPRISE? All reports of consequence point to the rise and the thriving of the drug trade under successive PPP administrations. This is a well-established fact. It follows that if drug dealers experience high profits and joy under a particular government, they would need to have that government in place. Therefore, the battle to ensure their horse in the race does not win, the power of the vote must be used in its most potent form.

What has to be done is that complex or sophisticated, it simply requires voting.

Man kills self after chopping wife A mother of one remains a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital, in Berbice, after she was chopped about the body by her husband, on Friday evening, at their Lot 426 Bush Lot Village, East Berbice, Corentyne home.

According to a close relative, Nalesha Ragoonath, called “Girly”, 24, a housewife, was in bed when she was attacked by her husband, Ganesh Narine, 27, a carpenter.

Narine reportedly tried to chop the woman on the neck, but she protected herself by

barring with her hands.

The incident occurred between 23:30 hrs and midnight Friday, a short while after the couple returned from a birthday celebration at a neighbour.

Guyana Chronicle understands that the couple had a misunderstanding which led to the incident. After the injured woman ran out of the house and collapsed on a bridge, Narine believed she had died. He then went into the bedroom and ended his life.

Ragoonath’s eight-yearold son, who was nearby, was

awakened by the loud wails and later saw his mother drenched in blood.

Reports say that the young lady desperately fought for her life as her husband tried to kill her. She was assisted by neighbours who rushed her to the Port Mourant Hospital but, due to the severity of her injury, she was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

A relative said her son is still traumatised and remains in a state of shock after seeing the state of his mother.

The woman is expected to undergo another surgery to-

day (Sunday) to fix her badly-wounded hands.

Malesha Ragoonath, a sister of the victim, said she is uncertain what led to the incident since the couple were at the birthday celebrations earlier in the night and they both appeared to have been doing well.

The body of Narine was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival and subsequently transferred to the Ramoo’s Funeral Home.

President of STARR Computer, Mike Mohan

CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras, software and various technologies to enhance the safety of businesses and private residences are now exclusively available at STARR Computer as the company opened a new store.

The business, located at 57 Chalmers Place, Georgetown, was formally opened on Fri-

He explained that the store has a wide range of high-quality surveillance cameras and NVRs from leading manufactures, including Honeywell, Q-See and Hikvision.

“Smart artificial intelligent software with crime predictive features is in their new breathtaking lineup. The software with number plate recognition, facial biometry, weapon

At the entrance of the store, customers can use a computer kiosk to research the details of security items in stock

day at a simple ceremony.

According to President of STARR Computer, Mike Mohan, a massive inflow of jobseeking migrants and refugees will be visiting Guyana as the country attracts incentives for foreign investors.

And as expected, he explained that Guyana will be faced with increased security challenges.

“With over two decades of security experience, STARR introduces predictive security solution for the Guyanese consumer. Crime-fighting is everybody’s business in Guyana, and STARR has taken the initiative to open a new Technology division,” Mohan said.

Underscoring that the new store will focus on the expected rising security concerns that will face Guyanese in the future, he said with two decades of experience, STARR Computer is in an advantageous position with the latest in “cutting edge” technologies that features “end to end solution”.

detection, video synopsis, follow-me sequence, and drone integration is one of its biggest attraction. Other security products includes walk through and body security scanners, security guard management tools, biometric devices, smart home appliances along with a full lineup of support accessories,” Mohan said.

By partnering directly with International Surveillance vendors, Mohan said the company was able to negotiate preferred pricing structure which will be passed on to its valued customers.

He said that the 2, 000 plus STARR Platinum members and resellers will benefit from preferred pricing and backup support.

“The goals of STARR is to work along with existing small resellers and installers to enhance their customer’s installation across Guyana with artificial intelligence and a wider range of options,” he said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

‘No extra-judicial killings, cops better trained’ …Guyana tells UN Human Rights Council

THE coalition government has told the United Nations Human Rights Council that since it took office in 2015, there have been no extrajudicial killings, and that police officers are being trained regularly.

Guyana made the comments in its National Report submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council ahead of its third Universal Periodic Review next week in Geneva. Guyana’s human rights record will be examined by the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

Working Group for the third time on Wednesday, 29 January 2020 in a meeting that will be webcast live and the government, in its national report, highlighted its efforts in improving the lives of citizens in the various sectors. Guyana is one of the 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming session taking place from 20 to 31 January, the UNDP said in a release. Guyana’s first and second UPR reviews took place in May 2010 and January 2015, respectively.

Under the PPP Govern-

Former Home Affairs Minister, Ronald Gajraj, was implicated in the setting up of a death squad

Former Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, had authorised the acquisition of a computer to track telephone communications for Roger Khan

Convicted drug lord, Roger Khan had boasted of helping the Jagdeo-led government fight crime

ment, extra-judicial was a feature of the society. President David Granger has dubbed the period the ‘Troubles’, which he said was the “darkest hour” of this country that was characterised by drug-driven chaos and bloodshed. Jagdeo was President of Guyana from August 11, 1999 to December 3, 2011, during which there were three massacres: Lusignan where 11 people were killed- Bartica where another 12 were killed and Lindo Creek where seven miners were slaughtered.

Besides those, there were countless extra-judicial killings – with some activists estimating that around 400 Afro Guyanese males were gunned down.

Back in 2003-2006, convicted drug-trafficker, Shaheed Roger Khan, had set up a criminal network here including active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly to go after criminals, but at the same time protecting his narco-trafficking interests. He was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname in 2006 while fleeing local police, and was later handed over to U.S. authorities.

Although the PPP Government had sought to distance itself from Khan, the drug-trafficker had stated publicly in an advertisement in local newspapers that he had been fighting crime on behalf of the Bharrat Jagdeo-led government. Khan had also implicated former Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy in his escapades, and documents bearing the then minister’s signature authorising the purchase of a sophisticated wire-tapping device, were produced in U.S. courts during Khan’s trial.

Addressing a series of recommendations on the sexual and domestic violence

that were made to Guyana during the second Universal Periodic Review, the government said the Sexual Offences Act of Guyana is fully implemented and enforced.

The Sexual Offences Court was established in 2017.

Since its inception in November 2017, the court has heard 44 cases. Of the cases heard, 31 convictions were made, and 13 ended in acquittals. Sentences for those convictions ranged from nine years to life. A handbook on the Sexual Offences Act was also published. Further in 2017, under the Ministry of Social Protection, the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU) is responsible for raising awareness on the effects of sexual offences, gender-based violence and domestic violence. The 2017-2021 national plan of action for the implementation of the sexual offences and domestic violence 2010 Act is intended to be implemented throughout Guyana by the sexual violence unit of the Ministry of Social Protection, under the guidance of the National Task Force on Sexual and Domestic Violence.

JUSTICE AND SECURITY SECTOR REFORMS Also addressing recommendations in the area of justice and security reforms, the Guyana Government, said under the Police Complaints Authority Act (PCA), any person who has reasonable grounds to believe that a member of the force is guilty of any misconduct (includes being guilty of an unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority – one component of which is the unnecessary use of violence to any prisoner, TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

‘Don’t give up your right’ …first-time voters urge all Guyanese to exercise their franchise

By Alisa Lashley ELECTION season is known to be one of the most frenzied and anxious periods for Guyanese citizens. However, with the upcoming polls being referred to as “the mother of all elections,” it is without a doubt that there may have never been a more challenging time for firsttime voters.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, several persons who will be voting for the first time were prompt in sharing their views on the pre-elections campaigning season and expectations for the much anticipated polling day.

Law student of the University of Guyana, Sherlyn Semple, in her commentaries, stated, “This election is indeed the mother of all elections, reason being because Guyana is at a pivotal stage of its economic development and whoever is elected to office will have the duty of managing the economy at such a crucial time. As a first-time voter I expect for the elections to be held as smoothly as possible, but I have observed the racial tension between Guyanese, persons are stopping political parties from campaigning in some areas, while some polit-

Deborah Baird

ical parties are only reaching out to specific areas,” she said.

In encouraging other first-time voters, Semple said that voting is a constitutional right and the choice as to where the “X” should be placed, is solely that of the voters. She added that no one should be subjected to undue pressures by anyone to vote for any political party.

However, second-year International Relations student Kristoff Shepperd related that it is his expectation as a firsttime voter that the elections be free and fair. “No matter who goes into power, they should do what is best for the country and not work for their own personal gains,” he said.

It is Kristoff’s belief that

Kristoff Shepperd

Myron Phillips

Sherlyn Semple

oil can change the country's economy really quickly.

“Whoever is given the opportunity to govern will be in total control of the first set of income from oil production, which could either make Guyana great or break her.

Another student shared similar views to that of the aforementioned, citing his agreement with this year’s elections being referred to as the “mother of all elections.”

“Being a first-time voter I expect the process to go smooth [sic] despite some recent and past hiccups that I’ve read or heard about. I have observed that the integrity of politicians is being exposed and some have leaned towards the ethnic

rhetoric which isn’t good for our beloved country,” Myron Phillips stated.

