Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-13-2019

13th October, 2019

No.105789

Big profits for Guyana –– if discoveries in Orinduik Block continue, says Tullow

Toshaos call for WATCH AND WAIT! stiffer penalties on illegal, 10 unsafe mining PAGE

Guyanese turned out in their thousands at the CPL Watch Party Saturday evening at Durban Park. The Guyana Amazon Warriors lost to Barbados Tridents in the finals of the tournament (Carl Croker photo)

Repairs to damaged 69kV Submarine 15 Cable underway PAGE

Fisherman dead, three missing 02 PAGE

… vessel found abandoned, blood-stained seine, other items recovered

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 13, 2019

Fisherman dead, three missing … vessel found abandoned, blood-stained seine, other items recovered

By Nafeeza Yahya

A CORENTYNE fisherman was found dead and three of his colleagues are still missing in what appeared to be a hit in the Corentyne River sometime between October 5, 2019 and last Friday. The worst fear of four families was confirmed on Saturday as one family

20 of Lot 305 Miss Pheobe: Lamar Petrie also 20 of Miss Pheobe, as well and the captain, 20-year-old Vishnu Seeram called ‘Kevin’ of Lot 76 Miss Pheobe, all villages in East Berbice Corentyne, left the #65 Fishing Wharf on Saturday the October 5, destined for Surinamese waters in the Sara One vessel.

The vessel was spotted

abandoned at the Cromarty Foreshore with the engine and seine missing, as well as the personal belongings of the fishermen still onboard, family members immediately realised something was amiss.

A few hours later, family members of one of the fishermen were informed of a body that was found bound

the day he left for sea and also spoke to him via phone that same day late in the afternoon. She related that on Friday evening, at around 21:30hrs, she was awakened by a police patrol who gave her the sad news that the boat on which her husband left to go to sea was found abandoned. In tears, she related that the following morning

I became very worried and started to pray hoping that he is safe and will return.”

However, when she received a call at around 15:00hrs on Saturday to go over, along with the other relatives, to identify the body that was brought to Fort Wellington Hospital, she was still optimistic he would show up alive but her fears were con-

Dead: Kawal Kissoon called ‘Ajay’

Missing: Vishnu Seeram called ‘Kevin’

Missing: Marvin Tamessar

Missing: Lamar Petrie

Tashmanie Seecharran

and battered at Abary, West Berbice. The body was, on Saturday, positively identified as that of 36-year-old Kawal Kissoon.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, a devastated Tashmanie Seecharan said she last saw her husband on

she, along with the relatives of the other men, was taken to the Cromarty Foreshore where she was able to identify her husband’s belongings.

“I found his clothes, his ID card and other things but when I saw the chopper with a lot of blood on the seine

firmed when she recognised the tattoo on his arm.

“There was no flesh on his face so it was hard to say who it was, but then I recognised the words ‘King’ from a tattoo we had taken together…he had ‘king’ and I had ‘queen’…now the king

positively identified one of their missing family members whose body washed ashore on Friday.

The men, Kawal Kissoon called ‘Ajay,’ 36, Lot 233 Letter Kenny; Marvin Tamessar called ‘Buddy’

sometime last Friday by a resident of Cromarty, Corentyne who reported the discovery to the police. The crew was expected to return around the October 19, 2019, however, when the Sara One was found grounded and

is no more” she sobbed. Kissoon leaves to mourn his wife and two children including an eight-month-old daughter.

Kissoon was the eldest in his crew with all the others being in their 20s.

For Lamar Petrie, this was his maiden trip at sea despite being in the fishing industry for a few years. His mother ex-

The blood-stained seine plained that he is the eldest of six children and told her on Thursday that he will be going to sea for the first time.

The mother of Marvin See page 3

Big profits for Guyana

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 13, 2019

–– if discoveries in Orinduik Block continue, says Tullow

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA stands to benefit from as much as 60 per cent in oil profits, if discoveries in the Orinduik Block continue to be successful, Tullow Oil’s spokesman, George Cazenove said, as he dismissed claims that the country will only benefit from a meagre one per cent in royalty.

Less than six weeks apart, Tullow Oil, a UK-based oil company, discovered oil twice in the Orinduik Block at the Jethro-One well and the Joe-One well. Amid its success, claims surfaced that the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) it signed with the Government of Guyana is “worse” than the PSA signed with US oil giant, ExxonMobil.

But Cazenove, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said the PSA must be analysed as a whole. “There is no point talking about the royalty in isolation,” he said.

According to the PSA signed between the Government of Guyana, Tullow Guyana B.V and Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc., the country could benefit from as much as 60 per cent in oil profit, including

a one per cent royalty once the companies commence pumping for oil in the Orinduik Block.

“So we have Petroleum Sharing Agreement, in terms of the sharing which range from 50 per cent to 60 per cent. So if we produce over 80,000 barrels per day, then the government gets 60 per cent share of production and that is absolutely aligned with contracts all around the world, and that is a key part of the contract in terms of where the Guyanese economy and its people will benefit,” Cazenove explained.

According to the PSA, for the first 25,000 barrels of oil, Guyana will receive a profit of 50 per cent. For the next 25,000 barrels, the country’s profit would increase to 52.5 per cent and 55 per cent for the next 15,000 barrels.

For the subsequent batch of 15,000 barrels of oil, Guyana would benefit from a 57.5 per cent profit and 60 per cent profit for more than 80, 000 barrels of oil. The profit will be shared between the government and contractor on a monthly basis.

He said in cases where the royalty is higher, the profit with the PSA is lower.

“So you may have a contract where the royalty might be 15 per cent but the production sharing would be that much less, because the royalty is that much higher. So it just depends on where the weight is within the contract,” he further explained.

Iterating the need to analyse the PSA in its entirety, the Tullow spokesperson said Guyana is fortunate that at the beginning of its oil and gas life cycle it has transparency due to the fact that the government has made the contracts public.

“In many oil and gas economies, the contracts are not public, so you wouldn’t know what the state’s take is and what the company’s take is,” he noted.

Turning his attention to the company’s successes thus far, Cazenove said though Tullow has made two successful finds to date at the Jethro-One and Joe-One wells in the Orinduik Block, it remains cognisant that it is still in its early stage of exploration. “So when we say 100M barrels of oil resources that’s great, it’s a good result but it’s the start to what we are trying to achieve, and it would require further work,

and further interpretation of the data that we received from the well,” he explained.

Jethro-One was drilled by the Stena Forth drillship to a total depth of 4,400 metres in approximately 1,350 metres of water. Jethro-One was the first discovery on the Orinduik licence and comprises high quality oil bearing sandstone reservoirs of lower tertiary age. The well encountered 55m of net oil pay which supports a recoverable oil resource estimate which exceeds Tullow’s pre-drill forecast of 100M barrels of recoverable resources.

Meanwhile, the Joe-One exploration well was drilled by the Stena Forth drillship to a total depth of 2,175 metres in water depth of 780 metres.

The evaluation of logging and sampling data confirms that Joe-One has encountered 14 metres of net oil pay in high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs of upper tertiary age.

Cazenove noted that though the Joe-One well may not have exceeded Tullow’s pre-drill forecast of 100M barrels of recoverable resources, it is a strong indication of what exist within that section of the block.

“The Joe Well opens up a lot of

the western side of the licence.

The licence has a western side and an eastern side. The Joe Well opens up whole of the western side, and if that had been dry, if we had found nothing there, it would have been difficult to carry and explore on that side of the license. But now that we have found oil, we can use the data from there and map it unto other prospects within the licence. So it is a great start of the campaign; we are so happy and excited to drill two successes but it is still the start,” he explained.

The Repsol-operated Carapa-One well on the Kanuku licence, of which Tullow owns 37.5 per cent, is expected to have commenced drilling with the Rowan EXL II jack-up rig and will test the Cretaceous oil play with a result due in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Cazenove told this newspaper that the successes of those three wells will determine how Tullow moves forward in 2020. “So what we will do in 2020 would be a mixture of further exploration, so again, we will be looking for new accumulations of oil, but we will also be deciding what to do with both the Jethro accumulation

Tullow Oil’s spokesman George Cazenove and the Joe one as well,” he said.

Overall, Tullow Oil has injected US$80M into the drilling of the three wells offshore Guyana. With U.S oil giant ExxonMobil putting its gross recoverable resource estimate to more than six billion barrels of oil equivalent in the Stabroek Block, Cazenove said is cognisant of the country’s potential.

Fisherman dead, three...

From page 2

Tamessar, Sanita Rawana 47, broke down in tears and had to be consoled by other family members as she held a picture of her son.

She told the Guyana Chronicle he had left with his cousin, who was the boat’s captain, for the trip. The mother explained her son has been a fisherman for a number of years but this was his first trip with this vessel.

“My husband went to check the boat Saturday morning and when he see all that blood and how them thing deh, he seh he nah feel we son mek it. Whoever do this nah get one heart.

Look how them destroy them young boys lives. They only went out there to make a honest living”.

At the home of the captain, villagers and relatives

Kawal Kissoon and his family in happier times

gathered to console the family. Devi Seeram, 17 the sister of ‘Kevin’, said he came over and spent quality time with the entire household before he departed on the morning of October 5, 2019. She noted her brother was a provider and always worked hard to care for his family. Seeram said her brother left with positivity to work hard and clear his debts when he returned.

Meanwhile, ‘B’ Division

Commander, Calvin Bruttus, has confirmed that his officers are collaborating with the Surinamese authorities in their investigations.

The boat had approximately two pounds of fish glue which indicates the men were able to get some fish which was missing at the time of discovery.

The boat’s owner, Sharadanand Rabindranauth called “Jerry”, was also questioned by the police.

Family members of Tamessar and Seeram

4 SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 13, 2019

Typhoon Hagibis: Biggest Japan storm in decades makes landfall

(BBC) Torrential rain and tornado-like winds are lashing large parts of Japan, as the country endures what could be its worst storm for 60 years.

The eye of Typhoon Hagibis made landfall shortly before 19:00 local time (10:00 GMT), in Izu Peninsula, south-west of Tokyo.

It is now moving up the eastern coast of Japan’s main island, with wind speeds of 225km/h (140mph).

More than 270,000 homes have lost power, Japanese outlet NHK reports.

Two people are said to have died, one a man whose vehicle flipped over in high winds in Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo. The second was washed away in their car, local reports said.

NHK said 90 injuries had been reported by the early hours of Sunday local time, and nine people were missing.

How dangerous is the typhoon?

More than seven million

people have been urged to leave their homes amid severe flood and landslide warnings, but it is thought only 50,000 are staying in shelters.

“Unprecedented heavy rain has been seen in cities, towns and villages for which the emergency warning was issued,” JMA forecaster Yasushi Kajiwara told a press briefing.

“The possibility is extremely high that disasters such as landslides and floods have already occurred. It is important to take action that can help save your lives.”

Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that half a metre of rain could fall on the Tokyo area between midday on Saturday and Sunday.

Many bullet train services have been halted, and several lines on the Tokyo metro were suspended for most of Saturday.

All flights to and from Tokyo’s Haneda airport and Narita airport in Chiba have been cancelled - more than a thousand in total.

Two Rugby World Cup games scheduled for Saturday were cancelled on safety grounds and declared as draws - England-France and New Zealand-Italy. The cancellations are the first in the tournament’s 32-year history.

