Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12-14-2019

SATURDAY 14th December, 2019

’ No.105851

Teachers, the engine of transformation PAGE

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–– says President David Granger as 377 graduate from CPCE

Partners and media operatives signing the banner to indicate their commitment to joining the campaign to bring awareness to road safety (Adrian Narine photo) President David Granger delivered the feature address at the 85th graduation exercise of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) at the National Cultural Centre Friday morning. The graduation exercise was themed, “Re-branding Teacher Education through verbal and visual identities.” Pictured here are students of the 2019 graduating class

Gov’t adding 17 more Guyana inks air DDL plugs $4B into Topco’s 11 CCTV cameras in key areas services pact 10 expansion project 13 with eight countries PAGE

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… Stabroek Market, Berbice Bridge, Lusignan Prisons targeted

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Man accused of a series of offences granted bail

THREE months after 31-year-old Jamal Gilbert of East Coast Demerara was charged with committing a series of criminal offence, he was on Thursday, December 12, 2019, fined $375,000, after changing his plea to guilty, before Magistrate Annette Singh.

Gilbert had denied the five charges when he made his first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Gilbert had changed his plea from not guilty to guilty at the beginning of the trial.

Hence, Magistrate Singh fined $75,000 on each of the charges.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, between January 1, 2019 and March 5, 2019, at Middle Street, Georgetown, Gilbert, with intent to defraud, forged an auditor’s report in favour of Total Medical Supplies Inc. purporting to show that it was signed by Drubahadur and issued by D. Bahadur, knowing same to be forged.

The second charge stated that, between January 1, 2019 and March 5, 2019, at Middle Street, Georgetown, Gilbert, with intent to de-

fraud, forged an auditor’s report in favour of Midtown Hotel Restaurant and bar purporting to show that it was signed by Drubahadur and issued by D. Bahadur, knowing same to be forged.

The third charge stated that, on March 5, 2019, at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Camp Street, Georgetown, Gilbert, with intent to defraud, uttered to Reon Sobers, a clerk at GRA, a forged document, an auditor’s report in favour of Total Medical Supplies Inc. purporting to show that it was signed by Drubahadur and issued by D. Bahadur, knowing same to be forged.

It is alleged that, on March 5, 2019, at the Guyana Revenue Authority, Camp Street, Georgetown, Gilbert, with intent to defraud, uttered to Reon Sobers, a clerk at GRA, a forged document, an auditor’s report in favour of Midtown Hotel Restaurant and bar purporting to show that it was signed by Drubahadur and issued by D. Bahadur, knowing same to be forged.

The last charge stated that, on March 29, at the

Criminal Investigation Department, Gilbert gave Police Lance Corporal Prince, a Public Officer, information orally, and in writing, which he knew to be false, thereby causing the said officer to use his lawful power to the annoyance of the person arrested.

Gilbert was represented by attorney-at-law Leslie Sobers.

According to reports, Drubahadur lodged a complaint at the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters, that he was in receipt of two audit reports which were signed by him and issued by his business and he had no knowledge of such documents.

As a result, an investigation was conducted and Gilbert was arrested. He told the police that D. Bahadur had given him the documents. D. Bahadur was subsequently arrested.

D. Bahadur denied giving Gilbert such documents.

Gilbert then told the police that he did not receive the documents from D. Bahadur.

He was released on $100,000 bail.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 14, 2019

Guyana Chronicle ushers in festive season Christmas is a time of celebration and festivity around the world and the Guyana Chronicle, Friday evening, celebrated with a Christmas tree light-up and the distribution of gifts to children of the employees of the company. Acting General Manager, Donna Todd, led the way with the singing of Christmas carols and she reminded the gathering of the reason for the season. Todd also took the opportunity to take a ‘snap’ with the children at the festive occasion (Carl Croker photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday December 14, 2019

Teachers, the engine of transformation -- says President David Granger as 377 graduate from CPCE

By Rabindra Rooplall TEACHERS are expected to be the engine that drives the nation and mould present and future generations with the skills needed for transformational change in Guyana.

This vision was shared

by President David Granger ,during his address on Friday at the 85th graduation exercise of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) ,at the National Cultural Centre.

The graduation was held under the theme “Re-branding Teacher Education through verbal and visual identities”.

The CPCE teachers were drawn from the Turkeyen campus in Region Four; Rose Hall campus in Region Six and the new Anna Regina campus in Region Two. Some 82 of the 377 graduates will be assigned to the early childhood level, 125 at the primary level and 170 at the secondary level.

The President noted that there will be no place for untrained teachers in the future of the education system.

He said teachers are key to a world-class education system and every child will have the opportunity to attend nursery, primary, secondary and university at the expense of the State.

Further, he said science education will be the driving force behind the expansion of communications and development in a Digital State and at the heart of the exploitation of natural resources.

He also said it is the bridge to economic transformation and preservation of the environment.

“The country will need an A to Z of science in economic transformation. We will need agronomists, architects, biologists, chemists, doctors, engineers, geologists, physicists’ and zoologist from A to Z, all are needed to help transforms this country, to establish science-based industries and to develop the ‘Green’ State and a Digital State,” the President said.

Training of teachers, he said, is vital for fulfilling the national mandate and noted that Guyana will emerge as an education nation, a nation characterised by every child being in school and every child graduating from secondary school.

This will result in Guyana becoming a highly-productive society since it will be a highly-skilled and educated workforce.

He noted too that Guyana will become a ‘Green’ State and emphasis will be placed on the preservation and protection of the environment and value-added production.

Guyana will also become

President David Granger

a Digital State, the President said, noting that every region, village, community, household and government agency will benefit from ICT services.

Guyana will also benefit from petroleum production which will promote faster economic growth, greater employment and economic opportunities which will result in profound changes in education.

According to President Granger, every young person will have the ability to find employment while developing their skills and every region will have its own capital town, hospitals, college campus, own stadium, own botanical gardens.

The coastland and hinterland will be connected, making it possible to drive from Crabwood Creek, Berbice to Sand Creek, Rupununi.

AGENTS OF CHANGE Education Minister, Dr. Nicolette Henry, congratulated the graduants and urged that they become agents of change.

“I have to be honest with

Education Minister, Dr. Nicolette Henry

you graduating class of 2019 that notwithstanding your certificates, your journey to success would be arduous and involve daily labour, and many selfless acts, the choices

you have made and those that you will make will add up to your lasting legacy. And so we can never be satisfied with our latest achievements, many of you will go on to read for

other degrees and enhance your skill sets in order to become all that you were created to be. You have to get up every morning and give of your best in your respective fields,”

President David Granger presents the President’s Award to the Overall Best Graduating Student, Ateisha Brandt, at the CPCE 2019 graduation ceremony (Delano Williams photo)

A section of the graduands

Dr. Henry told the graduating teachers.

The minster told the teachers that whether they were trained to be in nursery, primary or secondary classrooms, they must give of their best.

“I ask that you give of your best and give back and contribute to the life of this country. You will have setbacks, and you may have failures but you cannot allow that to define who you are, nor what you become.”

Dr. Henry continued: “I can share with you my own personal experience. I have not always succeeded, I have not always gotten it right, but I have always remained resolute and committed to getting better. I learn every day and I continue to benefit from mentorship, nurturing, guidance, and even criticism – so I can continue to grow, deliver and discharge my responsibilities in my current portfolio as minister of education.”

Minister Henry said having the right skills can make coping with changes at work and even in one’s personal environment easier.

“Those of you graduating today, let me say one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself right here, right now, at this important moment in your life, is to decide without apology, to commit to the journey and not the outcome.

The course of the journey will certainly impact both your output and your outcome,” the minister said.

She told the graduating class that productivity and growth should be their watchwords and producing more with less should be a concept that they should be familiar with.

Minister Henry also told the graduands that they are graduating at an interesting time, a time when many in education believe that soft skills development is just as or even more important than an academic degree.

In fact one of the major challenges facing the global education community, she said, is how to address simultaneously, the skills inequality and skills uncertainty.

“This paradox acknowledges that the current ways in which students are prepared reinforce the formal pedagogical structures that can prevent students from developing the breath of skills needed for 21st century life and therefore do not prepare them adequately for the skills uncertainty,” Minister Henry noted.

She said young people need more than traditional academic skills, noting that soft skills such as collaboration, problem-solving and creativity are critical in life and in the world of work.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 14, 2019

World leaders react to Johnson victory Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party have won a decisive majority in the UK’s general election.

First reactions from world leaders have stressed the importance of shaping future relations

with the UK. US President Donald Trump congratulated Mr Johnson on his “great win”.

Mr Johnson said he now had a mandate to take the UK out of the EU next month “no ifs, no buts” and some EU leaders have said they welcomed the clarity on the Brexit issue.

President Trump said the US and UK would now be free to strike a “massive” new trade deal after Brexit. “This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU,” he said in a tweet.

European Council President Charles Michel said the EU was prepared to negotiate a freetrade agreement with Britain.

He also said the EU expected a

14 December, 2019 - 05:30hrs ~ 07:00hrs

Mr Johnson said the results were a mandate to “get Brexit done”

quick vote in the British parliament on Brexit. “It’s important to have clarity.”

German Chancellor Angela

Merkel congratulated Mr Johnson for the clear win. “I look forward to our further co-operation towards the friendship and close partnership of our countries,” she said in a statement posted on Twitter.

France’s European Affairs Minister Amélie de Montchalin said the election had provided clarification and that EU leaders could now discuss future relations with Britain.

“The most important thing with Brexit is not the way we divorce, it’s what we build afterwards,” she said.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he “deeply re-

grets” that the UK is leaving the EU but expressed relief that the deadlock of recent years was “now going to pass”. He said it would now be a case of ratifying a withdrawal agreement that included no hard border, while giving protection for British people in Ireland and Irish people in Britain, as well as negotiating a comprehensive trade deal.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called Mr Johnson’s win a “victory of values” over anti-Semitism, referring to accusations that the Labour Party had tolerated prejudice against Jews among its members.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mr Johnson. “I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties,” he said in a tweet.

The Kremlin said Moscow always hoped an election brought to power those in favour of “good relations” with Russia, but expressed uncertainty over the results.

“I don’t know to what extent such expectations are appropriate in the case of the Conservatives,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. (BBC)

Key committee passes Trump impeachment charges The US House Judiciary Committee has approved two impeachment charges against President Donald Trump, moving the process towards a full House vote.

The committee vote split along party lines. The articles are expected to be voted on by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives next week.

Mr Trump is the fourth US president in history to face impeachment.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, he again dismissed the process as a “sham” and a “hoax”.

Friday’s hearing lasted just over ten minutes before the two articles of impeachment -

Democratic Congress woman Pramila Jayapal held up a copy of the US constitution as she voted (BBC photo)

abuse of power and obstructing Congress - were passed by 23 votes to 17.

The vote had been expected on Thursday but was delayed after more than 14 hours of rancorous debate. Republicans criticised that decision by Democratic Party Chairman

Jerry Nadler, accusing him of pushing back the vote to ensure more TV coverage.

In the abuse of power article, Mr Trump is accused of soliciting a foreign country to help him politically by trying to force Ukraine to launch a corruption investigation into his political rival Joe Biden, a leading Democratic presidential contender.

He is also accused of obstructing Congress by failing to co-operate with the House investigation.

Leading Democrats agreed the articles of impeachment described over nine pages.

They say that Mr Trump “betrayed the nation” by acting “corruptly”. Mr Nadler made a brief statement to reporters after the vote, calling it a “solemn and sad day” and pledged that the House of Representatives would “act expeditiously”.

But Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz said: “For Democrats, impeachment is their drug.” Speaking from the White House Oval Office alongside the president of Paraguay, Mr Trump called the impeachment process “a witch hunt”, “a sham” and “a hoax”.

He said Democrats were “trivialising impeachment” adding that they are “making absolute fools out of themselves”.

“It’s a sad thing for this country, but seems to be very good for me politically,” he added.

A handful of Democrats in swing districts remain unsure how they will vote on impeachment when it comes to next week’s debate, but Democrats have a 36-seat lead over Republicans in the House so passage is still expected to go ahead.

Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday they would not whip the historic vote, allowing members to make their own personal choice.

The Senate is expected to hold a trial next month on the charges and acquit the president. Republicans who hold sway in the chamber appear to favour a quick vote, limiting political fanfare. Mr Trump has indicated he would like to see witnesses called such as Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, who worked for a Ukrainian gas firm that the US president wanted investigated. On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Fox News that there was “zero chance” that Mr Trump would be removed from office by senate lawmakers.

He added that Republican senators would be working very closely with White House lawyers to plot a legal strategy.