Phillips explained that he has also noticed the illegal use of rhythms by political parties, which conveyed a bad message to music lovers and producers in and around Guyana. He further shone a positive light on the elections season by mentioning that it has also invoked a sense of patriotism and observance of all individuals who may want the best for Guyana. Myron further implored his fellow first-time voters to break the

traditional ethnic voting patterns that have been said to plague Guyana and to vote for ideologies, policies and agendas, instead of race.

More interestingly, the Guyana Chronicle interviewed a fourth student, Deborah Baird, who vividly related her philosophies to this newspaper. Baird said that she has been taught that for a long time Guyana has been pursuing forestry, sugar and rice as lucrative means of revenue, notwithstanding the gold and diamond industries over the past decades. But she however

mentioned the discovery of oil which as she described is predicted to cause Guyana’s wealth to skyrocket to heights never before seen.

“The country is at the brink of the greatest economic breakthrough it will ever experience and therefore, this year’s election is certainly the “mother of all elections.”

She further mentioned that young people are now understanding the essence of politics and elaborated on her enthusiasm to have her voice be heard in this election. “Whether my choices are based on development or other improvements seen, I consider myself the one vote that is needed for the party of my choice to win and to have the privilege of doing that is exciting. In essence, I expect to make a difference with my one “x”, because who knows, that may be the last x needed to elect the new government,” Baird said.

Baird further urged other first-time voters to ensure that their voices are heard, since in elections talking is as she explained “futile” if you don’t vote.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

Heightened alert at Guyana’s ports -as gov’t rolls out counter-measures to guard against the Coronavirus GUYANA has joined the rest of the world in safeguarding its citizens against the coronavirus, which has plagued parts of China and spread to other countries in the past few weeks.

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

In ensuring that the virus remains out of Guyana, the Ministry of Public Health has placed port health officials on alert and has trained them to spot signs and symptoms of the malady.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of Public Health, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle, said the Guyanese government is preparing counter-measures to prevent any outbreak of the coronavirus

here. The coronavirus outbreak originated in Wuhan, China.

So far, a questionnaire, which is being used as screening tool, has been developed to gather detailed information on the onset and natural course of illnesses of persons, suspected of having coronavirus.

Dr. Gordon-Boyle said training programmes, targeting key staff, including port health officers, immigration officers and customs officers, will be conducted by the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO).

She said the Infection Control and Prevention Committee of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will also ensure that the tertiary institution is in a state of readiness to care for any infected person.

As a precaution, she said “Any person experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms should visit the GPHC or the nearest Regional Hospital.”

While the incubation period for affected persons is still not known, it is advised that patients be isolated from the healthy population for some 10 to 14 days.

In the event that a person shows up with the corona virus, PAHO and CARPHA are being asked to support

DCMO of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle

with the testing of samples, Dr Gordon-Boyle said.

Globally, there have been 440 confirmed cases of patients with pneumonia, blamed on the new strain of coronavirus. The authorities said many of the patients are residents of Wuhan or visitors who recently went to the city.

Thailand and Japan have also confirmed at least one case each among tourists who visited Wuhan.

Early last week, the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) announced the first case in the USA. The outbreak of the virus has been linked to Wuhan South China Seafood City, also called the South

China Seafood Wholesales Market and the Hua Nan Seafood Market.

Chickens, bats, cats, marmots, and other wild animals are also available for sale in that market, suggesting a possible zoonotic origin to the outbreak.

So far, the WHO has been counselling hospitals around the world on infection, prevention and control.

However, the global body has advised against travel or trade restrictions at this time, based on available information.

Other international public health institutions such as the US CDC, China CDC, and European CDC are working on the design and eventual distribution of diagnostic kits to other countries.

“In any case, it is expected that a consensus test will potentially be available at least some weeks from now,” said the ministry.

CARPHA, in a prepared statement, had said: “We do not recommend at this time to conduct entrance screening (temperature screening) at ports of entry. Passengers would already have been screened when exiting the Wuhan area and upon arrival in the US.” “Member States are recommended to capture information on travel history using the Passenger Arrival Card or surveys, for all new arrivals.

Arrivals that have recently travelled to China, especially to the Wuhan area, should be questioned for symptoms and advised to be vigilant for onset of those symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention at a public health facility. Passengers should be advised to seek medical care as soon as symptoms arise,” CARPHA counselled.

Executive Director of CARPHA, Dr. Joy St John had said, there have been no confirmed cases or reports of the 2019-nCoV in the Caribbean region and based on current information, the immediate health risk from this virus to the general public remains low.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera had reported that China has stepped up its response to a new coronavirus outbreak that has killed 41 people and infected at least 1,372 in the mainland, ordering nationwide measures to detect the virus at transport terminals.

According to Al Jazeera, Beijing has also expanded travel restrictions, affecting the movement of 56 million people in more than a dozen cities, amid fears that the transmission rate will accelerate as hundreds of millions of Chinese travel for the Lunar New Year.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

Bryn Pollard passes away …President offers condolences, praises his service to Guyana

LEGAL luminary, Brynmor Pollard, died on Friday and President David Granger has hailed his service to this nation in a message of condolences.

President Granger said he is saddened at the death of “legal luminary, Mr. Brynmor Thornton Inniss Pollard, OR, CCH, SC, who died on Friday.” Mr. Pollard, according to the Guyanese Leader, was born to Muriel and Fitzgerald Pollard in the village of Buxton, East Coast Demerara on October 10, 1928. He attended the Queen’s College of Guyana, where after graduating from Sixth Form, he taught at the school briefly, before proceeding to London to read for the Bar. In 1959 he returned to Guyana and was called to the Bar before serving in the Attorney-General’s Chambers under the then Attorney-General, Sir Shridath Ramphal, OE, Q.C. In 1970, shortly before Guyana attained its republican status, Mr. Pollard was invited to take silk and became a Queen’s Counsel. Following this, he was appointed as the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and served as an expert authority on legislative drafting, constitutional and public law, and related matters.

Brynmor Pollard, SC

He left the service of the Government of Guyana in 1979, when he was engaged by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation and seconded to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as General Counsel. At the Secretariat, he assisted in the harmonisation of the Region’s Companies Law, and provided assistance to

the Constitutional Assembly of Namibia, South West Africa, which was poised to attain independence at the time. He was also a leading participant in the efforts of the Council of Legal Education and its two law schools in Trinidad and Jamaica.

Mr. Pollard served as the Vice-Chairman of the Juridical Committee of the Organisation of American States (OAS) from 2000 – 2002 and the Judicial Service Committee of Guyana. He demitted that office in 2010. For his outstanding contributions in the field of law at the national, regional, Commonwealth and international levels, Mr. Pollard was conferred with the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) and later in 2015, the Order of Roraima. President Granger expresses heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Pollard’s four children –Mr. Andrew Pollard, SC; Under Secretary General of the United Nations, Ms. Catherine Pollard, Messrs Ian and Michael Pollard and his six grandchildren – Gina, Angelica, Nikolas, Tyla, Nataliya and Julia and other relatives and friends.

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Father of five killed in crash

Dhanraj Budhram and his wife in happier times

A FATHER of five was killed in the wee hours of Saturday morning, after he was struck by a motorcar while riding his motorcycle on his way home at Craig Village, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is Dhanraj Budhram, 47, of Belle West Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara.

Reports indicate that Budhram, who was employed at Gafoor’s Complex at Land of Canaan, was travelling home when in the wee hours of Saturday morning motorcar PVV 8691 crashed into him on the roadway.

The driver, a 27-year-old, fled the scene after the accident. Another motorcar driver, who witnessed the accident, recorded the licence plate of the car involved and made a report to the police station.

Budhram was taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention.

The driver later showed up at the police station with a lawyer and was taken into police custody as investigations continue.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

South Rupununi Community benefits from ministerial contributions

NATURAL Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, continues to make considerable efforts to improve the lives of Guyanese living in the hinterland.

The minister, on Wednesday, visited Parikwaranau, South Rupununi, Region Nine, to engage with residents and deliver on commitments made to the primary school, nursery school and the youth football club there.

During a previous visit on November 23, 2019, the minister observed issues with the solar system for the primary school, extreme heat conditions and lack of resting areas in the nursery school and the need for maintenance of the football field in the area.

As such, in direct response to the needs of the students and the community, Minister Trotman arranged this follow up visit to ensure that the aforementioned issues were immediately addressed.

The visit saw a solar installation specialist inspecting the primary school’s solar system, identifying the fault and making recommendation for the repair. It also allowed for the minister to deliver two heat extractor fans to alleviate the heat within the nursery school, and two

beds which will allow the infants to better rest during the day.

The visit also saw Minister Trotman handing over a brush cutter to the local youth football club, which will assist in the maintenance of the football field.

