Guyana Chronicle E-paper 12-23-2019

MONDAY 23rd December, 2019

’ No.105860

‘First Oil’ brings new hope to Guyana PAGE

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–– Gov’t ministers predict all-round development

President Hoyte hailed for transforming Guyana’s economic landscape 02 PAGE

World Bank to help Guyana with AML risk assessment 19 PAGE

Guyana ‘standing out’ in support 12 for Venezuelan Partners and media operatives signing the banner to indicate their commitment to joining the campaign to bring awareness to road safety (Adrian–Narine photo) immigrants UNHCR PAGE

With Christmas Day just a few days away, the Port Mourant market in Berbice was buzzing with eager customers ready to get those ingredients for their Christmas meals. In photo, this gentleman gets all the meat he needs to get his Pepperpot going. See story on page 10

GTU considers 2019 salary increases interim payout 16 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

President Hoyte hailed for transforming Guyana’s economic landscape

By Lisa Hamilton

FORMER President Hugh Desmond Hoyte led Guyana into its first two eras of economic transformation and must be remembered for his relentless attitude and actions towards the vision of a developed Guyana, President David Granger said on Sunday.

At the Mausoleum at the Place of Heroes in the Botanical Gardens, a number of Hoyte’s relatives, friends and other prominent individuals attended a commemorative ceremony for the 17th Death Anniversary of the late Pres-

ident.

In his address, President Granger, the Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), established that Hoyte battled against hatred and hostility to lead the country into sovereign nationhood as an independent state and as a republic.

He credited the country’s first economic transformation, realised during 1964 to 1985, to Hotye, noting that it saw the expansion of public infrastructure, public services such as education, and the establishment of drainage and irrigation projects to support the economy.

The President said that the country’s second economic transformation was also led by Hoyte between 1985 and 1992.

He reminded that the late President was the author of the Economic Recovery Programme, launched in 1989, which contributed to high growth levels during 19891992; the motivator behind the economic liberalisation and the visionary behind the environmental protection programme now enjoyed by Guyanese.

President Granger also highlighted Hoyte’s contribution to the empowerment

PNC Chairman and Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence (right), assists President Hoyte’s sister Gloria Hoyte to lay a floral tribute at the tomb (Samuel Maughn photo)

of small states, the protection of the environment, and the Langkawi Declaration which saw the setting aside of over 300,000 hectares of forest for conservation and sustainable development.

“Hugh Desmond Hoyte was a serious man living in serious times. He was a champion of change in the country. His policies laid a firm foundation for sustained economic growth and environmental stewardship. He embraced continuity in our party, strengthening it as a major political force in charting collaborative partnerships. Guyana can learn much from his prudent approach to economic management and to political cooperation,” President Granger said.

The Head of State also underscored the invaluable contribution of the PNC to the Guyanese society, noting that under Hoyte’s leadership collective development was the sole aspiration.

“The People’s National Congress is an essential and inevitable institution in Guyanese nationhood. The PNC, if it did not exist already, would have to be invented; it was the PNC which brought togetherness out of divisiveness, progress out of backwardness and moderation out of extremism,” he said.

As Guyana embarks on its third economic transformation with the beginning of oil production, the Head of State said it is an honour to be the third PNC leader to become President of the country.

“It is my duty to continue the great work of my predecessors: Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte during their presidencies.

Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC),President David Granger lays a floral tribute at the tomb of the late President Hugh Desmond Hoyte in observance of the commemorative ceremony for his 17th Death Anniversary. (Ministry of the Presidency photo) The country’s third eco- livering opening remarks, nomic transformation is referred to Hoyte as an witnessing the inexorable “extraordinary man, son transformation to becom- of this soil, a brother and a ing a petroleum state, to President.” becoming a green state, to In providing a synopsis becoming a digital state and of Hoyte’s life, Lawrence to becoming an education noted that he obtained his nation,” President Granger LLB degree from the Unisaid. versity of London in 1959 and returned home in 1960, A BROTHER, when he entered practice PRESIDENT as a lawyer, becoming a Also present was PNC member and chairman of Chairman and Minister the Legal Practitioners of Public Health, Volda See page 3 Lawrence, who, while de-

The tomb of Former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte surrounded by tributes and engraved with the words: ‘Nothing can harm a good man either in life or after death’. (Samuel Maughn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

‘First Oil’ brings new hope to Guyana –– Gov’t ministers predict all-round development

By Lisa Hamilton

GUYANESE can expect development in areas across the board with the beginning of oil production, and can rest assured that the government will continue to do all in its power to manage the coming resources prudently so that all will benefit equally.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said that although it was always more than a hunch that Guyana had oil, finally becoming a petroleum producer is “a dream come true.”

On Friday evening, President David Granger announced ‘first’ oil, simultaneously declaring December 20 as ‘National Petroleum Day’ in a televised national address.

“It was always there, but now that it is here I think it will be a blessing for us all here in Guyana, as long as we manage it properly,” Minister Allicock said.

While some are preoccupied with the fact that Guyana is new to oil production and does not have the best history of proper resource management, Allicock said that the country has been presented with enough examples to get it right.

“There is no excuse for us to not manage it properly because there are small countries and large countries that have had the experience of oil and we should learn from those experiences…

Guyana was able to capitalise on the history of those other oil countries and we have been able to put [our Sovereign Wealth Fund] in place even before ‘first oil.’ I

Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock think we’re in a good position to put systems in place for better management,” he told Guyana Chronicle.

When it comes to his ministry, Allicock said that he looks forward to seeing the gap between the coast and the hinterland being bridged once and for all, thereby brining prosperity to all Guyanese.

He wants to see the revenues used to develop better infrastructure, improve education and health services, boost tourism and agriculture and protect the natural environment.

On that note, he reminded that in the beginning of 2020 the government will be commissioning the Green Institute, a place for young Guyanese to receive skills training to become part of the workforce needed to push the country forward.

“We have a growing population of young people, but they need not to only get the degrees but to also have the experience. This oil revenue should be spent strategically in arming and rounding these young people, giving them

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Karen Cummings the skill needed. Theory and practice must go together, so that we can be able to have a workforce that would be ready here in Guyana for any companies coming in,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings said that Guyanese have much to be excited about as becoming an oil-producing nation means that all Guyanese, especially the common man, will begin to benefit in more ways than before.

She stated that although she speaks about excitement, all must be assured that the government has not lost sight of the need to manage the country’s resources to avoid the mistakes of other oil-producing countries in the world.

“We still have to remember that agriculture is a part of our economy and we don’t want to be caught up with the ‘Dutch disease’,” Dr Cummings said.

“We have set up the Sovereign Wealth Fund and so we’re going to be spending our money frugally. Words are inadequate for me to ex-

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan press the joy that I have for Guyana moving from low income to upper middle income and being a rich country with prudent spending,” she further added.

Some of the areas she pinpointed for greater transformation were education, infrastructure and youth development.

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan also told this newspaper that ‘first oil’ for Guyanese means “poverty to prosperity and signals transformation from a low wage, mono product, dependent economy to an upper middle income in the coming years.”

“We at the Ministry of Finance are particularly pleased at our accomplishments in making Guyana as ready as it can be. From overseeing the operationalisation of a robust Natural Resource Fund to actively participating in interagency committee on oil and gas, our staff has worked tirelessly and unceasingly to position our country to take advantage of this bounty,” the minister told this newspaper.

“We look forward to

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams playing our critical role in managing these resources in a transparent, accountable and sustainable manner for the benefit of all Guyanese,” he added.

Also speaking with the newspaper, Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams said: “It will take us a far way in solving a lot of our economic problems and our social problems and, we hope, our political problems. It is good to have revenue and we already have a sound social infrastructure, so that the benefits could be channelled almost immediately through these avenues,” Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams told this newspaper.”

He stated that he looked forward to seeing persons such as senior citizens benefitting even more than they have begun to benefit under the current administration.

In the 2011 budget, former Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh had announced that senior citizens could expect to get $7,500 a month

as of February 1, 2011. In 2012 the administration announced a $600 increase and later changed this to a $2,500 following a meeting between then President Donald Ramotar and then Leader of the Opposition, David Granger.

Today, old age pension stands at $20,500 under the current David Granger administration. The attorney general said that while Guyana’s wealth is welcomed, the government is cognisant of its responsibility to manage the new resource in the best ways possible.

“Nothing could be wrong with wealth, but obviously we have to protect it and ensure that it’s not squandered and that it’s meaningfully spent and that it is spent on each and every Guyanese,” he said.

While the opposition, since the announcement of ‘first oil’, has taken on a negative future outlook, Williams said that one can expect nothing better from a group which believes that its sole job is to oppose.

“The opposition has never been constructive, so they’re just being what they are: the opposition. They believe they exist to oppose but I’m sure that they recognise that it’s a different time now and they need to work together with the government and all parties concerned, so that everything can work out for the benefit of the people,” he said.

Moving forward, Guyana will sell its first three cargoes of crude through direct sale and prior to the sale of its own crude on the market to prevent downward pricing due to the initial uncertainty of its quality.

President Hoyte hailed for transforming ...

From page 2

Committee, 1964.

Two years later, in 1966, Hoyte was appointed to the National Elections Commission and served as Chairman of the Customs Tariff Tribunal from 1966-1968. The year earlier, he became Chair of the Timber Grant Wages Council and Vice-President of the Guyana Bar Association.

“I’m quite certain that there are many pleasant memories and many things that can put a smile on our

faces,” she said.

A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Councillor Denroy Tudor added: “His keen mind, academic prowess and his sense of commitment to his country all contributed to his election to parliament in a People’s National Congress government in 1968.”

Hoyte’s other portfolios held were: Home Affairs Minister 1969-1970; Finance Minister 1970 –1972; Works

and Communications Minister 1972-1974 and Economic Development Minister, 19741980.

In 1990, he was appointed Vice-President with responsibility for Economic Planning and Finance, being re-designated Vice-President of Production in 1983. In August 1984, he became prime minister and first vice-president.

Tudor stated that he held the post with “dignity and a high level of political maturi-

ty, projecting his indomitable will as well as his clear insights on national and international issues.”

One year later, Hoyte was appointed as President of Guyana, and served in the post until 1992.

After the remarks, floral tributes were laid at the tomb of the late President

by President David Granger; President Hoyte’s sister, Gloria Hoyte; regional representatives, friends of Hoyte and others.

A m o n g t h o s e p re s ent at the ceremony were Vice-President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who is performing prime ministerial functions; Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams SC; Minister of Social Cohesion with Responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Minister of Education, Dr Nicolette Henry;

Minister responsible for rural affairs in the Ministry of Agriculture, Valerie Patterson-Yearwood; former Prime Minister Hamilton Green; businessman and friend of Hoyte, Stanley Ming; former Minister in the Hugh Desmond Hoyte administration, Vibert Parvattan; Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine; and Regional Chairperson of the Regional Democratic Council Region Four, Genevieve Allen.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, 2019 GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December December 22, 23, 2019

Tens of thousands Idlib Erdogan: Turkeyflee willSyria’s increase as deadly bombings intensify military support to GNA if needed

(AL JAZEERA) Tens of thousands of civilians have (AL JAZEERA) President fled Syria’s Idlib Erdogan province Recep Tayyip to thesaid Turkish has that border, Turkeyafter will an increaseitsinmilitary bombingssupby increase Russia-backed government port to the internationally forces, creating a new hurecognised government of manitarian challenge the Libya if necessary, as a day winter season arrives.parliaafter the Turkish United Nations ment ratified a observers security said Friday cooperation that at least and on military 18,000 peoplebetween have been disdeal signed Ankaplaced Idlib in just hours, ra andinTripoli last24 month. as the deadly “We willbombardments evaluate all continue. kinds of military support On Fridayground, morning,marine at least including seven moreoptions people were reportand air if necessary,” Erdogan said during a speech on Sunday in the northwestern province of

ed killed, after at least 19 civilians were killed on Thursday.

Kocaeli.

In the last five days, Fayez at least Turkey backs 80,000 Syrians have already al-Serraj’s Government of fled near Turkey’s National Accord border, (GNA)acin cording reports quoting Libya, to which has been Syrtorn by factional since ia’s Responseconflict Coordination 2011, and has already sent Group. military to about the GNA Theresupplies are already one despiteSyrian a United Nations million refugees living armsthe embargo, according near border with Turkey. to a report by UN experts seen In September 2018, Turkey

by Reuters lastagreed month.to turn and Russia had Turkey has also said it Idlib a de-escalation zone. couldinto deploy troops to Libya Since then, more than 1,300a if the GNA makes such civilians request.have been killed in atThe GNA has been fighting a months-long offensive

by Libyan renegade military

tacks by the Syrian government forces in the de-escalation zone, commander Khalifa Haftar according to reports. forces based in the east of Jazeera’s Mohammed the Al country.

