Guyana Chronicle E-paper 01-06-2020

MONDAY 6th January, 2020

‘Nothing New to Share’ No.105871

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―President predicts no new plans from PPP during campaign 03 …says everything being promised by the party has been fulfilled by his administration

President David Granger

PPP launches campaign with ‘low budget’ rally 10 PAGE

…Ali promises 50,000 new jobs, Amaila hydro-project

Prime Ministerial candidate of the PPP, Mark Phillips makes his presentation as other leaders of the party including Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali and General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo look on (Adrian Narine photo)

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APNU+AFC to hold 16 rallies before E-Day

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Bodies of couple found at Aracari Resort

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Chutney monarch attacked for performing at coalition rally

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

President writing book on history of Guyana press …urges fairness at annual media brunch

President David Granger (centre) and members of the government (front row) take a photograph with members of the media who attended the 2020 Annual Media Brunch to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the GPA on Sunday. (MoTP photo)

A PUBLICATION on the history of the press in Guyana is nearing completion and will mark the fulfilment of a promise made by President David Granger to the Guyana Press Association (GPA) last year to assist the body in ensuring that present and future journalists are aware of their history.

The book, almost completed, will receive the input

this period between 1840 and 1940, there were a lot of ethnic papers in which people articulated their grievances and expectations of different ethnic groups, as well as other business groups and so on,” he explained.

The third part of the book examines the years from 1940 to 1970 called the ‘nationalist period,’ during which President Granger said that Guyanese yearned

Nazima, and she seems to be doing some work on her own and we will see if we could maybe add to it, so that new entrants into the profession will be guided by what occurred in the past and will try to make the future much better,” the President said.

“Right now, it is up to about 134 pages, it’s more or less complete, including an index and all of the references and sources.” He

public is always presented with impartial information they can rely on. “The media’s role has also been to provide impartial and factual information on any event we report on. It is even more critical during this period leading up to elections, during and following elections,” the GPA head said.

“Our roles are much more different than those of social media commentators;

we are to provide factual and unbiased information to our readers and audience.

This means that we have to put our fact- checking journalism skills to use, ask questions, clarify, research, ensure there is a right of reply, provide that balance. As we have entered an electoral season, I would like to re-emphasise a point made right here last year: we have to ensure that we

President David Granger delivers remarks to the gathering (MoTP photo)

of the press association and was sneak-peaked to the gathering at the 2020 Annual Media Brunch to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the GPA on Sunday. Holding the book up for all to see, the President said it is arranged into four main parts; the first deals with the colonial era between 1793 and 1840.

He explained that during this period, many of those who were seated there that day would not have been allowed a voice. The second part deals with the pluralist phase of the press between 1840 and 1940, which the President said saw newspapers which catered to various ethnicities along with other news outlets.

“It was a very complex period in which the people who are coming to Guyana under different means --- either those in indentureship, those in enslavement or other migrants --- wanted to express themselves. So, during

for independence and the newspapers reflected this.

The fourth part delves into the ‘socialist period’ between 1970 and 1990 when the Head of State recounted that people felt that domination of the international media and other big companies in the developed countries did not adequately represent their views.

This leads to the fifth part of the book --- still being edited – called the reformist period from 1990 to the present, where there is greater liberalisation and the emergence of new media. “This book will deal with most of what I have discussed just now. Unfortunately, my present occupation doesn’t give me the opportunity to do the research which I would like to do and much of the writing here will conclude in the first decade of this millennium, but I will complete it. I’ve just had some discussions with your president,

encouraged the GPA to keep itself alive and well-performing as the country’s earnest watchdog in years to come.

He also reinforced his vow to make an annual subvention to the GPA coming from his funds called the National Endowment For Science and Technology (NEST) to assist the association – without interference ---with training for 2020.

This, he explained, would be made available in the 2020 budget to be presented after the coming General and Regional Elections.

Meanwhile, remarks came too from GPA President Nazima Raghubir, who stated that even while the evolving press brings many challenges, journalists must continue the fight against disinformation and, local journalists, more so during the elections period.

She urged media operatives to take seriously their roles and to ensure that the

GPA President Nazima Raghubir makes remarks (MoTP photo)

remain independent, factual and that our work cements social cohesion rather than fracture it.”

As the GPA celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year, Raghubir also reminisced on the history of the press and all that has changed over the years.

She noted that the press must now work even harder to remain economically viable through becoming diversified and implementing better business models.

Even so, she urged all stakeholders to consider what a true, independent media could mean for the country. The GPA was formed in 1945 and is the second oldest press association in the Region.

Members of the government present at the event included Vice-president and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Vice-president and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Joseph Harmon, Director-General, Ministry of the Presidency; and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. Present too were several executive members of the GPA.

Some of those who attended the media brunch (MoTP photo)

‘Nothing New to Share’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

President David Granger

―President predicts no new plans from PPP during campaign

…says everything being promised by the party has been fulfilled by his administration

By Lisa Hamilton AS the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) shaped up for its 2020 elections campaign launch on Sunday, President David Granger said earlier on that he did not anticipate that the party would put forward any new plans not already set in motion by the coalition government.

Ahead of the PPP/C’s campaign launch set for the Kitty Market Square, in an invited comment Sunday morning the Guyanese leader and presidential candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition told the Guyana Chronicle that they have already set an admirable pattern and the PPP/C could only now attempt to follow suit.

“There’s nothing that the PPP can add that APNU has not yet embarked on,” the President said. “And we’ve corrected a lot of the errors in those very sectors which the PPP committed. They can’t promise to hold local government [elections], we’ve done that; they can’t promise to empower young people, we’ve done that; they can’t promise to upgrade the education system, we’ve done that; they can’t promise to improve the economy, we’re doing that.

So there’s nothing they can add. I expect they will simply regurgitate some of the plans which have already been announced by the APNU+AFC.” True to his predictions, General-Secretary of the PPP Bharrat Jagdeo used his presentation to criticise the gov-

ernment, though he promised the audience that he was going to speak about policies. Instead, Jagdeo regaled the gathering about Farmer Nappy; Ali’s size and promises to jail government officials among others. For his part, PPP Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali regurgitated issues such as the failed Amaila Falls project; his promise to provide 50,000 new jobs; reopening of sugar estates and bringing more fibre-optic cables here. Under the PPP, the infamous Brazil-Guyana fibre-optic cable project that commenced in 2011 was bungled by the son of former President Donald Ramotar. The project as conceptualised by the PPP was to establish among other things, a database hub for all government agencies. Improved internet access was expected to be part of the package. In June 2015 government had said that Guyana accumulated a US$76, 000 debt for internet connectivity though the country has not yet benefitted from the project.

Meanwhile, the APNU+AFC launched its elections campaign ahead of the PPP/C on Friday when thousands turned out to listen to the presentations from President Granger and and Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan.

At the rally, supporters were reminded that their government had held two local Government Elections in four years after a 22-year hiatus under the PPP/C. They were reminded of the high future economic growth projected by international bodies for the country and the efforts made to improve the education sector through Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Supporters

were altogether urged to vote for the coalition government, which has the ability to “usher in the dawn of a new era”, one marked by unity, prosperity and security.

Large turnout Speaking to the large support received at the APNU+AFC rally, the President said: “I was very happy because it shows you that APNU+AFC is not a city-based coalition. There were people here from Region 10, people here from Region Nine, there were people here from Region Six. People come from all over the country to be with us. It is a very encouraging performance and attendance.”

The President said that based on the wide range of innovative plans put forward by his government to develop every sector over the last few years, he doubts whether anything new could be presented on the PPP/C’s big stage. For example, he spoke on the matter of free education --- projected by the coalition government -- -which when taken up by the PPP/C saw the party pledging to restore the same over a few years as it would take some time to “work out the details of this policy initiative.” The President remarked: “All of last year 2019 I stated that we will have free education from nursery to university.

All they could say is ‘in five years’ time’. No. We’re going to have it as soon as the oil revenue permits it. We’re going to have free education at the university level. So there’s nothing they can add. They had 23 years and they failed and all they can do is repeat what APNU+AFC has already pledged to do.”

‘Watch what you say on your campaign trail’ …Harmon tells PPP, condemns Laing Avenue fracas

MONTHS after he urged his supporters to chase out government ministers from their communities, PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo is now appealing to the police after residents of Laing Avenue on Saturday blocked a PPP truck that was advertising their campaign launch on Sunday.

The opposition party has called for an investigation to be launched into the incident as well as another one in Sophia, Greater Georgetown on Thursday. The complaint was issued after a video went viral on several social media platforms showing a ‘Canter’ transporting PPP/C activists being prevented from going through Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, PPP/C Executive Member Anil Nandlall, stated that, on Thursday at 16:00hrs, the party activists were attacked while making a public an-

nouncement in relation to the party’s campaign launch held on Sunday at the Kitty Market Square.

The letter further stated that a known member of

Nandlall also urged the party’s supporters to take their frustrations to the polling stations on March 2 and cast their ballots.

Meanwhile Public Se-

Director General, Joseph Harmon

the PNC led the attack on the ‘Canter’ transporting the PPP personnel. Additionally, at the party’s launch held on Sunday Nandlall stated that, such behaviour should not be condoned and urged supporters of the PPP/C not to retaliate or indulge in such unlawful acts.

curity Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, condemned the behaviour of the APNU/AFC activists, “I want to condemn that immediately, this is a free country and we are building a democracy here in Guyana and everybody in this country is entitled to put up their flags and posters on lantern posts

and to go out there and express their political opinions,” he stated.

Ramjattan in an invited comment with the media reassured that the Guyana Police

Avenue and other places do not provoke others into any incident, I believe it is going to be a trouble free election…

I have asked the police to ensure that the freedom of

PPP/C Executive Member Anil Nandlall, addressing supporters at the party’s campaign launch at the Kitty Market Square (Adrian Narine Photo)

Force is ready and fully capable for the election period.

“It is prepared and I believe there is going to be a hundred percent security all across the country and that can also be assured if the people like the people in Laing

expression and the choice of political opponents or supports not be interfered with by those who disagree with their views,” he explained.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, D i r e c tor-General Joseph Harmon called on the PPP/C to be

responsible in their campaign message and avoid comments of division since such can lead to violence and a vehement election campaign.

“The statements which they make on the platforms and their communities where they have their supporters will have an impact on people everywhere in this country,” the Director General stated.

Harmon further noted that, the APNU/AFC does not encourage or condone acts of violence and as such condemns the incident that occurred in Laing Avenue.

“We don’t encourage that kind of behaviour, we believe in civil campaigning and that is what we have always done. We believe that this country needs to be united and unity is our message. We’ve said it at our campaign launch and at our campaign rally, we believe that unity is where this country needs to go and not [division],” he stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

Iran rolls back nuclear deal commitments (BBC) Iran has declared that it will no longer abide by any of the restrictions imposed by the 2015 nuclear deal.

In a statement it said it would no longer observe limitations on its capacity for enrichment, the level of enrichment, the stock of enriched material, or research and development.

The statement came after a meeting of the Iranian cabinet in Tehran.

It comes amid heightened tensions over the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by the US in Baghdad.