“Everything I do during this, I’m co-ordinating with the White House counsel,” he said. “There will be no difference between the president’s position and our position as to how to handle this.” (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 14, 2019

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UN accuses Chile of serious human rights abuses The UN has accused the Chilean police and armed forces of committing serious human rights violations in their response to recent mass demonstrations.

UN investigators say they have verified four cases of unlawful deaths involving state agents.

It notes 345 people have suffered eye trauma from pellets, with torture and sexual violence also highlighted.

Some 1,600 people remain in pre-trial detention out of 28,000 detained since mid-October.

Protesters are demanding social reforms and changes to a constitution that dates back to the pre-democracy era of the late military leader,

Riot police in Chile last month (BBC photo)

Augusto Pinochet.

At least 26 people have been killed and hundreds

injured in the unrest.

The report by the UN human rights office said official

Chilean figures of more than 4,900 people injured in the demonstrations were disput-

ed and other sources had far higher estimates.

The UN documented 113 specific cases of torture and ill-treatment and 24 cases of sexual violence against women, men and adolescents by members of the police and army.

The UN team noted the “unnecessary and disproportionate use of less-lethal weapons” such as anti-riot shotguns and tear gas.

“We have found that the overall management of assemblies by police was carried out in a fundamentally repressive manner,” Imma Guerras-Delgado, UN mission team leader, told a Geneva news briefing.

The protests were trig-

gered by an announcement that public transport fares would rise in the capital, Santiago.

Demonstrations quickly spread across the country and grew into a general revolt against inequality, the high price of healthcare and poor funding for education.

Harsh repression by the security forces further stoked the anger of those protesting as did the response by President Sebastián Piñera, who declared a state of emergency and said the country was “at war”.

The current constitution came into force in 1980 when the country was still under military rule. (BBC)

Brazilian man arrested for impersonating mum in driving test A 43-year-old man has been arrested in northern Brazil for dressing up as his mother to take her driving test.

When Heitor Schiave’s 60-year-old mother, Maria, failed her test three times, the

mechanic decided to step in.

Wearing a floral blouse and sporting painted nails, make-up and a wig, he drove around Nova Mutum Paraná and his plan appeared to be paying off.

But suspicions were soon raised that the woman in the driving seat was not the woman on “her” ID. “He tried to be as natural as possible. He wore lots of make-up with his nails nicely

done and [wore] women’s jewellery,” instructor Aline Mendonça told G1.

The police were called and he was arrested at the driving school for fraud and misuse of someone’s identity.

“He’s already confessed.

He confessed that he wasn’t the woman in question but the son, her son who was trying to pass as his mum so that she would be able to pass this practical driving test,”

the instructor added.

Mr Schiave reportedly said that his mother did not know of the plan. (BBC)

US arrests Mexico ex-minister on drugs charges A former Mexican security minister has been arrested in the US, charged with taking bribes from a drugs cartel. Genaro García Luna is accused of allowing the Sinaloa cartel of “El Chapo” Guzman to operate in Mexico in exchange for millions of dollars.

Prosecutors say Mr García Luna gave the cartel safe passage for drug shipments and access to sensitive information.

They say that on two occasions cartel members delivered up to $5m (£3.7m) in two briefcases to him in person. He has previously denied any wrongdoing.

Mr García Luna, 52, served as public security chief in the administration of President Felipe Calderon between 2006 and 2012.

His arrest in Texas is a major development in Mexican politics, the BBC’s Mex-

ico correspondent Will Grant reports.

Mr García Luna was not just an important figure in Mr Calderon’s administration he was Mexico’s secretary of public security, the face of the country’s federal police force, our correspondent adds. Mr Calderon, with US backing, deployed troops against the cartels for the first time. Tens of thousands died in Mexico in drug-related violence during his “war on drugs”.

Mr García Luna was taken into custody in Dallas, Texas, on Monday, prosecutors in New York said.

Court documents unsealed on Tuesday in Brooklyn showed he had been charged with cocaine trafficking conspiracy and making false statements.

“García Luna stands accused of taking millions of dollars in bribes from ‘El

Chapo’ Guzman’s Sinaloa cartel while he controlled Mexico’s Federal Police Force and was responsible for ensuring public safety in Mexico,” said US Attorney Richard Donoghue, announcing the arrest.

He was also accused of

lying about his criminal past when he applied for US naturalisation in 2018.

Guzmán was jailed for life in July following a threemonth trial in the US. During that trial, ex-cartel member Jesus “Rey” Zambada alleged that he had

personally delivered two suitcases containing millions of dollars in bribes to Mr García Luna at a restaurant.

Mr García Luna denied those allegations at the time, calling them “lies, defamation and perjury”.

US prosecutors allege

that the former minister used his position to protect the Sinaloa cartel’s trafficking operations from 2001 to 2012, enabling it to operate “with impunity” in Mexico.

If found guilty, he faces between 10 years to life in prison. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 14, 2019

Addressing alcohol abuse ALCOHOL abuse is one of the biggest social and health problems among Guyanese. Alcohol abuse disorder is defined as “problem drinking that affects a person’s social, economic, or physical well-being.” And, having been identified as a disease by medical experts, it must and can be addressed as such by medical professionals.

According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 15.2% of male drinkers in Guyana consume more than 60 grams of alcohol at least once per month. This, according to the WHO, constitutes heavy drinking. According to their statistics, 15.9% of heavy drinkers have alcohol abuse disorder, while 3.9% may be considered alcoholics.

Among Guyanese youth, males on average take their first drink at 11.9 years old, and females at 12.5 years. Those statistics are the worst in the Caribbean.

Guyanese are all too familiar with the negative health effects of alcohol abuse. While vehicular accidents and related fatalities may be the most obvious results, falls, death by fire, homicide, drowning, and suicide are also effects caused by acute (immediate) intoxication. Long-term (chronic) effects include liver disease, pancreatitis, suicide, stroke, bowel dysfunction, brain disease, psychiatric disorders, cancers, and sexually transmitted diseases, among other issues.

Considering all of those factors, the WHO concludes that problem-drinking cuts 15 years from one’s life expectancy, compared with eight years for cigarette smoking.

Family of man allegedly killed by Bisram expresses confidence in office of DPP Dear Editor, IN LIGHT of the recent media coverage regarding the Preliminary Inquiry of Marcus Brian Bisram relating to the murder of Faiyaz Narinedatt, we the family of Faiyaz would like to express full support of and confidence in the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and assigned State Prosecutor Stacy Goodings.

Prosecutor Goodings has been working diligently, and has displayed the code of professionalism in the courtroom, conducting herself with dignity, civility, courtesy and a sense of fair play to bring justice for Faiyaz and our family.

It is important for members of the Ministry of Public Security to be knowledgeable aboutthese types of court matters, and to work closely with the DPP before releasing embarrassing statements to the press. This sends the wrong messages to families like ours and to the public, implying that the Prosecutor, Ms. Goodings and the DPP are not doing their job.

It is this type of distrustful behaviour that instills corruption in the judicial system that disallows families to receive justice when sitting in a courtroom, knowing we cannot bring our Faiyaz back. We are confident that the Office of DPP will show that justice can prevail in this matter, and our Faiyaz’s case will not become another statistic of a judicial failure. For those who have continuously supported and fought alongside our family, we are eternally grateful that you stood by us and never gave up hope.

Regards, Family of Faiyaz Narinedatt

The destructive effects on families, relationships, and social consequences are well known. Children are often most severely affected, as they may go hungry or be subject to abuse or neglect due to having alcoholic parents. Families can be torn apart, they may become homeless, and children may become orphans.

While the causes of problem-drinking are complex and not well understood, medical experts agree that heredity plays a major part; having a parent who has an alcohol problem increases one’s likelihood of developing the disease.

Studies of twins support this view. Scientists believe that peer influence, alcohol availability, and cultural factors also contribute to the fact that at least 25% of the global population are considered to be chronically dependent on alcohol, while a minimum of 10% of men and 5% of women may be considered alcoholics.

Another major consequence involves effects on the foetus when alcohol is consumed by a pregnant woman.

Such a baby, if it survives, may be born with foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). This disorder is characterised by low birth weight, deformities of the face, head, and limbs, mental retardation, malformation of the heart, lungs and other organs, and stunted growth. No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

While there is medical evidence that concludes that

moderate drinking has some health effects, such as prevention of heart attacks and ischemic strokes, such benefits are lost when alcohol is used in excessive quantities.

Clearly, alcohol abuse is a problem that can destroy individuals, families, communities, and by extension affect entire countries because the cost of addressing alcohol-related issues takes a major toll on national economies. Absenteeism from work alone is estimated to cost billions of dollars worldwide. Recognising the problem, what can we do about it?

While the government has a responsibility to provide healthcare services to those affected by this disease, it is up to individuals to take advantage of the available opportunities being offered.

First, affected persons and families must recognise the disorder and make a decision to seek help. Second, afflicted persons should be assessed by medical professionals, who will then recommend a course of treatment.

Third, the problem-drinker needs to stick with the programme. Fortunately, in Guyana, help is available.

Medical aid for alcohol related issues is offered at any hospital. At the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, psychiatric and counselling services are obtainable at no cost. Persons who want more information may call any public hospital, or the suicide prevention hotline at 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, or 600-7896.

This is what SN’s ‘forthright reporting’ is all about Dear Editor, I QUOTE “Stabroek News’ contention has been that the Department of Public Information (DPI) slashed its advertisements to punish the newspapers for the forthright reporting on the government, and that this was in flagrant violation of the Inter-American press freedom of Chapultepec”, Guyana Chronicle, December 08, 2019.

One wonders what “forthright reporting” on the Coalition government is this shameless PR mouthpiece of the PPP/C and its horde of political vandals talking about, and on what dates, and on what issues were these carried

in the Stabroek News. And here, one speaks of seriously written issues with objective analysis, and not the gutter-low journalistic practices that have been appearing as journalism since 2015, but which would have become solidified since December 21, 2018. **As an example, here was a media house, leading what was definably the media aspect of totally false reporting, on the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) decisions, for dangerous political ends, when it should have been otherwise, when the CCJ in its Consequential Order of July 12th ruled: “Article 106 of the Constitution invests in the President and the National Assembly (and implicitly in

GECOM), responsibilities that impact on the precise timing of the elections.

Given that the CCJ ruled that the No-Confidence Motion was properly carried with a majority of 33 of the 65 seats of the National Assembly on the night of December 21, 2018, the provisions of Articles 106 (7) were triggered for elections to be held by March 21.

That Article reads, “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution, supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National

Assembly, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

If there was ever a period that has been notably defined for its most dishonest brand of journalism, which brought this nation to its most dangerous precipice, it was this particular phase. When the Coalition sought judicial recourse, as was their constitutional right to do so, this media house continued its dark and desperate type of journalism on behalf of its desperately blinkered political horse, that the Coalition was engaged in delaying tactics.

Editor, in accusing the DPI of withdrawing advertisements, the Stabroek See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday December 14, 2019

GAWU claims it fought against the PPP Dear Editor,

KNOWN APNU+AFC supporter Mr Abel Seetaram, in a letter appearing in the December 12 edition of the Guyana Chronicle was allowed to use that newspaper’s letter columns to pursue a maligned and falsehood-filled attack on our Union. It appears that the letter signer has friends in high places. But that is entirely another story.

The GAWU, when considering the utterances written under Mr Seetaram’s hand, debated whether it really should take the time to offer a response. The individual, who is known for is escapades, cannot be even deemed a political featherweight. We nevertheless decided to pen this response, though knowing that the individual is really no more than a mere hanger on, but his sentiments will likely be read by the Chronicle’s readership, and his fiction may well be deemed as the truth.

The ‘letter writer’ begins his missive by denouncing the recent protests by sugar workers, which, in his little mind, he contends have been politically influenced. Maybe the individual, who may not have even signed his letter, should have prefaced his letter with “once upon a time”. We hate to burst the bubble he lives in, but the actions by sugar workers were only fuelled by the atrocious treatment they have received at the hands of the Coalition Government. Certainly any rational human being would react in the same manner.

We wonder how Mr. Seetaram would react were he in the shoes of a sugar worker. How would he feel that he could not afford to buy something nice for his house, or to even just add a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the home for the holidays? How would he feel that he could not afford to buy a nice meal for his family, or not even a little gift for his children? This, Mr. Seetaram, or whoever is the real author, are the feelings of the sugar workers at this time. It is now the fifth Christmas they are enduring since their rates of pay have remained unchanged. This is their new reality,

and is apparently the ‘Good Life’ they were promised.

