Guyana Chronicle E-paper 12-28-2019

SATURDAY 28th December, 2019

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’We’re on track’ No.105863

…GECOM assures President that elections preparation on schedule …Gov’t satisfied with Commission’s work, pledges full support …eagerly awaits decision on H2H data SEE STORIES ON PAGES 02 & 03

President David Granger, along with other Ministers of the Government, on Friday afternoon, met with Justice Claudette Singh, the Chairperson and all of the Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), where he pledged Government’s full support towards the Commission's work, in ensuring free, fair and credible elections, on March 2, 2020.

Parliament to be dissolved on Monday

DDL needs two million lbs Men found of fruits to operationalise dead in 04 expanded TOPCO project 08 Corentyne house PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

On schedule for elections

–– GECOM assures President MEMBERS of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have given President David Granger the assurance that the commission is on track for the holding of new General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020.

This assurance was given by the commission on Friday when it met with the President and other Ministers of government at the Ministry of the Presidency following a request from the Head of State. Those present from the commission in-

cluded Chair, Justice (ret'd) Claudette Singh; Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick, Charles Corbin, Robeson Benn and Desmond Trotman.

Meanwhile, President Granger was accompanied by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General, Basil Williams; Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David

Patterson. Following the meeting, the commissioners spoke with the media and maintained their differing stance on matters related to the recently-concluded field verification process and additional financing needed for the elections.

ARTIFICIAL CLAIMS On the same day, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, had accused government-scrutineers of being behind the 6,534 unconfirmed new registrants of field verification process.

From left: Commissioners Charles Corbin, Desmond Trotman and Vincent Alexander (Adrian Narine photo)

Commissioner Sase Gunraj

Recently, the commission had voted that a team of scrutineers would be working for five days to verify the existence of 16,863 new registrants. The need for verification came as there were instances of duplicates whereby persons already on the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) were found to be listed as new registrants.

Approximately 61 per cent of 16,863 new registrants or a total of a total of 10,329 were confirmed.

Responding to the accusations, Alexander said: “The opposition leader had an opportunity, when we did the legal registration, to have his scrutineers present. His behaviour and his accusations are contrived.” He stated that the entire field verification process was a waste of time as persons may have left the country following the house-to-house registration exercise which was aimed at creating a new NRRDB. “Those people are likely to travel, they are likely not to be home, some are likely to die. Why do you go back in a very unortho-

Commissioner Robeson Benn

dox manner to be verifying people who have been properly registered,” Alexander questioned. He had told the newspaper prior that only fingerprint cross matching and manual side-by-side comparisons of the data on registrants can address the issue of duplicates.

FINANCING SURE Also speaking with the media, Shadick stated that she raised the issue of financing for elections and wanted the assurance that GECOM would receive additional funds needed when it makes the request. Benn expounded: “It was pointed out that the money should be made available in any event and that requests for any approvals through the Ministry of Finance, that those should be dealt with expeditiously.”

Gunraj said: “Elections are very cost intensive events and I hope that the availability of funds or lack thereof do not form a fetter on our ability to hold elections in a proper manner.”

However, Alexander stated that he does not see the issue of funding affecting the

commission’s work as it has been advised by the Ministry of Finance that plans are in place.

In the beginning of the month, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, had told the newspaper that GECOM can expect to get any additional funding it may need for the coming elections in early 2020 and this will be facilitated by the Ministry of Finance. “I have written [GECOM] and indicated that we will provide the funding as required in 2020,” Minister Jordan said.

“It doesn’t require Parliament…the Constitution provides for the kind of funding that GECOM needs without going to Parliament and, eventually when the [2020] budget is passed, it will include the funding that we gave them.” While the commission remains on track, Benn stated that there are some “internal issues” at the GECOM Secretariat which he believes should be ironed out.

“We have a very tight timeline and any deviation from the instances or events on that timeline could result in delays,” Gunraj later explained.

“So far I believe that we are working assiduously to ensure that every aspect of the timeline is met and dealt with so, as a consequence, we are hoping that there’s no slippage that will allow for a delay.”

The commission is presently working to finalise the information from the Claims and Objections (C&O), house-to-house registration exercise and cross-matching prior to the presentation of a Revised List of Electors (RLE).

Charred remains found in burnt Lethem house

THE charred remains of a pensioner was discovered by his grandson on Christmas Day some 300 metres from the Takatu Bridge, Lethem, Region Nine, under his burnt house.

Dead is Radie Johnny. On Christmas Day, his grandson, Troy Johnny, 34, of Lot 134 Tabatinga, Lethem, Central Rupununi, made the gruesome discovery when he visited the pensioner.

The grandson allegedly visited his grandfather two months ago.

Reports indicate that the now dead man had lived with his son, Rudy Johnny,

The remains of the house where the pensioner’s body was found

in a one-flat wooden house with dimensions 15 feet in length and 15 feet in width.

The body, which was burnt beyond recognition, was found lying under the rubble.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

President Granger ‘confident’ of credible elections -- director-general stresses diligence in H2H process remains a priority PRESIDENT David Granger is confident that “credible” and “efficient” elections will be conducted as scheduled on March 2, 2020.

The President expressed his views on Friday following a meeting with members of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). President Granger, at that meeting, was accompanied by a few of his ministers.

Speaking in a video statement, the President reflected on the fruitful engagement he had with Chairman of GECOM, Justice (ret'd), Claudette Singh and the six GECOM commissioners.

The engagement, he explained, dealt with two main issues: the first was the readiness of the Elections Commission to deliver credible elections by March 2 and the second was whether the timeline established by GECOM for the conduct of elections can be met.

President Granger high-

lighted that through the engagement with the chairperson and the commissioners, he received the clear impression that they themselves were satisfied that preparations for elections in March were on-schedule.

While discussing these two main issues, the President also disclosed that there were some minor issues that arose but which had already been dealt with to the satisfaction of the GECOM. As such, he posited that “The government side is satisfied that Guyana is onstream to have efficient and credible elections on the second of March, 2020.”

DILIGENCE IN H2H REGISTRATION Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, also in the video statement, noted that the Commission has given the government the assurance that it will work assiduously to ensure that the Revised

President David Granger

List of Electors (RLE) will be made available by its December 29 deadline.

The production of a credible list, he however noted, requires that due diligence be given to the data acquired from the House-to-House (H2H) registration process.

“As you are aware, we made it very clear that House-to-House registration is important, and so we will

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

not want the data that is collected from such an important exercise to be treated in a casual manner,” Harmon stressed.

Recently, GECOM voted that a team of scrutineers would be working for five days to verify the existence of 16,863 new registrants.

This was as a result of the discovery of persons, who

were already on the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) being listed as new registrants. The team of scrutineers concluded their work on December 22, 2019.

Some 10,329 registrants were confirmed, while 6,534 of the new-voter registrants were unconfirmed. However, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Warde, indicated previously that there could be a myriad of reasons why these persons were not verified. Persons not being at home at the time scrutineers and GECOM personnel visited was one possible reason given.

This verification activity is expected to bring closure to GECOM’s preparation of the RLE, which will be the final list published for review before the Official List of Electors (OLE).

With the occurrence of this verification process and with the assurance that elections are on schedule, on Friday, President Granger also

issued the proclamation for the dissolution of Parliament and the 10 Regional Democratic Councils on December 30, 2019. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, this dissolution will pave the way for General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020.

Also, in his video address, the President remarked, “We are satisfied with the work that is taking place now and we feel that the Chairman of the Commission has got her finger on the pulse and will do everything in her ability to ensure that we will have credible elections on the second of March next year.”

He also assured that the government is working in tandem with the Elections Commission to ensure that these credible elections will be conducted in an efficient manner come March next year.

Min. Jordan sues Kaieteur News for $100M Parliament to be …over GuyOil report alleging corruption dissolved on Monday APPROXIMATELY three months after he proclaimed that General and Regional Elections will be held on March 2, 2020, President David Granger has issued the proclamations for the dissolution of Parliament.

In the proclamations, the Head of State ordered that Parliament and the 10 Regional Democratic Councils be dissolved on December 30, 2019, thereby paving the way for General and Regional Elections.

The Proclamations were issued on Friday.

In a statement, the Public Information and Press Services Unit pointed out that Article 70 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana states that the President, may at any time, by proclamation, dissolve Parliament.

According to Article 61 of the Constitution, election of members of the National Assembly under Article 60 (2) shall be held on such day within three months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by Proclamation.

The proclamation for the dissolution of Parlia-

ment states, “In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the aforesaid articles, I do hereby dissolve the Eleventh Parliament of Guyana on the Thirtieth day of December, Two Thousand and Nineteen and appoint the Second day of March, Two Thousand and Twenty, as the day on which the election of members of the National Assembly shall be held, the issue and publication of any other proclamation pursuant to the Constitution in this regard notwithstanding.”

The proclamations were issued following a meeting with the Head of State and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Early elections in Guyana were triggered when, on December 21, 2018, the Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – secured a one-seat majority in the House to defeat the government on a Motion of No-Confidence. Now recalled Member of Parliament, Charrandass Persaud, had used his vote in the House to support the motion, thereby giving the

opposition an edge over the government in the 65-Member National Assembly.

The no-confidence motion was upheld by the High Court on January 31, 2019 but on March 22, 2019, the Court of Appeal, by a twoone majority, invalidated the motion on the basis that an absolute majority was not acquired although the opposition had secured an extra vote to defeat the government. It was not until June 18, 2019 that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) – Guyana’s final appellate court – validated the no-confidence motion.

In handing down its consequential order on July 12, 2019, the CCJ stated clearly that the government, as a result of the passage of the no-confidence motion, will remain in office, though on a different footing, until a new President is sworn-in.

GECOM, faced with its own challenges, in September, 2019, informed President Granger, for the very first time since the motion, that it would be in a position to conduct credible elections by the end of February, 2020.

MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan, has filed legal actions against the Editor-in-Chief of Kaieteur News Adam Harris and its publisher – the National Media and Publishing Company Limited for damages in excess of $100M for libel.

In filing a Statement of Claim in the High Court, the Finance Minister, through his attorney, Roysdale Forde, explained that, on October 18, 2019, Kaieteur News published an article headlined ‘Terminate a monster in its shell or it will come back to haunt you,” in which it portrayed the Finance Minister as corrupt and immoral. In the article, it was alleged that the Finance Minister corruptly influenced a decision to terminate a contract between “the Trinidadian Company” and Guyoil.

