Guyana Chronicle E-paper 12-17-2019

TUESDAY 17th December, 2019

' No.105854

‘No procurement violations’

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

…Gov’t maintains direct sale of first oil does not require procurement

…will only need such when Guyana moves into the next phase of public Request for Proposals

…Bynoe, Marketing specialist say move best option for Guyana at this time

Gov't welcomes miners' ‘Manifesto’ …says remains committed to addressing issues affecting industry PAGE

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19 parties signal interest in upcoming polls 02 PAGE

…GECOM to hold major briefing session Thursday

Facial recognition cameras for Ports of Entry– MOPT 11 PAGE

Ambassador of the United States of America, Sarah-Ann Lynch on Monday paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings. Among mutual areas of interest, they discussed US initiatives to provide humanitarian assistance to the growing number of Venezuelan migrants, and upcoming elections. Guyana and the United States have continued to maintain a high level of bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations on August 15, 1966.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

19 parties signal interest in upcoming polls

…GECOM to hold major briefing session Thursday THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will be meeting, on Thursday, with some 19 political parties contesting the 2020 General and Regional Elections, to bring them upto-speed with their requirements for the elections.

The briefing session

will be held at the Arthur Chung Convention Center and should see the attendance of representatives of the parties which have signed up to compete for votes next year.

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, on Monday, gave a list of the 19 parties which have

submitted their symbols for approval, 14 of which are new parties.

The parties to contest include: A New and United Guyana (ANUG), the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Federal United Party (Fed-Up), the Citizenship Initiative (CI), Change Guy-

GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward

ana, the New Movement (TNM), People’s Republic Party (PRP), Kingdom Liberal Movement (KLM), Destiny to Oneness, National Congress of Progressive Peoples Alliance, the Cooperative Republicans of Guyana and the Guyana United Democratic Party (UDP), Guyana National Service Party (GNS); the Democratic National Congress (DNC); the United Republic Party (URP), Horizon and Star and Organisation For the Victory of the People.

These will join the country’s better-known parties with the largest followings, the A Partnership for Na-

tional Unity +Alliance for Change (APNU+ AFC) coalition and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.

The next big date for the political parties is Nominations Day set for January 10, 2020 and Ward informed that the meeting will be centered around ensuring that they are prepared for same. “The meeting basically will look at things from the legal perspective as it relates to parties contesting general and regional election but the primary objective really is to prepare parties for Nominations Day [and] take them through the pro-

cedure of what is required of them,” she said.

On Nomination Day, contesting political party must each submit their Lists of Candidates, one National Top-Up List, at least six Geographical Constituencies’ Lists and the Regional Democratic Councils’ Lists that the given Party may seek to contest.

The various Lists of Candidates must comprise registered voters who are eligible to be elected as members of the National Assembly. It must be accompanied by Statutory Declarations by each person named therein as candidates indicating their consent to be nominated before a Justice of the Peace (JP), Commissioner of Oaths, notary public or other persons authorized by law to administer an oath in the place where the declaration is made.

The Constitution also stipulates that a person may be a signatory to a List of Candidates, notwithstanding that he/she is named therein as a candidate.

Candidates’ names may be duplicated only in that contesting party’s Geographical Constituency Lists and on its National Top-Up Lists.

However, it must be noted that a Candidate’s name must appear on only one Geographical Constituency’s List.

Ward said: “These are things the parties need to be alerted of and so this is what this meeting is about. To say to the parties: these are statutory requirements, this is what the law says, this is what you should do, this is how it will be treated from GECOM’s end so they’re aware of all the procedures.”

At least 8 of the new parties formed have given the Guyana Chronicle the assurance that they will meet the requirements of Nomination Day even as the majority are taking in the feat to contest in all the regions. Time will tell whether they are able to live up to these objectives and whether -- in competition with the country’s two major political parties --- they will be able to garner at least 6,000 votes to secure a seat in Parliament.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

‘No procurement violations’

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…Gov’t maintains direct sale of first oil does not require procurement …will only need such when Guyana moves into the next phase of public Request for Proposals …Bynoe, Marketing specialist say move best option for Guyana at this time

By Lisa Hamilton Guyana’s crude will be sold under a Free On Board (FOB) contractual agreement to buyers at the exit point of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel who will take responsibility for aspects such as insurance and shipping, Director of Energy Dr Mark Bynoe said on Monday.

He said this arrangement does not require procurement and will only need such when Guyana moves into the next phase of public Request for Proposals (RFP). The Department has indicated that this is likely in January 2020 and a full RFP will be issued inviting companies to bid for the marketing of Guyana’s portion of crude on a long-term basis, for at least one year with the option to renew. The entire engagement with the IOCs is expected to be completed within this week.

Dr Bynoe’s comments come against the background of criticisms by the opposition and some other individuals that government’s move to interface with potential buyers of Guyana’s first three cargoes of oil from ExxonMobil’s Liza-1 field. Bynoe said on Sunday, that the short-term arrangement is the best option for Guyana as it heads into the new industry. He had also clarified misguided reports, by confirming that the country’s decisions are being guided by a full team of international experts, internal experts and the Guyana Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

The Guyana Chronicle reported on Sunday that at least half a dozen traders from Houston, Geneva and London were expected to land in

Guyana over the weekend to bid on some of the first-oil cargoes to be produced here.

The report first came from

conference on Monday, Bynoe was questioned why the DoE had not made public its intentions for the short-term sale to international traders, to which he responded that the department is dealing with an international commercial operation which it had all intention to disclose following its success. “What we were aiming to do was to come to

Department of Energy (DE) Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe (Delano Williams photo)

Bloomberg which acknowledged that Guyana is poised to produce more oil than neighbouring Venezuela but the country has no experience in trading oil and is looking to learn the basics from its very first buyer. On Sunday the Energy Department explained that the process expected this week is not for marketing services to sell Guyana’s crude in the open market as this is not scheduled until January 2020.

Instead, the selected operators will take Guyana’s initial three cargo lifts for which the quality is still being determined. It was explained that selling the crude to the open market uncertain about its quality could cause the Liza Crude to be priced downwards off the bat.

NO PUBLIC NEGOTIATION Meanwhile, at a follow up news

Crude Marketing Specialist, Virginia Markouizou (Delano Williams photo)

you when the matter was concluded not during because what it can do is weaken the government’s negotiating position. It doesn’t help for us to be transacting commercial business through the media,” he said.

He stated that the decision to sell the crude through direct sale was made by all stakeholders on Guyana’s end along with its contracted experts in the Commercial and Crude Marketing fields.

Furthermore, Crude Marketing Specialist, Virginia Markouizou explained that while Bloomberg had referred to the face-to-face

meeting of traders as uncommon, this is necessary for Guyana which wants to ensure that it gets the best possible returns from the sale of its crude. “Trading of a commodity is a very global, transparent and in-the-minute business. It happens in front of screens and it happens through phones but [in these cases] this is trading of a commodity which is very well established and a grade that is very well known on the market…here [in Guyana] we’re talking about taking all the steps; establishing relationships with the market; showing a face of stability; introducing, in a paced way, a grade and holding face-to-face conversations with people who will have to give us feedback,” she said, adding: “That is not a phone conversation.”

She said that while Guyana will one day be able to conduct phone call or computer facilitated transactions, this is simply not possible in the early stage.

The traders to bid for Guyana’s first 3 million barrels of Liza Blend crude this week are well-recognised in the international market, very interested in Guyana and will bid aggressively for its crude. The International Oil Companies (IOCs) invited are ExxonMobil; China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC); Hess Corporation; BP; Chevron; Shell, Total and Eni. The media received this update on Monday from the Department of Energy (DE) at the press conference attended by Bynoe; Markouizou and Legal Officer, Joanna Simmons.

According to Markouizue the IOCs possess integrated value chains, have a global refining footprint, are accountable to stakeholders and are aware of the intricacies of introducing a new grade into the

market. “They can help us introduce the grade into the market in a very standard way. This is what we’re trying to achieve here. Volatility for the Guyana Liza new grade is not good. We’re trying to create an environment whereby there is standardization and stabilization,” Markouizou said. While it is normal for the process of stabilization to take up to six months, Guyana has decided that it was prudent to shorten the period to three cargo lifts, which is to take approximately three months.

THE LIZA CRUDE Meanwhile, the Department explained that while alternative means to the direct sale of crude were considered, the current decision has proven to be the best option to develop the Liza Crude brand. “First impressions count,” the DE Head said. “The idea is for us to work towards even making the Liza Crude a benchmark crude. To do that you don’t carry an impure product or a product that has substantial impurities to the market. That’s why we have taken this considered approach to ensure that the first instance we are protecting the value of the Guyanese crude.”

At the same time, Markouizou reminded that international markets are all looking at Guyana to see how well its grade is going to perform in these first few months of its entry into the market. She said that in a commodities market nothing stays secret which adds to the transparency of the market.

Even so, she noted that IOCs are very interested in Guyana, welcome the introductory phase and will bid aggressively for Guyana’s crude.

West Watooka to get potable water for holidays NO longer will residents residing in the community of West Watooka Hill Top, have to trek long distances to the creek or to purchase water for everyday use, as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), has answered their call and has commenced the water installation project in the community.

An official from GWI related that the workers are pushing forward for residents to get water in their taps, in time for the holidays. The laying of pipelines and other ground work, are in full

swing and with this tangible move, residents are overjoyed and are praising GWI for the move.

The GWI official said that a decision was made to push forward the project after residents expressed how difficult it was for them to source water. This was highlighted by resident Natasha Croft, who said that the residents were forced to fetch water from the creek which they later learnt was unsanitary, since many residential sewage systems, led into the waterway. They also relied on the rain and during the dry

season, they were forced to purchase water.

With children living in many of the homes, Croft said that the provision of water was a much needed amenity and was very ecstatic, that their dry days will be ending before 2019. “We are so excited that since GWI came in, we have been with them from the get go to render self-help in whatever way. We would go with our wheel barrow and help fetch the white sand to full back where they dig to put the pipes; we are working foot and foot with them,” she said.

Constituency Representa-

tive of West Watooka, Sherry Fyfe, said she was pleased that the project came to the community and the residents’ lives have now gotten easier.

“They did have a problem with water, especially on the hill and so the project will benefit them a lot, because the water would be purified water and they use to source water from the creek and we learnt that was not safe for consumption, so this is very good for them,” Fyfe said.

Croft said that with the recent achievements in TURN TO PAGE

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Pipelines being currently installed in West Watooka Hill Top by GWI

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Citizenship Amendment Act: India PM Modi appeals for calm as protests grow (BBC) India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed for calm as violent protests against a new law on illegal migrants continued for a fifth day. Large rallies have been taking place in the capital Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).

Monday’s protests came a day after clashes between police and protesters in Delhi left at least 50 injured.

Protesters are angry at a law entitling citizenship to some non-Muslim migrants from three Muslim-majority countries.

The leader of India’s opposition Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, accused the govern-

ment of creating an atmosphere of religious tension for political interests. The protests - which have left six people dead - began in the north-eastern state of Assam last Thursday, before spreading to other parts of northern and eastern India.

But people are divided on why they have taken to the streets. Some critics say the law is anti-Muslim, while others - especially in border regions fear large-scale migration.

The law allows non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, who entered India illegally, to become citizens.

What did Mr Modi say?

The PM attempted to calm

tensions in a series of tweets as students resumed their protests on Monday.

“No Indian has anything to worry regarding this act.

This act is only for those who have faced years of persecution outside and have no other place to go except India,” the prime minister wrote.

“This is the time to maintain peace, unity and brotherhood.”

Authorities have tried to curb the protests by shutting down internet services, so it is unclear how many people in affected areas have seen his tweets.

The Congress Party has

accused the government of declaring a war on its own people.

Several lawyers have asked the Supreme Court to intervene, pointing out that officers had allegedly assaulted students in bathrooms, but the chief justice said that the court would not take any action until the protests ceased.

Delhi police spokesman MS Randhawa denied allegations against them, saying his officers “exercised maximum restraint”.

The UK, US and Canada have issued travel warnings for people visiting India’s northeast, telling their citizens to

17 December, 2019 - 09:00hrs ~ 10:30hrs

Saturday December 11, 2019

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“exercise caution” if travelling to the region.

What is happening in Delhi?

Protests resumed at the city’s prestigious Jamia Millia Islamia university on Monday morning, following violent clashes on Sunday that resulted in 35 students being detained.

Several Delhi metro stations were closed.

A march on Sunday ended with at least three buses and several motorbikes being torched, roads blocked and stones being thrown at officers, who responded with tear gas.

The university said police later entered the campus without permission and video footage showed police assaulting students and staff. Videos shot by students show police beating up students inside campus areas like bathrooms and the library.

Police have said that they did what was “necessary” to stop the protests.

The university’s vice chancellor, Najma Akhtar, condemned the police action on Monday, telling reporters they would be filing a court case against the police and demanding a high-level inquiry.

She also denied rumours of student deaths.

Hundreds of people also protested in other parts of the city, including in Jawaharlal Nehru University and outside the city’s police headquarters.

How have Indian authorities reacted?

India’s Chief Justice Sharad Bobde said that the Supreme Court would intervene only if “the atmosphere settles down”, adding that student

protesters could not “take the law into their own hands”.

“The court can’t do anything right now. Let the riots stop,” he said.

The police have been heavily criticised, with many on social media alleging that officers attacked students with sticks and tear gas when they were peacefully protesting.

But Mr Randhawa, the police spokesman, said students and locals threw stones at police first, adding that 30 officers were injured.

What has the reaction been in other Indian cities?

Footage from the northern city of Lucknow on Monday showed students at Nadwa university throwing stones at security forces, who retaliated by throwing the stones back.

The students have been locked inside the campus.

Television footage also showed officers hitting students with large sticks.

In Kolkata, tens of thousands of people joined a demonstration led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ruling Trinamool Congress party.

Why is the law so divisive?

The Hindu-nationalist BJP government argues that the law aims to accommodate those who have fled religious persecution.

Critics say the law is part of the government’s agenda to marginalise Muslims, and that it violates secular principles enshrined in the constitution.

Earlier this week, the United Nations Human Rights office voiced concern that the new law was fundamentally discriminatory.

The government denies religious bias and says Muslims are not covered by the new law because they are not religious minorities, and therefore do not need India’s protection.

Meanwhile, people in Assam fear that they will be “overrun” by illegal non-Muslim migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh.