It is next said that GAWU lost its voice during the PPP/C Administration. It seems like the RDC Councillor has the tendencies of an ostrich, and he has probably hidden his head in the ground all that time. The GAWU has never ever lost its voice. Our advocacy on behalf of our membership has never ceased. Of course, when it comes to sugar, we did not have to contend with a heartless bunch as we have now. But our voice allowed workers pay and conditions of work to be improved. Our voice saw many workers becoming home owners, and sending their children to high school and beyond, a cherished dream for many.

Our voice saw justice and fairness prevailing, and our voice spoke up on behalf of the industry. So, no Mr. Seetaram, we haven’t ever lost our voice, but it is because of our voice that you and your ilk are upset that we continue to speak up and speak out?

We are told that our voice was not heard when two (2) estates were closed, supposedly under the PPP/C Administration. Of course we have addressed this matter on several occasions. And given what we know of Mr. Seetaram, we believe our time can be better spent than re-hashing what we have explained before.

On the NIS, Mr. Seetaram, sugar workers know too of our advocacy. Over the years, we have probably represented thousands of workers with regards to the different problems they encounter with the Scheme. At this very time, we are pursuing many matters with the NIS’ local and central offices. Just recently, the NIS agreed with our request to have central engagements with a view to addressing matters more quickly. Similarly, we have continued to actively represent workers grievances. Our representation has been successful on several occasions. As a responsible Union, we cannot ignore the workers matters which are so germane to our work.

Mr. Seetaram next criticises, without any foundation,

There is a penalty for besmirching one’s integrity Dear Editor, BHARRAT Jagdeo, Leader of the PPP/C party, has always behaved in a disrespectful manner towards citizens whom he targets, with the attendant attribute of bullyism, as he attempts to underline his lies, misinformation, and fake news against targeted citizens, and even members of the President David Granger administration, whenever he intends to besmirch their character.

It cannot be the usual adversarial politics when such a political leader, or any politician of his ilk, seeks to attribute corrupt conduct to a minister of the government, without supplying the requisite proof as evidence of such a devious accusation.

A few days ago, the Minister within the Ministry of Housing emphatically debunked another of Jagdeo’s infamous assembly line of scurrilous lies, peddled against her at one of his now noted rant-and-rave news sessions where

anyone seeking to become versed in the devious art of grand political deceptions and lies can tune in for audio edification. Of course, Minister Ferguson branded him “a pathological liar” as she waved evidence of her only home ownership, in the form of a transport, approved during the PPP/C regime.

But one must congratulate the indomitable Charles Ceres, renowned geo-technical engineer, for not only being among a party of prominent African Guyanese citizens who took a public stand against the now documented Jagdeo accusation that this progressive Guyanese, in addition to the others, had been involved in a “land grabbing scheme” in the aftermath of the No Confidence Motion (NCM), but also making good on his promise to file suit for libel and defamation, despite Jagdeo’s “I am daring him to do this” bluff, which Ceres did call, with an eventual lawsuit against the Guyana Times, as the agent pub-

lishing Jagdeo’s lies against Ceres et al, and which the Court has ruled in Ceres’ favour.

This was a classic example, of Jagdeo attempting to bludgeon Ceres’ public exposure of the latter’s lies; and his declared intention to file suit. It did not succeed, because Ceres decided that he was going to defend his and family’s honour and his personal integrity, and reputation through the courts. The court has vindicated his position. And there are other similar matters that are due to be heard soon, involving Jagdeo and another publishing agent.

It is time that Jagdeo and his publishing agents understand that there is a penalty for attempting to bring citizens’ personal reputation and integrity into disrepute. Charles Ceres has shown how to deal with the likes of Jagdeo and his lies.

Regards, Troy Garraway

our Union’s leadership. We want to say that the election of the GAWU leadership is done by the Union’s membership through delegates present at our Congresses, which are held in keeping with our Constitution. Certainly, we want to believe the Councillor understands this process. Not too long ago, Mr. Seetaram’s own party had elections, where certain persons were elected. Of course, we did see concerns being expressed about whether the process was really democratic.

We want to tell the letter writer that our Union upholds genuine democratic practices, unlike what Mr. Seetaram maybe accustomed to.

Mr. Seetaram, in the letter, also referred to promises to Guyanese. But while he talks about commitments, he apparently does not remember what his colleagues told sugar workers. He does not remember that they said sugar is too big to fail. He fails to recollect that workers were told that the Coalition “will not, in any way, close the sugar industry”. We are sure he has forgotten about the twenty (20) per cent pay rise promised. So he should not even be talking about promises.

It is clear as day Mr Seetaram and his political colleagues are upset by our reminder of their commitments and our consistent advocacy on behalf of the nation’s sugar workers. The reality is that the shabby and discriminatory treatment that has been meted out to this group of Guyanese cannot be condoned. Did Mr Seetaram and company really expect us to remain silent by these anti-worker practices? Of course, no doubt, are regularly raised voice is what irks them so much. They want to be seen without damnable records, when really they are wolves in sheep clothing.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

This is what SN’s...

From page 6

News’ ploy was to continue the PPP/C line of portraying the lie of the government being undemocratic, by resorting to a disingenuous red herring, which they knew from tradition would galvanise international opinion against the government.

This is a dark deed, which they also know, committed by any government, would place the latter in a completely different category of nations. After all, they as a former regime, knew what they had done to the Stabroek News in this regard, and what had ensued. But their gambit was exposed, since the Department of Public Information (DPI) disproved their treachery.

The Constitution is clear, and Guyana must abide by the laws as defined therein and by a court of law, not by the skillful orchestrations of any political or other forces seeking power and willing to violate the Constitution of

Guyana and the gullibility of some of our people. But on Stabroek News’ criminal claim of “forthright reporting”, it became a media’s whorehouse for some of the greatest political liars to have peddled their shady night trade of the dirtiest lies in its columns. They all can take their places in either the Nazi Julius Streicher Der Sturmer column, or any communist journal.

“Forthright reporting” again meant sinking to an agreed depraved political level of an opposition party, for the daily purpose of representing its political immoralities and other unspeakable insults against the stark truths of its criminal tenure of office and the people of this nation. The era of “alternate facts” must not be allowed to shape Guyana’s destiny.

Regards, Carla Mendonca

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 14, 2019

President promises increase in OAP come 2020 --as First Lady fetes senior citizens for Christmas

By Wendella Davidson

PRESIDENT David Granger on Friday joined First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger in hosting the traditional luncheon for senior citizens and their caregivers at the Baridi Benab on the grounds of his official residence, State House.

He also used the occasion to remind his guests that the new year will see the launch of the promised ‘Decade of Development’, which begins in 2020 and runs until 2029, and to encourage them to take heart as we’re about to come to the end of what has been a long and challenging year.

The hosting of the luncheon is the First Lady’s way of reminding the seniors during this Christmas Season that they have not been forgotten, and that their contribution to the country’s development has not gone unnoticed, and is greatly appreciated.

Said President Granger in brief remarks to resounding applause: “This is not an idle boast; it is not an electioneering slogan. We know there is petroleum, and that petroleum belongs to you. It belongs to your children; it belongs to every Guyanese. The Government will ensure that money accrued will be used for the benefit of all Guyanese. Guyanese must never be poor again.”

And, touching on a subject that is no doubt close to the heart of many of his guests, he announced that come 2020,

senior citizens stand to benefit from an additional increase in old age pension.

Before the Coalition government took office in 2015, government pensioners used to receive a paltry sum of $7, 500, but as of now, that amount stands at $20, 500.

As President Granger told his guests, having worked hard all their lives, they are entitled to a comfortable retirement.

And speaking of retirement, he encouraged those seniors present to try to make some time to visit places and other communities within the country; a country he lovingly and proudly described as “the biggest and most beautiful in the Caribbean.”

He also evoked much laughter when he jocularly said that while he does not despise other countries that are not so blessed, he cannot help but remember that Guyana is not an island, as it is so

large that several islands can comfortably fit inside “and still have space to stretch out your foot.”

Touching briefly on his vi-

President David Granger addressing senior citizens at the annual luncheon hosted by First Lady Sandra Granger at State House

First Lady Sandra Granger chatting with one of the seniors at the event

Some of the participants in the beautifully-decorated Baridi Benab (Photos courtesy of the Ministry of the Presidency)

Respect key to unity GUYANESE have been divided for years because of political and ethnic indifferences but Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, believes that there can be unity once there is a culture of respect among people of different ethnic groups.

“Ethnic unity does not always mean respect, unity without respect really means nothing,” said Dr. Hinds in an invited comment amid Kwanzaa celebrations at the Buxton/Friendship Museum, on Friday.

He said it is imperative for Guyanese to have respect for the various ethnic cultures and the Kwanzaa celebrations serve as an urgent reminder of how important it is to have respect across all ethnic lines.

Kwanzaa is a Pan-African holiday that serves to unite

sion for the country, President Granger said the Government is trying to build an education system which encourages young people to qualify them-

people of African descent despite their location in the world. It runs from December 26 to January 1.

Over the seven days, people of African descent come together to celebrate family,

selves to run this country.

“We have to prepare them to possess this country and develop it for their children and grandchildren,” he said, adding: “What we have here, we will develop, so what we leave behind will not be a legacy, but a testimony of what we have done.”

Regarding the upcoming celebration of the 50th Anniversary of this country as a Republic, President Granger promised the seniors that for that occasion, they will be hosted once again “at Government House”.

He closed by taking the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas, and urged that the message of peace and goodwill be taken to all Guyanese. He also lingered a while as he personally greeted all present.

The First Lady was assisted in entertaining her guests and spreading Christmas cheer

by Ministers Volda Lawrence, Annette Ferguson and Valerie Garrido-Lowe, daughter Afuwa Granger, members of the Luminous Women’s Group, and cadets of the Felix Austin Training College of the Guyana Police Force.

When the event first started a few years ago, it used to be held under a tent on the northern side of the lawns of State House, but President Granger earlier said he felt the Baridi Benab to be more appropriate.

As had obtained on the previous occasions, `Ras Camo’ ensured that the festive spirit was truly alive, as he tantalisingly belted out Christmas tunes on his steel pan.

-- says Dr. Hinds at celebration of Kwanzaa

community, culture and the bonds that tie them together as a people. They also utilise the time to reflect on their heritage.

“So in line with the celebrations, when we talk about

A section of the gathering at the Kwanzaa celebration on Friday (Carl Croker photo)

Some of the cultural entertainment that kept the atmosphere lively during the Kwanzaa ceremony (Carl Croker photo)

unity, we talk about it at different levels… while we talk about it among African Guyanese, we also consider unity between African and other ethnic groups,” said Dr. Hinds.

The notion of unity is,

however, not confined to Guyana and must be encouraged across the Caribbean because those nations share the same history as Guyana.

“As such whenever you have such a ceremony it

brings uniqueness to multiethnic tapestry of Africans,” said Dr. Hinds, adding that Kwanzaa was started by African-Americans and was meant to be an alternative to the Christian Christmas.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 14, 2019

Engineer Boston comes in for harsh criticism

Bright lights causing accidents –– NRSC appealing to drivers to dim their lights

By Telesha Ramnarine

By Telesha Ramnarine

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC), last Monday, heard how officers in the Engineer’s Department cancelled an entire clean-up effort in the City by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), and how they are continuing to neglect the decisions of council.

It was Councillor Eketa Edwards who first stood up to voice her frustration about the Engineer’s Department, followed by a number of other councillors who all called for the dismissal of the senior

THE National Road Safety Council (NRSC) has noted the increased use of bright lights by drivers and has said that this is responsible for many of the road accidents which happened recently.

In an interview with this newspaper, Head of NRSC, Ramona Doorgen, called on motorists to show consideration for others who are using the roadways by dimming their lights where possible.

“You don’t have to drive with your bright lights all the time; you can dim your lights. Try to consider the drivers that are coming from the other end, so you wouldn’t be driving with your bright lights in anybody’s face,” she advised.

Doorgen spoke with the Guyana Chronicle in the NRSC office which is located inside the Red Cross Building in Kingston. She spoke especially in the context of the recent spate of fatal accidents in the country.

“We are still encouraging persons to slow down; the weather sometimes is very bad. When we visited the hospitals and saw some of the survivors of road crashes, one of the excuses we got was that they saw a bright Head of NRSC, light coming, and it was so Ramona Doorgen bright that that’s how they got into the accident,” she recalled.

Speeding and driving under the influence, however, remain the top factors causing accidents, Doorgen said.

“Definitely speeding is the major cause and the major factor causing road crashes; a lot of inattentiveness. If people start to slow down, I think we would have a reduction in road accidents.”