Four matches scheduled for Sunday now hang on safety inspections at their respective venues. One is a crunch game between Scotland and tournament hosts Japan, and Scotland have threatened legal action if it does not go ahead.

Formula 1 also postponed Saturday’s qualifying races for the Japanese Grand Prix “in the interests of safety for the spectators, competitors, and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit”.

‘A blanket and a biscuit’ Local resident James Babb

spoke to the BBC from an evacuation centre in Hachioji, western Tokyo. He said the river near his house was on the brink of overflowing.

“I am with my sister-inlaw, who is disabled,” he said.

“Our house may flood. They have given us a blanket and a biscuit.”

Andrew Higgins, an English teacher who lives in Tochigi, north of Tokyo, told the BBC he had “lived through a few typhoons” during seven years in Japan.

“I feel like this time Japan, generally, has taken this typhoon a lot more seriously,” he said. “People were out preparing last night. A lot of people were stocking up.”

Only last month Typhoon Faxai wreaked havoc on parts

of Japan, damaging 30,000 homes, most of which have not yet been repaired.

“I evacuated because my roof was ripped off by the other typhoon and rain came in. I’m so worried about my house,” a 93-year-old man told NHK, from a shelter in Tateyama, Chiba.

What else do we know

about the typhoon?

Hagibis means “speed” in the Philippine language Tagalog, and it could be the strongest storm the country has faced since Typhoon Vera in 1959.

Vera hit Japan with winds of 306km/h (190mph) and left more than 5,000 people dead or missing.

13 October, 2019 04:30hrs ~ 06:00hrs

Saturday October 11, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 13, 2019

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Ecuador protests: President imposes curfew amid worsening violence (BBC) Ecuador’s president has ordered the capital, Quito, and surrounding areas to be placed under curfew in a bid to curb violent protests.

“We’re going to restore order in all of Ecuador,” Lenín Moreno vowed in a televised address.

Parts of Quito have descended into chaos after more than a week of clashes between demonstrators and riot police.

Mr Moreno said the protesters, who are led by indigenous groups, had agreed to direct talks for the first time.

They are demanding the return of fuel subsidies, scrapped by the government as part of a package of austerity measures. Some have called for the resignation of the president, who has declared a two-month national emergency.

Mr Moreno said the curfew would take effect on Saturday at 15:00 (20:00 GMT).

“I’ve ordered the joint command of the armed forces to immediately take steps necessary to re-establish order in all of Ecuador,” he said.

Mr Moreno also thanked indigenous leaders for agreeing to hold direct talks. Members of the the indigenous umbrella group CONAIE had previously rejected calls for the talks but agreed on the condition that be broadcast and not held behind closed doors.

It is not clear if demon-

Police have fired tear gas to try to disperse angry crowds

strators will observe the curfew.

Earlier on Saturday, protesters attacked a television station and newspaper office in Quito. The Teleamazonas channel broadcast pictures of its broken windows and a burning vehicle. El Comercio newspaper tweeted that a “group of unknowns” had attacked its offices. No injuries were reported in either incident.

Elsewhere, masked men threw petrol bombs at a government building in Quito housing the comptroller general’s office and then overran it.

On Twitter, Interior Minister Maria Paula Romo said the area around the building was

being evacuated so fire crews could put out the flames. She said 30 people had been arrested outside the building.

What’s the background?

Protests began after the government announced an end to fuel subsidies as part of public spending cuts agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in return for a loan. The deal reached in March will allow Ecuador to borrow $4.2bn (£3.4bn).

Mr Moreno has said the fuel subsidies, introduced in the 1970s with an annual cost of $1.3bn, were no longer affordable. Eliminating them is part of his plan to shore up Ecuador’s flagging economy and ease its debt burden.

Petrol prices soared and thousands took to the streets.

In recent days, they set up barricades, stormed buildings and clashed with security forces, who have tried to disperse the crowds with tear gas.

Protesters have also entered some oil fields, affecting production in the Andean nation, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Indigenous-led protests have toppled three presidents in the past few decades. Since the current unrest began, protesters have taken dozens of officers hostage in various locations throughout the country.

6 SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 13, 2019

Why David Granger deserves a second term TWO political parties (PPP and ANUG) and a coalition of parties (APNU+AFC) have announced their presidential candidates for the coming elections. The constitution mandates the naming of presidential candidates, but more importantly the electorate has always been influenced by the top of the ticket.

Leadership matters in all countries, especially when parties tend to be of similar strength. It is, therefore, safe to conclude that the party with the most acceptable presidential candidate has an advantage over the others.

In Guyana and the wider Caribbean, the electorate has historically been swayed by the charismatic leader— the leader who inspires an emotional response from his followers. Given the nature of our society, people have tended to look to leaders who show a capacity to deal with the big, overarching challenges of the time. With the coming of independence and the challenges therein, the country turned to Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham.

These two giants have since

been the standard by which all subsequent aspirants to the highest office have been measured.

Guyana is about to take a big step out of the bottom of the proverbial heap. The coming oil and gas economy demands among other things bold and innovative leadership—the kind of leadership that inspires confidence in the society that it can meet the challenges of the time. At this critical juncture, the country needs a steady hand and level head at the top. But above all, it needs wisdom and experience—that rare combination of qualities that separates the visionary from the ordinary leader. It is our considered opinion, therefore, that the coming election is partly a referendum on leadership.

It is for that reason that this publication gives its initial endorsement to David Granger . With all due respect to the other aspirants to the highest office, Granger offers Guyana its best hope at this time. From his entry into the political arena a decade ago, he has demonstrated a level of integrity and uprightness that has earned him the respect of a broad cross-sec-

tion of the society, including his political peers.

There can be no doubt that President Granger has restored dignity to the highest office. This observation has been made by more than one political analyst. With the death of Dr Jagan, the presidency had steadily declined to the point where it became one of the major reasons the PPP was ejected from office.

Mr. Granger, then, came to office with the expressed task of repairing the damage that was done to the vey soul of the presidency. And in less than five years he has transformed the institution to the point where people have begun to again demonstrate confidence in, and respect for, government.

President Granger has also distinguished himself as an effective manager, which is a critical element of modern governmental leadership.

Managing a coalition of six parties of diverse orientations is not an easy task. In the face of some uneasy intra-coalition relations, the President has held the partnership together to the point where all the parties enthusiastically endorsed him as the can-

didate going forward. This quality cannot be overstated; it is an essential asset in our fragile political culture.

Mr Granger has also shown an ability to balance devolution of authority and maintaining a firm hand on the leadership compass. His presidency has not been marred by resignations and dismissals from cabinet. In fact, there have been minimal reshuffles. This points to a stability of government that is an important reflection of astute leadership.

Above and beyond his innate qualities, President Granger has been a scandal-free leader. He has not been embroiled in personal or political scandals. This is rare for a leader in the contemporary world. It is a testimony to his incorruptibility, which is in direct contrast to other leaders of this time. The PPP’s presidential candidate, for example, has been dogged by questions about the integrity his academic certificates.

That he has not been able to put the issue to rest is surely a reason for disqualification from the highest office.

The PPP’s presidential candidate has not been em-

braced by his potential constituents, largely because he does not meet the basic requirements of leadership.

Apart from the scandal, he lacks the necessary experience for the office. While he served as a government minister, his role was more of a follower of the maximum leader. He has not shown an intellectual grasp of the issues that animate the discourses about Guyana’s future development. He allows himself to be overshadowed and dominated by Mr Jagdeo.

Should he be elected, his tenure would be at best a puppet-presidency. In the final analysis, Mr Ali is running out of his league and Guyana cannot risk its future in such an unprepared hand.

While Mr Ralph Ramkarran is an experienced politician who has had a distinguished legal career, his readiness for the top office must be called into question.

As a part-time politician, he has not been in the rough and tumble of decision-making.

Further, one is not sure that he has the appetite for the demands of the job. As a PPP dissident, his legitimacy among that party’s core con-

stituency is severely compromised, thus robbing him of a path to the presidency.

This is where Mr Granger is head and shoulders above his competitors—he has legitimacy. Despite desperate attempts by the PPP to demonise him, a vast majority of Guyanese accept his right to be President. He is greeted with enthusiasm wherever he goes. His appeal cuts across ethnicity and race, because he brings to the office a keen awareness of what it takes to govern a multi-ethnic society.

His respect for the cultural worth of all groups is unparalleled.

Our endorsement of Mr Granger does not suggest that he is without flaws.

After all, he is human. But given his personal and political qualities, he is the best qualified candidate.

Guyana is safer with him at the helm. As a leader, his example can be held up as standard for others to follow. Forward to a second Granger term.

Tree-cutting the week before tree-planting demonstrates cognitive dissonance

Dear Editor, I HAVE noted several recent media articles about sapling giveaways and upcoming tree-planting exercises by the Ministry of Agriculture in observance of Agri Month. It’s great that the need to plant more trees is being acknowledged by our government and that steps are being taken to encourage this. As we all know, trees are essential for life on Earth as they produce oxygen which most living things need to survive, while removing toxic gases such as carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

In fact, widespread destruction of trees is one of the main causes of catastrophic climate change, which is the biggest current existential threat to humanity.

However, while I applaud these tree-planting initiatives, I am dismayed at the wanton disregard for currently standing trees that are being exhibited

by other employees of other government agencies, as well as the average Guyanese. A prime example is the mutilation of the magnificent silk cotton tree in the compound of the Carnegie School of Home Economics. Recently, several limbs of this beautiful tree were hacked off by persons working at the behest of school officials. It was only when a nearby environmentally aware resident and business owner highlighted the travesty on social media and wrote a letter to the newspaper, galvanising a caring member of the Georgetown City Council to take action, that the complete destruction of this tree was halted. Other trees in and around our Garden City, Georgetown, are regularly harmed by persons driving and parking over their roots on the parapet, burning garbage at their base, digging too close to their roots, chopping their limbs carelessly, etc.

Others have called, in years past, for

proper training for tree trimmers and contractors; apparently this still has not been done.

This attitude towards trees, as inanimate things that can be harmed or destroyed at whim, whenever a human is bothered by them, or to facilitate human ‘progress and development,’ is far too common in Guyana and unless substantive efforts are made to change this mindset, we will fail at achieving our ‘green’ goals. We need to cultivate a deeper understanding of trees, as well as the rest of the natural world, as living creatures in their own right -- notwithstanding the ‘services’ they provide to us humans- and deserving of our greatest respect and consideration. Interestingly, several countries around the world have actually begun granting legal rights to entities such as rivers, increasing the level of protection for them. However, here in Guyana, we have one arm of the gov-

ernment talking ‘green’ and promoting tree-planting while on the other hand, agents of other ministries are allowing the mutilation and destruction of giant, century-old trees (aside from this one silk cotton tree in Georgetown, many more trees are felled in the interior regions by mining operations, which also wantonly pollute the waterways..)

But cognitive dissonance seems to be the norm in Guyana, where a ‘green state’ is supposed to be created with funds from the extremely environmentally destructive oil industry. It’s sad to see my fellow Guyanese, young and old, eagerly and desperately waiting for the oil bonanza to improve their economic status, while sadly lacking awareness of the real things that are important and essential to life.