Under the 2015 accord, Iran agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international in-

spectors in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.

US President Donald

Earlier on Sunday, Iraqi MPs passed a non-binding resolution calling for foreign troops to leave the

Australia bushfires might burn for months, Morrison warns

Many New South Wales residents have turned to evacuation centres after fleeing their homes Under the 2015 deal Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities

Trump abandoned it in 2018, saying he wanted to force Iran to negotiate a new deal that would place indefinite curbs on its nuclear programme and also halt its development of ballistic missiles.

Iran refused and has since been gradually rolling back its commitments under the agreement.

country after the killing of Soleimani in a drone strike at Baghdad airport on Friday.

About 5,000 US soldiers are in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group.

The coalition paused operations against IS in Iraq just before Sunday’s vote.

MON. January 06, 2020 - 02:00hrs - 03:30hrs

(BBC) Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned that the devastating bushfires raging in the country might go on for months.

At least 24 people have died since the fires began in September. Air quality in the capital Canberra was this weekend rated the worst in the world.

Mr Morrison announced the creation of a recovery agency to help those who have lost homes and businesses in the fires.

He has faced fierce criticism over the speed of his response to the crisis.

The weekend saw some of the worst days of the crisis so far, with hundreds more properties destroyed. Rural towns and major cities saw red skies, falling ash and smoke that clogged the air.

Conditions eased in Victoria and New South Wales on Sunday after temperatures and wind speeds dropped and some light rain fell. But authorities warned that the danger was far from over.

“We’re in uncharted territory,” said the New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian. “We can’t pretend that this is something that we have

experienced before. It’s not.”

John Steele, 73, who was evacuated with his wife from their rural property north of Eden late on Saturday, told the AFP news agency: “Visibility was down to about 50 metres, if that, and we had lots of debris falling out of the sky and a lot of white ash.

“The sky is still red.

We’re not out of the woods yet.”

A number of celebrities have also donated money to support the firefighting effort in recent days - among them the US singer Pink and Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman, who pledged $500,000. “Our family’s support, thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires all over Australia,” she wrote on Instagram.

News of the donations was praised by Australians on social media, but some lamented that private citizens were raising funds they said should have been put in place by the government.

Nearly 200 fires are still burning across the country, with every state and territory affected. More than 1,200 homes have been destroyed and millions of hectares of land scorched.

Tens of thousands of homes in NSW were left without power and thousands of people have been evacuated from coastal towns over the past week. The town of Cooma suffered a further blow on Saturday night when a large tower carrying millions of litres of water exploded, flooding homes and sweeping away vehicles.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro told ABC News the incident was a “massive disaster”.

Saturday, JAN. 4, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

Venezuela crisis

Juan Guaidó rival declares himself new Speaker (BBC) Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Guaidó was denied entry to the National Assembly to be re-elected as its head.

Dissident opposition politician Luis Parra, Mr Guaidó’s rival, then declared himself parliament’s new Speaker by megaphone - a move denounced by the opposition as a “parliamentary coup”.

The opposition also said Mr Parra was sworn in without votes or quorum.

For the past year, Mr Guaidó has led opposition to the country’s socialist President, Nicolás Maduro.

A US official said Washington still recognised Mr Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, and described Sunday’s events as a farce.

‘You are the past’ In a heated exchange at the doors, Mr Guaidó reportedly told a security officer: “This is unprecedented!”

Images later showed him and other politicians who support him trying to climb a fence to gain entry to the building.

Venezuela crisis in 300 words What’s behind Venezuela’s political crisis?

Mr Guaidó said that only regime politicians and opposition deputies critical of him had been allowed to enter the National Assembly building, and that security forces had set up barricades in downtown Caracas.

Before the dramatic declaration, AFP reported that opposition deputy Jose Brito

- another opponent of Mr Guaidó - told journalists that Mr Parra would stand for the role of Speaker.

“You could have been the future - now you are and will be the past,” Mr Brito told reporters, addressing Mr

President Maduro’s government.

How did we get here?

Last January, Mr Guaidó declared himself interim president - a move that was quickly backed by almost

Luis Parra, a dissident opposition politician and rival of Juan Guaidó, was declared Speaker

Guaidó.

State broadcasters later described Mr Parra as the new Speaker.

Before the vote, Mr Guaidó had accused the government of attempting to thwart his re-election as parliamentary speaker by bribing and intimidating politicians.

Mr Parra, however, told state television that those who were present in the chamber opened the session without Mr Guaidó because he had not arrived. “ We a n n o u n c e d t h i s morning before entering the legislative palace that the rebellion of the deputies... would be clearly expressed,” he said.

In December, Mr Guaidó had vowed to investigate alleged wrongdoing by Assembly politicians, including Mr Parra for unduly advocating for a businessman linked to

60 countries, including the US and UK - after disputing President Maduro’s 2018 re-election.

Mr Guaidó’s position at the head of the opposition-led National Assembly was the basis of his claim to be Venezuela’s legitimate head of state.

But after a year of failed attempts to oust President Maduro, he has been struggling to maintain unity among the opposition.

President Maduro, meanwhile, has maintained his position despite intense domestic and international pressure, thanks largely to the support he has from the Venezuelan military.

How has the US reacted?

Despite the apparent election of Mr Parra, the US said it continues to recognise Mr

Guaidó as the country’s legitimate leader.

Through its embassy to Venezuela - which has been located in Bogotá, Colombia, since the two countries cut ties in 2019 - the US said Sunday’s events were “completely against the will of the people and the laws governing the process”.

Michael Kozak, acting assistant secretary for the US State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, added: “The desperate actions of the former Maduro regime, illegally forcibly preventing Juan Guaidó... from entering the building, make this morning’s ‘vote’, which lacks quorum and does not meet minimum constitutional standards, a farce.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 6, 2020

Fake news and elections campaigning

GIVEN the continuous indignation over the prevalence of fake news in advanced societies such as the United States, we in Guyana might be inclined to say, “Welcome to our world.” And this is not without justification.

The main opposition party led by its General-Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, a former president, continues to spread misinformation about officials and state agencies from the platform of his constitutional post. Guyanese have been fed from his weekly media briefings more than its fair share of propaganda, hoaxes and misinformation. In recent weeks there have been many, such as the allegation of 10,000 acres of land allocated to the chairman of the MMA/ADA scheme by the coalition government, when the lands were actually leased under the PPP administration. We also saw him falsely claiming that the President used state resources to develop his home on the East Bank of Demerara, a charge which the President repudiated and called on him to be truthful to citizens. Yesterday’s launch of the PPP’s elections campaign topped it off with speaker after speaker misinforming citizens on a range of issues. It is one thing to make your case as a party before the electorate, but another to deliberately make false claims in an effort to demonise your opponents.

Where facts have historically been discarded and lies retold, the Orwellian efforts to create an alternate universe has met with measurable success in influencing acceptance or rejection of an individual or group and their contributions.

This is a fact to which advanced societies are beginning to realise that they, too, are susceptible. Acknowledging fake news and its consequential impact does not ignore that Guyana is not singular, nor is it a new experience to advanced societies, as evidenced during Adolf Hitler’s reign in World War II Germany and the Cold War era.

But in this Information Age, the potency of fake news is immediate and more lethal, not only for the consequences borne from discrediting persons, but the potential it offers those who seek to discredit issues, credible organisations, and persons.

It is not unusual to find those prone to taking sides to discredit the entire media corps, or specific outlets, when reported actions reflect an image they find distasteful, but conversely expect the media to assist them in communicating their views to the wider society. In spite of the tactic of attacking the messenger, which is usually to discredit the conveyer of the information and absolve the originator of the information from accountability, it is proving to reap dividends.

Now that information and news can be updated, re-edited, re-interpreted, and posted every second of the day, fake news is exploiting technology to disconcerting ends. It is not unusual to see such outlets obliterating or blanketing credible information and sources by altering reality. At the same time, it is not untrue to say news outlets have used their credibility to spread untruths, or twist the truth in order to promote the agenda of its owner, or fail to ensure the credibility of its source, due to the competitive nature of the environment, in order to be the first to break the story.

In the new landscape, U.S. media operatives are litigating the importance of maintaining their integrity and the public’s trust. At the same time, their credibility is coming under fire for being the purveyors of “fake news.”

With such allegations becoming more and more difficult to grapple with, Guyanese media owners and workers can cite several instances where the powerful have sought to discredit and delegitimise them, and by extension the content of their news, thereby absolving the originators of the

news from accountability.

Local media operatives have experienced, and continue to experience, similar vile attacks from Jagdeo. Why this is instructive is that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic has presented the image that it has fought for and respects press freedom. Societies around the world have to grapple with fake news as an industry, which has either seeped into, or become a part of, mainstream media. News outlets, persons or organisations with grievances, dislikes or sinister agendas are engaging in communication to undermine and delegitimise others. This sees the deliberate omission of certain facts, or the redirecting, as in editing, of content, altering of images, or doctoring of footage to get a particular point across.

These realities carry consequences. They not only create opportunities to be economical with the truth, but misleading information can be hazardous to the planning and implementation of programmes. It is factors of this nature that undermines acts of cohesion in society. As advanced societies, where media are considered freer and pivotal to democracy, grapple with what can best be described as a virus (i.e. fake news), there are expressions of concern that politicians are reflecting characteristics of leaders in authoritarian societies.

Today, the news media is operating in a challenging and complex environment, where even as it tries to be a credible source, it is at times held captive to forces, technological, ownership and the prevailing culture.

There will always be propaganda and the high risk of public manipulation. But even in the face of these, news outlets should not lose sight of the fact that pursuing or maintaining credibility is critical to its respect and survival, and the growth and development of society.

The Young and the Old A man in his mid-70s related the story of how his granddaughter who lives with her parents next door, `bused’ him when he asked her to collect some groceries that he had forgotten at a shop in the village.

“Why you can’t walk and collect them yourself’? The teenager retorted and continued, ‘Furthermore I don’t know why you bothering me, I have enough to do; when you see me don’t tell me anything.’ The elderly man said to his granddaughter: ‘Don’t bother with you, you won’t get old?’ and the granddaughter replied, ‘Not for now.’

Some young people seem to have little regard for senior citizens nowadays and tend to treat them more like a hindrance than a person who should be shown respect and given tender loving care.

While it can be accepted that the disparity in age between the generations is wide, there still are no grounds for young people to be impolite to older family members (or old people) or insensitive to their needs.

On the contrary, young people should be delighted to be in a position to assist older

people whenever they are able.

They should find joy in giving a helping hand to someone who no doubt held them as babies and saw to their needs when they cried or needed to be fed, alongside their parents.

But such a bond does not need to exist for children to have respect for older people. Showing care for senior citizens in our environment is the correct and honourable thing to do. If children are taught this simple fact, as they grow it will become a genuine pleasure for them to be aware of their seniors and be helpful towards them when the need arises.

Old people were not born old, as children may or may not have the insight to analyse; they are sharing the same life and breathing the same air as everyone else, but at a different stage.