For the article printed in the Kaieteur Newspaper, the Finance Minister is suing for damages in excess of $50M for Libel and another $50M for damages caused due to a letter published on Kaieteur News platform carrying similar content.

Added to that, Jordan has asked the High Court to issue a mandatory injunction compelling Harris and the National Media and Publishing Company Limited

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

to permanently remove the defamatory article from the Kaieteur News newspaper edition of the 18th day of October, 2019.

The Finance Minister has also asked to court to grant interest at a rate of 6 % per annum from the date of filing to the date of Judgment and thereafter at a rate of 4 % per annum from the date of Judgment until fully paid.

In justifying his application, Minister Jordan told the court that reasonable readers, upon reading the article, would conclude that he (the Claimant) required a bribe and caused or conspired with others to require or request a bribe.

Added to that, he said that readers would have concluded that if a bribe was paid to the him, a contract between “the Trinidadian Company”

and Guyoil would not have been terminated.

“The effect of the aforesaid publications seems calculated to affect the Claimant, in his capacity as a Minister in the Government, with a view to lowering him in the estimation of right-thinking persons in society, render him the subject of disapproval and rejection by the citizens of Guyana and to negatively affect the Claimant’s creditability, character and reputation,” Minister Jordan told the Court, through his Attorney.

According to the Minister, at no time, did the newspaper or its Editor-in-Chief contacted him to obtain a response to the allegations.

Since the article was published, the Finance Minister and his family have been bombarded with inquiries.

“On and from the 18th day of October, 2019, to present, the Claimant, his wife and family were inundated with phone calls, text messages, facebook messages, emails and whatsapp messages concerning or related to the articles and the truthfulness and/or veracity of the claims made by the Respondents,” he reported.

It was further stated that “from the 18th day of October, 2019, up to the present TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 28, 2019

Men found dead in Corentyne house

THE decomposed bodies of an overseas-based Guyanese and another man were found at the now defunct Sun Splash Hotel at No.63 Beach, Corentyne on Friday.

Dead is Vivekanand Narpatty, 71, a Canadian-based Guyanese who arrived on these shores on December 19 with the intention to renovate the property. He and his wife had intended to return to Guyana to live.

The identity of the other man was still unknown up to press time as police were still at the scene processing the

bodies before taking them to the mortuary.

Guyana Chronicle understands that the men may have been killed several days ago based on the state of decomposition of their bodies. The bodies were found on the upper-flat of the two-storey building.

Marks of violence were evident on the body of Narpatty. Two of his toes were cut off from his left foot. He was clad in a red t-shirt and brown short pants at the time of the discovery.

The unidentified male, believed to be an employee

Krishna Brijbassi

of Narpatty, was found bound with his hands behind his back to a post on the balcony, close to Narpatty. His left foot was severed and missing from the crime scene.

Speaking with reporters, Krishna Brijbassi, a sister of the deceased, related that she learnt of the news via a phone call from an employee. The distraught woman recalled that the last time she saw her brother he was very happy.

That was before December 19.

After several calls to Narpatty’s cellphone went un-

The property where the men were found

answered, relatives became worried as he is known to be in constant contact with them. A family friend was sent to the property to check up on the businessman and upon entry to the compound, he was caught off guard by a pungent odour and decided to alert the police who arrived shortly and made the gruesome discovery.

Blood was splattered across the wall and body parts were scattered about the house.

Krishna said her brother, since childhood, dreamed of owning a hotel by the beach and living there with his family. After investing over CAD$200,000, he finally built the facility and moved his family back home but the business was not profitable so he went back to Canada to live.

He eventually closed the business but came back recently to Guyana to renovate the property as he had planned to come back to

Guyana to live.

Investigators also found a number of documents scattered on the balcony of the property.

An employee named ‘Harrypersaud Persaud’ known as “Guana” usually stays and maintains the property in the absence of the owners. It is unclear if he is the second victim as two other persons were reportedly staying with the businessman.

Guyana Chronicle understands the businessman had a property dispute and had in his possession a substantial amount of cash which he had intended to use to renovate the property. Family members from overseas are expected to arrive in Guyana today as police continue their investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 28, 2019

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T&T: Drugalyser law debate in January (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) ATTORNEY General Faris Al-Rawi said “drugalyser” legislation will be debated in Parliament next month.

He was speaking with Newsday on Monday after leaving the High Court. He went there to apply for people with charges and convictions for possession of small quantities of marijuana to

have their criminal records expunged after the proclamation of the Dangerous (Drugs) Amendment Act. Asked how the act would be operationalised, including having the police charge people for using marijuana while driving Al-Rawi pointed out the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act has a provision in Section 70 which says: “Any

person who, when driving or attempting to drive or when in charge of a motor vehicle on a road, is under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle, is liable on first conviction to a fine of $12,000 and to imprisonment for three years and on any subsequent conviction

to a fine of $22,500 and to imprisonment for five years.”

He said, “That has been in existence for umpteen years.”

The AG explained the drugalyser is a tool currently being discussed in many jurisdictions as a precise way of describing if someone is actually under the influence of a drug and, if so, to what exten. He said there are two

types of drugalysers on the market, one which does saliva-based analysis and the other heart rate/vision/body temperature analysis.

He recalled the bill to introduce the drugalyser was laid in the Senate several months ago and said it is to be debated in January.

“So we weren’t sleeping.

All of this is connected.”

Pic saved as Faris Caption: Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi Ayanna Kinsale

T&T: Man dies after driving to police station for help (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) Police are investigating the murder of an Arouca man

after he drove himself to a police station to report a shooting, during which he

was wounded, on Friday morning. Poliuce said Daryl Rampersad of Claire Drive,

Five Rivers, Arouca, drove himself to the Las Lomas Police Station at around

12.15 am and told officers he had been shot.

Police took Rampersad

to the Chaguanas Health Facility where he was declared dead on arrival.

Brazil police investigate fire-bombing of ‘gay Jesus’ film office (BBC) Police are investigating a fire-bomb attack on the Rio de Janeiro office of a production company behind a controversial Christmas special aired on streaming service Netflix.

The episode, by comedy group Porta dos Fundos, depicts a gay Jesus bringing a boyfriend home to meet his family. More than 2.3m people have signed an online petition to remove the film.

A video circulating online appears to show a far-right religious group claiming responsibility for the attack.

In it, a group wearing ski masks and identifying itself as the “Popular Nationalist Insurgency Command of the Large Brazilian Integralist Family”, appear to attack the production company offices with Molotov cocktails.

More than two million people have called for Netflix to remove the film

A statement, read with a digitally disguised voice, criticises Netflix and describes the film as blasphemous.

It also includes flags with nationalist and fascist connotations, Reuters news agency reports. The video circulated

on Christmas Day - one day after Porta dos Fundos (Back Door) announced their office had been attacked.

No-one was hurt in the early-hours incident and a security guard was able to extinguish the blaze, the group

said. In a tweet they said, in Portuguese, that they were confident that the country would “survive this torment of hatred, and love will prevail together with freedom of expression”.

Their short Portu-

guese-language film, titled The First Temptation of Christ, has attracted criticism from religious groups and figures since its early-December release. The 46-minute video shows Jesus bringing his presumed partner, Orlando, back home to meet the holy family. The group, which cites British comedy group Monty Python as an influence, previously won an International Emmy for their 2018 Christmas film which depicted the Apostles waking up with terrible hangovers after the Last Supper.

Brazil has the world’s biggest Catholic population and a growing evangelical movement that supports the government of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro - a self-described homophobe.

His son, Eduardo, is

among those who have criticised the film and Netflix Brazil.

On Twitter, Juliano Medeiros, an opposition party leader, described the attack video as “unsettling” and called for “a rapid and fierce response” from the authorities to avoid further violence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 28, 2019

Market promotions TWO weeks ago there was a market-day event held at Durban Park where local producers were able to sell and market their produce to a wide cross section of people. Earlier, another significant event was held-- UNCAPPED Marketplace--an exposition which allows exhibitors to showcase and sell their locally-made products.

There are several other such events the likes of the recently-introduced Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE) and the various expositions organised by the chambers of commerce.

These initiatives provide opportunities for small upcoming businesses, as well as those already established ones, to build and further promote existing brands. At the UNCAPPED Martketplace this year, one of the youngest business owners the Guyana Chronicle came into contact with was 21-year-old Kelshine Griffith, a former Guyana School of Agri-

culture (GSA) student who turned her unique idea into the business ‘Kelshine Sweet Potato Cake Mix’. This is the first sweet potato cake mix to be produced in Guyana, and the budding entrepreneur is receiving the support of her former school to make the product. She told this newspaper that the experience in business is good, but it’s also challenging for a young person who does not have that financial backing to get a lump sum of money easy.

National pride is an important factor in uniting a people and energising a country to compete with others.

Products made in a country and, rightfully labelled so, bring confidence to the citizens and respect for the nation. In some respects, Guyana continues to hold its own in specific areas, but more needs to be done in a concerted and consistent manner to not only ensure psychological benefits, but also social and economic development. Guyana’s rum, sugar, bauxite and gold are known to hold prized

positions in the international marketplace. Our rum has won numerous international awards. Sugar is renowned to the point where an American company is packaging sugar, brought from other countries, using the brand “Demerara,” which has affinity to the production of sugar here.

Our bauxite is known as a sweetener in enhancing the capacity in steel and aluminium processing plants, and Guyana stands out as the only country that produces this specification. The reputation of gold dates back to the fabled El Dorado that saw many expeditions, including the legendary stories of Sir Walter Raleigh and others, in search of it. Being allowed opportunities to produce products from local materials enhance a people’s ingenuity and competitive spirit, which are integral factors in growth and development. It would not be lost on the discerning, the opportunities that can be derived from a new economy which can create wealth in industries that are considered

safe and green.

For instance, the coconut industry, which has been neglected, offers economic opportunities outside of the water. Bauxite, in its raw form, can add diversity to the ornament industry. This product comes in a variety of colours and specification and can be attractively packaged for the market.