Caring for the environment and creating a true green state entails more than just superficial actions like picking up garbage, painting

the town green, or handing out saplings; one must understand the real interconnectedness of everything. As our late, great national poet Martin Carter wrote in his legendary poem -- “like a jig shakes the loom; like a web is spun the pattern, all are involved! all are consumed!” Healthy trees, unpolluted rivers, and an undestroyed environment is our real wealth -- that is what we must teach our children and fellow citizens, and if we really understand and believe this, we should act accordingly-- not in contradiction, as is being demonstrated currently.

Regards Sherlina Nageer

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 13, 2019

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We have a duty to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers Dear Editor

I AM a member of the People’s National Congress. I can clearly remember our Founder-Leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham saying on more than one occasion: “I and my party, the People’s National Congress, have the

task of ensuring that no Guyanese man, woman or child goes to bed hungry.”

Comrades Oscar Clarke, Rashleigh Jackson, Robert Corbin, Charles Corbin, Cammie Ramsaroop, Urmia Johnson, Jeffrey Thomas, Carl Greenidge, Adam Harris, Vincent Alexander, Sase Narine,

Halim Majeed, Cheryl Sampson, Yvonne Harewood-Benn and Hamilton Green can bear witness.

This declaration was made during our time of hardship and pressure. I am therefore most happy that our country is about to be blessed with the ability to see the fulfilment of this under-

taking by our party.

The Holy Books to which our population subscribe, all speak of the duty of providing for and protecting the poor.

Our religious leaders should therefore lead us in thanking God for this blessing.

It behoves our leaders to eschew language and pos-

tures which suggest an anti-poor attitude; rather, it should be obvious from our statements that our priorities include provision for the poor and needy as an urgency. Our university should be tasked with the examination of the various current models of transfers and the ultimate

presentation of alternatives/ adaptations for consideration.

We have a duty to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.

God Bless Regards Malcolm Parris, CCH

Educating health professionals at GPHC about medic communication is a positive development Dear Editor, HAVING a loved one hospitalised, regardless of the seriousness or nature of the ailment can be quite distressing. It is easy to overlook this fact until it is personally experienced. Healthcare professionals in most parts are brilliant in diagnosing and treating bodily diseases. For us healthcare professionals, that was sufficiently acceptable in the 20th century. This is reflected in the content of the medical curriculum of yesteryear. Medicine, like time, is a living and evolving creature. What was acceptable evidence-based medicine when I was born in the mid 1970s, would be frowned upon today.

In the 21st century, medicine has developed new di-

mensions. I must hasten to add, when I write this, I am not alluding to the sophisticated medicines which can now target diseases at the molecular and genetic levels, or sophisticated machinery which can now do the most unbelievable type of investigations: for example, capsule endoscopy which is essentially a digital camera, as small as a capsule, that a patient can swallow and as it traverses the digestive tract, high-definition diagnostic images are taken. To bring this mystery to which I am alluding to a speedy conclusion, I will, without further suspense or iatrogenic-induced palpitations, state that I am referring to something simple, that can be easily overlooked -- medical communication.

While I may not agree with the Kaieteur News headline

which states, “GPHC medical personnel being trained to improve attitude,” I do understand that sensationalising stories is part of the armoury of the news media to improve ratings or sales. Mr Editor, attitude, with its negative connotations, is a complex, observable behaviour, with communication just being one part of it. Therefore, the headline is misleading, mischievous and disparaging. Having said that, I must make it pellucid that my missive today is not to criticise the Kaieteur News, something that their hierarchy struggles to accept and see positively; rather, the purpose of my missive is to commend the government on this brave new step.

It was only a few months back, one of the worst ministers of health, Dr Ramsammy, chose to be critical of the gov-

ernment and had the audacity and stupidity to state that the health service collapsed the day the PPP was voted out after 23 disastrous years. Like most Guyanese, I struggled to pick my lower mandible off the floor after reading such political, nonsensical hogwash. As a result, I felt compelled, something our Honourable Minister of Public Health was more than capable of doing, to correct his fallacious argument and highlight the many positives this government has achieved for the short time they have been in power. Don’t get me wrong, there is much more to be done to raise the health service from the abyss that PPP has left it in after 23 years of mismanaging and politicising. Introducing medical communication to the health service is another of those positives.

Educating health professionals at the GPHC about medical communication is a positive development, but I am quite certain that the government will be making such invaluable teaching countrywide, to include all national health services. Further, I am abundantly confident that the communication specialist would be identifying tangible endpoints, e.g., reduction in patient complaints and improvements in patients’ experiences.These are just two of the potential endpoints, but it is important that the patients be the central focus of the endpoint and not the healthcare professional, for example, collecting and displaying his certificate.

Finally, once again I will repeat: the medical curriculum in our medical schools need revamping to reflect

medicine in the 21st century.

I have written this on multiple occasions in letters to the editor. Further, I would humbly suggest, as part of this modernisation of the curriculum, communication be integral, since the international evidence is that bad communication is the number one cause of patients’ complaints. We need to do better as healthcare professionals. Don’t wait until you are on the other side of the proverbial medical coin, that is, the patient or relative, to appreciate the importance of good communication.

Regards Dr Mark Devonish, MBBS MSc Med. Ed

Freddie Kissoon showing bias against the WPA Dear Editor,

PERMIT me to respond to issues raised in The Freddie Kissoon column published in the Kaieteur News, Friday, October 04, 2019, captioned: “Is the WPA distorting the Jagan presidency for racist reason?

Editor, before addressing the subject matter, I make this seminal point: Kissoon pretends to be an apostle of social and or/ political morality, and defender of civil rights. At the same time, he sees no contradiction in using his unfettered access to the pages of the Kaieteur News to attack me and the WPA, knowing that my right to reply will not be permitted given the policy adopted by that newspaper. A policy which Kissoon probably was instrumental in having put in place.

The caption that Kissoon gave his article shows that he went out of his way in order to attack the WPA. Since he was responding to a letter written by me and not a WPA press release, a more appropriate caption would have been: “ Is Ogunseye distorting the Jagan

presidency for racist reasons?” instead of WPA. His attack on the party is consistent with his preoccupation with the organisation’s continued political viability; something he and our detractors find hard to accept.

My letter dealt with the period of the unprecedented extra-judicial killings that took place under the PPP/C regime and Roger Khan walking the streets without charge on his return to Guyana. That letter was sent to other newspapers, but only the Stabroek News published it in its October 03, 2019 edition under the caption, “I refuse to accept that in spite of statements and information given to PNCR, nothing has been done to indict Roger Khan.”

It is not surprising that Kissoon wasted no time to run to the defence of the PPP/C government on this matter of extra-judicial killings. He was contracted by that regime as a “mercenary writer” in support of the PPP/C and the party and government during those troubling times. Readers may recall that he wrote a seven-part series of pro-government articles under the caption, “Ocean Elev-

en,” published in the Guyana Chronicle. Kissoon subsequently in frustration with tears in eyes publicly lamented that the government had reneged on its agreement to pay him. Yet he feels compelled to defend his former allies. Why? Is he now trying to make peace with the PPP/C and Jagdeo?

In my letter, I stated: “To date, the APNU+AFC coalition government led by President David Granger has the outstanding record of being the only government, pre and post-independence, that has not engaged in the killing of political opponents.” I continued, “This is an observation that has been a central theme in Dr David Hinds’ public discourses at WPA’ s community meetings and in the media.”

Kissoon hoped not to engage Dr Hinds who is the originator of the observation. However, he feels comfortable in attacking me, since he feels that I am politically and socially more vulnerable than the doctor. His pathetic mind makes him a proverbial “coward”-- attacking the perceived weak, while avoiding the strong.

Kissoon‘s questionable intellect and political dishonesty are demonstrated by him deliberately ignoring the contention in my letter, that the rise of the extra-judicial killings at the time was the direct result of conscious PPP/C political policy against the African community. After the 1992 elections that resulted in PNCR supporters taking to the streets, the PPP/C’s leadership which included the Jagans, resolved to punish the African community, particularly Georgetown, for its continued support of the PNCR. More so, he is oblivious to my position that the PPP/C thereafter regarded the PNCR supporters as “political opponents.”

This fact hopefully takes care of Kissoon’s attempt to absolve Dr Jagan and his presidency from accusations of killing political opponents.

In seeking to hide his proPPP position, Kissoon invoked a letter/eulogy written by comrade Moses Bhagwan to hide his “nakedness.” He wrote: “On the announcement of Andaiye’s death, Moses published a letter of eulogy in the newspapers and cited an incident to show the

purity of Andaiye’s politics. He said a group of WPA activists, including him and Bhagwan were in Christopher Ram’s office. It was the time of the violence in Buxton… a certain WPA person came in the room to inform the others of the situation in Buxton and referred to the gunmen as freedom fighters.

Andaiye immediately walked out of the meeting.” Kissoon’s inference is, it was I (Tacuma Ogunseye)who had entered the room. I say without fear of contradiction that I was never in any meeting at Mr Christopher Ram’s office where I came in and reported on the situation in Buxton and referred to the gunmen as freedom fighters.

This is important, since Kissoon is on a mission to linking me with gunmen. If comrade Moses Bhagwan had named me in his letter/eulogy, I would have corrected him publicly at the time.

On the matter of gunmen and Buxton I have nothing to hide. Here is where Moses/Kissoon got it wrong, depending on the accuracy of Kissoon’s quote from Moses’s letter. I recalled at the end of a meeting

in Ram’s office while leaving, (on our way out in the yard) Sister Jocelyn Dow threw a remark at me mentioning freedom fighters and Buxton. Note the use of the words, “freedom fighters” are her words not mine – so much for that aspect of Kissoon’s accusation.

I cannot remember if Andaiye was present on the occasion I referred to. If she was in that meeting there was on discussion/report on gunmen and Buxton. So how could she have walked out on the grounds Kissoon claimed?

It is public knowledge that many of my comrades in and out of the WPA did not share my position on the events at the time. Given subsequent revelations, the nation is better informed on the genesis of those troubling times. With due respect, I don’t have to adjust my views on these matters. I am doubtful that others, including Frederick Kissoon, can make the same declaration.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

8

OIL WITH SOIL I HAVE heard enough cynicisms from so-called resource nationalists that downplay the potential benefits Guyana could get from its oil reserves.

They invariably daub as crooked the big foreign companies that could possibly help make Guyana the richest country in the world.

I followed with growing pain the nihilistic notion that we could leave our oil in the soil, and somehow still take our people out from poverty; that ExxonMobil could walk, if we up demands for a hike in royalty and profit-oil.

SAVIOUR NOT CURSE I don’t doubt that oil has risks, many risks. But it is coming at this time as our saviour, not as our curse.

Politically, oil is also powerful, and it could be used by those who have plenty of it--as a weapon.

In 1967 I was a young adventurer travelling through Europe when the Six-Day War erupted in the Middle East. Egypt and Syria suffered a humiliating defeat when Israel annexed Gaza and the Golan Heights.

The Arab world reacted by imposing an oil embargo against the West.

The effects were felt in far-off, newly

independent Guyana, as we experienced lines at the pump for fuel. The “Oil Weapon” was again deployed in 1973 during what has been described as the Middle East Crisis, when Arab countries banned all oil shipments to the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. Again, I was passing through Europe and I had a glimpse of the effects of that war on the Palestinian people, who were displaced and scattered as refugees.

Again, in distant Guyana, we suffered even greater consequences with our electricity services and transportation facilities almost crippled.