The minister was pleased to

Minister Trotman along with FCPF Project Coordinator, Clayton Hall, among students and teachers of the nursery school (DPI photo)

have been able to visit and make the significant contributions towards the community of Parikwaranau.

This successful visit not only allowed the residents and students to benefit, but it demonstrated the APNU+AFC Government’s intention towards ensuring that all citizens, regardless of location, are able to experience the good life promised.

In keeping with President David Granger’s Decade of Development 2020-2029, it is Minister Trotman’s every intention to continue to contribute and promote measures aimed at solving social issues within hinterland communities.

In 2019, through Minister Trotman, the Parikwaranau community benefitted from donations of sporting equipment, plants, farming supplies, books, and a boat by the Minister of Natural Resources. Over the years, other areas within Region Nine that benefitted from his ministerial interventions were Nappi,

The technician inspecting the solar electrical work (DPI photo)

Toka, Manari, Cashew Grove-Lethem, Sawariwau, and Fairview.

The minister remains committed to the residents of the hinterland and will continue to do all within his remit to ensure that their potential is realised, allowing for their prosperity. (DPI)

‘Junie’ sentenced, accomplice awaiting trial

RICKFORD Jones called ‘Junie’ was, on Friday, January 24, 2020, sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment for the 2015 killing of Christopher Wharton, who was gunned down, execution style, in front of his North Ruimveldt home.

Jones of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, threw himself at

the mercy of the court before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court, and pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

He was initially charged with murder but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The convict admitted that, on November 18, 2015, at Festival City, North Ruim-

veldt, Greater Georgetown, he unlawfully killed Wharton called “Taps” or “Chrissy.”

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Wharton was shot–execution style–on the stairs of his North Ruimveldt home in what police believed to be a drug-related crime.

The murder, which was

Christopher Wharton called “Taps” or “Chrissy.”

captured on CCTV cameras, was carried out by two men who rode up to the house on

Rickford Jones called ‘Junie’

bicycles. Wharton, who was shot three times about the body, including once to the

abdomen, succumbed within an hour of being taken to the hospital.

His son, five-year-old Nashan Wharton, who was seen exiting the house and running down the stairs, seconds after his father was shot, received a gunshot wound to his foot.

Currently on remand for Wharton’s murder is also Brian Mohan, who was committed in 2019 to stand trial at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

'They have done well' -Lincoln Lewis backs APNU+AFC for second term WHILE giving kudos to the developmental work undertaken by the APNU+AFC during its first term in office, veteran trade unionist, Lincoln Lewis, believes the David Granger-led administration deserves a second term and he has committed to joining hands with others in influencing the minds of Guyanese to rally around the coalition.

Lewis, the current President of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), made the comments on BenschopRadio 107.1FM’s programme “Straight-up”, on Thursday evening.

“We are now moving out of the learning curve,” he said, adding that since the coalition was able to undertake a large magnitude of work during its first term, that the incumbent deserves another chance to govern Guyana. “They are going to do a tremendous

amount of work for the society,” Lewis said, noting that he made his judgment as an individual who has been around the political scene for decades. “That’s the way the political curve goes,” he told host, Mark Benschop.

According to Lewis, politics is about “people and people’s development.” He said that on the contrary, there are some politicians who believe that politics revolves around them. “For some persons it is about them first and foremost and about them each day.”

While he did not name anyone, Lewis said that there is a political figure who possesses an “interesting” record of targeting individuals as opposed to universal fundamental principles. Lewis went onto to talk about “economic genocide”, a term he coined during the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) term in office, more so during Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo’s term as head of state. Several days ago he expounded on the term during an interview with

this newspaper.

“This claim was informed by the targeted discriminatory and unequal treatment meted out to Afro-Guyanese experienced during his tenure,” Lewis explained. He said that Dr. Roger Luncheon, another Afro-Guyanese, served at several influential positions in the PPP government, but it was he who informed the court that the Jagdeo Government never hired any African to head any of the Overseas Missions because none was found to be so qualified. Lewis said: “Going by evidence of the past, Jagdeo must do much more than make another entreaty, by making clear how increasing African presence in the party will translate to Africans being treated and respected as equal and participating members of this society; that their rights and freedoms will be respected; that Africans will be allowed equitable access, opportunity and benefit to the nation’s resources.”

On Thursday, Lewis said

CDB supports Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit in Trinidad CLOSE to 200 youth leaders, development partners and other stakeholders, met in Trinidad earlier this week to discuss and strategize on how best to address the issue of employment, one of the most pressing issues facing youth in the Region.

The discussions, which included a focus on decent work and entrepreneurship, took place at the Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit 2020 in Port-of-Spain under the theme, ‘Promoting Youth Economic Empowerment – Building Synergies Towards Sustainable Caribbean Development’.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) played a lead role in funding and supporting the Summit which is one of the Region’s foremost youth leadership events, and was held under the auspices of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council (CRYC).

CRYC is an umbrella body representing various national youth councils of the Caribbean Community.

Speaking at the Summit, CDB Vice-President, Operations, Monica La Bennett stressed that youth development was critical to the Region’s ability to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She noted that this will continue to be a key area of focus for the Bank.

“We recently approved our Strategic Plan for 2020-2024 and that places increased focus on youth development, recognising that this demographic will be a critical pillar if the Region is to achieve its SDGs,” said La Bennett. Representatives from the national youth councils of more than 10 Caribbean countries, delegates from other youth organisations and officials from regional and international development organisations participated in the three-day summit.

Elections were also held for the Executive Board of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council for 2020-22. The summit was held in partnership with the International Labour Organisation, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

In conjunction with the event, the Bank also hosted a reporting tour for journalists under the age of 30 years old. Tre Greaves, 26, a reporter with the Barbados Nation Newspaper and Nickoy Wilson, 25 of the Jamaica Gleaner, participated in the tour.

“We felt that it was important that young journalists play a role in the coverage, ensuring that youth voices are heard and youth issues raised in an authentic way by journalists who can relate to the issues at hand,” explained Division Chief of CDB’s Social Sector Division, Deidre Clarendon.

CDB is currently finalising its first youth policy and operational strategy, which will guide its youth-related investments in the Region. La Bennett noted: “CDB is committed to doing even more to support youth development. Key to this undertaking was the commissioning of a study of the youth development context in the Region and the development of the Bank’s first Youth Policy and Operational Strategy (YPOS). Importantly one of the proposed strategic pillars of YPOS is, ‘enhancing young people’s participation in, and contributions to, sustainable economic growth’. We are in the process of crafting the related action plan; and this forum is opportune and will allow us to continue to ensure that youth voices are reflected in the final outputs.”

Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis

that he is convinced that Jagdeo had possessed a programme which he conceptualised and implemented,

one which went against the economic interests of the population.

He said that programme was made functional and it was designed to “suppress” a section of the Guyanese society. He explained that the Opposition Leader picked-out a few individuals who went along with his programme and this in turn led to the concept that persons needed to join the selected few in order “to be like them.”

Lewis said that communities such as those at Linden, Kwakwani and New Amsterdam are among those which were “marginalised” by Jagdeo. On Thursday night’s pro-

gramme, Lewis noted that he has always stood up for the rights of the citizenry and he noted that he is able to make his judgment based on evidence. He, like Benschop, recalled the many trials the duo endured under the PPP administration including being locked-up at the Brickdam Police Station over protest action.

Benschop said PPP 2020 elections candidate, Anthony Vieira, were among those who supported him when he protested the former administration. He said while an individual is entitled to his/ her choice, Vieira’s move to join the PPP was baffling.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

Women in O&G Conference set for June 20- 22 GUYANA Marriott Hotel, CPIC Monique’s Guyanese Women's Roundtable (GWR), The Level Up Movement, WeLead Caribbean and the Georgetown American University will host the country’s first Women in the Oil and Gas

(WIOG) conference from June 20-22.

Described as Guyana’s most premier and anticipated energy-sector event for women, the organisers said the conference will be used as a platform where energy professionals and industry

shapers help women and girls to become knowledgeable in order to enter and/or advance their careers in a traditionally male industry, by providing information into key energy trends and skills for personal and professional development.

The intent, the organisers reasoned, is to learn from successful women leaders in oil and gas sector as they share their industry knowledge, strategies and experiences on how to navigate the space in this new industry in Guyana, advocate for local content mainly for the role of women in the sector, accelerate positive organisational change, business creation, and personal growth.

Dr. Melissa Varswyk, Co-founder and CEO of Georgetown American University, said “the little big secret in Guyana is that there is a cohort of women helping women to move beyond the glass ceiling the rest of the world sees. Here stands an opportunity for us to ensure that women's place is at the decision-making table in

Dr. Melissa Varswyk

Guyana’s oil and gas sector.”

Members of government, national and international companies, Guyanese multinational service providers, among others are expected to attend the event.

Some of the key topics that will be discussed are transforming the jobs and skills of women for the energy landscape, community partnerships, building relationships with foreign and local businesses, igniting women and youth entrepreneurship, as well as contract negotiations and business development for the oil and gas sector.