She added that in many cases, exercising common sense was all that was needed to prevent an accident. “You know, it really, really bothers me. Why are we not adhering to what we learned while we were driving? Common sense can tell us sometimes; simple negligence is causing these road accidents.”

She added that road safety is an individual responsibility as everyone should caution a driver who is speeding or drunk. She also called on the churches to do more. “We’re calling on the churches to step up. They’ve taken a back seat for too long. They have to start to promote road safety in the churches, whether Muslim or Hindu.”

Doorgen said the overhead crossings, pedestrian crossing, traffic lights, and other facilities by the government must be used according to the rules that are governing them.

Every year, the Police’s Traffic Department and the NRSC would dedicate the last week in November towards the awareness of road safety. During this period, numerous campaigns are launched across the country to educate the public about the importance of using the road in a safe manner. However, Road Safety Week 2019 came to a horrific end and has proven to be one of the deadliest weeks for the year so far.

This led President David Granger to issue a message to the nation in which he said that more must be done to prevent deaths, disabilities, injuries and damage to property on Guyana’s roadways. He said he found it “deeply distressing” the number of persons who have lost their lives in road accidents recently.

The head of state lamented the preventable loss of lives of 21 persons, including three children, in 15 road accidents in November alone. Altogether, his statistics put forward show that 114 persons – including nine children and 30 pedestrians — were killed in 97 road accidents this year while young persons between the ages of 16 and 42 years comprised more than three out of every five fatalities.

Even as the President urged road-users to observe the Guyana Police Force’s (GPFs) code of behaviour – care, caution, consideration, common sense and courtesy – as they utilise roadways, he pointed out some of his own proposals made at the launch of Road Safety Month, on November 4, 2015.

The three-point approach includes stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws; increased road safety education; and improved road signs and infrastructure.

Councillor, Eketa Edwards

Councillors, David Allicock (left) and Heston Bostwick officers of the now-controversial department.

City Engineer, Colvern Venture, had to be recalled from his leave recently to properly hand over to his deputy, Kenson Boston. Boston, who is now acting in the position, has been described as one of the most “incompetent and lazy officers,” according to the councillors.

In a stern warning to pull himself up, Mayor Ubraj Narine, at the most recent statutory meeting, called on Boston to resign or to apply for early retirement, before he has to be faced with a no-confidence motion. “Don’t wait for a no-confidence motion;

resign and save your reputation,” Narine told Boston, adding, “all of these officers should be removed. No proper management skills even with the degrees you have.

Go to the private sector and open your own business.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Edwards explained that the NDIA was carrying out desilting works in a section of the City and officers in the Engineer’s Department cancelled the work because they said they said they were not informed about it.

But the councillor noted that a representative of the Engineer’s Department was assigned to work along with

Councillor, Shonelle Smith-Daniels the team from NDIA and therefore should have known about the work. She called for the matter to be referred to the Human Resources Committee for disciplinary action.

Councillor David Allicock offered that the year 2020 demands a new state of mind. “To say they’re incompetent would be a compliment to them. I am sick and tired of their deficiencies.”

Councillor Heston Bostwick said the “eye pass” will continue for as long as the City Council allows these officers to go without sanctions.

Town Clerk (ag), Sherry Jerrick, said she called the contractor and apologised, but the woman said she was unsure if she wanted to resume works because the officers in the Engineer’s Department had been very rude to her.

Councillor Shonelle Smith-Daniels offered that Boston and all of the engineers’ officers are inefficient.

She recalled how Boston personally assured her that workers would turn up for a project in Tiger Bay. “When Saturday came, no one turned up. The cleaning had to be cancelled.”

Another Councillor,

Deputy City Engineer, Kenson Boston Clayton Hinds, opined that if the officers in question were working along with the decisions of the council, then these problems would not have come up.

The City Engineers’ Department seems to have a curse on it that will not go away, the mayor had told councillors. “I know about the three stooges but we will have to come up with a name for you guys. Yes, three blind mice,” Narine expressed, as he referred to Engineers Venture and Boston, and Building Inspector, Marlon Harris.

“That department, it’s shameful, it’s a disgrace.

That department really got a curse…get a pastor, majee, and pray y’all out,” the mayor said.

Mayor Narine had, on a different occasion, said he was utterly “fed up” of the manner in which the Engineer’s Department was operating. “You know something named fed up?

The mayor is fed up of the Engineer’s Department.”

For years now, senior members of the said department have been criticised for the manner in which they conduct the council’s business.

Fraud accused granted bail MAGISTRATE Leron Daly, on Thursday, December 12, 2019, granted $75,000 bail to a 41-yearold technician who allegedly committed a criminal offence.

Rawle Welchman of Crane Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge, when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated

that, during the month of August, 2016, at Hadfield Street, he, being solely entrusted by Gordon Gilhuys with $209,000, to purchase and install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras, fraudulently converted same to his own use and benefit.

Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail being granted to Welchman, and told the court that, when the matter was first being investigated, Welchman was not

reporting to the station.

“I went to the station two time and I did not see the officer, so I never go back,” Welchman told the court.

Magistrate Daly granted Welchman $75,000 bail and ordered that he reports to the Brickdam police station every Monday until the matter is concluded.

The matter was adjourned until February 7, 2020.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 14, 2019

Guyana inks air services pact with eight countries

GUYANA has signed air services agreements with eight countries, a move which paves the way for transnational air traffic to operate between these shores and other countries.

According to a release from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), a delegation which was

led by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Egbert Field, Director General, GCAA, participated in the twelfth International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN2019) which was held in Aqaba, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from December 2nd to 6th 2019.

Field was supported by

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field, Director General of GCAA and Mr. Benjamin Albert, Assistant Head of Division for International Air Transport, Federal Republic of Germany after signing of an Air Services Agreement.

Mr. Saheed Sulaman, Director, Air Transport Management, GCAA and Oneka Archer-Caulder, Director Legal and Treaties Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The GCAA said that following negotiations, air services agreements were signed with Senegal, Seychelles, The Bahamas, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Greece and Spain.

The aviation body explained that the objective of ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event is to provide states with a central meeting place to conduct bilateral -regional or plurilateral- air services negotiations and consultations with other member states of ICAO. The eight agreements were initialed and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) signed with these countries at the technical level pending signature at the ministerial level.

“These Air Services Agreements initialed and Memoranda of Understanding signed are provisionally applicable until the Air Services Agreements are signed by both parties and enter into force. This means that the negotiated agreements are immediately applicable for traffic rights between Guyana and these countries,” the GCAA said.

During the meetings with

multiple nations, GCAA initiated negotiations with six countries including Ethiopia, Jamaica, Bangladesh, Austria, Thailand and Belgium and continued with Sierra Leone whom Guyana met at ICAN 2018 in Kenya.

The GCAA said that sixty-one member states of ICAO participated in ICAN 2019 from five ICAO regions of the world – Africa; Americas; Asia and Asia Pacific; Middle East and Europe. The meeting was also attended by International Organizations and Institutions: International Air Transport Association (IATA); Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO); African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC); The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA); Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AAC) and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).

Guyana as a matter of policy, negotiates open skies Air Services Agreements, granting up to fifth freedom traffic rights for passenger traffic and up to seventh freedom for all-cargo traffic.

An air services agreement is an instrument used by states to jointly regulate, facilitate and promote their international air services relationships for their airlines.

Mr. David Benito Astudillo, Deputy Director General for Air Transport, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Spain, and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field , Director General of GCAA, at the signing of an Air Services Agreement with Spain.

Air Services Agreements one state to access new govern traffic rights for markets and develop their international air services network. The benefits of among airlines between two such connectivity include countries. These agreements trade, global inclusivity, are necessary for the devel- economic development, opment of a state’s interna- tourism growth, inter alia. tional air transport network The next ICAN event as they create the infrastruc- is scheduled for Medellin, ture that allows airlines of Colombia.

US unveils US$500K project to boost transparency in extractive sector

TO promote transparency and good governance in the extractive industries, the United States Agency for International Development has announced a US$500,000 Extractive Industries Transparency Project.

The aim of the project is to build capacity for administration and governance of Guyana’s extractive resources and address gaps identified in Guyana’s first published report.

Programme support will also address required changes in data collection, monitoring and reporting systems that support Guyana’s attainment of the EITI standard.

Activities will include streamlining systematic public disclosure of data from the oil, gas, mining, forestry and fishery sectors; and raising awareness among citizens about the importance of transparency and accountability in the extractives sector.

The US embassy said in a release that the discovery of vast offshore oil reserves in 2015 constituted a milestone for the Guy-

ana’s economic prospects and is expected to rapidly propel Guyana’s economy upward.

During this transition period, transparency, accountability and good governance will determine Guyana’s ability to responsibly manage its extractive resources and ensure revenues benefit the Guyanese people, and this programme supports attainment of these standards. Key programme partners include the Guyana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) secretariat, the Multi-Stakeholder Group and other stakeholders from government, industry and civil society. The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is implementing this programme, which concludes in September 2020.

At a Special Capacity Building Workshop of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) back in October, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman had asserted that while governments across the world tend to shy away from the publicity that comes with full transparency in their

extractive sectors, the Government of Guyana believes that the positives are greater than the negatives in this regard. Trotman said that the government has made “monumental strides” in the past few years, and is proud of its submission of the first EITI Report ahead of the its deadline. The 6,000-page report will pave the way towards positive reformation and transparency in the extractive industry.

“Governments, by nature, tend to be shy about publicity, because these often have implications for national security and stability.

In Guyana, we recognise this phenomenon, but still believe that the gains to be made by being transparent far outweigh the negatives that may arise. I speak from personal experience here. The government has committed to making all contracts public, and I believe this speaks to the level of seriousness we attach to the sector and its management,” Trotman said.

He added that the government is proud of its decision to make all petroleum contracts

public, as, heading into 2020 and beyond, transparency in the oil-and- gas economy will be at an even greater demand. He pledged: “The natural resources sector will continue to be an important contributor to our economy, even as we prepare to embrace oil production in a few short months. It is with this foresight that we are keen to ensure that GYEITI is fully functional to respond to the new experiences that oil production will undoubtedly bring.”

Meanwhile, the EITI Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) has drafted an Action Plan to implement the recommendations outlined in the report, while an independent administrator will soon be brought onboard to prepare for the country’s second report.

The minister said that since the submission of the first report, a number of outreaches have been conducted countrywide to help Guyanese understand the report’s contents and its benefits to the extractive sector.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 14, 2019

DDL plugs $4B into Topco’s expansion project

EVEN with Guyana set to reap tremendous benefit from its nascent oil and gas sector, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Executive Chairman, Komal Samaroo, is of the strong view that the agriculture sector must be developed to include value-added processing of the nation’s fruits and vegetables into pulp and juices, and eventually milk supplied by local dairy farmers, for local consumption and export.

To this end he explained DDL’s decision to invest some four billion Guyana dollars into its Tropical Orchard Products Company (TOPCO) expansion project which is designed to process and package increased volumes of existing products

including cherry, passion fruit, carambola and guava juices as well as new ones including mango, pineapple, citrus and vegetable juices.

The expanded plant, which is expected to be commissioned in mid-2020, will also be geared to produce pasteurised milk, initially from reconstituted milk and eventually from milk supplied by local dairy farmers.

Discussions on the expansion project were held on Tuesday with representatives of several relevant government ministries and agencies including the Ministries of Agriculture, Finance and Education along with the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), the National Agriculture Research Institute

(NARI), the University of Guyana (UG), the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the Carnegie School of Home Economics. Representatives of these agencies were brought up to date on the progress being made with the project through a detailed presentation by the plant manager, Rebecca Rampher.

TOPCO will require a combined total of almost two million pounds of cherries, carambola, guava and passion fruit in 2020, up from the 357,281 pounds supplied so far for 2019, an increase of 444 per cent. The discussions focused on the role all stakeholders must play to ensure the success of the project and the benefits to be accrued.

Farmers will benefit from

21 GDF cadets participate in ‘Exercise Tripflare’

One of the many scenes from operation ‘Exercise Tripflare’ TWENTY-ONE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) cadet officers on the Standard Officers’ Course Number 52, on Thursday, concluded “Exercise Tripflare” at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, at Tacama.

The five-day exercise was designed to test the cadets’ ability to administer and command a platoon, in a limited warfare scenario, in the Open-Country Theater.

It also included 21 troops each from the Guyana People’s Militia and Jaguar Company.

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, together with Commanding Officer Training Corps, Lt Col Kenlloyd Roberts, witnessed the final attack of the exercise, on Thursday.

Brigadier West congratulated the cadets and training staff, for a job well done, and said he was satisfied with the efforts made in this major phase of their training.

He urged the cadets to continue putting their best foot forward.