In the potent game of oil in geo-strategic politics, the Arab world reacted with a wave of nationalisation of oil, and there was almost a universal severance of diplomatic ties with Israel.

WRATH OF OIL Somehow, I had felt the righteous wrath of oil, and I have been reluctant to write about our budding oil industry, save for references to the estimated six billion barrels of proved reserves from some, so far, 13 off-shore wells.

Somehow I have always been shy about basking in wealth, ever since I heard a for-

mer prime minister in one of our Caribbean countries boasting (arrogantly, I would add), that “oil don’t spoil.” That may be so, but oil does run out, and could be worthless due to a glut or falling prices. Worse, if there is no balanced agro-industrial development, the oil wealth could be drained away on consumption and importation on food and other consumer essentials that could be produced here.

President David Granger has tapped into a rich deposit of realism when he cautioned, “don’t let us get drunk on oil.”

FOOD SECURITY The Guyanese leader was at the time launching National Tree Day, as part of the observance of Agriculture Month, in my native Corentyne. He was plugging for food security and self-sufficiency.

He has struck the right balance when he declared that in the first decade of oil, there will be agricultural diversification and industrialisation.

“Agriculture will not be neglected during the next decade,” President Granger assured; he expressed confidence that Guyana could export US$250 million of agricultural produce and could become the bread basket of the Eastern Caribbean.

As the newest kid on the oil block, Guyana has to temper the widespread notion of a pie in the sky for all, with the realistic expectation that the reserves do not last forever.

DEPLETION OF OIL The eventual depletion of oil and other unanticipated hurdles that could make extraction from the reserves less viable, were probably what influenced the Guyanese President to proclaim a “Decade of Development: 2020-2029.”

In Guyana, we are blessed with both sweet oil and fertile soil. The first 10 years would be the bonanza decade. Depending on what the economists would describe as volatility in oil prices, Guyana’s stake in revenues could start from US$300 million annually, and peak at over US$5 billion by the end of the decade. Revenues from oil will facilitate unprecedented, dream-like development.

It is this decade that would be defining for Guyana, if we complement oil with the soil; fuel with food.

Colin Campbell, founder of the Oil Depletion Analysis Centre way back in 2005, was quoted in an on-line article in The Guardian that the world holds enough oil reserves for 40 years, and gas for 60 years.

Other sources say that there are some 1.6 trillion barrels of proven oil reserves, which

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 13, 2019

could last just over 50 years at a consumption rate of 100 million barrels per day.

The Saudi Arabian reserves were estimated to last 70 years, given production of 10 million barrels per day.

SOIL CULTIVATION So, the down stream of oil production, is soil cultivation.

It is common sense that with revenues from oil being pumped into agriculture, agro-processing, fishery and inland aquaculture, cattle and other large-scale livestock business, our wealth will never run dry.

What we need from our business sector is not interminable belly-aching about “local content,” but a solid focus and a strong will. We must begin to prepare for local-content opportunities in the massive downstream public investment programmes. We must develop long in advance of first oil, the necessary institutional capacity to manage big local projects alone or as joint development partners.

Our business sector can enjoy the bountiful promise that lies ahead.

PROMISED LAND The Good Book tells us about Moses wandering in the desert for 40 years before he entered the Promised Land.

Not claiming the Biblical name or the fame of that Moses, in a personal way I feel privileged to live in Guyana and to share in the euphoria of our own “Promised Land.” And, if life permits, I should be around for the full 40 years of the verifiable oil boom, and long before we hit the rock-bottom of oil depletion.

But, then, there is still natural gas, which begins when oil ends!

I am confident that our APNU+AFC Coalition Government holds a viable vision for the Decade of Development under our Green State Development Strategy. In simple, layperson’s language, this is: Oil plus Soil is equal to Fuel Plus Food.

I grew up in a house on the Corentyne mudflat where food security was the number one concern in a family of 12 children.

My parents combined fishing with farming, so our pot was always full with cooked rice, and the karahee with greens or fish curry.

Wood was then plentiful, and the earthen fireside in the open yard was always active for what my father would cynically describe as “Chunoo’s Dharamsala.”

The call-name of my mother (Gangama Nagamootoo: 1916-96) was Chunoo and she had food for everyone who came into our yard.

Today is her birthday.

Happy birthday, Ma!

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 13, 2019

The tribal monster bestrides the republic like a colossus

THERE are a plethora of reasons to re-elect the coalition government and citizens can easily defend a decision to do just that.

If you are concerned about the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, you have to be impressed with the work completed on this issue by the government.

If you hail from Leguan, you can easily point to the fact that you have experienced asphalt roads for the first time.

If you reside at Corentyne, Berbice, you can place your X based on your community being illuminated for the first time after decades by a government you may not have supported at the last elections. So what is the issue? Why do the above points have to be made and

why is this writing heading in this direction? Guyana is not a homogenous society and tribalism is one consistent caveat that regrettable undergirds all things political in our society. Any analysis of the upcoming elections that is devoid of mention of this Colossus that bestrides the republics [is] incomplete.

Therefore, it is understandable that when political discussions are being had across the length and breadth of Guyana [sic].

PRESIDENT GRANGER’S CANDIDACY V MR. IRFAAN ALI’S CANDIDACY If you ask the children, they will tell you that Mr. Irfaan Ali is no match for

the candidacy of President David Granger, not in any category.

If Guyana were a normal society free of the ethnic card and tribalism, this would not have even been a contest. However, the British colonial masters’ decision to import multiple races to serve their economic ends has bequeathed us with this inescapable reality. It is for this reason and this reason only, there can be some nervousness about a possible Ali presidency, the tribal monster always lurks in this polity. This tribalism is not interested in the character of the leader or his policies, once the candidate is identified as a member of the tribe, he has assured support.

The tribalist will argue, he might be facing several

Two seriously injured after stabbing incident A woman and her male companion were rushed to the Skeldon Hospital and then transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where they remain in a serious condition after being stabbed by another man.

The injured are identified as Garfield Richards 48-- a hire Car driver-- and Vanessa Jullian 47, a waitress of Number 76 Housing Scheme.

According to information, the two were in a car parked on the Skeldon Public Road when the suspect, identified as

Leonard Welcome, 53, also of Number 76 Housing Scheme, approached the vehicle.

He grabbed onto the victims and began inflicting stab wounds. He subsequently made his escape. Up to press time, the police were unable to arrest him. According to information, Jullian was still married to the suspect while she was said to be in a relationship with Richards. This angered the husband who decided to take matters into his own hands.

Investigation into the incident is continuing.

fraud charges, he might be inept, he might not have the most basic requirements to be President, but ‘he is we own’.

THE SURVIVAL OF THE PPP AND THE TRIBAL MONSTER The People’s Progressive Party remains Guyana’s first mass-based party, founded on January 1st, 1950. This party has continuously been triumphant at the polls.

The argument can be made that the presence of Dr. Jagan at the helm of this party coupled with the ethnic numbers, made this organisation an unstoppable political force. However, with the death of Dr. Jagan in 1997 and the subsequent destructive rule by successive PPP governments, the power of the tribal monster laid bare. PPP ministers boasted, ‘we have the numbers, we can do as we wish’.

It took a herculean effort by a kaleidoscope of Guyanese political forces to challenge and be successful at defeating the indomitable rule of this ethnic-monolith in 2015. Even with all the unprecedented transgressions that would have banished any political party, in a normal society, to the dustbins of history, this organisation survives, albeit in a wretch-

ed Mafioso form. Racism is the only logical inference that can be deduced to explain the resilience of a party that has been complicit with wanton corruption, extra-judicial killings of its citizens and unrepentant arrogance with power.

In any average society, such as an organisation would have disappeared, but not here; the spectre of sectarianism forever hovers over the Republic.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM AND THE TRIBAL MONSTER It would be remiss of this writer not to mention that some play with the verdict of the jury on the exact character of the nation and its people.

There [are] two schools of thought that exist; some argue that there is a level of patriotism that exists in Guyanese that can propel

them to ignore the visceral lure of racial obligation, they point to the success of the likes of the WPA and the AFC. Others argue that we doomed to our fate of being a nation forever haunted by racial insecurities. It is in this context, one should examine the debate on constitutional reform. If you accept the contestation of the former, then you may be tempted to think that there is no need for urgent reform.

If you accept the latter argumentation, it is easy to see why constitutional reform is necessary.

For all intents and purposes of this submission based on its general thrust, the writer is of the view that insofar as the tribal monster consistently bestrides the Republic, constitutional reform with safeguards to address racial insecurities would be the prudent way to go.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE OCTOBER 13, 2019

Toshaos call for stiffer penalties for illegal and unsafe mining

TOSHAOS and other village leaders are calling on the government to enforce stricter penalties on illegal miners and those engaging in unsafe mining practices.

The Toshaos were, at the time, raising several issues with Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman, at the 13th National Tohaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison and Deputy Commissioner of Forests of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Gavin Agard were also present at the session.

Chenapou’s Toshao, Edward Mc Garrell raised the issue of mining oper-

Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman, Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison and Deputy Commissioner of Forests of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Gavin Agard make notes as they listen to issues raised by the Toshaos at the 13th National Tohaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) ations that are contaminating the waterways. He explained that an elderly resident, Mamai Lucille Williams, was displaced as a miner wanted to excavate her land. Responding to the situation, Minster Trotman assured that Williams will

be compensated and placed in a comfortable environment.

“I am going to personally visit later this month to see what is happening with her condition and to see that the issue is resolved,” he said.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is also prepared to assist. Another Toshao took the opportunity at the conference to raise his issue with the hope of having it addressed. Toshao Mario Hastings, of Kako Village,

stated that the water in the Upper Mazaruni is contaminated. He explained that this issue has been ongoing for years and called for the situation to be addressed by the ministry and GGMC. Meanwhile, Kit James of the South Rupununi commended the ministry for being very helpful when addressing some of the issues in the mining sector.

He expressed concerns regarding miners’ heavy-duty vehicles destroying the roadways in the village of Aishalton. The miners would pass through Aishalton on their way to the Marudi mining area.

Toshao of Kwebanna and Vice-chairman of the National Toshaos Council, Paul Pierre, called for a final resolution of the Chinese Landing issue that have been ongoing for de-

cades. Minister Trotman noted the matters raised and assured that it will be addressed. The 13th National Toshaos’ Council Conference began earlier this week and will conclude on Friday. The leaders of the over 212 Indigenous villages, in all of the 10 Administrative Regions, meet annually at the important forum to have engagements with the president and government ministers, and officials from various government agencies. It is aimed at consolidating and expanding the national development and transformation processes to cater to the needs of Indigenous people.

It also addresses issues such as land titles and demarcations, education, health, social services, security and infrastructure.

(DPI)

30 more GTT staff now certified first aid responders

THIRTY staff members of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) have been certified by the Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) after successfully completing its First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated

The GTT staff members display their certificates

External Defibrillator (AED) course.

The participants received their certificates at GTT’s 79 Brickdam location during a close-out ceremony for the programme on Friday.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Business Partner to GTT, Janice Weever, congratulated the group, which she was a part of and encouraged them to use their new knowledge to respond to any emergency situations requiring First Aid. “I commend the Guyana Red Cross Society for teaching us -- and others -- the importance and intricacies of First Aid. GTT is on the path to become ISO 45001 compliant and this training is a necessary component to Health and Safety Standards throughout the world,” Weever said.