Haftar’s forcAdow, reporting from support Istanbul, es have received said Russian-backed fromthe Egypt, the UnitedSyrian Arab government bombings include Emirates (UAE), Jordan and air raids, shelling and barrel Saudi Arabia and Russia. bomb attacks also in thesaid town of Erdogan TurMaarat el-Numan southern key had recentlyinprovided Idlib. “very serious” support to the Syrians living in thewas areaa GNA, adding Libya said the attacks were indiscrimicountry Turkey would supnate hospitals, markets and portwith “with its life”. homes targeted.

“They are supporting an On Friday, anger illegal warlord,public who is the against offensive spilled pawn ofthe certain nations, inonto with hundreds steadthe ofstreets, the UN-recognised of people in Idlib taking tosaid, the government,” Erdogan streets to denounce what they in an apparent reference to called neglect of their plight Haftarthe and the countries who by the International communisupport him. ty. They also called for a swift halt to the bombardment.

SUPPORT FOR GNA Witnesses also said that Last month, Turkey and the GNAwere signed an accord evacuees targeted as they to boost military cooperation tried to flee their homes. and a separate deal on mar-

In the town of Sarmada, aitime hub boundaries, for aid goingwhich into Syria has and just aGreece. few kilometres from enraged the border with Turkey, Referring to thefighters deal, from the said opposition Hay’et Erdogan on Sunday that Tahrir set up barriersnot to TurkeySham will “absolutely” stop from turn protesters back from its walking agreetowards the border. ments with Libya.

Turkish security forces “Nobody should comesaid to they wereattempts forced totosend reinus with exclude forcements protesters us, trap us to in ensure our own shores did not cross Turkey.interor steal our into economic Cold, hungry winter ests,” Erdogan said. “We Idlib home to of an starting estimathave no is intention ed 2.4 million people,for more conflicts with anyone no than halfor ofrobbing whom are internalreason, anyone of ly-displaced and their rights,” heliving said.camped out near the Turkish border. us “Those who oppose With the intensified bombhave no sense of rights, law, ing campaign forcing justice, ethics or thousands mercy,” to flee, many face a cold and Erdogan said, referring to hungry winter.

Greece, Israel and Egypt, camps onthe themariSyrwhoOfficial have opposed ia-Turkey border are already in time accord. full Ankara capacity,and forcing many of Athens have been at odds over civilians hydrothe newly-displaced carbon off the to live inresources flooded makeshift coast of the divided island

22 December, 2019 - 01:30hrs - ~03:00hrs

MON. December 23, 2019 - 02:30hrs ~04:00hrs

camps, where aid deliveries are fewCyprus. and far between. of Crippling fuel shortages, While Greece has said which have raised theinternacost of the accord violates food and transport, tional law, Turkeyalso hasthreaten rejectmedical in the province. ed thosecare accusations, saying Fueltoprices have than it aims protect itsmore rights in doubled in the past two months, the eastern Mediterranean. and charities and hospitals said they are struggling respond TURKISH SHIP to TOWED to the crisis. announcement Erdogan’s As the situation the comes after forces on loyal ground deteriorates, UN Seto Haftar towed the a Grenacurity Council failed toTurkish approve da-flagged ship with any ofoff thethe rivalLibyan resolutions that crew coast, a would continue theSaturday. delivery spokesman said on of humanitarian aid vessel across A naval combat borders to more than a million belonging to Haftar’s selfSyrians eastern every month in mainly styled Libyan Narebel-held areas. tional Army (LNA) stopped resolution, cosponsored the A ship in Libyan territorial waters off the eastern cityand of

by Germany, Belgium Derna it to Ras Kuwaitand andtowed supported by El port “for inspection theHilal UN humanitarian office, and verifyhave its extended cargo”, whichtowould LNA spokesperson Ahmed the mandate for deliveries for Mismari six monthssaid andwithout cut one giving of four crossing points, was vetoed

by Russia, the Syrian government’s closest ally, and China.

A rival resolution sponsored by Russia and China, introduced only on Monday, was also defeated.

The current year-long mandate for aid deliveries through four border crossings in Turkey, Iraq and Jordan is set to expire on January 10.

Secretary-General Antonio

Guterres said in a report to the council details. circulated on Monday further forces prothatThe “the eastern United Nations does vided Reuters News Agency not have an alternative means with a video that shows of reaching need in Libyan navypeople forcesinstopping the areas which cross-border the shipinand questioning three crew members.

They assistance is being provided.” alsoUN published of spokesmancopies Stephane passports of three Turkish Dujarric called the humaninationals. tarian situationforeign in northwest A Turkish minand northeast Syria “horrific”, istry spokesperson told Al Jazeera shipbedeveloped saying “itthe would markedly “technical and worse withoutproblems” the cross-border could not dock properly, operation”. leading the ship to ask for oil and coastgas fahelpAttack fromonLibya’s guards. cilities “The ship Syrian was taken to Elsewhere, state TV have itsthat cargo checked,” reported near-simultaneous Hami Akosy said, confirmattacks to have been ing thatbelieved three Turkish nacarried out by drones tionals were onboard.hit three It was not immediately government-run oil and gas clear whatinthe ship was installations central Syria on carrying.

Saturday.

No one claimed responsibility for the attacks, which targeted the Homs oil refinery - one of only two in the country - as well as two natural gas facilities in different parts of Homs province.

The government’s oil ministry said that several production units had been damaged and repair teams were working alongside firefighters to try to restore output as quickly as possible.

Government-held areas of Syria suffer from a chronic shortage of fuel, partly because of Western sanctions on crude imports and partly because the largest oil and gas fields lie in the east, which remains under the control of US-backed Kurdish forces.

Saturday December 22, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

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BPTT $20,000 incentive energises young entrepreneurs (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) EIGHT young entrepreneurs have received the opportunity to take their businesses to the next level. They were winners of special performance awards worth $20,000 each from energy company BP Trinidad and Tobago (BPTT) as part of the graduation ceremony for participants of an entrepreneurial development training programme conducted by the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP).

The function, held at BPTT’s hospitality suite at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, recently, saw 62 young men and women from across Trinidad graduate after successfully completing an intensive five-day training workshop designed to put them on the road to operating their own businesses. The graduation ceremony for entrepreneurs from Tobago will take place in January.

“This programme has been exceptional. I don’t know if there is anything like it in the country. You get real insights into starting and operating your company and how to make it viable and sustainable. It seems like I was operating in the dark before I acquired important business insights from our tutors. Without BPTT’s partnership with YTEPP, we couldn’t have done it by ourselves. The training and this added capital will go a long way in growing the company,” said a beaming Jayden St. Hill, one of the eight lucky recipients of the $20,000 award.

St. Hill operates a cleaning company Jayden Trading Limited in Arima, manufacturing cleaning solutions.

The YTEPP-BPTT programme was launched in March, this year, with par-

equitable access to training opportunities. The government can’t do it alone. I encourage you, YTEPP, to continue to build productive engagements with the private sector for the constant fuelling of the nation’s

Explaining that small-and-medium businesses remained a central pillar in his government’s development strategy for achieving sustained economic growth, the Education Minister urged the

BEAMING: BPTT and YTEPP representatives celebrate with eight young business people who won awards of $20,000 each for top performance in an entrepreneurial development training programme. Front row (from left) are Jesse Moss, vice chairman, YTEPP; Thora Best, chairman, YTEPP; Jolie Francis (fifth from left), communications & external affairs, BPTT; Ronda Francis (second from right), corporate responsibility manager, BPTT; Christo Cave, director, YTEPP. Back row (left) is Nigel Parris, CEO, YTEPP

ticipants coming from four regional centres, Port of Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Central.

Minister of Education, Anthony Garcia, who delivered the feature address, said he was particularly delighted to see BPTT partnering with YTEPP on the entrepreneurial development programme. “The main rationale for developing public-private sector partnerships in education and training is to maximise the potential for expanding

workforce. In this regard, we are deeply appreciative of this partnership with BPTT,” Garcia pointed out.

He lauded BPTT for also providing “seed money” to the top performers in the programme. “It is truly a demonstration of your company’s commitment to growing small-and-medium-sized enterprises which can serve as a driver in the economic landscape and a deed worth repeating by other private sector entities,” he noted.

budding entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

Ronda Francis, Corporate Responsibility Manager, BPTT, who thanked

YTEPP “for allowing BPTT to be part of this great initiative”, pointed out that BPTT recognised that it had an important role to play in developing entrepreneurial initiatives in the country in which it operated. She made mention of MIPED (Mayaro Initiative for Private Entrepreneurial Development) which offers low-interest loans to residents of Mayaro and environs to start their own businesses.

She pointed to the ability of young entrepreneurs and innovators to develop ideas into reality and into great enterprises, noting that entrepreneurs had risen to become prominent transformers of TT’s retail, manufacturing and entertainment industries. She cited the phenomenal success of Angostura Bitters which had achieved a global reach.

Francis called on the young entrepreneurs to make full use of the opportunity offered by the BPTT-YTEPP initiative to make a name for themselves in the wider business world.

Nigel Parris, chief executive officer, YTEPP, praised BPTT for having the confidence to recognise the organisation as a train-

ing entity that could deliver quality training with real results. “It is partnerships with corporate entities such as BPTT that allow us to expand our reach to individual and communities,” Parris pointed out.

Graduates receiving the $20,000 award were: Scharron Bain (Schae Design House); Michela Morris (LashMe TT); Kinesha Charleau (Haven Spaces); Jayden St. Hill (Jayden Trading); April Daniel (Mirror Me Accessories); Lauren Peters (Nuance Security & Solar Systems); Antoinette Dalton (Sweedie Pie bakery); and Mali Quamina (Mega Interior & Construction).

Judges who selected the eight top performers were Christo Cave, director, Entrepreneurial Development and Support Services, YTEPP; Jolie Francis, communications & external Affairs, BPTT; and Anisa Oliviel, director and vice-president, The Rose Foundation.

The judging criteria covered financial viability, management capability, growth potential, innovation, marketing and presentation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 23, 2019

The Christmas festivities

IT is Christmas again, the time of the year when the world pauses to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas is truly a rare universal moment that breaks down the inevitable human barricades. It is a religious moment that transcends the religion from which it flows.

It is also a truly global moment that transcends political, social, cultural and national borders. It is a moment with a narrative of hope, love, goodwill and peace from which we continue to draw strength and resolve to correct our failings as a species.

The birth of Jesus gave the world hope that a better future was possible for God’s children. Hence, it is a moment that is pregnant with optimism about humanity. The moment told us and continues to tell us that ours is not doomed to be a world where Mankind must live in perpetual hostility; that we can live in peace and mutual love. Hence, the Christmas moment is more than a narrow Christian moment; it is Christianity’s gift of love to the world.

It is for that reason that despite the commercialisation of Christmas, the moment still retains a certain level of authenticity. Not even the lure of markets and profits can diminish this special moment. The human spirit has a way of digging beneath the surface to discover the essence of our being. And the Christmas moment facilitates that process of

digging and discovery.

There is no doubt that Christmas brings out our softer, gentler and gracious sides. It is as if all our failings and frailties are forgotten during the Christmas season. It is the time when families come together to commune. We travel long distances to be with our families and loved ones. We bring gifts of joy to share, and we pool our earnings to prepare meals for all to partake of. Even if we are not able to be physically in one place, we find ways to link and celebrate together. There is indeed power in the Christmas moment.

At Christmastime, we sing joyful songs; songs of love and optimism that befit the birth of hope and goodwill. We go to our places of worship in larger numbers than usual, and we connect with our God in real and symbolic ways.

It is a time when the bells chime differently, and when the smell of Christmas tells us that we are alive in a special way.

Christmas is indeed a season of giving and loving. The beauty of humanity is laid bare as we rediscover our possibilities for peace, sisterhood and brotherhood. We are at our most vulnerable in terms of kindness and mutual love. One wonders what our world would be like if we can sustain the Christmas spirit beyond the Christmas moment.

And the Christmas moment is also a time for little children, for it was the birth of a special child that triggered the Christmas tradition. We remember our children and lavish

them with gifts, because they are the hope that Jesus’s birth engendered. In a season of hostility to and violence against children, let the Christmas moment draw us to the frontlines of the struggle to make our world a safer place for our children. The Christmas story itself reminds us of the violence that was unleased by the agents of terror at the news of the birth of Jesus. Just as he survived the violence of that time, we can survive the violence against children of our time.