“I urge you to look at your shortcomings and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that you address any inconsistencies you may have. You have to press yourselves, and, as you do that, you will see that you can do it,” he said.

Prior to the close of the exercise, Brigadier West interacted with the officer cadets in some of their scenarios where they briefed him of particular tactics and strategic operations that they were conducting.

The expanded plant which is expected to be commissioned in mid-2020 will also be geared to produce pasteurised milk, initially from reconstituted milk and eventually from milk supplied by local dairy farmers this project through a guarantee that their supply of fruits to TOPCO is secure, with stability of prices in spite of market demand/supply conditions as well as the potential to increase their cultivation of target fruits (cherry, guava, passion fruit, carambola) to increase supply to TOPCO as well as supply additional fruits and vegetables. Another benefit to farmers will be the ability to collaborate with a network of technical and financial agriculture-support agencies, as part of the holistic market-driven approach to developing partnerships with local fruits and dairy farmers.

Tuesday’s meeting provided for an exchange of views and information on current programs and projects taking place in the agriculture

sector and how strategies for the success of the TOPCO expansion might fit into those projects. The necessary assistance that both farmers and some of the agencies will need to effectively execute their responsibilities was also discussed.

The main components of the expansion project are the installation of a one tonne per hour fruit processing line and of a one litre Tetra Pak Juice and Milk packaging line.

This equipment is already in Guyana and the visitors were able to get an on-thespot look on work currently taking place on the project.

Later this week farmers that currently supply TOPCO will tour the project as well as engage in discussions

with TOPCO officials about the company’s future requirements and the proposed arrangements and conditions for the guaranteed purchase of their fruits.

Next week, a meeting with TOPCO and the Ministry of Agriculture’s Planning Unit will be held to further advance the collaborative efforts on this project.

The DDL team participating in Tuesday’s meeting was headed by Executive Chairman, Komal Samaroo, and included Production Director, Shaun Caleb; TOPCO Plant Manager, Rebecca Rampher; DDL’s Project Engineer, Joshua Gobin and Government Affairs Consultant, Wesley Kirton.

12

‘Elections have consequences’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 14, 2019

… Greenidge warns Guyanese of PPP’s record of scandal, corruption and human rights abuse … says coalition government moving in the right direction

By Tamica Garnett NOTWITHSTANDING continued attempts by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) to create instability, the facts and evidence of Guyana’s development and growth over the past four years continue to defy that party’s assertions, says Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

Pointing to Guyana’s recent election to the prestigious Chairmanship of the Group of 77, and the continuous economic growth evidenced in numerous economic documents, Greenidge noted that “Guyana is on the right path,” while chairing the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) weekly

press conference on Friday at Congress Place, Sophia.

Established in June 1964, Group of 77 is a coalition of United Nations members designed to promote its members’ collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations. Starting with an initial 77 members, it now has 135 member states.

“The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its 2019 Report on Human Development, states that human development in Guyana has improved with more and more Guyanese having greater access to education, potable water and healthcare. The PNCR wishes to applaud President David Granger and the APNU+AFC gov-

ernment for putting Guyanese first and giving them a better life,” Greenidge noted.

According to the IMF, Guyana’s economic growth strengthened in 2018 with broad-based expansion across all major sectors, while real GDP grew by 4.1 per cent, led by the construction and service sectors, up from 2.1 per cent in 2017. NASDAQ Stock Market, the second-largest stock exchange in the world, earlier this year, listed Guyana as the fastest growing economy in the world.

The positive results continued in 2019. The Ministry of Finance 2019 Mid-Year Report, which was presented in August of this year, reflected that the country recorded economic

growth of four per cent for the first half of the year, with an overall 4.6 per cent growth estimated for the entire year.

“No amount of fake news or hand wringing by the PPP can change that.

Opposition parties are entitled to their own opinions but not their own facts,” Greenidge stressed, as he highlighted the evidence.

Guyana’s Midyear Report showed that for the period January to June 2019, the manufacturing sector in Guyana grew by 3.6 per cent; the service sector grew by 4.6 per cent, the highest growth since 2011; transportation and storage grew by 5.5 per cent; financial and insurance transactions grew by 4.1 per cent; while rental of dwellings grew by 5.9 per cent and other services grew by 10 per cent.

Private sector credit increased by 5.7 per cent for the first half of 2019 compared with the same period last year. Credit to the mining sector and quarrying sector increased by six per cent; credit to the manufacturing sector increased by 0.5 per cent and credit to the services sector increased by 7.2 per cent.

“This type of progress does not happen in a vacuum, they are directly related to our policies and the political stability that currently exists. In pursuit of the good life, the APNU+AFC government is rebalancing the economy so that it becomes more competitive and resilient. Our economy is being prepared and

primed for rapid growth,” Greenidge emphasised.

“The business community knows that this government has created and will continue to maintain an environment that is conducive to legal business.

The state of affairs of the state is being properly and transparently managed by the APNU+AFC government. Under the leadership of President David Granger our country is in safe and stable hands.”

Even as Guyana records current growth, projected growth in the coming years is expected to be massive. According to the IMF, Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by approximately 86 per cent in 2020. Further projections by the IMF estimates real GDP to grow by 4.8 per cent in 2021; 20.6 per cent in 2022; and 26.2 per cent in 2023.

Guyana’s $4B annual GDP is also expected to expand to about $15B by 2024, according to the IMF. A report from Bloomberg stated that Guyana’s GDP will grow 14 times as fast as China’s next year.

“The PNCR along with our coalition partners is looking toward the future.

Guyana is entering a new phase of economic development. The advent of petroleum production in the coming weeks will result in sustained expansion of the economy. The revenues from this new sector will be substantial and as a nation we must be vigilant,”

Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge Greenidge cautioned.

With Guyana’s preparing to enter the oil and gas industry, and management of the industry is crucial, the upcoming March 2, 2020 general and regional elections has been dubbed the “mother of all elections”, as it will select the government that will pioneer the management.

“Elections have consequences,” Greenidge warned, adding that: “In 2015, the PPP was removed from office because after 23 years they had accumulated and unenviable record of scandal, dishonest practices, corruption and human rights abuses. While in office assets acquired by senior PPP government officials and corrupt business people bore no relationship to their incomes and earnings.

One only has to look at the mansion that Irfaan Ali built after just one year as a government minister. We are not going back.”

Miner’s body found in shallow grave THE partially decomposed body of a 31-year-old miner of Achiwuib, South Rupununi, was discovered in a shallow grave at Rice Creek, South Rupununi, on Sunday.

Police, in a statement on Friday, said Marcellus Reynolds, called “Ton”, was reportedly murdered by a 17-year-old

male, on Thursday, December 5, 2019, at Marudi Backdam, South Rupununi.

The 17-year-old was arrested and is in police custody.

Police said the body had since been exhumed and arrangements were being made for an autopsy to be done earliest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 14, 2019

Gala events in Toronto to mark Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Republic Anniversary

THE Steering Committee for Guyana’s 50th Republic anniversary celebrations in Toronto, Canada, under the auspices of the Consulate General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, is inviting applicants for its gala awards and cultural celebration, set for March 21, 2020.

According to a release from the committee, the Guyana 50th Republic Awards Committee was developed to recognise achievements of excellence and leadership in the Guyanese diaspora in Canada and to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations who con-

tribute to the development of Guyana and to the continuation of Guyanese heritage, community and culture in Guyana.

The categories of awards include – Arts and entertainment Distinction, Business Excellence and Leadership, Young Professional Community Catalyst, Young Volunteer Achievement Award, Leadership in Volunteerism and Community Service and Outstanding Achievement Award – Non-profit Organisation.

The closing date for applications is February 14, 2020 and all applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or a Guyanese citizen.

At the Guyana Consulate Christmas brunch in Toronto: Among those in attendance, from left, were Consul General Anyin Choo and High Commissioner Clarissa Riehl

Gov’t adding 17 more CCTV cameras in key areas … Stabroek Market, Berbice Bridge, Lusignan Prisons targeted GOVERNMENT is ‘ramping-up’ the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) high-technology security camera system to support crime prevention efforts by the Joint Services by adding an additional 17 camera locations around the country including more in the highly-congested Stabroek Market area, the crucial Berbice River Bridge and the Lusignan Prisons on the lower East Coast among other areas.

In a release, the Ministry of Public Telecommunication’s NDMA arm said the 17 new locations will bring the total number of cameras to 119 so far and these have been credited with solving a number of criminal activities around the country.

Major (rtd) Floyd Levi, Head of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), said this week that the programme is being ramped-up under Safe City Solutions project being carried out in collaboration with the Chinese Government. Huawei Technologies, which is slowly emerging as one of the world’s leading high-technology supplier companies, is leading efforts with the NDMA to execute the US$37.6M project that would add a crucial electronic surveillance component to help police fight crime. The NDMA falls under the Ministry of Public Telecommunications.

Levi said new CCTV systems are being installed at the Berbice River Bridge in Region

Five and another at the Palmyra Junction on the lower Corentyne. Additional sites being covered are the Mahaicony Bridge, Skeldon Market on the Upper Corentyne, Fort Wellington near the government complex housing the Police station, the magistrate’s courts and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC’s) office in the area, Enmore-Haslington on the East Coast, Melanie Damishana’s main junction, the busy Parika area, Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast as well as Charity on the Pomeroon River, Soesdyke Junction, one at the entrance to North Ruimveldt and Aubrey Barker Road and an additional system at the Stabroek Market area near Water Street.

“These camera systems are nothing new to Guyana. We have had them for more than 10 years or so,” said Levi, noting that all 119 systems will all have Omni-directional cameras, allowing monitors to pan a large area, tilt the camera to obtain a better view and also to zoom in to get close-ups of activities ongoing. “So if the police detect something or want to look around, they have 360 degrees of visual freedom to check out on any given subject.” The NDMA head noted that by all indications, the project will have no cost overruns and will come in under the original budget.

This sign of proper budget management will then allow project engineers to use savings to acquire additional cameras.

The Arts and Entertainment Distinction award consists of artists, musicians and cultural leaders in recognition of their artistic excellence, cultural leadership and contribution to the arts and will be presented to a Guyanese diaspora member who has contributed to the cultural aspects of the diaspora community through outstanding achievement in music, dance or the arts.

The Business Excellence and Leadership award will be presented to a business that has demonstrated an outstanding level of leadership in the combined areas of business performance, innovation, product excellence and positive social conscience.

Guyanese businesses with branches or representations or branches in Canada are eligible to participate.

The Young Professional Community Catalyst award is earmarked for emerging leaders who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment and devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way and serve as a role model. This is the next generation of Guyanese diaspora business professional who has made a significant impact on the growth and prosperity of the Guyanese community in Canada or in Guyana.

Candidates should be from both for and non-profit organisations and should be between the ages of 19 and 35; be part of the area business community for a minimum of two years; has established an independent business and demonstrates overall growth; be part of an organisation which stands out for outstanding contribution; active community contribution and be a positive role model for other young professionals.

Entrants for the Youth Volunteer Achievement Award must be 19 years or younger and must have volunteered within Canada for at least two years. The award will be presented for volunteer efforts (excluding school requirements) who has made a significant contribution to the community.

The Leadership in Volunteerism and Community Service Award caters for persons who are making significant contributions to their community through their time, actions, talents and dedication (outside any volunteer work done to their employer). This person must have shown consistent and sustained commitment and professionalism to community projects and consistently applied leadership skills over an extended period of time.

The individuals must also have volunteered in their community within Canada or Guyana for at least three years.

The Outstanding Achievement Award – Non-profit Organisation recognises excellence and innovation among non-profit organisations resulting in significant social impact and whose achievements are met through the application of creative and practical approaches to benefit the community in general with an emphasis on undeserved populations.

Meanwhile, an Inter-faith service is also planned for February 23, 2019 at a venue to be named. These disclosures were made at the Guyana Consulate annual Christmas brunch, held at the Tropicana Community Centre in Scarborough recently and among those present were Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Clarissa Riehl, and Consul General to Toronto, Anyin Choo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 14, 2019

Diamond Hospital mulling ways to expand services

THE Diamond Diagnostic Centre is operating at some 25 per cent of what it should be operating at and as such there is an urgent need for more nurses and midwives, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle has said.

Dr. Boyle was part of a delegation from the Ministry of Public Health that recently toured the hospital.

Boyle disclosed that while the hospital has some nine specialists, which she said have certainly enhanced the level of service and performance of the hospital, there continues to be a great shortage of adequate nurses and midwives. “The hospital seems to be operating at 25 per cent of the

Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) at the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Boyle.

midwives and nurses that they need so it’s really critical that we increase the nurses and midwives here,” Dr. Boyle was quoted in a release by the Region Four RDC as saying.