The organisers are encouraging women to attend, so that they can gain a comprehensive overview of the energy sector and the mineral sector in Guyana, explore the innovative ideas of the other communities, hear from end-users and running projects which are designed to help women to understand how they may enter this growing market.

Several children from orphanages back in family-based care IN 2019, over 30 children were reintegrated with their families after the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) deemed that both the child and families were ready for the same.

According to ChildLink, a not-for-profit organisation working for the well-being of children, it is normal for such a process to take several months before the child is reunited with his or her family. “The process includes locating the families and preparation for the reintegration of their child which also includes ensuring that the perpetrator is no longer living in the same home and that the child is no longer at risk,” the organisation stated on Friday.

ChildLink notified the public that, through the Recovery Safeguarding and Reintegration (RSR) initiative supported by the European Delegation and the British High Commission, the CPA is bolstered to strengthen its reintegration system so that children can grow up where they belong – with their families.

Meanwhile, the organisation is doing its part by working in support of the national child-protection system and with grassroots partners in Regions Three, Four and Five for the reintegration of children from orphanages back to family-based care.

“The CPA has been in-

creasingly working with non-governmental organisations to build partnerships to facilitate a child-friendly and efficient child protection system and to conduct surveys and research that will highlight the key issues around safeguarding children from all forms of abuse,” ChildLink stated.

From the organisation’s 2016 Nature and Extent of Institutionalisation of Children in Guyana survey, it was highlighted that girls aged 13-15 are vulnerable to sexual abuse. It was also found that their abuse was the reason for their separation from their family and their communities and their placement in orphanages for their protection. However, ChildLink urges: “Protecting children requires everyone in your family and everyone in your neighbourhood. This is a change we need to see in more families and communities so that children are not growing up in orphanages.”

The NGO spoke strongly against child punishment in the form of beating but promoted discipline through explaining and teaching which help children to develop appropriate behaviour and better communication with their parents.

Detailing one success story, the NGO told of a nine-year-old girl who was sexually abused by her stepfather and initially struggled with the decision

to tell her mother.

After running from another encounter with her stepfather, to a neighbour one night, the girl’s mother took her to the police and the CPA and she was eventually placed in an orphanage while her stepfather remained at home. “She had done nothing wrong but she felt she was being punished.

Jessie spent six years of her childhood in institutional care; an orphanage – separated from families and childhood friends while struggling to cope with the traumatic experience of repeated sexual abuse and betrayal of her mother,” the organisation explained.

Soon, the young girl received counselling while in the orphanage from the CPA counsellor which initiated the healing process and her mother was referred to parenting skills education sessions facilitated by ChildLink to prepare her for the reintegration.

“These activities form part of the CPA and ChildLink’s collaboration under the RSR initiative to reintegrate children to family-based care where they can grow up in loving and caring families.

Jessie and her mother have a better relationship today,” ChildLink stated.

Report child abuse by calling the CPA on 2270979, the closest Police station or ChildLink on 233-3500 or email: admin@childlinkgy.org.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

One good term deserves another

– ‘Your government is listening to you… we will continue to invest in your education, entrepreneurship & agriculture’ …Minister Sarabo-Halley tells Golden Grove rally

By Naomi Parris ON Friday evening, the East Coast of Demerara came alive, as supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance For Change (AFC) Coalition took their campaign to the rural community of Golden Grove.

Persons were seen clad in

their campaign attire, some dressed even swankier than others, gyrating to the sounds of drums and local artistes creating a tidal wave of yellow and green at the village’s community centre ground.

Giving opening remarks at the campaign rally, Minister of the Public Service,

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley urged supporters to stand behind the coalition to ensure further progress.

“We need all hands-on deck…in giving this government the political mandate it needs to take Guyana into the future with the full confidence of Guyanese people,” she

stated.

Additionally, Minister Sarabo-Halley pointed out that the APNU+ AFC government has an exceptional track record and has kept its promises of youth development and involvement.

“I stand here today, as a proud young Guyanese

Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

woman, happy to be sharing this platform with one of the greatest Presidents Guyana has ever seen. I stand here as a testimony to his commitment of including young people at the highest level of policy and decision-making…I say without any fear of contradiction that this APNU+AFC government has a record that shows its commitment to the Guyanese people,” she stated.

Minister Sarabo-Halley added that the coalition government has a record that has been tried and tested, and found worthy of another term.

The minister pointed out that the crowd seen on Friday night and at previous public meetings and rallies is a clear indication that Guyana is on the right path to development.

“This crowd here today and the crowds we have seen at our public meetings and rallies is a clear indication that this country had gone green and yellow, there is no looking back, we are moving forward together… I am here to talk 2020 and beyond, here to speak to a better life for all, a green and clean Guyana, a Guyana we will all be proud to call our home,” the minister noted.

A TRACK RECORD WORTHY OF ANOTHER TERM Minister Sarabo-Halley, in her address to the gathering, listed several developmental projects which makes the APNU+AFC’s track record worthy of another term.

“This government listens to the concerns of the people… we plan on ensuring our youths are empowered,” she stated.

The coalition, since taking office in 2015, has extended the Ann’s Grove and Golden

Grove Secondary Schools and constructed a tarmac at the Golden Grove Primary School so pupils can have a safe and secure play area during recess hours.

The minimum wage has been increased from $39,540 to $70,000, making jobs more attractive; 240 local scholarships and another 68 internationally, were offered to youths across Guyana. Additionally, the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service was established to give young people a gateway into the Public Service.

The government has initiated a $100M revolving fund which has provided over 2,727 loans and grants to support young entrepreneurs and their businesses, in addition, 1500 free computers have been installed in 172 community information and communication technology (ICT) hubs throughout the country.

In 2018 the government started the Guyana National Youth Corps for young people aged 16-35. In 2016 this government launched the Youth Leadership Training Programme, a programme which provides a range of opportunities to youths across the country.

THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA It is a dawn of a new era, as Guyanese can expect increased prosperity with the revenues to be had from oil and the many resources Guyana possesses.

Minister Sarabo-Halley stated that the coalition has planned its Decade of Development strategy, for all Guyanese irrespective of colour, class or creed.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

Book reviews:

The President and national unity

A REVIEW of three books by David Granger: Social cohesion and political inclusivity: Strengthening society, forging national unity; Immigration and integration: the making of the Guyanese nation; and One people: a cohesive community… an inclusive destiny.

Guyana’s development has been undermined by divisions along ethnic and political lines. These divisions degenerated into violent conflict in the mid-1960s and wounded society deeply.

National unity has been proposed as a solution to the country’s divisions for a long time. Most Guyanese subscribe to the belief that a political solution would be a precondition to achieving national unity. The quest for national unity, therefore, has been tied to the need for ethnic and political unity.

A new expression entered the country’s social lexicon five years ago. Not many Guyanese could have claimed familiarity with the concept of ‘social cohesion’ when the newly-elected President, David Granger, announced the establishment of a Department of Social Cohesion, following the elections of May, 2015.

Social cohesion had never captured the public imagination before; all that is changing now. President Granger’s three-book collection, which deals with the question of social cohesion and national unity, provides a refreshing new outlook to these vexing questions.

Social cohesion and political inclusivity: The first book-- Strengthening society, forging national unity-- makes the compelling case that social cohesion is needed to heal the divisions caused by ethnic and political strife.

The book provides an illuminating response to the long-standing problems of political and social divisions.

Social cohesion, as articulated by Granger, is subsumed in, rather than substitutes for, political inclusion. President Granger, in this regard, is less myopic than others who have focused entirely on healing the country’s political rift without equal concern for healing the societal divisions caused by other factors such as poverty, inequality and unequal access to education.

The book – the text of an address he gave at a Roundtable Conference in September 2015 – can be regarded as the most profound policy statement, issued by any Guyanese government, on the question of national unity.

The nature of the brief presentation would have allowed the President to provide only a broad outline of his policy on national unity

and social cohesion. This, no doubt, accounts national unity appear eternally for the book’s main shortcoming – its failure elusive. to provide precise practical measures or a One people: A cohesive detailed plan of action to achieve social cohe- community… an inclusive sion. The elaboration of such measures would destiny, the third book, identibe a most welcome postscript to a substantial fies the origins of the country’s policy statement. divisions as the failure of those Social cohesion, according to the Pres- who initiated the process of ident, involves providing greater recog- transportation of people from nition to the various ethnic groups in the different continents to pay society so as to promote greater acceptance, trust and understanding. The two other books in the collection – Immigration and integration: The making of the Guyanese nation; and One people: A cohesive community… an inclusive destiny – do justice to this cause.