The forestry industry, in which Guyana stands out for its variety and type of woods, outside of contributing to the furniture and construction industries, can be sourced for material for making ornaments, jewellery and other special pieces.

Similar approaches can be taken to every product and service Guyanese are capable of producing, packaging and marketing.

Not to discount the success of other countries in being able to exploit their resources, creating opportunities for their people and entering our markets, the time has come when Guyana and Guyanese must move from

being primarily on the receiving end to that of being equally competitive. This would require a new approach that factors in strong and continuous technical research, such as in product development, identifying markets, tastes and preferences.

Government is expected to play a role through revisiting investment programmes, strategies and laws wherever necessary. It will require stimulating a new economy by exploiting resources with the assistance of new incentives. This can be done in the form of grants to places such as the University of Guyana, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology to conduct studies.

There can be tax concessions and duty-free concessions for businesses that create opportunities at home.

Former Registrar of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Glenroy Cumberbatch, speaking at the launch of Guyana’s ac-

creditation back in 2016 to award Caribbean Vocational Qualification, engaged in what can be considered a rarity in self-critique.

Cumberbatch questioned the education being offered and called for an alignment of education and training to meet the needs of the Region’s social and economic development. Partnership with Government, private and cooperative sectors, should not only come with recognition and appreciation of the unique ability and responsibility of each, but also the importance of cooperating with each other to be competitive at the international level. Guyanese want to build Guyana. And while it is laudable that our procurement law requires at least 20 per cent of the contracts be given to small contractors, a similar approach may be needed in other instances in ensuring that Guyanese are allowed to earn, produce and benefit from the nation’s resources and opportunities.

When freedom of the press is imprisoned Dear Editor, DEVIOUS despots misusing power and preying upon humanity; withholding information because knowledge is power. Silencing the other side of the story. Fear of losing control feeds their depravity. Dictators hiding behind castle walls and armies of destruction for those who dare ask questions or criticise.

Freedom of the press is held hostage as journalists observe through prison bars.

The courageous story-tellers that sacrifice personal safety for the human rights of others. But their lips will not be nailed shut like a wooden coffin. Truth finds a way to seep out of the cracks and crannies of the grave.

“Freedom of speech!” cry the

people. “Freedom of expression!” cry the people. “Hear our voices!” cry the people.

Duvar English, an independent newspaper in Turkey revealed the following facts in a 2019 article. “There are 250 imprisoned journalists in the world, nearly 50 of whom are in Turkey, according to a report by the New Yorkbased Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Turkey follows China with the second largest number of journalists jailed, with 47 marking a decrease from 68 last year…

Penned by CPJ editor Elana Beiser, the report noted that over 100 news organisations have been closed under the current Turkish government, and that many working journalists are being accused of terrorism, and are in legal battles… Saudi Arabia and

Egypt tied for third place with 26 journalists incarcerated.” www.duvarenglish.com.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) lends bulletproof vests and helmets at no cost to journalists travelling to dangerous areas. “In July 2019, the libel trial began in the Philippines against Maria Ressa, the executive editor of Online news outlet Rappler.

Ressa, a prominent critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested in February 2019 on trumped up libel charges after Rappler published detailed investigations into some of the thousands of extrajudicial executions committed by police and unknown armed persons, with Duterte’s explicit encouragement, during drug-related operations. Her case is widely seen as an attack by the gov-

ernment on press freedom.” www.amnesty.org.

WHAT CAN CITIZENS DO? Support your local newspaper, and pay for the news you consume. Read local, state, and national newspapers, and write Letters to the Editors about free press issues. Join or donate to Reporters Without Borders at www.rsf.org. Read about the 100 Information Heroes from countries abroad.

The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organisation that promotes press freedom worldwide. CPJ is made up of about 40 experts around the world. When press freedom violations occur, CPJ mobilises a network of correspondents who report and

take action on behalf of those targeted. www.cpj.org. Be aware of fake news outlets and fake news on social media. PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others at www. politifact.com. Snopes.com is an independent publication fact-checking site Online.

Fact-checking and accountability journalism from AP journalists around the globe at FactCheck@ap.org.

May 3, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day. It is an opportunity to: celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; assess the state of press freedom throughout the world; defend the media from attacks on their independence; and pay

tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. www.un.org.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, as stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media, and regardless of frontiers.” “Freedom of the Press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticise and oppose.”—George Orwell Regards, Melissa Martin

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 28, 2019

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Renaming the National Archives is taking it a stretch too far Dear Editor,

KINDLY permit response to Mr. Rick Dalgetty’s letter, “The Archives should be appropriately named after Rodney” (GC: Dec 5, 2019). That letter was riddled with too many blatant inaccuracies, and should not be allowed to pass. It is important for history to be recorded truthfully, in all its warts and beauty, for others to learn from, analyse and judge.

The danger of making truth a lie repeated often enough has done untold harm to society. Herein below represents the rebuttal to Mr. Dalgetty’s inaccuracies:- 1. When the Timehri International Airport (1969) was renamed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (1997), there were public outcries, given the non-consultative nature of the re-naming, and what was clearly seen as a dismissal of the contributions of our First People, in whose honour the airport was

re-named during the Forbes Burnham administration.

It was formerly called the Atkinson Airfield. Note, it was during the Sam Hinds presidency that the airport was renamed, not Bharrat Jagdeo’s as was intimated by Mr. Dalgetty.

2. There was no “renaming of Mackenzie-Wismar-Christianburg to Linden”. The town (Local Government Authority) of Linden was established in 1970. Mackenzie, Wismar and Christiansburg are part of the town called Linden and are still there. The only “significant bells ringing here” are the inaccuracies of Mr. Dalgetty’s claim; 3. “Roxanne Burnham Gardens and Melanie Damishana” were new communities built by the Burnham administration, and admittedly named after two of Mr. Burnham’s daughters. While Mr. Dalgetty argued it is all about “power”, in decrying the use of that “power” by Messrs.

Burnham and Hinds, he is

oblivious to or at ease with the use of this very “power”

by Mr. Jagdeo in renaming a legally-constituted institution (The National Archives) to a name (The Rodney Archives) that would evidently confuse and undermine its thrust.

Where he wrongly felt there was no squeak from Guyanese when Timehri was renamed, why should he expect silence from us now repeating what was done with Timehri. Are all things Dr. Walter Rodney immune from such responses or above the law?

4. On the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the snide aside to people referring to it be called “Viola’s Passage”, should not ignore arriving at a name was a matter of public involvement. I was a child, but can still remember when Guyanese were asked to participate in the naming exercise. It was a hot topic in my home, where we were allowed to share our views and justify our responses. There was conversation in school,

and I remember as a kid we put our hands up and waited our turn to be called by the teacher to propose a name, and give our reason for same.

After national submission, it was decided the name will be the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The elements of consultation and involvement were present.

5. The effort to rename The National Archives The Walter Rodney Archives followed the pattern of the renaming of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, which Mr. Dalgetty condemned.

How does he justify condemnation for one, and support the other when the identical approach was taken? Please refer here to the Act on this institution http://www.guyaneselawyer.com/lawsofguyana/Laws/cap4008.pdf CHAPTER 40:08 NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF GUYANA ACT LAWS OF GUYANA 4 Cap. 40:08 National Archives of Guyana CHAPTER 40:08 NATIONAL ARCHIVES

OF GUYANA ACT An Act to make provision for the establishment of the National Archives of Guyana and for other matters relating thereto. www.guyaneselawyer. com No right-thinking person will dispute Dr. Rodney’s academic and professional achievements, but these do not automatically grant the right to rename an institution appropriately named The National Archives in his name.

I would like to be pointed to any significant democratic nation that names its National Archives after someone.

Naming has denotative and connotative value. By its present name, it says the body of work stored there is that of the nation and not solely Rodney. The academics and proponents in the Rodney camp know this but will ignore it because it does not fit their intent and desire. There isn’t opposition to renaming a street after Dr. Rodney or some other fitting place but The National Archives is taking it a stretch too far.

6. Belabouring the fallacy that Rodney was denied employment at the University of Guyana when it is the right of every University Council- publicly or privately owned- to determine who is employed, for argument sake it can be said his presence/ place has been secured in the institution, though some may say belatedly when a Chair was named in his honour.

It would be interesting to know what work, if any, his family, comrades and colleagues have done to aid that Chair in bringing better understanding of his scholarship through access, review and critique.

The truth is, there is doubt these persons really care about Dr. Walter Rodney beyond having found a way to cannibalise his death to ensure their relevance and survival.

Regards, Minette Bacchus

GPOC not responsible for processing of birth, death or marriage certificates Dear Editor,

THE front page caption in the Tuesday, December 24, 2019 edition of the Kaieteur News reads, “GPOC disputes birth claims of 350 Eteringbang residents”.

The article details on

page 16 of the same edition, however, that the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) is not responsible for the processing of birth, death or marriage certificates.

The above-mentioned documents are solely executed by the General Register Office

(GRO).

The GRO is located on the second floor of the GPOC’s Robb Street building. The Corporation is, therefore, not responsible for disputing any claim of births, deaths or marriages. GPOC accepts applications from

individuals to process these certificates and submit them to the GRO. Completed certificates are then mailed to the requested addresses through the GPOC. Due diligence must be exercised when calling into question the integrity of an organisation. While the

GPOC acknowledges the correction made by Kaieteur News on page eight of the Wednesday, December 25, 2019 article, a correction must be made to the Online archived edition to assuage the damage incurred.

All for your information

and guidance.

Regards, Thalissa Grant-McClure Public Relations Officer

The ERC must move away from a reactionary posture Dear Editor, AROUND November 6, 2019, Brian Kayume, a University of Guyana student of East Indian descent posted a racist video disparaging Afro-Guyanese on Facebook.

In the video, he’s seen saying he placed a dollar bill on the ground and was waiting to see which black person will steal it. He was acting on his orientation that black people steal money or are criminals. Kayume’s racist comments engendered national outrage. The delayed reaction by the UG administration was so retarded, vacuous and casuistic, it seemed like a joke. Worst, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) was dead silent, and took no action at the time. On December 2, 2019, Berbice sisters Yasminie Ramsook and Mona

Singh (aka Tina and Mona) verbally abused and allegedly assaulted Police officers at the Rose Hall Police Outpost. A video of their profanity-laced, racist conduct became viral. The sisters were charged, and are being prosecuted at the Number 51 Village Magistrate’s Court. Although this incident sparked widespread anger and outrage, the ERC remained silent and again took no action. The sisters subsequently apologised following a meeting with Minister of Youth Affairs Simona Broomes.