They argue that outsiders will take over their land and jobs - eventually dominating their culture and identity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Random sampling aimed at tracking duplicates on NRR-- Alexander THE random sampling survey being conducted by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of some 20,000 new registrants is meant to determine the degree of error with regards to duplicates already on the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB).

Only fingerprint cross matching and manual sideby-side comparisons of the data on registrants can determine whether there are duplicates on the list of some 20,000 new registrants.

Commissioner Vincent Alexander provided the clarification to Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment on Monday in light of the recent criticisms of the Opposition that the survey is only being conducted on some 10 per cent of the 20,000 registrants.

Criticisms came from People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Anil Nandlall on Saturday who told the Guyana Times that Gov-

ernment-nominated Commissioners were against the verification of the names.

“I can understand why the Government Commissioners may not want a 100 per cent verification exercise, because if this data is padded and fraudulent then the verification exercise will unmask it. However, the law mandates that not a single name must eventuate unto the OLE without verification.

GECOM has an unconditional duty to ensure compliance with this legal requirement.

Nothing short will suffice,” the former Attorney General asserted.

However, Alexander said that it is erroneous to suggest that house-to-house visits could address the question of duplicates. He informed: “Re-visiting people does not determine duplicates or otherwise. What is required are two acts. One act is the act of cross matching from the finger prints --- there’s some

Commissioner Vincent Alexander

difficulty with those. The other thing that is required for GECOM to do [is] sideby-side comparison between the existing National Register of Registrants, the houseto-house registration and the Claims and Objections to see if across those there are names which are duplicates that have not been identified by the biometric matching.”

Alexander further explained that there has been

a gross misrepresentation of what verification means and it is surprising that the very opposition, which withheld its scrutineers needed for the verification of the information during house-to-house visits, is now all in for verification.

“Unfortunately, the PPP boycotted the exercise and are now trying to get to do what they hadn’t done previously,” he said. GECOM has

decided to post, for public scrutiny, the names of the new registrants at various GECOM offices.

A photo has recently been circulating by the Opposition Leader which shows that former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Cecil Kennard, was listed as a new registrant which would form as a duplicate on the NRRDB. Alexander acknowledged this was a case of duplication which has to be resolved by a comparison between the NRRDB, the C&O information and the house-to-house data gathered.

He explained: “It cannot be resolved by house-tohouse visits at this time.

That does not make sense in terms of determining whether something is a duplicate or not and how to deal with a duplicate. Once you determine something is a duplicate, GECOM has an internal process to deal with it…random sampling is going to be

a process to try to determine the degree of error that we are faced with in relation to the returns from the company that did the cross-matching.”

On December 3, 2019, commissioners had updated the media that the information from the 370,000 transactions from the houseto-house exercise, crossmatched by international digital security company, Gemalto, showed that some 60,000 forms did not “attract a hit”, meaning that they were new names, not NRRDB. However, through its own efforts, the commission found that some 17,000 persons, who were presumed to be new, were already on the database.

From the approximate 43,000 persons remaining, the Guyana Chronicle was informed that some 23,000 were persons under 18, while the remaining 20,000 are being checked.

Cricket great, Basil Butcher, passes on Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks, Alvin Kallicharran, and John Trim.

Born on September 3, 1933 at Port Mourant, Berbice, to a Barbadian father and Berbician mother, Butcher told the Guyana Chronicle last February that he’d always felt he was born a cricketer. “From the time I was ‘hatched’ I was a cricketer,” he said with a chuckle.

After moving to Mackenzie in the early ‘60s he got involved in coaching cricket at

Butcher in his heyday

FORMER West Indies and Guyana batsman Basil Butcher passed away last evening in Florida.

He was 86.

Born Basil Fitzherbert Butcher, the former West Indian player was described as a strong middle-order batsman by cricket pundits.

He was said to be the first

person of Indigenous extract to play professional cricket, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Gary Sobers, Seymour Nurse, and fellow Guyanese Clive Lloyd, Rohan Kanhai, Joe Solomon and Lance Gibbs.

In 2008, Butcher was inducted into the Berbice Hall of Fame, joining men such as

the Mackenzie Sports Club, something he said he really enjoyed doing. Eventually, Butcher started working with the then Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) in the field of Public Relations.

He was quoted as saying at the time that while he was always gainfully engaged in a number of activities within the communities in which he lived, these being Berbice and Mackenzie, he still found time to enjoy the pleasures of life.

The legendary Basil Butcher

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Poverty alleviation OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo went to New York over the weekend and very crudely declared that “hunger has returned to Guyana.” Perhaps, to him, in his political hustings, this is a good thing to say. Hunger and poverty have never left Guyana. In fact, under the Jagdeo-PPP regime, extreme poverty was higher than it is today. The recently-published UNDP Human Development Report has revealed that Guyana has improved, with more and more Guyanese having greater access to education and potable water.

In its report, the UNDP has revealed that the value of Guyana’s Human Development Index (HDI) has increased to 0.670. “Guyana’s HDI value for 2018 is 0.670— which put the country in the medium human development category—positioning it at 123 out of 189 countries and territories,” the 2019 Human Development Report states.

As it is, Guyana’s 2018 HDI of 0.670 is above the average of 0.634 for countries in the medium human development group.

In 2017, Guyana’s HDI value stood at 0.654. At the time, it was ranked 125 out of 189 countries and territories.

The HDI is a summary measure for assessing long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development: A

long and healthy life; access to knowledge; and a decent standard of living. Between 1990 and 2018, Guyana’s HDI value increased from 0.537 to 0.670, an increase of 24.8 per cent. All religious faiths uncompromisingly teach that the poor must be taken care of either by charity or by compassion, whereby one fully empathises with the lot of the poor, and feels the pain of poverty, and as such is willing to give one’s all. Today, efforts by the State and secular organisations to eliminate poverty are not regarded as charity but as justice.

In 2015, the nations of the world, under the auspices of the United Nations, pledged themselves to achieve 17 goals for Sustainable Development, which would transform the world by 2030. These 17 goals have now become part of the developmental policies and aspirations of all modern and progressive nations, as well as most of the less developed.

The first of these Sustainable Goals is the elimination of poverty. This recognition of the scourge of poverty and the desire to eliminate it has been part of Mankind’s heritage for thousands of years.

Today, the entire corpus of human knowledge is being brought to bear on this goal of the elimination of poverty, and a detailed analysis of the social, political and economic action which could be taken in

achieving this transformation is constantly being worked out.

And most world leaders and economists are confident that extreme poverty worldwide could be ended by 2030.

In this quest, the main causes of poverty have been identified, and these include unemployment, social exclusion, a high vulnerability of certain populations to natural disasters and diseases, as well as other phenomena which prevent people from being productive. Having identified the causes of poverty, action could be systematically taken to engage or confront these causes, and eventually minimise or eliminate them. The action of religious people, however, to deal with poverty by charity and compassion should never be discounted, since, for thousands of years, they have supplied first-aid to the poor and those in poverty by offering food, medical help, shelter and protection against harassment by stronger members of society and still do so today.

Very often, large segments of society tend to feel that since they are socially and economically comfortable, the plight of the poor does not impinge on them, and that they should not be bothered with other people’s economic woes. Such an attitude is short-sighted and dangerous.

The first reason why such an attitude is short-sighted is

that it fails to take into account that the well-being of all humans is linked. This idea is part of the core teaching of religion, and is succinctly described by the 16th Century English metaphysical poet, John Donne, who warned that when one hears the church bells tolling at a funeral, one should not ask “For whom the bell tolls, since it tolls for thee since no man is an island.”

Donne underlines that all men are connected to each other.

The very practical economic and political reason why all should be concerned about the elimination of poverty is that growing inequality is detrimental to economic growth, and undermines social cohesion. This increases social and political tensions, which inevitably results in instability and conflicts, such as crime and violence in political and other spheres.

The practical action which must be taken to address poverty rests on the tripod of Government, the Private Sector and the Education and Scientific community. Government could provide the environment where productive employment could be generated, and jobs are provided for the poor and marginalised. This would include the formulation of fiscal policies which could stimulate pro-poor growth and reduce poverty. The Private Sector is often called “the engine of growth”, and if this idea is fully assimilated by governmental authorities and

the public, timely support and help would be accorded the Private Sector, so that it could contribute to poverty reduction.

Economic opportunities could be promoted for the poor by focusing on those segments of the economy where the poor are most active, such as micro and small enterprises, and those operating in the informal sector.

Some of these economic activities at reference are already in place by this government, and initiatives like the small business financing and economic livelihood programmes in the hinterland have been expanded and given fresh impetus.

The Education and Scientific community could increase the awareness of the negative impacts of poverty on life and society. Such awareness would provide a platform on which successful social, economic and political action could operate.

Scientific action could lead to the provision of safe drinking water for poorer communities, and the elimination of water-borne diseases. It could also reduce the health risks by the promotion of improved hygiene and sanitation.

So far, we have been dealing with poverty elimination as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The action which has been prescribed, as expected, would be mainly the responsibility of the State, but ordinary folk have also taken traditional action in

dealing with their poverty. In Guyana, after Emancipation and during the Indentureship period, Guyanese had evolved their own ways of addressing poverty, and these half-forgotten ways are worthy of resuscitation. For example, such would include the sensible and economic way they dealt with a necessity such as food. People concentrated on consuming good nutritious locally-produced food which was not expensive.

Kitchen gardens were common, and almost every family reared chickens and ducks, which provided them with their fried or curried chicken and eggs. People did not buy junk food, which is both unhealthy and expensive, and they avoided imported, canned or boxed food, since they always used the far less expensive local equivalents. For example, they would use the far less expensive corn flour porridge or conkey or corn-on-the-cob instead of corn flakes. And the same pattern was employed in the use of clothes, home health care, the celebration of rites of passage and so on. These folk ways of dealing with poverty could well supplement the macro programmes of the Sustainable Development Goal of poverty elimination.

PPP’s empty promises vs real achievements Dear Editor, THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has released “excerpts” from that party’s 2020 Manifesto, and their propagandists are going doorto-door, distributing copies of the document. Or, rather, one could say that it were comical if it did not pertain to the serious matter of national governance, and, were not contributing to the persistent littering problem.

Frankly, the PPP’s “manifesto” is a joke. Evidently, the authors at Freedom House sat around a table, threw out random ideas about what Guy-

anese may want to hear, incorporated aspects of the President David Granger’s ongoing policies and programmes, and sent the resulting content straight to the printer.

Obviously, little thought was given to the content of the publication. The PPP’s 2020 manifesto would simply be dismissed and tossed into the garbage where it belongs, by any right-thinking person. After all, the PPP had 23 long years to make good on their empty promises, but, instead, used that time in office to line their pockets, give away Guyana’s land to their cronies, make Guyana a criminal narco-state, squander

taxpayers’ money on overseas trips, and, of course, construct their “Pradoville” haven.

On the other hand, the David Granger administration, in only four years, has transformed Guyana into a democratic, respectable, State. Our country, which was once a narco-funded, lawless, piracy-ridden land, reigned-over by a dishonest, untrustworthy, greedy, criminal PPP regime, has been made, by President David Granger, into a respected, law-ruled, territory, with an enviably-growing economy.

Guyana has truly come a long way from the dark days of the PPP.

Productivity has been enhanced. Environmentally friendly mining has been boosted. The rice production sector has finally been receiving government’s attention. Cash-crop production is being actively encouraged and fostered by the David Granger government. The tourism sector has grown by some eight per cent as a direct result of government policies, programmes, and initiatives. Billions of dollars have been invested in public infrastructure across Guyana’s regions. Electricity supply has been improved in coastal communities, and a record number of hinterland villages are getting

electricity for the first time. The education sector has benefited from a modernised curriculum.

The rate of school-dropouts has been reduced. Information and communications technology (ICT) is now an integral part of the curriculum. New healthcare facilities have been established, while the pre-existing ones have been improved and upgraded.

Some 14,000 houselots have been delivered. Water supplies to coastal and hinterland communities have been established or enhanced. And the list goes on.

All of the programmes and initiatives introduced by the David Granger ad-

ministration, clearly, have one single objective: the production of better lives for all Guyanese regardless of where one lives. The David Granger policies evidently aim to put more money into the pockets of all citizens, thereby, creating the conditions for people to have good jobs, and better lives. Of course, obviously, the work of government has only just started. As Guyanese, we must allow progress to continue, as we work together towards better futures.

Regards, Mark DaCosta

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

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100th Anniversary of the British Guiana Colonisation Scheme

Dear Editors,

MY article about the 100th Anniversary of the British Guiana Colonisation Scheme seems to have hit a nerve, especially since such an important event that was central to Guyana from 1919 to 1929 has not been covered in any of our history books.

The many who have responded to it all make the same argument: That I misrepresented the facts.

Yet, all I did was to quote from the historical documents, and from Professor Clem Seecharam, Professor Emeritus. This is what is in the historical records. Trying to deny these facts or to suggest it was supported by a few Africans is a lie. Again, the facts from the historical records are as follows: In 2013, Professor Emeritus Clem Seecharan highlighted the friction the British Guiana Colonisation Scheme created between Africans and Indians during the decade-long debate and trips to India by prominent In-

doGuyanese of the day. He wrote about African concerns of Indian domination were exacerbated “by fears that prominent Indians such as J.A. Luckhoo and Dr. William Hewley Wharton were committed to creating an ‘Indian Colony’, with the possible renewal of immigration from India, after the end of indentureship in 1920.

African apprehensions were sustained in the 1930s when prominent Indians such as Peter Ruhomon and C.R. Jacobs advocated the building of a ‘greater India’ in Guyana. This imbedded a resilient fear among African Guyanese that they would lose everything to the Indian juggernaut. Moreover, the notion that British Guiana is an El Dorado, with stupendous resources, has fed continual apprehension between Africans and Indians that whoever inherits the kingdom is on the royal road to a “Golden Age”.

In 1919, Joseph A. Luckhoo and other prominent Indians in British Guiana

wrote: “We would then have hundreds of prosperous villages and thousands of square miles of flourishing crops springing up from the fertile soil of the Colony, and by the exploitation of the Gold, Diamond, Aluminum (bauxite ore) and other mineral and forest wealth of British Guiana, the three-century-old dream of Sir Walter Raleigh regarding our Magnificent Province, the fabled land of El Dorado, would be realised”.