That does not make them any less of a person; it simply means that they may not be able to do as much as they did when they were younger. This is usually because with age comes ailments. It is all part of the process of life and it is a stage of life that most people will experience if they are privileged to live many

years on this earth.

The mere fact that elderly people have been afforded this privilege is yet another reason why they should be treasured. Parents should ensure that their children have a good relationship with their grandparents.

It can be difficult for young people to comprehend the many changes and events that older people have witnessed during their decades, but being able to listen to older folks while they share memories are moments to cherish. It is important for children to realise that old people have feelings too and do not want to feel as if they are imposing on anyone or being a burden.

As far back in time as anyone can remember, older people have always played a significant role as advice-givers. They may belong to a different generation, but older people have lived through pretty much the same experiences as their children and grandchildren, minus technology.

Basic human life such as, love, work, goals, and anxieties, child-bearing and rearing: sickness and health and more have not

changed considerably in 100 years. Although the details may have evolved a little, the basics remain the same; seeking advice from elders can make them feel valued and worthy, instead of worthless.

When grown-ups show little or no respect to their parents, it follows that their offspring will do the same, hence the situation portrayed earlier where the granddaughter ‘bused’ her grandfather when he asked for her assistance.

In this new year let us make it our duty to ensure that our children understand and in turn appreciate the cycle of life, because all too soon our older folk will be gone.

Teach them to treat senior citizens with the reverence and respect they deserve: after all, it may be only a matter of time before they will need the same reverence and respect extended to them.

(If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

Stop using youth as political props Dear Editor,

T

HE year is 2020.

We are now roughly seven weeks from what is coined ‘the Mother of all Elections’ and none of the two major political parties have actually outlined a concrete plan for youth development outside of the President’s “education nation” mantra.

Perhaps the PPP/C tried to achieve that in their mock of a manifesto which can be easily torn apart by a simple google search, but Guyanese youth have still not been given sufficient chances to be meaningfully involved in government at the local, regional and central government levels without serious opposition from some ‘more established’ party members.

I was born in 1997 and in the last 22 years, there has been no major push to ensure that youth are provided with the opportunities to lead and make decisions that affect their own lives.

The world’s population is young. Guyana’s population is young. In 2017, 42 per cent of the world’s population was under 25.

I have seen loads of PPP/C and APNU+AFC loyalists over the two decades, who all have reaped the fat of the lamb take to whatever social media platform suits their interests to bark at youth who complain about youth involvement, somehow indicating that they should just tow the line; a line which will inevitably see them being eligible for ‘promotion’ in their 40s and 50s when they are no longer youth.

I sometimes pay homage to the loyalists who opined on Facebook in December last, that most of the rhetoric surrounding youth involvement in politics comes from a sense of entitlement, particularly from persons who have not ‘done the work.’

What none of them has done is explain what ‘the work’ constitutes, but it doesn’t take a scholar to see that young people have for long felt disenfranchised from the often filthy process.

The question exists then.

Why should youth be given the opportunity to participate in politics? In a changing world, political and civic engagement has become broader than just political engagement because it includes social service policy and provision through involvement in health, education, urban planning etc., it encourages better citizenship and a youth-for-youth approach.

Let’s not stifle our consciences and act as though only an ageist argument exists through the bellies of these frustrated young people. We – in the majority – do not believe that the ‘old cabal’ should be thrown out.

Admittedly, many of them are learned and have great experience and wisdom vital to the development of Guyana. However, dozens of expired goods are fighting for political prowess and from all of the series I’ve binged watched, power hungry vampires always expose the vile nature of the clan and must always be terminated for the longevity of the species.

Successive governments have maintained a façade of youth involvement over the last 22 years with their often-elitist structures that bar many people with experience and loads of PoLiTiCaL MiLeAgE from serving – even when they are past 50.

There are thousands of youth with the fervour and scope to lead and influence real change with a penchant for service, many of whom often shy away from politics because of the nasty ‘fight down’ attitude it encompasses.

We can no longer make the case that youth are not interested/educated/stimulated; youth are vibrant, well-read and incredibly resourceful. Youth deserve their seat at the table. Yes, we are coming with the same energy and sense of ‘entitlement’ women felt to be involved in political and civic engagement and we have every right to demand to be heard and taken seri-

ously.

We are not asking for handouts. We are asking to be deliberately consulted and included. We are taking up space and making waves.

We don’t want to be part of your ethnic and gender quota.

I am a government supporter, but I am for Guyana first. Contrary to popular belief, being a supporter of the government does not mean I blindly agree with everything they do. I will never let my perspectives become tainted and I will always put my Guyana first.

This government could have done better; nevertheless, one good term deserves another, so ‘don’t stop the progress.’

Out of all the 5000 parties Guyana now has, the Alliance For Change (AFC) seemingly has the most vibrant youth arm – Youth For Change (YFC) – but its growth will for the foreseeable future be stymied by some older members with more ‘political mileage,’ who themselves embody the same sense of entitlement they claim youth have.

The focus on youth in terms of their engagement in the political arena should not be lost. Youth remain one of the most disenfranchised groups, whether in areas involving their physical, sexual and mental health, education, access to resources, employment opportunities and business; but still, we rise.

I urge any government who has held office since 1997 to name 10 youths who have been nurtured into positions of meaningful political leadership and policy formation in their sitting government.

When we speak of youth, we must not speak from our pedestals. We must not use our condescending phalanges to propel narratives that youth are lazy and have not done ‘the work.’ Youth are not just for your votes and your political props. We do not need to be treated as if we cannot make meaningful impact in Guyana. We have grown weary of watching

and we are coming.

Comrades, in this decade of development, let us check our privilege. Let us strive to ensure that youth have some say in the policies that will inherently affect them. All the new parties understand that

the youth vote is critical and are wasting no time in promising them that they will be heard. The advantage these parties have is that they are manned by a younger following and I have seen scores of my Facebook friends (all

former coalition voters) already pledge their support for the likes of TCI and ANUG, because they market their product well. Be mindful of who you cross.

Regards Tesh Isaacs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

‘PPP has seen the error of their ways’ …President commented on party’s about-face embrace of ex-soldiers …says Jagdeo’s initial criticisms were misguided, unwarranted

PRESIDENT David Granger has said he was pleased that the Opposition has ‘seen the light’ with their recent embrace of a former military officer as their No.2, noting that the party’s earlier demonising of ex-soldiers were misguided and hollow.

Back in 2015, PPP Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo told his supporters in Berbice that if the Coalition is elected to office, soldiers will kick down their doors at night and rob them. At the time of his comments, Brigadier (rtd) Mark Phillips was heading the Guyana Defence Force.

Last Friday Jagdeo anointed Phillips as Irfaan Ali’s running mate.

Asked to comment on the PPP picking Phillips, President David Granger, himself a retired Brigadier, said: “Essentially, former military officers are like any other citizens, and they are entitled to compete for political office.

They’re normal people, and I feel that the initial criticisms of former military officers joining the political arena was unjustified; completely unwarranted. And in a way, it’s a good thing that Mr. Jagdeo and the PPP have seen the error of their ways, and they should start now seeing all citizens as normal and equal,

and not try to stigmatise one particular occupational group.

President Granger told the Guyana Chronicle that he assumes that the PPP accepted Brigadier Phillips on the basis of his performance. “I

Albion in April 2015, warned supporters of the party to be wary of the entrance of former army and police officials into the political arena. He said at the time that the police and defence forces would be

President David Granger

will not make any criticism on that. But any Guyanese citizen must be considered eligible for higher office. I hope this election brings an end to the unjustified vilification of former members of the Defence Force. They’ve served, and they are worthy to be treated with respect like any other occupational group,” President Granger asserted.

Jagdeo, at a PPP rally at

compromised. “When they link up with the military, as they have done, and come into your homes and start kicking the doors down and when they come after you, who is going to be there?” a fired-up Jagdeo said at the time.

He went onto the tell PPP supporters at the time that since the executive of the APNU+AFC includes for-

mer heads of the disciplined services, that the army and the police force would be compromised, a claim which was strongly condemned by former heads of the police force and the army.

At an April 2015 press conference at Freedom House, Jagdeo stated that the move by former army chiefs to enter the political fold broke trust between the Executive and the army management. He made the statement after Former Chiefof-Staff Commodore Gary Best, who was appointed by Jagdeo to head the military from 2007-2013, endorsed the APNU+AFC in the leadup to the May 2015 elections.

Following Best’ endorsement of the coalition, Jagdeo took several swipes at Best, suggesting that crimes such as the 2008 massacres at Lusignan and Bartica could have probably been avoided.

Former President Donald Ramotar also expressed concern at the time about what the PPP’s perceived militarization of the political arena. According to a Demerara Waves report, Ramotar noted in April 2015 that Guyana might have been on the verge of following in the footsteps of countries like Egypt where military officers have taken up civilian office and kill-

ing persons on the streets of Cairo almost every day.

“That is one thing we have to look at if this is a trend that they want to continue in our world,” the former President said.

Even former Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds weighed in on the issue.” “I am greatly concerned that there is great danger if they are to win the next elections,” he was quoted as saying in the April 2015 Demerara Waves report.

Worse level of meddling Meanwhile, under the PPP Administration the GDF experienced the worse level of meddling which resulted in the discriminatory firing of staff and elevation of “favorites.” Records show that in August, 2007, Jagdeo, while as President, bypassed four senior GDF officers and promoted their juniors.

Phillips was one of the officers who benefitted from this move. Jagdeo in a move that angered some in the army, promoted Commander Gary Best to Commodore, and Pompey, Bruce Lovell and Mark Phillips to substantive colonels. Pompey had replaced Colonel Lawrence Paul as the Deputy Chiefof-Staff; Lovell moved to Colonel, General Staff and Phillips who later became Chief-of-Staff headed force’s

administration at the time of the incident. Critics of Jagdeo’s decision to promote the officers had said that the Head of State had showed desperation in the supersession of the officers. Brigadier Edward Collins who was on his way out at the time had expressed his displeasure at the manner in which his successor was picked, declaring that due process was not followed and rejected the traditional farewell parade in his honour. His decision to break with the GDF tradition was seen as a snub of the force’s new administration.

Collins himself was denied a promotion from Brigadier General to Major General before retiring.

NO INTERFERENCE President Granger has vowed that political interference in the operations of the security forces will not happen under his watch. “I have never paid attention to that allegation, because the accusers are the greatest abusers of the military command structure, and it wouldn’t happen again.

We have laid down clear rules for promotion, for advancement, for removal, and I stick by the rules,” the Head of State told this newspaper.

The psychological pains of discrimination, victimisation have never healed Dear Editor,

MY recollection of this case is as clear as day. I remember Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, the now caretaker opposition leader, was the President. He was in the process of anointing Mr Donald Ramotar to be his successor. All of Guyana knew that Jagdeo, the maximum leader, managed and governed everything, even the waking times of the kiskadee birds. Jagdeo wanted his case before the 2011 elections and he got his case before the 2011 elections. And he now speaks of independence of the judiciary.

The case was against Kaieteur News and Mr Freddie Kissoon. Freddie Kissoon wrote a column entitled, “King Kong sent his goons to disrupt the conference.” King Jagdeo interpreted that to mean that he and by extension his government, was racist. The power of a guilty mind.