“We at GTT are committed to ensuring compliance to the OHS regulations and we will con-

tinue to build capacity for ensuring safer working conditions,” she added.

Participant Clifton Stephenson lauded GTT for allowing its staff to be a part of the trainings.

“I think this was a good initiative and I can say that we all learned a lot.

Getting to the ISO 45001 Standard as a company; it is important to have these basic trainings to be recognised,” said Stephenson.

Sharing the same sentiment was Kamisha Crawford who said, “This training was very informative and I encourage other staff to reach out to the Health and Safety Department and be a part of the next training. These trainings are critical to all and can help you save a life.”

The Occupational Health and Safety Business Partner explained that the company will continue to partner with the GRCS to conduct more training in 2020.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 13, 2019

Africans urged to embrace their culture, identity

By Elvin Carl Croker

THE African community, on Saturday, gathered at the Seawall Bandstand to pay homage to their ancestors in observance of Holocaust Day 2019.

Addressing the annual event, African culturist, Johnathan Adams, said the occasion comes at a time when Guyana’s reset button is being pushed.

Held under the theme “Remembering the past: lest we forget”, Adams told a gathering of about 100 people that the suppression of Africans, which started by the Europeans on September 12, 1492, has been fully extinguished.

This is evident, he said, when the African community is forced to constrain themselves from speaking the truth about their true needs and the realities of their daily existence.

This must not happen, he said. “We must seek every opportunity to be fully involved in the resetting of the society.

We must act in such a way that sweet songs of hope echo from the seabed, rather than memories of injustice,” he told the gathering which listened with keen attention.

He also said that Africans must embrace their culture, identity and organisations as only then they will be united as a people. On that note, he urged all young Africans to vote at the upcoming March 2 general and regional elections.

The remembrance ceremony, which lasted just over an hour, concluded with a procession to the Atlantic Ocean led by leaders of the House of Santeria and his worship, Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine.

Floral tributes being offered to African ancestors by participants at Holocaust Day 2019

A participant at Holocaust Day performs a ritual in the ocean

A section of the audience at the event on Saturday

Johnathan Adams addressing the Holocaust event on Saturday

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE OCTOBER 13, 2019

Understanding Energy

How global markets will shape Guyana’s oil opportunities

IN just a few months, Guyana is set to receive its first share of the oil production from the Liza Phase 1 well and the first installment of Guyana’s 50% of profit oil and additional royalties will be delivered.

How Guyana will sell that oil on the global market, translating it into revenues, is a subject on the minds of many across the government and civil society.

Like other commodities, crude oil is traded in a complex global market. While much of the world’s oil is sold under long-term contract for future delivery, the remainder is traded between suppliers (oil companies, oil-producing countries, international trading houses) and buyers (typically refiners or trading houses operating on behalf of refiners) in one-time transactions for near-term delivery.

Since oil is a global commodity that is produced and consumed all over the world, spot prices usually reflect the current global supply and demand balance. Other factors that could impact oil prices include weather, geopolitical concerns, world economic conditions and supply decisions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Counties (OPEC), a cartel of key oil producers that can adjust production levels in an attempt to influence prices.

Another factor that influence the price of oil for a specific transaction is the quality of the crude. Not all oil is the same – oil can contain differing levels of sulfur or different

amounts of specific hydrocarbon molecules, for example – all of which can affect its value.

Sometimes prices are expressed as a differential to an international benchmark crude that is widely traded on the spot market (like Brent Blend, a North Sea crude oil or West Texas Intermediate (WTI), a U.S. crude. A benchmark is considered an indicator of fair market value. Since Liza crude is a low density, low sulphur crude oil produced in the Atlantic Basin, it will likely be sold at a differential to Brent.

Crude cargos can also be sold in relation to a daily price or index established by third-party pricing services. Such services, like S&P Global Platts and Argus, base their price determinations on data gathered from actual trades, mathematical analysis and discussions with traders active in the daily market.

While some producing countries sell their oil entirely on the spot market and others issue tenders where they invite bids for the cargos, the larger and more established producers like Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Nigeria focus on longer-term contracts and market the oil through their own state oil companies.

Term contracts provide security of supply and demand for refiners and producers and make it easier to schedule tankers. This could be an option in the future for Guyana once production rises and the play matures. But

initially, Guyana will probably sell its oil on the spot market, perhaps for a fee through an experienced international trading house.

Another option could be to have Exxon or one of the other oil companies to market the crude and sell it on Guyana’s behalf as it would provide the country with more time to

establish its own trading operation to handle sales itself.

First oil is coming fast, and Guyana will need to make important decisions about how it wants to get its oil to international markets.

The revenue is important to help pay for infrastructure, education and more.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 13, 2019

GRDB to up response to paddy bug infestation – Rice Research Station working out a package to deal with problem

By Navendra Seoraj

and finding solutions.

In addition to the station’s work on addressing paddy bug infestations, it has been releasing high- yielding rice varieties on a regular basis.

Within the last 25 years, the Rice Research Station has produced 14 new high-yielding varieties of commercial cultivation. Some of these include: GRDB 09, GRDB 10, GRDB 11, GRDB 12, GRDB 13, GRDB 14 and GRDB 15.

THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), through the Rice Research Station, will be looking to address and counter the “massive attacks” from paddy bugs over the past few seasons.

“We have seen a massive attack and this time the attack was sustained for a long period of time,” said Chief

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder

Chief Scientist of the Rice Research Station, Mahendra Persaud Scientist of the Research Station, Dr. Mahendra Persaud, during his remarks at GRDB’s recent Open Day activity.

Although the paddy bug infestation has not come as a surprise over the past two seasons, it has still affected farmers in the various rice-growing regions.

“Considering the prevalence of the infestation, researchers have to fasten their seat belts,” said Dr. Persaud, adding that the station’s primary focus over the next five seasons will be on eradicating or reducing the prevalence of paddy bugs.

In the coming seasons, the station will be looking to develop a “package of practices” which will reduce the prevalence of paddy bugs to an economic and manageable level.

Dr. Persaud, who was optimistic about effectively tackling the prevalence of paddy bugs, said: “We have bits and pieces of ammunition to hit the bugs effectively.”

The bits and pieces will, however, have to be consolidated into a package that will be shared with farmers across the country.

As part of the process of creating the package, the research station will be doing a comprehensive study on paddy bugs in order to ascertain the definite species

of bugs.

The station’s primary goal is to develop a package of practice and develop technologies that will be necessary for farmers to achieve their targets.

“We are looking at integrated pest management, bio-control, bio-pesticides and more,” said Dr. Persaud, adding that although they promote the use of pesticides, they have warned farmers to utilise it judiciously.

Farmers from across Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) lamented the challenges they faced because of the prevalence of paddy bugs.

Although they were able to get a decent crop, some farmers said they had to put a lot of effort into keeping the bugs out.

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder had said given the recent outcry of farmers regarding the negative effects of paddy bug infestations and in order to effectively reduce its economic impact on rice cultivation, the GRDB has placed emphasis on prioritised training in the management of paddy bugs at the farm level.

“To develop new strategies to combat this pest in Guyana, the GRDB has placed emphasis on five research areas which include national monitoring, finding the multiplication and survival sites of paddy bugs, commencement of a bio-control programme, a national sensitisation on the impact and management of paddy bugs and the evaluation of insecticides and their efficacy,” said Minister Holder.

GOOD REPUTATION According to the minister, the GRDB Rice Research Station at Burma has a good reputation when it comes to doing research

“This is no accident; it is a result of massive financial investment in a well-conceived and executed programme.

GRDB’s expenditure averages some G$372 million annually to execute its programme at the Rice Research Station.

This represents 43 per cent of its overall expenditure.

I am proud to say that our Rice Breeding Programme is among the best in the Caribbean Region,” said Minister

Holder. Rice research is the avenue through which new techniques and technology are made available to the rice industry on a continuous basis.

This is done to sustain the competitiveness of rice in an ever-changing physical, financial and social environment.

Holder said the research station has made notable contributions to the industry and continues to do so.

“I am advised that during

2019, over 5,000 breeding lines are being studied, with 16 of these being tested in multi-location trials to develop new varieties. Studies are being conducted on 14 aromatic breeding lines to develop another aromatic variety.

One candidate variety is being considered for release and GRDB will begin testing in farm field trials in 2020,” said the minister.

14

Kathleen Headley: 105 Not Out

ON October 15, 2019, Kathleen Headley of 34 Norton Street will celebrate her achievement of being alive for 105 years. Kathleen, the eldest of six children, was born on the East Bank of the Demerara River, just about three miles from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Twice married, she outlived both husbands: James Ford, whom she married in 1940, and Alban Head-

ley, with whom she tied the knot in 1955. Her second marriage lasted for 40 years.

Kathleen, although having undergone two eye surgeries, still has her visual capabilities and is still able to move around and do minor everyday tasks on her own without the aid or assistance of anyone.

According to Headley, though she has never had children of her own, she has been a mother to

many and knows the joys of caring and providing for children, having fostered many of them. Of affable disposition, loving, caring and compassionate, she is all you could ask for in a mother.

Kathleen said that she still receives love and support from persons whose lives she has touched. She related some of the love she received on her 100th birthday from one of the families she had worked

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 13, 2019

for, stating that, “It was my 100th birthday and the mother of this Canadian family I had worked for, called at Smith’s Church where I fellowship and she called to find out about me.

She spoke to Ms Pollard, who told her I would be turning 100 years old on Wednesday and that the church will be hosting a celebration for me, and the lady related to her that she wanted to give me something and the something

105-year-old Kathleen Headley she wanted me to have was $1000 Canadian dollars. I felt so good, not just at the gift, but at the thought, because I was a part of their lives so long ago and to think that she still thought about me like that made me feel good.”

Kathleen went on to explain that she doesn’t really have a specific meal plan; she said however that from a very young age, she always knew how to portion her foods and to figure out what each food had to offer the body, due to her mother being a diabetic and her having to have special food to ensure she remained healthy; so she said she picked up some of her healthy practices from there.

When asked if she had any advice for the younger generation on how to sustain themselves to reach an impressive age as herself, she said, “Stay away from the excessive use of alcohol.” She explained that she herself has never given into drinking alcoholic beverages, because she is aware of the long-term effects it could have on an individual.

She further said that it is very important to maintain a healthy relationship with God, explaining that for her, she knows that without his guiding hand taking her through every day, she would not have been able to achieve such a milestone.

FITCE 2019…

Expo participa interest in Guyana GUYANA participated in the just concluded Florida International Trade Conference & Expo (FITCE 2019) and persons have shown significant interest in the products which the 21 companies from Guyana displayed.

A press release from the Guyana American Chamber of Commerce said that follow up action is to be taken to ensure sustainable markets for these products.

“Additionally, there were also enquiries about other products being sourced from Guyana including lumber, fresh fruits and vegetables, shrimp and gold and diamond jewellery,” the release said.

“While many of the Guyanese exhibitors were able to sell some of their products at the event, the emphasis was on developing arrangements to supply interested companies on an ongoing basis. Some of the products already meet the standards required for import into the US and other major markets, while other products need work done on their packaging and labelling, and in the case of the US certification by the Food and Drug Administration,” said the release.