The British Guiana Colonisation Scheme initially targeted many areas, namely: (1) 6,300 acres in the Pomeroon behind Hampton Court Estate; (2) 8,000 acres on Hogg Island, on the steamer route to east and west Essequibo; (3) 2,108 acres from Philadelphia to Bonasika Creek, adjoining the Boeraserie Creek and Warimia Conservancy; (4) 7,500 acres on or adjoining the Canals Polder; (5) 32,580 acres in Mahaica; (6) 14,854 acres on the West Coast and Abary; (7) 7,450 acres on

the Corentyne Coast. In addition, there were the lands of the N.W. District which required no empoldering over at least 100,000 acres. (Page 24 Report on the Second Deputation).

Today, mainly Indo-Guyanese occupy and own lands in these areas. It is as if many elements of the British Guiana Colonisation Scheme were executed in secrecy.

The official discussion of the British Guiana Colonisation Scheme ended in 1929 when Mahatma Gandhi would not support such a Scheme until India was given its Independence from England. Three quotes highlight the strategic goals of the British Guiana Colonisation Scheme, and are taken from the records of the Combined Courts of British Guiana. These quotes are taken from correspondence written by the three most prominent Indians from British Guiana, namely Joseph A. Luckhoo, W. Hewley Wharton and Parbhu Sawh.

QUOTE #1 “We would then have

hundreds of prosperous villages and thousands of square miles of flourishing crops springing up from the fertile soil of the Colony, and by the exploitation of the Gold, Diamond, Aluminum (bauxite ore) and other mineral and forest wealth of British Guiana, the three-century-old dream of Sir Walter Raleigh regarding our Magnificent Province, the fabled land of El Dorado, would be realised.”

QUOTE # 2 (From the same document) “We are in a position definitely to state that the Indians now resident in British Guiana comprise about 45 per cent of the entire population of the Colony, and they are better, safer. Happier. And more prosperous there than those residing in any other parts of the world, and even we venture to say India itself. It may be well to mention that in the social and religious aspects, Indians enjoy perfect freedom.

Their general ideas in these

respects are somewhat more westernised that in India. All Children in the Colony are entitled to receive free and compulsory education.”

QUOTE # 3 (From the same document) “We, the Indian representatives of the imperial Colonisation Deputation of British Guiana, now formally state that it is our desire, aim, and our object, if possible, to induce more Indians from the Motherland to join our ranks, increase our numbers, and so help us to make British Guiana an Indian Colony. This is really the Empire’s clarion call to India.”

So, instead of pursuing fake news, as is the trend today, let the historical documents be printed in an insert of the daily newspapers. I challenge any newspaper in Guyana to have the courage to print the actual documents from the Combined Courts. These were not written by me.

Regards, Eric Phillips

Don’t give power to a man who is in love with power Dear editor, YOU might have noticed that the country is calm for the past few days. No protests. No invasion of hotels. No fighting amongst the races. Things so tranquil that the two new Internet sensations were caught embracing the Minister of the people. By the way, Caribbean Voice, this was not an anti-suicide campaign, so you can put your pens down. The main reason why the land of many waters is quieter than a one minute silence, could only mean one thing and one thing only. Bharrat Jagdeo is out of the country.

My reliable sources informed me that Bharrat is in Queens, New York. I am at a loss, like most Guyanese, as to how he got there, since it is general knowledge that his mate and personal pilot is languishing in an American jail for money laundering and drug trafficking. Actually, the person in question goes by the name of Khemraj Lall. He would fly both Jagdeo and Ramotar, Bharrat’s first puppet, around the world for free. In exchange, they built a hangar at CJIA for his planes. To understand how this arrangement worked to the satisfaction of both parties, it is imperative to review what Adam Smith, the Scottish economist and intellectual once argued, “In a voluntary exchange, both parties must gain or at least

expect to gain.” Yes, both parties did gain much, to the pleasure of the Russian Economist.

Having reviewed the expert opinion of a smart person to help us shine some light on this surreptitious arrangement, it is only reasonable, to maintain academic balance, to look at what a not-so-smart person said. Enter Donald Trump.

He, via a giant megaphone on a major news outlet during Prime Time voluntarily uttered the following words, “quid pro quo.” Look, I am not that smart to know the meaning of such fancy words.

In any event, BJ found his way to Queens, New York. Before he left Guyana, there was a meeting of all the brains in PPP. Actually, that should be one brain, since Dr. Luncheon is the only person in PPP with an IQ above that of a ram goat. Top of the agenda for this impromptu caucus was to articulate what the “Supreme Leader” will say to the masses in Queens.

‘Battylion’, always wanting to be first, with enthusiasm shouted, “Talk about the poor economy.” That thought was quickly extinguished by none other than Sam, who was awakend by all the ruckus resulting from such a foolish suggestion.

He sleepily admitted that the economy grew by 4.5%. ‘Mr. Vexatious’ then suggested they talk about the potholes and poor infrastructure. Before the sentence was completed, a

minibus crashed into Freedom House, completely demolishing the sign, ‘PPP the only party of integrity’.

This quickly reminded the cohort of clowns and a startled Sleeping Bibi, of the repairs and resurfacing of the millions of potholed roads that the PPP left, which now give the drivers renewed confidence in speeding. Bharrat then sheepishly asked, “Can I remind them that the Government is illegal?”

The Lady Pandit looked at him and rhetorically asked, “Can an illegal Government call a legal election?” Mr. Rapein-the-Parliament, aka Hotel Invader suggested, “Let’s say that the people need more money.” The Feral Blaster, clearly irritated said, “Not after a 75% increase.” Roger Khan’s pal postulated, “We can argue that the healthcare system collapsed as soon as we were voted out.”

Suit guy from GECOM responded, “The well learned Minister of Health buried that, along with our hopes of winning the 2020 elections a few weeks ago on Benschop radio interview. The man who was once severely bitten by vagrant goats posited, “Tell them we will reopen to sugar estates.”

Bharrat nervously shouted, “Hell no!” The less we say about the sugar estates reopening, the better for us, since that idiot who was born in the slums of Princess Street, who ate out of rubbish bins as a lad,

asked us some very difficult questions that our Turnaround Specialist, who once rescued the world’s economy but now rescues failing sweetie stands, could not answer.” After a gulp of fresh air and wipe of sweaty forehead, he continued, “Our Turnaround Specialist, with his vast experience of saving the world’s economy, working along with Mr. Barack Obama and Mr. Gordon Brown, has never encountered such questions in his life, hence he openly questioned whether the author of these bone-hard questions was a Chinese computer algorithm or a Russian bot.” At this point, Dr. Luncheon, who was valiantly struggling for the past hour to extricate moustache and beard from his oral cavity, shouted, “ORDER! Stop this nonsense of Chinese computer algorithms and Russian bot!

Putting order to the farcical meeting, he said, “Sir, you do what you do best. JUST LIE. With that, Bharrat was off to Queens, New York, not greeted by red carpet but only rotten eggs. He took the podium and stressed to the masses that they should leave their jobs, take a loan, and return to Guyana to vote. In essence, he repeated the very foolishness he said in Canada. He then went on to state that people are going hungry in Guyana. Seriously!

That’s a shocker! The only thing that would have made that “going hungry” statement

more laughable is if Irfaan had said it. I do wonder, with my limited IQ, if PPP were so good for 23 years, then I believe that Guyanese should have been living comfortably today. How did they lose all their wealth in such a short time? Secondly, if they were not starving when the minimum wage was $39,000, then why are they starving when the minimum was increased by 75% in four years to $70,000? Thirdly, words are cheap. People want to see scientific evidence. Would Bharrat Jagdeo provide the scientific evidence which supports this ‘going hungry’ statement?

Also, if people are going hungry as Bharrat is claiming, then I expect other social factors to be also affected; namely, school attendance. The evidence does not support, that is more children are missing school since this Government has taken power. As a matter of fact, the evidence strongly supports the opposite, especially in the hinterland regions. To reinforce, I will repeat: The evidence is that both school attendance and examination performances have improved under this Government. Can Jagdeo explain this apparent dichotomy?

Let’s look at the sugar industry. This industry was essentially dead when this Government gained power in 2015, as a result of mismanagement by the PPP. This Government had to downsize to save the

industry. The unfortunate consequence of downsizing is that employees will become redundant. No government wants that. This government provided financial packages for the redundant workers, and arranged alternative employment.

Could things have been done better? Yes. When PPP closed sugar estates, they were not that considerate. As a result, if the redundant sugar employees did not go hungry during PPP’s heartless redundancy, why are they going hungry now?

Finally, PPP destroyed Linden by closing the bauxite industry; they were not that considerate.

Linden is presently a ghost town. Those are hard facts. I am curious to know why they are not that eager to reopen the bauxite industry?

It is easy to lie. What is difficult to do is to substantiate it. I pray for the day when our electorate starts interrogating politicians like Jagdeo, and not just sit and absorb garbage from him. He is the Champion of Lies. He cannot be taken seriously. The only persons who are hungry in Guyana are those in the PPP who are hungry for power.

The fact is that power will remain elusive. My message to the electorate is simple. Don’t give power to a man who is in love with power.

Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Electrocuted RUSAL employees discharged from hospital Employees claim OH&S procedures were not observed following incident Even as he complained of numbness in his left arm, and as co-workers pleaded with supervisors for the ambulance to be summoned, Pump Operator of the RUSAL-owned Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), Glendon Timmerman, said nothing was done immediately after he and another employee suffered electric shock while on duty last Saturday.

Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison confirmed that the body has received a report on the matter and will be sending a team to investigate.

“We got information of it today [Monday] and we intend to do our typical follow up to gather information and take the appropriate necessary actions based on that. It would depend on what we find so we have to determine what we find and that is currently what is being done. We have to get a team out there to gather information as to what really happened,” Dennison relayed.

After being hospitalized at the Kwakwani Hospital on Sunday, Timmerman, and the other injured employee, Mario Harris, were discharged

BCGI Employee, Mario Harris, while taking treatment at the Kwakwani Hospital

on Monday, and are at home recuperating.

“They say the numbness in me hand, it gon tek a lil time, and they give me some tablet and they give me ten days sick leave, and I’ve to go back on the 23 [December]. With the numbness in the hand I can’t really do nothing with it right about now,” Timmerman explained to the Guyana Chronicle, when contacted via telephone on Monday.

Timmerman was at the time speaking from his home at the remote Aroaima settlement owned by BCGI, questioning if his life is even valued by the company he works for, given how the incident played

out last Saturday, when his life was put at risk.

“Is like nobody don’t really care ‘bout we. How I seeing it we could’ve dead just like that and nobody wouldn’t have got time with we. We explain to them that we just get shock and I can’t feel me hand and nobody ain’t really come to check we right away is like nobody don’t have time,” Timmerman lamented.

Timmerman and Harris, are said to have been working on electrical equipment, in a pond, at the BCGI Kurubuka mines, when another employee switched on electricity without checking first to ensure all were safe.

BCGI Employee, Glendon Timmerman, while taking treatment at the Kwakwani Hospital

“I went in the water, in a pond like, fixing the pump, and [Mario] went on top the barge holding it together for I to fix it up. The electrician now before they put on the current, they didn’t tell we nothing, they just put on the current just like that. Then we end up getting shock. It shock me and push me out the water. My father and everybody had to tell them y’all cut off the current them man getting shock down here,” Tmmerman recounted of the incident.

Timmerman said several of his work colleagues who were present, including his father, Derrick Frank, implored the

Mines Foreman and another senior employee to call for the company’s ambulance, but this was not done.

The injured were made to wait approximately two hours for the regularly scheduled transportation that take employees home at the end of the shift. The operations being in a remote location, transportation to and from the mines are provided by the company.

“They asking the foreman, y’all carry them boy out, y’all carry them out. I tell them I can’t feel my hand right about now. All them said is just change yuh clothes and go upstairs so I just do as instructed.

The rest of my work colleagues them around start rowing and seh ‘watch how this man hand deh, they supposed to done call something and carry out to the hospital’ but nobody didn’t call the ambulance. I had to wait on the bus to come home,” Timmerman related.

Timmerman said it wasn’t until he came out from Kurubuka Mines and spoke with a Safety Officer at the Aroaima settlement, that he was taken to the Aroaima Health Centre later that Saturday. They were not taken the Kwakwani hospital until Sunday, after complaining of feeling worst.

At the hospital the doctor there cautioned that they should have gotten immediate medical attention.

“When I reach right away he [the hospital’s doctor] admit me because he said it could be dangerous. He ask me why I didn’t come since Saturday, I tell he I didn’t have no transpee [transportation],” Timmerman said.

Chief Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Gweneth King, noted that when an industrial accident occurs, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the company has up to four days to report non-fatal accidents, while fatal accidents require reporting within 24 hours.

When last contacted on Sunday, General Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GB&GWU), Lincoln Lewis, said though the incident was reported to the union, they are still investigating and verifying information, after which the union would be better equipped to comment on the issue.

Calls made to the Union on Monday, for an update, proved futile.

The APNU+AFC Government has delivered in the area of education --more than the PPP ever did Dear Editor, 73% CSEC passes in 2019 was not as a result of a magic wand, but it was careful implementation of President Granger’s 5 Bs initiative. His Excellency and his administration have made education a top priority and have spent between 8 to 20 billion dollars more in the education system than the PPP. The APNU+AFC government spent 40.3 billion in 2016, 43.1 billion in 2017, 45.1 billion in 2018, and 52.2 billion in 2019.

The Government’s 5 B’s initiative began as soon as the APNU+AFC government took office in 2015. The village of Moraikobai, situated up the Mahaicony River, Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five), was given a 42 seater boat in November 2015. At the commissioning ceremony for the boat, the President

recalled that three women including Deputy Toshao from the village visited him at the Ministry of the Presidency, where they advised that students travelled as much as 100 miles to get to the Central Mahaicony Secondary School. The children were forced to pay as much as $3000 per day to travel out of the village to attend school.

As a result school dropouts and absenteeism was on the rise. The President who has made education a top priority expedited the process of acquiring the boat so that the burden of children travelling to and from school could be alleviated in that area.

In Region six, there are currently three David Granger buses in operation; one on the East Bank Berbice from Kortbradt – New Amsterdam, Central Corentyne from Rose Hall Town – Number 51 Village and Upper Corentyne

from Number 51 Village – Corriverton. The East Bank route transports an average of 180 persons per day. Families are able to save an average of $10,000.00 per month, $120,000.00 yearly per child.