This, she stressed, is critically important and promise that her ministry along with the Regional Health Services Department of Region Four will meet to have this matter addressed. She said that several nurses will have to be shifted around to ensure that the hospital can have adequate nurses and midwives, thus relieving several nurses from what many consider a heavy workload.

“I chatted with the staff at Diamond and to find

… needs more nurses, midwives

L-R Deputy RHO Region 4, Dr. Seetram; DCMO Dr. Karen Boyle; Dr. Kay Shako and Deputy MS at Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Dr. Anisah Yearwood. out how things are working and also to hear about some of their challenges and to brainstorm together in terms of what can be put in place, to see what needs to be done so that we can help them.

See what can be put in place and to see how we can help them to improve the quality of service. They are certainly doing a good job here but there are some areas where they definitely need help,” she said.

The DCMO said that she is overall impressed with the level and quality of services being offered. She disclosed that she was particularly impressed with the fact that the hospital has been able to attract some nine specialists covering a wide array of areas. She, however, noted that there is certainly an urgent need for more support staff in the area of nurses. “We need more nurses, however, to function in a number of areas. As a 24-hour hospital we will certainly need more nurses and midwives and I think this is the problem that we are having country-wide,” Dr. Boyle said.

Commenting on the OBGY services that the hospital offers, the DCMO disclosed that they are two Obstetricians at the hospital but stressed that in order to provide an effective 24-hour service there is an urgent need for more support staff.

“We are going to have to go back and to look and see how we can shift some nurses around because the truth of the matter is that every so often, countries from the north come in and they raise their flags and are able to attract some of our brightest nurses. We are having serious challenges in terms of registered nurses

and midwives. So, this is a particular area that we will have to find out how we can shift nurses and midwives from various regions to lend services here at Diamond so that we can have 24 hour deliveries; a shift system that must be in place for this diagnosis centre to really function the way that we envision to serve the East Bank Corridor,” Dr. Boyle stressed.

The DCMO disclosed that her ministry has been listening to several residents’ requests for significant expansion of the hospital admitting that the hospital has certainly outgrown the space that it had initially, thought was requited to serve the residents on the East Bank. She said that they are seeking to address this issue noting that they have received some inputs from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) with regards to lending support. She said as such, they have been looking at the Smart Hospital initiative stressing that expansion is evident. “We have been looking at expanding the hospital while changing some of the buildings that we have here and maybe use some of them that are used presently for housing and convert them into wards,” she declared.

She added, “The other option that we are exploring is having a new location with much bigger facilities so we are presently exploring these two options so we do agree that there is a need for expansion of the hospital as there is a need for something more robust to cater to the needs of this population.”

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Consultations on domestic violence act, sexual harassment policy imminent

GUYANA’S Ambassador to the United States, Riyad Insanally, said government will soon open consultations on the development of a National Plan of Action for the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act; a National Sexual Harassment Policy and a National Plan for Working with Perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence.

He made reference too of other initiatives in Guyana

for the prevention of violence against women and children, such as the development of an Integrated Crime and Violence Information System, which has facilitated the establishment of data centres at the Guyana Police Force Headquarters and the Ministry of Public Security, for the integration of all police stations to access information on domestic violence and other crimes.

Insanally, who is also

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), made the comments on Tuesday when he led a delegation of this country to a special meeting of the hemispheric body Permanent Council, to commemorate International Human Rights Day and the end of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based-Violence.

The delegation also consisted of Mrs. Lesley Dow-

ridge-Collins, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Messrs John Chester-Inniss and Jason Fields, Alternate Representatives. According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs release, the purpose of the special meeting was to address the prevention and eradication of violence against women in the Americas.

The event began with presentations by a three-member female panel, which consisted of Commissioner Esmer-

alda Arosemena de Troitiño, President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and Rapporteur on the Rights of Children; IACHR Commissioner Margarette May Macaulay, Rapporteur on the Rights of Women; and Ms. Sylvia Mesa Peluffo, President of the Committee of Experts of the Follow-up Mechanism to the Belém do Pará Convention on the prevention, punishment and eradication of violence against women.

In his remarks, Ambassador Insanally highlighted the Government of Guyana’s commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and children and informed that Guyana has enacted several pieces of legislation that provide the political and legal framework for implementation, including the Domestic Violence, Prevention of Discrimination, Protection of Children and the Sexual Offences Acts. The ambassador also highlighted several other regulatory provisions that support the government’s commitment, including a National Taskforce for the Prevention of Sexual Violence; a Ministerial Taskforce for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons; the establishment of a Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit within the Ministry of Social Protection; and a Sexual Offences High Court and Victim Support Unit.

In addition, he referred to advocacy efforts geared at the revision of key legislation relative to the prevention of

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Ambassador Riyad Insanally violence against women and children, such as the revision of the Domestic Violence Act to institute harsher penalties on perpetrators of sexual and domestic violence. Finally, Ambassador Insanally reported that the Women and Gender Equality Commission, a constitutional body, addresses gender issues, promotes the advancement of women in Guyana, conducts investigations and makes recommendations to Parliament.

He added that the development of a Gender Policy is at the consultative phase and is intended to address the issues of gender socialisation and development among other areas.

CDB successfully raised EUR$250M on the German capital market THE Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has successfully concluded its inaugural borrowing in the German capital market, with the issuance of a EUR$250M 20-year registered bond.

“Our entry into the German capital market has allowed CDB to further diversify its investor base away from traditional sources. Our Borrowing Member Countries will be able to access these resources, on very attractive terms, to pursue their sustainable development agendas for the benefit of Caribbean citizens,” said CDB President Dr. William Warren Smith.

Launched on November 14, the offering was arranged by Deutsche Bank AG, acting as sole book runner. Favourable market conditions, and strong appetite for the credit from German investors, such as insurance companies, pension funds and asset managers, enabled CDB to raise these funds at an annual interest rate of 0.875 per cent.

This successful bond issuance, which represents the Bank’s longest-dated borrowing, is also testament to CDB’s financial and operational strength and its investor appeal. Prior to this transaction, CDB raised CHF$145M through the placement of a 12-year bond in the Swiss market in 2016.

Earlier this year, international credit rating agencies, S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and FitchRatings re-affirmed the bank’s rating as AA+ (Stable), Aa1 (Stable) and AA+ (Stable), respectively.

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GMC Christmas Market Day billed for December 21

THE Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) will, on December 21, stage the final Farmers and Agro-processors’ Market for 2019 at Durban Park.

The event which, as is customary, commences at 6:00 hours and concludes at 12:00 hours. GMC’s Christmas Market Day will afford yet another opportunity for

local consumers to make purchases of fresh foods, including meat, fruit and vegetables, as well as food spices and condiments, directly from local producers.

The event will provide access to taste-enhancing flavourings that will allow for the preparation and enjoyment of those dishes associated with the traditional

Guyanese Christmas.

GMC’s second Christmas Market Day and its overall sixth Farmers and Agro-processors’ Market Day is expected to attract more than 50 farmers and agro-processors who will be selling a range of products. The Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) will also be a part of the Farmers and Agro-proces-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 14, 2019

Scene from last Farmers’ and Agro-processors’ Market Day sors’ Market Day with their offerings of fresh and processed products.

The GMC’s feedback suggests that farmers and other product producers from various parts of the country intend, (‘rain or shine’ as we say in Guyana) to bring themselves and their offerings to the Farmers’ Market.

“It is also our expectation that Guyanese, now presumably preoccupied with their traditional Christmas shopping, will be of the same mindset.

“Pleasingly, the GMC wishes to report that increased numbers of agro-processors and farmers have been making enquiries regarding participation in the Farmers’ Market. We expect that our incentive of cost-free tables for participants will allow for a further increase in the number of vendors at this and other Market Day events,” a release from the agency said.

The Christmas Market will also afford consumers the opportunity to acquire decorative plants from the various plant stalls that have become an integral part of the Farmers’ Market. The occasion will also afford other business enterprises offering local products including items of food, cosmetics and craft for sale.

Farmers’ Market continue to afford the opportunity for Guyanese to lend support to a buy-local philosophy which seeks to grow the domestic market for locally-produced goods, particularly in the agricultural and agro processing sectors.

GMC also seeks to use the Farmers’ Market to help raise external awareness of the range of locally-produced items that are grown and manufactured in Guyana, helping to access markets being one of the Corporation’s substantive missions.

$25M agro-processing facilities near completion in Maruranau, Annai THE construction of agro-processing facilities at Maruranau and Bina Hill, Annai, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, are on stream to be completed by year-end.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, told DPI that the projects were temporarily halted because of the unavailability of funds and inclement weather. The facilities at Maruranau ($10M) and Bina Hill ($15M) form part of the ministry’s 2019 capital programme.

Some $60M of the ministry’s $1.9B allocation was set aside for investment in innovative and sustainable income-generating projects. Other initiatives included fruit farms in Paurima Region Seven ($3M) and Santa Cruz, Region One ($3M); a lapidary at Monkey Mountain, Region Eight ($5M), and an eco-tourism project in Karasabai, Region Nine ($2M).

An additional $16M was allocated for the cassava flour processing factory in Kwebana, $6M for the installation of a solar system at the crab processing facility at Smith’s Creek, and $15M for the construction of the ground coffee processing facility at Santa Rosa.

Another $235.3M was allocated for community projects in 215 villages under the Presidential Grants programme.

These ventures were aimed at creating employment and income in hinterland communities to raise the standard of living of the nation’s first peoples and boost the independence of their communities.

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Norris wins

Rookie-of-the-Year

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Informed Consent Race 2 Customerexperience Race 3 Business Cycle Race 4 Ten Twenty Nine Race 5 Brush Country Race 6 Scoreswhenhewants Race 7 Wicked Trick Race 8 Dream Bigger Race 9 Microscope

Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Bells Of War Race 2 Sararenda Race 3 Vanzzy Race 4 Kewanne Race 5 Chaldea Race 6 Wide Awake Race 7 Magic River Race 8 Warrior’s Heart

English Racing Tips Cheltenham 08:10 hrs Botox Has

Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren F1 talks in the paddock during previews ahead of F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 28, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

(REUTERS) - McLaren’s Lando Norris has been voted Rookieof-the-Year by an overwhelming majority in an online vote of Formula One fans, despite Red Bull’s Alexander Albon

finishing higher in the championship.

Anglo-Thai racer Albon, who started out at Toro Rosso this season then graduated to the senior Red Bull team, was named Rookieof-the-Year by the governing FIA at their awards in Paris last week.

British newcomer Norris, 20, received 76% of the votes in a poll conducted by the official Formula One website (www.formula1. com).

Albon was second with 16% and Williams’ British rookie George Russell third on 8%. A total of 86,922 fans voted.

Albon finished the season eighth overall, with Norris 11th and Russell last in a Williams that scored only one point from 21

races.

Norris has become a fan favourite with a strong social media presence, quirky attitude and jokey relationship with Spanish team mate Carlos Sainz.

At the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, his departing performance engineer Andrew Jarvis hailed him over the team radio as ‘an absolute legend’.

“I can’t believe the rookie year you’ve had. And the fact that I’ve had the opportunity to share it with you,” said Jarvis, before his voice faltered.

“Are you crying?” replied Norris with a squeal of laughter. “I think I’m crying.”

08:45 hrs Mister Fisher 0-9:20 hrs Destrier 09:55 hrs Secret Investor 10:30 hrs Champagne Well 11:05 hrs Pentland Hills 11:40 hrs Dame De Compagnie

Newcastle 08:15 hrs Ezzrah 08:50 hrs Funny Kid 09:25 hrs Finespun 10:00 hrs Majestic Stone 10:35 hrs Dublin Pharaoh 11:10 hrs Intisaab 11:45 hrs Rockley Point

Doncaster 08:25 hrs Logan Rocks 09:00 hrs Sky Pirate 09:35 hrs Blu Cavalier 10:45 hrs Tombee Du Ciel

Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 08:30 hrs Wolf Prince 09:05 hrs Important Message 09:40 hrs Monkfish 10:15 hrs Mlily

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday December 14, 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) Sachin Tendulkar-200* (IND vs SA, Gwalior, 2010) (2) Billy Murdoch-211 (AUST vs ENG, The Oval, 1884) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first player to register a triple century in Tests?

