Guyana Chronicle E-paper 12-21-2019

SATURDAY 21st December, 2019

’ No.105858

President declares December 20 National Petroleum Day

FIRST OIL IS HERE SEE STORY ON PAGE 03 â–ş

Partners and media operatives signing the banner to indicate their commitment to joining the campaign to bring awareness to road safety (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 21, 2019

Larceny accused remanded CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Friday, December 20, 2019, re-

manded a 32-year-old fisherman to prison, on a break and enter and

larceny charge.

Kevin McRae of Hadfield Street, Georgetown,

appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge, when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated that, between December 8, 2019 and December 10, 2019, at Orange Walk, Lacytown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Hubert October and stole a quantity of items valued at $647,000.

The court heard that

McRae and October were known to each other.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that, on December 8, October secured his house and went to another location.

On December 10, 2019, he received a phone call and he returned home. When he arrived, he observed his house was broken and the items were missing.

Mansfield added that

October then made contact with McRae. McRae then took him to the persons he sold the items to. The matter was reported to the police and McRae was arrested and told of the allegation to which he admitted.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the prosecutor, remanded McRae to prison. The matter was adjourned until December 27, 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday December 21, 2019

FIRST OIL IS HERE

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…President Granger hails it as momentous occasion -- declares December 20 National Petroleum Day President David Granger on Friday declared December 20 as ‘National Petroleum Day’ as he simultaneously announced the production of first oil in a televised national address.

The President said that the proclamation will remind Guyanese “of our duty to protect the country’s patrimony and to ensure the sustainable management of finite hydrocarbon resources”.

American oil giant, ExxonMobil will go down in history as the first company to pump oil for commercial purposes here.

President Granger described petroleum production in Guyana as a transformative process in the country’s economic development. The petroleum sector will stimulate increased employment and expand services, he said.

According to the President, the APNU+AFC Government will unveil a ‘Decade of Development, 2020-2029’ plan, aimed at ensuring that petroleum resources will be utilised to provide the ‘good life’ for all.

The ‘Decade’ is a 10-year plan to intensify development and improve citizens’ quality of life, he said. He noted that every Guyanese will benefit from petroleum production. “No one will be left behind,” he said.

President Granger noted that the Department of Energy was established to manage the country’s hydrocarbon resources. He said it is seeking the best advice, including international best practices as it builds the institutional, legislative and regulatory capability to manage this sector effectively and efficiently.

He also noted the establishment of legislation to regulate the sector. The Natural Resource Fund Act 2019 was passed by the National Assembly.

The Act provides for ensuring that the country’s resource wealth benefits both current and future generations; it incorporates oversight, accounting, reporting and auditing mechanisms to promote prudent, transparent and accountable management of oil revenues.

President Granger assured the populace that the APNU+AFC government will manage petroleum revenues prudently to ensure fiscal discipline, financial sector stability, sustainable levels of public debt and low inflation.

He said withdrawals from the ‘Fund’ will

follow a balanced approach, prioritising investment in public education, public health, public infrastructure, public security, social protection and other social services and will support private sector development.

“Petroleum production has brought the prospects of a higher quality of life closer to our households and neighbourhoods.

It is a momentous event which we should commemorate for perpetuity,” the Guyanese leader noted.

GOOD LIFE BECKONS Guyana’s future, he said, is brighter with the beginning of ‘first oil’. The ‘good life’ for everyone beckons, he added. “Let us work together to build a happy and prosperous country for the present and future generations,” he President urged.

First oil production was initially expected to go on stream during the first quarter of 2020.However, several weeks ago, HESS Corporation, a partner of Exxon, announced that first oil was possible late 2019.

Several days ago, it was reported that Exxon has secured the services of a number of oil and gas companies as it enters the commercial production phase of its operations here.

Among them are the Texas-based industrial service company, Baker Hughes, Italian oil and gas industry contractor, SAIPEM, and global oil and gas company, TechniFMC– a United Kingdom (UK) company that provides complete project life-cycle services for the energy industry.

These companies, which provide direct services in various areas to ExxonMobil, were on display at the ongoing Department of Energy’s GIPEX 2019 forum at the Marriott Hotel last month.

Guyana will lift its first cargo of petroleum produced at the Liza Destiny during February or March. This follows a handful of lifts by the Contractor Group, which includes ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC. The order follows international conventions for a “fair” lifting order that goes by whomever has the next largest entitlement percentage at that time.

The government will have the largest outstanding entitlement to lift by February – though of course royalties will be paid on all of the earlier cargoes.

During all of these lifts and for all future

lifts, the oil-lifting process will be monitored by both independent third-party auditors and two additional government representatives.

Last weekend, Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe , said that the first three cargo lifts of Guyana’s crude following ‘first oil’ will be up for direct sale to international traders who were expected in the country this week.

BEST OPTION He noted the short-term arrangement is the best option for Guyana as it heads into the new industry.

Through his department, Dr. Bynoe 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).

Apart from HESS, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) holds 45 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a 25 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

It is estimated that there is over six billion barrels of oil equivalent in the oil rich Stabroek Block while the involved partners continue to see “multibillion barrels of additional exploration potential”.

ExxonMobil and its partners have racked up 14 commercial oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block, the last being the Tripletail-1 exploration well located approximately three miles northeast of the Longtail discovery.

The Tripletail discovery adds to the six billion barrels of oil equivalent.

The Liza Phase 1 project will produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day at peak rates utilising the Liza Destiny FPSO. It is expected to generate over $7B in royalty and profit oil revenues for Guyana over the life of the project.

Last month, President Granger while meeting with a team from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), said Guyana must be prepared in the shortest possible time, for the coming of first oil. He stressed that it is incumbent upon the government to make decisions that are best for the sector and the country.

Already, all systems are being oiled for the petroleum production here.

On Friday, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman told Guyana Chronicle

President David Granger

that Guyana “is as ready as it can be” for first oil.

EUPHORIC Trotman said that he was “euphoric” about the oil sector’s advancement from first oil onward.

Liza Destiny, Guyana’s first FPSO set to operate at the Liza Phase 1 Development, arrived in September this year in the Stabroek Block, some three weeks ahead of schedule. The vessel is twice the length of the Providence Stadium; half the width of the Georgetown Cricket Ground; has the depth of the Kingston Lighthouse and the capacity to store some 1.6 million barrels of oil.

In March this year, the Guyana Office for Investments (Go-Invest) commenced training exporters ahead of first oil.

Go-Invest first started its drive to help businesses, with a seminar on oil and gas last year. The seminar helped businesses to understand what they have to do in order to be prepared to contribute to the sector.

“We want to ensure that Guyanese are part of the development,” said Chief Executive Officer of Go-Invest, Owen Verwey, during a press conference in March.

A number of local companies have been working to attain ISO certification in the face of Guyana’s impending oil boom. Many corporate entities have been benefitting from coaching provided by the Centre for Local Business Development.

The centre is an ExxonMobil-funded effort to help local firms learn about opportunities in the oil-and-gas sector, increase their competitiveness through training and capacity-building, and eventually join the oil production supply chain.

ExxonMobil begins oil production EXXONMOBIL on Friday announced that oil production has started at the Liza field offshore Guyana ahead of schedule, and less than five years after the first discovery of hydrocarbons, which is well ahead of the industry average for deepwater developments.

Production from the first phase of the Liza field, located in the Stabroek Block, is expected to reach full capacity of 120,000 barrels of oil per day in the coming months, and the first cargo is set to be sold within several weeks.

“This historic milestone to start oil production safely and on schedule demonstrates ExxonMobil’s commitment to quality and leadership in project execution,” said Darren Woods, chairman and chief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

“We are proud of our work with the Guyanese people and government to realise our shared long-term vision of responsible resource development that maximises benefits for all.”

The concept design for the Liza Phase I development project features the Liza Destiny floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel moored 190 kilometers offshore Guyana, and four subsea drill centers supporting 17 wells.

Approximately 1,700 of ExxonMobil’s employees and other workers supporting its activities in Guyana are Guyanese, more than 50 per cent of the total workforce. This number will continue to grow as additional operations progress.

ExxonMobil and its direct contractors have spent approximately $180million with more than 630 local suppliers since the first discovery in 2015.

“Through our continued workforce development and community investments, we are making a positive impact in Guyana,” said Rod Henson, president of ExxonMobil’s Guyana affiliate. “We are committed to the use of technology and continued innovation to achieve the highest standards for safety and environmental performance.”

A second FPSO, the Liza Unity, with a capacity to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day is under construction to support the Liza Phase II development, and front-end engineering design is underway for a potential third FPSO, the Prosperity, to develop the Payara Field upon government and regulatory approval. ExxonMobil anticipates that by 2025, at least five FPSOs will be producing more than 750,000 barrels per day from the Stabroek Block. The timely development of these additional projects will ensure that the local workforce and the utilisation of local suppliers will continue to grow.

The current estimated discovered recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block is more than 6 billion oil equivalent barrels. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator, and holds 45 per cent interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest.

Oil pours

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 21, 2019

–– historic oil production begins offshore Guyana

US OIL COMPANY ExxonMobil and its co-venturers Hess and CNOOC have begun oil production offshore Guyana ahead of schedule and less than five years after the discovery of hydrocarbons in commercial quantities here, Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe announced today.

“This historic development for the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (CRG) is a culmination of substantial investments, persever-

ance, dedication, ingenuity, and the establishment of the appropriate policy environment that has the capacity to propel our nation towards sustained development.

Guyana’s future is bright, but we can only secure that future by strengthening legislation, conducting due diligence, emphasising education, following a balanced development paradigm and utilising the best skills in the industry through partnerships,” said Dr. Bynoe.

Dr. Bynoe explained that

production from the first phase of the Liza field, located in the Stabroek Block, is expected to reach full capacity of 120,000 barrels of oil per day in coming months with the first cargo set to be sold sometime in January 2020. “It is also imperative that as Guyanese we begin to appreciate that the direct and indirect benefits from this sector will go far beyond anything that we have seen to date. The Department of Energy, therefore, will continue to utilise prudence and best practices to ensure that we extract the best value for our people. This for us is a dream realised,” Dr. Bynoe said.

The Liza Phase I development project features the Liza Destiny floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel moored

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe 190 kilometres offshore Guyana, and four subsea drill centres supporting 17 wells.

The Liza Unity, a second FPSO with a capacity to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day is being constructed to support the Liza Phase 2 development.

Front-end engineering design is underway for a potential third FPSO, the Prosperity, which is geared at developing the Payara field upon Government and regulatory approvals.

The current discovered

recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block is more than 6 billion oil equivalent barrels. It is anticipated that by 2025 there would be at least five FPSOs producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil daily from the Stabroek Block.

Meanwhile, earlier in this year, US media giant, Bloomberg, had reported that Guyana’s reserves would make it Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)’s 12th-largest member after Angola.

At the time of the compilation of the report, ExxonMobil had projected that there were 5.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent resource in the Stabroek Block based on the finds; however, that figure that has been upgraded to six billion barrels.

Guyana took centre stage at Exxon’s Investor Day meeting at the New York Stock Exchange last March.

“It’s not hard to see why Senior Vice-President Neil Chapman – the exec who’d once described the Stabroek find as a “fairytale” – pointed

US expert for series on ISO 9001-2015 certification In accordance with the U.S. priority to increase trade between the United States and Guyana, the U.S. Embassy here has sponsored a series of workshops on ISO 9001-2015 certification.