On December 18, 2019, radio personality Kester Deane, an AfroGuyanese, in reaction to the horrific accident in Mahaicony, made a misguided Facebook post suggesting that road deaths and other tragedies are because ritual human sacrifices are

being made by people. The post included a photograph of the accident scene with some flags in a yard nearby circled. Some on Social Media ascribed meaning to the circle as well as the flags, and orchestrated a protest among the East Indian population. The ERC immediately jumped on this bandwagon. Within 24 hours, it summoned Kester Deane and directed him to make a public apology. He complied with said demand and apologised on video.

After some of us questioned whether the ERC intervened in the prior incidents or caused the offenders to similarly apologise, an ERC-facilitated video apology from Brian Kayume surfaced.

We may now suddenly see an ERC-prompted apology from Tina and Mona.

The significance of this

observation is the ERC’s dereliction and apparent operational bias. The Commission has no integrity or sense of equitable justice. It apparently has no rules of procedure, and therefore obviously operates on its whims, in reaction to the decimal level of protest noises of the society. Therefore its enforcement of the ethnic relations laws of Guyana is inherently biased.

Its uncoordinated, adhoc approach portrays a pandering coward that caters to those with means and the loudest voice. Commissioners seem timid to fearlessly execute their constitutional mandate without favor, ill will or intimidation. This neglect cannot contend. The ERC must move away from a reactionary posture. It must actively promote tolerance, cohesion, reconciliation and harmonisa-

tion. The ERC will be taken seriously when it gets its act together and functions with fairness, balance and within the realms of equal justice.

Until then many will treat this entity as lacking depth,

ingenuity and integrity.

Regards, Rickford Burke President Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 28, 2019

Minister Broomes spreads Christmas cheer to the homeless

CHRISTMAS is the season of goodwill, of giving and sharing, and, on Christmas day, that was just what Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency, with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes, along with The Redeemed Christian Church of God Dominion House, embarked on. This was their third annual Christmas drive which sought to bring relief to the homeless men and women on the streets of Georgetown.

On Christmas morning the Minister and several other volunteers visited and attended to over 179 homeless

than just share food, hence collaborating with several sponsors to construct portable showers and to provide clean clothes and the basic necessities made the annual Christmas drive a reality.

The Minister told the Guyana Chronicle that the primary goal of the exercise was to provide the homeless with a sense of warmth, love and a homelike feeling on Christmas day.

She further stated that the main objective was to now eradicate homelessness in Guyana; which she believes was possible with the help of God, the government and the Guyanese people.

A few persons getting a manicure on Christmas Day

A man being assisted by a volunteer doctor at the exercise

persons who received a tremendous outpouring of love as they were given baths, fresh clothes, haircuts, manicures and pedicures.

The persons who were gathered at the Merriman’s Mall also received medical care and a sumptuous Christmas Breakfast of the traditional bread and pepper pot along with lunch The Minister said that she has always had a compassion for the homeless and less fortunate, since those persons faced unique, difficult challenges which led to their unfortunate circumstances.

She related that, in 2017, a colleague, Timothy King, teamed up with her to host a Christmas breakfast and relief day for several homeless persons. She explained that she wanted to do so much more

A woman getting her hair washed

DDL needs two million lbs of fruits to operationalise expanded TOPCO project AS Demerara Distillers Limited’s (DDL’s) TOPCO multi-billion expansion project take effect, some 40 farmers who currently supply fruit to juice operations at the entity, are eager to increase their cultivation of required fruit to meet the company’s ability to in turn increase its supply of a range of juices for local consumption and for export.

According to a release, the farmers met on Friday with officials of DDL and representatives of a number of agencies including the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED), to discuss issues which would help ensure that they successfully expand their cultivation.

This included assistance with the provision of agriculture extension services which would deal with cultivation best practices, soil testing, treatment of infestation and advice on measures to reduce post-harvest losses.

TOPCO has embarked on a multi-billion-dollar expansion project which would initially require over two million pounds of fruit annually.

The issue of pricing for their fruit was also raised and DDL’s chairman, Komal Samaroo, informed the farmers that another price increase will be effective in February 2020, one year following the last price increase.

Samaroo also advised the farmers that arrangements would be put in place to ensure they are paid within three days of their supply of fruit. He said that payments would be made electronically to farmers’ bank accounts.

“This is a serious partnership between TOPCO and you the farmers. Arrangements are for the guaranteed purchase of your fruit at a guaranteed price. So, when the market price goes down you will still be receiving the price upon which we agreed. This is a contract between you and us. We need each other and must address all the issues that will make this partnership mutually successful,”

Samaroo told the farmers at the meeting held at Diamond.

According to the release, farmers from as far as the Pomeroon were among those participating in the meeting and tour of the expansion project.

The farmers also heard presentations by Ms. Rebecca Rampher-Adams, TOPCO plant manager, Benjamin Frank of NAREI and Kaimlall Chattergoon of IPED and engaged in lively question and answer sessions following each presentation.

Rampher-Adams, in her presentation, emphasised the critical importance of quality, pointing out that the fruit supplied must be ripe, must be free of any pests, worms and insects that could cause contamination, must be free of dirt and animal dung and the crates, bags and containers used to transport the fruit must be clean.

She also advised that a number of agencies will provide technical advice and assistance to help ensure these standards are met.

The farmers identified the need for specific assistance in dealing with the carambola fruit fly which, according to some farmers, the solution implemented by NARI has not been effective. Frank indicated that the problem might be with the application of the material provided to deal with the problem and it was agreed that this issue will be immediately followed up to ensure a successful solution.

Chattergoon outlined the services from which farmers could benefit from IPED. These include the development of business plans, financial management and loans which are not subject to the credit ratings of the farmers.

Friday’s meeting and tour of the expansion works followed one by representatives of a number of related government agencies recently and a meeting last week with Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, who was updated on the progress of the project which will include the production of pasteurised milk.

The new TOPCO plant is expected to be commissioned in July 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday December 28, 2019

President attends Christmas Day mass President David Granger and his daughter, Ms. Afuwa Granger on Christmas Day joined worshipers at St. Matthew’s Parish Church, Providence Public Road, East Bank Demerara, for Christmas Day Mass.

President Granger, in a brief address, expressed hope that with the advent of oil production, Guyana will become more developed and peaceful and that unemployment, illiteracy, school dropout and other societal ills will be eradicated. “Although this is the celebration of Christ’s birthday, in a way …by announcing National Petroleum Day, it’s a celebration of what Guyana will become over the next ten years. It will become a more developed country and I hope it will become a more peaceful country where we eradicate some of the crime we have been seeing,” he said.

He said he is optimistic that Guyana will become a more educated nation, so that illiteracy and school dropout are reduced; a more developed economy, so that our children can become employed after leaving school and a more equal country, so that there is less inequality.

The Head of State, told the congregation that he is pleased that he made the recent announcement so close to Christmas. “I associate the two; that just as Christ has come into the world to make peace …, in Guyana we will have abundant resources to provide a better life for you and your children,” he said.

Reverend Clarence Narain officiated over the service during which prayers were offered to President Granger and members of the congregation. (Ministry of the Presidency)

President David Granger greets members of the congregation, including an excited little girl

Guyanese man killed, three injured in NY accident

A CAR, travelling at a high speed, with four passengers, crashed into a utility pole in front of 2141 Central Avenue, on Christmas morning, killing one passenger, police in New York said.

All those in the car were from Schenectady, police said. Police identified the man killed as Guyana-born Lakhraj ‘Derrick’ Premnauth, 24, of Schenectady. Those injured were identified as Veeshram Ramdeo, 17; Kenny Jamuant, 17; and Sunita Hansraj, 21, all of Schenectady.

The Colonie Police Department received a call about the accident at about 07:01 hours.

Police at the scene determined the vehicle, a 2001 Audi S4, had been heading east on Central Avenue when it crossed into the westbound lane and struck the utility pole.

“The vehicle split in half and three of the four occupants were ejected from the vehicle,” Colonie police said in a release. “Unfortunately, one of the ejected passengers, an adult male, was deceased at the scene.”

Ramdeo, the driver, along with his two injured passengers, Jamuant and Hansraj, were taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital with critical injuries and were last reported to be in surgery for multiple traumatic injuries, police said.

Police Lt. Robert Winn said paramedics at the scene told police the injuries were “critical in nature.” He said he could provide no further update on the conditions of the driver and two passengers. He said it would likely be weeks, before a toxicology report is completed determining whether alcohol or drugs played any role

Dead: Lakhraj ‘Derrick’ Premnauth

in the accident.

Police shut down Central Avenue between Lisha Kill and Lansing Roads, and motorists were advised to avoid the area if possible. A detour utilising Albany Street allowed motorists to bypass the crash scene. The crash broke the utility pole from its base, leaving most of it hanging from its wires.

Police at the scene said there was no utility disruption from the accident, and National Grid sent employees to fix the pole. Colonie police drones, Colonie EMS, and the Stanford Heights and Midway fire departments also responded to the crash. (Dailygazette.com)

President David Granger and his daughter, Afuwa, praying during this morning’s Christmas Day Mass at St. Matthew’s Parish Church.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 28, 2019

CARICOM weathered the storm of 2019 - Chairman AMID many challenges, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) exemplified the spirit of togetherness by paving the way for greater regional integration, economic resilience and, in times of distress, much needed support, its Chairman, Allen Chastanet said, in his address to the regional bloc.

Chastanet, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, said the Community, in 2019, continued to build economic resilience with the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) as its cornerstone.

CSME is an enlarged market which offers: more and better opportunities to produce and sell goods and services and to attract investment; greater economies of scale; increased competitiveness; full employment and improved standards of living for the people of the community. Ultimately, it is intended to provide a foundation for growth and development through the creation of a single economic space for the production of competitive goods and services.