It said too that there was also interest on the part of potential investors in housing construction, telecommunications, infrastructure development, agribusiness and mining. A number of companies also expressed interest in identifying distributors in Guyana for a range of products.

“Uber, which says it has experienced some challenges

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 13, 2019

Repairs to damaged 69kV Submarine Cable underway

THE Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has commenced remedial work on the damaged 69 kV submarine cable which links the Vreed-en-Hoop (VEH) and Kingston substations, the power company said in a press release.

The release said that the armour and insulation protection of the cable, which extends to the conductors, was damaged at two locations in June and August by vessels traversing the Demerara River.

“Due to the extent of the damages, two repair kits had to be sourced from China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CMC), the company that laid the cable in 2012.

Repairs to the cable were delayed due to the discovery of the second damage in August, which required additional diagnosis and testing. Consequently, both kits were manufactured and shipped to Guyana,” the release said.

It said that following the arrival of the kits, the contractor, CMC, immediately commenced work to retrieve and repair the compromised sections of the cable, approximately 0.7 and 0.8 km offshore the Kingston Power Plant.

It said upon completion, the cable will be re-energized to transfer power generated by the VEH Plant to supply the eastern section of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

“Additionally, as a preventative measure, the cable will be reburied in the Demerara River to a depth of approximately 15 feet,” the release said.

It said as part of GPL’s contingency response to the damaged cable, a smaller 13.8 kV submarine cable was laid across the Demerara River in June, to transfer 5.5 megawatt of power from the VEH power plant.

CMC workers effecting repairs to the damaged submarine cable

ants show high a and its products entering Caribbean markets, says it is open to looking at the Guyana market while the World Trade Center Association has indicated its interest in setting up a WTC in Guyana and will be pursuing discussions in this regard as early as later this month,” the release said.

“The Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) will share these business “leads” with chambers of commerce, the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GM&SA) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC), as well as relevant private companies and government agencies,” says GACC Secretary, Melinda Gordon.

The release said one of the major initiatives being followed up is the possible entry of Guyana’s El Dorado rum into the South African market and the import of wines from that country into Guyana’s market.

Among the participants from Guyana was Denmor Garments Manufacturers Inc., which has previously supplied garments to Walmart, Victoria’s Secret, Russell Athletics and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

The Guyana delegation also participated in a number of workshop sessions including one which included presenters from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the US Consumer Safety Commission and the US Customs & Border Protection (CBP), the release said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 13, 2019

Shell Beach residents puzzled by brothers’ killings

AS relatives buried the two fishermen who were shot and killed by armed men on Thursday at Shell Beach, residents of the area remain puzzled about the motive for the killings.

At the same time, some suggest that the men may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The men’s remains were buried on Saturday.

Reports are that the men, Ian and Rakesh

Mathias , 33 and 38 respectively, were killed by pirates and post-mortems conducted on the men indicated that they were shot multiple times and chopped about their bodies.

The men resided at Father’s Beach, a section of the Shell Beach Protected Area, which lies some six to seven miles from the mouth of the Moruca River.

Community Development Officer for the area, Genevieve Vansluytman, told the Guy-

Shell Beach

ana Chronicle that the incident was puzzling.

According to reports, earlier in the year, the residents were told that persons were being robbed several miles from the area in question and as such, the villagers were cautioned about such eventualities.

Residents of the area noted that the two brothers were setting their seine a short distance from their home at Father’s Beach, when they were attacked by armed men.

Their mother heard loud screams from the area, after a speed boat pulled up in the area where her sons were.

Police Commander Wendell Blanhum told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, that “rapid gunfire” was heard in the area

where the two brothers were on Wednesday afternoon, sometime between 15:00hrs and 15:45hrs. After the gunshots subsided, the speedboat sped off, family members reported.

The men’s bodies floated up on Thursday morning. There are unconfirmed reports that the gunmen encountered another relative of the slain men the day before, on Tuesday, but this could not be confirmed.

Several years ago, the waters off the Shell Beach area as well as the Waini , were hotspots for pirates. Given the economic situation in Venezuela, residents of the area are concerned that the busy waterway may be targeted by criminal elements.

18

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 13, 2019

National Diya ‘light-up’ set for next Sunday

THE Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh-Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) will be hosting its annual “National Diya Light-up” on the evening of Sunday, October 20, 2019, at Rahaman’s Park.

The first National Diya was lit in 2015 at the same

location and had illuminated the entire area, ushering in the period of Diwali.

According to the HSS, the event will mark the fifth consecutive National Diya of Guyana and, as usual, will be attended by heads of leading Hindu and other religious organisations, young leaders

and the public.

Apart from the spectacular display of the National Diya, there will be a cultural evening of dances, skits and music to portray the significance of the national holiday. This event will commence at 18:00hrs and conclude at 20:00hrs.

The period of Diwali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. Diwali literally means a row of lights. It is a time filled with light and love, a time when Hindus all over the world rejoice. It is the darkest night of the darkest period, yet it is a celebration

A scene from a past National Diya light-up event of light. Diwali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil.

The meaning of Diwali, its symbols and rituals, and the reasons for celebration are innumerable. Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s glorious and long -waited return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after his fourteen years of exile in the forests. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon, Narakaasura, who had kidnapped and terrorised the Gopis of Vrindavan.

It is also celebrated as the day Lord Vishnu married Maha Lakshmi. Diwali is also associated with the story of the fall of Bali – a demon king who was defeated by Lord Vishnu. In general, Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery, of truth over falsehood, and of light over darkness.

“However, Diwali is not a festival of lights in order that we may burn candles, fireworks and sparklers.

Sure, these are wonderful ways of expressing our gaiety. But, it is not the only or true meaning of ‘light’. Diwali is a festival of the light which dispels the darkness of our ignorance; it is a festival of the light which shows us the way on our journey through life,” said HSS. In that regard, the theme

for this year’s National Diya light-up is: “The light from within dispelling the darkness across Guyana.”

The purpose is not to glorify the light of the lamp or the firecracker. The purpose is to glorify the light of god.

“The light of Diwali should be within us. It should symbolise the personal relationship between God and us. Let the light penetrate inward, for only then will it have lasting benefit. A piece of cotton soaked in ghee, lit with a pure heart, a conscious mind and a desire to be free from ignorance is far brighter than 100 expensive deepaks (lamps).

“As we clean our homes, let’s clean our minds and intellects too. As we wear new clothes, let’s also get rid of our old, unwanted, disturbing habits of anger, jealousy, worry... and emerge our new but original qualities of peace, love, bliss and happiness. We will settle our old account books and begin new ones, simultaneously let us settle our old karmic accounts, any unpleasant relationships and begin our relationships in a new, positive way,” said HSS. The HSS organisation urged Guyanese to celebrate Diwali in a responsible way, together.

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Kipchoge completes marathon in World record time (REUTERS) - KENYAN Eliud Kipchoge made athletics history yesterday when he became the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, stretching the limits of human endeavour and passing a milestone few

thought could be reached for decades if at all.

Guided by green laser beams shone onto the road and helped by 41 world class athletes choreographed into rotating teams of pacemakers, the Olympic champion and world record holder smashed the barrier by 20 seconds, finishing in one hour 59.40 minutes.

It was regarded as the biggest achievement in athletics since Briton Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile in 1954 and was likened by Kipchoge himself to landing on the moon.

“Today we went to the moon and came back to earth! I am at a loss for words for all the support I have received from all over the world,” he said.

However, it was not recognised as a world record by the sport’s governing International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as it was not in open competition and used rotating pacemakers.

As the pacemakers peeled away for the last kilometre, Kipchoge accelerated down the final straight, smiled and pointed at people in the crowd who gave him a rousing reception.

Barely sweating, the 34-year-old looked as if he had completed a quiet morning run as he reflected on his unique achievement.

“From the first kilometre, I was really comfortable,” he said after being mobbed by his team mates.

“I have been training for this for four and a half months, I have been putting my heart and mind to run under two hours for a marathon and make history.

“I am feeling good. After Roger Bannister it took another 65 years to make history,” he added. “Now I’ve gone under two hours to inspire other people and show the world nobody is limited.”

Although the IAAF did not recognise the run, its

president, Sebastian Coe, had said he was in favour of such events and argued that it was not a huge issue if they were not recognised by the sport’s governing body.

There was unbridled joy in Kipchoge’s homeland as thousands of people celebrated on the streets.

“We don’t even have the words to explain it; it is such a proud moment. We are super, super proud to be Kenyan,” said one.

In Nairobi, traffic stopped with people gathering in bars and anywhere with television screens as national hero Kipchoge closed in on completing the stunning achievement.

SECOND ATTEMPT The run, organised and funded by the British chemical company INEOS and dubbed the INEOS 1.59 challenge, was Kipchoge’s second attempt to break the barrier, having missed out by 26 seconds in Monza two years ago.

The 9.6 kilometre course, a long straight with two loops at the end, was designed with slightly steeped banks and had been partially resurfaced to help Kipchoge keep pace and avoid injury.

The venue and time were carefully chosen by organisers to provide the best-possible conditions - cool and windless - although it was slightly more humid than expected and there were a few spots of rain.

24 SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 13, 2019

Maharaj, Philander frustrate India KESHAV Maharaj and Vernon Philander, the lead spinner and senior seamer of the South African squad, were picked to do a job with the ball. But the pair frustrated India in the opposite discipline with a ninth-wicket partnership of 109 runs, South Africa’s third-highest in the series, and may have staved off an innings defeat.

Virat Kohli will sleep on whether he wants to put South Africa in again, 326 runs behind; he will have plenty to consider. His bowlers were in the field for 105.4 overs and South Africa’s lower-order showed they are capable of making India work for their wickets.

Kohli may also be wary of batting last on a surface that is taking more turn, even if there is only an outside chance that India will need to chase a target. Either way, they sit in prime position to seal the series in the remaining two days and have as-

Vernon Philander frustrated India. (BCCI)

serted their dominance over a South African side whose quality remains in question.

South Africa’s top-order were beaten at their own game, as India’s seamers re-

duced them to 53 for 5.

Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami maintained a slightly fuller length and bowled to attacking fields, whereas South Africa’s

bowlers had erred on the side of too short and too wide, and the difference brought wickets.

Nightwatchman Anrich Nortje was dismissed in the

third over, caught at fourth slip and Theunis de Bruyn, who looked confident on the front foot for much of his 30 runs, ended up stuck in his crease, uncertain whether to move forward or back to a Yadav delivery and was caught behind.

That brought South Africa’s most accomplished pair, captain Faf du Plessis and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock together. They posted 75 runs, with du Plessis increasingly authoritative on the cover drive, but the resistance was broken when de Kock was bowled by an R Ashwin delivery that also tested his footwork.

South Africa scored 100 runs in the morning session but the loss of three wickets and all but one of their top six batsmen saw them staring down the barrel of being asked to follow-on for the first time since 2008.

It seemed certain that they would be asked to bat again as Kohli saved his quicks and

kept his spinners on for 38 overs, but South Africa’s tail had other ideas.

Philander, who was coming off a pair in the first Test, faced 22 balls before he scored his first run, an indication that he was settling in for a long stay. With du Plessis having brought up his second half-century of the series and looking comfortable on the sweep as well, South Africa showed some fight but Ashwin made a timely breakthrough when he found du Plessis’ outside edge with a delivery that went straight on.