Partnering with Centre for Local Business Development in Georgetown, and the Technical Institutes in New Amsterdam and Linden, the Embassy brought Humberto Hernandez from the American Petroleum Institute in Houston, Texas, who spoke to nearly 200 business representatives December 17-20 on the benefits of developing quality management systems for their companies.

According to a release from the embassy ISO 9001-2015 certification confirms a company’s commitment to quality in their management system, regardless of industry. The release said it demonstrates consistency in products and/ or services that meet statutory and regulatory requirements, as well as a focus on customer satisfaction. Requirements are generic and applicable to any

21 December, 2019 - 01:00hrs ~ 02:30hrs

to a chart featuring estimates from Wood Mackenzie Ltd., an Edinburgh-based energy consulting firm. It showed that Exxon’s Guyana wells will be the most profitable of all new deep-water projects by major oil companies,” it observed.

Guyana’s economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $3.63B, a growth rate of 4.1 per cent in 2018 and 4.6 per cent in 2019, is expected to further grow by 33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

This was according to the NASDAQ Stock Market, which is an American stock exchange. It is the second-largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalisation, behind only the New York Stock Exchange located in the same city.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 per cent interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest.

organization, regardless of size, or the products and services provided. Principles audited for certification include customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, improvement, evidence-based decision making, and relationship management.

“I thought it was interesting to see the variety of businesses in Guyana that were interested, and exciting to see so much interest in quality management systems, in particular ISO 9001-2015.

The questions asked were on point with a lot of the requirements that are already being addressed within their businesses. I think it’s just a matter of continuing to educate and make the business community aware of how a quality management system can enhance their organizations and improve the success of their business. I think there are many opportunities for local Guyanese, and they’re very eager to learn and start implementing these requirements,” said Mr. Hernandez.

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First Oil is here!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 21, 2019

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– Expectations of the people

FOLLOWING the announcement of ‘first oil’ in Guyana, many Guyanese have expectations of transformation and development in the country.

Amidst the hectic downtown traffic, the Guyana Chronicle took to the streets in efforts to get the views

trollers. Just set the country in a position we have never really achieved before. Is all up to the politicians, the government and the opposition to come together in an honest way, and see that the benefits reach the citizens.

Come together and see that the citizens themselves ben-

he hopes that other industries will not be neglected, as oil is now the main focus. “It seems like we’re focusing too much on the oil industry that we are not really paying attention to the other industries that currently exist. So I have a fear that so much emphasis will be placed on oil

the same fate as some of those countries. I expect our government, regardless of who is President or who is in office, to go about it in the most professional or ethical way possible. I expect all Guyanese to benefit equally or at least with equity from oil revenue.

I expect transparency, I expect

young businessman I think it is going to do a great deal for small businesses in general, it is going to definitely boost their businesses, and that’s once they set themselves in order. Because they just can’t expect to make money out of the oil by sitting back and waiting to get something

and ensure that you have everything organised and set so that you can start making some money from the oil industry,” Anthony said.

Businessman, Zahaed Hussain said “It will make the country get rich. As they said, they will be educating the people more, because oil

Arnon Adams

Darnell Douglas

Dason Anthony

Devindra Jairam

Edmond John

Gavin Mendonca

efit from this thing. And we don’t incur the same things that happen in the other countries.”

Business Editor of Stabroek News, Arnon Adams said “Now mind you, with 600,000 people as the population right now, we will need more people here.

600,000 people can’t spend this money. But my own view is that I think this country can fly if we get it right.

One of my concerns has to do with the management of the money. Poor countries that find oil are vulnerable to corruption and never mind the good feeling that people have, there’s nothing to say we might not go down the same road. Managing the thing is going to be the challenge, because we know very little about oil. The Chronicle’s journalists, our journalists, Kaieteur News, everybody has to my mind, been struggling with writing on Oil and Gas. But I presume that there will be more training as we get on in Oil and Gas, we’re gonna become more knowledgeable.

But education for example, we need better schools, we need more teachers, we need more technical education.”

Devindra Jairam said that when he looks at the other countries that have oil, the people who are managing it, has to really know what it is they are doing.

Jairam posited too, that

that we will start to neglect the fishing, agriculture, rice and these sort of things. And that’s my major concern. I mean we are all excited, it’s a new thing, and it’s big. The reservoirs that we discovered are so big, that the opportunities that we are now exposed to are really good, but still we need to strengthen the other industries,” he said.

Punkrock/creolerock star Gavin Mendonca shared that with his knowledge from research, he expects a lot of great things, but there is a flip side to which he hopes the country will not suffer from poor management.

“I do expect positive to come out of it, I hope positive would come out of it. I guess as a punk rocker, and by doing my own research I have seen what the discovery of oil has done to other countries, and how things roll out over the period of years that followed the discovery of oil, and I’m hoping that we don’t suffer

honesty, and I expect loyalty.

I expect a lot of good things to happen, but put aside all the good things that could happen, I think it’s an opportunity for us to reflect on who we as a people, what we want for Guyana, and to consider the environment more than anything else,” Mendonca said.

Entrepreneur, Dason Anthony said that the business community now has to up their standards to fully benefit from Oil and Gas. “As a

out of it. You have to step up. Change up your customer service, ensure that your service is customer friendly,

is something new.

But it is very needed in the country and I say it will help the country a lot.”

Zahaed Hussain of citizens on this major announcement.

A young teacher, Darnell Douglas, said that he hopes that the money that will now flow in will be invested in areas that aren’t usually the main focus areas. “With the fruition of oil in our country, my expectations for the country’s development, if managed properly are that we should see more development in terms of sports.

I’m a big advocate for sports so I want to see more things in sports, more things in arts, more things for the creatives.

I might sound bias because that is my field as well, but I just hope that those monies are used in those sectors…,” he said.

Edmond John said, “I expect good management and honesty from the con-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 21, 2019

First Oil is here IT is now official that Guyana’s First Oil production has begun. Exxon Mobil has already reported that production is ahead of schedule, and that a first shipment of crude oil from the Liza-1 field is anticipated in January.

According to Exxon Mobil, two shipments of approximately one million barrels each are expected in January-February. As is known, it is mutually agreed that Exxon would handle the first three shipments, and the government would take charge of the fourth.

The reality of First Oil is a significant one for Guyana.

Despite the forecasts of doom from some quarters, the coming of Oil and Gas instantly changes the nature of the country. No country with the oil and gas potential of Guyana has remained the same. There is no doubt that we have to beware of the potential pitfalls that accompany the coming of oil wealth. Maybe we will make our own mistakes. But to predict chaos and failure over more positive developments is not the way to go. Guyana needs oversight, not condemnation and sensationalism.

The forecasted growth rate of the overall economy would immediately move the country out of the category of very poor countries. The International Monetary Fund has projected that Guyana’s economy would grow by a whopping 86% in 2020; that is 14 times the expected growth rate of

China. It is expected that we could earn approximately US$15billion per year in the next decade. These are staggering numbers for a country with a population of just about 750, 000, and which was only recently ranked among the three poorest countries in the Americas.

What does this mean in macro-terms? First, no longer would Guyana be called one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere. This augurs well for the ability of the country to attract higher quality investments in other sectors of the economy. There is, of course, a linkage between high-quality investments and socio-economic development. This is the key to First Oil; it opens the door to new possibilities for the country and its peoples. The standing of the country in the international community would be radically enhanced.

Second, movement from a bottom tier to a top tier economy comes with benefits. Already, Guyana is one of the most sought-after countries by investors; a development that increases the country’s leverage as it hammers out contracts.

Gone are the days when we negotiated from a position of weakness. In the first place, investors would be coming to us, which puts the negotiators and leaders in a much better position to protect the interests of the country, especially those of the working people.

These types have no place in Law Enforcement Dear Editor,

I HAVE always contended that members of any law enforcement agency have a right to perform their daily functions for the safe keeping and protection of their particular jurisdiction and its citizens.

However, it is the manner in which such a mandate is often carried out that must be of concern. For although such an agency does possess certain coercive powers that are seen as part of their functions, there has always been controversy and debate as to whether it is carried out in accordance with the standard operating procedures which must govern any organisation, especially those charged with the maintenance of law and order.

This has always been my concern relative to the Guyana Police Force(GPF) and its functions, especially throughout the years of the PPP/C nightmare of governance, when the professional standards of the local police agency became a victim of political interference, and its descent into the worst period of relations with the general public, because of acts that have been well chronicled,

and need no repeat here.

However, two very recent incidents occurring within a short span of each other, brings into question the manner of police functions, evoking memories of an era which the country once endured, and has been seeking to expunge from its collective psyche, because of the transformative initiatives that have been improving the Force’s professional profile, and its concomitant relations with the public since 2015.

Any law enforcement officer must understand that his/her duty is to uphold the law, which they are sworn to do; that being in such a category holds them to a higher standard of behaviour than the citizens whom they have to protect; that even if offended, like any other citizen to whom, both directly and indirectly, they would give such advice – they must follow similar protocol, of filing a complaint, which will allow for an official investigation, and not resort to being judge, jury and executioner, as in the first case, in which two lawmen, siblings, allegedly resorted to inflicting injuries inclusive of burns, on the young man, alleged to

have broken into their home.

This kind of behaviour is, without any debate, a case of abduction and torture, irrespective as to the allegation against the suspect, and puts the two officers in the category of any other citizen, committing such a serious offence. I am certain that these two police officers would have had the benefit of what being a representative of the law is all about, particularly with regards conduct in situations that may pertain to them, directly or indirectly as policemen. Theirs is the kind of action that has been all too well known of some police officers, abusing their privilege because of who they are. Such type of law enforcement has the wrong concept and understanding of what a policeman is, and ought not to be part of such an organization, in which it is easy to use, its cover to commit such offences on citizens. One must recall the case of the teen being shot in the mouth by an officer, in response to a matter that Regards, Earl Hamilton

Third, First Oil must inspire hope among our people who have had to deal with the hopelessness induced by the structural legacies of centuries of slavery and colonialism.

For the first time since Emancipation and Independence, Guyanese can look to the future with hope for a better life.

A hopeful nation is a confident nation, and a confident nation would inspire more productivity among those who produce the country’s wealth. It is a better feeling to belong to a country that is ranked among the richest, than among the poorest. The human spirit thrives on success.

Fourth, First Oil brings with it new responsibilities for both government and citizens. We hope it brings out the best in us as a people. As a richer nation, the eyes of the world would be constantly on us. The critics would increase. Those who doubt the innate ability of the capacity of post-plantation people to mange wealth would be rooting for our failure, as the natural order of things.

It is up to us to prove them wrong. It gives our country the chance to move from adolescence to adulthood. So, at this historical juncture of our independence, let us give thanks for the moment. Guyana is on the threshold of a new dawn. It is ours to cherish and own. With the determination that has brought us this far, we shall grasp it with open arms.

Berbice Bridge Company disappointed at losing court battle Dear Editor, THE Berbice River Bridge is disappointed at the ruling of Chief Justice (ag.) Roxanne George, SC, with regard to the takeover by Government of the operations of the Berbice River Bridge.

The Company has consulted with its attorneys-at-law and the Board of Directors have concluded that the recent ruling ought to be challenged.

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc. shall, in due course, make its filings to the Court of Appeal seeking to set aside, or reverse, the ruling of the Honourable Chief Justice (ag.).

The Company has, on many occasions, pointed out that successive governments have failed to honour the Agreement for annual adjustments of the toll to cross the bridge, resulting in an accumulated loss of billions of dollars to the Company. The Company has pointed out that since June 2015, the Minister of Public Infrastructure has consistently refused to meet to discuss toll adjustments. In the meantime, since the takeover of the bridge and control over the toll charges, the Company is expected to meet the cost of its operations at continuing loss to the Company.