The Christmas moment is, therefore, the opportune time for us as a nation and as communities to reflect and draw strength to overcome our divisions, most of which are products of our collective neglect of the Christmas spirit. The Christmas spirit must mean something to us beyond symbolism. If people of different faiths and religions can celebrate Christmas together, then we can celebrate Guyana together. This past year, we have endured our fair share of pessimism, born of our seemingly intractable appetite for discord and division. Our history is littered with these narratives of doom, but if we let the power of the Christmas moment into our consciousness, we can see another more noble side of our existence. So, on this Christmas Day, let us reach for the sobering power of the Christmas moment to turn back our drunken state of division, and make the coming year a more cohesive experience for our nation.

UN warns Iran that continuous violations against religious minorities will not be tolerated

Dear editor,

IRAN has once again been condemned by the international community for its ongoing human rights violations.

A United Nations General Assembly committee has expressed its serious concern about the country’s continued attacks against religious minorities, including the Baha’is.

This came in a resolution adopted today by a vote of 84 to 30, with 66 abstentions, from the Third Committee of the General Assembly.

The six-page resolution expressed “serious concern about ongoing severe limitations and increasing restrictions

on the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief… against persons belonging to recognised and unrecognised religious minorities, including ... members of the Baha’i faith.”

This resolution follows two recent reports on Iran. Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, noted in his July report that, “Over the past 40 years, the Baha’is, considered to be the largest non-Muslim and unrecognized religious minority in the Islamic Republic of Iran ... have suffered from the most egregious forms of repression, persecution and victimization.” Additionally, the Secretary-General, in a September report about Iran,

included the following recommendation: “The Secretary-General urges the Government to ensure the protection of minority groups and individuals, and to uphold and implement legislation that protects them.”

Meanwhile, in Geneva, during the 34th session of the Universal Periodic Review, a large number of countries criticised Iran for its violation of the rights of religious minorities which led to six recommendations that specifically refer to the Baha’is.

“We welcome this resolution and its condemnation of Iran’s egregious human rights violations,” said Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha’i

International Community to the United Nations.

“The passage of this resolution sends a strong message to the Iranian authorities that continuous violations against the Baha’is and other religious minorities are well-noted by the international community, and ongoing discrimination and harassment of any religious minority group for simply practicing their faith will not be tolerated.”

The resolution will be confirmed by the plenary of the General Assembly this December.

Yours, Rooplall Dudhnath

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 23, 2019

‘If you must break things,then break barriers’ “THANK you for inviting me to speak at this afternoon’s celebrations. I am amazed at how quickly time can pass, but here we are, 34 years after this historic school was opened.

I am the son of a cane-cutter and an ordinary housewife who was educated on these hallowed grounds. That opportunity for education changed the course of my life, and rewrote my otherwise predetermined destiny. It was more than just the academics. Here I learned to ride horses. I learned to play the guitar, which I later did on stage, and was able to pay my bills while in Medical school.

I fell in love with military drills, and joined the reserves of the Guyana Defence Force after leaving President’s College.

I became friends, real friends, with people from all backgrounds, and still remain friends with them up to this day. The boys especially had unique names for each other. And now, 35 years later, when someone calls me by that name, I know what it means… No one outside our circle know those names, and they wouldn’t know the meaning of those names anyway.

How did this happen? A very long time ago, a teenager, just like you graduating students, had a dream for his country: That the best and brightest should be trained for leadership in a specialised environment. This teenager later became president of Guyana, and this school became a reality. What do you dream of as teenagers about to graduate? I hope your dreams are big and grand.

President Burnham was quoted as saying “Comrades, if I leave nothing behind me but the President’s College, I would feel, in my conceit, that I have contributed to the building of a monument more lasting than Bronze.”

That’s confidence; confidence in Guyana, its people and our collective future. He was talking about

you; he was talking about us. Our lives will give meaning to the dream that is President’s College just as President’s College fuels our dreams.

We can’t change our past, but we can certainly determine our future; our destiny.

In 1985, way before you graduates were born, my group was selected to attend PC. We came from diverse backgrounds, and many of us were warned about being “brainwashed”.

The warning was absolutely accurate, and I am forever grateful for being “Brainwashed” at President’s College. You see, to wash something is to make it clean, acceptable, beautiful, and to remove its blemishes. It also allows you to polish and shine the object.

I was “brainwashed” right here into embracing my new family from Linden to Skeldon, from Plaisance to the Rupununi. A family like none other.

And those bonds are strong still. I was “brainwashed” into believing that I belonged here. I was “brainwashed” into expecting more from myself; to try a little harder.

Brainwashing made us all believe that we were capable of greatness, despite our humble backgrounds.

I hope that as you leave PC, you would have received the blessings of being “brainwashed”. That your minds are now cleaned from biases and prejudices that hold us back as a people; that you would see your fellow Guyanese as brothers and sisters and not as your enemy; that you would treat the security guard, cook and cleaner with the same deference as the pastor, banker or doctor; that you can disagree, argue and still maintain respect and dignity; that you can see people for who they are, and not prejudge them because of where they come from, their social and economic status, their ethnic background or who they choose to love.

I wish you a lifetime of friendships as strong as the ones we share. Own the gift of being brainwashed, it’s yours. Wear it like a badge of honour.

This is the best time for you to create the new Guyana; the Guyana that you want. No more brown, black, yellow or white Guyana, but one people capable of celebrating our assorted yet converging heritage. You don’t all have to be doctors or lawyers. We need poets, artists and musicians, too. I have spent my life in science, yet I envy those with the precious creative talents that bring our emotions alive.

It is true that until lions learn to write, every story will glorify the hunter. Write your own stories; our stories, and tell it with pride.

Your generation will be responsible for ensuring that every Guyanese has access to the best of everything available, regardless of their circumstances; the best in healthcare, education, security and opportunities; that being poor does not condemn you to receiving less attention in your time of need.

It will be your job to defend the abused, the defenseless. Protect the vulnerable; be the voice of the voiceless. Use your talents to build, and if you must break things, then break barriers.

When you wear purple, it is a responsibility.

Because purple blood runs deep, excellence is expected.

When you are identified as purple, it is a recognition of your country’s investment in its future.

You are the future.

You are the generation we have been waiting for.

You have been “brainwashed”, and it is now your time; our time to shine.

We can! We must! We Will!”

(Excerpt of Dr. Mahendra Carpen’s address On November 7, 2019, on the occasion of President’s College’s 34th Graduation Ceremony.)

Guyana handles the traffic problem the same way the US government handles mass shootings: Nuff talk, little action Dear Editor,

AS we approach the age of prosperity in Guyana, can we readjust our methods of handling problems; most notably, the one of carnage on our roadways where lives are being lost five and six at a time. The quite evident pattern is that Guyana handles the traffic problem the same way the USA government handles mass shootings.

Lots of talk and prayers after the incident in question and no substantial actions to effect change.

From careful observation, the carnage can be corrected within six months, if certain steps are taken. #1 the phasing out of minubuses entirely.

This may be considered a farfetched idea that cannot be implemented immediately, but I must say that in all developed and developing economies that I have assessed, there is migration to more efficient and safe ways of trans-

portation. #2 introduction of modern transportation for public use.

This can be two-fold. (a)Railway systems.

These are one of the most efficient, and decentralising systems possible with stops along the entire route from Georgetown to Berbice. Then we can have the minibuses or taxis doing shuttles from the respective stops along the way. (b)Larger modern buses.

These should be plying organised routes and replace the minibus industry entirely.

We are talking here about buses completely fitted with metro cards, professional uniformed drivers and scheduled bus stops. #3 Requirements of age limit of 40 years minimum for public transportation drivers, with random breatalizer and drug tests on the parks.

#5 Have police in civilian clothing riding these public transport randomly, and informing of any form of misconduct or traffic breach (overloading, speeding, dangerous driving, loud music, or otherwise unacceptable behaviours).

Maybe the problem will be addressed seriously when (God FORBIDS) the life of a Government Minister’s child or relative is taken by a legal missile travelling down some narrow carriageway piloted by insane maniac having no concern for tomorrow but having 15 or more people sitting along with him in said missile.

So the question remains: Are our people not thinking, or are the brown paperbags so loaded in someone’s favour that our lives aren’t much of a priority.

Regards, Ranfred Williams

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

Santa Mission children enjoy Christmas party at Duke Lodge

RORAIMA Airways on Sunday hosted its annual Christmas party for children of Santa Mission at the Roraima Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown.

The event brought together close to 100 children along with their parents for

a day of fun and happiness and a chance to meet Santa Claus.

Assistant General Manager at Roraima Airways Sonia Khan, related to the Guyana Chronicle that it is the first time the event was held at the Roraima Duke

NA man ‘busted’ with ganja

The three parcels of suspected cannabis, which was found on the New Amsterdam man A NEW Amsterdam man was taken into custody Sunday morning after he was found with three parcels of suspected cannabis which weighed approximately 465 grammes.

The Guyana Police Force in a statement on Sunday said that acting on information, ranks of Central Police Station, at about 10:30hrs proceeded to the route 56 bus park, located at the New Amsterdam Stelling Road, and arrested a man.

The police explained that the man, who resides at Ferry Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was found with three parcels of suspected cannabis, which when weighed, amounted to 465 grammes.

He is being processed for court.

Lodge in Kingston and that the children enjoyed the new atmosphere with the pool, bouncy castle, trampoline, musical chairs, etc.

The Christmas party also saw the children receiving a snack, a lunch, a party bag filled with goodies and a special gift from Santa.

“Usually it is kept at Arrow Point, but this year

Khan explained that the company has been doing the activity for over 20 years now and caters for children within the age group of 2 to 12 years old.

When this publication visited the Duke Lodge, children were seen with joyful and happy smiles, eating, playing and having a merry time.

Merley Camlo, a mother of five, related that it is her second experience at the party and thanked Roraima Airways for hosting it.

“I am overjoyed and excited because whenever my children are happy, I am happy, so that is why I am happy… we can enjoy Christmas together,” she said with a smile.

'Sweet Lips' thriving despite Berbice Bridge setback D’EDWARD Village a former cocoa plantation situated on the West Coast of Berbice, between Cotton Tree Village and Rosignol, 65 miles east of Georgetown, is thriving in the shadows of its previous glory, when persons, some travelling even from Georgetown would flock the stores during the festive season, to shop for curtains and other uncommon items.

With the opening of the Berbice River Bridge (BRB) which spans from east to west, persons are now finding it easier and prefer to travel to the city to conduct their shopping and other business, at leisure.

Nevertheless, the stores were stocked with fancy decorations, silk flowers,

Fisherman allegedly stabs 32-year-old man to death A 32-year-old labourer is now dead after he was repeatedly stabbed with a Bar-B-Que fork – allegedly by a fisherman.

Dead is Balchan ‘Avai’ Baicha who had no fixed place of abode. Baichan was allegedly killed by a 67-year-old fisherman of Logwood Squatting Area, Emnore, North, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to the Guyana Police Force, the incident occurred at the suspect’s residence on Sunday around 13:20hrs. An investigation revealed that at about 12:00hrs on Sunday, the fisherman was on his veranda imbibing when Baichan entered his (suspect) yard. The fisherman reportedly asked Baichan to leave his premises and when he didn’t, an argument ensued. It was then that the suspect reportedly armed himself with a bar-b-que fork and stabbed Baichan in the neck.

Balchan was escorted to the Nabaclis Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body was subsequently taken to Jerrick’s Funeral Home where it awaits a post-mortem.

The suspect is in custody assisting with the investigation.

it was done differently” she said.

She explained that the event is held in keeping with the mission of the company which is to ensure that the children are happy.

“Because it is the time for happiness, so the drive is once they are happy we at Roraima Airways are happy,” she said.

The showcase with a variety of food to real buying.

However, `Sweet Lips’ Disco and Snackette managed by Annie Thomas popularly called `Aunty Grace’, had created a name for itself in the food business prior to the bridge construction.

Users of the ferry would stop to partake of the delicacies.

But despite the minor setback, as the proprietress calls it, she remains determined to keep the business afloat. The food served ranges from cook-up rice, `Shine’ rice which is only available on Fridays; fish, either curried, steamed,

fried or stewed; metem; pepperpot; fried rice and an assortment of other rice; curried and stewed beef, barbeque and a variety of `wild meat’.

When the Guyana Chronicle stopped by unannounced recently, the display case was overflowing with food and pastries of all sorts, while there was a steady stream of customers.

According to Aunty Grace, this customer flow is the order on any given day and she remains satisfied that, even with the opening of the bridge, her customers

don’t mind spending a few minutes to stop by to order their food.

And, with the Christmas season on, she ensures that there is the pepperpot, black cake ginger beer, sorrel and other local drinks that are bottled and ready for sale.