Immigration and Integration: The making of the Guyanese nation, the second book, is an enriching source of knowledge on the contributions of three groups of ‘arrivals’ to the country’s develThe cover of the book ‘Social cohesion opment. President and political inclusivity Granger, since his assumption to office, has designated formal attention to how the various ‘arrival days’ to commemorate the arrival of groups and cultures would the country’s Chinese, Indian and Portuguese co-exist eventually. That hisImmigration and Integration-1 (1) immigrants. torical challenge is as evident Multiculturalism has its discontents. The today as it was one hundred and message to his country’s ethnic groups. He book’s main fault is its smothering of the eighty years ago. is encouraging them to move towards a more issue of inter-group conflict which has left a The book examines the remarkable contrilegacy of strained relations among the coun- butions of Indian indentured immigration to inclusive society first, by recognizing and try’s various peoples. the country. It concludes by arguing that the respecting each other’s contributions and, The book, notwithstanding that flaw, strands of the national tapestry are stronger then, by accepting diversity as an asset which offers rich insights into the achievements of because of the contributions of the country’s has to be managed. This is policy-making at these groups and their contributions to the African, Amerindian, Asian and European its finest. establishment of a multicultural society. The foreparents. In other words, the country’s There is light at the end of tunnel. The immigrants from China, India and Madeira peoples are better together than separate, a idea of national unity is not dormant, much overcame insurmountable odds. message which has a familiar ring at this time. less dead.

This collection of the President’s The book’s recounting of the remarkable The three books are not historical texts; books on national unity leaves no doubt tales of adaptation, integration and resilience they explain the President’s policy on national of these groups no longer makes the quest for unity. David Granger is sending a powerful about that.

‘No extra-judicial killings ... or other person with whom he may be brought into contact in the execution of his duty), can make a report to the authority.

Generally, complaints must be investigated as soon as practicable by a member of the Police Force not below the rank of sergeant and of higher rank than the member of the force who is alleged to have committed the offence.

The complete investigation procedure can be found in the Police (Discipline) Act read in conjunction with the PCA. In 2018, the Authority reported that it received a total of 513 complaints against members of the force. Of those complaints, 159 were rejected, 276 were

closed, 98 were pending investigation and five were referred to the Police Service Commission or the Police Disciplinary Authority for advice.

Additionally, government said the Prison Act provides for measures to safeguard the rights of prisoners. Section 14 of that Act mandates the Director of Prisons, as often as may be necessary, to visit and inspect all prisons and make an annual report to the minister on the administration and condition of the prisons, the conduct and treatment of prisoners and such other matters relating to the prisons or to prisoners as he may think fit.

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Additionally, government said there is a mechanism of ‘Visiting Justices' under sections 46 and 47 of the Prison Act. Section 46(1) stipulates that there shall be in respect of each prison in Guyana, a Board of Visiting Justices, and the Minister may appoint for such time as may be specified in the appointment such and so many justices to be members of such Board. Subsection (2) goes on to state that all judges of the High Court and magistrates shall be ex-officio visiting justices for each of the prisons of Guyana. Section 47 (1) makes provision for a visiting justice to at any time visit any

prison in respect of which he is a visiting justice, and to inspect any part of such prison, enquire into and examine the food, diet, clothing, treatment and conduct of prisoners, may question any member of the prison staff or prisoner, hear complaints from any prisoner, enquire into any abuses and irregularities in any prison. That section also states that a Visiting Justice shall ascertain as far as possible whether the provisions of the Act and the Prison Rules are being complied with, and may make a report upon any such matters to the minister.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

Doctor condemns misleading video on Diamond Diagnostic Centre

IN the aftermath of a video circulating about the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Medical Superintendent at the hospital Dr Erica Kirton said its content is woefully inaccurate, mischievous and a deliberate attempt to create undue confusion.

Dr Kirton said that the video which is making its rounds on Facebook is not a current one, but one that was made about two years ago.

She related that about two years ago there were some major repairs that had to be done to the hospital owing to a number of defects and poor

quality works that were executed on the building when it was first constructed in 2007.

This, she said, resulted in the hospital along with the RDC Region Four and the Ministry of Public Health executing several repairs in and around the building to correct these faults.

“This is certainly an old building and I can tell you this as of two years ago it was the very video that we had about the leakage around the pharmacy area. Two years ago, there were major repairs that had to be done around the pharmacy area and a few other areas, because when

the building was constructed, several works that were done were of a very poor quality.”

She continued: “Unfortunately, now that we are seeing more and more of the poor works done then as we go along. However, what has happened is that while we had done some major repairs to several parts of the roof, we found recently [that] there are beginning to be new leaks around the pharmacy area, but I can assure you that it is not as severe as it is being peddled on Facebook.”

However, Dr Kirton noted that with election in the air many persons are resorting to

all kinds of schemes and tactics to promote their political preference.

She warned that while they have a right to push their political agenda, they must be cognisant of dispelling mistruths, lies and creating confusion, declaring that the public must always act responsibly.

“I am very disappointed that someone would seek to use an old video to score political points as this is unacceptable in any right-thinking society and I would like to warn the public that they have a responsibility to themselves and the public and

trust that we would put our political preferences aside and not draw important institutions like the hospital into their political games,” she urged.

She disclosed that the office of the Regional Democratic Council at Triumph sent an engineer to examine the works that need to be done and a contractor has already been engaged.

She noted that remedial work will be done on Monday to ensure that the leak is repaired.

Medical Superintendent at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Dr Erica Kirton

One good ...

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However, she noted that, the government needs the support of its people.

“We need all hands-on deck in ensuring that come March 02, you and everyone around you that is eligible to vote, vote smart by putting their ‘x’ by the palm and the key,” she stated.

The minister stated that, youths will be given the chance to have a voice in formulation and programme design, which will see them being educated on the importance of the national budget and the budgeting process.

In addition to that, the minister revealed that the work study programme will be revamped to ensure quality outcomes, and a review will be made of the state of youth inclusion based on compliance with the constitution and applicable laws.

Minister Sarabo-Halley highlighted that the APNU+AFC Government is concerned with the welfare of the people and as such, when re-elected, they will plunge more recourses into programmes for school dropouts, school-based violence, career planning support, youth reward programmes, coaching, mentoring and lifeskills training programmes.

The coalition government will be reviewing their employment strategies to include youths to encourage agriculture and agro-related businesses through agri-preneuer. The government, Minister Sarabo-Halley noted, will strengthen and expand the Hinterland Employment Youth Service and other related programmes designed to empower economically, the youths of Guyana.

“We did and will continue to do all this with you in mind. Let me remind you that one good term deserves another. We have proven that we deserve another term…another term to continue what we have started, a

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chance to deliver on a vision 2040,” she noted.

AGRICULTURE IS NOT DEAD! Appealing to the youths, Minister Sarabo-Halley stated that the government will place more resources to ensure that the agriculture sector of Guyana will soon become the envy of the hemisphere.

However, she noted that, for Guyana to be the breadbasket of the Caribbean, the country will need young farmers who are committed to ensuring that we cannot feed only ourselves, but our entire Region.

“Young people …this is the best time to be young and full of ideas. Many of you on the East Coast have backlands on which you can farm…agriculture will be a significant income earner but you have to start now,” she urged.

She added that, the government is committed to helping every farmer to reach his/her potential to ensure that their products are marketed and to ensure that agriculture provides a comfortable life for all.

The minister further stated that with the new oil resources, there will be significant advances in agriculture, infrastructure, information and communication technology (ICT), education, renewable energy, housing, public health, social protection and national security.

The expected revenues from the petroleum industry will make this possible.

Minister Sarabo-Halley further urged supporters to encourage their family members, friends and neighbours to stand alongside them in support of the coalition and ‘don’t stop the progress’.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

From runaway to entrepreneur --Ryan Wharton

AT 30 and a father of one, Ryan Wharton has had no other option but to take life and its responsibilities seriously. Wharton, who is a lover of research, has practically taught himself everything he knows because he grew up without the benefit of the proverbial ‘silver spoon’ in his mouth.

His formal schooling was limited to attending Stella Maris Primary School and Ruimveldt Secondary School.

But Wharton had dropped out of school at the tender age of 15. Today, he has managed to make a household name for himself after initially doing small jobs here and there.

he was driven to learn more, and enrolled himself into an Online nutrition course, where he earned a diploma.

Wharton has since brought his business to the streets of Georgetown, running his own hot dog stand, ‘Macro Hot Dogs’.

On Thursday afternoon, Wharton received a boost in his business when Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman met with him at his Mandela and Go-Slow Avenue business, and presented him with a cheque for $100,000.

The Minister told the Guyana Chronicle that Wharton has captured the atten-

Minister Raphael Trotman receiving his first ‘Macro’ hotdog

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman

After leaving school, Wharton found himself lost and confused as to where he should turn to and had run away from his family,

tion of thousands of people with his “enterprising and innovative skills”, and since the cir-

‘Being an entrepreneur is not about money but freedom to be our own boss and generating income for yourself’ but later found his way back home and pursued a career in gold mining. He soon came to realise that that was not his calling and enrolled in the Sophia Training Centre. And it was there that he explored his talents and studied air conditioning and refrigeration.