Regards, Kit Nascimento For BBCI

Op-Ed

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday December 21, 2019

By Margaret Burke

OBVIOUSLY moved by tragic loss of lives on the roads of Guyana, especially as a result of the most recent vehicular accidents, President David Granger has spoken. He wished the survivors a speedy recovery, and extended sympathy to the relatives, families and friends of those who have been killed or injured. So far, there has been over 120 fatalities, along with endless untold stories of physical and psychological injuries.

Indeed, according to the President, “The deaths, disabilities and injuries and damage to property caused by accidents on our roads are deeply distressing.” It seems excessive – this wanton waste of precious lives; people who were in the prime of their productive ages; young and full of promise. Yet, as soon as we think that steady flow of accidents are coming to some closure there is a recurrence.

President Granger referred to it as “This insane increase in road fatalities…” Insane it is indeed, because from all appearances, even though such an enormous amount of persons’ relatives, families and friends have so suddenly faded out of existence, yet there are so many more out there willing to take the chance to drive recklessly.

NO ADVANCE PREPARATION The fact is that while not every fatality or injury was as a result of speeding or careless driving on the roads, far too many of them were. As a result, children, even the unborn, siblings, fathers, mothers, guardians, and others have lost their lives. Many of these deaths are instant, and left no room for preparation. Therefore, a rapid assessment of the socioeconomic situation in the lives of many left behind would show a very interesting tale. The consequences of many of these accidents, in some ways, are greater than the death of the loved one. Yes, most people would prefer any other state of

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The economic and social impact of vehicular crashes affairs than to have to endure the loss of a child, a father, a mother or other.

However, the old adage that ‘one thing leads to another’ is therefore quite apt here. Most of the people who met their sudden demise, or those who have to suffer injuries and infirmities, and in some cases endless pain were on an errand. Some of them were going to work; some to transact business; others to school or some other training; while there were some who were going to attend to other matters. In one case, a ‘would-have-been’ mother was on her way to make sure that her health and that of her baby was going fine, as ‘the day’ approached. One way or another, they all left their homes to be on a mission, with the hope of returning.

What happens to those who are left behind? In fact, there is no one in all of society who is not affected by what is taking place on our roads. The victims of these accidents and their families, their other relatives and friends, employers, and society at large are all affected by this tragic situation. In some cases, it leaves a gaping wound that never really heals because of many other resultant factors.

THE SOCIOECONOMIC BURDEN In addition to the fact that the loss of lives as a result of motor vehicular accidents cost the government a great deal of money, society also pays a price. Studies have shown that the apparatuses of the society include cost relating to the loss of productivity, property damage, medical costs, rehabilitation costs, congestion costs, legal and court costs, emergency services such as medical, police, and fire services, insurance administration costs, and the costs to employers.

This does not exclude the values for more intangible consequences such as physical pain or lost quality-of-life, which the family has to bear, either permanently or temporarily. The fact is that

many of the victims or their dependents are forced to rely on other relatives, friends and even the society, in some cases to literally stay alive, or at least to be able to endure their circumstances. Aside from these economic consequences, victims suffer from physical pain, disability, and emotional impacts that can greatly reduce the quality of their lives.

PRESIDENT’S 3-POINT APPROACH President David Granger had proposed a three-point approach at the launch of Road Safety Month since 2015. His approach related to more stringent enforcement of our traffic laws, including those proscribing driving under the influence of alcohol, playing distracting music, and the use of cellular phones while driving.

In this regard, he urged stricter enforcement, which will help to promote greater safety on the roads, including the enforcement of speed limits and limitations on the lawful complement of cargo and passengers by commercial and public transportation vehicles.

The President’s proposal also included greater road safety education, through a systematic and sustained countrywide campaign that must be conducted. Mention was also made of the drivers’ licensing process that must be strengthened, so as to ensure that only competent and responsible persons are certified to drive vehicles, especially passenger vehicles on roadways. This included overloading, speeding or playing excessively loud music.

Mr. Granger also proposed the improved engineering solutions to ensure safer roadways, many of which were never intended to be highways or public roads. He added that sidewalks, pavements and overpasses, where possible, must be installed to ensure pedestrian safety, along with other ‘safe’ conditions. Some of these proposals have already materialised.

Others are still to come.

Basil Butcher’s legacy is secure Some non-nationals abusing Guyanese hospitality in our hearts and our nation Dear Editor,

Dear Editor, BASIL Butcher, in my youth, was a very popular sports figure, and cricket was truly “cricket, lovely cricket”. I remember his performances at Lords and other cricket stadiums all over the world, and we youths were affixed to our little radios, listening as the West Indian team, under Garfield Sobers, dished out victory after victory. This period in the 1960s, we were very proud that four of our players were solid West Indies team players: Lance Gibbs (who I grew up next to on Laluni Street), Rohan Kanhai, Joe Solomon and Basil Butcher( all three from Port Mourant where the Jagans always resided). One should remember that Basil Butcher wore no helmet and other safety devices when he faced the likes of Freddie Truman, the premier English fast bowler who delivered balls at 87 mph - bumpers, swingers and everything else. One should remember that Butcher was a gentleman always, even when unfair decisions were made against him by umpires who did not have the modern technology now available. On one occa-

sion, he was dismissed even though it was clear that the ball had hit his shirt sleeve and not his bat. He said to a reporter, “the umpire is always right.”

One should remember that Basil Butcher achieved recognition at the upper echelons of worldwide cricket, but always kept his roots in Guyana, and always gave full meaning to what we as a nation could produce. One should remember that Basil Butcher was placed in the batting line-up for the West Indies team between Kanhai and Sobers, the two best batsmen on the team. It shows the high regard which the selectors placed in his abilities, mirroring the great Clive Walcott’s positive assessment of Butcher’s skills years before, when Walcott led the Guyana cricket team.

Editor, Mr. Clive Lloyd has called for a Hall of Fame to be established, and Basil Butcher to be inducted. This idea should be universally accepted and acted upon in a very timely manner. Our country should establish a cricket academy to discover and nourish all the potential Butchers in our youthful population, because cricket has changed, and our young citizens could compete both at home and at

international levels. County cricket should be revitalised and energised to produce our new Basil Butchers, because he was a product of the keen county cricket which once dominated that sport.

Editor, Basil Butcher was a strong family man; a true patriot of Guyana, and a great ambassador and pioneer of Guyana and West Indian cricket. These attributes and achievements should give us all pause to remember such a great Guyanese sportsman, and to take a little time out of our busy lives to reflect on his career and contribution to all of us. All condolences to his family, who loved and respected him so much; all condolences to our Republic, as we have lost a true son of Guyana. All condolences to the West Indian cricketing world for the loss of such a brilliant player during the “glory” days. God bless Basil Butcher, and keep him safe.

His legacy is secure in our hearts, and our nation will always cherish his important journey to become a Guyanese legend.

IT comes as no surprise that some stores operated by non-nationals are now openly barring Guyanese from shopping there.

One does not have to be paranoid to observe the attitude of some foreigners who come here towards Guyanese. I have been highlighting this issue for months now, but the authorities such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ministry of Public Security, et al, have obviously viewed the practice by those foreign merchants as frivolous and have paid little heed. They will wait for Guyana to be overrun before taking remedial action. The recent HGP TV News report about the spate and prevalence of this practice further reveals the growing tenacity of some of those foreigners who seem to be trampling upon our native hospitality.

It could be recalled that several months ago, Guyanese shoppers were even physically abused in separate incidents by non-nationals of Asian descent for suspected and alleged shop-lifting.

About a week ago, I entered a certain store on Regent Street, and was pricing a toy when the attendant, oblivious of my ability to understand Spanish told the proprietor that I am Guyanese and quoted me a different price. The same nonsense has been happening at the Georgetown Public Hospital Out-Patient’s clinic with the Hispanics.

Recently, on a visit to Region#8, I had cause to upbraid an unruly Venezuelan national who struck me, and didn’t feel he owed me any apology. He got off lightly, since I was attending to more important matters that day. Ironically, certain individuals and media houses, for their own ulterior motives, have been imprudently seeking to vilify a select migrant group that pose no real threat nor inconvenience to this country, while being seemingly complicit or comfortable embracing those who would chew and spit them out. Guyanese should not become hostile nor xenophobic towards foreigners, but synchronously resist any attempt by non-nationals to treat ourselves with contempt or become aliens in our own country.

This is our turf. We cannot go anywhere else in the world and pull such ridiculous stunts.

Yours faithfully, Cheddi ‘Joey’ Jagan Jr.

Regards, Orette Cutting (Mr.)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 21, 2019

UG to open $120M Childcare Centre of Excellence

--will also offer teaching and research opportunities THE University of Guyana (UG) has turned the sod for the construction of a $120M early childhood centre which will offer childcare, teaching and research services at its Turkeyen campus.

The centre will be the third of its kind in the Caribbean, following those at the University of West Indies’ Trinidad and Jamaica campuses.

With funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Ministry of Finance’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), the centre will provide an appropriate learning environment for young children and research opportunities for the university.

Minister of Finance, the Hon. Winston Jordan, who was part of Friday’s ceremony, said six childcare centres were set up in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 under the seventh and eight cycles of the BNTF. However, the UG facility will offer

BNTF’s Project Manager Dikedemma Utoh

unparalleled services.

“What makes this centre of excellence, which will be established in the ninth cycle unique, is that it will be the apex centre. It will be the ‘primus inter pares’, the “first among equals,” Minister Jordan stated.

He added that the vision was to provide a safe, secure and nurturing childhood in which young children could grow, learn and develop their full potential as Guyanese.

BNTF’s Project Manager, Dikkedemma Utoh, said the facility would expand and deepen the university’s contribution to the development and care of Guyanese children, among other things.

“This centre will no doubt transform the delivery of early childhood education here at UG. It will also transform the landscape of the Turkeyen campus and improve the university’s relationship with the surrounding communities,” he said.

Finance Minister Hon Winston Jordan joins Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, UNICEF Country Rep. Sylvie Fouet and Dean Al Creighton at the sod-turning

The centre will cater for 120 babies and toddlers, with a staff of 31. It will also offer quality early childhood development,

promoting inclusion and rights of children with disabilities, and will push women empowerment through access to tertiary level education. (DPI)

Government can reduce road deaths quickly

Dear Editor,

FOR as long as bus operators are not all being paid a fixed flat monthly rental for

their much-needed services (and are instead left to fight and race each other for passengers, and to speed to complete as many trips

as possible to make their money), we will continue to have as many road deaths as seems to now be the new norm.

Public transportation is transportation provided usually by the government. We instead have private transportation being provided to

the public. But with public transportation, the government pays the bus operators.

With public transportation, the Government is the boss, not the passenger nor the bus operator. The passenger does not pay the bus operators. The passenger purchases bus-passes from the government and presents that in the bus instead of cash. The government in turn uses the monies, raised from the sale of bus passes, to pay the bus operators.

With public transportation, the government has complete control over how high or low bus fares should go.

And with public transportation, there are no accidents worthy of report because the bus operators do not need to pick up as many passengers, nor make as high a number of trips, as possible to make their money.

Similarly, our government would save our lives if they too collect cash from passengers and then use it to pay the bus operators one flat equal monthly rental to cover gas, maintenance and driver salaries, etc. (The government can also pro-

vide gas subsidies for the operators). Let the bus operators become public servants, serving the public for a monthly fee.