The President and his government created the 5Bs program which after about one year changed to the 6 Bs programme (Public Education Transportation System - PETS). Their goals -were to reduce poverty, reduce inequality and provide buses, boats, bicycles, books, breakfast and bags for all school children. Students have since been able to get to and from school in a timely manner and parents are no longer burdened with transportation costs of boats and buses.

Every Primary school student receives free breakfast.

As at 2018 the government has thus far commissioned 29 buses across the country,

along with 10 boats and 1400 of bicycles, books, bags and breakfast every day for primary school students. The David Granger-led coalition government’s vision is that all of Guyana’s schoolchildren begin to benefit in every way, and from all the programs initiated by His Excellency; and for the country to produce the most brilliant minds in the Caribbean. It is notable that in just over four years we have recorded over 73% passes at CSEC-the highest in the Caribbean for 2019.

PPP/C parliamentarians have lamented that, President Granger removed the $10,000.00 cash grant from school children. Every time this statement is made, it evokes laughter as I wonder if the economist and Doctor of doom, Bharrat Jagdeo didn’t explain to his followers that a $10,000.00

one off payment, which was nothing but a political gimmick cannot be compared to school children receiving free breakfast every day, a free bicycle, a free school bag, free books, and free ride to school on the David G school buses and boats.

Education was obviously not a priority for the puppet-master and de facto Presidential candidate Jagdeo; and the PPP who focused on building the fortified walls of Pradoville and enriching themselves and their chosen few. We can safely conclude that the one-off $10,000.00 uniform voucher that Priya Manichand distributed in 2014, less than a year before the 2015 election was just a rather convenient window dressing spectacle and another PPPC pathetic attempt to purchase votes. Now the PPP is promising an education cash grant of $50,000.00 a

year. The economist Jagdeo still has not enlightened his followers that $50,000.00 per year, still cannot achieve for each student what President Granger has achieved under the 6Bs initiative. We the Guyanese people are not easily bamboozled sir!

The APNU+AFC Government has delivered more to Guyana’s education sector that the PPP ever did.

Thousands of children and families continue to benefit from the government’s 6Bs initiative. The 6Bs program has been delivered to all students regardless of ethnicity and party affiliation.

All students are benefiting from better opportunities for achieving a brighter future under the APNU+AFC Coalition government.

Regards, Gregory Fraser

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Minister Jordan hands over boat and engine to Region Two RDC

MINISTER of Finance Winston Jordan, on Monday, handed over a new David G boat and engine at the cost of approximately $10 million to the Region Two Regional Administration, through its Department of Education, to assist in transporting children to school for the new school term.

The simple handing over ceremony took place at Charity Wharf in Region Two in the presence of Region Two Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikarran and Regional Education Officer, Ms. Nichola Matthews.

The new David G Boat will add to the two other boats that were gifted to the Pomeroon region by President David Granger through the 5 B’s initiatives. A new four-stroke 200 hp engine, valued $4.5 million, was also handed over.

Handing over the boat, Minister Jordan said that he was on a recent outreach in the Pomeroon communities where the requests were made for a boat and engine.

“It gives me great pleasure to commission the two boats and to hand them over to the Regional Administration and I trust that they will be preserved, they will be maintained, so that the end beneficiaries which are our children will have access to it,” Minister Jordan said.

Minister Jordan told regional officials that the boat will operate within the Lower Pomeroon district especially for the Akawini and Hackney children to benefit. He said that the government of Guyana was investing heavily in the education system and as such was providing modes of transportation for children to attend schools. He, therefore, called on officials to monitor

Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Denis Jaikarran, 'collecting' the boat from Minister Winston Jordan

President David Granger

The gathering at the handing-over ceremony held at Charity on Monday

Regional Education Officer, Ms. Nichola Matthews, speaking to the media

Minister and his office. She said that the children of Pomeroon will benefit tremendously and assured the Minister and his team that the boat will be serving its purpose.

The boat that was handed over and the other boat that received new engine, compliments of the Minister of Finance

and to ensure that the boat served its purposes.

Accepting the boat was

Regional Education Officer, Ms. Matthews, who expressed gratitude to the

“IMPROVEMENTS” Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikarran said the two additional boats and engines will boost the transportation services in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon. He said residents of the Pomeroon-Supenaam region have benefitted tremendously from the President 5 B’s programme, adding that apart from the Boat and Bicycles the Regional Administration was also catering for children who were travelling from the Hinterland communities to attend school. These children were in the dormitory and were being provided with meals.

Draft local-content policy being edited --Energy Department maintains December deadline for completion

By Navendra Seoraj THE final draft of the much-anticipated Local-Content Policy is being edited and is on course for completion this month.

With “first oil” expected anytime this month, the Department of Energy (DoE) will be looking to complete the policy so that there will be a guide for the participation and inclusion of Guyanese in the new oil-and-gas sector.

“The Local Content Policy Consultant has submitted his final report; the policy is being edited, with a completion date of December 2019 still being the aim of the DE,” said DoE Director Dr. Mark Bynoe during a press briefing on Monday.

The policy framework is meant to outline the guidelines by which local content will be understood, developed, measured,

President to address major youth summit in Linden

secured and implemented in Guyana’s petroleum sector.

It also takes into consideration the urgent need for the optimisation of revenues received from oil to benefit Guyana’s economy and citizens, present and future.

Although the policy is not complete, the DoE has been working with operators to commence reporting on local-content performance as per the conditions of the final draft of the policy.

“We have commenced the process of ensuring that their reports are coming in the format identified in the local-content policy, so that that will allow for an easy transition, standardisation and cohesion of those reports,” Dr. Bynoe said.

Local participation in the oiland-gas sector was also supported by operators like Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited

(EEPGL), which is working with the Council for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) on revising the curriculum for electrical, welding and fabrication Level 1 programme.

This will improve the capacity of the students and better prepare them for the sector.

It was reported that over 1,529 Guyanese are directly employed with EEPGL and its contractors, with 76 per cent of them being in the skilled and professional categories.

According to Dr. Bynoe, the representation of those employed in the sector was from Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Additionally, the company engaged with over 435 Guyanese vendors, and spent over US$82M in the third quarter of 2019, which

represented an increase of more than 150 per cent, compared to their expenditure in 2018.

With EEPGL’s local-content plan on stream, Government has started to work with both CGX and Tullow to develop their local-content plans.

“We are encouraged by the continued contributions made to raising capacity and standards in Guyana,” Dr. Bynoe said, adding that the DoE is encouraged by the recent US$2M donated to the University of Guyana by Halliburton for capacity building at the institution.

This was a relationship brokered by the DoE, and the grant was signed off on at the recently-held Guyana International Petroleum Exhibition and Summit (GIPEX 2019).

PRESIDENT David Granger will deliver the feature address, at a major youth summit, billed for Thursday at Watooka Guest House, Linden.

It is expected, that the youths of Guyana, who have been on the priority list for the coalition government, will, once again, be given a platform where they can express themselves and to hear directly from the leaders of Guyana.

This platform will be made possible at the First Annual Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) and Symposium, hosted by the “Youth Forward Movement.” The event will commence at 16:00 hrs. President Granger, several members of his cabinet and influential youths in leading positions, either in government or non-governmental organisations, will also address the summit. The summit is the brainchild of Region Ten Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, who related in a release, “We have created a platform for our young people to hear directly from the leaders of Guyana, including His Excellency, with regards to their vision for the continued development of our nation.”

Figueira reasoned that since our youths make up the leading demographic in our country, they should continue to be given a voice and to be reassured that their voices will be heard by the APNU-AFC Coalition. The event is free of charge and will be followed by a reception. Youths from all across Guyana, are welcomed.

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West Watooka to ...

the community, residents were motivated to form a Community Development Council and since then, would have engaged the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd. (N.I.C.I.L) on approval to use a piece of land for the construction of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub and a play park for the children. This was approved, and Croft also hailed the move as another hall mark achievement for the community. The CDC is hoping that next year, they will benefit from internet service, since the children residing there, find it challenging to study and complete their assignments, after school. As the community looks forward to these projects, the residents remain optimistic that with what has been started, their overall needs will be met, in 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Gov’t welcomes miners’ Manifesto …says remains committed to addressing issues affecting industry

By Svetlana Marshall WITH a support base of approximately 100,000 Guyanese, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the National Mining Syndicate (NMS) are demanding easier access to mercury-free technologies, improved infrastructure for the mining sector, the reduction, and, in some cases, the removal of taxes and duties on mining equipment, as the country heads into another General and Regional Elections.

The Ministry of Natural Resources said it welcomes the ‘Manifesto for Mining’ presented by the miners, while noting that the Government continues to address issues plaguing the Mining Sector to the benefit of the country and its people, primarily those within the industry.

In a paid ad published in the Guyana Chronicle, GGDMA and NMS, in a united voice, laid out their grounds for support in the March 2020 Elections, making it known that the more than 100,000 Guyanese and their families, who are directly and indirectly dependent on mining for their livelihoods, will be voting on issues that are specific to the industry.

“Miners in Guyana demand more serious representation and less lip service from political parties,” the organisations said in the joint statement published on Sunday.

President of the National Mining Syndicate, Cheryl Williams, on Monday, told Guyana Chronicle that, while miners are in support of the phasing out of the use of mercury in gold recovery, they lack the financial power to do so.

“We need mercury-free equipment but small miners cannot afford the purchase of those equipment. If we can get assistance from the government in acquiring the

President of the National Mining Syndicate, Cheryl Williams

equipment, that would be a plus,” Williams explained.

The National Mining Syndicate is an umbrella organisation covering a total of 12 syndicates spread across Guyana, with a membership of approximately 500 small miners.

Guyana, since signing the Minamata Convention in October 2013, has been exploring various avenues for the gradual reduction in the use of mercury, as it seeks to safeguard the environment, while protecting human health. It is the Government’s intention to eliminate the use of mercury by 2027.

In their missive, GGDMA and NMS said there should be no phasing out of mercury without a viable, proven replacement, adding that the provision of financial and technical assistance to miners would be a necessity.

What is needed, the organisations said, is an affordable alternative technology. The missive came just days after Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, endorsed a proposal made by GGDMA’s Executive for a pilot project that would result in the integration of international recommendations for the reduction of mercury in the sector to test their viability in conditions resembling those encountered by small and medium scale miners at interior locations.

On Monday, Minister Trotman also met with the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) and the National Mining Syndicate (NMS), during which, a range of issues were dis-

A collage of photos highlighting the various meetings Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has had with representatives from the various mining organisations.

cussed including that of mercury.

“Specifically, the MNR has continued to advance the Minamata Convention towards the phased reduction of use of mercury and elimination, where feasible, in all activities, and remains committed to exploring alternatives. Currently, demonstrations of use of some equipment have been ongoing by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the three recognised mining associations -the GGDMA, GWMO and NMS,” the Natural Resources Ministry said in a statement.

Another major area of concern for the miners is infrastructure. According to GGDMA and NMS, there is need for new roads to access new mining areas. “Syndicates were given lands and some of the lands you cannot access because of no road at all. So you will have to go around the main road and then make your road to get into the property,” Williams explained.

The NMS President said, while the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Administration has been

instrumental in providing small-scale miners with mining blocks, there is need for a better maintenance plan for the interior roads including the timely issuance of construction and maintenance contracts. Williams cited the road leading to Kanaruk in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) as an example. According to her, the road is in a deplorable state.

Added to that, GGDMA and NMS would like miners, who are operating within close range, to be given priority tenders for interior roads once they have the equipment to execute the project.

“Roads should be permanent all-weather roads capable of accepting up to 60-ton loads.

Bridges should be built to accept 60-ton loads. Pontoons which service river crossings should be able to accept 100ton loads,” the organisations said in the statement as they made their demands known.

Further to that, the mining bodies are advocating for a pre-set policy and formula to be put in place to allow for a sizeable percentage of proceeds from Royalties and Taxes to be set aside for the development of infrastructure for mining.

Weighing in on the issue, the Natural Resources Ministry was keen on pointing out that the Government has been able to advance the rehabilitation and maintenance of numerous hinterland roads to the tune of over $4 Billion.

“On a related note, the MNR, in 2018, recognizing the need for a single, comprehensive planning document for the mineral sector, successfully completed a consultative project for the design and publication of a 10-year strategic development plan for Guyana’s mineral sector; the National Mineral Sector Policy Framework and Plan 2019-2029. This policy is being implemented,” it explained.

Concerned over the increasing number of road accidents, GGDMA and NMS are also calling on Government to enforce the Road Users Agreement to encourage a culture of responsible use of the interior roads.

On the issue of taxes, GDDMA and the Mining Syndicate, said, in an effort to access cheaper fuel, there must be a reduction in duties and taxes. They also want a removal of VAT and Duty on all mining equipment and

a reduction of the duties on new vehicles.

With effect from January 1, 2018, the APNU+AFC Administration reduced the tributors’ tax from 20 to 10 percent. As such, miners are no longer required to pay two percent of gross proceeds to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

In exchange for their votes, the miners are demanding that mining permits be issued for a period of 1015 years in the first instance.

There is also a push for the establishment of a Mining Development Bank to assist the small and medium scale miners. Data on mining lands, rental fees for mining lands, security in the mining sector, amendments to the Mining Act and Mining Policy and a clear position on River Mining are among other areas GGDMA and NMS would like firm decisions on.

Clear environmental policies are also critical to the process, they said.

In response, the Natural Resources Ministry said Government remains committed to addressing the issues affecting miners across the industry.

“The ministry continues to cater to those dependent on mining activities, and will continue to work towards ensuring that all are able to benefit. Further, the Ministry acknowledges the challenges that present themselves, and continues to urge those within the sector to remain committed to working with us as we aim towards the sustainable development of the sector.

The Ministry thanks the GGDMA, the GWMO and the NMS for their continued contributions towards the sector and hopes to remain working with both bodies towards the sustainable exploration, utilization and development of our nation’s patrimony,” it said.

NA biker dies after crash A New Amsterdam motorcyclist is dead, while another is recuperating at the hospital following an accident in the vicinity of Main Street and Charles Place, New Amsterdam on Sunday afternoon.

Dead is Deon Granville of Lot 59 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, while the injured is Roderick Ageday,

Injured biker: Roderick Ageday

of Lot 57 Stanleytown. Ageday is a heavy-duty operator, employed by Home

Dead: Dean Granville

Designs and Associates.

According to information, Granville was seen on several instances riding his motorcycle at a fast rate of speed along the main thoroughfare. It was during his last ride that he swerved into the path of Roderick Ageday, who was riding his motorcycle whilst returning home from work.