Already, the CSME has resulted in the abolition of the work-permit system; the introduction of the Certificate of CARICOM Skills Qualification; definite entry for six months; indefinite leave to stay in a Member State; and the right to transfer social-security benefits from one CARICOM state to another. Chastanet said CARICOM was working to ensure the benefits of CSME are enjoyed by all the people. “Steps that we have taken will benefit families and businesses,” the Chairman said while adding that “families that move with skilled nationals taking up jobs in other Member States can have access to social services such as primary health care and education up to secondary school level on the same basis as nationals.”

He pointed out that the agreement that allows for open bidding on government contracts among all participating CSME countries opens a market estimated to be close to one billion US dollars for the private sector, including small and medium enterprises.

“We have also moved to institutionalise the relationship between the Councils of our Community, the private sector and labour with the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) and the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) being designated as Associate Institutions of the Community,” Chastanet further pointed out, while noting that it was critical for the two organisations to work in harmony if there is to be sustained progress in advancing the CSME. “The strengthening of our internal arrangements and our actions in concert have been critical in our attempts to minimise threats to the viability of our economies and financial sector, such as those posed by blacklisting and denial of correspondent banking. The disruption to daily life and commercial transactions by those actions is a significant fetter to stability and prosperity,” he further stated.

In defense of its people, Chastanet said CARICOM took on the challenge “head-on” with the help of Romania in the European Union (EU) with respect to blacklisting

Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of St. Lucia Allen Chastanet

and with the assistance of Congresswoman Maxine Waters in the United States, in regard to correspondent banking.

“Our outreach to the international community is an important element as we seek to win friends and influence outcomes in global fora that would advance our interests.

The Prime Minister of India, the Honourable Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Norway, Honourable Erna Solberg; the President of Estonia, Her Excellency Kersti Kaljulaid; and the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), His Excellency António Guterres, all engaged with us on climate change, the difficulty in accessing development financing and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), in particular,” he noted.

That aside, the CARICOM Chairman said the Region celebrated with the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines as they recorded an overwhelming vote at the United Nations to sit on the Security Council in the coming year.

He said it engendered great pride in both the country and CARICOM, demonstrating that there was still space at the highest global forum for small states.

Added to that, the Chair recalled that the region stood

solidly at the side of the people of Grand Bahama and Abaco in The Bahamas as they were ravaged by Hurricane Dorian. “It was heart-wrenching for me to witness, firsthand, the aftermath of that catastrophe which claimed many lives and demolished property and infrastructure. However, it was heart-lifting to see the response, as once again, the other Members of the Community, both individually and regionally, rallied to the support of a sister state in distress, under the direction of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA),” the Saint Lucian Prime Minister recalled.

Hurricane Dorian, he posited, was another reminder of the effects of climate change which the Region continues to experience with devastating consequences. According to him, it made all the more relevant the Castries Call for Collective Commitment and Action on Sustainable Development, adopted by Heads of Government, which signalled the Community’s support for continued international cooperation and collaboration to address global climate change, while simultaneously providing adequate resources to assist in the achievement of sustainable development.

“As we enjoy ourselves over the season, let us not neglect our responsibility to maintain the environment. Let us, for example, take heed of the global anti-plastic campaign which includes avoiding the use of plastic bags, single-use plastics and Styrofoam. Taking care of the environment is one element in building our resilience to mitigate the threats posed by climate change and other issues which threaten to derail our development efforts,” he admonished.

Chastanet also used the opportunity to extend gratitude the other Heads of Government, and the Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin La Rocque and his staff for their support during his tenure as Chair of the Community. He will be succeeded by Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.

Over $244M in grants from SBB in four years

--$40 million for 2019

GUYANESE have been making the best of the services provided by the Ministry of Business’s Small Business Bureau (SBB), an agency that has been making life easier for many.

In just under four years, the lending agency has disbursed over $244 million in loans and grants.

Minister of Business, Hon. Haimraj Rajkumar, reported that the grants were spread out to all 10 administrative regions with young women being the largest group of beneficiaries. More than $44Million was disbursed this year. The minister said that in addition to financial grants, they also provide services such as training in accounting, business proposal writing, marketing, and other areas.

According to Min. Rajkumar, the success stories have been overwhelming and the Bureau works continuously with individuals who have accessed their services.

“I would say a high percentage have been successful.

When a person comes to you and we go through these processes and they last to the end before they get the grant, we are satisfied that you are interested and motivated in having your business going.”

The objective of the SBB, the minister said, is to help citizens with innovation and “give them a little push” to ensure there is a pool of excellent entrepreneurs in the near future. “By doing that too, you create employment for yourself and for others,” he said. Meanwhile, in the area of investment, the minister reported that Guyana has been attracting many foreign investors.

At least 10 new companies have come on the scene and will begin operations by year-end. The new investments bring with them more job opportunities for Guyanese and, of course, increased contribution to the economy, the business minister noted. “That is something that I really appreciate; that when companies come, they not only work but provide jobs for our people,” Minister Rajkumar said. He projects a leap in investments in just about two years. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 28, 2019

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First Lady, Minister of State visit, pamper Christmas Day mothers FIRST Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger and Minister of State Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams on Christmas morning visited the

Maternity Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where they gifted each mother with a package

of supplies for their newborn baby and interacted with them.

At the time of the visit, there were five babies born

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger and Minister of State Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams (left and second left respectively), admiring three of the babies that were delivered on Christmas Day at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). With them are several of the nurses that were on duty on Maternity Ward that day

on Christmas Day itself, and 18 on Christmas Eve. Ms. Sarah Beekharry gave birth to the first Christmas Day

baby at 12:38hrs. She said that she was very happy and thankful to have been paid a visit by the First Lady and

the Minister of State and received a token from both ladies. “It means a lot,” she said.

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger and Minister of State Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams (second and third left respectively) and a few nurses each take one of the first set of a babies born on Christmas Day at the GPHC

ERC accepts UG student’s apology for racist remarks THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has accepted the apology of University of Guyana Student, Brian Kayume, for his use of racist slurs against the afro-Guyanese community back in November.

Kayume’s remarks, which went viral, had led to him being summoned by the ERC, – the body responsible for ethnic harmony in Guyana. In a public apology disseminated to the media, Kayume said that he regretted his actions and only hopes that the public would one day forgive him.

“On November 5, I made a video and uploaded it to Instagram in which there

ERC Chair, Reverend Dr. John Smith

was some money on the floor and I had placed a leaf on it. I had said that a black person would come pick it up because [Indian] people wouldn’t do that. It wasn’t my intent to make it very offensive although it came off as offensive. To the people that were offended by my derogatory terms, I did not mean it and I didn’t mean to offend you, your families or

Man guilty of attempted robbery sentenced

MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty, on Friday December 27, 2019, sentenced a man to two years in prison on an attempt to commit a felony charge.

Akeem Ishmael appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty, with explanation, to the charge. Particulars of the charge stated that, on December 23, 2019, at High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, while armed with a knife, he attempted to rob Jose Tamblante.

“I have a one-year-old child and I had $15,000 and it finish so I got frustrated and go to rob the man. I push my hand in his pocket but I didn’t get anything,” Ishmael said.

Tamblante, through an interpreter, said that, “I was

in town doing some shopping and when I was going to the park I feel like someone push their hand in my pocket.

When I turn I saw him and I hold on his hand and he pull out a knife from his waist and we had a fight”.

Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh told the court that, during the fight the two men fell to the ground and police on patrol intervened.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to the men, told Ishmael Season’s Greetings and sentenced him to two years in prison.

Ishmael, upon hearing his sentence, begged for mercy and told the court that the mother of his child was unemployed and he was the breadwinner.

University of Guyana Student, Brian Kayume

the President of this country who also happens to be afro-Guyanese as well. To all of you, I respect you a lot and I offer you this apology. In time I hope that you forgive me but this is from the heart.

You must not forgive me now, but in your own time.

I will do everything in my life to show you that I am not the person of that video,” he stated.

In response, ERC Chair, Reverend Dr. John Smith, reminded that racism and racial intolerance have been strictly prohibited by the country’s laws and must not be allowed to fester in society.

He pointed out that Article 212 (d) of the Constitution arms the commission with the authority to function as a body which regulates equality of opportunity amongst the different races and promotes harmony and good relations among people.

Smith said that while the Constitution does not make it an offence for anyone to foster racial violence or hatred by their words or comments, the Representation of the

People’s Act Chapter 103 and the Racial Hostility Act 23:01 have listed these offences as criminal.

“Racial prejudice is not merely a wrong doing against morality but it is conduct contrary to the laws which were instituted to abolish and eradicate the…disruptive and divisive weapon of racism. The Ethic Relations Commission condemns any form of racial insularity. It’s mandate under the Constitution encourages mediation undertaken to amicably resolve issues in the most tranquil manner, whenever necessary,” he said.

He stated that punishment is not only about res-

titution but rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Smith said that guided by these principles, the commission has accepted the apology of Kayume for his use of racist slurs.

The ERC Chair said: “Mr. Kayume understands the social, cultural and political magnitude of his behaviour and the negative ramification it has had on national building and unity. He is therefore using this platform to express his deep regret and to discourage persons for thinking, saying or doing anything which has the ability to foster hate amongst our people on the foundation of race.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

By Indrawattie Natram

opportunities that the Government of India have made available to persons in Guyana.

Dr Srinivasa also met with Anna Regina Mayor, Rajendra Prabhualall, and councilors, as well as Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt, who accompanied him to several places of note on the Essequibo Coast.

During his visit to Golden Fleece Vishwa Jhotir Temple, the Indian high commissioner was welcomed to tassa drumming, a welcome drink of coconut water and arti by worshippers.

He then interacted with members of the mandir and

Indian high commissioner receives warm welcome from Essequibians

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa, on Friday, received a warm welcome from residents in Region Two, as he visited the ancient county for the first time.

The high commissioner is expected to address the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce and Industry Annual Dinner today.

On Friday, he used the opportunity to reach out to several businesses, temples and local leaders and spoke about the programmes and

Indian High Commissioner, Dr. K J Srinivasa with members of the Golden Fleece Mandir

Indian High Commissioner

spoke about the many programmes being offered by the Government to India to young Guyanese.

These programmes include fully-paid scholarships, visits through the Know India Programme and the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana, for persons between 45 and 65

years of age.