This way, our government need not buy new buses. But most importantly, our bus operators would see no more benefit in speeding nor overtaking on turns nor racing nor overloading nor overcharging nor working only during profitable hours nor only on profitable routes nor using touts to pull and tug at passengers, etc. None of these activities would increase their monthly payment. This new system can be phased in. Alternately, a date can be announced for a complete switch-over, along with a deadline for bus operators to sign up. Too many of us know someone who died recently, or was at least injured, in a bus accident that proper public transportation could have avoided if it were being provided.

Regards, John M. Fraser

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday December 21, 2019

Broadcasting authority operates independently -- chairman deems claims made by Opposition Leader false

GUYANA National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) Chairman, Leslie Sobers, says policies and decisions of the agencies are not influenced by government ministers.

The chairman was at the time responding to claims which were recently made by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

At a press conference at GNBA’s headquarters, Lamaha Street, Georgetown, Sobers dismissed the claims by Jagdeo that the GNBA is serving partisan interest.

He said he believes Jagdeo’s statement is as a result of warnings that were recently issued to all broadcasters about divisive election rhetoric in the run-up to the March elections.

The PPP owns one of the radio stations, Freedom Radio and Jagdeo believes the GNBA’s warning may have been directed to that station that features partisan political programmes daily.

In rebutting Jagdeo’s statement that the Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, gave him instructions as it relates to broadcasting, the GNBA chairman said this is not true.

According to Sobers, he was never given a directive by any minister of government, including the subject minister, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo.

“I have been associated with Mr. Harmon as a lawyer, we shared space, I would not hesitate to say it, when I was a student I studied under Mr. Harmon.

He was my supervisor when I was doing my pupilage and at the end of that, there was a room which he offered me and I utilised it and since then we remain in association legally until together we formed the law firm with other lawyers,” he said.

He continued: “As a matter of fact, since Mr. Harmon became a minister and now director-general, I have only seen him about twice coming into that building and this is no exaggeration, I am telling the truth.”

He reiterated that no government minister has ever given him a directive on how to operate the GNBA. “I can say without fear of contradiction or without any mental reservation that the prime minister as the subject minister has never directed me how to operate, or how the board of GNBA should operate when we are dealing with stakeholders,” Sobers said.

He explained that the leader is the opposition is free to express himself but within certain parameters.

Sobers noted that his major concern is the content shared on the radio.

“The freedom of expression which is guaranteed by our Constitution, Article 146 has parameters and you can’t say anything that will interfere or tarnish persons or institutions’ reputations.”

He said the GNBA can only operate within the confines of the law and can also administer its duty and authority if necessary.

“I am cognisant of the fact that Freedom Radio has demonstrated a certain degree of effrontery. It is public knowledge that an action was filed in the court with certain claims and challenges against GNBA

by Freedom Radio and by MTV. The GNBA has restrained itself from making comments about those proceedings which are sub judice,” Sobers said.

However, he said Freedom Radio has decided to approach the court asking for certain declaration but continue in the same vein while making similar utterances, disrespecting everything that is good and proper, although the case has not been concluded.

Noting that the leader of the opposition spoke

GNBA Chairman, Leslie Sobers

about the suspension of licences, Sobers said the GNBA is not interested in suspending anyone’s licence because of political commentary.

He noted that the GNBA has many legal representatives on its board and committees that can zone in on any breaches committed during broadcast.

NOT TRUE Sobers noted that Jagdeo is insinuating that the broadcasting authority will aim to take stations off the airways that are sympathetic to a particular political party, but this is fallacious.

“I have not heard such fallacy in a long time, so I want to make it very clear to this nation that the GNBA has no such interest. What we do have inter-

est in, is the people of Guyana being entitled to and enjoying quality broadcasting, quality radio, quality television, quality cable,” the chairman said.

He said letters were sent to Freedom Radio advising the station to tone down the unfounded and false statements being made and monitor the call-in programmes to guide callers that are off track.

“Every broadcaster must have in place a delay system when having call-in programmes. We can insist that you have the delay system or don’t have a call-in programme, and a lot of broadcasters don’t have the delay system in this modern age,” he noted.

Adding that the leader of the opposition spoke about partisan interest, Sobers said he is doing his job without fear, favour or ill will.

Sobers said since 2017, the board has issued more licences than in the tenure of former president, Bharrat Jagdeo.

“We have 20 or so radio broadcasters and an equal amount of television broadcasters and a fair amount, six to 10 cable broadcasters and that is how we opened up the industry,” the GNBA chairman said.

He said that Freedom Radio and MTV are expected by virtue of their licences to broadcast within the entire zone for which they are given a licence and if such cannot be achieved, then the stations are not catering for the communication and information needs outside of the operating area.

He noted that Freedom Radio is only serving the interest of the PPP and its membership which is a very narrow vision of broadcasting since they are supposed to be serving the interest of the entire nation.

“They are serving the interest of their membership.

Freedom Radio does not cover the entire zone and I know because I travel and tune in,” he said.

Additionally, he said Mark Benschop, who also owns a radio station, has said things that are unsavory about the leader of the opposition and letters were sent to him and he is invited to a hearing before an investigative committee.

“So Mr. Benschop, just like Mr. Jagdeo, accused us of all kind of things. You are dammed if you do and you’re dammed if you don’t,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 21, 2019

On today @ Cliff Anderson’s…

Hibiscus Couture’s Arts & fashion ‘fest’

By Gabriella Chapman

THE Creative Arts & Fashion Industry continues to be flooded with the constant emergence of young creatives across the country.

Having the talent is one thing, but getting the opportunities and exposure to develop the talent, is another.

Recognising the need for a platform to showcase the plethora of talent in the industry, Denise Jennings, CEO of Hibiscus Couture House of Fashion, is hosting a Festival of Arts and Fashion today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Through a theatrical type production, Jennings, along with her Artistic Director, Oral Welshman, is bringing the arts together through dance, fashion, song, theatre.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Welshman explained that the festival will not take the form of item after item, but rather it will all be incorporated into one big production.

“While the singers are performing, the dancers are dancing. While the saxophonist and violinist are playing, the models are walking in the designer evening gown pieces. That’s how it will be done; it is going to be a show with a difference. Great choreography, great choice of music, full theatrical entertainment,” he said.

Disclosing further that coming out of a music and theatre workshop he conducted in Berbice, he came across some exceptional talent, some of which will be incorporated into the show.

Jennings said that her reason for doing this event is to highlight and showcase talented Guyanese artists.

“We have a lot of designers, musicians, dancers, actual artists, and some of these people get lost in the cracks; nobody knows about them. So, we’re trying to use this platform to showcase not only fashion, but other talents in the industry. For example, one of our models is a very good artist, and we’re giving him an entire scene. His name is Ian Campbell, a teacher by profession, but his art was never showcased. For his scene, models will be walking with his pieces while he paints on stage,” Jennings said.

Even though Jennings herself is a designer, she said that her intention is to collaborate with others, so

that together they can make a difference in the industry. **“If we unite, we’ll be a force to reckon with. My vision is to try to up the bar of fashion a whole lot in Guyana. I’m not criticizing anybody’s work or anything, but I think we can do so much more than just tiedye and paintings, we can do glamorous things. Some people do, but to me we need more. Guyana can be on par with any part of the world,”

attraction for people coming back home.

Hibiscus Couture was formed over 20 years ago

by Jennings, while she was in Barbados. I was formed under a different name ‘Dendre’s House of Fashion’, but after she returned home to Guyana, three years ago, she decided to change the name to make it more related to her country.

Hence the name ‘Hibiscus Couture’.

Some of the models that will be at Festival of Arts and Fashion

CEO of Hibiscus Couture, Denise jennings

she told ‘The Buzz’.

Despite her aim, she was posed with many challenges in making it a reality. Including lack of support from corporate Guyana, and refusal from persons in the industry to collaborate with her.

“Since I returned home, I reached out to countless designers that I felt would have been on board with us for something like this, to help promote ourselves, our country and the young people who are not being exposed. Nobody seems to be interested. To me, it appears as if they’re not in charge of the actual event, they don’t want to be part of it… Even corporate Guyana. We’re trying to get sponsors to do this event, an event that’s going to showcase Guyanese talent, help young people to be exposed and recognized and you’re not getting the support,” she lamented.

Nonetheless, from the help of a few friends and ‘out of pocket’ investments, the show has become a reality and will be happening tomorrow night, at a cost of $3000 general stand, $5000 general court and VIP. She said that about five other young designers are on board and they will work together to make this an annual event and tourist

Artistic Director, Oral Welshman

Part of the Cast for Festival of Arts and Fashion

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday December 21, 2019

Tobacco Control Council geared to ensure compliance with legislation

THE National Tobacco Control Council’s 2020 agenda is aimed at ensuring all sections of society are aware of the tobacco control laws and regulations and how they will be affected.

The measures and target areas for its 2020 plan rollout were discussed at the two quarterly meetings held since its launch in May. The council members underwent a two-day tobacco sensitisation workshop on December 10 and 18 where they were informed about tobacco use, the health risks, how to address them, and their roles on the council.

The advisory role they play to the Minister of Public Health was also underscored.

The 2020 plan includes initiatives to protecting non-smokers, especially children, from second and third-hand smoke while ensuring the ban of smoking in public places is in effect.

Another component is to ensure the local tobacco industry complies with the regulations relating to the packaging, promotion and sale of tobacco products.

The council will spearhead several capacity-building workshops for media personnel, inspectorate agencies, enforcement agencies, and critical ministries such as the education and public health ministries.

The setup of helplines and services for persons looking to quit tobacco is also on the cards, as well as talks to students on the dangers of tobacco use.

Meanwhile, the threats posed by non-traditional tobacco use such as hookah smoking and vaping will also be spotlighted.

The council plans to utilise both traditional and new media to ensure the message of tobacco cessation reaches as far as possible. (DPI)

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence with the National Tobacco Control Council members

Royalti Vybez ‘Pimp My Ride’ returns

AFTER a successful three-year run, Royalti Vybez Entertainment Company has returned with its Car and Bike Show, dubbed ‘Pimp my Ride, Guyana Edition’.

The 2019 event is slated for tonight at the Leonora Stadium, West Coast Demerara.

Gates open from 17:00hrs, but the show proper commences at 1900hrs, with a host of attractions.

With 25 different categories in-

cluding, Cleanest Bike, Best Antique Vehicle, Best Graphic Vehicle, Extreme Car, Extreme SUV and more, patrons and vehicle fanatics can come out in their numbers, as lots of excitement are in store.

Team member, ‘Shango’, said that Royalti Vybez is owned by his brother.

He explained that Royalti Vybez Sound Company is the name of their sound system, while Royalti Vybez Entertainment is the entertainment arm that

hosts events.

‘Pimp my Ride’, he said, grew to be one of their signature events.

“This is the third time we are hosting this event,” ‘Shango’ said, adding: “Last year was a huge success, but this event is still kinda young, since this is only the third year, but it’s still growing. There will be a well-stocked bar from Banks DIH. And lots of food will be on sale.”

Tickets will be on sale at the venue at a cost of only $1000.

The trophies up for grabs tonight at ‘Pimp My Ride’

Labourer fined for ‘stealing’ motorcycle CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Friday, December 20, 2019, fined a 41-year-old labourer $30,000, with an alternative of four weeks in prison, for stealing a motorcycle.

Fernand DaSantos appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty, with explanation, to the charge, when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on December 17, 2019, at Camp Street, Georgetown, he stole a CG motorcycle valued at $435,000, property of Romel Datadin.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that, on the day in question, Datadin, who is the owner of motorcycle CH 5766, secured his bike on Camp Street, in the vicinity of Footsteps and proceeded into the mall. Shortly after, Datadin returned and observed his bike was gone.