Meanwhile the adjoining disco is the place to be on Boxing Night and Old Year’s Night, as according to Grace’s sister, Victorine Clarke, everyone would “dress to their `99’ and head to the beautifully-decorated disco to have a good time”.

Proprietress of Sweet Lips, Annie Thomas, also known as `Auntie Grace’ toys and curtains, as well as walnuts, apples and grapes.

A business owner said that the items, however, attracted a lot of “window shoppers” with hardly any real shopping going on. He, however, has remained optimistic that, with the then announced payout to public servants, the shoppers will get down

A billboard at `Sweet Lips’ offering delicacies for sale

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 23, 2019

Fort Wellington Hospital

--where healthcare delivery is of a high quality

By Wendella Davidson THE Fort Wellington Hospital, one of two district hospitals located in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), some 54 miles from Georgetown, continues to deliver quality healthcare services to many patients.

For this year alone, the institution has recorded about 1 000 admissions, 6,000 emergency room visits, and seen just over 48,000 outpatients, according to Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Desmond Nicholson. The figures represent an increase in patient load from last year, and according to him, “The numbers speak to the increased confidence of the public in the quality of healthcare offered here. Also, we cannot deny that there has been a gradual increase in the regional population from the time of its inauguration to now.

So, undoubtedly, there continues to be an increased demand for services.

As with everything else, they, too, have their fair share of challenges.

“We are faced with overcrowding, which results in long waiting times,” Dr. Nicholson said. “However, we continue our work, despite the challenges to ensure the health of the people is taken care of.”

The health facility was established on September 28, 1969 by then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, with assistance from the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom. Initially comprised of furnishings, staff houses, a mortuary and a few departments, the institution was built on land donated by Chairman of the Hopetown Cooperative Land Society, Mr. M.S. Wharton.

Since it has been upgraded, it now boasts an X-Ray Department, Rehabilitation Centre, a comfortable Waiting Area, an Accident and Emergency Unit, VCT Unit for HIV/AIDS Testing and Counselling, Physiotheraphy, Ultrasonology, Chest Clinic, Mental Health, Dental Centre and an Audiology department.

There is also a unit that caters for Tuberculosis patients and a Foot Care Centre.

ROUND-THE-CLOCK SERVICE During a recent visit by the Guyana Chronicle, Staff Nurse Midwife Jackyln Campbell, who has been acting as Ward Sister from October 30, 2017, said the facility offers a 24-hour emergency service, as well as maternity and in-patient services. These are in addition to laboratory, x-ray, and pharmacy services that can be accessed up to 22:00hrs daily. The Outpa-

Fort Wellington Hospital, one of two medical institutions in Region Five Regional Health Officer, Region Five, Dr. Desmond Nicholson

A section of the interior of the hospital

Ward Sister (Ag) at the Fort Wellington Hospital, Sister Jacklyn Campbell

Dentex Alicia Semple attending to three-year-old Britney Fordyce, who is accompanied by her mom, Brineth Wright, at the Dental Centre. Looking on is a staff from the X-ray Department (Photos by Carl Croker)

tients Department operates from 08:00 to 16:00hrs, where doctors see patients from as far as Ithaca and Belladrum. Sister Campbell noted though that persons from areas outside of the region, such as Mahaicony, have also been accessing the services.

The Foot Care Centre has been seeing a reasonable number of patients, since there is no other facility close by that

offers such services other than the ones in Georgetown and New Amsterdam. As such, the Centre has started a training programme, whereby it teaches patients self-care, so as to help minimise the number of patients needing to access dressing on a daily basis.

Besides Dr. Nicholson, who is in charge of the facility, the institution also boasts an Assistant Administrator,

Dr. Sasha Wong; a Medical Superintendent and Senior Family Physician, in Drs. Iva Alexander Sinclair and Htay Win respectively, along with Sister Campbell.

The facility has a staff complement of over 100 employees, nursing and auxiliary, with each department headed by a supervisor. There are SEE PAGE 10

Cuba-trained Dr. Denise Erskine

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 23, 2019

Business peaks in Berbice as Christmas draws near WITH Christmas just days away, several shopping areas in Region Six, East Berbice-Corentyne, are packed to capacity as customers take advantage of the special deals before the big day.

The Port Mourant Market is considered the largest Saturday market in the country where customers can pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat in addition to clothing, groceries, haberdasheries and a wide array of delicious snacks and food.

Over the weekend, the butcher stalls were lined with customers waiting to purchase their meat to make their traditional pepper pot, roast beef, baked chicken and garlic pork, while others sought to find the best outfit to wear for the Christmas Eve lime in Rose Hall Town or to attend church on Christmas Day. Others were seen stocking up on fresh seasonings, ginger, and groceries. As the customers shopped, they were entertained by the caroling of a local NGO, who also shared holiday goodies and books.

Further up on the Corentyne, the Skeldon Market was also teeming with persons making their last-minute purchases to spruce up their homes as they prepare to usher in the season of goodwill. Parents were seen with their children as they looked through various stands for the perfect gift. Here, Christmas

decorations and household items were at the top of the list for these shoppers.

Speaking with DPI, many retailers said they are satisfied with sales so far and expressed optimism that, as the days count down, the pace of shopping will increase further.

Ounkar Mohan, who operates a stall at the Skeldon Market, offering a wide range of curtains and textiles, related that the past three weeks his stall has been very busy with customers seeking the best drapery for their homes.

In Rose Hall, shoppers were seen browsing the various stores looking for the best deals as they feasted their eyes on the new arrivals for the holidays. Many vendors also took advantage to set up stalls that lined the roadways offering an array of Christmas essentials including grapes, apples and cookies.

One of the proprietors of Imran and Daughters Store in the town, Sahid Hamid, said he is offering amazing deals on all items in the store with on-the-spot discounts for every customer on top of the discounted prices for the holiday season.

This, he said, is their way of giving back to the community and allowing more people to benefit.

Synthia Hunte, the owner of Synthia’s Unique Style, said she stocked up on clothing to suit everyone’s tastes and is looking to re-stock soon, as the items are flying off the shelves. (DPI)

Toys galore for the little ones

Fort Wellington... five resident/in-house doctors, inclusive of two Cubans who specialise in internal medicine.

They are, however, assisted by other doctors, who are on-call, as they are assigned to health centres but are also programmed to assist in the emergency and out-patient departments.

With three shifts in place at the facility: 19:00 to 15:00hrs; 13:00 to 21:00hrs; and 20:30 to 07:30hrs, the ward sister said the facility gets adequate coverage, and whenever constraints are encountered regarding staffing, they receive assistance from New Amsterdam.

The mother of two boys, Sis Campbell lives at Hopetown but is originally from Number 28 Village. She was trained at the St Joseph’s Mercy Hospital, and subsequently worked there for 10 years as a midwife.

Asked about the most prevalent diseases being encountered at the facility, the ward sister mentioned diabetes, cold and fever, respiratory diseases, dental issues, vom-

FROM PAGE 9

Notices posted outside the Dental Clinic

An assistant displaying the wide choice in carpets

Ounkar Mohan serves one of his many customers

iting and diarrhea, and skin infections. For persons with skin aliments, there is a clinic being conducted on the third Tuesday of every month.

Sis. Campbell said that with two ambulances available to the hospital, in the event of cases that need further medical attention on the advice of the doctor there, the patients are first triaged and stabilised before being transferred to either the Georgetown or New Amsterdam Hospitals.

Cuban-trained Dr. Denise Erskine, who was on duty at the Out-Patients/Emergency

Department but took time out for a brief interview, highlighted alcoholism, suicide and homicide as the social ills that plague the region the most.

“It’s a long drive to either Georgetown or New Amsterdam, so a new facility with all the key services, inclusive of theatres, surgeons and the likes would be quite appropriate,” she noted.

Expounding on the social issues, Dr. Erskine said there is definitely a need for more and continuous educational programmes to help sensitise persons in the region about many of the social ills that confront

them. “This lack of education is a big problem, I have found that some patients who are suffering do not know what they have, and in instances where they do, they abuse the medication they receive,” she said, highlighting hypertension and diabetes as the main examples.

In the case of the latter, she said there are individuals who, despite being exposed to one-on-one counselling, which she personally does, once they are at home they do not adhere to the advice given by doctors, as such they have to be constantly visiting the facility.

The ambulances that service the hospital

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 23, 2019

Response to first oil announcement…

Many are playing it safe

PRESIDENT Granger’s announcement on Friday that the long-awaited production of first oil has already begun, has aroused tons of excitement in people all across the country, and in the Diaspora as well.

Many are hoping that theirs as well as the lives of their families will take a turn for the better when the oil money

solely on oil, and depend on it too much, because if it goes, what do we have left? Take the country’s long term well-being into consideration when making decisions.”

Gerald Griffith, another university student, said that his expectations are not yet high.

“The oil expectations for me are very low right now,” he said, “because of the loom-

Gerald Griffith

Joannah Reyes

really starts to pump into Guyana’s economy. Many are concerned, too, about the possible negative effects that can occur.

The Guyana Chronicle spoke with a few people on Sunday while they were doing their Christmas shopping at the Giftland Mall, and varying sentiments and concerns were shared.

Special Dazzell, who’s still at university, said she believes the persons in charge should focus more on the good of the country.

“I wish that the oil wouldn’t spark such political power grab. I think people should really focus on the good of the country, and not just who’s going to be in power when this oil comes into the country, and so on. I think they should focus on making the country great overall, and not just lining their pockets when this oil money comes,” she said.

“I just hope we don’t focus

ing elections. I’m not sure who is going to come out on top, and what policies they’re currently making. I’m hearing a lot of people talking about giving everybody some money from it, but that’s not a good idea. A Sovereign Wealth Fund is usually the best step forward. Maybe they should look at countries that have an intricate Sovereign Wealth Fund that they use for oil, and maybe pattern off of it. So until I see stuff like that, my hopes ain’t too high for oil. Because, if we haven’t managed gold well, bauxite, rice nor sugar, we gon manage oil all of a sudden?”

Stacey Paul, who works in the agriculture sector, said she hopes that money will be invested in her industry.

“I hope that there is improvement in the job sector here in Guyana, because there are a lot of youths who are unemployed. Also in the agri-

--hoping that good sense will prevail

culture sector, since I am in that field. I’m hoping that there would be more opportunities, so that we can explore more in the modern agriculture aspect…

I hope also for more roads, because we see a lot of accidents happening. Roads might not be the main cause of it, but having more roads within Guyana, because there are a

Special Dazzell

lot of vehicles, I think might decrease some of the accidents happening here currently,” she said.

Meanwhile, Johannah Reyes, a young Trinidadian currently residing here, said that she knows only too well what can happen in the absence of proper management and a fair deal.

“Well, I’m from Trinidad, and we have oil and gas at the moment. And there have been some positive things, but there have also been some drawbacks, especially with regards to the environment, and also in the economic part of it. We haven’t necessarily benefited as much because of the fact that these oil companies were foreign. So I hope that Guyana has taken all that into consideration; that these foreign oil companies don’t necessarily have the best interest of the country at heart.

And I hope they make the

necessary provisions to ensure that in this case, Exxon does.

Money is great, once they have a fair arrangement with Exxon, instead of the more predatory deals that have been brokered, whereby the country benefits very little and the company benefits a lot. Once the deal is different from that, then it

Stacey Paul

should be good,” Johannah said.

Meshonn Persaud, who is studying law, said: “My hope is that Guyana doesn’t do what Venezuela did; they accumulated so much wealth, and then at the end of the day, they became a failed State in terms of they don’t use their resources to the betterment of their country, but for their own political gains.

Also, I hope that it indirectly affects everyone positively, and not negatively, because, when it comes to oil, we all know, especially dealing with foreign investors, we don’t know exactly what we’re getting into. Being that this is a first time, I do think that they need to tread lightly. And everyone needs to stop thinking that we have oil now, and we’re better than everybody.

We need to see how best we can better our country; build Guyana, and secure a safe,

stable State for our future generations.”

Natalie Millington, who’s a teacher, said, “I’m happy and proud that Guyana’s economic prospects can be better. I hope Guyanese do benefit from the sale of the oil, and that Guyana can really develop education and healthcare, because I think

Meshonn Persaud (Photos by Vishani Ragobeer

healthcare in Guyana is pretty poor. So a lot of investment should be placed there. And, seeing that I’m a teacher, I would love to see teachers get a better pay; a living wage. I hope ordinary Guyanese can benefit and not politicians and people who are already rich.”

Kissoon Singh, a middle-aged father, said he is hoping for only the best for Guyana and its people.