Jagdeo sat at his poolside mansion as his minions fed him updates for the now infamous case. The case which he ensured was plastered in all newspapers and TV stations. The first update came as he was sucking on two seeds-- genip seeds. The news shocked him, one of the seeds escaped the protective glossopharyngeal muscles. Asphyxiation ensued. Saved by the Hemlinch manoeuvre he was. The answer that nearly locked off Jagdeo’s glottis came from the nearly empty oral cavity of Dr Luncheon and it pertained to ambassadors. PPP over 23 years never had an Afro-Guyanese overseas ambassador. They had their one-time prime ministerial candidate Elizabeth Harper undertaking dual functions as Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

and Ambassador to CARICOM. You would have thought that Dr. Luncheon would have taken the “fifth” on any further questioning. NO! He proceeded to blurt out that no Afro-Guyanese was qualified for overseas posting as ambassadors. I told you guys that Bharrat Jagdeo always loved Afro-Guyanese. This recent campaign on “Hug a black” has nothing to do with impending elections. Dr. Luncheon then made some further revelations about the award of agricultural lands and contracts during the tenure of President Jagdeo.

Today I read the headline tucked away in the corner of Kaieteur News, “Jagdeo withdraws libel suit against Freddie Kissoon and KNews.” No fanfare at the conclusion. No press conference. No beating of the chest. The three Singhs PPP paper boys not plastering Kaieteur News with letters of victory and triumph. In effect, their greatest “strategist” made another massive strategic blunder. Freddie Kissoon is not the only Guyanese to hold the view that Jagdeo’s policies were race-driven.

Most Guyanese hold that view. The fact that Kaieteur News and Freddie Kissoon were able to prove their case has confirmed what we all knew.

For years Afro-Guyanese complained of discrimination. The UNDP tried to investigate awarding of scholarships. The PSM under instructions from the PPP refused to provide the data which would have incriminated them on mass discrimination; and that was not an isolated case. Remember the radio licences?

Remember Berbice bridge? Remember the award of fellowships?

Remember the appointments of permanent secretaries? Remember allocation of state contracts? Remember the GPHC directors

and senior management staff? You see why I can never support the PPP? I remember too many dark aspects of their history.

Discrimination, victimisation and harassment are all painful experiences that are difficult to prove. I have written ad nauseam to the PPP, but cathartic to myself, of my painful experiences under the PPP. So painful that since I left the GPHC in 2002, there was a 15-year hiatus before I set foot on the premises again and that was only because my brother was an in-patient. When I left in 2002 I vowed never to return. Since I have collected my cheated grades at UG, I never set foot on that place again, despite being invited on multiple occasions to give lectures.

My UG certificate, I don’t know where to find it. I had to get a replacement in 2016 and now I’ve discarded the replacement to a place unknown. My other certificates are displayed on my study wall, Granger-style.

The fact is that the psychological pains of discrimination, victimisation and harassment never heal. The scars are permanent. Jagdeo may want us Afro-Guyanese to believe that he has transformed. He has changed. He now loves us. The fact is that this display of affection is all convenient. Convenient to him. Convenient to PPP. Just show me pictures before 2011 with PPP members randomly hugging Afro-Guyanese and I will change my allegiance. If you cannot find such pictures, which I’m sure do not exist, then you need to ask the question why. Hint: the answer is in the 2012 census.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

APNU+AFC to hold 16 rallies before E-Day …to target each region; next stop Hopetown on Wednesday

UNDER their campaign theme “Moving Forward Together,” the governing APNU+AFC coalition on Sunday released their full Rally Schedule setting out rally dates and locations in the lead-up to the March 2, general and regional elections.

The schedule covers a

total of 16 rallies and includes gatherings in all 10 of Guyana’s administrative regions, beginning with the campaign launch that was held last Friday, in Georgetown, at D’Urban Park, and will end with a closing rally, also in Georgetown, on February 29.

The next rally will take

place this Wednesday, January 8, at Hopetown in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), where it is said supporters and attendees can expect more of the vibrant cultural and talent-filled programme that marked the party’s campaign launch last Friday.

Two days later the excitement then returns to

A section of the crowd that turned out on Friday, January 3, for the APNU+AFC campaign launch (Adrian Narine photo)

Georgetown, on January 10, for Nomination Day, the day when all political parties contesting the upcoming elections are required to submit their lists of candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

This year, instead of lists of candidates being submitted at City Hall as is customary, the political parties will be submitting their lists at the Umana Yana on High Street.

Given the change of venue, the coalition is expected to this week determine the assembly point for supporters on Nomination Day. The APNU+AFC 2020 elections campaign will be managed jointly by People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Joseph Harmon and Alliance For Change (AFC) member Ra-

phael Trotman.

After Nominations Day, the campaign immediately heads to the Berbice region once again, this time Main Street, New Amsterdam,in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), set for January 11.

On January 17, the rally hits Essequibo-Islands West Demerara with a session set for Vreed-en-Hoop; then it’s back to Region Four, on January 24, at Golden Grove on the East Coast of Demerara.

Two more rallies will be held in January, with one set for Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), on January 25; the other takes the campaign to Region Two (Pomeroon Supenaam) with a rally at Anna Regina on January 31.

In February, rallies are

scheduled for Regions One, Four, Six, Seven, Eight and 10.

On February 1, there will be a rally at Rose Hall; there’s one the very next day in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) at the Wismar Market Square.

In Region One (Barima-Waini) on February 7, there is a rally in the town of Mabaruma. On February 8 and 9, there are respective rallies at the Diamond tarmac and Republic Square in Corriverton.

On February 15 the coalition heads to Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) with a stop in the town of Bartica; then on February 21 they move to Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) with is a stop in the town of Mahdia, before the closing rally is held.

Police investigating likely murder-suicide at Aracari Resort THE police are currently investigating the cause of death of a couple, whose bodies were found in a bath tub in a room at the Aracari Resort on the West Bank of Demerara.

The bodies were discovered by hotel management around 18:00hrs Sunday.

The couple had checked into the hotel at 15:38hrs on Saturday, and were last heard from at 12:00hrs on Sunday, when they spoke with management of the hotel, before the bodies were discovered. Regional Commander Simon McBean shared that there was nothing initially apparent to suggest the cause of death; however, he confirmed that the bodies did not bear any marks of violence; the door of the hotel room was locked from the inside.

There is speculation

that it may be a case of yet another murder-suicide.

McBean related that the identities of the individuals are known; however, the police have decided to withhold the identities until relatives of the deceased are notified.

“Thus far I can say ‘[the bodies] are a male and female, suspected to be in their early 20s, both of East Indian descent; they were found in a bath tub. The bodies were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and our investigation continues. We have nothing at the moment to suggest how the death occurred,” McBean related.

The couple were last heard from at 12pm on Sunday, when they were expected to check out of the room. The male partner however made arrange-

ments for the stay to be extended. ““They should have been booked out at 12 noon [sic] today,that’s they time

when they [hotel management] checked with them; the male responded and he requested further time.

It was agreed that an ad-

ditional $2000 would be added to his charges,” McBean said.

However, when the newly agreed check-out

The Aracari Resort where the bodies were discovered

time came and went without an appearance from the couple, management once again tried to contact the occupants of the room. After phone calls and knocks on the locked door went unanswered, physical checks were made and the bodies were discovered.

“We were informed by the hotel management, sometime around 6pm.

They overstayed the time they should have and management checked, but they found the door secured. They called but received no feedback, so they entered and they discovered the bodies.

We have names, we have identified both parties, but I do not want to give that until we have spoken to the families; I want the family to be informed,” McBean explained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 6, 2020

PPP launches campaign with ‘low budget’ rally

…Ali promises 50,000 new jobs, Amaila hydro project

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic he spoke to the need for Guyanese to unite coalition government, such as (PPP/C) on Sunday launched what was for positive transformation. However, even the Lethem-Linden highway, described by Bishop Juan Edghill as a as the country embarked on ‘first oil’, set to which is already taking shape. “low budget’ elections campaign rally at significantly impact transformation, his pres- The UK Government, under the Kitty Market Square where many of ent outlook for Guyana was not a positive its Caribbean Infrastructure its staunch supporters attended. one as he compared the country to a “sinking Partnership Fund (UKCIF) Unlike the APNU+AFC’s launch on ship” which, he said, the PPP/C must rescue. programme, has agreed to coFriday, the PPP had no cultural show, save He called on his supporters to look to fund the construction of the for two renditions by former MP, Harry Gill, the party’s manifesto which speaks to the first phase of the Linden-Lewho belted out a pirated version of Lord creation of a modern Guyana in which he them Road Project which Nelson’s calypso ‘King Liar’, which he sang will develop 50,000 jobs, strengthen local covers 122.5km of road from from an exercise book leaf. The party also content, expand physical infrastructure and Linden to Mabura Hill and continued to play Farmer Nappy’s ‘Hookin more. Like Jagdeo, he spoke to the Amaila the construction of a bridge Meh’ which it also pirated and resurrected Falls hydro project for the development of across the Essequibo River at from its 2006 elections campaign theme song of “love and unity’.

Meanwhile, large numbers of the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo (Carl party’s supporters stood in the blistering Croker photo) afternoon sun -- some sheltering with umbrellas or party flags to listen to the prepared speeches from their leaders.

PPP/C “These are the transformative At the Market Square, the party leaders projects that will open up new land; sat in chairs across the small stage with that will open up new opportunibetter-knowns seated at the front, such ties…that will grow the economic as Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat base of our country that will expand Jagdeo; presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali; the foundation on which our econoprime ministerial candidate, Brigadier my stands.” (rt’d) Mark A. Phillips, former OpposiAs the Presidential Candidate tion Members of Parliament (MP) Gail reluctantly winded down, the crowd Teixeira, Anil Nandlall, Juan Edghill and of persons –once thicker at the very Priya Manickchand, as well as Executive centre --- began to dissipate. During Member, Roger Luncheon and former the presidential hopeful’s speech, Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds. the Opposition Leader could also be In his remarks, Jagdeo stated that seen engrossed with his cell phone. the PPP/C is the only party dealing with Taking up the least time on programmes and policies at its rallies as stage was recently-selected PPP/C he went on to rant and rave over what Prime Ministerial Candidate, Brighe stated were years of no development People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali; prime ministerial adier (rt’d) Mark A. Phillips. Philunder the APNU/AFC. Jagdeo claimed candidate, Brigadier (rtd) Mark A. Phillips (Adrian Narine photo) lips spoke for about that when the PPP was 13 minutes, assuring in office “development the gathering that he took place right across would be a “Prime Guyana” and the coaliMinister of all Guytion government has “no anese” despite race, achievements to speak religion or political about”. affiliation. He told While there is widethe gathering that he spread evidence to the was chosen because contrary, the Opposition he has the experience Leader said that the coaand leadership which lition has “not secured a will help PPP/C move single new major investGuyana forward. ment” and that every onHe projected that going project “began unthe PPP would presder PPP”. He dismissed ent an anti-crime the President’s plan for security strategy a Decade of Developwhich would be ment as he promised linked to job crethat the Amaila Falls ation and poverty hydro project would be reduction. Phillips rekindled under a PPP also encouraged the government. attendees to spend In his address, the time having converOpposition Leader also sations within their sought to reel in other communities about supporters by assuring the party’s manithe public that the PPP festo and to ensure is a “natural home for that their names are afro-Guyanese” even as The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) supporters who attended (Adrian Narine photo) on the Voter’s List, he promoted Ali to the stating: “Now is not audience as the leader the time for you to Guyana needs. “He can get distracted.” Sevhandle a large scale task. eral other presentations came from the Not because of his size, but because of his cheaper electricity as well as the construction Kurupukari River. ability,” Jagdeo said as he roused up the of a four-lane highway from Georgetown to Meanwhile, plans are apace for the con- likes of Gail Teixeira, Anil Nandlall and crowd.