Mansfield added that Datadin made a report at the Alberttown police station. Police, acting on information, made contact with DaSantos. He was arrested and taken to the station where he admitted to the offence.

“I went working and a man ask me to push away the bike to the gas station and he gone give me $300, and I push it to the gas station and he jump on and ride away” DaSantos said.

Magistrate McLennan fined DaSantos $30,000 or four weeks’ imprisonment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 21, 2019

President Granger pardons two females for Christmas

PRESIDENT David Granger has pardoned two female prisoners who were serving sentences at the New Amsterdam Prison.

The Presidential Pardon takes effect on December 23, 2019 and was done pursuant to Articles 188, 189 and 190 of the Constitution.

According to a release from the Public Information and Press Services Unit, the two female inmates to be released are Sherryann Marks, 19, who was charged with larceny of items and sentenced to six months in prison and Simone Williams, 33, who was charged with use of threatening language and sentenced to six months as well.

Last December, the Head of State granted Presidential Pardon to three

women who were serving sentences for non-violent, non-narcotic offences.

Article 188 (1) (a) of the Constitution states that, “The President may grant to any person concerned in or convicted of any offence under the laws of Guyana, a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions.”

The conditions outlined in the Constitution were met and the Head of State had the requisite consultations with the Minister of Public Security.

“It is the President’s wish to see mothers at home with their children, especially during the Christmas season and as such, women who are charged with non-violent crimes and fit the requisite conditions are eligible for a Presidential pardon,” the release said.

Guyanese arrested in Brazil with cocaine

Maranda Cozier

TWENTY-nine-year-old Maranda Cozier was recently arrested in Sao Paulo, Brazil after being found with almost three kilogrammes of suspected cocaine.

Local law enforcement authorities have partnered with their Brazilian counterpart to further investigations.

Reports indicate that the Guyanese woman left Lethem, Region Nine on December 12 last and

was arrested in Brazil on December 17, 2019.

It was disclosed that the cocaine was found stashed in a quantity of body-shaping undergarments.

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) was directly informed about the situation and ranks have already begun a probe in Guyana pertaining to its origin and an investigation into her background.

The body-shaping underwear that concealed the suspected cocaine.

Man remanded for uttering counterfeit US currency CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Friday, December 20, 2019, remanded a 26-year-old businessman to prison for allegedly forging US currencies.

Dexter Thompson of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is alleged that, on January 26, 2019, at Second Street, Alberttown, he uttered to Mari Sampson, US$650, knowing same to be forged.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted to Thompson, based on the nature of the offence, and told the court that Thompson had similar matters before the court.

Mansfield added that, on the day in question, Thompson went to Sampson’s business place to purchase a bouquet of flowers and paid with US$50. Thompson then asked Sampson to change US$650 and she did.

Sampson later observed that the US currencies were not genuine and she reported the matter to the Alberttown police station. An investigation was launched and, on December 19, 2019, Sampson received information about the whereabouts of Thompson and the latter was arrested and charged.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the prosecutor, remanded Thompson to prison and adjourned the matter until January 17, 2020.

Man accused of larceny remanded CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Friday, December 20, 2019, remanded a miner to prison, on a larceny charge.

Delroy Boyce of Kingston appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge, when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on December 17, 2019, at Brickdam, Georgetown, he stole a phone valued at $55,000, a bag valued at $3000 and $25,000 cash, prop-

erty of Ananda Dune.

According to information, on the day in question, Dune was standing on Brickdam when Boyce walked up to her and snatched her bag and her phone and ran.

Dune raised an alarm and Boyce was arrested by police on duty in the area.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the information provided, remanded Boyce to prison and adjourned that matter until January 3, 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 21, 2019

Roraima Group fetes veterans and others

By Wendella Davidson VETERANS, who served in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force(GDF), along with seniors with disabilities, were treated to lunch on Thursday by the Roraima Group of Companies; a 10-year tradition through which the company continues to upkeep, as their way of honouring those who served Guyana and at the same time spreading Christmas cheer.

The event, held at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston, is an integral part of the Christmas tradition at Roraima Group of Companies. Over 45 persons drawn from the three institutions, GPF, GDF and the Psalms were treated to a sumptuous meal prepared by Chief Chef, Kevin Gouveia, and presented with gifts. Several of the participants sang Christmas songs, with even a Nat King Cole ballad among the tunes, and recited poems while others, probably too shy because of the television cameras, sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Journalist Colwyn Abrams, also a consultant at the Roraima Group, did a beautiful rendition of “Failing in Love with You” and another song that lent fillip to the occasion.

Host of the event, Captain Gerald Gouveia Jnr., a director of the Roraima Group of Companies, said the event is the Company’s way of sharing

the festive season and giving back to those who dedicated their lives and made a noble sacrifice for their country. It is something they look forward to doing yearly.

“We are proud to give back to the community within which we serve and there is no better people to give to than the people who served us as Guyanese people.

Speaking with media operatives, the young pilot spoke of his dad, Captain Gerald (Gerry) Gouveia (Snr), initially serving in the Guyana National Service (GNS) and later joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) where he spent 15 years before retiring as a Major. According to him, his father credits much what he has accomplished to date, to being a part of the GNS and the GDF. And when the idea blossomed a few years back, he

thought about giving back to those who served us (the veterans), as such the Roraima Group is forever proud to give back to those who dedicated their lives, made the sacrifices and dedicated their families to Guyana.

He urged corporate bodies and churches to be the future link with the Roraima Group

and use the event as a way of honouring and showing appreciation, putting a smile on the faces of those who served us over the years.

Among those on hand to help serve the veterans were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Roraima Group, Captain Gouveia (Snr); his wife-- Cap-

Captain Debbie Gouveia shares a light moment with a veteran soldier

Captain Gerry Gouveia and two veterans catching up on an `ole’ gaff

tain Debbie Gouveia; Mitra Rajkumar, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Wesley Kirton, journalist and business consultant.; In an invited comment, retired Staff Sergeant, Beverly

Captain Gerry Gouveia (Jnr) does the honour of serving the veterans

Chief Executive Officer of the Roraima Group of Companies, Captain Gerald (Gerry) Gouveia, interacts with some of the participants at the luncheon

The Gouveia family which has for years been extending Christmas joy to the veterans and others. From left, Captain Gerry Gouveia (Jnr); Captain Debbie Gouveia; Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Captain Gerald (Gerry) Gouveia (Snr) and Kevin Gouveia, the Chief Chef, pose behind the gifts that were distributed to the seniors.

Somerset, who serves as the Veterans Welfare Officer, said she looks forward to the yearly event at this time of the year, as it evidently brings joy to the veterans.

According to her, many of those who attend the event are usually excited, as most times that is the only event that they go to because of their various aliment. On the other hand, she said she is usually ‘pumped up’ knowing that she is able to help cheer up those of her Joint Services family at this time of the year.

She thanked the administrators of the Roraima Group for their selfless act and wished

them all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2020.

Meanwhile, former soldier, Noel Bobb, a 23-year veteran who later worked as a security guard at the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), publishers of the Guyana Chronicle newspapers, likened the event at the Duke Lodge to his “happiest moment”, as he is able to meet with some of his “former squaddies’ and reminisce on the good times they used to share. He also used the opportunity to extend Christmas Greetings to the GNNL family and wished them a productive 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 21, 2019

Mayor Narine laments non-performers at City Hall

By Telesha Ramnarine THE performances of top officers of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on the job do not match the hefty salaries and numerous allowances that they benefit from, observed Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine.

Speaking with reporters following a press conference on Thursday at City Hall, the mayor lambasted the officers whom he said may have the requisite qualifications, but lack good managerial skills.

The mayor has since called for an investigation into several matters, and they did happen. A few subsequently were forwarded to the Local Government Commission and it is now dependent on the council what action will be taken

against the officers. “There is enough evidence; either we give them a chance or not,” Narine said.

Over the years, numerous complaints have been coming forth against the heads of the City Engineer’s and the City Constabulary Departments, headed by Colvern Venture and Andrew Foo respectively. The mayor, on Thursday, added that the Human Resources (HR) Department, headed by Paulette Braithwaite, has done nothing to follow up on the complaints made.

“You are not here to be in a seat and collect a hefty salary. These people get something called house allowance; right now I am questioning it.

This allowance, that allowance, and plus get a salary; free phones; council pays a limit to your credit bill;

you drive to work you get back your mileage. This is value for people’s money?” expressed the mayor.

He added: “And the union wants to nail me when people are not getting paid, but they don’t come and see if these people are performing. They just come to ensure they get their salaries. If I fail as a mayor, it’s not my fault; I tell people that. You can’t give me basket fuh fetch water.”

Narine said he found it disrespectful on Venture’s part that after resuming duties lately from leave, he did not report to him. “The Town Clerk reported to me he’s back but I expected out of respect he would come and say something; come and assure me that we can meet and discuss any issues you know. But nothing like that.”

He also questioned what

Mayor, Ubraj Narine

the HR Department is doing for the City Council. “We have the HR Department.

What is that department doing in view of council’s constant complaints about these officers? Did the HR visit the department, meet with the staff?”

The mayor noted that the HR Department could have done its research and present suggestions on the way forward.

Just recently, the mayor said it is time that mayors and councillors get a salary,

Human Resource Manager, Paulette Braithwaite

as opposed to just stipends.

“I am here at eight (in the morning) and I leave at eight and nine at nights, and my duty is only supposed to be to come and chair that council meeting. But now you have to be here to ensure things are done. Look, a lady came to me this morning, went to Mr. Canterbury three months ago, one of the building inspectors, but he failed to act.

I had to come over and meet with him.”

“The mayor’s job is not one that you can have a side

City Engineer, Colvern Venture

job with. It’s a 24/7 job. We should go down the road of paying mayors a salary, a taxable one. Councillors here who create policies and by-laws; it takes a lot out of you and to receive a stipend is not fair,” he had said.

Narine said he believed that if a mayor serves his full term in office, there should be some benefits for him to receive. “I am not saying I am demanding a salary, but it is something I am looking at; to put things in place for the future.”

BOSAI pledges support for Linden in areas of social, human development BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana Inc. (BMGGI) renewed its commitment to the people of Linden and, by extension, the rest of Guyana, and as such, has pledged continued support in the areas of social and human development.

In a statement on Thursday, Bosai’s Public Relations Officer, Vanessa Mitchell-Davis said since establishing operations in Guyana 13 years ago, the bauxite company has contributed to several projects and programmes within Region 10, while aiding several other projects nationally.

Mitchell-Davis pointed out that Bosai, in the past, renovated the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) swimming pool at a cost of $10M, and on an annual basis, distributes hampers to seniors during the annual staging of the Linden Town Week.

The company is also known for supporting the regional bursary awards and the fixing of streets.

Added to that, the PRO noted that Bosai has within its employ more than 600 workers, and therefore contributes to the town’s economic development to the community. While employees of other companies have

Bosai’s Public Relations Officer, Vanessa Mitchell-Davis

encountered difficulties with working conditions, Mitchell-Davis boasted that at Bosai it is different. She said that Bosai is not all about making money but investing and enhancing communities.

This, Mitchell-Davis stressed, is evident since the commencement of the bursary awards in 2007, from which over 800 students have benefited. In 2019, 45 students were awarded. “The amount of monies invested into the bursaries are millions but while I don’t have the exact amount, I can assure you that over 800 students benefited and, as a result,

have been able to pursue their academic goals,” she said.