At 162 for 8, South Africa’s resistance seemed up but Maharaj and Philander stonewalled so well against a ball that was softening that they forced Kohli to bring back his seamers.

Epic battle between Khan and Nandalall highlights GAICO opening-round chess AN ALMOST four-hour battle between Shiv Nandalall and junior player Joshua Khan highlighted the opening round of the Second GAICO Construction Grand Prix chess tournament, which got underway on Thursday and concluded with a few games yesterday at the National Racquet Centre.

Khan, a former national junior champion, and his senior counterpart settled for a draw,

but the match had proved to be a battle of wits.

Nandalall, who played white, attacked early in the match, forcing Khan to play the Sicilian dragon; but the senior could not keep up the pressure and eventually over-calculated his attacks. As a result he struggled for a draw.

The tournament, which has three juniors, also had Ethan Lee accepting a draw from senior player Loris Nathoo in

Steve Leung (right) got past Justino DaSilva in their clash yesterday.

his second attempt.

One of the biggest upsets in the first round happened yesterday when Berbician Steve Leung got past the talented Justino DaSilva.

As the 22 players settle into the second and third rounds today, former national senior champion CM Taffin Khan, CM Ronuel Greenidge, Roberto Neto, Davion Mars, Errol Tiwari, Rai Sharma, Arian

Roopnarine, Leung and fellow Berbician Dane Grimond will look to build on their opening victories.

Rounds four and five will be played on Tuesday and Thursday respectively, with the final two rounds billed for next Sunday.

Ramsammy satisfied with opening performance at CAC BUDDY’S Gym bodybuilder, Darius Ramsammy, was satisfied with his opening performance when the Guyanese took to the stage in the Open Class Junior Category yesterday in the Dominican Republic at the 46th Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships.

Ramsammy was the lone Guyanese contestant on the opening day and he finished seventh out of 10 compet-

itors.

“To me, I did not do too badly, being that it was an open class and my first time at this level. So seventh out of 10 was not bad for me.”

The 22-year-old is optimistic about taking part in the U-154 pounds contest when the competition continues today.

Former CAC gold medallist and five-time Mr Guyana Kerwin Clarke; four-time Mr Guyana (Men’s Physique) Emmerson Campbell, who

had previously won a silver and a bronze medal at CAC; and former Mr Guyana Men’s Physique winner Yannick Grimes are also representing the Golden Arrowhead.

All three Space Gym bodybuilders will compete today. Grimes and Campbell will pose off this morning, while Clarke would be in action this afternoon.

Guyanese Darius Ramsammy (right) with a few of his opponents yesterday in the Dominican Republic.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 13, 2019

South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:30 hrs Retail Therapy 09:05 hrs Fools Gold 09:40 hrs Joseph Jagger

25

Guyana Amazon Warriors’ stars dominate 2019 Hero CPL Team-of-the-Tournament … Malik, Botha land major roles

10:15 hrs Georgina Rose 10:50 hrs Soiree 11:25 hrs Blaze Of Silk

Irish Racing Tips Curragh 08:35 hrs Grizzly 09:05 hrs Silver Spear 09:40 hrs Fancy Blue 10:15 hrs Romantic Appeal 10:50 hrs Cyrus Dallin 11:25 hrs Nessum Dorma 12:00 hrs Njord 12:35 hrs Pulse Of Shanghai

08:45 hrs Fast Buck

Shoaib Malik was named captain of the CPL 2019 Teamof-the-Turnament.

09:15 hrs Ocean Voyage

THE

Limerick

Hero

Caribbean

09:50 hrs In A Pinch

(CPL)

the record-breaking Guyana

10:25 hrs Ozzie’s Way

has announced its Team of

Amazon Warriors leading the

the Tournament with the

list.

11:00 hrs Dinons 11:35 hrs Spider Web 12:10 hrs Cracking Smart

English Racing Tips Goodwood 09:00 hrs Harmonise 09:30 hrs Simply Silka 10:05 hrs Sir Oliver 10:40 hrs Triggered 11:15 hrs Notation 11:50 hrs Frontispiece 12:25 hrs Barossa Red

Newton Abbot 09:20 hrs War Lord 09:55 hrs Annie Angel 10:30 hrs Pobbles Bay 11:05 hrs Carrick Roads 11:40 hrs Jaytrack Parkhomes 12:15 hrs Al dancer 12:45 hrs Barbados Buck

League

majority of the players from

Premier

Headed by the expert panel of judges which includes Tom Moody, Hero CPL’s Director International Cricket, along with the commentary team, Mark Butcher, Danny Morrison, Dirk Nannes, Ian Bishop and Daren Ganga.

Players and a coach were selected to be part of the 2019 All-Star team.

Ex-Pakistan captain Malik, one of the leading run-getters in CPL history was named captain of the side with his stats of 313 runs at 78.25. The right-hander successfully led the Warriors to a record 10 victories in the group stages which catapulted the Guyana franchise into the final unbeaten.

Warriors coach Johan Botha will coach the team having created history by taking his side into the final unbeaten.

He is joined by his franchise players, opener Brandon King the leading run-scorer with 453 runs at an average of 56.62 and South African international and veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir with 15 wickets at 11.53 All-rounder Chris Green (13 wickets) and lone Guyanese Chandrapaul Hemraj (298 runs), were named 12th and 13th,

while the sole representative and wicketkeeper from the Jamaica Tallawahs is Glenn Phillips with his 374 runs.

Trinbago Knight Riders’ two players in the team are opener Lendl Simmons and captain Kieron Pollard. Simmons, second on the leading runscorers’ list with 429, was a late replacement but has done a superb job at the top or the order.

Pollard, meanwhile, smashed 349 runs at a staggering average of 58.16 and grabbed 6 wickets, doing a fine job in replacing the injured Dwayne Bravo. West Indies and Barbados Tridents skipper Jason Holder (14 wickets), teammates in pacer Harry Gurney (10 wickets) and leading bowler of the tournament Hayden Walsh Jr (21 wickets) who has a 5 and 4-fer in two respective innings, also make the cut.

Meanwhile, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots players; allrounder Fabian Allen (218 runs) and speedster Sheldon Cottrell (12 wickets) are the other members of this year’s star-studded Team-of-theTournament. (Clifton Ross) HERO CPL TEAM-OF-

THE-TOURNAMENT 1. Lendl Simmons - Trinbago Knight Riders 2. Brandon King - Guyana Amazon Warriors 3. Glenn Phillips* (wkp.) Jamaica Tallawahs 4. Shoaib Malik* (C) - Guyana Amazon Warriors 5. Fabian Allen - St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 6. Kieron Pollard - Trinbago Knight Riders 7. Jason Holder - Barbados Tridents 8. Hayden Walsh Jr - Barbados Tridents 9. Imran Tahir* - Guyana Amazon Warriors 10. Harry Gurney* - Barbados Tridents 11. Sheldon Cottrell - St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 12th man: Chris Green* Guyana Amazon Warriors 13th man: Chandrapaul Hemraj – Guyana Amazon Warriors Head coach: Johan Botha Guyana Amazon Warriors

CHEEEEEEEESE ON BREAD! Tridents upset undefeated Warriors BARBADOS Tridents won their second Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title as Guyana Amazon Warriors’ perfect season unravelled at the worst possible moment.

The Warriors had won all 11 matches – including three against the Tridents - before the final, but came off secondbest in the face of an inspired performance from the Barbados outfit.

After Jonathan Carter’s unbeaten 50 off 27 balls led a recovery from 108/6 in the 15th over to an imposing 171/6 from 20 overs, Tridents bowled and fielded for their lives, to defend the target by 27 runs and break the Warriors’ hearts at the last lap, Raymon Reifer leading the way with remarkable figures of 4-24 from his four overs.

While Tridents celebrate a welldeserved and comprehensive victory, Warriors are left to

reflect on a fifth Hero CPL final defeat in seven years. This will perhaps be the toughest to take of all, given the flawless season that preceded it.

Chandrapaul Hemraj, apparently struggling with a hamstring injury, could have been run-out twice before he was caught at short third-man off Reifer for just a single, and things got worse for the Warriors when Shimron Hetmyer holed out to longon for just 9, to give Reifer a second wicket.

Shoaib Malik then smashed a long-hop from leading 2019 Hero CPL wicket-taker straight to Reifer on the midwicket boundary to leave his side in real trouble at 53/3.

When Brandon King yorked himself and was smartly stumped by Shai Hope off Ashley Nurse for 43, the game had swung decisively Tridents’

way.

Nicholas Pooran raced out of the blocks with two fours and a six, but Nurse and deathbowling specialist Harry Gurney strangled the life out of the Warriors’ run-chase.

Just eight runs came from three overs after the loss of King, and it felt like something simply had to give as the required rate spiralled north of 14 per over.

Sure enough, Pooran went after Nurse but only managed to pick out Alex Hales at long-on to leave the Warriors needing a miracle.

Sherfane Rutherford hit backto-back boundaries off Gurney but then failed in the daunting task of trying to clear Jason Holder at long-off.

Reifer returned to take his third wicket when Romario Shepherd cue-ended a full, wide delivery through to Hope, and Keemo Paul’s 14-ball 25 was entertaining but futile.

He, like Rutherford, fell to the hugely impressive Gurney having failed to get the ball over Holder.

Reifer finished things off in the final over, having Chris Green caught behind for his fourth wicket and getting out without any bother as the Tridents’ celebrations began.

Hales and Johnson Charles had earlier got the Tridents innings off to a fine start before the England opener skied one high to midwicket where King steadied himself and made a tough catch look easy, as Shepherd struck in his first over.

Phil Salt, the England prospect who flew in at the last minute as an injury replacement for JP Duminy, fell soon after, given out caught behind, attempting to pull a Ben Laughlin slower ball.

Charles took up the charge and was absolutely flying when he became Imran Tahir’s 16th victim of the tournament.

It was a wicket the Warriors desperately needed, Charles, having plundered four fours and a six in his previous eight balls before Tahir’s extra bounce, induced a top edge.

Tridents then wobbled for the only time in the match. Shai

Hope was smartly caught by Hemraj at midwicket off Paul, before the vastly experienced duo of Jason Holder and Shakib Al Hasan were both run-out in the space of three overs.

Paul’s rocket arm from the deep was key to both dismissals as Holder attempted a bold second run and Shakib was sent back, having considered the same.

It was the Jonathan Carter show from there on, though, as his second Hero CPL 50 propelled the score to a total beyond the Warriors.

From 108/6, Carter led the Tridents’ charge as 63 were added without loss from the final 31 balls of the innings. His four Hero Maximums were all sweetly struck, the first three of them straight back down the ground and the fourth high over midwicket.

Ashley Nurse – so integral to the Tridents’ win over Trinbago Knight Riders in Qualifier 2 – joined in late with a six and a four as 45 runs came from the last three overs.

26 SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 13, 2019

‘Raw Gold’ up for grabs as 8th annual Kadir 2019 Ansa McAL/Lucozade Handicap Mohamed Road Race pedals off today Tournament Dias, Verwey look

STAR cyclist Jamual John will be seeking to retain his title, come today, when an ounce of ‘raw gold’ will be on the line for the 8th Annual Kadir Mohamed Memorial Road Race which pedals off from 07:00hrs, outside the National Sports Commission, Homestretch Avenue.

With roughly $1M in spoils up for grabs, John and his competitors will pedal to Dora on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway before returning to finish at their starting checkpoint.