Timehri; the Linden to Lethem road, a new struction of a new bridge across the Demer- lesser known PPP leaders. At the end of The Opposition Leader spoke for a little bridge across the Demerara River and the ara River which will see the construction of the rally, Juan Edghill, who chaired the over 20 minutes, but this was outmatched by Parika to Rockstone Del Conte road. an approximately 1,500m long fixed bridge. proceedings, thanked the gathering for Ali who spoke for almost an hour. Ali’s mesMany of these projects are already Nonetheless, some 20 minutes into his showing up in their numbers for what he sage took on a different air from Jagdeo’s as ongoing or within the future plans of the speech, Ali told his supporters that under the described as a” low budget launch.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

Chutney monarch attacked for performing at APNU+AFC rally

THE APNU+AFC on Sunday issued a statement condemning social media attacks and bullying against reigning Chutney Monarch Steven Ramphal by “known PPP facebook bullies, thugs and trolls”, who have been attacking the singer following his performance at the APNU+AFC Campaign Launch last Friday.

Ramphal, who used the opportunity to spread messages of unity and love, was among a vast number of local performers that were paid to perform at the event, which marked the beginning of the political party’s countrywide rally schedule, in the lead up to the March 2 general and regional elections.

Despite being headlined

by Trinidadian Soca singer, “Farmer Nappy”, the Friday night event was heavy on local talent and culture, with performances by several leading Guyanese singers in varying genres including Soca, Calypso, Chutney, and Gospel. There were also dances by the National Dance Company, and Indian dances by the “Berbice Delight Chutney Dancers” as well as an Indigenous dance group.

“Mr. Ramphal, like several other popular musical artistes, was a paid performer at the mammoth APNU+AFC Coalition launch on Friday, January 3 at D’Urban Park. The APNU+AFC Coalition thanks him for his performances, and commends him and his team for their unity message which they are promoting. The APNU+AFC

Coalition embraces the unity theme, and calls on all Guyanese to do the same,” the APNU+AFC statement said.

In Guyana, politics is

supporters to be civil as the entire country prepares for the elections. “The APNU+AFC Coalition condemns the PPP calls for boycott of events promoted

Ramphal, for his part, said he will continue to do all he can to spread his message of love and unity, with the betterment of his country and his people always

ask why can’t we all live in love? We need to break the stereotypes and unite!

I am a performer; if you need me, contact my management for bookings,”

Reigning Chutney Soca Monarch, Stephen Ramphal, photographed on stage with President David Granger and other party members at the APNU+AFC campaign launch, emphasises that he is not politically aligned (Delano Williams photo)

considered highly divided along racial lines, with the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) considered the party aligned with the Indian population and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the largest constituent of the APNU+AFC government considered to be preferred by the African population.

In their statement, APNU+AFC called for all political parties and their

by Ramphal, or events at which he is slated to perform. APNU+AFC Coalition condemns violence, bullying and thuggery in all their forms and calls on the leaders of all political parties, particularly the PPP to conduct themselves in a civil manner during the 2020 elections campaign and to refrain from instigating provocation and incitement against the supporters of other parties,” they said.

first and foremost on his agenda. “I represent Team Unity, Peace and Love. I said it once and gonna say it again, I’m not politically aligned. Before sharing this image, they should have looked at my performance and listen to what I stand for. Instead of dividing people, stand strong and let’s unite. Instead of causing social division, I am asking my real Guyanese people to remain calm. I wanna

Ramphal responded in a post on Facebook.

He was at the time addressing a circulating picture with himself and President David Granger holding hands on stage last Friday night, with a caption that referred to him as “selling out” among other derogatory remarks.

Ramphal attended Friday’s event decked out in a neutral all-black outfit, and showed that his only

alliance was to his performance, his fans, and his country, without any political reference during his performance. Ramphal was not the only Chutney singer at the event, where former Chutney Monarch, Bunty Singh also graced the stage.

Some singers at Friday night’s event unapologetically endorsed APNU+AFC as the party of their choice.

However, others, like Ramphal, stayed neutral, and simply focused on the unity aspect of the event. Another picture circulating on the popular social media site called for a boycott of events by the singer. However, Ramphal is using the opportunity to promote his message of unity, and his business, sharing his latest music video for his song “Jo Sangeet Main Gaata”, a number which underscores his message of unity.

In the video, Ramphal performs at several venues, including the recently unveiled “I Love Guyana” sign, the Indian Monument in Berbice, and calls for the tearing down of negative social issues such as “hatred, disharmony, intolerance and racism. “This is the time to stop all the fight.

Listen to me, let us all unite. One people, one nation, together we stand, forget about your colour. let us stand hand-inhand. Thank you to all my amazing supporters, you’ve shown me how united my music can be,” Ramphal also said, as he quoted from the song in another post on his Facebook page.

PPP continues use of pirated ‘Farmer Nappy’ song at rally THE PPP/C continued to use a pirated version of Farmer Nappy’s song, even as the Trinidadian artiste threatened to take legal action against the party.

On Friday, internationally-acclaimed Trinidadian Soca artiste, Darryl “Farmer Nappy” Henry disclosed that his management team will be taking legal action against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for using his ‘Hookin meh’ song in a campaign promotion advertisement. In a radio interview on 98.1FM, ‘Farmer Nappy’ said that he was contacted by representatives of the Coalition to work along with them for their campaign promotion ahead of the March 2 Regional and General elections here.

His ‘promo’ song, a remix of his own “Hookin Meh”, was played at the launch of the elections cam-

paign of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+ AFC) coalition at D’Urban Park. He also performed there after the formal programme was finished.

However, while in Guyana, he was made aware that his 2019 hit-song “Hookin meh”, sung on the Purple Heart Riddim, was remixed into an Opposition campaign ‘promo’ song, which is critical of the incumbent government. This remix, sung by a Guyanese artiste, was not sanctioned by ‘Nappy’ or his management team.

Even though the artiste made these comments on Friday, at the PPP/C’s campaign launch on Sunday, the song was still being played. Furthermore, another tune, also critical of the government, was remixed on the same Purple Heart Riddim, reminiscent of Nadia

Batson’s “So Long”.

During the radio interview, “Farmer Nappy” said that felt that remixing his song was “disrespectful”, and alluded to copyright concerns. “You don’t just take somebody things and just do it so without permission,” Farmer Nappy said later, adding: “At the end of the day, it’s like I put my food in the fridge and you just take it.”

During that same radio interview, it was insinuated that the local artiste singing the remixed song was Bradon Harding, who is the reigning Soca Monarch of Guyana. On his Facebook page, however, Harding wrote: “Let me say categorically that I did not sing that jingle.” He also added that he supports both President David Granger and the APNU+AFC coalition government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

Linden base more solid than 2015 ―Figueira says Mark Phillips, small-party candidates no match for ‘the Coalition’

By Vanessa Braithwaite AS the countdown to the reputed ‘Mother of all elections’ begins, the one thing on everyone’s mind, more so with the recent announcement that longtime Linden resident and former Army Chief, Brigadier (rtd) Mark Phillips, is the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s prime ministerial candidate, is whether this ploy will compromise the thousands of votes expected from the mining community, which is a major stronghold of the ruling APNU-AFC. Speculation is rife in some quarters that choosing Phillips is a political strategy used by the PPP to pull votes from Linden, and that should it succeed, the Coalition will be in deep trouble.

In 2015, the Coalition garnered over 16, 000 votes from Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

APNU-AFC officials on the ground in Region Ten are confident that the Coalition will capture even more votes than they did in 2015, and that Phillips’ candidacy will have no affect on this. In fact, many have expressed confidence that these votes of which they speak will not only be pulled from Linden alone, but from other outlying communities in Region Ten, based on the response and feedback they have been having from those communities at reference.

Speaking on the issue is Chairman of the Region Ten People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Jermaine Figueira, who is also playing an integral role in the campaigning machinery in Linden. Testimony that the Coalition’s base is still in tact, and that there is nothing to fear, is the thousand-strong supporters who travelled from the mining town in a convoy last Friday to attend the grand campaign launch.

Figueira boasted that Linden had one of the largest contingents, and that many of those persons also travelled from other communities in Region Ten to join the supporters.

He is of the firm belief that the astronomical devel-

opment that has been taking place over the last four years in Linden and the wider Region Ten is what is motivating the base to give the Coalition a second chance.

While many persons had expected to see much more done in Linden, he believes that that is only fair, but some of it is based on com-

PNCR Region 10 Chairman Jermaine Figueira

all-time low, because they completely neglected us and focused on their cronies and supporters. By contrast the Coalition has tried its best to equate the pie for all Guyanese, whether you are a base fan or not, coastland or not, African or Indian.”

TOUCHED LINDENERS HEARTS Zeroing in on some of the developments that really touched the hearts of Lindeners, figueira said that first and foremost is the effort to strengthen the community’s economy by pouring millions of dollars into the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN). Since taking office, the government first pumped some $155M into the organisation in

Regional Executive Officer Orrin Gordon said, should not be overlooked, since it contributes to the employment of over 1200 residents of Region Ten, and provides earning to scores more through various government projects.

Hundreds of Linden youths also received training in the areas of ICT, en-

PPP prime ministerial candidate Mark Phillips

A section of the Linden convoy that journeyed to Georgetown to attend the Coalition campaign launch

parison to what the PPP did in their stronghold during the 23 years. “Being on the ground, while the majority of the response derived from the electorate is favourable, some people are of the belief that the government should have pumped more into Linden. And I totally understand why they feel that way,” Figueira said, “seeing what the PPP did for their base during their tenure in office. But they did so at the expense of the rest of the country. And we in Linden felt it more; we in Linden were completely marginalised. And development coupled with economical boosters were at an

2015, followed by $100M in 2016; $90M in 2017; and $200M in 2018, which investment has seen over 400 residents benefiting in terms of accessing business loans. This was an avenue for Lindeners to create their own means of employment by becoming entrepreneurs and agro-processors.

The significant increase in the regional budget has also created an avenue for the funding to be trickled down to the common man, through the empowerment of local contractors, and the utilisation of local content. The 2019 budgetary allocation was $3.9M, and this significant increase,

trepreneurship, STEM, and agro-processing amongst other things and have testified of either becoming their own boss or being employed because of the skills they would have acquired.