Apart from the educational tours and programmes, Dr K J Srinivasa said musical, dance and yoga classes were available and he would soon be collaborating with local leaders to take such classes to the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

The high commissioner was impressed with the way of life of Essequibians and their upkeep of Indian culture and traditions and committed to make more cultural programmes available to Region Two, aside from musical, dance and yoga classes. “Since I took the post in Guyana, I have ensured that more scholarships are offered to young people and I have also asked that more young people from various regions are selected for programmes, two from each region,� Dr K J Srinivasa said.

At the end of the interaction, residents requested Indian literature and cultural classes from the High Commission.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt thanked the Indian high commissioner for reaching out to the people of Region Two and educating them on the many programmes that can be accessed. He also mentioned that it was the first time that a high commissioner was reaching out to the people in various communities and commended the efforts of Dr K J Srinivasa.

The Indian high commissioners also visited the Lima Pump where he met with rice farmers. He is also scheduled to visit the Pomeroon River and other communities today

Indian High Commissioner, K J Srinivasa reaching out to Iscon Temple members at Mainstay

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

11 complete GDF reserve officers’ course ELEVEN Reserve Officers have successfully completed the Reserve Officer Junior Command and Staff Course Seven.

The course, which caters strictly to Reserve Officers, enables them to perform the duties of Sub-Unit Commanders and Unit Staff Officers, GDF said in a release. The course extended to over six months

as training was conducted mainly on weekends and on selected weekdays.

Lieutenant Shawn Legall, who is also a doctor, graduated Best Student while Lieutenant Patrice Jacobs, who is also an engineer, won the prize for Best Runner-Up Student. Lieutenant Hubern Collins, a teacher, receive the prize for having the Best Service paper.

La Penitence man robbed, killed on Boxing Day

MASON by day and a taxi driver by night, Israel McKenzie, 32, of Lot 78 Middle Road, Sideline Dam, La Penitence, Georgetown, was allegedly robbed and killed in the wee hours of Boxing Day while walking home.

Reports indicate that McKenzie was at Second Street and Middle Road La Penitence on his way home when, at 03:30 hrs, two men, who noticed him staggering, decided to attack and rob him.

The men allegedly stabbed McKenzie to his chest before fleeing on feet.

His father, William Primo, told Guyana Times that his son was a good person who worked hard for his money; on the day he was killed, a relative had sent him cash.

“I am a father of three and that was my only son.

After three in the morning on Boxing Day them man come and wake me up and tell me that my son lay down on the roadway dead, not far from here,” said the father in tears.

Adding that his son was a father of one, Primo called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation and to hand over his son’s values found on

Dead: Israel McKenzie

him at the scene of the crime.

McKenzie’s friends described his death as shocking.

“That man don’t be in any bad business; any money he is spending is his own hardearned money. I can’t understand this, why they had to kill him,” one friend said.

Investigators said the body also bore injuries to the left ear, lacerations to the neck, left arm and two suspected stab wounds to the chest.

McKenzie was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where an autopsy is expected to be performed this week.

Min. Jordan sues ...

FROM PAGE

times, scores of persons, including the friends, family, colleagues, prominent members of the business, Government Ministers and officials brought the claims made by the Respondents and were posted online and published by the Respondents to the Claimant and his wife’s attention and have sought information regarding same.”

Forde told the Court that the Finance Minister’s personal and professional reputation and standing have been irreparably and severely damaged. “The Claimant and his family have suffered and continue to suffer financial injury, constant grave distress, humiliation, embarrassment, indignity, pain and suffering,” he added.

Forde made it clear that

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the contents of the article and letter have no basis in fact, and as such, are malicious, grossly inaccurate and intended to deceive the public.

Out of concern, the Finance Minister, on October 23, 2019, sent the publisher of Kaieteur News a letter requesting a retraction and an apology of the said defamatory and malicious statements.

In response, an apology was published in the Kaieteur News on October 25, 2019.

On November 1, 2019, another letter was sent, this time, demanding charges for defamation as a result of the aforesaid publications.

To date no response to the letter issued on November 1, 2019 has been received from the respondents.

The 11 Reserve Officers who successfully completed the course

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

Gov’t hails work of GFC in keeping deforestation rates low …Natural Resources Ministry welcomes $9.1B from Norway

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA, during the period 2015-2018, recorded lower deforestation rates when compared to previous years under the Guyana-Norway Agreement, the Ministry of Natural Resources said on Friday while noting that throughout the entire period (2010-present), the country maintained a forest cover of over 99 per cent.

Stating from the onset that it was pleased with the Kingdom of Norway’s release of $9.1B into Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund – the final tranche under the Guyana-Norway Agreement, the Natural Resources Ministry said the country’s successes are as a result of tremendous work done by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

“The basis of the Guyana-Norway Agreement rests on keeping Guyana’s forest cover maintained at a high level, and concurrently, deforestation rates at a low level. The work associated with managing forest cover and monitoring and reporting on performance on an annual basis essentially that which forms the performance reporting system has been undertaken by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) since the inception of the agreement in 2010,” the ministry explained in a statement.

Statistics coming out of the Forestry Commission indicate that Guyana’s deforestation rates stood at 0.056 for 2010, 0.054 in 2011, 0.079 in 2012, 0.068 in 2013, and 0.065 in 2014. In 2015 and 2016, the rates dropped to 0.050 and even further in 2017 to 0.048. In 2018, the deforestation rate stood at 0.051. The data for 2019 is currently being processed.

“Specifically during the period 2015 to 2018, Guyana has seen lower deforestation rates than the previous years of the 9-year reporting period to date. The MNR is especially pleased about these results as these speak to the commendable stewardship

of Guyana’s forest. Throughout this entire period, forest cover in Guyana has been maintained at over 99%,” the Natural Resources Ministry stated.

It said while reporting on forest area and deforestation rates has been a key focus

the best, health wise, and in his future endeavours,” the ministry said.

During the established period, the Forestry Community, under the guidance of its board, undertook a comprehensive effort to re-examine concessions which had been

on Guyana now that we are an oil-producing nation,” the Natural Resources Ministry said.

Over the past nine years, several aspects of the reporting commitments under the Guyana Norway agreement, including those described

round of the Guyana-Norway Agreement that will directly resource the commission for its role.

Justifying its position, the Ministry admitted that the reduction in production and accompanying log exports have negatively affected the

for the GFC, the commission has also advanced work in the area of governance, particularly under the EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (EUFLEGT) and Independent Forest Monitoring (IFM).

Notably, during the period 2010-2019, GFC’s Community Forestry Programme expanded, resulting in over 500,000 hectares being issued to Community Forestry Associations, which directly employ close to 3,000 persons.

These successes, the Natural Resources Ministry iterates, are as a result of the excellent work done by Commissioner James Singh and his staff at the Guyana Forestry Commission.

“As Commissioner Singh’s long years of service ends and as he proceeds on medical leave at the start of 2020, the MNR takes this opportunity to thank him for his service and wishes him

allocated whilst providing support to ensure that concessionaires are fulfilling their contractual obligations.

“During this period, some two million hectares of forest area were restored to unallocated state forest including that of the Barama Company Ltd, who voluntarily relinquished its concessions. The lower production volume can be associated with these actions though, it is useful to note, are not relevant to the deforestation rate per se,” the Natural Resources Ministry explained.

The ministry said it remains steadfast in its commitment as outlined in the revised National Forest Policy 2018. The role of Guyana’s forest, it said, is far beyond timber harvesting, and as such, includes forests for conservation and sustainable utilisation such as eco-tourism, research, biodiversity and protection.

“This is more incumbent

above, have seen close to 30 per cent of GFC staff time and budget allocated to these areas. According to the ministry, the Forestry Commission looks forward to a new

Forestry Commission’s finances. In recent times, the commission was unable to pay its staff on time due to the lack of a reserve.

“Guyana’s Forests are

Guyana’s Production Volume

its most pristine asset…We look forward to a continued strong collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Norway in the future,” the ministry said while iterating its satisfaction with the implementation of the

agreement.

The G$9.1B released into the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund will be administered by the World Bank to finance developmental projects here in Guyana.

According to Head of the Ministry of the Presidency’s Project Management Office, Dr. Marlon Bristol, the funds will be used for projects in areas such as renewable energy, ‘green’ tourism, biodiversity, strengthening of indigenous mechanisms, and the European Union- FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) Partnership.

Guyana, Dr. Bristol disclose, will soon enter a new round of talks with the Norwegians to support President David Granger’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) and especially those environmental safeguards that can realise a ‘green’ economy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

One-man party ‘Destiny to Oneness’ launched ON Friday, just two weeks before Nomination Day, another political party named ‘Destiny to Oneness’ was launched with the hope of causing ripples at the upcoming 2020 General and Regional Elections.

However, while several chairs were set out at the Kitty, Georgetown location, there were no attendees save for the party’s Founder

Yenchandra Rambarran and media operatives from the Guyana Chronicle.

It is unclear whether there was an issue with the invites issued or whether the public simply stayed away.

Nonetheless, Rambarran presented on his reason for forming the party, the party’s manifesto and the ways in which it would restructure current government functions.

Rambarran, a re-migrant who currently works in the auto-servicing business, said that he formed the party after feeling “hurt” and victimised by both sides of the major political divide at different points in history.

Asked the party’s status when it comes to its members and a List of Candidates in time for Nomination Day, the party founder said that the slots for membership

Founder of ‘Destiny to Oneness’, Yenchandra Rambarran (Adrian Narine photo)

have not yet been filled and candidates are still being sought.

This is even as the party’s name has already been registered with GECOM as amongst the 19 which will contest the coming elections.

Destiny to Oneness hopes to form a coalition with other parties contesting the elections and this has to be done

by January 10, 2020. Asked what is unique that his party

waiting until an election period to emerge, and must have more going for them than simply being a “pressure group”. “I think in the environment that we have now in Guyana, it’s very polarised, and I don’t think that voters in either of the two big ethnic blocs are about to experiment with a new party, because that’s what they will be doing if they vote for these small parties.

The event unattended by supporters of Destiny to Oneness and members of the media (Adrian Narine photo)

brings to the table, Rambarran said the push “for all Guyanese to unite”. “All these little parties should come together. So, I don’t know, I would do couple more radio programmes and couple more interviews and then ask that we all come together,” he said.