Following the collision, both men were taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where Ageday underwent emergency surgery after sustaining injuries to his abdomen, arms and feet. According to medical sources, Granville suffered massive head injuries as he was not wearing a helmet. Further, efforts

to tranquilise him failed due to the level of narcotic in his blood stream, the Guyana Chronicle was told. Just before 21:00hrs, Granville was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, but died while receiving treatment. Ageday remains hospitalised.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 17, 2019

Minister Cummings hosts party for 500 children in Mabaruma CHILDREN from Region One were treated to a Christmas party last Thursday, which was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings.

Over 500 children gathered at the Mabaruma Primary School to meet Santa Claus and receive their presents which they did with great delight.

Minister Cummings, in her brief remarks, mentioned that Christmas is a magical time for children. “The whole season has its own special feel to it and everyone seems to be a little happier and kinder at this time of year. One thing, that everyone likes about Christmas, is to see children with twinkling eyes and beaming smiles anxiously waiting to open their presents.

I’m very happy to be able to spread some good cheer and

happiness on behalf of the APNU+AFC Government here in Mabaruma in 2019.

Love, joy and peace are the ingredients for a wonderful Christmas. I sincerely hope you find them all this festive season,” Minister Cummings stated, as quoted in a release.

“This is the season for spreading love and good cheer, and to truly celebrate Christmas in the spirit of kindness, charity and benevolence. As we celebrate today let us be ever mindful of those less fortunate and give thanks for the blessings

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings, distributing gifts to the children

we are about to receive,” Minister Cummings added. Minister Cummings Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings and the children of extended warmest Mabaruma

thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and prosperous New Year to children and residents of Region One. “May peace, love and prosperity follow

you always. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year from His Excellency, President David A. Granger and the rest of the APNU+AFC Government!”

Security cameras with facial recognition for Ports of Entry – MOPT THE Ministry of Public Telecommunication’s National Data Management Authority (NDMA) is gearing up to launch a major security initiative, which will see the installation of high quality surveillance cameras equipped with facial recognition, at the country’s ports of entry.

In a statement on Monday, the Public Telecommunications Ministry said the project is being executed in partnership with the Chinese Government under the Safe City Solutions Programme.

Tech giant Huawei Technologies is spearheading the security project which falls under

the US$37.6 million venture that has already seen over 100 Close Circuit Television (CCTV) high-technology security cameras being installed around the country, particularly the capital-- Georgetown.

According to the Head of the NDMA, Major (rtd) Floyd Levi, preparations are still being made to have the ports wired. He said focus will be placed on popular entry and exit points such as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport and those developing ports, such as the Guyana/ Suriname crossing that, nonetheless, experience a decent flow of persons travers-

ing the borders.

With Guyana on the verge of becoming a popular oil state with a likely influx of foreigners, Major Levi said it is necessary for the country to strengthen its security system particularly around its borders. He said that with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and Homeland Security’s watch list being a large one, it would be almost impossible for ordinary security personnel to keep up with the numerous wanted or potentially dangerous persons seeking to cross borders.

“That is why we would have to keep an eye on whose coming and who is going out.

Head of the NDMA, Major (rt’d) Floyd Levi

We don’t know some of these persons and we would want to have the best equipment that would help us recognize a potential threat before it gets within our society,” the NDMA head explained.

Major Levi reminded that only at the nation’s borders will the country be implementing facial recognition features in regard to the cameras. A small number of persons have expressed concerns that the feature would infringe on their personnel privacy. However, the NDMA head explained that the port cameras would allow for the facial features of a potential suspect to be fed into a system and ran against

the individuals that may be present on a wanted list before alerting authorities to the potential threat.

“This is not something the ordinary citizen should be worried about,” Levi said while adding “this system is targeting those who would have broken the law and evading justice by crossing borders.”

The NDMA had recently announced that it had a total of 119 security cameras around the country with 17 strategic locations recently added. The cameras have been credited with solving a number of criminal activities around the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 17, 2019

Decision on Scott, Felix matter imminent --to be handed down on Jan. 22 COME January 22, 2020, the Judges sitting at the appeal court, Kingstown, Georgetown, will rule in the appeal filed by the Government against a ruling by former Chief Justice Ian Chang, that Minster Winston Felix and Keith Scott cannot hold seats in the National Assembly as technocratic ministers.

On February 19, 2016, Justice Chang (now deceased) had ruled that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance For Change (AFC), ministers could not continue to sit in the National Assembly as non-elected members, since they were both elected as part of the coalition’s list of national candidates.

Chang had, in his ruling, also noted that despite the appointment of Felix and Scott to executive positions

by President David Granger, following the 2015 General and Regional Elections, such

top positions do not entitle the two gentlemen to hold seats or sit as technocratic ministers in the National Assembly.

The ruling had its origin in an objection by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on the appointments of Felix and Scott. The party, through a challenge filed

by PPP member Desmond Morian, had contended that, “Articles 103 (3) and 105 of the constitution of Guyana and laws pronouncing on the eligibility of appointment of technocratic ministers, do not confer technocratic status on these persons already sworn in by President David Granger as ministers.”

Representing Morian in the matter is former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs under the PPP administration, Anil Nandlall.

But the government counter challenged the ruling, claiming that the two

ministers were properly appointed and that Chang, at the time when he ruled against the counter challenge, was `functus officio,’ meaning he was about to demit office.

The state is represented by the Attorney General and Minster of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams.

According to the AG, Chang’s decision cannot be supported in law and that he “fell into grave error of law and misdirected himself in law, when he found that persons who are on the successful list of candidates are elected and therefore cannot qualify under Article 105 of the constitution of Guyana to be ‘non-elected’ Members of Parliament and who have not been chosen or selected from the list of candidates to be Members of Parliament are excluded from being selected by the President as persons who are qualified to be elected as members of the

The Attorney General and Minster of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams.

National Assembly.”

He likened Chang’s decision as bad in law, in that he “failed to take into consideration the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03 and the National Assembly (Validity of Elections Act), Chapter 1:04”.

In addition, Williams said that Chang’s ruling is in breach of the rules of natural justice, as he failed to give

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix

him a hearing before delivering his decision; also that he, “Failed to take into account that Article 163 (4) (a) of the constitution of Guyana empowered Parliament to make provisions with respect to the circumstances and manner in which and the conditions upon which proceedings for the determination of any question under this article may be instituted in the High Court, which Parliament did by enacting

Junior Minister of Social Protection with responsibility for labour, Keith Scott

the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act, Cap. 1:04,” thus misdirecting himself in law.

On Monday, December 16, 2019, Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory, Rishi Persaud and High Court Judge, Franklin Holder heard the matter at the court of appeal and announced that a decision in the matter will be given on January 22, 2020.

Gafoors Christmas fete attracts scores as usual IN an annual tradition that started way back in 1978, the Gafoors Group of Companies on Sunday held its grand Christmas fete at its McDoom Mega Complex, East Bank Demerara, and as usual attracted scores of children and senior citizens.

They came from various villages, orphanages and geriatric homes across the country, and were shuttled back home by Gafoors transportation services upon the conclusion of the event.

The event also had a Santa Claus on hand to help share out all the goodies the company had in store for the scores of children in attendance.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sattaur Gafoor and his wife, Ameena, along with relatives and staff of the company were actively involved in the distribution of food and gifts to their guests.

Company CEO Sattaur Gafoor (bracing on minibus) overlooking the distribution on Sunday

Mr. Gafoor also gifted cash to senior citizens, take away lunches, desert and blankets. Everyone at the event was treated to hot meals and a gift.

The company has a tradition of bringing cheer to the

less fortunate during the festive season as the company has been feeding the less fortunate for over the decades.

The company is also involved in many other charitable works.

A section of the gathering at the Gafoors McDoom Mega Complex

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Minister Jordan commissions new maternity waiting home for Suddie Public Hospital

By: Indrawattie Natram MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan, on Monday, commissioned a stateof-the-art maternity waiting home for the Suddie Public Hospital, in Region Two. During his address to healthcare providers in the newly-constructed and furnished facility, the minister said that the Government of Guyana continues to con-

-Gov’t committed to providing Health facilities for all

Bed in the area.

Minister Jordan along with staff members who will be working at the new maternity waiting home.

struct a number of health facilities across the country.

He said the mandate was in keeping with the Government’s motto of providing a “good life” for all Guyanese.

and furnish the facility which he described as an asset for pregnant mothers. He said the facility will serve as a hub to foster social cohesion in the region and mothers whenever

Minister Jordan, along with Regional officials, commissioning the new maternity waiting area at Suddie Public Hospital.

The waiting area.

He reflected on his last visit stating that he was impressed with the work done by healthcare providers at the Suddie Public Hospital, noting that they worked well under varying conditions and challenges. Minister Jordan said that he was pleased to commission such a facility that will benefit pregnant mothers from Regions 1, 2 and even 3.

He also thanked the doctors and nurses for their continued support in moulding the health sector and reminded them that the government had recognized that and as such their allowances were reviewed. He said the Government of Guyana was striving to improve the life of health personnel throughout Guyana because they are important personnel in everyone’s life.

Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Denis Jaikarran said that the Regional Administration was pleased to construct

they are overnighting will be benefitting from counselling sessions. The facility will also be used as accommodation for riverine healthcare workers. Previously the administration had to provide accommodation in hotels for such workers.

Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr. Shen Reid, said that pregnant mothers were hosted at the Amerindian Hostel prior to delivery. She said that the facility was not comfortable. With the new facility, pregnant mothers will be more comfortable.

Region Two Engineer, Kawan Suchit, said that the building was a two-storey one and measured 30x 80 feet. It was fully furnished and had basic amenities such as a kitchen, waiting area and washroom. There were currently 16 beds and 9 self-contained bedrooms.

The building was completed in 2017 but was furnished in 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

‘Spoil child’ granted bail

TEON Alleyne called ‘Spoil Child’ who has had several ‘brushes’ with the law was, on Monday, December 16, 2019, released on $240,000 bail by Magistrate Faith Mc-

Gusty.

Alleyne of Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charges, when they were read to him.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on November 26, 2019, at Houston Public Road, he had, in his possession, sixteen 9mm rounds of ammunition, without being the holder

of a firearm licence.

The second charge stated that, on the same day and at the same place, he had, in his possession, seven .45 rounds of ammunition, without being Teon Alleyne called ‘spoil child’

the holder of a firearm licence.

The third charge read that, on the same day and at the same place, he had, in his possession, one 9mm pistol, without being the holder of firearm licence.

The last charge stated that, on the same day and at the same place, with intent to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm, he discharged a loaded firearm at Inspector Mohan Khan.

Attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon who represented Alleyne in the matter requested the court to grant his client reasonable bail.

Magistrate McGusty released Alleyne on $60,000 bail on each of the charges. The

matter was adjourned until January 8, 2020.

According to information, on the day in question, police received information of a ‘suspicious’ car speeding on the East Bank Road. The police set up a road block and the suspected car sped away from the road block.

The police gave chase and Alleyne attempted to escape from the lawmen, as they headed in the direction of the city, but the driver of the car, said to be Allen, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a fence along the roadway. Alleyne exited that vehicle and pointed a gun at the police, after which he was shot.

Shakeil Grant, 24, a miner of Sophia and Jason Gonsalves, 26, a miner of Campbelleville were, weeks ago, charged for the same offence and were also released on $240,000 bail each.

Miners accused of robbery granted bail

(left) Robin Patrick, Mark Smith

MAGISTRATE Ann McLennan, on Monday, December 16, 2019, granted bail of $200,000 to each of two gold miners accused of robbery.

Mark Smith, 31, of Mocha and Robin Patrick, 20, of Charity Housing Scheme, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge, when it was read to them.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on December 9, 2019, at Essequibo, while being armed with cutlasses and wood, they robbed Claudo DaSilva of a ATV motorcycle valued at $3,500,000.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield made no objections to bail being granted to the men and told the court that, on the day in question, DaSilva was riding his motorcycle, on his way to a mining camp, when he was forced to slow down on the trail.

Mansfield added that Smith

and Patrick came out from nearby bush, armed with the items mentioned in the charge, dealt DaSilva several lashes across his body and relieved him of his motorcycle and made good their escape.

The matter was reported to the Mahdia police station and the men were arrested by public-spirited citizens. An investigation was launched and the miners were positively identified by DaSilva.

Magistrate McLennan granted the men $200,000 bail each and ordered that they report to the Mahdia police station every Friday until the completion of the matter.

The matter was adjourned until January 14, 2020, at the Mahdia Magistrates’ Court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 17, 2019

Training future entrepreneurs

School of the Nation’s introduces KidsMBA programme Jared Liddell SCHOOL of the nations has introduced an KidsMBA programme that will commence from December 17, 2019. The course is geared toward providing children between the ages of 11 and 15 with training and knowledge on business and entrepreneurial studies. The course is scheduled to run for four months after which the children will receive a personalised and numbered (Association of Business Executives) ABE Endorsed KidsMBA Certificate of Achievement.

Director of the School of the Nations, Dr. Brian O’Toole, spoke of the idea behind the introduction of the programme, explaining that the decision was made because it was observed that many children could be given the opportunity to grow in the business world, if they were exposed to simplified business principles from a younger age.

Dr. OToole further explained that this would be the first KidsMBA programme to be implemented in the Caribbean.

“We are excited about this programme; it’s just been launched now around the world

by ABE. They have just started this programme and the response that they have had already is really exciting. I believe we are going to get a lot of people to do it,” Dr. O’Toole said.

Principal of the primary division of the School of the Nations and head of the kidsMBA programme, Mischka White, speaking on the programme explained that, “The kidsMBA

programme is designed to teach the children how to sustain life through business. Whether they want to become entrepreneurs or not they need the skills to manage their finances, to think strategically, and these skills that they will learn would apply to their lives even if their career path is not entrepreneurship. So the kidsMBA is an actual MBA because they look at ideas, pricing, marketing all the way down to how to pitch ideas to investors.

or even sell their business ideas to someone else to run.

The kidsMBA programme is certified by the Association of Business Executives (ABE, UK) an internationally-recognised not-for-profit awarding organisation particularly renowned for high-quality business and management skills development.

Some of the business areas that the programme would focus on are: Business Ideas and Unique Selling Proposi-

Director of the School of the Nations, Dr. Brian O’Toole

Substantial material is used but simplified so that children from the age of eight can understand, so these are the age groups that we are targeting for this.”