In addition, infrastructural development in Region Ten has increased significantly, with many communities having roads for the first time, such as Victory Valley and Kara Kara.

Again, hundreds of residents in Region Ten are now legal owners of the land on which they’d been living on for years, thanks to the intervention and regularisation efforts of NICIL. This excludes the over 400 house

lots that were allocated to primarily youths since 2015 by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), despite the former administration leaving Linden with not a single developed house lot. Linden families have also benefited from the housing unit project from CHPA and LEN. The region has also benefited from decentralisation services with the construction of a passport office. The construction of the Linden Synthetic track is also a significant development in the area of youth and sports development that residents are expressing appreciation for. In the Linden community of Amelia’s Ward alone, development is evident with the construction of roads, the installation of a new well, and the construction of two new schools, amongst other things.

These developments have also been reflected in the outlying communities of Region Ten such as in Ituni and Kwakwani.

Ituni’s campaign manager Keisha Griffith said she is confident that the base will express their appreciation for what the government would have done for the community in their votes on March 2.

She said the campaign team is fired up, and is receiving positive responses in the fields thus far.

NOTHING BUT A JOKE Relative to Phillips, Figueira said he takes his aspiration to be the Prime Minister and more so to pull Linden votes, as a mere joke. He questioned where was he when Lindeners were marginalised over the last 23 years and nothing was done for them, and when three martyrs were gunned down during a peaceful protest in 2012, following the very same PPP Government’s proposal to hike the electricity rate in an already economically dead community, when roads and other infrastructural development was at an all-time low, and absolutely nothing was filtered into the town from Central Government. “If Samuel Hinds, who lived and worked in Linden and consolidated

with the people to some extent through his tenure at the bauxite company was never able to gain Linden votes, how does Mark Phillips, who was only born here, and has never returned to give back or build relationships or shown his support at the national front for Lindeners think he can?”

Figueira also believes that at the national level, Phillips will be of little help to the PPP, especially in pulling African votes, since he was notably quiet when over 400 Afro-Guyanese men were killed in cold blood, when rampant gold and drug smuggling was at its apex in the country, when ambassadors were being ‘cussed out’, amongst other things. Similar sentiments were shared by People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Executive Member, Rear Admiral (rtd) Gary Best, who said that Phillips is “a no contest” when compared to President Granger. Best further explained that if one were to compare the score cards of the David Granger-led Coalition government with its improvements in all areas, one would not see a “serious competition” between Phillips and the President, both retired army men.

While Phillips hails from Linden, other small parties have also picked up candidates in Linden, in an effort to capture the base and pull votes from the Coalition. At the launch of the A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Linden candidate, Akanni Blair said he is confident Lindeners will vote the opposite to what they did in 2015, since they would have expressed to him how fed up they are, and in need of real change.

Despite this, less than a handful of Lindeners showed up at the launch.

Change Guyana has also announced its Linden candidate and National Rugby Player Ryan Dey, with the hope that his candidacy will pull Linden votes. The Coalition team is confident, however, that they will neutralise these small parties as election comes closer.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

‘Destination Guyana’ chalking up rave reviews ―as the new kid on the world travel market block

By Wendella Davidson GUYANA’S recent listing as one of the Top 20 Destinations to visit in 2020 by the Conde Nast travel magazine that subsequently led to its being featured on the popular NBC Today show in New York, is being celebrated by President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Rajkumar and Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Brian Mullis.

Conde Nast Traveller is a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine published by Condé Nast, which, according to Wikipedia, has won 25 National Magazine Awards.

The NBC Today Show has millions of viewers daily.

In an invited comment on Sunday, Rajkumar said he views the occurrence as “a big deal” for tourism in Guyana, as it strengthens his position that tourism should be the new frontier industry for Guyana.

He said that with Conde Nast being a top journal, having our majestic Kaieteur Falls being featured on the NBC Today show, which has millions of viewers, will “entice many people to consider visiting Guyana this year and beyond, since it highlighted the geographic location of Guyana and its being the only English-speaking country in South America with a vibrant culture.

“This is very important, because many people don’t even know Guyana exists.

And if they think they do, they often mistake us for Ghana,” Rajkumar said, adding that the show also highlighted that there are direct flights from New York to Guyana, which is another big plus in Guyana’s favour, as it adds to the excitement of Destination Guyana’s winning a whopping six awards in 2019.

In early December 2018, Rajkumar, while speaking at a function, had noted that the tourism industry primarily benefits the grassroots people. “Guyana is a new oil-and- gas frontier. We see tourism as a new frontier industry for Guyana. It will bring us tremendous and lasting benefits long after the oil has subsided,” he’d said, adding: “I would argue that we are now on the global travel radar, not because of big oil, but because Guyana is such an extraordinary travel destination, with its

wealth of natural and cultural heritage.”

Rajkumar also that another plus in Guyana’s favour is being named by the UK Telegraph Magazine as the number one Destination to visit in 2020.

On the US television Network’s ‘Today Show’ with hosts Hoda Kotb and Al Roker on Thursday, January 2, 2020, Conde Nast’s contributing editor Mark Ellwood gave insights on Guyana; Santa Fe, New Mexico; southwest Michigan and the Canadian Arctic.

‘A BONUS CARIBBEAN COUNTRY’ Describing Guyana as “a wonderful place to go overseas,” Ellwood remarked, “You look on the map, you will see it is just in the northern part of South America.

But I would encourage you to think of it as a bonus Caribbean country, because, culturally, it is much more connected to places such as Trinidad and Tobago. It has beautiful beaches, really diverse ethnic heritage, and brilliant Chinese food.”

Of the Kaieteur Falls, reputedly one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world, Ellwood, besides exclaiming, “Look at that waterfall!” also made reference to Guyana’s being a part of the Amazon Rainforest, and having “lots of new direct flights from New York. “Very affordable family destinations,” he said, adding: “You are not going to spend more than 200 bucks a night.”

Mullis, meanwhile, said: “Guyana is being recognised within the global travel and tourism industry for its long-standing sustainability agenda, and the resultant extraordinary experiences that differentiate the country from every other destination in the world. In 2019, we received five awards for our past and our recent efforts to become a leading sustainable destination. In the last few weeks, Guyana has been listed as the Number One destination to visit in The Telegraph’s ‘20 must-visit places for 2020’; Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘20 Places to Visit in 2020’; Travel + Leisure’s ‘50 Best Places to Travel in 2020’; and the Wall Street Journal’s ‘Adventure Vacations for Overachievers’.

As he went on to say, “Our oil discoveries put Guyana ‘on the map’ for business travellers, whereas the tour-

ism sector collectively put the country ‘on the map’ for what sets Guyana apart from a leisure traveller’s perspective. This led to Destination Guyana being recognised on the Today Show.”

According to the Telegraph article, “At a time when tourism is becoming overbearing, remote, underrated Guyana is a rarity more precious than gold. But Guyana, a tangled mass of

pristine rainforest on South America’s north-eastern tip, is one of the few spots on scratch maps likely to have its shiny foil intact.

“Four centuries after Walter Raleigh came here looking for the fabled lost city of El Dorado, prospectors have struck gold in the form of offshore oil. Extraction is due to start in 2020, potentially catapulting the continent’s only English-speaking coun-

try from rags to riches. But this stalwart of sustainability is determined to keep its true treasures safe.”

In August l2019, Guyana was awarded the Destination Stewardship Award by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) during the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The country was also recognised as the world’s

Best in Ecotourism”, and one of the Top 10 Sustainable Destinations by the Green Destination Foundation and ITB Berlin. It was also recognised for having the best destination video at the Golden City Gate Foundation at ITB. Also, in June 2019, Guyana was recognised as the “Best in Sustainable Tourism” by the Latin American Travel Association (LATA).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

Ramotar, Anthony, Vindhya no-shows on

PPP/C members present a united front at the party’s elections campaign launch. Notably absent from the stage were Dr. Frank Anthony and Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who were contenders for the position of presidential candidate; former President Donald Ramotar was also absent [Elvin Croker photo]

PPP rally stage FORMER President Donald Ramotar and former Members of Parliament, Dr Frank Anthony and Dr Vindhya Persaud were notable faces missing on stage, as the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) launched its elections campaign on Sunday in Kitty.

Before a sizeable crowd of supporters, the PPP/C launched its campaign with a rally, ahead of the Regional and General Elections slated for March 2. At this launch several PPP/C stalwarts, including former ministers and members of Parliament, were seen seated on stage set up in front of the crowd. Few of these known politicians addressed the crowd, and they were joined by few new, young party members, who also spoke at the rally.

Seated at stage front were: former President, now Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo; presidential candidate and former Minister, Irfaan Ali; prime ministerial Candidate, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; former President, Samuel Hinds; Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira; former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall; former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon; former Junior Minister of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill; and former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai.

Notably absent from this array of PPP/C politicians were former President Donald Ramotar and former members of Parliament, Dr. Frank Anthony and Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

Instead, Dr. Anthony and

Dr. Persaud were noticed off-stage, in the crowd with supporters. Dr. Persaud and Dr. Anthony were among the five contenders vying for the position of presidential candidate within the party; Teixeira, Nandlall and Ali were the other contenders.

Ali and Nandlall eventually became the only two contenders for the position, after the others withdrew their candidacy, citing lack of support. However, it was Ali who was selected for the position by the majority of the 35-member committee, by way of secret ballot.

Following Ali’s selection, supporters of the PPP had taken to Facebook to express outrage over Ali’s selection and some had even called on him to step down, contending that his ‘baggage’ will ‘sink’ the party’s chances of winning the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

Charles Ramson Jr, a member of the party, who had indicated his interest in being the presidential candidate before being shut down, was also sidelined at the rally.

This newspaper observed that Ramson made his way to the stage and joined the rest of the PPP/C lead members at 16:00hrs. The party members were all seated, save for the ushers and security personnel. But Ramson stood on stage behind those members until about 16:30hrs when he left the stage. He was observed greeting few members of the crowd below the stage, as he made his way out into the crowd filling the streets in Kitty. He remained there until the rally concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 6, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 6, 2020

England seize f o l o r t n co day three (Reuters) - Opener Dominic Sibley struck a career-best unbeaten 85 as England seized control of the second test against South Africa at the close of the third day at Newlands on Sunday, grinding down their hosts ahead of a fourth innings victory charge.

The tourists reached 218 for four at stumps, a lead of 264 that already looks substantial with two full days remaining, and potentially provides an excellent chance to level the four-match series.

Sibley put on 116 for the third wicket with captain Joe Root (61), before the latter steered Dwaine Pretorius to Faf du Plessis at slip late on.

Nightwatchman Dominic Bess gloved a leg-side delivery from Anrich Nortje (2-36) to end the day.

Sibley will seek to take the game further away from South Africa with Ben Stokes on day four with England’s travelling fans in full voice in Cape Town.

“We’ve done really well

Dom Sibley celebrates after scoring a half-century © AFP / Getty Images

– the performance with the ball yesterday and today we have showed some real grit with the bat,” England seamer James Anderson told reporters.