Wharton took his skills into society, and would do smalls jobs to make a living.

Soon after, he migrated to Venezuela for a short period but returned to Guyana after the depression in the country’s economy.

It was there he discovered the art of the street-food culture, and like the determined inquisitive young man he is,

culation of a viral video posted by Wharton on Facebook promoting his business, he has received calls from as far as the United States with offers of support to help Wharton expand his business.

“We look forward to seeing him grow from strength to strength, and no doubt he will have a franchise. And we will see ‘Macro Hotdogs’ all across the country,” Minister Trotman stated.

Wharton is just one of the thousands of youths across Guyana who has been going the entrepreneurial route.

“He stood out as a good example, and there are thousands of examples like him.

Ryan Wharton

Government has been reaching thousands of young people, providing opportunities for training, support through the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) and Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development(SLED) programmes.

We have decided to come to the spot where his business is located to commend him and make this contribution today.

He is a good example of what the young enterprising spirit represents,” Minister Trotman stated.

Meanwhile, Wharton, who was overwhelmed by the unexpected support, told the Guyana Chronicle that he will invest the money he’s received to build a franchise to create employment for young persons like himself.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

$70M investment to improve healthcare accessibility –– five regions benefit THE Ministry of Public Health, on Thursday, delivered some $70M in equipment to several hinterland regions as part of its mandate to improve healthcare delivery countrywide.

Representatives from Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine, and 10 received the equipment from the Minister

of Public Health, the Hon. Volda Lawrence. It included five boats and outboard motors, two ATVs, a Mindray Z6 Ultrasound machine, vital signs monitor, a Mindray electrocardiograph and other state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Minister Lawrence noted that the investment demonstrated the government’s

commitment to ensuring that all Guyanese have access to quality healthcare.

“I am pleased to see the representatives here for the Linden Hospital Complex because we know that this will enable them to reduce the number of transfers to our tertiary institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, but more important, is being able to provide to Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, and Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako, showcasing three of the boats with staff of the Public Health Ministry

not only equipment, but also transportation for our midwives, our community health workers and nurses,” she stated.

The minister said the equipment would boost the implementation of programmes in the hinterland

the variety of equipment in terms of our Cardiac monitors, our ultrasound, the anaesthetic machine, the lab machine, the engines that we have here.

This is something great for our healthcare delivery

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako; Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry, Collette Adams; representative from the Ministry of Communities, Danielle Campbell-Lowe, along with other staff of the Public Health Ministry showcasing some of the medical equipment

regions such as the vaccination programmer, while the boats and ATVs would improve access to riverine and far-flung communities.

Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako, underscored that the ministry is committed to ensuring that persons have access to healthcare services regardless of their location. “I am happy with

and even as we continue to talk about improving our services, we want our services to be safe, effective, efficient, timely, and there must be equity in the delivery of our health services.”

The supply of the equipment is a collaborative effort between the health ministry and the Ministry of Communities. (DPI)

From runaway to ...

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“This makes me feel overwhelmed by the amount of support I have been receiving.

I plan to invest it into the macro business, so that I can create a franchise; create employment for other persons,” he told this newspaper.

“I would tell them it is not easy, but it’s worth it.

Being an entrepreneur is

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not about money, but freedom to be our own boss, and generating income for yourself and family and eventually creating employment and give back to society. While it requires a lot of discipline. It is totally worth it… be consistent as much as you can,” Ryan he urged his fellow youths.

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England on top as South Africa falter (REUTERS) - ENGLAND proved devastating with both bat and ball yesterday as they scored 400 runs in their first innings then reduced sorry South Africa to 88 for six wickets at the close of play on the second day of the fourth Test at The Wanderers.

A record 10th-wicket partnership saw England amass a formidable first-innings total before rampaging through the home-team batting order to take a stranglehold on the game and move closer to a series victory.

Quinton de Kock was 32 not out at the close after

Mark Wood extracted Temba Bavuma late in the day. (Getty Images)

Anrich Nortje was caught in the slips on the last ball of the day, heightening the possibility of South Africa following on for a second successive Test.

The home side’s confidence had already taken a hefty knock when their bowlers were subjected to a bashing from tail-enders Stuart Broad and Mark Wood, whose 82-run partnership was a record for the last

wicket at the Johannesburg venue.

South Africa, 2-1 down in the series, would still have held out hopes of a fightback when they had England 3189 but after leaking runs and then being tumbled out by the touring bowlers, they again have their backs to the wall.

Wood led the way in the evening session with 3-21 as England removed Pieter Malan (15), Rassie van der

Dussen (0), Dean Elgar (26), Faf du Plessis (3) and Temba Bavuma (6) with their five-man seam attack generating real pace off the quick wicket.

Ben Stokes took two catches after a series of dropped efforts in the third Test last weekend.

“We found the right, fuller length on that surface and now we’re in a really strong position,” Chris Woakes said.

In contrast, South Africa’s bowlers were punished as Broad, who made 43 off 28 balls, and Wood, not out on 35, thrashed the ball to all parts, forcing South Africa into the seldom-seen scenario of eight boundary fielders trying to defend against No. 10 and No. 11 batsmen.

There were also half-centuries for captain Joe Root and Ollie Pope and a valuable 32 from Woakes in his first appearance on the tour. Nortje (5-110) took a maiden Test five-wicket haul.

England were 192-4 overnight when play began 45 minutes late because of a rain delay and steadily moved the scoreboard along as Pope, first, then Root got to 50.

Pope (56) continued to build on his growing reputation and looked the senior batsman at times as he and Root (59) put on 101 runs for the fifth wicket.

Saints, QPCC win U-16 and U-13 outdoor hockey titles THE VISITING Queen’s Park Cricket Club won the U-13 battle, while Saints defeated Old Fort in the U-16 final of the Guyana Hockey Board Outdoor Boys’ Challenge, yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.

In a tense U-16 final, it took a single goal in the last minute of the first half to decide the winners between Guyanese clubs Saints and Old Fort.

Naresh Mahadeo took

a short corner and the ball was passed around several times, before Samuel Garnett managed to make a shot on goal. Although the shot was partially deflected, Mahadeo was able to collect the ball at the mouth of the goal and he made no mistake.

Old Fort made several runs in the second period, but none threatened to change the score.

In the first semi-final, a first-half strike from Garnett propelled Saints ahead of

GCC (1-0); while Old Fort had defeated QPCC 2-1 on penalties after a 0-0, full-time score, in semi-final number two.

U-13 FINAL Prior to the U-16 battle, QPCC had stormed to a 10-0 victory against Saints in the U-13 Boys ‘final.

Adam Wyatt and Nicholas Siu Butt both scored hat tricks to lead the visiting team. Christiano Austin and Caiden Mack supported with

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Three teams competed in the U-13 competition and four in the U-16 division.

The battle continues today with the indoor Challenge at the National Gymnasium.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

GFF imposes lifetime ban on player/fan THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has imposed an immediate lifetime ban on Kelvin Moore of the North-East La Penitence football team and his brothers Kevin and Calvin Moore from all football venues for assaulting match referee Errol Squires.

This was among the recommendations made following an internal investigation of the incident, which occurred during the Adoni Productions-organised GT Beer ‘Keep Your Five Alive’ Indoor Football Tournament at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, over the period October 17 – November 9, 2019.

While the matter is engaging the attention of law enforcement, the organiser

of Adoni Productions has been requested to assist Mr Squires with a substantial part of his medical bill for treatment for injuries sustained during the assault.

Among the other recommendations are the following: (A) One of the conditions for the approval of any tournament by the GFF is that the Promoter/Organiser MUST undertake to provide close security for the Match Officials as far as is practicably possible, throughout their presence at the venue, and for their safe exit of same.

(B) That the Promoter/ Organiser MUST undertake to provide adequate security personnel to prevent unauthorised entry into the playing area.

(C) Promoter/Organiser be required to lodge a Security Deposit with the GFF, which can be used to offset any unanticipated expense, inclusive of, but not limited to, contributing to any medical bills for persons injured through the negligence of the Promoter/Organiser in providing the conditions required to guard against such and/or (D) The Promoter/Organiser shall be required to provide temporary Insurance Coverage for the players and match officials for the period immediately preceding, during, and immediately after play on match day.

Chos Bar cycle races for schoolchildren on today THE Upper Demerara Schools Sports Committee, in collaboration with former cyclist Colin Barker and Chos Bar and Grill, has arranged cycle races for schoolchildren today.

The event is for children attending schools in Linden and will take place around the Mackenzie High School (MHS) circuit encompassing Republic Avenue, Mora Street and Purpleheart Street.

Several prizes including trophies and medals are at stake.

Of the four planned races, two each will be for schoolboys and schoolgirls, aged 10 to 16 years.

Barker said that support towards this programme has come from Chos Bar and Grill situated on Burnham Drive and Poker Street in Wismar.

He said the emphasis is on boys and girls who are in

categories 10-12 years and 13-16 years who just have to turn up with their pedal cyclists to contest for what is at stake.