“We want the country to move forward in a positive way with the oil found,” he said, adding: “Our people should benefit in a meaningful way, as our President stated that he will set up this fund for all to benefit. And we’re happy about that. We want our country to move forward in a positive way; our infrastructure the medical aspect, education... Let’s put the money to positive use, and let’s all benefit together.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

Guyana ‘standing out’ in support for Venezuelan immigrants – UNHCR

UNITED Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Senior Liaison Officer Cecilie Saenz Guerrero has hailed Guyana as a model for the rest of the Caribbean for the level of support it has been providing to Venezuelan migrants.

Guerrero was speaking during a Guyana/ Venezuela event held on Sunday at the YMCA ground, Thomas Lands. The event, organised by the UNHCR and its local partner the Migrant Support Network (MSN), was geared at deepening ties between the migrants in Guyana, and the wider Guyanese society. As such, the mixed crowd was feted with music, dances and food from both Guyana and Venezuela.

“It is that time of the year, the holiday season, where families may be separated due to the conflict in the country, so we think that having a day like a ‘Guyana/ Venezuela’ day can at least compensate a little, and bring

and November 2019, more than 4.6 million men, women, and children have left Venezuela in search of a better future. Of that sum, it is estimated that about 17,000 have come to Guyana.

Responding to this influx of Venezuelans, Guerrero also reminded that in 2018, the government took the initiative to establish a working group chaired by the Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, and encompassing stakeholder agencies. This body functions to discuss the current needs of migrants and A mixed crowd of patrons learn a Latino dance as part of the Guyana/Venezuela outline the measures that can Day celebrations (Vishani Ragobeer photos) be taken to provide redress to people together,” Guerrero gration, the UNHCR official to the Venezuelans coming those migrants and to the host said. Additionally, she ex- noted that it is only a small here,” she said. “We see it country and communities.

“Overall, the Government pressed her belief that such part of the work being done in all parts of the country, an event functions to enhance to provide some redress for especially in the bordering of Guyana has set an example social cohesion among peo- the migrants. The UNHCR it- regions like Regions One, for the Caribbean that many ple living in Guyana, which, self supports the government Five and Seven, where you other countries can look to,” according to her, is already a in providing public services, have Guyanese and Guyanese she said.

Currently, Guyana, tenet given much emphasis such as education, health, Amerindians welcoming the through the support of the nationally. registration, inter alia.

Venezuelans.”

While Sunday’s event “Guyana is a country that According to data from UNHCR, has begun implesought to provide a space for is really standing out, in UNHCR, quoted in a World menting a digitalised syscelebration and cultural inte- terms of showing generosity Bank report, between 2016 tem of registration for the

UNHCR Representative Cecilie Guerrero Venezuelan migrants. This system, which includes the migrants’ biometric data, is part of the system of providing a three-month stay permit, which can be renewed upon expiry.

In future, the body hopes to work along with the government to provide employment opportunities for the migrants.

Religious leaders call on Guyanese to unite, stomp out racism AS Guyanese continue to celebrate the arrival of first oil here, Minister of Health Volda Lawrence has made an impassioned plea to the religious community and society at large for more messages of unity and oneness.

She made the call while delivering the feature address at a religious function titled “Destroying the Spirit of Racism”, held Sunday at the National Cultural Centre.

The event saw performances from by renowned psalmist Samuel Medas, and other gospel singers, including Trenacia Esseboom, and Ken Clarke. There was also a hope-inspiring piece by dancers from the Cathleen Smith’s Ministries, in addition to poetry, and scripture readings.

Emcee was Pastor Terrence Esseboom.

Minister Lawrence lauded the event for being timely and tackling a serious issue.

“It’s mind-blowing that we would be here bringing down all of the angels of heaven to help us to destroy the spirit of racism,” Minister Lawrence said.

“Even as we pray to destroy the spirit of racism, we have to pray for something else,” she said, “because the nation has had a dream. We are a nation whose foreparents would’ve spoken about our richness, and passed on but never witnessed that richness.”

Quoting from Guyana’s national song “Hymn for Guyana’s Children”, Minister

Lawrence said that it is time for us “to teach ourselves that we are one.”

“It says ‘With humble hearts and heads bowed down, in thanks for each new day of toil, we kneel before thine altar Lord’. The verses are so telling,” she elaborated.

While underscoring the importance of ‘first oil’ to Guyana, Minister Lawrence said that as much as many are celebrating, there are those who are out to dampen the significance of the celebration by spreading negativity.

“They have not been able to understand their value as Guyanese, because of this force that has suddenly sprung up. Everybody is an expert; and that cannot be natural alone. If we believe in God,

we ought to understand this walk that we’re walking,” she said.

Noting that President Granger is doing his best to ensure that systems are in place to ensure the proper management of Guyana’s newest resource, Minister Lawrence said: “This is beyond our imagination. The people who have oil understand, so indeed we need a soldier to protect Guyana; to protect the country’s patrimony, and to ensure the protection of finite hydrocarbon resources. This is over the top for many Guyanese, but there is a spirit to block this joy. From the first day that well was declared, we saw a feeling of negativity,” she said.

President David Granger last Friday declared December 20 as ‘National Petroleum Day’ as he simultaneously announced the production of first oil.

American oil giant, ExxonMobil became the first company to pump oil for commercial purposes in Guyana, as production begun at the Liza-1 well, after previous estimations initially placed first oil in the first quarter of 2020.

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.”

Delivering the closing remark at last Sunday’s event, Pastor Whitefield White of

Minister of Health Volda Lawrence Barbados underscored the need for Guyanese to fight against racism.

“It’s a spirit we have to pray desperately against. It will rise up, and it will come at all angles. Racism may come, and jealousy will be there, but we have to cure and cast out the spirit of racism,” he said.

78-year-old woman killed in Linden accident SEVENTY-EIGHT-YEAROLD Juliet Cornelius of lot 55 West Watooka, Linden, lost her life on Sunday morning when a motor car struck her on the parapets of Burnham Drive Public Road Wismar, Linden.

According to a police report, the accident occurred around 07:15hrs and involved

motor car PVV 225, which was at the time being driven

by Corwin Cooper, a 27-yearold mechanic of lot 50 Powis Crescent, Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

Enquiries disclosed that Cooper was proceeding south along the eastern side of the said road at a fast rate of speed and whilst negotiating

a left bend, he suddenly lost control of his vehicle and ended up onto the southern parapet where he collided with the pedestrian who was walking heading west on the said southern side. As a result of the collision, the pedestrian fell onto the roadway where she received injuries about her body.

She was picked up by public-spirited persons and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where she was seen and examined by a doctor on duty, who later admitted her as a patient. Cornelius subsequently died while receiving treatment at the said institution. The body is presently lying at the Mackenzie Hospital Mortuary

awaiting a post-mortem.

A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver for alcohol, and read 120 per cent and 112 per cent microgrammes respectively.

He is currently in police custody. Efforts are being made to ascertain CCTV footage in the area while further investigation continues.

Dead: Seventy-eightyear-old Juliet Cornelius

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

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NAMILCO, KSM among top awardees at GMSA dinner

AT the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) awards presentation and dinner on Thursday December 18, 2019, at the Pegasus Hotel, Namilco and its Managing Director, Bert Sukhai, as well as, KSM Investments Inc., were the recipients of prestigious awards According to a release, Namilco was awarded the President’s Award, in recognition of the company’s 50 years of service to the Guyanese people, while Sukhai

won the prestigious President’s Lifetime Award.

KSM Investments Inc., a four-year-old local company owned and managed by former journalist, Mahadeo Panchu and family, copped the GMSA 2019 President’s Award, “in recognition of KSM supplying a critical need in the construction sector, by raising the bar through the production of a wide –ranging variety of quality concrete products.”

Namilco, the release stated, has made tremen-

dous strides under Sukhai’s stewardship, moving from producing one basic bread and roti flour to multiple specialty flour and mixes.

The company also produces customised flour, as requested by bakers.

In 2009, Namilco acquired ISO certification and is now working towards a Food Safety Certification though they already have YUM food safety certification, specifically to supply flour to Pizza Hut in Guyana and Suriname.

This year, Mr. Sukhai celebrated his 25th anniversary at Namilco, as the company is also celebrating its 50th anniversary.

KSM with headquarters at Plot `MP’, 8 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, was established from scratch in what was once swamplands. Today, the company has exceeded expectations in the manufacture of a range of hollow and vent blocks, pavers and kerb stones, all of which are engineered to meet international standards,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

Chairman of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) presents Namilco’s Head , Burt Sukhai, with his Lifetime Award. a company release stated.

The flagship investment

by Panchu and family has indeed changed the dynamics and shifted the paradigm in Guyana’s budding construction sector, which is expected to undergo a massive transformation with the imminent oil wealth.

“Today, KSM’s numerous customers include the Government of Guyana and inter-

national contractors currently undertaking some of the largest private and public projects in Guyana, in addition to our many small, medium and large customers.

Its EverLast Stone Pavers have been transforming the landscape and adding beauty and value to properties, in addition to modernising the country, the release added.

Mahadeo Panchu of KSM Investments Inc., (left) receives the GMSA 2019 President’s Awards from President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana THAG) , Mitra Rajkumar

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

GTU considers 2019 salary increases interim payout

EXECUTIVES of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) are considering the 8.5 – 9 per cent salary increases issued to teachers, alongside other public servants, as a temporary payout, given that negotiations are still

ongoing with the Ministry of Education for a threeyear agreement.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, GTU General-Secretary Coretta McDonald explained that several issues stalled negotia-

tions on the three-year (2019 – 2021) proposal submitted to the Education Ministry by the GTU; the proposal contains the union’s salary increase suggestions among other things.

Since the negotiations are

still ongoing, McDonald says nothing is final just yet.

“For us this payout is just an interim one and we’re still looking forward to having the ministry engage us in talks.

There were some initial talks with regards to the system we

GTU General-Secretary Coretta McDonald are going to put in place to have the negotiations started for the new proposal. We would’ve had the change in permanent secretary (PS) and because of that change of the guard, we were not able to have our discussions with the new PS as yet. We’re hoping that before the year ends we’re going to have our initial talks and that will pave the way for further talks,” McDonald said.

Last November, public servants were awarded various levels of salary increases for 2019, ranging from 8.5 to 9 per cent – paid retroactively, and tax free. Though salary increases for teachers are usually treated separately as agreed by GTU and the Education Ministry, teachers were able to benefit from the salary increases.

Though GTU has not disclosed its proposed increases, McDonald told the Guyana Chronicle that the union is requesting a higher percentage.

“In the new proposal, of course we’re going to up the number we had in the previous proposal. We don’t want to disclose that right now because we have not really started our talks with our partners, so we wouldn’t want to, but as soon as we start having our talks then we’re going to have that made public what is the GTU’s aspect,” McDonald said.

What McDonald did disclose, however, is that they will be calling for a new allowance for teachers.

“In this new proposal, we’re asking for risk and emotional allowances for our teachers. We’re asking

for that because we’re recognising teachers across this country they’re exposed to all sorts of things; as recent as three weeks ago we had the teacher in the limelight when she was beaten by that parent. And we are saying instances like these teachers have to spend their own monies to seek medical attention. The risk allowance won’t be sufficient, but if there’s a start we can build on that,” she said.

In its last agreement with the Education Ministry signed in 2018, the GTU received retroactive salary increases of 12, eight and eight per cent, respectively, for the years 2016 – 2018.

The two sides reached the agreement following strike action by the union, who was initially asking for an across-the-board increase in salary of 40 per cent for 2016 and incremental increases of five per cent in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, to be granted to all categories of teachers and teacher educators.

Salary increases apart, the teachers also got a number of non-salary benefits, including $350M for de-bunching. Clothing allowance was increased to $8,000 per year, while 100 duty-free concessions for vehicles up to 1800cc are being provided to eligible teachers per annum. Rates for improved qualifications between $4,000 and $30,000 were also approved.

Given the upcoming elections, McDonald said the union is willing to work with whoever is the government of the day in the interest of the teachers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 23, 2019

Reg. 10 enjoys fundamental development REGION 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) has witnessed transformational development this year, putting it on a trajectory for positive growth.

After being marginalised for seven years, the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) back in March approved a licence for the Linden Broadcasting Network (LBN). The station was officially commissioned in October

by President David Granger.

While the launch of the television station was monumental, the people of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) had much more to celebrate.

For more than 20 years, the 300 residents of Andyville lived in darkness. However, with the commissioning of a new power station in the community, they will have a bright Christmas for the first time; but it goes beyond just the bright lights of the season, as many students can now better prepare for their examinations “I give thanks. It is a great development for the youths and their studies,” said Andre Seaton, a resident of the community.