Further she related that throughout the programme the children will create business ideas, and will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to investors who will give them the opportunity to actually turn some of those ideas into businesses; which they will run themselves

tion (USP); Business Name and Logo; Copyright and Patents; Pricing; Marketing and Sales; Customer Service; Communication and Networking; Business Structures; Business Finance; Contracts and Legal Obligations; Operational Plan and Personnel; Budgeting; Bookkeeping and Tax; Business Plan and Financials; Leadership and Corporate Responsibility and Pitching to Investors.

PANCAP fully endorses PrEP

- urges member states to implement PrEP THE Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) said it has fully endorsed the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation that Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) be offered to all population groups at substantial risk of becoming infected with HIV in order to prevent the acquisition of HIV. In a release PANCAP said the WHO defines oral Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV infection as the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs by people who do not have HIV infection in order to prevent the acquisition of HIV. PrEP is considered a key prevention modality and should be an additional prevention choice in a comprehensive package of services that also includes HIV testing, screening and management of sexually transmitted infections, counselling, male and female condoms, lubricants, ARV treatment for partners with HIV infection, voluntary medical male circumcision and harm reduction interventions for people who use drugs.

PANCAP has defined as a key strategy within Strategic Priority Area 4 of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS (CRSF) 2019-2025, “Implement targeted policies and strategies to deliver high impact interventions such as PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis), PrEP, HIV self-testing, index testing, STI and viral hepatitis prevention and diagnosis within a HIV combination prevention approach.” This Framework was endorsed by Ministers of Health at the 37th Meeting of the Council of Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Health, which was held on 27-28 September 2019 in Washington, D.C., USA. COHSOD encouraged

member states to align their National Strategic Plans to this framework and support its implementation.

In the English-speaking Caribbean, The Bahamas and Barbados have developed and implemented PrEP programmes. In both cases, this was done in close collaboration with civil society organisations and in the case of The Bahamas, with the private health sector. Both countries have at least 18 months of implementation experience and have been sharing lessons learned that are beneficial and can potentially be applied in other Caribbean countries. In August 2019 the Ministry of Public Health Guyana trained health care professionals within the private sector to implement PrEP, following which implementation began through a Private Sector – Civil Society Partnership. Other countries in the Caribbean are poised to implement PrEP following the PANCAP PrEP Share Fair which was held in Barbados in August 2019 at which participating countries developed action plans for rolling out the initiative.

On the 14 February 2001, Heads of Government, through a Declaration of Commitment, launched PANCAP and called on all Heads and all partners to make a solemn commitment towards ensuring that good public policies are adopted across all sectors to create a supportive environment for prevention of HIV transmission and for mitigating the impact of the epidemic.

Cognisant of the effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV transmission within an HIV combination prevention approach, PANCAP urges member states to implement PrEP.

Principal of School of the Nations Primary division, Mischka White, along with some of the students currently enrolled in the programme

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 17, 2019

UG honours long-serving Staff members “AT the University of Guyana, we value each staff member; your contribution is important and subsequently noticed. Our success as a university is as a result of people taking action, and true power is in the initial insight from our employees.”

These were the sentiments expressed by Dr C. Nigel Gravesande, Registrar, University of Guyana, during his opening remarks at the 29th annual Long Service Awards Ceremony held on December 12, 2019 in the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT), Turkeyen Campus.

According to a press release from the University of Guyana, the event was organised by the Personnel Division, under the theme ‘Respect and Resilience.’

The exquisite ceremony sought to recognise long service employees and reward them for their loyalty, dedication, hard work and commitment to the university over the years.

Employees were recognised for 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service to the University of Guyana.

Among the awardees were Ms Hermattie Ramkarran,

Ms Leelawattie Singh, Mr Mohammed Ally, Professor Brij Tewari and Mr Samuel Lee, recognised for 20 years of service; Ms Vera April, Ms Lorraine Mc Leod, Ms Nicole Grant, Ms Sandra Peters, Ms Florentia Wilson, Dr Paulette Bynoe A.A. and Dr Rishee Thakur were recognised for 25 years of service; Ms Tagebrittie Singh-Jaichand, Mr Phillip Da Silva A.A., Ms Marcellin D’Aguiar and Ms Barbara Holder were recognised for 30 years of service; and Ms Syndrene Harris, Mr Oswald Aaron and Ms Jacqueline Morris were recognised for 35 years of service to the University.

Professor Paloma Mohamed- Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE) and Chair, Transitional Management Committee

(TMC) during her welcome remarks acknowledged the sacrifice of not only the employees but their families as well.

She cited a poem by Martin Carter noting ‘All are involved and all are consumed…’ and that great sacrifice must have been involved in achieving such a milestone. Further, she ex-

Back row: Long Service Awardees and seated are members of the Transitional Management Committee (TMC)

Long Service Awardees and guests

tended a special thank you to the employees, “I thank you for what you have given and what you continue to give to the University of Guyana. I know you are here because of love, commitment and passion for what you do. You have shown love to this University and we love you.”

Also in attendance were Dr Jacqueline Murray, Director, Institute of Distance and Continuing Education who delivered the feature address, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh who presented the awards and certificates to the long

service awardees, staff members of the University Community, family, friends and other specially invited guests. A special dance tribute was done by the Indian Cultural Centre and song tributes by Mr Ezzie Crandon and Mr Daniel Frank, staff members of the University of Guyana.

Moore no more

…Magistrate recuses self in the Marcus Bisram matter MAGISTRATE Alex Moore, on Monday, recused himself from the Marcus Bisram murder trial, following a directive by the Chancellor of the Judicary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

Guyana Chronicle understands that a letter by the DPP was sent to the Chancellor followed by a petition by the relatives of Faiyaz Narinedatt, who was allegedly murdered by Bisram. The relatives had petitioned seeking to have the senior magistrate removed from hearing the matter on the grounds that he was being biased against the prosecution. As a result, the Chancellor issued a directive that Moore recused himself.

At the Springlands Magistrate’s Court in East Berbice Corentyne, on Monday, where the matter was scheduled to continue, Moore acceded to the directive and made a note that the prosecution declined to move forward with the matter and made no disclosure as directed, citing they were awaiting the answer to the recusal request. The matter was adjourned until January 13, 2020 and will be heard before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, in Court One, of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. At that hearing, the chief magistrate is expected to make a decision on where and by whom the matter will be heard moving forward.

This latest development angered Bisram’s lawyers. Speaking with reporters after the matter was adjourned, Dexter Todd, One of Bisram’s defence attorneys said the move by the prosecutor was clearly in contempt of the court’s orders and will certainly be raised before the Chief Magistrate. “I believe what is important is the culture we see transpiring in this matter. There is no part of the world where a Director of Public Prosecutions can overstep and say to the court I will not obey the order of the court. What the prosecutor did today is a clear contempt

Magistrate, Alex Moore

of court and that excuse of not acting on the court’s order because she is awaiting further instructions from the DPP is utter nonsense!”

Todd continued that, if the actions of the prosecution were left unabated, such could lead to chaos as the defence would think it was okay to disobey the orders of the court and then the court would be rendered useless if everyone was allowed to do as he/she pleased.

“It should not be allowed, we will definitely not allow this to contin-

Murder accused, Marcus Bisram

ue. I have not seen it in any other matter; I have not seen that type of allowance by any other court and, of course, if the magistrate has been given instructions to recuse himself from the matter then he cannot enforce his own order and that is what you saw happening in court…”

Meanwhile in response to why the magistrate agreed to a paper committal instead of a PI the two defense attorneys explained that what the magistrate did was in keeping within the ambits of what the law allows and was not in any way to be interpreted as being biased in favour of the defence.

The team explained that they want a speedy trial and believes the prosecution does not have a case and in an effort to speed up the process they agreed in open court to allow any and all evidence the prosecution wishes to submit so that they can get to cross examine the witness for an hour. That they said was easier and faster rather than the longer version of a PI which can take over a year and their client remains in jail.

The comments come on the heels of the family issuing a statement and a subsequent petition that was submitted citing the magistrate was being biased in his proceedings. At the last hearing Magistrate Moore had reported sick while Special Prosecutor Stacey Goodings was a no show. The previous orders of the court had dictated that the Prosecution presented a full disclosure of the evidence which was not done. Efforts by the court to contact Ms. Goodings on that occasion were unsuccessful. However, she had requested the matter be adjourned until January 7, 2020. Bisram is accused of orchestrating five men to murder Narinedatt. The men have since been committed to stand trial in the High Court and have been remanded to prison.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 17, 2019

Police Force impresses at ‘Night of Carols’

By Tamica Garnett

IMPRESSIVE performances from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had many attendees, including Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, singing the praise of its annual ‘Night of Carols’ that was held last Sunday night at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe in Eve Leary.

Performances like the spirited rendition of the Christmas Calypso ‘Take A Drink of This, Take A Drink of That’ by Rural Constable James Gordon, and ‘A’ Division’s Constable Michael Small’s flawless delivery of Charles Brown’s ‘Please Come Home For Christmas’ left the audience enthralled and glad they came.

“Extraordinarily beautiful night! I might have come before, but this one really was something with a difference,” Minister Nagamootoo said at the show’s end.

“This was like a first-class theatre show. And I think the Police Force would do well to take this show around the country. It was peaceful, and so enjoyable. I’ve discovered amazing talent in the Police Force, in the choir and in the individuals,” he said.

The PM attended the event with his wife, Sita; while other dignitaries present for the night’s event included Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Karen Cummings, and Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix; Former Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud and Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire.

The production was the result of two weeks of practice and rehearsals, choreographed

by Band Mistress Charmaine Stuart, who was elated with the pleasing reception by the audience.

“It was awesome! Because I know it was well accepted. Every single day we did rehearsals from December 2 leading up to this evening,” Stuart said.

She noted how pleased she was with the response from staff when requests were sent out inviting persons to participate.

“I sent out messages to all the Regional Divisions and Departments, asking persons to report at the Band Room from December 2, so we can start our rehearsals. And I assessed them to decide who was suitable for the programme this evening.

Even though we had Christmas caroling around the place, we still found time to do rehearsals, and to ensure it was as excellently presented this evening,” Stuart noted on Sunday after the show.

Commissioner of Police Leslie James commended Stuart for her work on the production, and thanked all those who came out to spend an evening with the police.

“We need to give a round of applause to our emcee for an excellent job. And of course our choreographer, Mrs. Stuart.

Mrs. Stuart has single-handedly choreographed a nice programme. We gather here once annually where the GPF, in our own style, usher in the yuletide season. And we are very appreciative for your presence here tonight in numbers, and we are very happy for your attendance,” James said.

James also took the opportunity to issue a word of caution on drinking and driving this Christmas season.

“We’ve heard the song,

‘Take A Drink of This, Take A Drink of That’. If you have to drink this or that, please do so moderately. We started ‘Operation Safe Road’ on Saturday, so watch out! If you have to drink and you drive, you will be in contact with my staff on the roadways,” James warned.

The evening featured some 26 items that included band and solo performances by staff of the GPF. Many were deservingly awarded with prizes for their

performances.

The evening opened with a performance of “Bugler’s Holiday” by the Police Military Band, and closed with a fusion of performances by all the bands and singers of the evening that gave a fitting close to the concert.

The audience, many outfitted in their December best, was also given a chance to do some singing of their own, with community singing of “While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks

at Night” and “Ding Dong Merrily on High”.

Following voting by the audience, Constable Small was awarded $25,000 for winning the individual category, while Gordon won another $50,000 for his performance.

Gordon’s lively calypso performance had many in the audience tapping their feet and swaying along in their seat. The upbeat momentum continued when he was followed by a delivery of “Merry Christmas” by

Special Sergeant Ronald Green.

The “Santa Ladies” won ‘Best Band of the Evening’, taking the $200,000 prize that went with the award. The Military band, Steel band, and String band, which also performed for the evening’s event, were already awarded separately for their participation.

Emcee of the evening Delon Fraser was also not forgotten for his wonderful chairing of the programme, and for that he received $25,000.

A section of the crowd that turned out for the GPF “Night of Carols” last Sunday evening

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (left) congratulates Band Mistress Charmaine Stuart on her choreography of the GPF ‘Night of Carols’

Rural Constable James Gordon in full flow

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, (centre) with the Santa Ladies (Photos by Elvin Croker)

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 17, 2019

THIRTY-ONE-year-old Shawn Harris was, on Monday, December16, 2019, found guilty by a 12-member mixed jury for the 2017 murder of Sunil Singh called ‘Grey’, who was killed in the vicinity of the Blue Martini nightclub in Kitty.

activities.

The matter was adjourned until January 16, 2020 for sentencing.

According to reports, patrol ranks went to the Blue Martini Nightclub and closed the club about 02:45hrs on February 5, 2017, after which they left.

However, shortly after, according to Charles Valenzuela, an employee of the nightspot, three men arrived and wanted to enter the club.

At that point in time, the young man informed them that the club was closed and that resulted in an argument, during which one of the men stabbed Valenzuela to his left arm.

Singh, who was present at the time, intervened and was trying to make

Blue Martini Nightclub murder accused found guilty Harris called ‘Shawny’, formerly of Pike Street, Kitty; Georgetown, was tried by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court for the capital offence.

The indictment alleged that Harris, on February 5, 2017, at Owen Street, Kitty, murdered Singh.

Harris was represented by attorney-at-law Maxwell McKay while the state was represented by prosecutors Shawnette Austin and Sarah Martin.

McKay begged the court for leniency since his client had already spent almost three years on remand. However, prose-

Shawn Harris called ‘Shawny’

cutor Austin informed the court that that would make Harris’ third conviction, since he had served time before for other criminal

peace, when the suspect dealt Singh a ‘lash’ to his head.

Singh then reportedly ran north into Railway Street, Kitty, and was pursued by his attacker, who caught up with him and stabbed him several times.

Both Singh and Valenzuela were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where Singh was pronounced dead on arrival and Valenzuela was treated and sent away.

In 2016, Harris was released from prison after serving a sentence for drug trafficking. He had also served time for the Bank of Baroda robbery committed at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, on January 22, 2016.

Family loses house in Mahaicony fire A 53-year-old mother of nine whose house went up in flames on Monday morning at Novar, Mahai-

cony East Coast Demerara is now homeless.

Reports are that Dularie Lall was asleep in the house

with four of her children when the fire started.