The Bosai PRO stressed that education is one of the company’s critical area for national development, thus emphasis is placed on the bursary awards. She pointed out that the bursary is done at three levels, which include at the employee level, regional level and national level.

She said that the bauxite company will also be sponsoring the Linden Town Week, in part, as it forms part of their social responsibility. Mitchell-Davis also praised the relationship that currently exists between Bosai and National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL), stressing that for the past two years the relationship has significantly improved.

“We are very impressed with how NICIL has been handling a number of matters with regards to Bosai and I must say that because of this it has helped in us resolving a number of issues that once were difficult to resolve. It is as a result of this level of relationship that continues to see a number of holistic benefits for both the country and Bosai as an investor,” the PRO declared.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 21, 2019

Dharmic Sabha distributes food hampers to Reg. 2 flood victims

Dr. Vindhya Persaud distributing a food hamper to a resident

Dr. Vindhya Persaud interacts with residents in the Pomeroon area

By Indrawattie Natram

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Wednesday, distributed food hampers to several flood-affected residents on the coastland and also in the Pomeroon River.

According to the religious leader, the Sabha learned about the flooding from the Essequibo Praant members and immediately started to mobilise assistance.

Members from the Sabha East and West Coast Demerara, West Berbice and Essequibo Praants collectively came together and put together bags filled with food items.

Dr. Persaud said the humanitarian effort was geared at assisting those residents who could not leave their homes to purchase food items.

Food hampers were distributed at Better Hope, Jacklow, Siriki and Hackney in the Pomeroon areas. Dr. Persaud also met and interacted with several residents. More assistance will be given to the residents in the coming week.

Speaking on the flood, Dr. Persaud said although it has been two weeks, the area was inundated with floodwater; it is not receding, especially in the Pomeroon communities.

She said residents told her because of the situation, they cannot afford to venture to Charity to purchase food items. Residents also related to her that it cost them $6000 return trip to Charity to access food.

Dr. Persaud said the Praant will continue to reach out to the residents and in the coming week, cleaning detergents will be given to them.

She, therefore, thanked all those who would have helped the Sabha in making the outreach possible.

The food hampers in the boat ready for distribution

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 21, 2019

Leading Global growth – International organisations project major economic growth for Guyana with O&G

By Navendra Seoraj

THE great Calypsonian, Dave Martins said in one of his biggest hits, “Guyana is we own,” a phrase which all Guyanese will be proud to say, especially at a time when the country is projected to lead economic growth on the back of a promising oil and gas industry.

Guyana, the sole En glish-speaking country in South America which has a population of about 750,000 people and is about 80 per cent forested, is set to take off and balloon in 2020 with what is expected to be a

lucrative oil and gas sector. Testimony to Guyana’s potential rise in the global arena was the rating from New York-based stock market, NASDAQ, which listed the South American country as the fastest growing economy in the world. According to NASDAQ, Guyana’s projected growth rate from 2018-2021 is 16.3 per cent.

The stock market said that with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) size of $3.63 billion (2018 Rank: 160), a growth rate of 4.1 per cent in 2018 and 4.6 per cent in 2019, Guyana’s economy is expected to grow by

33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

Those projections climbed in a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which stated that Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by approximately 86 per cent in 2020, almost twenty times more than the projected 4.4 per cent growth for this year.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has also forecasted a staggeringly high growth rate for Guyana for next year. ECLAC noted

that Guyana’s growth rate is pegged at 4.5 per cent for this year, while next year it will be 85.5 per cent.

A report from Bloomberg stated that with such figures, Guyana’s GDP will grow fourteen times as fast as China’s next year. Further projections by the IMF showed that real GDP will grow by 4.8 per cent in 2021, 20.6 per cent in 2022 and 26.2 per cent in 2023. Guyana’s $4 billion annual GDP is also expected to expand to about $15 billion by 2024, said the IMF. The financial institution said the commencement of

oil production will substantially improve Guyana’s mediumand long-term outlook. Guyana is projected to be among the world’s largest per-capita oil producers by 2025.

The oil sector is projected to grow rapidly, accounting for around 40 per cent of GDP by 2024 and supporting additional fiscal spending annually of 6.5 per cent of non-oil GDP on average over the medium term, which will help meet critical social and infrastructure needs ECLAC said the Guyana Government will receive approximately 14.5 per cent of all oil revenue in 2020. In addition to potential oil revenues, there has already been a notable increased in the Foreign Direct Investments here. According to ECLAC, Guyana took in US$495 million in FDIs in 2018, which was more than double what it had received in 2017.

Investments The steep upturn was driven by investments in the hydrocarbons sector, which accounted for 77 per cent of total FDI, much of which was channelled into the development of the oil fields discovered by ExxonMobil in 2015.

In the first phase of this venture, the Liza oil field is expected to begin producing up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day. The company estimates these oil reserves at 5.5 billion barrels. The Economist had reported that in a decade from now, Guyana could become the second-largest oil producer in Latin America and the Caribbean, after Brazil.

The World Bank had also noted that Guyana is now among the 25 largest oil reserve-holders in the world after a series of discoveries starting in 2015. “Well managed oil revenues can have a transformative and sustainable impact on a country’s development…Guyana today has an extraordinary opportunity to reduce poverty and bring long-term benefits to its people,” said Tahseen Sayed, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean.

“Resource wealth can lift people out of poverty and boost human capital. But a robust policy framework with strong regulations and institutions is an essential prerequisite. Through this technical assistance the World Bank will contribute to strengthening Guyana’s institutions and enhancing its legal and regulatory framework, maximizing the benefits of its natural resources,” said Christopher Sheldon, World Bank Practice Manager, Energy and Extractives Global Practice.

Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Dr. Justin Ram had also urged that local stakeholders, particularly the government and private sector, be wary of typical pitfalls of the oil and gas industry.

“The oil industry is going to be booming. Those working in the oil industry… will be earning more money because

they are internationally competitive, but when these folks get money in their pockets, they will want to buy things in society and people will know they have money, so prices are likely to rise,” he said.

“If you are going to be depleting the environment [capital], you need to ensure that whatever money you are getting from that, you are investing in other forms of capital so that your overall capital base remains the same, or is increasing and that will protect NNP,” he said.

Other policy areas that can be improved to boost Guyana’s economy, in the wake of the emerging oil and gas industry, according to the CDB representative, include: improving the ease of doing business, managing inflation, managing the exchange rate, engaging in sustainable expenditures, government saving for stabilisation and posterity and effectively managing the non-oil deficit to safeguard from the ‘Dutch Disease’.

As Guyana moves forward, with good plans, there could be expansion in construction, said the CDB. The CDB said commercial oil production will potentially lead to double-digit rates of growth in the medium term, and to significant hikes in government revenue.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Research Company, Rystad Energy had reported that the global oil industry is well on track to repeating the feat achieved in 2018, when around 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) recoverable resources were discovered and Guyana is second on the list for the most discoveries so far for this year.

According to Rystad, oil and gas companies have discovered 7.7 billion BOE to date.

The research company said Russia has seen the most discovered resources thus far in 2019, with the Dinkov and Nyarmeyskoye discovery announced earlier this year holding around 1.5 billion BOE of recoverable resources. Guyana and Cyprus nabbed the other places on the podium.

“The industry has high hopes after the prolific success of ExxonMobil’s Stabroek block off the coast of Guyana and more recent discoveries by other operators in the Region, which have led to a surge in offshore exploration in the Caribbean,” the company stated in its report.

More acreage is being made available for bidding, with some countries conducting their first-ever licensing rounds in 2019 and 2020. Offshore drilling activity has been on a steady rise in recent years, with 23 new exploration wells expected in 2019. By comparison, only seven offshore wells were drilled in 2013. Rystad Energy expects the Guyana-Suriname basin will continue to occupy headlines with a few planned wells in both Guyana and Suriname.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 21, 2019

Less fatal accidents if drivers stay in their zones – says Mayor Narine

By Telesha Ramnarine GEORGETOWN Mayor, Ubraj Narine, believes that if minibus drivers stick within their respective zones, the number of deaths on the roadways will significantly go down.

He expressed this view to reporters following a press conference on Thursday at City Hall that was called to address the issue of Houston Estate’s indebtedness to the City Council.

The mayor said if people stay within their zones, it means that they will likely drive at a better speed, be less tired, and will give others an opportunity to do business.

“That is how it’s done in other countries, even in the Caribbean. When people stay within their zones, you give people in those areas the opportunity to create development. The driver will not be tired, he will not have to drive at that rate, the people’s lives will be safer, and things can happen in the area,” he pointed out.

Furthermore, if drivers respect their boundaries, it means that the City will see less traffic and congestion.

“This will solve our issue,” Narine proffered.

“It’s the same thing with

Linden. Linden buses ought not to come to Georgetown.

They ought to go to Timehri Bus Park, and then those buses will come to Georgetown,” he added.

When he examined the recent accident at Mahaicony, in which five persons died, the mayor reasoned that the driver could have been tired, making his way from Georgetown all the way there several times for the day. Further, he said the driver was speeding possibly because he wanted to hurry back to Georgetown to take up another load of passengers.

He wants for the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, and other related agencies to come together so that they can bring a solution to this problem. “I believe we need a committee or a board where all of us can meet and put forward our ideas.”

He added: “When I visited New York, before I reached my destination, I had to take five buses.

They all have zones. What is happening today in the city with traffic is terrible. This is my idea; to deal with the zoning.”

Narine noted that the minibus drivers all know the zones in which they should

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

The Head of State lamented the preventable loss of lives of 21 persons, including three children, in 15 road accidents in NoMayor Ubraj Narine operate but it is that they’re being allowed to enter the city nevertheless. “Enforcement needs to be there. It will save many lives.”

Every year, the Police’s Traffic Department and the NRSC would dedicate the last week in November towards the awareness of road safety. During this period, numerous campaigns are launched across the country to educate the public about the importance of using the road in a safe manner.

However, Road Safety Week 2019 came to a horrific end and has proven to be one of the deadliest weeks for the year so far.

This led President David Granger to issue a message

GCCI bemoans road deaths THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) is appealing to all road users, inclusive of motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, to exercise caution on the roadways in an effort to combat the current road safety crisis.

The GCCI, in a statement, said road traffic safety in Guyana is a major social, economic, development and health concern and the increase in road traffic accidents is alarming.

Recently, it was reported in the local media that 21 persons died as a result of 15 road accidents which occurred in November. Further, 114 persons died as a result of 97 road accidents thus far in the year.

“These statistics reveal an enormous human tragedy. Each road traffic fatality is a painful loss which signifies human suffering and economic and social costs.

The chamber believes that improved road safety and the reduction of road accidents is a shared responsibility which requires concerted action by road users, government, the private sector, academia and civil society. The chamber is also cognisant that poor enforcement of traffic laws, speeding and reckless driving, and

the lack of proper training and education are some of the main factors which contribute to road carnage in Guyana,” the GCCI said.

It noted that road accidents have great financial impact on the country’s economy and significantly affects the social lives of those affected.

In this regard, the GCCI said road accidents can be reduced through a number of preventative measures including strict enforcement of traffic laws, mandatory education and training of public transport drivers, road safety training and courses for new drivers and refresher courses for older drivers, increased sensitisation campaigns about safe driving principles through the media, regular inspection of public transport, and awareness raising programmes and materials for pedestrians.

“Road safety is everybody’s business and the GCCI urges all road users to stringently uphold traffic laws and regulations, and exercise good judgement when using the roadways by observing the five Cs - care, caution, consideration, common sense and courtesy,” the statement concluded.