Another community in Region 10 that is

President David Granger (right) and Regional Chairman (Region 10) Renis Morian unveil a plaque at the Linden Broadcasting Network. Also in photo are Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally (left of President Granger) and Director-General, Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon (left)

nities some 15 miles away from Linden – are all benefitting.

Additionally, the students of Dora Primary School on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway received a boat and engine, which enable them to attend school regularly and on time.

Small loggers in Ituni are now better off after recently being granted two new concessions. They received 12, 500 acres in Berbice and 9,933 acres in Demerara, after raising concerns with the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman about their exhausted allotted tags that hindered their ability to log.

Over in Coomacka, 40 res-

idents are now living comfortably. Last May, they received their agreements of sale. The document was a requirement for them to receive titles for the lands which they had been occupying for decades without any legal document.

Shenelly Brimmer said having the titles will empower residents of the community to improve their quality of life.

“I have been waiting for quite some years, and I am so happy and proud and it is not just me, but every resident you see here.

We can finally start the process of improving our lives. I would like to thank government for moving this process forward and giving us the opportunity to

Regional Chairman Renis Morian hands over keys for the bus to Regional Education Officer Rabindra Singh

Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams hands over an agreement of sale to one of the residents

also now lit, after a 15-year wait, is Prosville.

The area has its own power supply system with more than 200 households benefitting. A small-business owner, Odessa Luther, said “it’s a long time we are without electricity. So, it is a very good thing that we got the government to come in and do this for us.”

With the government’s push to create an educated nation, the region saw millions of dollars invested in ensuring that students have access to quality education.

In February, a $15M 30-seater, off-road school bus was delivered to provide free transportation for students to attend school in Linden. Students from Coomacka, Old England, Nottinghamshire and Three Friends – commu-

A house in Prosville lit with electricity

have a title for our lands in our hands,” she said.

“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward,” were the words of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.

Understanding what took place in the past is critical to moving forward.

The coalition government understood the plight of persons living outside of Georgetown trying to access passport and immigration services. Today, a modern $31M passport office is serving the residents of Region 10. Applications for new passports, renewals, or replacements, as well as the application for birth, death, and marriage certificates can be processed there.

Healthcare did not take a backseat in this developmental thrust for the people of Region 10. The region received a boost in that area after a $16M water ambulance was handed over to the Regional Democratic Council. The boat complements a much smaller vessel for health in the region and caters to the emergency needs of persons along the Berbice River.

The vessel is equipped with medical equipment including monitors, oxygen tanks and a stretcher. It runs on a 200-horsepower engine in

Region 10 river ambulance

keeping with the urgency of its purpose.

Added to the list of achievements in the region is the commissioning of two community centres in Amelia’s Ward and Blue Berry Hill and a shelter for abused women at an undisclosed location in Linden.

To top things off, a $178M state-of-theart, eight-lane synthetic track is near completion at the Bayrock ground in Wismar.

Such a development speaks volumes, since the region has produced some of Guyana’s top athletes and for the past four years dominated the National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships. (DPI)

The passport office in Linden

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 23, 2019

‘Gucci Boss’ to create a new sound --to give Guyanese music identity

By Gabriella Chapman WE have heard time and time again the cries of local artistes who complain about the defects of the local music industry. We have also heard time and time again the many reports of change that will soon come their way to ensure they get their rightful earnings from their materials.

But while some artistes

make do with what they have, there are those who are doing well, and are concerned about the well-being of others.

Forty-one-year-old Ryan Lynton, who goes by the alias ‘Gucci Boss’, has being making a name for himself in New York. He has, however, returned home to Guyana from time to time to find ways of helping his fellow Guyanese artistes.

In an interview with The

Guyana Chronicle, Lynton shared that he was born to Berbician parents in Wismar, Linden. His family, he said, was one of the first in this country to start a sound system, which was called Thunderbolt, since both his dad and uncle were veteran singers.

He said he left Guyana when he was just over a year old and spent most of his growing years in Jamaica. He later returned to Guyana for a

few years, then when he was 10 years old, he migrated to New York and has been there ever since.

“Growing up there as a young Guyanese, I hated it, because you’re leaving a place where you have freedom; you’re leaving a village where there is not a lot of crime. Somebody gets stabbed, that’s big news for we. Then you’re going to a place… Imagine an 11-yearold who had freedom to run around the village. Then when you get to New York, you’re stuck in a house with cages on it. You have to look on the outside through those cages; it was like jail. I missed Guyana,” Lynton said.

This caused him to turn to music as a means of escape.

“Music was the outlet,” he said. “When I was inside, I wrote a lot. Writing became one of my favourite things to do. I wrote poems. And then Hip Hop became an influence, because that was all that was on the radio. Listening to a lot of Hip Hop and trying to put your Guyanese accent to it…

Then I got signed when I was 16, but my parents had other plans for me. I chose law, and decided to go to school and pursue that until I became a grown man and can do what I wanna do. Give them their degree, and then I went back to pursuing my music,” he said.

ALWAYS HIS CALLING After returning to music from his law career, ‘Gucci Boss’ made his debut with ‘Dogg world state of mind’.

“It’s a song about how they limit our youths,” ‘Gucci’ said, adding: “Guyana is on like a culture swagger jacket. They never say Guyana has its own style. We adapt[sic] everyone’s culture and that has to change. ‘Big Reap,’ who was one of the hottest producers in New York at that time, took me over and the song just took off. It was strategic how we released the music; nobody knew I was Guyanese. Then we released ‘Guyana is Paradise,’ and that’s when they knew it was the same artiste, and that I was Guyanese.”

Currently, ‘Gucci’ is signed to York Records, but he has his own label and is trying to implement publishing in Guyana along with a new genre of music unique to Guyanese.

Giving insight into this, he said that his label, ‘Don Link Jus Wun Entertainment’, was created after he developed the passion to assist his fellow Guyanese artistes to earn from their music.

This will be done, he said, by introducing to Guyana in 2020 a publishing platform named ‘G-CAP’, which will allow Guyanese artistes to publish 40 songs per year.

At a one-time membership fee of G$10,000, artistes

Ryan Lynton, aka ‘Gucci Boss’

will get to control their own music and get paid for their rightfully owned materials.

More details on this will be disclosed in due time, since the process is at its foundation stage.

Pertaining to the new genre of music that ‘Gucci’ wants to introduce, he said that he came to realise over time that Guyana copies other countries’ style of music and he wanted to change that.

So he came up with a new genre of music called ‘KweKwe Reggae’.

“Guyana doesn’t have anything to call its own. So I’m introducing to Guyana and the rest of the world this new genre,” he said, adding: “Kwe-Kwe is a celebratory dance, and something that identifies to[sic] our country.

They’re Guyanese all over the world, so when they hear it, they can identify to[sic] it because Kwe-Kwe is unique to Guyana and Guyanese.”

To make this all a successful reality, he said that the DJs in Guyana will have to cooperate to ensure that we can preserve what is ours and help to promote our culture.

“I came back in 2013, working as a DJ to push our artistes. I came with the intention of rallying all the DJs. I don’t know why I thought it was so easy, but if you don’t see the bigger picture, your mind stays narrow, and you just continue on the same level you’re on, teaching our kids other people’s culture.

They don’t support Guyanese artistes at all. But you

can’t call yourself a DJ if you never ‘buss’ an artiste before.

You can’t call yourself a real Top DJ if you never made a star out of an artiste before,” ‘Gucci’ said.

“Jamaican DJs, the elite ones that these local DJs pattern off of,” he said, “some brought a Bounty Killer, a Merciless, a Ninja Man, an Alkaline. It was a DJ, ‘Fire Links’, who buss ‘Kartel’.

Tony Matterhorn was the one who buss ‘Bounty Killa’. He even used to write ‘Bounty Killa’ songs.

DJs are involved so much in artistes’ lives, but our DJs here don’t do that,” Lynton lamented.

To this end, he said if they get more cooperation from local DJs, our local artistes will be at a way higher level.

As he is home presently, he said that he created a ‘Guyana is Paradise challenge’, named after his song, where primary school children were allowed to submit 500-word essays saying in their own words why Guyana is Paradise to them.

With over 60 entries, a 10-year-old from Mackenzie Primary won herself trophies, and the teachers were given US$500 to host a party for themselves,” he said, “because our educators are the most important people in the world.”

In addition to that, he will be promoting the song (Guyana is Paradise), and will be shooting the video over the next few days.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 23, 2019

World Bank to help Guyana with AML risk assessment AS Guyana undergoes its second Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (ML/TF) National Risk Assessment, a World Bank team is scheduled to visit the country in February, 2020, to provide technical assistance.

This is according to the World Bank’s Country Representative for Guyana, Ozan Sevimli. In a letter addressed to the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and copied to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, on December 18, 2019, the World Bank Representative explained that the team will visit Guyana from February 5 to 7, 2020, under the technical assistance support being provided through the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) National Risk Assessment Project.

“The objective of the mission is to undertake a three-day workshop to support the Government of Guyana in its efforts to carry out its AML/CFT National Risk Assessment and to use the assessment to design and implement its action plan,” Sevimli explained. The workshop is being organised jointly by the World Bank and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Government of Guyana.

According to Sevimli, the Bank’s team will be led by Financial Sector Specialist Matei Dohotaru, and will include Carlos Ernesto Tadeo Acosta Rodriguez, a Financial Sector Specialist and Klaudijo Stroligo, a Financial Sector Consultant.

Guyana commenced its second of risk assessment last Thursday with a working group of 75 persons – representing public and private sector organisations in the country.

At the opening ceremony held at the Pegasus Hotel, Guyana’s National Risk Assessment (NRA) Coordinator, Alicia Williams, explained that the assessment will allow the country to identify emerging money laundering and terrorist financing threats and vulnerabilities.

At this stage, attention is being placed on the Oil and Gas Sector, proliferation financing, virtual assets and illegal wildlife trade among other critical sectors. The assessment, she noted, will allow Guyana to address its vulnerabilities ahead of its 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation in 2023.

This second round of National Risk Assessment is being conducted for a period of 10 months – from December, 2019 to September, 2020, in keeping with the World Bank’s recommended three-phase process. “It is a capacity building exercise that will enable us to undertake future risk assessment without external support. It is to include all AML/ CFT stakeholders from public and private sectors to bring in different perspectives and enhance their cooperation,” the NRA Coordinator stated.

In providing an overview of the first assessment, which was conducted for a period of 12 months (2016-2017), the NRA Coordinator said that, on the financial side, focus was placed on the banking sector, insurance entities, money transfer agencies and cambios. Casino, lotteries, pawn brokers, accountants, attorneys-at-law, real estate agents, credit unions, cooperatives, dealers of precious and semi-precious stones and dealers of precious metals, who fall within the Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) bracket, also came up for assessment.

“The working group found that the overall money laundering risk for Guyana was high. That was informed by the country’s overall threat, which was also rated as high and the overall vulnerability which was rated medium-high,” the NRA Coordinator explained.

According to her, the country’s threat level of terrorism was rated as medium. “The most vulnerable sectors were attorneys-at-law, accountants, real estate agents and used-car dealers,” she pointed out, while noting that those categories of professionals and businesses were deemed high risk. “The driving factor for this rating was the fact those sectors, at that time, were subject to little or no regulation and supervision for AML/CFT purposes,” she further explained.

Sectors for medium-high money laundering vulnerabilities were the bank, money transfer agencies, cambios, credit unions, dealers in precious metals, dealers in precious and semi–precious stones and cooperatives. The least vulnerable sectors were pawn brokers, betting shops, insurance companies. It was noted that recommendations made in the National Risk Assessment Report were included in a RiskBased Action Plan. That action plan outlined the actions to be taken by the various agencies, and the timeframe in which they must be completed.

The NRA Coordinator said, in keeping with the recommendations placed on the table, the AML/CFT Proliferation Financing Coordination Committee was established. Mem-

oranda of Understanding (MoUs) have also been established between the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and AML/CFT supervisory authorities. It was noted, too, that the FIU staff capacity was increased from eight to 11 and that includes an accountant and the attorney. The Special Organised Crime Unit’s (SOCU) staff capacity was also increased from eight to 13, and further amendments made to the AML/CF Act. According to the Attorney General, Guyana has made significant strides in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. He said it was as a result of the strong political will demonstrated by President David Granger, the government, and the Attorney General’s Chamber, that the country was removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF’s) Blacklist in 2016.