It reportedly started in the wee hours of the morn-

The house in which Dularie and her children lived in flames

ing, and within minutes, the wooden structure in which they’d lived for the past 23 years was burnt completely.

The family was unable to save anything of value, and is surprised that there was a fire, since the house had no electricity.

Dularie was reportedly burnt about the body while trying to see what she could salvage, and had to be taken to the Mahaicony Hospital, where she was treated and sent away.

Dularie and three of her nine children who were at home when tragedy struck

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

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Police arrest Panthers 6–2, Milerock brush aside Pele 2–0 THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Football Club and Milerock secured easy wins on the opening night of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) ‘Super 16’ Cup, which kicked off on Sunday evening at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

It was a 6 – 2 win for the Calvin Allen-coached Police side over Timehri Panthers, while Milerock secured a 2 – 0 victory over Pele FC. In the second match of the night, Jamal Harvey’s

10th and 21st minute strikes, along with a goal in the 24th minute from Colwyn Adams, Police raced to a 3 – 0 lead at half time, and, in the second half, Daniel Wilson (52nd), Darren Benjamin (64th) and Trayon Bobb (74th) found the back of the net to complete their side’s tally.

For the losing Panthers unit, Jarel Walcott and Lloyd Matthews were the players on target.

For his outstanding performance, Bobb was voted Most Valuable Player of the

game and received a hamper from the National Milling Company (Namilco).

Meanwhile, Jose Depaz and Rawle ‘Boney Man’ Gittens both scored in the second half to guide Milerock to the 2 – 0 win over Pele.

Gittens was named MVP of the game and also received a hamper from Namilco. The Super-16 Cup will continue on Friday and then into the weekend.

FIFA launches legal action against Blatter and Platini FIFA has launched legal action against former president Sep Blatter and former vice-president Michel Platini in order to recover more than £1.5m.

Two million Swiss francs (£1.54m) was transferred to Platini, 64, on 18 January 2011 after Blatter, 83, approved the “disloyal payment”.

Earlier this month, a FIFA governance committee unanimously ruled the illicit funds should be re-

paid.

If they are repaid, the funds will be put back into football development.

In addition, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court confirmed the “gift” from world football’s governing body was an “undue payment”.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport in July, Blatter said he was “an honest man” and had begun legal action against Fifa for the return of 60 personal

watches.

Blatter’s 17-year spell in charge of Fifa ended amid a corruption scandal in 2015 and he is serving a six-year ban from football.

He alleges false information was spread in relation to money received by him after the 2014 World Cup. Blatter and Platini both deny any wrongdoing.(BBC Sport)

Shiva Boys, Waramadong register latest wins in KFC inter-school football WARAMADONG and defending champions Shiva Boys Hindu College registered wins as day two of the ongoing KFC goodwill football series continued yesterday.

The tournament, which is being played at the Guyana Football Federation’s training ground in Providence, saw two more matches on Monday.

Shiva tossed aside crowd favorite, Annai Secondary, while Waramadong made light work of Lodge Secondary.

In the first game, the Lodge side, riding high off their opening wins on Saturday, were left with their jaws dropped as they were out run by the Hinterland side.

The game started slowly as both teams were conservative with the ball, but when they found their footing, the eventual winners were locked on target.

Ovid Andrews was the first to find the back of the net in the 35th minute. Trailing

closely behind, Whitaker Paul made it a double with a goal in the 35th to put Lodge under serious pressure.

A Lodge penalty, skilfully converted by Dorwin George in the 53rd, made sure that Lodge had a footing in the game but Ovid Andrews 67th minute-strike ended all hopes.

The Shiva Boys picked up where they left off last year, thumping Annai 3-0.

Heavily reliant on their wing play during the first day win, Annai were quickly shut down by the Trini’s; the Shiva boys controlling the game.

Captain Adica Ash led by example, netting a hat-trick in the 23rd, 66th and 89th minutes for his team’s 3-0 win.

The final preliminary games will be contested tomorrow when Annandale Secondary takes on Shiva Boys Hindu College at 13:00 hrs and Waramadong battles Marian Academy at 15:00hrs.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

‘Ordinary’ Abid Ali takes his chance and seals his place in history TWELVE years in domestic cricket, 7116 runs in 106 first-class games, averaging 57.43 in the last three seasons. In contention for two years, Abid Ali finally managed to play a Test on a historic occasion with Pakistan hosting the longer format for the first time in 10 years.

Having made his firstclass debut among many who grew up at a time when international cricket was absent from the country, Abid made his maiden Test appearance at the age of 31. And he made the most of it by scoring a century, becoming the only player in history to reach three figures in his first Test and ODI. Being “thankful for a chance”, Abid recalled the persistence and hard work that played a major part in his success. He had been with the team for more than a year but could not break into a congested top order which also included Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood.

When Pakistan rested their leading ODI players ahead of the World Cup, Abid earned a rare chance against Australia in UAE and made it a dream debut with a hundred. He travelled with the team to England only to be ignored for the World Cup squad. In his previous outing with Pakistan to Australia he again missed out making into the XI for the entire series.

“I had never grumbled upon being ignored,” said Abid. “I had patience and I had a belief that my time will come and then I will prove what I am capable of.

“I had been with the team and kept my fitness level high and keep on working on my skills set with small plans.

I knew someday I will get a chance and I was always

ready for it. Thankfully I got it and a hundred on debut is what else you ask for. I waited long for this very day to come and here I am.”

Abid hails from Lahore and is a product of Shafqat Rana Academy in the Race Course Park in the centre of the city. He often struggled to make it into the squad for his own region and was forced to play elsewhere.

He had a lengthy association with the Islamabad region and represented Baluchistan province. Most

know is that I have to keep on performing to stay relevant,” Abid said. “I need to raise my game and with every chance I have to perform well.

“I had never complained, rather I have the self-belief that what is up for me I will get it. I waited for my time and finally I got it. It would be a great disappointment for me if I hadn’t performed but thanks to God that all my hard work is rewarded.”

Along with Azhar Ali, Abid shared an 87-run stand for the second wicket which

wait for the bad ball. I was bit nervous when in the 90s but he carried me all along and saw me through my hundred.

“One of the mix-ups with Azhar it was actually my mistake ... as we never played together ever so had trouble in making calls but with the innings going we got settled.”

Despite being nicknamed “legend”, Abid urged fans and journalists to not relate him with big names in cricket.

Abid Ali drives during his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka. ( AFP)

recently, he failed to find a place in his own provincial side, Central Punjab, and was drafted to Sindh where he averaged 76.75, scoring 307 runs in five innings with a highest score of 249 not out.

Despite Imam sitting on the bench and Sami Aslam knocking on the door, Abid said he had not felt uncomfortable.

“I know there is a competition around me but it has increased a lot recently but all I

at times lacked synchronisation. Both scored at the rate of 3.0 and were involved in mix-ups that nearly had them run out on two occasions.

With in-form batsman Babar Azam, Abid looked more comfortable and added an unbeaten 162-run stand at a rate of 4.24.

“Babar is a world-class player and he is very well-respected,” he said. “He was the one who really gave me confidence to stay put and

“I am an ordinary player and I can’t match those great players,” he said. “I am Abid Ali and please see me as Abid Ali only. I, being down to earth, would like to keep on performing and serve Pakistan with distinction.

The crowd supporting us really doubled up my confidence so I am thankful to the crowd for coming to the game and backing us.”

(ESPN Cricinfo).

Fury splits with trainer two months before Wilder bout

Tyson Fury faces American Deontay Wilder on February 22. (AFP Photo/Ethan Miller)

(REUTERS) - British boxer Tyson Fury has split with trainer Ben Davison and teamed up with Javan ‘Sugar’

Hill two months before his February rematch with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

Davison responded to media reports that the pair were parting ways on Twitter on Sunday.

“Obviously it’s not gonna stop until there’s an answer,” Davison said.

“Tyson and myself had to both make decisions for

our careers, which resulted in our working relationship coming to an end. We remain friends and he will smash the dosser (Wilder).”

Davison and Fury have worked together since 2017 and Fury said in an Instagram post that he would work with Javan ‘Sugar’ Hill for the Wilder bout.

Hill is the nephew of the late Emmanuel Steward,

who trained the 31-year-old Fury in the past.

Fury posted a picture of himself and Steward on Instagram, along with Hill and former world champions Andy Lee, with the caption “Getting the old team back up and running.”

Fury and Wilder will face each other in their highly anticipated rematch in Las Vegas on Feb. 22.

Silverwood promises no complacency from favourites England POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa (Reuters) South African cricket may be in the doldrums with challenges on and off the pitch, but England coach Chris Silverwood says there will be no complacency from his side ahead of the first test in Pretoria on Dec. 26.

South Africa have lost their last five tests, including two shock losses at home to Sri Lanka in February and a 3-0 whitewash in India in October. Meanwhile, boardroom upheaval has sponsors threatening to quit the sport and a strike mooted by the country’s player union.

But Silverwood believes that despite their troubles, South Africa will present a big challenge to his side on home soil.

“Complacency is one thing we don’t have and I expect South Africa to come out hard‚ they are a proud nation,” Silverwood told reporters after a training session at their Potchefstroom base on Monday.

“We expect them to come back hard in all departments and they will be hungry.

“But it’s more about concentrating on ourselves‚ getting our things in order and making sure we’re in the best possible position when the first Test arrives.”

England lost a two-match Test series in New Zealand at the start of this month and having claimed the 50-over World Cup earlier in the year, Silverwood says they want to concentrate more on five-day

England coach Chris Silverwood

cricket for the time being.

“The one thing we really want to drive forward is the Test team and we’ll put things in place that will help us do that,” he said.

“The New Zealand tour was part and parcel of that and we switched up the batting line-up and looked at new ways of doing things.

“It’s not reinventing the wheel by a long shot‚ but New Zealand was a great learning curve for us and we’ll look to keep pushing on from there.

“The challenge is getting those first innings runs and as soon as we do that‚ we’ll be very hard to beat.”

England might have battled with overseas success on a consistent basis of late, but they do appear to enjoy touring South Africa, where they have won two series and drawn the other on their last three visits.

South Africa’s last series success on home soil against the English was in 1999.

In the 13 Tests played since, England have won five, South Africa three and there have been five draws.

FROM PAGE

Dragon Stout Street-ball ...

26

into the realm and conversation of being a viable staple within the Streetball fraternity. The objective is simple: don’t lose. With the championship being contested utilizing an elimination format, a simple mistake could be the difference between the joy of victory and the agony of defeat as there is no safety of the group stage.”

Baird further stated, “I want to reiterate to the spectators and players that all systems and structures have been formulated to ensure a memorable event that will leave a lasting impression in the minds of everyone. There is a genuine atmosphere of excitement amongst the competing teams and communities which bodes well for the successful staging of the championship. I am truly excited for the tournament and the festivities to begin, as we aim to conclude 2019 with the proverbial bang.”

The second playing date will be December 19th, with the semi-final and grand finale pegged for December 28th. 16 teams will contest the opening night, with the resulting eight winners advancing to the quarterfinal round. Upon the conclusion of the final eight section, the semi-final and final will occur on the final night of proceedings.

The winner of the tournament will pocket $300,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the runner-up will collect $150,000. Meanwhile, the third and fourth place finishers will receive $75,000 and $50,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Champions League round of 16..

Real Madrid to face Man City, Liverpool meet Atletico

NYON, Switzerland (Reuters) - Thirteen-times winners Real Madrid were drawn against English champions Manchester City while title-holders Liverpool must face Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 following Monday’s draw.

Real Madrid ended up in pot two after finishing second in their group behind Paris St Germain and City were the unlucky team to be paired with them when their name was pulled out at UEFA headquarters.

City, who will be at home in the second leg, have yet to beat the Spanish side with two draws and two defeats in their previous four meetings.

However, their manager Pep Guardiola has a much more encouraging record with nine wins, four draws and four defeats in 17 meetings as coach of Barcelona and then Bayern Munich.

“It’s a difficult one,” said Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain.

“Real Madrid are the best. We want to be the best so we have to try and beat them. It’s always a pleasure to play against Real Madrid.

We know them very well. They know our

The draw pits Zinedine Zidane (left) against Pep Guardiola for the first time in a competitive game as managers

manager.”

Liverpool and Atletico Madrid’s previous meetings have produced one win for each team and two draws with both teams scoring four goals.

Only Europe’s biggest five leagues —

Labuschagne, Starc reach career bests in Test rankings

Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne has moved into fifth spot in the ICC batting rankins.

MARNUS Labuschagne has overtaken David Warner as Australia’s second-ranked Test batsman, while Mitchell Starc has achieved a career high in the latest ICC Test rankings.

Labuschagne has moved into fifth spot on the batting rankings, up three positions, after scoring his third consecutive hundred, in the first Domain Test against New Zealand in Perth.

Labuschagne now sits behind just India’s Virat Kohli, teammate Steve Smith, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson and India’s Cheteshwar Pujara on the batting rankings and his latest gain has relegated Warner to seven Starc, meanwhile, has moved up to fifth spot in the bowling rankings after

continuing his golden summer with a nine-wicket haul in Perth.

The left-armer vaulted into the top five, up from 14th spot, and now sits behind only teammate Pat Cummins, South African Kagiso Rabada, Kiwi Neil Wagner – who has moved up to third – and West Indian skipper Jason Holder.

Starc was last ranked fifth in the world in March 2018 while his current ratings points tally of 806 is also a career best, topping the 805 points he was on three years ago.

Nathan Lyon has also moved up two spots to 19th, meaning each of Australia’s four bowlers from the Perth Test are ranked in the top 10. Josh Hazlewood, who suffered a potentially series-ending injury during the match, is ranked seventh.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Babar Azam moved up four spots to ninth in the batting rankings meaning he’s in the top 10 in the Test, ODI (third) and T20 (first) rankings.

ICC Test battings rankings

ICC Test bowling rankings

1) Virat Kohli – 928 points 2) Steve Smith – 911 3) Kane Williamson – 864 4) Chestehswar Pujara – 791 5) Marnus Labuschagne – 786 6) Ajinkya Rahane – 759 7) David Warner – 755 8) Joe Root – 752 9) Babar Azam – 728 10) Dimuth Karunaratne – 725

1) Pat Cummins – 898 points 2) Kagiso Rabada – 839 3) Neil Wagner – 834 4) Jason Holder – 830 5) Mitchell Starc – 806 6) Jasprit Bumrah – 794 7) Josh Hazlewood – 785 8) Vernon Philander – 783 9) Jimmy Anderson – 782 10) Tim Southee - 780

England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain — were represented in the draw and 11 of the 16 teams also reached the knockout stages last season.