(2) Who is the first player to construct a quadruple century in Tests?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

10:50 hrs Howaya Aoife 11:25 hrs Jelona

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:30 hrs Run Fox Run 09:05 hrs Hawwaam 09:40 hrs Kelpie 10:23 hrs Knights Templar 11:00 hrs In Auro 11:35 hrs Horatius

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 14, 2019

Russian athletes could compete without flags

(REUTERS) - RUSSIAN track and field athletes could be cleared to compete at next year’s Tokyo Olympics as neutrals despite the federation’s ongoing suspension, its acting chief said yesterday.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Monday handed Russia a four-year ban from top global sporting events,

including the next summer and winter Olympics, as punishment for tampering with laboratory data.

The ruling means Russian athletes cleared to compete at next year’s summer Olympics will do so without their country’s flag and anthem. But Russian track and field athletes face additional obstacles to being cleared for competition after

their federation’s reinstatement process was halted last month.

“It’s possible under a neutral flag, like with all other sports, as far as I understand,” Yulia Tarasenko, who was named acting president of the federation, last month said, of the prospect of seeing Russia track and field athletes in Tokyo.

World Athletics, the sport’s global governing body formerly

known as the IAAF, last month halted the Russia federation’s reinstatement process and raised the possibility of it being expelled altogether after its president and six others were provisionally suspended over serious breaches of anti-doping rules.

As a result of these sanctions, World Athletics also said it was reviewing the process it has

used in the past to clear some Russians, including three-time world champion high jumper Maria Lasitskene, to compete internationally as neutrals.

The seven people suspended were found to have provided false explanations and forged documents to explain three whereabouts violations by Russian high jumper Danil Lysenko, the silver medallist at

Yulia Tarasenko was picked from three candidates after Dmitry Shlyakhtin resigned from the post of RUSAF president.

(Getty Images) the 2017 world championships.

Russia’s athletics federation was suspended in 2015 after a

Schiavone successfully overcomes cancer (BBC) - FORMER French Open champion Francesca Schiavone has revealed she has successfully overcome cancer.

The 39-year-old became the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam with her 2010 Roland Garros triumph and won eight titles before retiring in 2018.

Schiavone, who has not revealed the type of cancer diagnosed,

Schiavone won the last of her eight WTA titles in 2017.

said: “I did chemotherapy, I fought a tough battle and now I am still breathing.

“I have won this fight. And now I am back in action.”

In a short video on Instagram, Schiavone added: “Hi everyone, upon seven-eight months of silence from social media and from the world, I wish to share with you what happened to me.

A cancer had been diagnosed to

me.”

Having defeated Australia’s Samantha Stosur in the 2010 French Open final, Schiavone reached a career-best fourth in the world rankings in January 2011.

Later that year, she came close to defending her French title but lost to China’s Li Na in the Paris final.

After retiring following last

year’s US Open, Schiavone said: “When I was 18 years old, I had two dreams. The first one was to win Roland Garros and the second one was to become top 10 in the world. And I completed them, so I’m very, very happy, and lucky.”

Pakistan Test match headed for draw (REUTERS) PAKISTAN’S first Test

match at home in over a decade is heading for a

tame draw after rain and bad light wiped out almost

the entire third day’s play against Sri Lanka at

Rawalpindi yesterday.

The weather-hit opening

on 72 and had added only 15 to his tally before the

Babar Azam obliges fans with a selfie. (AFP)

Test also had play curtailed on the first two days and not even one innings has been completed since Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat.

Only 5.2 overs of play were possible yesterday and Sri Lanka added 19 runs to their overnight score to reach 282 for six.

Dhananjaya de Silva resumed the day unbeaten

umpires decided the light was not sufficient for play to continue.

Dilruwan Perera was not out on six at the other end.

The two-match series marks Pakistan’s first Tests on home soil since a militant attack in 2009 on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore.

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Klopp signs Liverpool deal till 2024 Jurgen Klopp signs a contract extension and chats with Sporting Director Michael Edwards and FSG president and Liverpool FC owner, Mike Gordon, at Melwood training ground yesterday in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

(BBC) LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp has signed a new deal with the club that will run until 2024.

Klopp, who joined the Reds in October 2015, signed a new six-year contract in July 2016 and that has now been extended further.

Liverpool won the Champions League under the German last season and finished second in the Premier League.

They lead the top flight this season and have an eight-point lead in pursuit of a first league title since 1990.

“This club is in such a good place, I couldn’t contemplate leaving,” Klopp, 52, told Liverpool’s website.

“For me personally this is a statement of intent, one which is built on my knowledge of what we as a partnership have achieved so far and what is still there for us to achieve.

“When I see the development of the club and the collaborative work that continues to take place, I feel my contribution can only grow.

“People see what happens on the pitch as a measure of our progress and although it is the best measure, it’s not the only measure. I have seen the commitment from ownership through to every aspect and function of the club you can think of.

“When the call came in autumn 2015, I felt we were perfect for each other; if anything, now I feel I underestimated that.

“It is only with a total belief that the collaboration remains totally complementary on both sides that I am able to make this commitment to 2024.

“If I didn’t, I would not be resigning.”

Liverpool lost only one game in the Premier League last season as they amassed 97 points but missed out on the title by a point to Manchester City.

This time around, they are unbeaten in the league - having won 15 and drawn one of their 16 games - and hold an eightpoint lead over second-placed Leicester City and a 14-point advantage over Manchester City.

The Reds host Watford today at 12:30 GMT before their main squad head off to Qatar to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. Liverpool have also progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League as they attempt to defend a trophy they won in June by beating Tottenham in Madrid.

Klopp’s assistants Peter Krawietz and Pepijn Lijnders have also extended their deals with the club.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 14, 2019

Starc rips through New Zealand (REUTERS) - AUSTRALIA quick Mitchell Starc tore through New Zealand’s batting-order shortly before stumps on a dramatic day two, as the hosts gained a stranglehold of the first Test, yesterday.

In reply to Australia’s first innings of 416, New Zealand teetered at 109 for five at the close with veteran Ross Taylor unbeaten on 66 and BJ Watling yet to score.

A fired-up Starc took four wickets, including the prized scalp of Kane Williamson (34), followed by Henry Nicholls (7) and nightwatchman Neil Wagner (0) in successive balls.

A flagging New Zealand had lost both their openers within the first 10 deliveries.

Australia, however, will be sweating on the fitness of quick Josh Hazlewood who was forced off the field in the fourth over after pulling up short in his run-up with an apparent left hamstring injury.

Both teams could be without a paceman after debutant

Mitchell Starc is all smiles after taking a wicket. (Getty Images)

New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson, himself a replacement for injured spearhead Trent Boult, damaged his calf on day one.

STARC LAMENTS HAZLEWOOD’S INJURY “It makes it tough with a

bowler down and it certainly was for the Kiwis with Ferguson going down,” he told reporters. “The plus side is we have got them five down tonight.”

After a dour opening two sessions, the day-nighter came alive under lights as Australia’s menacing attack

conjured up sharp bounce and pace off the Perth Stadium pitch.

New Zealand started disastrously when opener Tom Latham fell for a duck on the fifth delivery of the innings after spooning a return catch to a fired-up Starc.

It got worse for the tour-

ists when Jeet Raval was bowled by a full Hazlewood delivery in the next over for one.

The match seemingly turned with Hazlewood’s injury and Australia captain Tim Paine had limited options with his team lacking an all-rounder.

Part-timer Matthew Wade was handed the ball but had little success.

Williamson and Taylor took advantage during a determined 76-run partnership until New Zealand’s captain fell to a spectacular one-handed, diving catch by Steve Smith at second slip.

The dismissal re-established Australia’s control after they posted an impressive first-innings total stretching 146.2 overs.

The hosts batted sedately for much of the opening two sessions to deflate New Zealand and ensure they had use of prime bowling conditions under lights.

Marnus Labuschagne (143) and Travis Head (56) combined in a 76-run part-

nership to wrest control of the contest.

South Africa-born Labuschagne fell seven runs short of becoming the third Test batsman to notch three consecutive scores of over 150.

New Zealand’s tireless quicks Neil Wagner and Tim Southee claimed four wickets apiece.

“We knew it was going to be tough under lights with the new ball,” Southee said.

“Being five down is probably a couple too many but there is a lot of belief in the side.”

Oppressive conditions continued on day two with the temperature reaching 40 degrees Celsius. Smoke from a bushfire raging at nearby Belmont Racecourse, about 1km behind Perth Stadium, wafted into the 60 000-seat arena in the first session but did not appear to affect players or spectators.

New Zealand have won only one Test in Australia since their sole series triumph across the Tasman Sea in 1985-86.

England rest Archer, Buttler, Stokes, Wood for ODI series (REUTERS) - ENGLAND will rest Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Mark Wood for the three-match one-day international series against South Africa starting in Cape Town on February 4, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said yesterday.

The series marks the return of Eoin Morgan’s side to the 50-over format after their World Cup triumph on home soil in July and follows the four-Test series against the hosts starting this month.

Worcestershire seamer Pat Brown, Somerset batsman Tom Banton and the Lancashire pair of Matthew Parkinson and Saqib Mahmood received their maiden call-ups.

Jofra Archer, December 03, 2019©AFP / Getty Images

England also named a T20 squad for a three-match series against the Proteas starting on February 12, with Archer, Buttler, Stokes and Wood returning to the team as they focus on next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

“We want to expand the pool of players who can perform successfully for England while also helping the team to peak for major tournaments,” national selector Ed Smith said.

Five players who were part of England’s 3-2 T20 series win over New Zealand in November - Banton, Sam Billings, Lewis Gregory, Mahmood and James Vince - were left out.

Last week, England named a 17-man Test squad for the four-match tour of

South Africa starting on December 26.

England ODI squad: Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Pat Brown, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Chris Jordan, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Matthew Parkinson, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Chris Woakes.

England T20 squad: Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Pat Brown, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Matt Parkinson, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 14, 2019

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CPL, Visa partner for 2020 THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be working with Visa for the 2020 tournament to make the fan experience even better this year.

CPL will be “better with Visa” with cardholders getting a range of benefits when

Visa is used to purchase their tickets for CPL matches.

CPL and Visa will be working together to facilitate contact-less payment experience at future CPL finals to help make the culmination of the Biggest Party in Sport

even easier to enjoy for the fantastic fans across the Caribbean.

Visa allows cardholders to do so much more than cash can do, allowing customers to pay for goods and services worldwide in a secure and

simple way. And unlike cash your Visa card is protected from fraud and can be replaced if it is lost or stolen.

By far the easiest way to pay for tickets to Hero CPL matches is to buy them online at www.cplt20.com, and Visa

is the perfect way to do so.

Hero CPL’s Commercial Director, Jamie Stewart, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome one of the world’s great brands and one of the most admired global sports partners into the CPL Partner

family.

In this long-term partnership, Visa and CPL will be working together to create new benefits and experiences for CPL fans and to deliver on the promise that ‘CPL is better with Visa.”

Battle lines drawn as KFC goodwill series begins today

BATTLE lines have been drawn for the 2019 edition of the KFC goodwill football series with matches at GFF Training Centre, Providence.

During the post-tournament press conference yesterday, Petra co-director Troy Mendonca contended that they are ready for the five playing days of action, four of which will take place at Providence.

“Everything is ready for tomorrow (today) at the GFF Training Centre. Our Trinidad team, Shiva Hindu Boys College, will arrive this (last)

evening.”

Main sponsor KFC, through their Operations Manager Gregory DeGannes, told the media “KFC is thrilled excited and happy to be the main sponsor. We look forward to this tournament and to continue in the development in sports.”

TEAMS READY Annandale’s representative told the media, “My school and I want to thank KFC and the organisers. It’s very important for our country and development.

Lodge always give us a stiff

competition but we are here to put our best foot forward and may the best team win.”

Waramadong, who made the journey this year through their vice-captain, contended, “It’s a tough challenge that we have to face and I would like to wish the other teams success in the tournament.”

Marian Academy were also on hand to give a comment, with their captain saying, “Marian are new to this level of competition but it doesn’t mean we are incompetent. We expect to compete fairly and fiercely.”

Rio Indoor Championship concludes tonight ALL roads will lead to the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue this evening when the inaugural Rio Indoor Streetball Championship concludes with the semi-final and eventual grand finale.

In the opening semi-final match, Bent Street will tackle newcomers Rio All-Stars from 20:00hrs. The seasoned Bent Street unit enter the match as the favourites.

The aforementioned status is due to the proliferation of national players on their roster, inclusive of Daniel Wilson, Clive Nobrega, Akel Clarke, Pernell Schultz and William Europe. On the other hand, the debutants possess a high-profile contingent which comprises Jermin Junior, Andrew Murray, Joshua Browne, Job Caesar and Kelsey Benjamin, underpinning their status as the nation’s emerging powerhouse in the streetball format. In the second semi-final affair, Sparta Boss will lock horns with Gold is Money at 21:00hrs. The match will be another chapter in the storied rivalry of the two teams. Sparta Boss will enter as favourites, as they secured a 4-3 win over Gold is Money in the previous encounter.