In an effort to strengthen its AML/CFT regime, which was considered weak by FATF and the Caribbean Finan-

cial Action Task Force (CFATF), the David Granger Administration, upon entering office in 2015, put a number of legislative frameworks in place, including the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Act, thereby clearing the way for the establishment of an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Co-ordination Committee. It also passed the State Assets Recovery Act, Protected Disclosures Act, and the National Payments Systems Act in 2018 to bolster its legislative response. While the country has the legislative framework in place, the Attorney General said it was important for vulnerable groups to comply with the recommendations established by both FATF and CFATF as Guyana prepares for its 4th Round of Mutual Evaluation in 2023.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

Root trusting bowling trio for Boxing day test

(ESPNCRICINFO) - JOE Root says that England will be relying on “trust either way” as they weigh up the pros and cons of playing Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jack Leach in this week’s Boxing Day Test at Durban, despite all three of them missing the warmup phase of the tour due to illness.

The trio were unable to take part in the final day of England’s second practice match at Benoni - which had been downgraded to a friendly to give them a chance of taking part - but did at least spend a second afternoon in the nets as they begin to recover their match fitness with the first Test now just four days away.

In their absence, England were given a stiff work-out by the South Africa A batsman Keegan Petersen, whose hard-earned century formed the basis of their total of 325 for 5. The match was called off as a draw shortly after

his dismissal for 111, with England declining the chance to give Craig Overton and Dom Bess - the squad’s newly arrived reinforcements - a chance to stretch their legs in the final session of the match.

ter City’s Etihad Stadium, and he also arrived in South Africa early to acclimatise at England’s pace-bowling camp in Potchefstroom. And Root believed that the benefits of his preparation were

“He’s been quite savvy when he’s had niggles in a Test match or not felt 100 percent.

It’s very rare that guys go into a game carrying an illness, and so he’ll be making an honest call about whether

Keegan Petersen pulls Chris Woakes through the leg side (Getty Images)

Root admitted he had been taken by surprise when the teams shook hands in the middle before the scheduled tea break, but insisted that England’s preparations had been “as good as can be” in the circumstances. “We’ve managed the illness as best we can. And in terms of the two games, we’ve got a huge amount out of them,” he said.

The biggest positives revolved around the batting form of Joe Denly and Ollie Pope, both of whom made their first centuries for England in posting 456 for 7 declared in the first innings, and the successful return to action of James Anderson, who bowled with control and some penetration to claim 3 for 41 in 19 overs, his first proper work-out since aggravating a calf injury during the Ashes in August.

“We had two guys making hundreds and getting to 450, which is becoming a habit in terms of the mindset and process,” said Root.

“And there was Jimmy coming back and playing as he did, hitting his straps really well.”

Anderson, 37, had missed England’s tour of New Zealand while undergoing intensive fitness work at Manches-

clear, not just in his display during the match, but in the example it set.

“You can see the benefit of his time off,” said Root.

“He’s worked really hard physically and looks in great shape, probably as strong as we’ve seen him. And it showed in his performance.

It’s really pleasing and a great example to the rest of the guys, at the age he is, to still have the desire and hunger to take that time, improve himself and come back and perform like that.”

However, given that Anderson broke down after just four overs of his last Test, against Australia at Edgbaston, there are clear concerns about over-burdening him should he play in the Centurion Test, particularly if Broad and Archer are still feeling their own way back to full strength.

Root, however, was adamant that the bowlers themselves - and Broad in particular as the senior player among the ill trio - would play a key role in assessing their ability to take the strain of a five-day match.

“He’s got more experience of getting through games and managing his body,” said Root of Broad.

he can get through five days.

“If he’s as close to 100 percent as possible, he’ll tell us, and if not, a big part of it is that you don’t want to let the rest of the guys down, and say that you’re fit to play when you are not, and end up pulling up and putting a workload on the rest of the team.

“It’ll be a fine balance, there will be a bit of trust either way in making sure the right decision is made, but we’ll do absolutely everything we can to get those guys ready to go. It’s not ideal, but these things happen in Test cricket and we have to get on with it.”

England’s squad has now swollen to 19 players with the arrival of Overton and Bess, and although that does also include Mark Wood, who is not expected to be ready for action before the New Year, Root said that the abundance of bowling options could allow England to take a staggered approach to the two festive Tests, with some of the returning players held back until the second Test in Cape Town on January 3.

“The beauty of the squad we’ve got here is the variety of the attack and the number of different options we can go to,” said Root. “The reason we brought the amount of guys out was to be ready for each Test match, and if it means we can play a different side then we are in a position to do that, whether it’s through fitness or illness, or just a selection thing.”

Root didn’t rule out the possibility of going into the Boxing Day Test with no specialist spinner - just as England did in their most recent Test, against New Zealand in Hamilton last month.

“It’s certainly an option, but it’s not necessarily the way we’ll go.” he said. “We’ll look at the conditions, see how the wicket deteriorates over the course of the week, and put all that together and make a smart decision.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday, December 23, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STAL - Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LT - 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Clive Lloyd (WI vs AUST, Jamaica, 1984) (2) Gordon Greenidge-107 (WI vs IND, Bengaluru, 1974-75) TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) What was the result of the recent three-match ODI series between WI and India?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Series?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

Pakistan inch closer to series win

(REUTERS) - PAKISTAN erected a run mountain and then hollowed out Sri Lanka’s top and middle order to inch closer to an emotional series victory on the penultimate day of the second and final test on Sunday.

Following in the footsteps of openers Abid Ali and Shan Masood, Azhar Ali and Babar Azam smashed centuries before Pakistan declared their second innings on 555-3.

Chasing 476, Sri Lanka were 212-7 at stumps with Oshada Fernando waging a grim battle with his maiden test century after being let down by the top order.

Fernando was batting on 102, having studded the gutsy knock with 13 boundaries, with the tourists staring at a series defeat at Karachi’s National Stadium.

Naseem Shah is congratulated by his team-mates (© AFP / Getty Images)

The two-match series, which began with a drawn test in Rawalpindi, marks Pakistan’s first tests on home soil since the 2009

militant attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore.

Resuming day four on 395-2, Azhar and Babar joined the run-fest as, for

only the second time in international cricket, each of the top four batsmen got a hundred in the same innings.

Babar was given lbw on

De Gea blunder gifts Watford win

(REUTERS) - A terrible blunder from Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea helped Premier League basement side, Watford, to a 2-0 victory on Sunday for their first home win of the season and maiden victory under coach Nigel Pearson.

The Spain keeper, who had conceded a soft goal in

last week’s 1-1 draw with Everton, allowed the weakest of shots from Ismaila Sarr through his hands in the 50th minute, putting Watford in front for the first time in a home game this season.

Senegalese winger Sarr was then tripped by United’s usually reliable Aaron Wan-Bissaka and earned the penalty from which

Troy Deeney doubled Watford’s lead in the 54th minute, sending De Gea the wrong way and blasting into the net.

United, who have failed to build on the momentum from back-to-back wins over Tottenham Hotspur and champions Manchester City earlier this month, produced yet another limp display and

David De Gea of Manchester United fails to save a shot from Ismaila Sarr of Watford (not pictured) which results in the first goal for Watford scored by Ismaila Sarr of Watford during the Premier League match between Watford FC and Manchester United at Vicarage Road on December 22, 2019 in Watford, United Kingdom (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

failed to hit the target in the first half.

United’s fifth Premier League defeat of the season leaves them eighth on 25 points after 18 games, while Watford are still bottom but level on 12 points with 19th-placed Norwich City.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wrote off De Gea’s costly error as a rare error but was scathing about his side’s performance.

“It was a mistake, it happens in football and it is what we train for every day to make sure they don’t happen again. David has been very good lately.

It is just one of those things that happen,” he told reporters.

“We started the game slow. The first half was very, very poor from both sides, it was too slow, like a testimonial. You have to earn every point on the pitch and today we didn’t deserve that.”

Jesse Lingard missed United’s best chance when he attempted to lob Watford keeper Ben Foster when through on goal and hit the roof of the net.

33 but he reviewed the decision to prolong his knock after replays confirmed an inside edge.

Azhar hit Vishwa Fer-

nando for three consecutive boundary, while Babar meted out a similar treatment to Lahiru Kumara.

Azhar cut Lasith Embuldeniya to bring up his 16th test hundred and made 118 before the leftarm spinner dismissed him stumped.

Babar took a single off Kumara to bring up his second hundred of the series and third in the last four tests.

Pakistan went at nearly six-an-over in the morning session before declaring at lunch.

Needing to bat out five sessions to save the test, Sri Lanka’s top order meekly capitulated to be 97-5.

Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella, who made 65, resisted with their 104run stand for the sixth wicket but it may not be enough to save the match.

BAKEWELL support for GFF Super16 Cup BAKEWELL, one of the leading bakeries in the country, has continued its traditional support of sports development when they handed over a cheque to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in support of their year-end tournament, the Super16 Cup. At the company’s Triumph facility, General Manager Rajin Ganga handed over a cheque to president of the GFF, Wayne Forde, cementing their commitment.

Ganga said that the company was pleased to be continuing a good tradition of supporting, in a tangible way, the development of the game and sport in Guyana, reminding that the late owner, Naeem Nasser, would have been happy to support a sport which he loved and invested in, in a huge way during his lifetime.

Forde, in response, thanked Ganga for the continued commitment of Bakewell to football and the continued empowerment of players. The GFF boss said that Bakewell has displayed, over the years, a true commitment to sports development in Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

25

‘YORKED!’

West Indies lose ODI series to India

CMC – TAIL-ender Shardul Thakur lashed a late-innings cameo in a tense finish as West Indies lost the plot when it mattered most, to crash to a four-wicket defeat to India in the decisive third One-Day International here on Sunday and suffered their 10th straight series defeat to the subcontinental powerhouse.

When captain Virat Kohli dragged on to seamer Keemo Paul (3-59) at the start of the 47th over for a top score of 85 off 81 balls, the match was hanging in the balance with India still requiring 30 runs from 23 balls to get up to a target of 316.

But Shardul, in only his second ODI in 15 months, then held his nerve amidst increasing tension to belt two fours and a six in a heroic six-ball unbeaten 17 as India overhauled their target with eight balls to spare, and achieve the highest-ever successful run chase at Barabati Stadium.

He punched the first ball he faced from Paul to the cover boundary and in a pivotal 48th over from left-arm speedster Sheldon Cottrell which leaked 15 runs, topedged a pull for six over long leg before whipping the next delivery to the mid-wicket boundary.

With just seven runs re-

quired from the last 12 balls, Thakur turned the second ball of the penultimate over from Paul to the fine leg boundary, sprinted a couple off the next delivery before a no-ball brought an anticlimactic end to the contest.

ries win on the subcontinent in almost two decades, West Indies laid down the gauntlet when they gathered 315 for five off their 50 overs, after being sent in.

Left-hander Nicholas Pooran punched an exhilarat-

with 42 off 50 balls and was joined by Roston Chase (38) and Shimron Hetmyer (37) who both got starts but failed to build.

Hope and Evin Lewis (21) put on 57 for the first wicket but neither innings was par-

Shimron Hetmyer

Almost unnoticed, Ravindra Jadeja finished unbeaten on 39 from 31 deliveries but it was openers KL Rahul (77) and Rohit Sharma (63) who laid the foundation with gallant half-centuries in their second consecutive century stand.

Bidding for their first se-

ing 89 from 64 balls to notch his second straight half-century while captain Kieron Pollard, with just 35 runs from his previous three innings, belted a 51-ball unbeaten 74 – his first ODI half-century in just over three-and-half years.

Opener Shai Hope extended his excellent form

ticularly brisk, and when lefthander Lewis holed out in the deep off Jadeja’s left-arm spin at the end of the 15th over, the Windies were chugging along at only 3.8 runs per over.

The decision to send Chase at number three failed to help the Windies’ cause as 13 runs trickled from the next

26 deliveries before Hope, who counted five fours in an elegant knock, was bowled by seamer Mohammed Shami in the 20th over, trying to work one through the on-side.

With the run rate having fallen further to 3-½ runs per over, the Caribbean side were in need of urgency and got it through the arrival of Hetmyer who crunched a brace of fours and sixes in a 33-ball knock, in adding 62 for the third wicket with Chase.

But seamer Navdeep Saini (2-58) accounted for both in successive overs with 12 runs added, Hetmyer taken at fine leg off a pull and Chase yorked off-stump after 48 balls at the crease and hitting just three fours, as West Indies stumbled to 144 for four in the 32nd over.

Forced to rebuild, Pooran and Pollard launched a stunning counter-attack as they put on an up tempo 135 for the fifth wicket off a mere 98 balls.

While Pooran struck 10 fours and three sixes, Pollard traded almost entirely in sixes – seven times clearing the ropes while notching three fours – as West Indies blasted 118 runs off the last 10 overs.

With West Indies gaining a solid foothold, Shardul broke the stand when Pooran holed out to deep point in the

48th over which went for 21 runs but Pollard then nearly single-handedly gathered 32 runs from the last two overs, as the visitors ended strongly.