Both England and Spain managed to get all four of their teams into knockout stages.

Elsewhere, Serie A champions Juventus will face French side Olympique Lyonnais and PSG will play Borussia Dortmund.

Barcelona were pitted against an unpredictable Napoli, the first time the two sides have ever met.

Napoli fired coach Carlo Ancelotti immediately after beating Genk to make sure of their place in the last 16 and replaced him with Gennaro Gattuso, who has never coached in the Champions League before.

“A great team, a great challenge, two fascinating races. We will face them without fear,” he said.

Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur side, who reached the final last season, will play RB Leipzig, who are in the knockout stages for the first time, while Chelsea were drawn against Bayern Munich.

Despite their erratic domestic form, Bayern were the only team to complete the group stage with a 100% record.

Serie A side Atalanta, who reached the last 16 on their first participation in the Champions League despite losing their first three group matches, were drawn against Valencia.

New-look South Africa name six uncapped players for England Tests

South Africa new head coach Mark Boucher

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - South Africa have named six uncapped players in their 17-man squad for the first two tests of the four-match series against England as new coach Mark Boucher seeks to revive the fortunes of the ailing side.

Having lost stalwarts Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn to retirement, and with injuries ruling out fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, Boucher faces a rebuilding job for a side who have lost their last five tests.

Batsmen Pieter Malan and Rassie van der Dussen, fast bowlers Dane Paterson and Beuran Hendricks, all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius and wicketkeeper Rudi Second will all hope to make their debuts in the first test starting in Pretoria on Dec. 26.

“The high number of uncapped players coming into the squad is a reflection of our policy of acknowledge players who do well

at franchise level and have put their hands up for selection,” Cricket South Africa independent selector Linda Zondi said in a statement on Monday.

“Van der Dussen, who is third on the current four-day batting averages, and Pretorius, who has established himself as the leading all-rounder, are clear examples of this.

“Following the same trend Paterson has been the second leading wicket-taker in fourday cricket this season and we want to go into the test series will a full arsenal of fast bowlers who have always provided one of our traditional strengths.”

Two notable absences from the squad that suffered three heavy losses in India in October are batsman Theunis de Bruyn and fast bowler Anrich Nortje.

The squad will be captained by Faf du Plessis, and contains experienced players in Dean Elgar, Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.

South Africa suffered a surprise 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka in their previous home series in February, and were well beaten in India, losing two matches by an innings.

Former wicketkeeper Boucher, a veteran of 147 Tests, will led the side for the first time in Pretoria, while it will also be the first series under CSA’s new director of cricket, Graeme Smith, the most successful captain in Test history.

Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Beuran Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Zubayr Hamza, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Rudi Second, Rassie van der Dussen.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

GVF shortlist 32 U21 players for Inter-Guianas volleyball tournament THIRTY-TWO young volleyball players were shortlisted on Sunday after a one-day trial at the National Gymnasium.

The group was selected to begin preparations for the Inter-Guianas Tournament, which is a three-team battle set for February 2020.

According to information from president of the Guyana Volleyball Federation the

shortlisted names will have a final “selection in early February”.

Guyana, home team French Guiana and Suriname are scheduled for the meet.

Of the 32 players, 15 are females and 17 are males.

The females are Shamariah David, Famke David, Cassie Junor, Kelly Gurrick, Marissa Ramnauth, Cherry Ann Fraser, Danielle Francis,

Amisha Mohàbir, Latoya Drakes, Hannah Hicks, Ronelda Payne, Devonte Hernandez, Aalya Mohabir, Krystal Paddy and Philana Simpson.

The male players selected are Terrence Groenhart, Andre Jagnandan, Noelex Holder, Kristoff Sheppard, Hellond Singh, Daiymon Al Ahamad, Kellon Leitch, Daniel Joseph, Steffan

The shortlisted players selected on Sunday

Norah, Tyrece Farley Levi Nedd(jnr), Ronaldo Bobb,

Decision on new T&T coach set for this week

SACKED head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago men’s national team, Dennis Lawrence, will be replaced as early as next weekend to give the new boss time to help the side prepare for a two-legged CONCACAF Gold Cup playoff against either Guyana or Barbados.

The next FIFA match window is in March of 2020, giving the new coach just three months between the first acid test and turning the fortunes of the Soca Warriors around.

Trinidad and Tobago are in freefall at the moment, winning just one game in 2019 and currently lie at 104th in the world, just a few ranking places above its lowest all-time position.

A statement from the William Wallace-led Trinidad and Tobago Football Association on Sunday con-

firmed the sacking of the 45-year-old coach, who has been in charge of the national team since January 2017.

According to reports coming out of Trinidad and Tobago, the TTFA’s board had a nine-hour meeting Saturday at the Ato Boldon Stadium. It was at that meeting that the decision was taken to relieve the coach of his duties.

The TTFA’s statement said Lawrence’s representatives and the board will meet to determine the terms of his departure.

Under Lawrence, Trinidad and Tobago played 31 matches. They won five, drew seven and lost 19 for a win percentage of 16.13 per cent.

In those matches, TT scored 36 goals while conceding 53.

Despite that poor record, Lawrence may be another in

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday December 17, 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) India won 2-1 (2)

Virat Kohli

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first WI player to hit a century on his Test debut?

(2) Who is the first (and only WI player to date) to crack a hundred on his ODI debut?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Sacked T&T football head coach Dennis Lawrence

a long list of coaches to be owed significant amounts by the TTFA. The coach had two years left on his contract and had delayed signing that contract until a performance clause for his sacking was removed.

The clause had said Lawrence had to maintain an

annual success rate of 40 per cent while dropping no more than six points in the FIFA rankings.

Lawrence has overseen a 20-point drop in the rankings stemming from 795 days without winning a competitive game.

It is not yet known who the William Wallace-led Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) have been considering as replacement for Lawrence, but when the former T&T defender was given the job, Stephen Hart, Terry Fenwick and Stuart Charles-Fevrier were the names on the shortlist.

Hart recently said the job was not one he would consider under the circumstances that existed in Trinidad & Tobago.

(Sportsmax).

Jaleel Roberts, Tyrone Farley, Lukris Brummel,

Andy Rohoman and Montel Denny.

Win or go home!

Dragon Stout Street-ball Community Cup’ starts tonight WITH the aim of concluding an unprecedented year for the Streetball format, the eagerly anticipated and inaugural Dragon Stout Street-ball ‘Community Cup’ will officially kick-off this evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue with eight slated elimination matches.

In the opening match, Avocado Ballers will oppose North East La Penitence from 19:00hrs, while Sophia battle Festival City from 19:30hrs and Leopold St tackle Ansa All-Stars at 20:00hrs. In the fourth affair, Gold is Money will match skills with Mocha from 20:30hrs while Future Stars tackle Albouystown at 21:00hrs and Rio All-Stars battle Alexander Village from 21:30hrs.

In the final two matches, Bent Street take aim at Broad Street from 22:00hrs and Sparta face off with Showstoppers at 22:30hrs.

According to an official release from Dragon Stout Brand Manager, Jamal Baird, “Tonight is the start of an exciting project which I envision will catapult the brand TURN TO PAGE

24

Williams and Davidson doubles hand H&L Winners Connection a 4-3 win … Aroaima edgePanther 1-0

HAYNES and Lewis’(H&L) Winners Connection outshot Hi Stars 4-3, while Aroaima overcame Amelia’s Ward Panthers 1-0 as they made their entry towards reaching the final four of the Upper Demerara Football Association(UDFA) -organised 7th GT Beer football championship on Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden.

In group B action, Winners Connection took the lead as early as the 8th minute through a strike by Damian Williams, but two minutes later, Elijah Samuels knot the scores for the Hi Stars side at 1-1 score.

However, in the 12th minute, Williams was there again to give his side the advantage, but Osopho Rose cancelled

that lead when he scored for Hi Stars in the 20th minute, making it a 2-2 scoreline.

That contest continued to be competitive but the burly Marmalaque Davidson got his first goal of the game when he shot the Winners Connection to grab the lead once more in the 36th minute and the game was in favour of the Winners Connection 3-2 when the first half ended.

The Hi Stars side remained in contention and they would even things out again through the scoring of Martin Leacock, who netted in the 65th minute, and the game was truly on the line at 3-3.

But the Winners Connection sealed the win, with the winning goal coming from the boot of Davidson, who found

Scorer Marmalaque Davidson of Winners Connection

the back of the net in the 64th minute-- his second goal-- for the 4-3 lead which they maintained to the end.

A first-half goal decided the second Group C game between Aroaima and Amelia’s Ward Panthers. The play developed from the left flank when Glenton Lyte took a free kick.

The goalkeeper for Panthers then failed to grab cleanly and the waiting Javon Archer, who was at the centre of the goal-mouth, was able

Aroaima scorer Javon Archer

to tap home the winner in the 28th minute. That lone goal remained when the first half ended and play in the final half did not change the outcome.

The second half produced no more goals and, when the final whistle was blown, the scores read 1-0 for the Aroaima side over the Panthers.

Tomorrow, Botafago will face the Panthers in the first game and the second brings together Silver Shattas and Coomacka.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Sears powers Kwakwani Secondary to big win over Marian Academy in Titan Bowl X female final -Wins for President’s College and Kwakwani in male division finals KWAKWANI Secondary School won two of the three Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Titan Bowl X finals, which were held on Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The dominant school, coached by Dave Causway, won the female competition and the U-16 battle, while 2019 National Schools’ Basketball Festival champions, President’s College (PC),

Marian Academy, who had defeated Kwakwani in the festival finals in July, proved their class and were able to put the brakes on Sears and actually managed to outscore their opponents in the second half, but the damage was already done. Final score: 50-29.

Support for Kwakwani came from Atalia Rose, who was just short of a double double. She scored nine

Stanislaus College 40-27 in the semi-finals with Sauers scoring nine points and eight rebounds.

Kwakwani, on the other hand, had continued their dominance by whipping a quality Queen’s College team 75-8 in the other semis. In that clash, Grimmond had scored 16 points and 13 rebounds and Natalya Clarke 14 points, 13 rebounds and eight steals.

Kwakwani won the U-16 male title.

Meanwhile, in a tough battle, PC were able to register a six-point victory against New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) 60-54 in the U-18 final.

PC’s Jushawn Baily shot

his way to 21 points and seven rebounds (an MVP performance). Support came from Gabriel Lim, who was a ‘monster’ on the boards. Lim pulled down 23 rebounds to go with his 16 points.

Kadeen Dover finished with an impressive 21 points, seven rebounds and six steals for NATI while Charles Williams added a double double (15 points and 13 rebounds).

Kwakwani Secondary School are Titan Bowl X female champions.

solidified themselves as the top U-18 school in the country with another championship victory.

DOMINANT SEARS Kwakwani’s Shania Sears led from the front in the opening battle. The female captain dominated early to finish the game with the same points as the current three-time YBG national schools’ champions, Marian Academy.

The power player had scored 21 of her 29 points during the first half to lift the visitors to a 32-7 lead.

points (including one from downtown) and 11 rebounds.

Holly Grimmond added eight points, 12 rebounds and four steals.

Kelliann Sauers, who was the hero in July, scored 11 of her 16 points in the second period for the Georgetown school. The guard also had eight rebounds and five steals as she attempted to bring her team back, but she lacked support. None of the other Marian Academy players reached five points.

On Saturday, Marian Academy defeated Saint

U-16 BATTLE Kwakwani’s other victory on Sunday was against Arima Secondary (the two schools are approximately one hour away from each other) in the U-16 male final. Led by Elijah David with 12 points and eventual MVP, Hosea Conway, with six points and 10 rebounds, Kwakwani Secondary were able to register a five-point win 39-34.

Kelon Philips scored a game-high 14 points and Jamal Lyte added eight points and nine rebounds for Arima.

Dominant 2019: PC added the Titan Bowl X trophy to their National Schools Basketball Festival trophy, which they won in July this year.

Dorado swimmers win four medals, including two gold, at Open Water meet in T&T DORADO Speed Swim Club were impressive in the water of Las Cuevas Bay in Trinidad and Tobago, winning four medals, including two gold, at the 2019 Marlins Open Water Invitational meet on Sunday.

The four swimmers who competed in the event represented with distinction.

Daniel Scott, 18, proved his endurance by winning the 5K competition.

The national swimmer is no stranger to open-water meets. At CARIFTA 2017 in the Bahamas, he placed 16th in the Boys 16-18 division after clocking 1:16:35.10.

Months prior, he had his first exposure to open water when he competed at the ASATT

Maracus Bay Open Water Classic.

On Sunday, he swam his 5K in a time of 1:11:12.53, over five minutes faster than in the Bahamas.

Dorado’s other gold was won by Raekwon Noel, who clocked 47:30.56 in his 3K swim in the 13-14 male division.

The national swimmer was over eight minutes faster than clubmate, Stephon Ramkhelawan, who clocked 55:35.40 for a second-place finish.

Stephon’s younger brother, Stephen Ramkhelawan, also finished with a silver medal when he competed in the 11-12 age category. The youngster clocked 50:08.30

in a more competitive 3K swim.

Marlin’s swimmer Zachary Anthony had won the division in 47:16.80.

Third place went to Anthony’s teammate, Khadeem Braithwaite, who finished in 51:13.11.

All four Guyanese swimmers had competed for team Dorado at the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) Invitational Meet, which concluded on Saturday evening, at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva.

At that four-day meet, Dorado finished fifth out of 28 teams.

Gold medal winners Daniel Scott (right) and Raekwon Noel (second from left) along with brothers-- Stephen and Stephon Ramkhelawan-- who both won silver medals at the meet.

GFF SUPER 16

POLICE STRIKE FORCE! (L-R), Darren Benjamin, Colwyn Adams, Trayon Bobb, Jamal Harvey and Daniel Wilson.

Police arrest Panthers 6–2, Milerock brush aside Pele 2–0

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Captain Adica Ash of the Shiva Hindu Boys College scores one of his three goals against Annai in the KFC goodwill football series (Adrian Narine Photo)

Cricket great, Basil Butcher, passes on

Shiva Boys, Waramadong register latest wins 23 in KFC inter-school football PAGE

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FIFA launches legal action against Blatter and Platini

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Sepp Blatter was FIFA president for 17 years from 1998 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019