“At this point in time it seems like an impossible programme to get Candidates with the requirements that are needed and I don’t have the kind of resources so I’ll have to join in with others.”

Back in October, the Guyana Chronicle spoke with Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds, who stated that it is common practice for small political parties to spring up around elections time. Over the years, the public outcry in some quarters has been that while these parties were formed in the hope of garnering at least 6,000 votes and more to secure a few seats in Parliament, many do not even garner a quarter of the number of votes to secure one seat.

Dr. Hinds said that political parties should not be

It would be an experiment, and I don’t think voters are in the mood to experiment, because, you know, there is a lot at stake in these elections,” he’s said.

Meanwhile, some small parties which formed recently to contest the elections are already considering or have agreed to coalescing for worthwhile impact at the coming elections.

Some of the proposals Destiny to Oneness’ manifesto include placing minimum wage at $100,000; pension at $50,000 and a monetary reward starting at $100,000 for a 70 per cent pass rate by secondary school children per term. The manifesto also pushes for the legalisation of marijuana; releasing of all marijuana prisoners and an immediate halt to traffic harassment by police. Destiny to Oneness also wants to see the establishment of a school unit against bullyism, crime and drug use; the computerisation of all villages; a feasibility study for the establishment of a railway system the establishment of a national marketing centre and more.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

Kwebanna residents urged to capitalise on available opportunities WHILE challenging villagers to capitalise on the many opportunities available to them, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, assured residents, particularly farmers in Moruca sub-district village, that the government will continue to invest heavily in agriculture production.

Kwebanna, which is known for its Agriculture exploits, will soon be operating a cassava flour processing facility with the aim of supplying local, regional and international markets.

According to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, some 30 farmers are currently cultivating thirty acres of cassava to supply the factory.

Minister Garrido-Lowe told residents, “the farmers in this world are the most important people because they give us the subsistence, they (farmers) are the richest people in the world and that is what the people of Kwebanna is going to be. We intend to make money out of our farming now, not five dollars here and there, we are putting those days behind us.”

Kwebanna recently hosted a mini cassava festival which saw the farmers’ group along with the Hand-in-Hand Women’s Group with support from catering facilitator in the ministry, Margret Cornette, producing appetising indigenous foods from the cassava. According to Minister Garrido-Lowe, it “exceed-

ed expectations.”

She said, “all this delicious tasting food is just an introduction to show the people how we can use the cassava flour and who better to show them than you. You will produce the flour and you will show them how to use it, and we are going to have a national cassava festival when that building {cassava factory} opens. So let us be big, and your government will respect that and continue to invest in you.”

Minister Garrido-Lowe urged the residents not allow anyone to stymie progress in the area. “Do not let anybody stop progress, they had twenty three years to give you anything they wanted to give you, twenty three years to give you roads, Internet, a cassava factory, and they did not, so when they [are] coming now and say we will give you roads, we will give you this, we will give you that or this was our idea, do not believe them. We are here for only four years and we did it,” she said.

Minister Garrido-Lowe assured that free education, improved infrastructure, communication, health, empowering of women, children and youth will be realised.

This, the ministry noted, will be the realisation of another promise of a “Good Life” delivered by President David Granger.

Kwebanna, which has a growing population, is on the cusp of realising real development, and according to the minister, much more will be

Handyman found dead in Ogle trench RELATIVES of a 54-yearold handyman who was found dead in a trench in the vicinity of his home at Lot 30, D Ogle, sideline Dam, East Coast Demerara on Christmas Day, suspect foul play as they await an autopsy report.

Dead is Brama Mangal called “Basil”, who was unmarried and has no children.

His niece, Loretta Williams, told this publication that she discovered her uncle was missing after she thought he left to visit his sister in Cummings Lodge, Monday night. However, she realised that this was not so after the same aunt turned up at their home on Tuesday.

A search was launched, visiting all the places that Mangal would usually visit, but no one found him.

On Christmas morning at

A younger Brama Mangal called “Basil” in his thirties

around 09:00hrs, a relative noticed something floating in the trench while brushing TURN TO PAGE

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realised from Guyana’s oil revenues.

Meanwhile, the minister also took the opportunity to share in the spirit of the festive season by putting smiles on the faces of scores of children who attended the days’ activity when she presented them with gifts.

They were overjoyed and thanked the minister for her kind gesture. She also wished the families present a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, interacts with residents of Kwebanna

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

Guyanese mom fights alleged abduction of twins

“THE evidence is right in front of their eyes and all I want is a DNA test,” said 34-year-old Keoma Hamer

in regard to the investigation into her report of an alleged abduction of her twin baby girls 15 years

ago.

A test was done in July 2019.

In a letter signed by act-

ing Police Commissioner, Atlee Rodney, dated December 4, 2019, addressed to Hamer regarding the results

of DNA test performed on one of the alleged twins, it states: “As it relates to the

tigation are you all really conducting?” she asked.

Keoma Hamer

allegation that Petal Burley is one of the missing twin girls, investigation revealed that Esther Amos and O’Neil Burley cannot be excluded as the biological mother and father of Petal Burley based on the analysis of their DNA.” This correspondence did not sit well with Hamer who spoke exclusively with OBSERVER media: “My response was to him, that this is not saying anything to me, this is vague.”

She added that, “I asked a few questions for clarification and up to today, I have never received a response. I want to know, specifically, are they the biological parents or not?” To that question, Hamer said, “I have not received a response for over two weeks now.”

A DNA test was not administered between the 15-year-old child and Hamer herself.

In June this year, Hamer’s abduction allegations went viral after she called on the authorities of Antigua and Barbuda to investigate what happened on September 7, 2004 when she delivered her babies on the Gwynneth O’Reilly Ward of the old Holberton Hospital.

Since that time, Hamer has questioned the will and the interest of the police in investing her matter.

“What kind of inves-

“The evidence,” she claimed, “is right in front of their eyes.”

Guyanese born and a St. Martin national, Hamer, has vowed not to stop her own investigations into the matter and has since got the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) involved in her case. The CGID have subsequently asked the US State Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to investigate this allegation as it potentially constitutes abduction and human trafficking.

“To see how slack my situation is being handled, it provokes me and it disturbs me,” said the irate would-be mother of two.

Referring to the Antiguan investigative officials, she said, “If they are not going to respond to me, they have to respond to somebody because something is happening in Antigua and only God in Heaven knows what is.”

“I am a Guyanese by birth. I live in St. Martin for twenty-something years. I’m a Dutch national, so my government’s home is involved because clearly the Antigua Government seems to be sleeping on me.” (The Daily Observer) FROM PAGE

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Handyman found ... his teeth and, upon closer inspection, the object was discovered to be the body of Mangal.

According to reports, Mangal went missing two days prior to his body being discovered. The dead man’s older sister said that on the day her brother was missing, his niece saw him sitting at the head of the trench on a piece of rock, singing and

talking to himself.

One relative said Mangal was bleeding through the ears when his body was recovered and it appeared as if he had marks of violence on his body.

Relatives described the man as an easy-going character who would have his drink and assist people when needed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

England collapse to 181, South Africa lead by 175

By Mark Gleeson PRETORIA, (Reuters) - South Africa bowled England out for 181 in their first innings and had built up a significant 175-run lead by the close of play on the second day of the first Test at Centurion Park yesterday.

But a see-saw contest was still in the balance as the hosts were precariously placed on 72 for four in their second innings as England sought to bowl themselves back into contention.

Rassie van der Dussen (17) and nightwatchman Anrich Nortje (4) will resume today with South Africa looking to take the contest away from the tourists, who need early wickets to keep alive hopes of engineering an exciting comeback.

South Africa started the day on 277-9 and were quickly out as they added just seven runs for a first-innings total of 284.

England lost two wickets before lunch as they began their reply amid a torrid spell of bowling and then saw captain Joe Root

Pacer Vernon Philander took 4-16 from 14.2 overs. (Getty Images) dismissed at the start of the second session.

However, they began to settle in when Joe Denly and Ben Stokes put together a 72run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Denly, who was dropped in the slips before scoring and took 28 balls to get off the mark, made 50 off 108 before falling to the tiniest tickle as Dwaine Pretorius grabbed a maiden Test wicket but only after South Africa had asked for a review.

That set off an England collapse as their last seven wickets tumbled for 39 runs with Vernon Philan-

der taking 4-16 from 14.2 overs and Kagiso Radaba bagging 3-68.

“It was tough, a very impressive spell from Philander and Rabada, who challenged us in good areas,” said Denly.

The initial breakthrough for the home attack had come from the tandem of South Africa’s new pacemen Nortje and Pretorius, who grabbed three wickets between them in the space of 17 balls to initiate England’s disintegration.

It included Stokes caught behind for 35 in a South African record-equalling six catches for wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

England quickly began their fightback as veteran James Anderson had Aiden Markram trapped leg-before-wicket with the fifth ball of South Africa’s second innings.

The wickets of Zubayr Hamza and Dean Elgar soon followed and English hopes were boosted further when home captain Faf du Plessis departed for 20 after pulling a hook shot, played from one knee, to long leg where Sam Curran made a running catch.

“We have to keep up aggression and get the ball old as well when we bat tomorrow,” said Philander.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Dean Elgar c Jos Buttler b James Anderson 0 Aiden Markram c Jonny Bairstow b Sam Curran 20 Zubayr Hamza c Ben Stokes b Stuart Broad 39 Faf du Plessis c Joe Root b Stuart Broad 29 Rassie van der Dussen c Joe Root b Sam Curran 6 Quinton de Kock c Jos Buttler b Sam Curran 95 Dwaine Pretorius c Joe Root b Sam Curran 33 Vernon Philander c Jos Buttler b Stuart Broad 35 Keshav Maharaj c Ben Stokes b Jofra Archer 6 Kagiso Rabada b Stuart Broad 12 Anrich Nortje not out 0 Extras: (lb-4, nb-2, w-3) 9 Total: (all out, 84.3 overs) 284 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-32, 3-71, 4-97, 5-111, 6-198, 7-245, 8-252, 9-277.

Bowling: James Anderson 20-4-69-1, Stuart Broad 18.3-458-4 (w-1, nb-1), Sam Curran 20-5-58-4 (w-2), Jofra Archer 19-4-65-1 (nb-1), Joe Root 4-0-26-0.