India then controlled their run chase perfectly from the outset, Rahul and Rohit posting 122 off 128 deliveries to put the pressure back on the Windies.

Rahul struck eight fours and a six off 89 balls while Rohit’s knock came at a runa-ball, also with eight fours and a six, before ending courtesy a catch at the wicket off seamer Jason Holder in the 22nd over.

Rahul added a further 45 for the second wicket with Kohli but his dismissal, looping a simple leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Hope off pacer Alzarri Joseph in the 30th over, led to an India slide that saw four wickets tumble for 61 runs.

On 228 for five in the 39th over and with the required run rate rising to nearly eight runs an over, India needed a partnership and got it through Kohli and Jadeja who put on 58 for the sixth wicket.

Kohli struck nine fours as he posted his 55th ODI fifty and seemed poised to take his side over the line before Paul got him to play on to a wide ball.

Fenwick takes up head coach duties with Soca Warriors FORMER England defender, coach of Central FC and San Juan Jabloteh in the Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Pro League, Terry Fenwick, has been named the head coach of the twin-island republic’s senior football team, Soca Warriors.

Fenwick was named successor to Dennis Law-

rence after the latter was sacked for overseeing a significant downturn in the fortunes of Soca Warriors.

Lawrence’s tenure coincided with the Soca Warriors failure in the CONCACAF Nations League, which forced them into a playoff for a place in the next CONCACAF Gold Cup. To get into the playoffs, Soca Warriors will have to beat either Guyana or Barbados in June in a twoleg affair.

To that end, Fenwick will

begin his tenure on January 1, 2020, and must sure up friendlies for Soca Warriors by the next FIFA international window in March.

Fenwick was offered a two-year contract by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) with an option to extend it to four, depending on his performances.

“We received strong representation from a number of candidates for the position of head coach,” said TTFA president Wil-

liam Wallace, via TTFA Media, “but Terry’s knowledge of our football, coupled with his international experience, made him the obvious choice.

“I am delighted and excited by Terry’s appointment as it represents a significant step in our overall re-development. As part of the National Teams Programme, his influence will be felt at all levels and the TTFA Board is looking forward to supporting him in every way possible.”

Wallace himself is new to TTFA, only recently winning a vote to get the better of former TTFA boss, David John-Williams.

The TTFA Technical Committee is the organisation that handles the hiring and firing of national coaches at the different levels, and according to its chairman, Keith Look Loy, choosing Fenwick was obvious.

“There is no better candidate in Trinidad and Tobago than Terry Fenwick,” Look Loy told Trinidad and

Tobago online news entity, Wired868.

“Everyone else has had a chance … He is the best choice we have in Trinidad and Tobago and now he has to go and validate that confidence the Board and Technical Committee have shown in him. It is his baby.

“If he succeeds, then he gets his bonuses, he gets his contract extension and he gets to take the project forward, which is what we want,” said Look Loy. (Sportsmax)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

Atkinson Brothers Five-A-Side Floodlight Football…

Rincon FC humble Jungle Boys RINCON FC stormed to a 6-1 win against Jungle Boys in their opener of the 2019 Atkinson Brothers Five-A-Side Floodlight Football competition, on Saturday night at the Kumaka Recreational Ground in Santa Rosa, Region One. Six games were played after the teams (Seniors, the U-15s, the U-17s and the Females), participated in a march-past.

Rincon FC were very active in their clash, creating chances and firing a barrage of shots from all angles, and although the Jungle Boys’ keeper made a few good saves, the Rincon footballers were able to dominate.

Issac Williams and Vishnu Williams fired in two goals each, while there were one each for Lester Fredericks and Ronald Henry.

Ronaldo LaRose scored the lone consolation strike for Jungle Boys.

The event, which had a fair amount of spectators, kicked off with the Atkinson Brothers Football Club defeating the Mighty War-

Eric Campbell (left) and Evander Daniels (two goals) scored for Rising Sons in their 3-0 win

riors 2-0 in an U-15 clash after Xavi Atkinson struck a double.

In game two, the Rising Sons, led by two goals from Evander Daniels and one from Eric Campbell, were able to ease past the Mighty

Warriors 3-0 in an U-17 clash. In the other U-17 clash, the ABFC defeated Rising Sons 2-0.

In the lone female game of the evening, national women’s footballer, Annalisa Vincent, was on target

Foster unanimously re-elected as BCB president HILBERT Foster, who has positively transformed Berbice cricket, will have another term to continue his work after he was re-elected unanimously to his post yesterday when the Berbice Cricket Board at its office in New Amsterdam held their biennial elections.

Foster, who was the only person nominated for the post, finished with 31 votes.

After the elections, Foster expressed his gratitude to the delegates for their confidence in him and praised the spirit in which the AGM was held.

According to information on the BCB social media page, Foster stated that “it was refreshing to know that under his leadership, Berbice cricket was united and has rejected the unwanted presence of an individual who only remembers Berbice close to elections.”

The Berbice cricket head attributed sheer hard work, honestly, opened leadership, visionary planning and his inclusivity approach for his progression over the last 22

months—which had over 60 tournaments and raised over 20M in cash and kind.

Off the field, the BCB was able to modernise its office, enact numerous developmental programmes and deliver unmatched assistance to the clubs. According to information from the BCB Facebook page, Foster also “stated that the police would be called in unless the former treasurer could account for the $2M withdrawn from the BCB account in 2017”.

The Ancient County cricket chief noted that his new term would not be run with his “nice boy” attitude, which was displayed over the last two years and has promised that any person who libels him on social media would face legal action.

At the AGM, delegates from Kildonan, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Albion, Chesney, Whim, Young Warriors CC, Rose Hall Canje, Mental Hospital, Mt Sanai, Police, Blairmont, Guymine, Berbice River and Upper Corentyne

all voted to re-elect Foster to another two-year term.

The other elected officials were VPs: Albert Smith, Qualis Winter, Robby Saywack, Secretary Angela Haniff, Asst Secretary Ameer Rahaman, Treasurer Dr Cecil Beharry and Asst Treasurer Rovin Bahadur.

According to information from the association, the AGM of the BCB went quite smoothly with comprehensive reports from the president, treasurer and chairman of the competition.

Foster also unveiled some major plans for 2020/2021 and told delegates that the upcoming period would see “more progress in the Ancient County”.

Information from the BCB indicated that delegates from the West Berbice Cricket Association walked out while delegates were been registered to vote by Returning Officer Imran Ally.

The new executives would meet early in the new year to select committees and appointed executives.

Rincon FC goal scorers: from left, Vishnu Williams, Ronald Henry, Issac Williams and Lester Fredericks

to hand the ABFC a 1-0 win against All Star Blazers.

Vincent, who scored three goals in the 2018 final for the defending champions, Silver Sand Football Club, opted to play with the ABFC side this year after

the seven-time champion club failed to field a team.

Along with Vincent, goalie Tiffany Chapelle also joined the ABFC side for this year’s four-team female battle.

Meanwhile, in the pen-

ultimate game of the night, Young Guns defeated Universal Jaguars 2-1.

The ninth edition of the games will culminate on Boxing Day after nightly action this week. Christmas day will be an off day.

GMR&SC EGM on today FINANCIAL members of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) have been invited to an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) today.

season.

According to GMR&SC President, Rameez Mohamed, the move is to ratify all data ahead of the elections set for early next year.

“We want to ensure that

According to a notice posted in the dailies, the club has invited all the members to adopt the financial report for the 2018

our house is in order moving into 2020. We encourage all financial members to show up and ask whatever questions they may

have,” Mohamed said.

Meanwhile, the club has released a provisional schedule for the 2020 season commencing with an endurance meet on January 26.

The first circuit-racing event of the season is set for February 16 with Drag racing set for March 15.

Circuit racing returns on July 5 with the highly-anticipated International Drag race set for August 16.

Round two of the Endurance Championship is set for September 13 with the last round of Drag racing set for October 4th.

The International Circuit-racing event is set for November 8.The karting calendar is being worked on and will be added in the coming days, a source from the club stated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 23, 2019

27

Winners along with Club President Aleem Hussain and LGC member Ramesh Dookhoo (who assisted in prize distribution) are shown in the picture. From left, Aleem Hussain, Paton George, Mike Gayadin, Aasrodeen Shaw, Avinash Persaud, Hardeo ‘Curry’ Ganpat, Guy Griffith standing in for Shanella London, and Ramesh Dookhoo

Shaw wins Global Auto Christmas tournament

THE Lusignan Golf Club treasurer, Aasrodeen Shaw, beat the keen competition to emerge champion in an exciting Global Auto Spares Christmas Tournament.

Local Businessman and rookie, Hardeo ‘Curry’ Ganpat and his wife, were on hand to add encouragement to the golfers.

Curry, who played in the tournament, represented himself well to place 2nd above seasoned golfers.

Considering business as a pleasant service to his customers, Curry, as the CEO is more familiarly known, began playing golf in early 2019 (less than a year), sponsored his inaugural golf tournament on Saturday and continues to

give great support to the Lusignan Golf Club.

Global Auto Spares of 19 Annandale Public Road, East Coast Demerara, Tel: 592-621-9058 or 592-6644515, has been in the auto spare parts business for over a decade and has rescued many a motorist in need of hard-to-get quality spare parts, offering them at great prices.

Global Auto Spares also specialises in towing and removal of vehicles of all types and can be counted on to provide excellent response time and service.

Played as a straight medal-play tournament without Flights, prizes were given to the first five net scorers as

well as to the Best Gross winner.

The keenness of the competition was evidenced in a three-way tie for 2nd place, only 1 stroke more than the 1st place finisher.

Winners were Aasrodeen Shaw (67/13) – 1st; Curry Ganpat (68/28) – 2nd; Paton George (68/18) – 3rd; Mike Gayadin (68/12) – 4th; Shanella London (70/15) – 5th.

Avinash Persaud, reigning Guyana Open champion produced a great 70 gross (parring the course) to win the Best Gross trophy, in addition to winning the Longest Drive prize, while Aasrodeen Shaw won the Nearest The Pin prize also.

Nedd wants son to focus on batting ahead of 2020 U-19 World Cup -Proud of Junior Cricketer-of-the-Year Award

FORMER Guyana off-spinner Garvin Nedd said he’s pleased with his son Ashmead’s achievements this year, following his team’s maiden Regional Super50 title win and being named the 2019 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) junior cricketer of the year.

ceremony, Nedd bagged the highest Junior award: Cricketerof-the-Year and, due to his absence, his father received the award on his behalf.

Nedd Snr told Chronicle Sport on Saturday that he was overly impressed with the strides Ashmead has made in

Garvin (Right) and Ashmead Nedd

Need, who will return home for the holidays after being on Windies U-19 duties in the Tri-Series versus England and Sri Lanka, has endured a whirlwind past few weeks.

His West Indies Emerging Players (WIEP) upset the entire Regional Super50 roster to win their first ever major title a few weekends back.

Nedd then ended with 7 wickets, including a 5-Fer from five games played in the Tri-Series despite the Windies missing out on the final spot. At last Wednesday’s GCB Awards

a crucial part of his arsenal whether it was for the WIEP or the WI U-19 team, which he helped save on a few occasions with some rock-solid innings.

His father said with the World Cup just around the corner, batting is one of the areas he wants Ashmead to work

Garvin Nedd (L) accepts the junior cricketer-of-the-year award on behalf of his son from GCB executive, Anand Kalladeen

recent times, adding that he was privileged to accept the award on behalf of his son.

“As a parent and coach, it’s good to see the improvements that he has been making to his cricket. We did some remodeling on his bowling action from the last World Cup, so I think its showing now because he’s bowling much better”.

The 18-year-old spinner, who has a few hundreds and a double hundreds in domestic cricket, made his batting skills

harder on. “One of my concerns for him is the batting. I think he’s a much better batsman and if he continues to work on his stroke-play and assessing the conditions when batting, I think he is well on his way to becoming a genuine bowling all-rounder.” Nedd Snr. Stated.

The West Indies U-19 players will now enjoy the Christmas holiday season before getting back into full game-mode as the 2020 U-19 World Cup bowls off from January 17 to February 9 in South Africa.

‘YORKED!’

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West Indies lose ODI series to India

25

Roston Chase is cleaned up by a yorker (© BCCI)

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PAGE

24 General Manager of Bakewell, Rajin Ganga presents the sponsorship cheque to GFF President, Wayne Forde

Hilbert Foster (middle) and his executive after the election

Foster unanimously re-elected as BCB president

BAKEWELL support for GFF Super16 Cup

GMR&SC EGM on today Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2019