The likes of Sheldon Shepherd, Gregory Richardson, Eusi Phillips and Ryan Hackett will be required to secure another identical outcome come kickoff time.

However, revenge will be

The country’s top futsal players will be on show tonight when the Rio Indoor Streetball Championship concludes at the National Gymnasium.

on the mind of Gold is Money unit who will be led by the likes of Randolph Wagner, Phillip Rowley, Jamal Pedro and Keifer Brandt, as they aim for a place in the championship finale.

The respective winners will battle in the grand finale, with the losers matching skills in the third-place playoff.

According to an official release from the tournament coordinators Three Peat Promotions, “We are finally at the eve of the event’s conclusion.

The battle lines have been drawn among the hard-core fans with regard to their support on the final night of the tournament. Every side have the requisite talents and abilities to progress to the championship so we are expecting a momentous evening of high-quality

action which is expected to entertain the large spectatorship that will descend on the venue.”

The correspondence further said, “The anticipation and excitement for the grand finale is almost indescribable.

Both semi-final matches are essentially finals which highlight the overall quality of the tournament.

“We are expecting a tremendous night of action which will captivate and thrill the large spectatorship as we aim to crown the inaugural Rio Indoor Streetball Champion.”

The winning team will pocket $1M and the championship trophy, while the second-, third- and fourthplace finishers will collect $400 000, $200 000 and $100 000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

The first game set for today at 13:00hrs pits Annai against Annandale while the second fixture on the day will commence at 15:00hrs and will see Lodge Secondary against Marian Academy.

Next Monday (December

16), Lodge Secondary will play Waramadong from 13:00hrs with Shiva Boys taking on Annai from 15:00hrs.

Next Wednesday (December 18), Shiva Boys will oppose Annandale from 13:00hrs with Waramadong facing Marian

Academy at 15:00hrs The semifinals are billed for December 20 with the final and third-place playoff set for the Ministry of Education ground on December 22.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 24, 2019

Dragon Stout Community Cup Futsal ready to excite … Tournament starts December 17

AFTER a false start, the 16-team Dragon Stout Community Cup Futsal competition is set to kick off next week at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. The tournament was initially scheduled to be held last November, but never got going.

At the re-launch yesterday morning at the match venue, it

was disclosed that preliminary games will be played on December 17 and 19, followed by the semi-finals and final on December 28.

ANSA McAl Trading, the distributor of the ‘100% Jamaican Stout’, is collaborating with the National Sports Commission to pull off the event, which is primarily for Georgetown-based teams.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones, speaking on behalf of the Sports Commission, pointed out that the aim of the tournament is to galvanise communities through quality entertainment in a safe space.

“The National Gymnasium is known as the house of futsal tournaments and we’ve seen some great plays by teams over the past two or three years. The

National Sports Commission would want to continue seeing the development of futsal and seeing the development of community futsal teams, hence we’ve made the National Gymnasium available to corporate Guyana.

“This provides an opportunity where young, talented footballers in the field of futsal have an opportunity to compete

in a safe space,” Jones indicated.

Dragon Stout Brand Coordinator, Jamal Baird, said the company is eagerly looking forward to competitive play from the teams and good turnout for the games. He revealed that the entrance fee of $500 per person is inclusive of a Dragon Stout upon entry.

The top four teams of the knockout competition will

receive cash incentives, with the champions carting off $300 000.

The participating teams are North East La Penitence, Albouystown, Leopold Street, Broad Street, Sophia, LA Ballers, Bent Street, Gold is Money, Back Circle, Sparta Boss, Alexander Village, Future Stars, Tiger Bay, Melanie-B, ANSA McAL AllStars and Showstoppers.

MVP Sports backs GFF Super 16 AS part of the company’s ongoing support for the development of football and sports in general in Guyana, MVP Sports has made a tangible contribution to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). The contribution is towards the successful staging of this year’s edition of the GFF Super 16 Cup which is set to kick off tomorrow at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

At the entity’s Giftland Mall location, Manager Ian Ramdeo, in handing over the cheque, said that they were pleased to be partnering with the GFF for a tournament that will

feature 16 clubs, top eight Elite League clubs and the top club from eight of the Federation’s Regional Members Associations, battling for supremacy.

GFF’s Youth Development Officer, Brian Joseph, in accepting the cheque, thanked MVP Sports on behalf of the Federation for its sup port and informed that this year’s competition promises lots of excitement as the teams have all been dedicated in ensuring that they are all in tip top shape.

Cash and prizes totalling over $4M are up for the taking.

MVP Sports Sales Representative Ms Brittany Mathews hands over the sponsorship cheque to GFF’s Brian Joseph in the presence of MVP Sports’ Eon Ramdeo (left) and GFF’s Keeran Williams.

Gold for Gonsalves, silver for Watson in ASATT Invitational Swimming Championships

… Boys 11-12 year-old team dominate 400m freestyle relay DORADO swimmers Monique Watson and Elliott Gonsalves won medals number seven and eigh for the Dorado Speed Swim Club on day two of the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) Invitational Swimming Championships, which is currently underway at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva, T&T. Gonsalves won his second gold medal, when he competed in the Boys’ 11-12 year-old division 200m breaststroke event.

He clocked an impressive 2:49.20. His clubmate Stephen Ramkhelawan finished seventh in a time of 3:10.35

(a B Time Standard).

Meanwhile Ethan Gonsalves clocked 3:01.82 (5th place) and Stephon Ramkhelawan 3:03.78 (7th place) in the Boys’ 13-14 age division.

Watson, who had won a gold in the 400m IM, on day one, clocked 3:11.27s (C Time Standard) in her 200m breaststroke swim, for an overall second place finish in the Girls’ 11-12 category.

In the final event of the day, the Dorado 11-12 team also highlighted their dominance when they stormed to gold in the 400m freestyle relay.

Vladimir Woodroffe (gold and silver medal on the opening day), opened the

race with a scorching time of 1:04.50s. Stephen Ramkhelawan and Tyler Allicock then entered the pool in the second and third legs respectively to increase the distance between Dorado and the other clubs.

By the time Elliott Gonsalves had finished the race, Dorado swimmers had opened up a lead of approximately one length of the pool to make it an easy win.

Dorado swimmers finished in 4:22.91 while second-place finishers TWA ended way behind, in 5:03.12.

The ace Guyanese swimming club now have nine medals (eight individual and one relay) in total, five of which are gold medals.

Yesterday the Guyanese swimmers were scheduled to compete in the 800m freestyle, 400m IM (males), 200m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 50m breaststroke and 200m backstroke.

Guyana is represented by 13 swimmers from Dorado, four other Guyanese swimming as a ‘Guyana-Combined’ team and one swimmer from the Dolphin Speed Swim Club.

Overall, some 424 swimmers from 13 clubs, representing six countries - (Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Vincent and home team Trinidad & Tobago) - are competing at the meet.

Dorado swimmers Elliott Gonsalves and Monique Watson were outstanding in the 200m breaststroke.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 14, 2019

31

Ray Victor narrowly misses National Sports Hall record

By Charwayne Walker

NATIONAL basketball star Ray Victor was just 4 points away from scoring the most points in an international basketball match at Guyana premier hoop venue.

Victor’s tally of 39 points vs Grenada in Guyana 90-73 victory was four points shy of Joe Farroba 42 points vs.

Guyana in 1978.

Joe Farroba was representing the visiting Canadian YMCA Montreal.

Farroba’s record was also challenged by Trinidadian Brian John who scored 40 points vs. Suriname during the Inaugural CARICOM Championship at the National Sports Hall.

Here is a list of the top

scorers so far in the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall: Joseph Farroba (Canadian) YMCA Montreal vs Guyana 1978 – 42 pts Brian John (Trinidadian) Trinidad & Tobago vs Suriname 1981 - 40 pts Ray Victor (Guyanese) Guyana vs Grenada 2019 – 39 pts Feverus (Surinamese) Su-

riname vs Guyana 1976 - 38 pts Victor (Voot) O’Garro (Trinidadian) Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana 1979 - 38 pts Bill Delhorne (Canadian) YMCA Montreal vs Guyana 1978 - 37pts Garnet Stewart (Trinidadian) Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados 1988 CARICOM

President’s College humble Christ Church in opening clash of Titan Bowl X

President’s College, who won the 2019 National Schools Basketball Festival, will fancy their chances against Marian Academy in today’s semi-final.

NATIONAL Schools Basketball Festival U-18, President’s College continued from where they left off in July by whipping Georgetown’s Christ Church Secondary by 47 points on the opening day of the 2019 Youth Basketball Guyana Titan Bowl X, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The three-division knockout competition will bounce into the semi-finals today with the final set for tomorrow.

Along with the U-18s, the female school teams and the U-16 male school teams are also in action.

On Thursday, the opening day of the event, President’s College, led by Gabriel Lim, easily defeated Christ Church 57-10. Lim powered his way

to a huge double-double: 19 points and 16 rebounds, while Ruel Munroe added 13 points and three rebounds.

Rahiem Neils led the GT school with six points and three rebounds.

Also in the opening round, Marian Academy eased past St Stanislaus College by 16 points, 39-23.

Josiah Daniels, with a solid all-round game of 16 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and Tyrese James, with eight points and three rebounds, did the bulk of the scoring for the winners.

Mustapha Kadir, who finished with a double-double (10 points, 14 rebounds) and Veron Edwards who added, seven rebounds, led Saints.

Meanwhile, New Am-

sterdam Technical Institute (NATI) gained revenge over Kwakwani for beating them in the semi-finals of the 2019 National School Basketball Festival, by knocking them out in their first round battle.

Only three points separated the two teams (39-36) when time expired.

Kadeen Dover with 10 points, seven rebounds five steals, and Gevon Schultz with eight points four rebounds, led NATI. Kwakwani’s Royon Shortt was just short of a triple-double as he showed his prowess at both ends of the court. Along with scoring a game-high 23 points, he pulled down a whopping 20 rebounds and made eight steals. Rovaldo Sarmento

supported with seven points.

In the final clash of the day, Georgetown Technical Institute were able to get past the Bishops’ High by 15 points. Israel Yaw, with a double-double (13 points, 12 rebounds) and David Conway with 16 points, four steals, led GTI to a 56-41 points win.

Bishops’ High were a two-man show with Roydon Glasgow and Timothy Richmond both scoring 19 points. Richmond added eight rebounds and six steals.

In a semifinal this evening President’s College will face Marian Academy, while the two technical institutes will do battle.

Championship Sports Hall – 36 pts Willie Hodges (D.C Jammers) D.C Jammers vs Guyana 1993 - 36 pts Wayne Sappleton (Jamaican) Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago CARICOM Championship 1981 - 34 pts Stanislaus (Knox) Hadmon (Guyanese) Guyana vs Barbados CARICOM Championship

1981 – 34 pts Joseph Farroba (Canadian) Montreal YMCA vs Guyana 1978 - 33 pts Joseph Farroba (Canadian) Montreal YMCA vs. Guyana 1978 – 33 pts Aubrey Chalmers (Guyanese) Guyana vs Cuba 1977 – 31 pts

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 14, 2019

Team captains pose with trophies and officials, ahead of the KFC goodwill tournament set to begin tomorrow. (Adrian Narine photo)

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Battle lines drawn as KFC goodwill series begins today Dragon Stout 30 Community Cup Futsal ready to excite PAGE

Director of Sport Christopher Jones (third left) and Dragon Stout Brand Coordinator, Jamal Baird, (third right) with Dragon Stout models and team representatives (Avenash Ramzan photo).

Persaud in eighth position heading into final day of Jamaica Open

GUYANA’S best golfer Avinash Persaud was in eighth position at the end of day two in the 2019 Alacran Jamaica Open Golf Championships which is scheduled to conclude today at the Tryall Golf Resort in Montego Bay. The 28-year-old shot 10 over par yesterday to finish with a score of 82. He had shot 80 on the opening day but struggled on the greens yesterday.

The Lusignan resident told Chronicle Sport that the greens are difficult to read.

“The course is good, but the greens are totally different.

A lot more breaks and a lot more speed.”

The dominant local golfer said that he three-putted on many of the holes and even four-putted on one, which undermined his game.

Despite the struggles on the green, Persaud was still able to finish with eight pars and a birdie.

Some 96 golfers from the USA, Canada, Antigua, Guyana (only Persaud), T&T and home team Jamaica are battling in the three-day competition.

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Current Guyana Open champion Avinash Persaud is hoping to make his mark in Jamaica.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019