Youngsters, cyclists over 45 years of age, as well as the mountain-bikers will turn back at Yarrowkabra, also on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. The overall winner will receive one ounce of raw gold, the secondto eighth-place finishers will be rewarded with cash prizes.

ominous as finals loom

FLASHBACK! Jamual John receives his trophy after emerging victorious last year.

The top four finishers in the junior category, the top three in both the veterans’ under- and over-45 years of age and the top three mountain-bikers will also be given awards.

Meanwhile, the annual race is organised by Flying Stars Cycle Club and sponsored by the Mohamed family of Bartica.

2019 SBF/CGI Jaguars One-Day 50-Overs tournament

Georgetown, defending champs square off in exciting opener

GEORGETOWN open their 2019 SBF Petroleum Jaguars One-Day League against defending champs Essequibo today at the Bourda Cricket Ground with both sides looking to gain much momentum in pursuit of this year’s crown.

The obvious main bout in the first round of matches will be played at the iconic Bourda Ground, home turf of the Leon Johnsonled Georgetown team. Although the champs will be playing out of zone, Essequibo side are virtually unchanged from last season barring the inclusion of newbie Nokta Moses.

Skipper Anthony Adams has led the franchise from the start, with both bat and ball while the usual suspects like Kemol Savory, Ricardo Adams, Kevon Boodie, Akinie Adams, coupled with the returning Ronsford Beaton, will certainly help with regard to seniority.

The aforementioned players have been the mainstay of the champs, as they continue to produce either with ball or bat. Another huge bonus will be the return of Keemo Paul to the side when the 2019 Hero CPL concludes, helping to stretch the line-up even further.

Johnson and his men will not be fazed by their opponents as they too possess a star-studded team, who are no strangers to international or regional limelight.

With the likes of national batsmen

Leon Johnson in Robin Bacchus, Windies U-19 players Raymond Perez and Joshua Persaud, veteran all-rounder Chris Barnwell and Johnson himself; Georgetown will definitely be a handful.

In the bowling department, the home team will want much from veterans Steven Sankar and seamer Paul Wintz, while national spinner and former Windies U-19 skipper Ramaal Lewis could have ideal support from more Windies youth players in spinner Ashmead Nedd and pacer Qumar Torrington.

The other encounters for the first round will also be interesting as a number of big players will be on show in Berbice. Lower Corentyne and East Bank will do battle at Albion ground while West Demerara will face Upper Corentyne at Port Mourant.

East Coast and West Berbice cap off the opening round as they are scheduled to play at Lusignan while defending champs Essequibo will battle Leon Johnson-led Georgetown at Bourda ground.

Anthony Adams Georgetown Johnson

squad:

Leon

(captain),

Raymond

Robin

Bacchus,

Perez,

Christopher Barnwell, Winston Fraser, Ramaal Lewis, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Joshua Persaud, Adrian Hinds, Qumar Torrington,

Joel

Spooner,

Ashmead Nedd and Steven Sankar.

Essequibo Adams

squad:

Anthony

(captain),

Keemo

Paul, Ricardo Adams, Kemol Savory, Parmesh

Nealand

Cadogan,

Parsotam,

Akinie

Adams, Kevon Boodie, Quintin Sampson,

Nokta

Moses,

Joshua Jones, Mark Williams, David Williams and Ronsford Beaton. (Clifton Ross)

Deje Dias

TOP seeds Deje Dias and Nicholas Verwey dominated Friday evening’s Open category when the ongoing Ansa McAL/Lucozade Handicap Tournament continued at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street courts.

The 4 matches in the Open Category saw some scorching action as in-form semi-finalist Dias (-15) brushed aside Mohryan Baksh (0) who showed great improvement in his approach and execution of varied shots.

In the first game Baksh made a valiant bid and reached 14 points but couldn’t quite close off the game as the experienced Dias clinched the second game finishing 15-5.

Verwey also flexed his muscles by continuing his winning streak, beating off Johnathan Degroot in a tight match. Verwey pitted against the flair of Degroot was exciting viewing, as both athletes covered the court and hit tight shots, but rising star Verwey closed off both games with close scores 15-14, 15-13.

Veteran Abosaide Cadogan (0), the only female left in the Open category, faced Gianni Carpenter (-2) in a three-game thriller that went down to the last point. Cadogan came from behind at 9-6 to win the first 15-13, but fell in the next game 15-8. The decider came point for

point down to the wire at 14-14 when Cadogan put a low drop into the tin and Carpenter took the victory.

The final match for the evening between Nicholas Narain (-15) and Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (-11) was another close one with a tight first game of 15-14 to Narain. Both players were patient, hit to target and showed unrelenting fitness, but Narain pipped the younger Ince-Carvalhal to the post in the first and went on to win the second 15-9.

Meanwhile, in the Category A plate, Joshua Verwey played a smooth game to beat Teija 15-7, 15-9 while Lajaun Munroe (5) outplayed Angel Rahim (9) 15-10, 15-6 to ensure their shot at the finals which will commence at

Nicholas Verwey

11:30hrs today.

Results for Friday, October 11, 2019 Open Category Deje Dias (-15) defeated Mohryan Baksh (0) 15-14, 15-5.

Nicholas Verwey (-10) defeated Johnathan Degroot (6) 15-14, 15-13.

Gianni Carpenter (-4) beat Abosaide Cadogan (-2) 13-15, 15-8, 15-14.

Nicholas Narain (-15) defeated Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (-11) 15-14, 15-9.

Category A Plate Joshua Verwey (3) whipped Teja Edwards (7) 15-7, 15-9.

Lajauan Munroe (5) beat Angel Rahim (9) 15-10, 15-6.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday October 13, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1)

Chris Gayle-116

(2)

Jamaica Tallawahs Today’s Quiz:

(1)

How many players the Warriors used in the Group games of CPL 2019?

(2)

How many captains were used by the Tallawahs in CPl 2019?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 13, 2019

27

Third Georgetown Grand Prix set for this evening

THE third edition of the highly anticipated Georgetown Grand Prix will take place at the GT Motorsports track on Thomas Lands this evening.

Several of Guyana’s top junior and senior drivers have been dusting the cobwebs off over the last week to get themselves ready for the event.

The X30 juniors are expected to be the pinnacle of the event with a two-point difference between leader Zachary Persaud and Nathan Rahaman.

With Zack at 111 and Nathan at 109, the battle could go either side with both youngsters understanding that the winner of the overall championship at the end of the year gets a MOTUL-sponsored seat at a U.S. event.

They can also not underestimate the rest of the pack, as one good day for Rayden Persaud (82) or Paige Mendonca could

Karting action resumes today.

jeopardise their championship hopes.

With every point being important, the two points awarded for fastest lap in

qualifying will be where the fun starts for these young daredevils.

The X30 Senior class has its own fireworks with

former junior champion Mikhail Persaud returning to action after missing the first two rounds because of academics.

At the moment, it is Matthew Phang who leads with 103 points over Steven Nobrega (98) and John Phang (91) but things could go top-

sy-turvy with the right kind of action from any of those guys today.

Elan Rahaman is in the mix as well, with 73 points and can cause some serious upsets.

In the X30 Masters class, Shan Seejattan leads with 77 points ahead of Mahendra Boodhoo (51) and Vishal Sawh (48) but the addition of Raymond Seebarran, a former four-stroke champion could make things difficult for the trio.

In the Easy Cup division, Naresh Alves leads after two rounds with 111 points ahead of Ackeem Thomas (99) and Rylie Ramroop (84).

In the 60CC Kids Cup, Justin Ten-Pow holds a commanding 154-point lead over Nicholas Sawh and Ben Phang who are tied for second place on 90 points.

Today’s event begins at 18:00hrs

Defending champs GCC beat GYO in NBS 40-over cricket DEFENDING champions of the New Building Society (NBS) 40-over Second-Division cricket competition, the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) stormed to a five-wicket victory against the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) at home yesterday.

Winston Forrester led the winners with a good

all-round performance. The off-spinner grabbed four wickets before he returned with the bat to score 38 runs.

Inserted to take first strike, GYO batsmen were initially tentative, as it took more than two overs for them to get off the mark.

Openers Yudistir Persaud and Christopher Deonarine put together 29 for the open-

ing wicket, with the latter doing the damage.

Deonarine clobbered three fours and a six, for 24 runs off 19 balls, before he fell to opening bowler Bernard Bailey. His partner batted slower for 23.

Several other batsmen also had starts, but none dominated. Joshua Ramsammy and Neiland Cadogan

(3x6) finished with 36 runs each, but both fell victims to Forrester, who cleaned up the middle order to finish with 4-44 from 7.4 over as GYO laboured to 192 in 38.4 overs.

Bailey also nabbed three scalps, while Stephon Wilson took a pair.

Jeetendra Sookdeo (39) and Timothy McAlmont (23) then carried the home team

to 69 before GYO took a few wickets.

Forrester (38 2x4) and youngster Mavindra Dindyal (28 1x4) steadied the innings in the middle before Ronaldo Alimohamed 32* (1x4, 2x6) and Bailey 12* (2x4) carried their team home in 37 overs.

Winston Forrester had a good all-round game for GCC.

Big wins for St Pius as COURTS Pee Wee football tournament continues ST PIUS sustained their form as the COURTS Pee Wee Football tournament continued yesterday with the Round of Sixteen.

The team registered a 5-0 win against Uitvlugt at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue. Full results below:

38th

Redeemer 0 vs St Agnes 2

Goal scorers: Esteban Médina 19

Goalscorers: Cleon London 16th, Shaquille Dalrymple

Genesis 2 vs Mae’s 1 Goalscorers: Ezekiel Yarde 26th, 31st Mae’s Elijah Bynoe 16th Timehri 1 vs St Stephen 0

Craig 0 vs Soesdyke 3

Goal scorers: Samuel Tasher 11th, Jermaine Mitchell 25,27 St Pius 5 vs Uitvlugt 1 Goal scorers: Bryan Brown 6th, Troy Macy 8th, Jamal Fraser 18th, 39th, Donovan Welcome 38th Uitvlugt: Own goal 21st Enterprise 0 vs West Ruimveldt 2

Goalscorers: Cleon La Rose 8th Emanuel Phillips 11th Marian Academy 0 vs Tucville 1 Goalscorer: Wayne Solomon 17th North Georgetown 3 vs St Ambrose 1 Goalscorers: North Georgetown Garey Primo 2, 26th, Akeem Joyce 31st.

Things are beginning to get tense as the COURTS Pee Wee football tournament heads down to the business end. (Adrian Narine photo)

28 SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 13, 2019

CHEEEEEEEESE ON BREAD! Tridents upset undefeated Warriors

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25

Ninvalle discusses further assistance to Caribbean from AIBA

In this photograph, Ninvalle (right) shares a light moment with Russian Umar Kremlev, widely regarded as the next president of AIBA.

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle, is in Eastern Siberia, Russia to witness the finals of the AIBA Women’s World Championship.

Ninvalle arrived in Ulan-Ude near the Mongolian border early last week and used the occasion to discuss AIBA’s further assistance to the Caribbean, with the governing body’s top brass there for the tournament.

The Championship will conclude today.

2019 SBF/CGI Jaguars One-Day 50-Overs tournament

Georgetown, defending champs square off in exciting opener 26

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019