Barker said he chose to target schools so as to unearth the talent there, knowing that most cycling events are geared for cyclists who are out of school and those at the club level in Linden.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

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Turbo KO Football title to be decided tonight

… Fruta Conquerors U-20 play GFC AN eventful matchup of skills will be on show this evening when the final of the Turbo KO football tournament gets going at the Ministry of Education ground.

The youthful Fruta Conquerors U-20 side will come up against a GFC side, which boasts many youth players, in a battle to determine the highly anticipated Turbo title,

from 21:00hrs.

Both teams are fired up for their encounter. At a pre-final press conference on Friday both teams threw down the gauntlet to their opponenst.

GFC, through their captain Kelsey Benjamin, said, “Sunday (today) won’t be an easy game. For instance I’m coming up against schoolmates and teammates because

I know them and they know me.”

“But we intend to bring our A-game and come out on top,” he added.

Their coach, Delon Cadogan, was not one for words, saying, “My players have asked me to leave the talking for today and we will do that.”

However, he added, “The victory is going to go the team that make the least mistakes and we’ve been work-

ing on making less mistakes.

Opposing coach Wayne St Jules was not shy about his team’s chances.

“We are looking forward to winning this second tournament of Petra. We have already copped the LIMACOL and we are coming to do the double,” he said.

Captain Nicholas McArthur echoed the sentiments, “We are coming today to play out football and everybody knows that GFC are a good

team; it’s the team I came from but they have to come hard.”

On hand during Friday’s briefing was Raymond Govinda, Guyana Beverages Inc. (GBI), (Turbo) Marketing executive who wished both teams well.

“So far as a company we are pleased with the tournament. Petra has done a good job with organising the tournaments. We have seen some new talent coming out and we

are very happy. The future of football is sitting right beside me here,” he opined, hinting at the two young captains.

Tonight’s final will be played after the third-place playoff between Pouderoyen and Northern Rangers.

Apart from the Champions’ purse of $400 000, the runners-up will pocket $200 000, third place $100 000 and fourth place $50 000.

Holder’s career best gifts Pride win (CMC) – Chemar Holder’s career-best 10-wicket match-haul proved Jamaica Scorpions’ undoing, as Barbados Pride stormed to an emphatic 119-run victory with a day to spare in their third round match of the Regional Four-Day Championship here Saturday.

Asked to chase 288 after Pride were dismissed for a disappointing 206 in their second innings within halfhour of the morning session at Sabina Park, Scorpions produced another limp batting display in their second innings to fold for 168 on the stroke of tea.

Yet again, they were un-

Fast bowler Chemar Holder finishes with 11 wickets in the match

dermined by fast bowler Holder who finished with a career-best innings haul of six for 47 to follow up his

first innings five-wicket blast and register match figures of 11 for 92.

He was supported by Test

seamer Kemar Roach with two for 26 while speedster Keon Harding picked up two for 58.

Nkrumah Bonner battled to 39 not out and Denis Smith hit a polished 26 but Scorpions never really recovered once they slumped to 37 for four before lunch.

The victory was Pride’s second on the trot following their success over champions Guyana Jaguars last weekend while Scorpions lost for the first time.

Resuming the day on 179 for six, Pride lost their last four wickets for 27 runs, with fast bowler Nicholson Gordon adding three more wickets to his tally to finish

with six for 45 while left-arm spinner Patrick Harty picked up the other wicket to end with three for 33.

Faced with 5-½ sessions in which to reach their target, Scorpions suffered a major blow when captain John Campbell was squared up

by Holder in the second over and taken at second slip by Ashley Nurse for seven.

Holder then trapped Oraine Williams lbw on his crease for three, at 29 for two before West Indies players Brandon King (19) and Jermaine Blackwood (4) fell in successive overs with the score on 37, to leave the innings in strife.

Bonner put on 21 for the

fifth wicket with Rovman Powell (16) to stem the flow of wickets but once Roach got one to bounce and leave Powell for Nurse to snare another catch at slip, Scorpions limped to lunch 72 for five.

Bonner, who faced 103 balls and struck three fours in a shade over three hours put on 33 for the sixth wicket with Smith who punched six fours in a 32-ball cameo.

However, Roach brought one back to trap Smith lbw at 91 for six and Holder clinically cleaned up the lower order to end the innings quickly.

Rasheed (eight wickets), Balgobin (half-century) 35 propel Everest to first-innings...

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played a few shots in his quick 24 (3x4, 1x6), before Richie Looknauth and Balgobin repaired the damage with a 56run fourth-wicket partnership.

The former national U-19 batsman Looknauth struck two fours en route to 32 while Balgobin who offered some chances, belted four fours and two sixes in his innings.

Towards the end, Aron Beharry added 21 runs, which helped to push Everest to 159 before they were bowled out in

47.4 overs.

Medium pacer Mortimer King, who picked up the wicket of Looknauth, restricted the middle order to finish with figures of 3-20 from 10 overs, while off-spinner Nigel Simpson got two quick wickets towards the end to support with 3-15 from 3.4 overs and Foster 2-15 from four overs.

In reply, it was the Rasheed show. The crafty

cricketer needed just 7.4 overs to cause major damage. He bowled three of the batsmen, had one trapped leg-before and another stumped, the others were caught.

In total Rasheed, who was the second change over bowler, finished with 8-12 and Diplomats with 78 in 28.4 overs.

R. GIBSON LED DIPLOMATS WITH 16.

When bails were lifted Everest had reached 7-1 from nine overs. Premchand was dismissed by a Mankad (a run-out of the non-striker by the bowler before bowling the ball if the non-striker leaves his crease too early).

As Everest, Bel Air RUBiS were also ahead in their clash against the University of Guyana Trojans at Queen’s College ground.

In that game, the off-

spin bowling of Arvinda Gainda unravelled the university batsmen, who won the toss and opted to take first strike.

M. Stephenson 28 (2x4, 1x6), Y. Singh 36 (2x4, 3x6), A. Fredericks 23 (3x4) and Damion Vantull 20 (4x4) all had starts, but none went on to register the big score that UG needed as Gainda picked up 6-26.

Bel Air replied with 209, but they also found

batting difficult as Vantull used his spin to capture 5-30.

Opener Keon Franklin led the attack with 73 (6x4, 2x6), while former West Indies XI batsman Krishna Deosaran supported with 42 (6x4, 1x6).

Trailing by 70, Trojans had reached 14-1 in the second innings before bails were lifted.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

Friendly clashes part of developmental structure of Berbice basketball

THE Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) is looking to take the game to the next level in the Ancient County, according to its president Vibert Garrett.

The association, which wrapped up the Nigel Hinds Financial Services Annual

Berbice Basketball Mecca Classic, under lights, at the New Amsterdam basketball court, on the second Saturday of this month, would be hosting a one-night clash next Saturday, dubbed ‘BERCOR Night of Basketball’.

In an invited clash, Pacesetters from Georgetown are

expected to travel up to face Rose Hall Town Jammers.

The game, which is scheduled for the New Amsterdam basketball court, is set to tip off at 19:00hrs.

MORE FRIENDLY BASKETBALL According to Garrett, de-

veloping the sport is key under his watch. He noted that the executive committee decided that having more basketball games in Berbice is the best way forward.

Garrett added that visiting teams in Berbice will play not only “friendly games, but in some of our championship

games, so that it can help develop basketball in Berbice”.

According to the basketball head, “Guyanese should stop seeing sports as recreational events and instead see them as an industry through which thousands of persons can get jobs.”

Vibert Garrett is ready to move basketball to the next level in Berbice.

Jaguars inches from victory as Red Force need 281 for win on final day … Hemraj, bowlers control Day 3

By Clifton Ross THE GUYANA Jaguars maintained their stranglehold on Trinidad Red Force as the visitors were staring at a massive 281-run target for victory, with just 4 wickets left in the bank going into the final day’s play at Providence.

Resuming on 53-0 when play began on the penultimate day with a 278-run lead on the board, Jaguars eventually declared on 177-5 in 64 overs batting a second time, leaving Red Force staring at a 402run target for a win.

Opener Chandrapaul

Hemraj was his usual classy self, playing a wide range of strokes on his way to 54, while Vishaul Singh ended on 37 not out and opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul 33.

Red Force spinner Bryan Charles followed up his 1st innings 5-for with 2-58, ending the match with 7 wickets overall to claim the best bowler tag for the visitors.

When play ended on Day 3, Red Force were holding on by a thread at 122-6 with their entire top-order back in the pavilion and Kjorn Ottley (13*) and Akeal Hosein (5*) the men to resume on the final day.

Red Force 2nd-innings primary scorers; Jeremy Solozano (34), Jason Mohamed (33) and Yannick Cariah (27) offered some hope before they too were dismissed.

Similar to the first innings, Keon Joseph (2-15) removed opener Keagan Simmons this time for a duck, as the chase got off to a horrible start prior to tea, when the visitors were sent into bat following the declaration.