“It is hard to say what is a good target to set. If the wicket is as flat as it was today, we would want 350 plus as a minimum.

“But if it starts to deteriorate, then we feel in the game right now. Whatever we post we will have to bowl well.”

Sibley’s previous best in tests was 29 and he showed impressive patience and concentration to see off the new ball and then accumulate his runs by waiting for the right opportunities to score.

He took 140 balls to reach his 50 and batted for almost the full day, which allowed Root to score more freely at the other end.

South Africa’s other two wickets in England’s second innings were that of Zak Crawley (25), who edged Kagiso Rabada to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, and Joe Denly (31), caught at long leg attempting a hook off Nortje.

It was, at times, a war of attrition that the visiting side won with risk-free, smart cricket.

Anderson took five wickets and Stokes an England record five catches as they made short work of wrapping up the South African first innings, bowling the hosts out for 223.

Anderson (5-40) knocked over Rabada (0) with the first ball of the day and completed his England record 28th test five-wicket haul when Nortje (4) edged to Stokes at slip for the all-rounder to take his fifth catch of the innings.

It is the joint most by any player in test cricket and the 12th time a fielder had taken five catches in an innings, but a first for England.

South Africa won the first test in Pretoria by 107 runs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 6, 2020

Rain calls off First Indian T20 (Reuters) - The first of the three Twenty20 internationals between India and Sri Lanka at Guwahati was called off due to rain on Sunday.

It started raining at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium after India captain Virat Kohli had

won the toss and opted to field.

The umpires made three inspections before deciding that the outfield had not dried enough to commence the match.

The second T20 will be held at Indore on Tuesday.

Virat Kohli examines a wet patch on the wicket © BCCI

Lyon dominates as Australia hold command over New Zealand

Nathan Lyon gets an lbw decision in his favour © Getty Imagesw

(REUTERS) - NATHAN Lyon took 5-68 as a dominant Australia dismissed New Zealand for 251 before the home batsmen took over to extend their lead to 243 by the close of play on the third day of the third and final test on Sunday.

Already 2-0 down in the series after thumping defeats in Perth and Melbourne, New Zealand have been ravaged by illness and injury and now face a huge battle to avoid a third heavy loss before they head home.

The Sydney Cricket Ground was turned pink for the 12th straight year in aid of cricketing great Glenn McGrath’s breast cancer foundation but there was nothing charitable about Australia’s approach to the match.

Openers David Warner (23) and Joe Burns (16) steered the hosts to 40 without loss at stumps to add to the first-innings tally of 454 built on the back of Marnus Labuschagne’s maiden double century.

It was the Australian bowling attack, though, that once again set the tone as they took all 10 New Zealand wickets for the fifth time in the series.

Off spinner Lyon carried the ball off the pitch to huge applause an hour after tea after he had Matt Henry stumped to end New Zealand’s innings and secure the 17th five-wicket haul of his career, his first against the Black Caps.

Henry batted despite breaking the thumb on his non-bowling hand on day one of the

match, the latest in a catalogue of misfortune that robbed the tourists of captain Kane Williamson and a string of other top players.

Glenn Phillips, flown over from New Zealand on the eve of the test to cover for the sick Williamson and Nicholls, offered the most resistance with a 52 on his test debut.

The 23-year-old enjoyed some luck when he was dropped twice by the normally reliable Lyon and again just before tea when he was caught in the deep off a James Pattinson no ball.

He brought up his maiden half century with a brilliant pull shot through square but two balls later was clean bowled by paceman Pat Cummins, who took 3-44 to show once again why he is the world’s top-ranked test bowler.

Lyon tops a few lists of his own these days and it was the unassuming off-spinner who broke New Zealand’s early resistance after they had resumed on 63 without loss.

He bowled opener Tom Blundell for 34 and trapped Jeet Raval leg before wicket for 31 in the first session and returned after tea to send back tailenders Will Sommerville and Neil Wagner, both for ducks, in a magnificent two-wicket maiden.

Conditions were much cooler than on Saturday’s second day but there was a distinct smell of smoke in the air from the bushfires that have been raging around Sydney for the last couple of months.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 6, 2020

BCB condemns behaviour of Region six sports officer THE Management of the Berbice Cricket Board would like, in the strongest possible way, condemn the behaviour and attitude of the Regional Sports Officer, Region 6, attached to the National Sports Commission. Since the election of Hilbert Foster as president of the Berbice Cricket Board in February, 2018, the sports officer has unleashed a daily abuse of the president, selected executives and the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club on his Facebook account and also in the public arena.

As Regional Sports Officer, it was expected that the government official would seek to work closely with all sports associations to promote the importance of sports in the Region. Over the twenty months of Mr. Foster’s presidency, the sports officer has never contacted or visited the Berbice Cricket Board or sought to find out how he can use his good office to assist us to fulfil our mandates. The Berbice Cricket Board, under Mr. Foster’s lead-

ership, has been willing to work along with every person, organisation and clubs to lift Berbice cricket even higher. Sadly, the Regional Sports Officer, who seemed to have a personal obsession with the president for reasons known only to him, has never reached out to the Berbice Cricket Board.

He is very close to some leaders of the Guyana Cricket Board and this seems to be the reason for his unprofessional behaviour.

He is known to have signed his government position on a Guyana Cricket Board’s letterhead on matters concerning junior female cricket, scored at GCB Franchise matches during official working time and even organised lunches, refreshments at these matches. At our last Annual General Meeting on the 22nd December, 2019, he was present outside of our office, encouraging delegates to remove the president. Leading up to that meeting, the sports officer was openly campaigning for another candidate, who has failed to turn up

while accusing the president of being a supporter of a certain political party. This official also sent/posted messages on social media that he would slap the nineteen-year- old BCB Public Relations Officer on his face whenever he sees him. This was his second threat to this youth.

At the election, the BCB president was re-elected 31-0.

The sports officer also accused the president of bypassing the position of a vice president for the nomination of a PPP supporter. The truth of the matter is that the vice president indicated that he was not available to serve due to his pressing duties as a senior government official in Region 6. The question that the sports officer needs to answer is how political views affect his capacity to function in an NGO. That officer has also threatened to end the careers of several national players with a single phone call.

The Director of Sports and the Minister of Social Cohesion are fully aware of the behaviour of this individual. There are other organisations which have made

complaints to the Director and Minister Norton and other government officials. Minister Norton, at a public meeting in Rose Hall Town, was informed of this sickening attitude and he had publicly told the official to put his house in order. Sadly, the situation has gotten worse.

The Berbice Cricket Board has no problem with this official and we are willing to work along with him to further develop the lovely game of cricket. All government officials are expected to work along with every Guyanese to develop our country and our tax payers should not be taken for granted. It is a waste of tax payers time to pay salary/wages for persons who seek to cause confusion and to make division among our people. We are open to answer any question from stakeholders of Berbice cricket and should the Region 6 sports officer follow the correct channel, we would answer all of his questions.

The daily and constant abuse of our president via social media has most of us worried about his

personal and family safety. Should any harm occur to him and his family, that government sports officer would have to take the blame and full responsibility.

While we do not seek or cause anyone to lose their jobs, it is the Berbice Cricket Board desire that the relevant Ministry of Social Cohesion Official take the time to correct this situation. The funny thing is that the same Region 6 sports officer served as asst treasurer and then treasurer of the Berbice Cricket Board in 2017 to early 2018, and has failed, to date, to give an account for the withdrawal of over $2M that was withdrawn from the BCB’s account during the period which he served. Requests were made for over 20 months for a Financial Statement and, to date, has never received same.

Angela Haniff, Secretary, BCB.

Jones keeps Liverpool in FA cup (Reuters) - A stunning strike from 18-year-old Curtis Jones gave a youthful Liverpool a 1-0 win over Everton in their FA Cup, third-round tie at Anfield on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur needed a Lucas Moura equaliser to avoid defeat at second-tier Middlesbrough as Jose Mourinho’s stuttering side emerged with a 1-1 draw but Chelsea beat Nottingham Forest 2-0.

Premier League Crystal Place were knocked out by Championship side Derby County after suffering a 1-0 loss at Selhurst Park.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp made nine changes to his side, giving starts to three teenagers, while his Italian counterpart Carlo Ancelotti opted for a largely full-strength Everton lineup.

The gulf in experience between the two sides was barely evident, however, and will simply add to the pain for Everton, who are without a win at Anfield since September 1999.

For Liverpool it was a performance which illustrated the talent coming through the production line at their Melwood training ground.

For local-born academy product Jones, it was a game he will never forget, delivering his first senior goal in a Merseyside derby.

“I can’t sum up my emotions. For me it’s huge just being around this team every day and learning from this group of players.

There are world-class players all over this team but I think I went out and showed what

I could do on the pitch,” he said.

Everton should have gone into the break ahead, with Liverpool keeper Adrian foiling goalbound efforts from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Mason Holgate and Richarlison in the first half.

Ancelotti will be disappointed that on each of those occasions his players aimed straight at the Spanish keeper but worse was to come.

Klopp was visibly appreciating the sight of his youngsters buzzing around the field playing enterprising football with the German raising his arms in applause as teenagers Neco Williams, Harvey Elliott and Jones showed they are well-drilled in the Liverpool method.

Jones delivered the killer blow in the 71st minute when after a swift exchange with Divock Origi he unleashed a superb curling effort into the top corner, leaving Everton without a win against their rivals since October 2010.

“They played brave football. Unbelievable individual performances from the kids and the adults as well,” said Klopp.

“Sensational game and a sensational goal from a Scouser — who could ask for more?”

Eight-times FA Cup winners Spurs trailed to Ashley Fletcher’s fine finish just after the break but Moura’s header spared a Tottenham side who were without injured striker Harry Kane.

Tottenham dominated following Mou-

ra’s equaliser but Boro keeper Tomas In an all-Championship clash, West Mejias, making his first start of the season, Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic frustrated them with several saves as his side make a combined 20 changes, with Albion earned a replay. winning 1-0 thanks to Kenneth Zohore’s Chelsea made nine changes to their start- goal.

In another all-second tier encounter, Joring line-up but beat Championship promotion hopefuls Forest with goals from Callum dan Hugill, on loan from West Ham United, scored twice for Queens Park Rangers in Hudson-Odoi and Ross Barkley.

Former Manchester United and England their 5-1 win over Swansea City.

Premier League West Ham United striker Wayne Rooney, back in England afbeat third-tier Gillingham 2-0 with secter a spell in Major League Soccer with DC United, helped Championship side Derby ond-half goals from Pablo Zabaleta and County to spring a surprise with a 1-0 vic- Pablo Fornals. tory at Crystal Palace.

It was Rooney’s first appearance in the FA Cup since he played for Everton — exactly two years ago — in a 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda P a l a c e s k i p p e r L u k a Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS Milivojevic became the first ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, player in an English match Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) to be sent off as a result of a referee reviewing an incident on a pitch-side monitor during (1) Robert Karl Nunes (vs ENG, Lord’s, 1928) the loss.

(2) Rohan Kanhai (vs ENG, Leeds, 1973) Derby striker Chris Martin decided the game with a close-range effort in the 32nd (1) When did the WI win a Test match for minute. the first time?