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

Even as the President urged road users to observe the Guyana Police Force’s (GPFs) code of behaviour

– care, caution, consideration, common sense and courtesy – as they utilise roadways, he pointed out some of his own proposals made at the launch of Road Safety Month, on November 4, 2015.

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 21, 2019

We must change the energy - Arteta ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta says he must change the “energy” at a club he feels have lost their way since he left after retiring as a player in 2016.

Arteta, 37, has signed a threeand-a-half-year contract to succeed Unai Emery, who was sacked in November.

He has served as an assistant coach at Manchester City but has never managed.

“I have so much respect for this club, if I didn’t feel I am ready and prepared for this I wouldn’t be sitting in this chair,” Arteta told reporters.

“It was always a dream for me.

The day I made a decision to leave this football club I said to the people that I am going outside, I am going to learn, get prepared and hopefully one day I can come back here when I feel I am ready.

“I have been preparing for a few years for this challenge to come. I know the expectations, level and stature of this club and what it deserves. I am ready for that challenge.

“They were so convinced they wanted me that I said I have to take the challenge.”

Arteta served as club captain

whatever, is not good enough for this environment and culture.”

“They are in relegation form - it really is that serious” - analysis

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta at Emirates Stadium yesterday in London, England.

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) and won the FA Cup twice in a five-year playing career with the Gunners.

The Spaniard takes charge from tomorrow, leaving Freddie Ljungberg in interim charge for the trip to Everton - another of Arteta’s former clubs - today (12:30 GMT kick-off).

Arsenal sit 10th in the Premier League, following a home defeat to Manchester City last Sunday, when Arteta was in the dugout for the visitors.

“The first thing is to change the energy,” said Arteta. “Last

week I was here and felt a bit down. I have to get all the staff and everyone with the same mindset.

“We have to build the right culture. It’s my job to convince everybody that this is how we are going to live.

“Now we need immediate impact, to win games, raise the level of confidence and we need the fans. We need to engage them, transmit with our behaviours what we want to give to this club. We need to plug these two things together

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as it’s so powerful.”

Arteta said he “cried” when he said farewell to colleagues at City and stressed he needs a “proper conversation” with Ljungberg over his own future.

When he takes charge for the Boxing Day fixture at Bournemouth, he will become Arsenal’s youngest manager since Terry Neill, who was 34 when he led the Gunners in 1976.

Arsenal won the FA Cup in the season after Arteta departed but the 2016-17 campaign saw them finish outside the Premier League’s top four for the first time since 1996.

Asked if the club had lost their way in recent seasons Arteta replied: “That’s what I am sensing from the outside. I would like to start to understand the reasons why. I have to try to understand quickly why this is, to implement certain things that will be quick wins. We have to create the right vibe.

“The ambition of this club is clear - you have to be in Europe and fight for trophies. The rest is not good enough.

“I want people who deliver energy and passion to the club.

Anyone who doesn’t buy into this, has a negative effect or

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown on BBC Radio 5 Live: “The jury is out. He has never managed before, it’s a huge job and it’s a massive show of faith from the Arsenal board who are clearly very impressed with him.

“He’s someone who has always had an eye on management and has been working with the professor for the last three seasons. Pep Guardiola is a remarkable manager, I believe he is the best the game has ever seen, but to do it on his own is a different matter.

“There are so many problems he needs to sort out at Arsenal.

He is going into a situation where Granit Xhaka has lost the captaincy, there’s the Mesut Ozil situation to solve and the way they are so disjointed on the pitch. He will be aware of the way city punished Arsenal last weekend.

“I think they have always felt he is the person but it’s a huge expectation that he will carry at that club and he will know in the first few games what that is about. He is not going into an easy situation. He has to turn this club around. The belief has gone and they are in relegation form - it really is that serious.

“There’s an awful lot of work to do. If he fails, we’ll say that was obvious, he didn’t have the experience. If he’s successful, he could be in the next line of those outstanding managers.”

Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman on BBC Radio 5 Live: “He is a rookie manager, so that’s a gamble that Arsenal have taken - but I was very impressed with his news conference, the positivity and self-confidence.

“It’s a new start and it’s a start that I want the players to embrace as well, because the players need to have a hard look at themselves. They haven’t behaved the best in the past year or so, because where we are in the league is down to the players.”

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Denly impresses for England (BBC) - JOE Denly hit a fine century as England impressed with the bat on day one of their warm-up match against South Africa A in Benoni.

Denly, who has passed 50 five times in 19 Test innings without a ton, struck 103 off 192 balls with 15 fours, as the tourists closed on 337-5.

Opener Rory Burns made 56 and Ollie Pope 70 not out.

This is England’s final warm-up game before the four-Test series against South Africa begins on December 26.

The three-day match was downgraded from its firstclass status to allow England to use more than 11 players because of illness affecting

Joe Denly’s highest score in Tests is 94.

several members of their touring party.

Somerset bowlers Dominic Bess and Craig Overton

were called up on Friday to provide cover.

Denly’s century will therefore not go on his firstclass record but showed the 33-year-old is in good form before the first Test in Centurion.

He played the short ball well and did not offer any chances until he was run-out

by Dane Piedt after a call by Pope.

“I don’t think I’ve had it quite as bad as some of the boys, just a mild case of man flu I think,” said Denly.

“It was sapping heat so I was a bit tired before the end, but I’ve loaded up on medication and vitamins and I’m feeling alright.”

Opener Dom Sibley was bowled for 22 by Andile Phehlukwayo, who also removed

Burns - dropped on 41 - to end the day with 2-51.

Captain Joe Root made 12 and Ben Stokes 47, having not batted in the first warm-up game this week after winning BBC Sports Personality-of-the-Year on Sunday.

Pope hit 11 fours and one six in a fluent knock as he reached the close alongside wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who is 17 not out.

Bowlers Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jack Leach did not travel for the match because of illness and England will continue to assess their condition before deciding whether they will play any part in the final two days.

City is a test of us – Rodgers won’t, or will Leicester do it again? (But) there is still so much football to play.”

During his managerial stint at Liverpool, Rodgers helped English forward Raheem Sterling break into the first team and develop into one of the league’s brightest prospects before he secured a move to Man-

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers smiles during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Leicester City at Villa Park on December 8, 2019 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

(REUTERS) LEICESTER City manager Brendan Rodgers believes his team have an opportunity to assess their Premier League title challenge when they visit defending champions Manchester City today.

The Foxes have emerged as surprise contenders for the title and sit second in the standings. A victory at the Etihad Sta-

dium would cut the gap to leaders Liverpool to seven points.

Rodgers does not believe his team are favourites against third-placed City, but said his players were keen to extend their nine-game unbeaten run in the competition.

“They (City) play at a fantastic level, it’s a great opportunity for us to show our level,” Rodgers told a news conference yester-

day.

“At the beginning of the season nobody really expected us to be in the position that we’re in. The players have been absolutely first class throughout the season ... we have belief in our work and how we work.

“People will look at it at this stage of the season and try and say that Liverpool have maybe won the title and Manchester City

chester City in 2015.

Rodgers said he was always convinced Sterling, who has scored nine league goals this season, could become world class.

“When we put him into the team he played with such intensity, such drive and quality, and there were lots of positions he played

in for me because he was so versatile, such an incredible young footballer,” Rodgers added.

“With Pep (Guardiola)’s coaching he has developed into a consistently world-class operator, and he will believe himself there is still a lot more to come.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 21, 2019

GFF Super 16 MVP to ride away with a 125cc motorcycle THE Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2019/2020 GFF Super 16 Cup knockout championship would be riding away with a brand new Honda 125cc motorcycle, compliments of Marics and Company Limited, located at Charlotte and Oronoque Streets in the City.

Yesterday, the company, through its Marketing Manager Ms Anji Hackett, handed over its letter of commitment while showing off the brand new machine which the lucky player would receive at the end.

In brief remarks at the presentation, attended by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde, Ms Hackett congratulated the Federation for once again hosting this competition which involves a total of sixteen teams - the top eight GFF Elite League clubs along with eight Regional Members Association champions.

Marics and Co. Ltd Marketing Manager, Ms Anji Hackett, hands over the letter of commitment to GFF president Wayne Forde.

“We’re excited to be a part of this big tournament. We know that teams from all across Guyana are involved and we

wish everybody well. This Super Honda bike is for the best player, so come on guys, go and do your best.”

President Forde in his remarks stated that Marics and Co. Ltd has been a very good and enduring partner of the GFF and

has been supporting the Elite League among other ventures of the federation.

“We are very happy to welcome

them on board for this year’s GFF Super 16 Cup. The bike is going to be the prize for the Most Valuable Player and we are happy and heartened to partner with Marics to present this valuable gift to one of our most fortunate and gifted players, who will emerge at the end of the GFF Super 16 Cup 2019-2020 tournament.”

The Bartica Community Centre ground would host a match between home team Rivers View and the visiting Western Tigers from 20:30hrs.

Tomorrow, the action will unfold at the Leonora Track and Field Facility in West Demerara when defending champions home team Den Amstel open the defence of their title against Riddim Squad in the feature match.

The curtain-raiser brings together Santos FC and Eagles Football Club of Stewartville from 18:30hrs.

Pollard bats for Hope

(CMC) - CAPTAIN Kieron Pollard has underscored the importance of opener Shai Hope’s role in the one-day side, labelling the elegant stroke-maker as the ‘anchor’ upon which West Indies built their innings.

Even though Hope boasts an excellent one-day average of nearly 53 from 71 games, his modest strike rate of only 74 has often drawn criticism from pundits.

However, Pollard endorsed the right-hander’s approach, pointing out it was key to the Caribbean side’s tactics especially with several bighitters already in the lineup.

“Sometimes we can get carried away by so much stats and so much data, we forget the importance of how we build a team at times,” Pollard said.

“You can’t only build a team with guys who play shots.

You’ve got to have an anchor.

You’ve got to have somebody holding one end. If you look at the way we have played cricket over the past few years, we have been losing a lot of wickets early on so you have to build a foundation first.

“You can’t build the top part of your house first and then look to build the bottom, so we have identified Shai as the person to build that foundation

Kieron Pollard and Shimron Hetmyer celebrate Virat Kohli’s dismissal, India v West Indies, 2nd ODI, Visakhapatnam, December 18, 2019. for us. When you look at his stats opening the batting they’re phenomenal and again, everyone has roles and responsibilities. If you look at all the guys around him, their strike rates are pretty

pretty high.”

Hope played a key role in Windies’ stunning victory in the opening match of the ongoing one-day series, when he struck an unbeaten 102 to help the

visitors overhaul a target of 288 in Chennai.

His hundred came from 151 balls at a slow strike-rate of 67 but it proved the ideal counter for Shimron Hetmyer’s

breathtaking 139 from 106 deliveries with a strike rate of 131.

Importantly, Hope was there at the end to see West Indies over the line and to a crucial 1-0 lead

in the series.

“It’s about building blocks, it’s about identifying areas where as a team you have fallen down before and you need to fix and then you fix other areas,” Pollard stressed.

“As I said, it’s a work in progress for us and we don’t want to get too detailed in the data and strike rate.”

West Indies failed to build on that success in Chennai, however, going down by 107 runs in face of a record run chase after India left them with a target of 388.

The Caribbean side will now take aim at tomorrow’s decisive third ODI which could see them win their first series against India in 13 years and the first on the subcontinent in nearly two decades.

“We’re going to prepare well.

We’re going to go back, go over the mistakes we would’ve made, try to correct them in terms of practising them and try to perfect and come out fighting as we have done throughout this entire series,” Pollard said.