Joseph served up an absolute bullet which was too fast for Red Force skipper Bravo, who was bowled for 2 runs, failing in both innings.

At 5-2, Solozano was again subjected to watching his teammates fall one by one

but remained unfazed along with Mohamed as they took their score to 18-2 at tea.

The final session of Day 3 resumed with the Jaguars looking to wrap up the hunt as spinners Kevin Sinclair (1-44) had Solozano given out lbw after a period of resistance.

The seasoned Veerasammy Permaul (2-25) removed the pair of Mohamed and Joshua DaSilva (8) as he reached his 500-wicket milestone playing for Guyana.

Cariah’s resistance ended, courtesy of the leg-break spinner Devendra Bishoo (1-9) who had him adjudged leg-before-wicket, minutes before umpires lifted bails.

Earlier in the day, the

overnight pair of Chanderpaul and Hemraj resumed their innings after dominating on Day 2.

Hemraj found the ropes 5 times on his way to half-century number two of the season, before being bowled

by West Indies teammate, Bravo.

Charles got into the action early on by removing Jaguars skipper Leon Johnson (15) who fell in similar fashion, pinned lbw to a spinner.

The off-spinner added another scalp to his collection when the in-form Chanderpaul misread a delivery which crashed into his pads and he was given out lbw.

Nevertheless, Guyana extended their lead to 361 when

the lunch interval arrived with Singh 14, Chris Barnwell on 15 and the Champs solid on 136-3.

Red Force flipped the script on the home team when Kjorn Ottley trapped Barnwell lbw for 21, followed by first-innings top-scorer Anthony Bramble who was bowled with a beauty to seal a magical double-wicket maiden over.

All-rounder Sinclair ended on 13* while Singh was also left stranded on 37* when Johnson called for the declaration a few overs before the tea break.

Action in the final day will bowl off at 09:30hrs as Jaguars look to secure an early win.

Defending champs High Rollers through to quarterfinals DEFENDING champions High Rollers, as well as giants Silver Bullets, Swag Entertainment and Presidential stormed their way into the quarterfinal section when the 2020 season of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship kicked off on Friday with the Linden zonal competition at the Silver City tarmac.

THE youthful High Rollers unit defeated NK Ballers 1-0 while Silver Bullets riddled Haynes Hitters with a 4-2 scoreline. Presidential mirrored the aforesaid scoreline, downing Elite Ballers 4-2.

Similarly, Swag Entertainment sent a stern warning to the field, brushing aside Barsenal 5-1.

Meanwhile in other results, Retrieve Unknowns blanked Quiet Storm 1-0 on

Action between Elite Ballers (white) and Presidential at the Silver City hard-court in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Championship

penalty kicks, after regulation time ended 0-0. Similarly, Amelia’s Ward Russians edged Capital Storm 3-2 on sudden-death penalty

kicks following a scoreless regulation time interval.

Also, Amazings, last year’s losing finalists, secured victory over Dave &

Celina’s via walkover.

According to the Event coordinator Rawle Gittens, “The opening night illustrated the enthusiasm and

excitement surrounding the tournament as the fans, who descended on the venue in the traditional large numbers, were treated to quality

and exciting action which is certainly going to improve as the tournament progresses.”

At press time, quarterfinal matches were underway.

The other playing nights for the tournament are February 7 (semi-final round) and February 8 (Final). The Berbice Zonal tournament is scheduled to commence after the conclusion of the Linden tournament.

Winners of the event will collect $400 000 and the championship trophy.

On the other hand, the runners-up will pocket $150 000 and the respective accolade. Similarly, the third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $100 000 and $75 000 respectively and a trophy.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

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Former GFA executive Ronald Lee-Bing laid to rest

THE football fraternity, family, relatives and friends last Thursday paid their final respects to the late Ronald Phillip Lee-Bing, a former executive member of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) and president of the Western Tigers Football Club.

Lee-Bing who was born on January 2, 1956 was giv-

en the final whistle by the ultimate Referee on Monday, January 20, 2020. Viewing of his remains took place at the Sandy’s Funeral Home while the home-going service, where his life was celebrated, took place at the Newtown Assembly of God Church, D’Andrade Street, in Newtown, Georgetown.

Lee-Bing’s daughter,

Lisa, who read the eulogy recalled that her dad, above all, believed in family, faith, hard work, independence, community and was a very compassionate individual.

“He always said, family is the most important thing in life, you get out of life what you put into it, and life is short so enjoy it while you can. These are words of

wisdom that I will always cherish.”

Lee-Bing attended the St Stephen’s Primary School before going on to East Ruimveldt Secondary and Kuru Kuru College, where he completed a Diploma in Accounting; much of the knowledge he brought to the fore during his years of service as a football administrator at the club

and association levels.

He also played the sport as a secondary school student, at Kuru Kuru College and at the club level. In his later years, Lee-Bing as he was fondly called, took to coaching, sharing his knowledge especially in Regions One and Nine.

He also served as a Projects Coordinator at the Min-

istry of Indigenous Peoples’

Affairs where his knowledge of the sport was utilised.

The late Lee-Bing leaves to mourn his five children, Lisa, Lindsay, Teona, Rhonda and Nichola; relatives and friends.

Burrowes, Persaud win first titles at National Junior and Cadet TT Championships

SAMIRAH Burrowes got past her twin sister Sufah in the final of the Intermediate Girls’ competition, while Yuteshwar Persaud won the Novices competition yesterday in the National Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

For the Burrowes sisters, it was a replay of last October’s National Schools’ Novices final, and again it was the same results.

Samirah was flawless, winning 11-8, 11-5 and 11-8.

In the event, which started on Friday, the eventually champion had defeated Maria DaSilva (11-6, 11-4, 11-3) and Shamy Lynch 11-2, 11-

Yuteshwar Persaud is the champion of the Novices division.

Samirah Burrowes (left) was flawless against twin sister Sufah in the Girls’ Intermediate final.

4, 11-3), to finish on top of Group One. In Group Two Sufah was also flawless. She got past Isasha Harry (10-12,

11-8, 11-6, 11-5), Akeira Fowler (11-8, 11-8, 11-2) and Laetitia Garner (11-5, 11-5, 11-6).

For Persaud, victory was not as easy. He had a tough battle against second-place finisher Muhammed Baksh in the final of the Novices competition. The 14-year-old Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School student won the opener 11-5, before Baksh fought back to win 12-10, 11-7.

Persaud then tied the series 2-2 with a tough 11-9 win before he took the title with an 11-8 victory.

Earlier both youngsters had gained maximum points in the preliminary round. In Group One, Persaud defeated Osaye Emammuel 3-0 (12-

10, 11-9, 11-6), while he got the better of M. Bostwick 3-0 (11-8, 12-10, 11-8) before he came from behind against Narayan Goodridge 3-1 (1012, 11-8, 11-7, 11-7).

Baksh had eased past Diminic Sandy (11-6, 11-6, 11-3), Shane Razak (11-6, 11-5, 11-6) and Jelani Jones (11-1, 11-0, 11-2).

The championships, which started on Friday, will conclude today at the same venue after the final of the Boys’ and Girls’ 15-years-and-under and 18-years-and-under competitions.

Rasheed (eight wickets), Balgobin (half-century) propel Everest to first-innings lead … Bel Air RUBiS ahead of QC after Gainda’s six wickets

A STIFLING spell of left-arm spin-bowling by Javed Rasheed coupled with a half-century from youngster Ushardeva Balgobin propelled Everest Cricket Club (ECC) to first day honours against Diplomats Sports Club (DSC) in their Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Noble House Seafoods Second Division, two-day cricket battle.

Everest, who are hosting the match, won the toss and

opted to take first strike, but except for a fighting 74 from Balgobin and sporadic support, the side struggled in the middle.

The home team were in disarray in the first over. Diplomats’ medium fast bowler Andre Foster got the scalps of Anthony Khan (0) and Sachin Premchand (0) off consecutive balls to push Everest to 2-1, but skipper Dwayne Adams TURN TO PAGE

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Javed Rasheed (left) and Ushardeva Balgobin did the damage with ball and bat for Everest.

Krishna Deosaran (left) and Keon Franklin led the attack with the bat for Bel Air

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 26, 2020

… Fruta Conquerors U-20 play GFC

Turbo KO Football title to be 35 decided tonight PAGE

From left, GBI’s Raymond Govinda, Deon Alfred, Kelsey Benjamin, Nicholas McArthur, Ryan Hackett and Jackie Boodie of Petra pose with the winners’ trophy. (Stephan Sookram photo)

Jaguars inches from 34 victory as Red Force need 281 for win on final day PAGE

… Hemraj, bowlers control Day 3

Saints, QPCC win U-16 and U-13 outdoor hockey titles 31 PAGE

Guyana Jaguars pacer Keon Joseph set the tone with two early wickets in the Red Force chase.

Saints were crowned U-16 Outdoor champions Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020