Top-flight Sheffield United (2) Who was the WI captain? were made to work hard by Answers in tomorrow’s issue minor league outfit AFC Fylde, winning 2-1.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday December 06, 2020)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Today’s Quiz:

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday January 6, 2020

Third GT Beer/Candy Boss, Antics Promotion 8 a- side Football Tournament…

Paradise Invaders produce come-from-

lently to two nail biting goal scoring chances from Monederlust FC early up in the encounter.

Nevertheless goal number one came as a result of handle ball in the 30th minute an opportunity in which Nord McDonald duly accepted and found the back of the net with ease to send his team one up at the end of the first half. After the resumption Monedderlust FC wasted no time in netting their second goal in the 34th minute off the boot of # 12 Raynal Frank. At this point Paradise Invaders took their chances and were rewarded with their first goal by Nial Reynolds in the 40th minute.

The hype was set as both teams sense victory, but Paradise Invaders pulled one back off the booth of Janell Fraser in the 55th minute to equalize which kept the fan on their feet. As both teams fought harder for the winning goal it was a crucial blunder that brought about the win for Paradise Invaders through a handle ball. One which Janell Fraser netted with no difficulty to send his team in a frenzy and seal victory for Paradise Invaders in the 59th minute they earned a respectable come -from -behind victory Earlier in the third place game Cougars got the better of Hopetown Rangers 1-0 Paradise Invaders for the victory earned $600,000 and a huge trophy, while Monederlust received $300,000

behind win!

By Colin Bynoe jr.

LAST year Tournament finalist Paradise Invaders came alive in the second half of the 2020 finals to win the Third Edition of the GT Beer/Candy Boss, Antics Promotion 8 a- side Football Tournament against a hyped up Monederlust FC. The finals which attracted a large gathering of football enthusiast and those who just needed a “lime” was played on last Saturday evening under floodlights at the All Saints Ground, Princess Elizabeth Road New Amsterdam.

When the whistle blew to signal the start of the much anticipated finals between the two finalists from the West Coast of Berbice. The first half saw many scoring opportunities going a begging for the Monederlust FC as they maintained possession of the ball in their half most of the time. Goal Keeper of Paradise Invaders reacted excel-

Goal scorers for Paradise Invaders Janell Fraser (left) and Nial Reynolds

Other awards went to Jawanza Joseph, best goal keeper and Jamal Cambridge most goals scored.

Brown joins English league two Rovers CMC – JEVANI Brown, an attacking midfielder who represented Jamaica at Under-17 level, has joined Forest Green Rovers from English League Two rivals, Colchester United, on loan until the end of the season.

Brown made an eye-catching debut in Forest Green’s 1-1 draw at Crawley Town on Saturday after becoming the Gloucestershire outfit’s first signing in the January window.

Brown joined Colchester from Cambridge United last summer for an undisclosed fee, having recorded 16 assists and eight goals from midfield for the fellow League Two side, including one in Cambridge’s 3-1 home defeat against Forest Green.

The 25-year-old, who started five league games for John McGreal’s side this term, is looking to reset his season at Mark Cooper’s Forest Green, currently seventh after twice heading the table.

Forest Green have won only one of their last eight league matches as the goals have dried up.

Brown said ahead of joining the club: “I’m really look-

ing forward to it and I just want to get myself back on the pitch and get some game time.

“The club is in a really good position going into the backend of the season with where they are in the table and hopefully I can be a part of potentially getting them promoted.

“In League Two, not many teams play football and Forest Green and a few others have that philosophy and it suits my style of play and is the kind of football I want to play.

“I like to get myself into nice areas and I have got an

Former Young Reggae Boy Jevani Brown.

assist in me, so hopefully I can help the team get some goals, which, at the minute, looks like they are hard to come by.

“My best position is central, in the number 10 area, but I’ve played out wide on numerous occasions and it is just getting on the ball and finding the pass.”

England-born Brown, who made his Jamaica debut at the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship nine years ago, failed to go on to represent the senior Reggae Boys.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday January 6, 2020

Walker, London take Tropical Woods and Wood Products inaugural golf tourney IN convincing fashion, after weeks of strong play, Oasis Cafe’s William Walker turned in his best performance to win The Tropical Woods and Wood Products (Pandit Lumberyard) inaugural tourney.

With fabulous weather and environmental conditions, and with Captain Chen Deo electing to run two Flights of handicaps, 0-12 and 13-28, to accommodate the number of players in each category, all golfers were able to take full advantage of the course and turned in very competitive scores.

The competition was stiff as it came down to the final holes to determine the champions, (prizes being awarded to the first two best net scores in each Flight).

Club president, Aleem Hussain, was profuse in his praise for the new sponsor, Satesh Tewari, CEO of Tropical Woods and Wood Products, who took the honours for ‘Sponsor of first Tournament of the year’.

President Hussain further indicated that already he has on schedule some 35 tournaments with some 30 more pending for 2020.

He added that the LGC has a fantastic lineup of activities for 2020 and it is our goal to host a minimum of 60 events in the year - this will break the record set over the past several years and we expect it to be the best year for the club in recent history.

Continuing his aggressive performance from the closing months of 2019, former LGC Executive Member - owner of Oasis Café - William Walker (69/12) dominated the 0 - 12 Flight, returning the overall Best Net score not only for his Flight, but for the entire tournament, with a clear three-stroke lead over any of the other golfers in both Flights.

In his Flight, he left Club President Aleem Hussain to bring in the 2nd place with 72/10, and former Guyana Open champions Mohanlall Dinanauth in close 3rd place with 73/6, and Mike Mangal in 4th place with 76/8. Club Treasurer, Aasrodeen Shaw, returned 77/12, while former captain, Patrick Prashad, returned 79/8.

Dinanauth also won the Best Gross prize and the specialty prize of Nearest the Pin. President Hussain produced a surprise-of-the-

LGC records another good year of golf in 2019 LGC Vice Club Captain, Dr. Joaan Deo, with one of the newly acquired golf carts.

day win in taking the specialty Longest Drive prize (establishing that accuracy is a major factor in the game) - his accurate driving of the ball from the tee-box onto the fairway causing him to win over longer but less accurate drives.

In the 13 – 28 Flight, former Guyana Open women’s champion, Shanella London, played extremely well (72/15) to earn the top position, beating Handsome Maxim Mangra (72/20) on the count back off a tie.

Mangra has returned to the winners’ row after a little while. Other great performances were returned by head of Ansa McAl, Troy Cadogan (75/26); Macorp Exec, Jordi Pinol (76/28); former

Club Vice President, Dr Philbert London (77/18); and former captain, Ayube Subhan (74/14).

The player turnout was encouraging, as the entire MACORP team, led by CEO Guillermo Escarraga, as well as Miguel Oviedo and Carlos Carbo took part, in addition to former captain Brian Glasford, David Harry, Mahindranauth Tiwari, Ian Gouveia, overseas member Ramesh Amrud, and up and coming women’s contender Eureka Giddings.

The sponsor was represented by members of the Tewari family - Satesh’s mother, daughter, son and wife (seen in picture with the winners).

The family has given consideration to becoming the club’s newest member this year.

GOLF continued to flourish in 2019 after gaining the majority of its momentum almost two years now, as 2020 promises to see even more boundaries being broken in the sport.

Following the end of 2017 when most of the works on rehabilitating the ground commenced, the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) continued to expand the facility, while bringing the Greens and Fairways almost up to international standards.

Similar to 2018 and last year, the LGC hosted more than 40 weekly indoor Open tournaments. Companies such as MACORP, Ganesh Spare Parts, Ansa McAL, The Marriott, Banks DIH and numerous others, continued to bless the fraternity with financial assistance.

As a result, the LGC managed to sustain a 40-plus tournament run which dates back to mid-October of 2017. Last year, the LGC had a number of successful outings overseas, with Guyana’s senior crop of pros giving a good account of themselves in invitational events such as the Suriname Open.

The LGC also hosted another successful Guyana Open in November of 2019, the local version of the PGA Open where a number of seasoned golfers from across the country and around the world meet at the Lusignan Gulf Course to do battle over a two-day period.

As it has been over the past few years, local golf stalwart, Avinash Persaud, contuined his reign as Male Open Champion. The stroke-maker captured his 10th title at this senior level, making him one of the most successful Guyanese golfers to play the sport.

Persaud also had good returns prior to the Guyana Open when he was among the top winners at the annual Suriname Invitational. Also, the LGC continued to promote and teach the sport, free of cost, at the University of Guyana (UG), where the students have incorporated the sport into their Physical Education curriculum.

Meanwhile, the LGC plans to focus not only on increasing the number of tournaments, but to place continued emphasis on the development of the Club House and the Greens.

Also, in acquiring a few brand new golf carts, the LGC expects their membership to further increase this year as 2019 saw a number of new golfers joining the fraternity.

See story on page 22

Third GT Beer/Candy Boss,Antics Promotion 8 a- side Football Tournament…

PARADISE INVADERS PRODUCE COME-FROMBEHIND WIN!

The victorious Paradise Invaders team shared a photo moment after winning the third edition of the GT Beer/ Candy Boss, Antics Promotion 8 a-side football tournament.

Reifer praises ‘all-round skills’ CMC – Coach Floyd Reifer has praised the “all-round skills and thought processes” of the CWI President’s XI following their clinical performance against Ireland in the warm-up match on Saturday.

The West Indies reserves easily chased down 276 to beat the visitors by three wickets with 20 balls to spare, on a surface that presented no demons at the 3W’s Oval, UWI Cave Hill Campus.

“We demonstrated very good skills and the thought processes in both innings showed that we knew what we were about, so the results was a good reward for the effort,” Reifer said afterwards.

“In the first innings, we pulled them back quite a bit. At one stage, it looked like they could get 300-plus, but we executed the bowling plans better in the back half of the innings and that left us chasing 5.5 per over rather than over six runs per over.”

Opener Garety Delany top-scored with 60 while Kevin O’Brien got 43 and captain Andrew Balbirnie chipped in with 40, as left-arm spinner Yannick Ottley (3-46) spearheaded the President’s XI attack.

In the second half of the match, the home side strolled to victory, thanks mainly to a 61-run, fourth-wicket stand between captain Darren Bravo and all-rounder Justin Greaves, both of whom made 70.

Bravo’s effort came off 62 balls with six sixes and a four while Greaves also scored at better than a run a ball, with his knock requiring 67 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes.

“We saw some brilliant batting throughout … excellent partnerships and very good rotation of the strike and running between the wickets,” Reifer explained.

“Bravo showed what he’s capable of with some really good shots. He timed the run chase to perfection. Greaves continues to grow and mature and this innings will do him the world of good.

“He played well on both sides of the wicket and kept the tempo going. He hit the gaps and was able to find the boundaries when the bad balls were presented.”

The match was Ireland’s final warm-up before the first One-Day International of the three-match series against West Indies bowls off at Kensington Oval on Tuesday.

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CWI President’s XI coach, Floyd Reifer.

MONDAY, JANUARY 06, 2020