“So nothing is going to change for us, in terms of how we prepare; and the guys have been really, really good when it comes to that.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 21, 2019

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KINGS/LABA 4x4 Under-18 Basketball set for tonight NATIONAL Under-18 3x3 champions Victory Valley Royals and two other teams from Kings are expected to hold their own against teams from Kwakwani, Aroiama, Georgetown and New Amsterdam when the preliminary play of the first-ever 4x4 Under-18 championship takes place tonight, at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

This new version of basketball is the brainchild of Kings Basketball club president and former coach Gary Stephens who took the idea

to the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA)

for approval.

LABA agreed with the

plan which is aimed at including female players, regardless of their game category, to push the sport, starting in Linden.

This will be a bit different from the 3x3 which is being pushed by the world governing body FIBA but the United States-based Stephens said there must be a way of involving the females in some form of competition and this will be one that should bring some added interest.

The Emmanuel Larose and Kobe Tappin-led Victory Valley Royals team will represent Guyana early next

year at the 3x3 tournament in Guadeloupe and will want to showcase their skills while having a female player on the court.

This is where the curiosity is since each team has to have a female on the court throughout the game.

Kwakwani with their national Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) winning girls will be strong indeed and with some of their players likely to be attached to other clubs, especially the Linden teams and Berbice outfits, great anticipation is building of the tournament which begins

tonight and concludes next Saturday at the same venue.

The Upper Berbice region area of Kwakani has been among the dominant force in youth basketball especially among the females.

Lindeners are going to have a glimpse of these players as well as the best Under-18 players around the country on display.

The tournament promises to be one to remember with great expectations from the future stars of Guyana’s basketball.

ITF expert sees lots of potential, but feels local tennis players need more competitions BILL Adams has worked with some of the best tennis players in the world, including superstars Venus and Serena Williams and reigning Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka— he has an eye for talent and sees lots of potential right here in Guyana.

He however feels that unearthing the talent is a systematic process, which includes among other things, more competitions (both local and overseas).

The US based Guyanese is an International Tennis Federation (ITF) expert, whose task has been to assist the development of the game in various associations in the region.

Prior to arriving in Guyana on Wednesday, he had four-day stints in St. Vincent and Suriname.

Adams, who is a Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) certified teaching professional and United States Tennis Association (USTA) High Performance Coach, will work with several of the country’s top junior tennis players, from the U12, U14 and U18 divisions today. He is also schedule to have a

ITF expert Bill Adams (second from left) going through the paces with some of the youngsters yesterday at National Racquet Centre.

session with a number of the country’s coaches at the Le Ressouvenir Lawn Tennis Club on the East Coast of Demerara (weather permitting).

The official is hoping to have certain systems streamlined before he leaves for the US tomorrow.

To give tennis a booster,

the expert, who is the Director at the Bill Adams International Tennis Academy, feels that more developmental work is needed.

“We need to get more start up programmes into the schools, programmes which will feed in to the higher level, so we can work on

development.”

COMPETITIONS Adams has worked with players from many nations, including Germany, Italy, the US, Venezuela, Jamaica T&T and Guyana. He was also very instrumental in awarding scholarships to Guyanese players, such as Duane Lew-

is, who became a head coach of the Coppin State University and Nicola Ramdyhan, who is currently overseas fullfilling her scholarship.

To this end, he saw a drastic change in the players under his watch and attributed it to a significant factor—competitions. “I’m fully convinced,

you get competition—you spark interest.” “[In Guyana] we need to attend competitions, use the proximity of Suriname. We need to be able to have some of our players here go to Suriname and French Guiana to play competitions, these kids lack competitions….

They need to get to a point where they are playing certain amounts of competitions annual.”

Playing competitions take resources and to move tennis to the next level, Adams said that more facilities, more support from the government and land commitment are also needed.

The ITF expert however feels that the foundation is already there. He said that we have enthusiastic coaches and promising players, who, if they put in the work and get the relevant support, can yield positive results.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, December 21, 2019

Futsal heavyweights on show in Dragon Stout Street-ball ‘Community Cup’ semi-finals SPARTA Boss will oppose Leopold Street while Bent Street tackle Rio All-Stars in the semi-final round of the inaugural Dragon Stout Street-ball ‘Community Cup’, following quarter-final wins on Thursday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

According to a brief comment from the Dragon Stout Brand Manager Jamal Baird, “We have now arrived at the final stage of the competition.

The four teams that have progressed to semi-final stage are undoubtedly the best exponents of the format at the moment. Sparta Boss, Bent Street and Leopold Street are traditional heavyweights while Rio All-Stars are an emerging force - which will set up an exciting narrative for the final night.”

Action between Sparta Boss and Future Stars in the quarter-finals of the Dragon Stout Street-ball ‘Community Cup’ at the National Gymnasium.

He further said, “The fans have witnessed exciting and thrilling action since the inception and I expect that trend to continue and be

surpassed, as we aim to end 2019 on a monumental note by crowning the inaugural Dragon Stout Community Cup champions,”

Sparta Boss bested Future Stars 4-2 in extra time. Ryan Hackett recorded a hat-trick in the 19th, 23rd and 36th minutes. Adding a goal in

the 37th minute was Deon Alfred.

For the losers, Selwyn Williams and Rondel Bowman scored in the third and 17th minutes respectively.

Their impending opponents Leopold Street edged arch-rival Gold is Money 3-2 on penalty kicks after regulation and extra time ended 1-1.

Prior to the penalty shootout, Stephon McLean handed Gold is Money the lead in the 16th minute while Okeene Fraser equalised in the 24th minute.

On the other hand, Bent Street overcame Festival City 2-1. Daniel Wilson and Colin Nelson scored in the eighth and ninth minutes, respectively. For the losers, Simeon Moore scored in the second minute.

Meanwhile, newcomers

Rio All-Stars trampled Avocado Ballers 7-1. Trayon Bobb bagged a hat-trick in the 20th, 21st and 27th minutes Assisting with a double in the 13th and 25th was Kelsey Benjamin, while Jermin Junior and Andrew Murray scored goals in the 11th and 29th minutes.

For the losers, Sherwin Caesar netted in the 12th minute.

Winners of the tournament will pocket $300 000 and the championship trophy.

On the other hand, the runners-up will collect $150 000.

Meanwhile the thirdand fourth-place finishers will receive $75 000 and $50 000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

Cottrell ‘humbled’ by IPL call-up (CMC) – WEST Indies speedster Sheldon Cottrell says he is anxiously looking forward to his first stint in the high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL), after landing a lucrative milliondollar deal with Kings XI Punjab.

The 30-year-old was the subject of an intense bidding war at Thursday’s auction in Kolkata, before Kings XI secured the deal for his services in the campaign bowling off next April.

“I’m really looking forward (to) that,” the Jamaican leftarmer said following the auction.

“I am very thankful and humbled at the same time, and just to play alongside Chris (Gayle) and Nicholas (Pooran), KL Rahul – just some of the names – I’m very elated.”

Cottrell entered the draft at a base price of US$70 400 but fierce competition for his services from Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and

Kings XI saw his value vault to US$1.2 million.

The deal came against the backdrop of an excellent year for Cottrell internationally, where he picked up 30 wickets from 23 One-Day Internationals and 14 scalps from 12 T20 Internationals.

He was one of the few West Indies players to emerge from the ICC World Cup in England with reputation intact, finishing with 12 wickets in an otherwise wretched campaign by the Caribbean side.

Cottrell said he owed his latest IPL achievement to his West Indies teammates who had been key to his success this year.

“Without my teammates (and) West Indies, I wouldn’t have made it here, in my personal view,” he pointed out. “They have backed me 100 per cent and I just want to tell them thanks.”

Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer, who was snapped up by Capitals for US$1.1 million, said he also owed a debt of

gratitude to West Indies.

“I wasn’t really looking too far ahead about it (auction).

Really and truly I was just thinking all about the West Indies,” the Guyanese strokemaker said.

“They have brought me (here) and made me the person I am today so all thanks to the West Indies for just giving me the chance to represent them. I just do my thing and it’s all for the team.”

Hetmyer was discarded

by Virat Kohli’s Royal

Challengers Banglalore after just one season at the end of the 2019 campaign but a sparkling hundred in the opening ODI last week helped to renew his chances of a lucrative contact.

Both Cottrell and Hetmyer are with the West Indies team

preparing

for

the

decisive final ODI of the three-match series against India.

In-form Vantull promises double century in next tapeball clash FORMER Senior Inter-County cricketer Damion Vantull will look to build on his current form when he next picks up the cricket bat for his tapeball team, Village Rams.

The 31-year-old, who spanked an explosive unbeaten 189 in a 20-over clash last Sunday, has promised a double century in his next game.

In his latest match at the National Cultural Centre tarmac against East Coast side Raptors, Vantull smashed six fours and 22 sixes batting at number four to lift the Alexander Village side Village Rams to 379-8 off their allotted overs.

The Tucber Park Cricket Club cricketer, who scored his huge century off just 55 balls, and University of Guyana cricketer, Ershaad Ali, added 72 runs for the third wicket, while Vantull and Gibbo (27 runs) added 146 for the fourth wicket.

Ali, who opened the batting and faced just 21 balls in his innings, smashed 11 sixes and a four in a score of 80. He and senior national cricketer Ricardo Adams (28 runs 5x4) had added 92 runs for the second wicket.

Both cricketers then returned with the ball to restrict Raptors for 91. Ali picked up 5-25 and Adams 3-22 to seal a 288-run victory.

The Village Rams are a dominant tapeball team. Damion Vantull is at extreme right, while Ershaad Ali is centre back of group (tallest player in photo).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 21, 2019

Walton leads Chattogram to win

Chadwick Walton

(CMC) – CHADWICK Walton’s whirlwind half-century lifted leaders Chattogram Challengers to their fifth win in six outings as they beat Comilla Warriors by 16 runs in the Bangladesh Premier League here Friday.

Sent in at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Challengers crested the 200-run mark for the second straight outing, finishing on 238 for four off their 20 overs.

At the centre of the effort was Walton’s aggressive innings - the West Indies right-hander blasting 71 not out from 27 balls with five fours and half-dozen sixes in a superb Man-of-the-Match innings.

Batting at number four, he raced to his 13th Twenty20 half-century off just 22 deliveries with three fours and four sixes, while captain Imrul Kayes chipped in with 62 and opener Avishka Fernando, 48.

Wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan then struck a punishing 15-ball unbeaten

29 as Challengers ended strongly.

West Indies opener Lendl Simmons fell cheaply for 10 with the score on 21 in the third over but Kayes and Fernando dominated in a 85-run, second-wicket stand to put Challengers on top.

When three wickets fell for 33 runs in the space of 24 balls as Challengers slumped to 139 for four in the 15th over, Walton came to the rescue in a 99run, unbroken fifth-wicket partnership with Nurul.

In reply, Warriors threw everything at a difficult run chase to end on 222 for seven off their 20 overs with England’s Dawid Malan top-scoring with 84 off 38 balls.

They were initially going nowhere at 32 for three in the fourth over before Malan put on 58 for the fourth wicket with Yasir Ali (21) and a further 62 for the fifth wicket with captain Dasun Shanka (37) Malan counted seven fours and five sixes before finally falling in the 15th over.

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GFF Super 16 MVP to ride away with a 125cc motorcycle 28

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 21, 2019

PAGE

Marics and Co. Ltd Marketing Manager, Ms Anji Hackett, hands over the letter of commitment to GFF president Wayne Forde.

ITF expert sees lots of potential, but feels local tennis players need more competitions 29 PAGE

Bill Adams (in white cap and t-shirt) and some of the youngsters he will be working with from today.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019