ENGLAND 1st innings Rory Burns c Quinton de Kock b Vernon Philander 9 Dominic Sibley c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada 4 Joe Denly c Quinton de Kock b Dwaine Pretorius 50 Joe Root c Quinton de Kock b Vernon Philander 29 Ben Stokes c Quinton de Kock b Anrich Nortje 35 Jonny Bairstow b Anrich Nortje 1 Jos Buttler c Quinton de Kock b Vernon Philander 12 Sam Curran c Zubayr Hamza b Kagiso Rabada 20 Jofra Archer b Vernon Philander 3 Stuart Broad c Dean Elgar b Kagiso Rabada 2 James Anderson not out 0 Extras: (b-4, 5lb-5, nb-2, w-5) 16 Total: (all out, 53.2 overs) 181 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-15, 3-70, 4-142, 5-143, 6-150, 7-176, 8-176, 9-181.

Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 15-1-68-3 (nb-2), Vernon Philander 14.2-8-16-4, Dwaine Pretorius 8-2-23-1, Anrich Nortje 12-2-47-2 (w-1), Keshav Maharaj 4-1-18-0.

SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings Aiden Markram lbw James Anderson 2 Dean Elgar c Jos Buttler b Jofra Archer 22 Zubayr Hamza c Jos Buttler b Stuart Broad 4 Faf du Plessis c Sam Curran b Jofra Archer 20 Rassie van der Dussen not out 17 Anrich Nortje not out 4 Extras: (b-1, lb-1, nb-1) 3 Total: (four wkts, 20.0 overs) 72-4 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-25, 3-29, 4-62/ Bowling: James Anderson 4-0-19-1, Stuart Broad 5-2-61, Jofra Archer 6-1-37-2 (nb-1), Sam Curran 4-2-8-0, Ben Stokes 1-1-0-0 .

Archer escapes ...

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From page 31 in their bid to remove Nortje, who had been sent out to bat when South Africa’s fourth wicket of the second innings fell with some 20 minutes left of the day’s play.

Archer attempted a slower ball but it came out of his hand as a full toss and was no-balled by Reiffel.

He then followed it with a similar waste-high delivery which Reiffel again called a no-ball before quickly withdrawing his decision after England protests.

The umpire seemed to accept it was a botched attempt at a slower ball rather than a malicious delivery.

England argued that Nortje made it look worse by falling to the ground as the ball flew past him with batsman Joe Denly saying he was surprised that Archer would try two slower balls in a row, but felt the second delivery dipped markedly and just missed the stumps.

But it caused consternation on the South African dressing room balcony, with captain Faf du Plessis and coach Mark Boucher going off to see the match referee Andy Pycroft.

“The umpires have to deal with it and make the right call,” South African bowler Vernon Philander said.

“I suppose if you’re at square leg and you call noball you’ve got to stand your ground. At no time did they actually cancel it.

“I don’t know what happened but there was a little bit of a conversation going on after the game. For me it’s plain and simple, we’re playing a game and we’re setting an example for the rest of the people coming into this game.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

New Zealand wobble after Head century puts Australia in command MELBOURNE. Australia (Reuters) - Australia’s pacemen struck twice to leave New Zealand vulnerable at 44 for two on day two of the Boxing Day Test after Travis Head scored a sparkling century to put the hosts firmly in command.

Tom Latham was nine not out with Ross Taylor on two, and New Zealand facing a mountain to climb to reel in Australia’s first-innings total of 467.

The tourists’ opening woes continued, with Jeet Raval’s replacement Tom Blundell out for 15 edging a Pat Cummins delivery to wicketkeeper-captain Tim Paine.

The huge contingent of New Zealand fans in a crowd of 60 000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) were soon groaning again when captain Kane Williamson top-edged a pull-shot to be caught by Paine for nine.

Under pressure to cement his place in Australia’s middle order, South Australian scrapper Head completed his second Test ton after tea and celebrated with emotion on a sun-drenched afternoon.

He was eventually dismissed for 114, smashing spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner straight to cover when looking for quick runs late in Australia’s innings.

Head scored 56 in his first innings in the series-opener in Perth but was disappointed to give up his wicket with a loose drive off paceman Tim Southee.

“Last week I threw it away a little bit and then was really disappointed with that,” he said. “So it’s nice (to) get another opportunity.”

Head combined with captain Tim Paine in a 150run partnership that all but crushed New Zealand’s hopes

only one wicket from the first two sessions yesterday, placing Williamson’s decision to send Australia in to bat upon winning the toss under an even harsher light.

After Australia resumed in the morning on 257 for four, paceman Wagner denied Steve Smith his first century

Travis Head celebrates scoring a century against New Zealand at the MCG on the second day. of forging a series-levelling victory after their 296-run loss in the pink ball Test in Perth.

Their sixth-wicket stand was ended soon after tea when the tireless Neil Wagner trapped Paine lbw for 79, de-

nying the Tasmanian skipper a maiden Test hundred.

Kane Williamson’s bowlers mopped up the tail for the cost of only 34 runs but the damage was already done.

New Zealand managed

SCOREBOARD David Warner c Tim Southee b Neil Wagner 41 Joe Burns b Trent Boult 0 Marnus Labuschagne b Colin de Grandhomme 63 Steven Smith c Henry Nicholls b Neil Wagner 85 Matthew Wade c BJ Watling b Colin de Grandhomme 38 Travis Head c Mitchell Santner b Neil Wagner 114 Tim Paine lbw Neil Wagner 79 Mitchell Starc c Kane Williamson b Tim Southee 1 James Pattinson not out 14 Pat Cummins c Tom Latham b Tim Southee 0 Nathan Lyon c Neil Wagner b Tim Southee 1 Extras: (b-5, lb-22, w-4) 31 Total: (all out, 155.1 overs) 467 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-61, 3-144, 4-216, 5-284, 6-434, 7-435, 8-458, 9-463.

Bowling: Trent Boult 31-3-91-1 (w-1), Tim Southee 33.1-6-103-3 (w-1), Colin de Grandhomme 30-5-68-2 (w-1), Neil Wagner 38-11-83-4 (w-1), Mitchell Santner 20-1-82-0.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Tom Latham not out 9 Tom Blundell c Tim Paine b Pat Cummins 15 Kane Williamson c Tim Paine b James Pattinson 9 Ross Taylor not out 2 Extras: (b-4, lb-3, nb-1, w-1) 9 Total: (two wkts, 18.0 overs) 44 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-39.

Bowling: Mitchell Starc 4-0-18-0 (w-1, nb-1), Pat Cummins 7-3-8-1, James Pattinson 5-1-9-1, Nathan Lyon 2-0-2-0.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday December 28, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Today’s Quiz: What was the result of the recent WI/India ODI series?

Who was declared Man of the Series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

of the home summer, dismissing the master batsman for 85 with a short ball for the third time in the series.

Smith was out parrying at a bouncer that pinged off the shoulder of his bat before being plucked out of the air with one hand by a leaping Henry Nicholls in the gully.

That was as good as it got for the Black Caps who were soon on the back foot as Head and Paine counter-attacked with vigour.

The pair marched off unbeaten at tea, having survived the whole middle session and pushed Australia to 431 for five.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

592 Beer Inter-Village Football Festival

Paradise, Friendship through to semi-finals

PARADISE and Friendship secured semi-final berths in the 592 Beer Inter-Village Football Festival on Christmas Day, defeating Buxton and Mahaica respectively via penalty kicks at the Buxton Community Centre ground.

Paradise will now match skills with Friendship in the semi-final round on December 29 at the same venue.

The second semi-final will pit Golden Grove against Beterverwagting (BV).

Paradise defeated Buxton 4-3 on penalty kicks, after normal time ended 2-2. Buxton commenced the shoot-out and stumbled, failing from the mark as the goalkeeper completed a save.

Paradise seized the

opportunity to take the lead as they scored. Both teams then scored in the second round, as Paradise maintained their one-goal lead at 2-1.

The third round mirrored the second, with both teams netting from the distance to take the score to 3-2.

The fourth section continued the trend of the previous two rounds, as both teams scored to push the score to 4-3. However, Buxton sealed their own exit, as they blasted over the crossbar in the fifth round.

Prior to their exit, Buxton opened the scoring in the sixth minute as Derrick Weekes lashed his effort into the lower right side. The lead

Paradise’s marksmen Quincy Adams (L) and Teshawn Gordon quickly ballooned to 2-0, with Esan Hamer rifling his attempt into the right corner from the left side.

This lead was maintained heading into the halftime interval. However, Paradise pulled one

Bishoo ecstatic following return to competitive cricket VETERAN Guyana/Windies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo said he’s thrilled to be back playing some intense cricket, ahead of an important Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-Day season.

Bishoo, who last played for the West Indies in the One Day International (ODI) home series versus England back in March this year, was named in the Leon Johnson XI, ahead of the first of two 3-Day practice games, held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence this morning.

The veteran leg-break bowler told Chronicle Sport on the eve of the first match, that he’s pretty upbeat given his smooth recovery from injury and is ready to play some competitive cricket again, following a successful return to local action during the Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) pre-Christmas 1st division season.

“The next three days are very important for me because I will be playing more competitive cricket.

I had a good run playing for my club (Albion) recently and now I’m happy to be playing in this practice match. Hopefully I can go out and take some wickets over the next few days.” said Bishoo.

One of the most prolific wicket-takers in 4-Day cricket and holder of a few Regional records, the 34-yearold is just 18 wickets shy of 400 and could easily achieve that come this 2020 season.

Playing just one match during

Devendra Bishoo the 2018-19 4-Day season before West Indies duties came calling, Bishoo’s availability this season for Johnson means the most successful Guyanese 4-Day skipper will have again one of his main weapons at his disposal, heading into their 6th consecutive title hunt.

Concerning the upcoming season, a well-poised Bishoo pointed out that it was very crucial for him to make the most of the two practice games and get his body and mind right in wake of the Jaguars important upcoming

assignment.

“I’m happy to get a bowl, because it’s important if you want to have a good season. I want to do well throughout this season and hopefully I can get a lot of wickets but I’m just looking to take it match by match, do well and just enjoy the tournament,” he ended.

Meanwhile, Bishoo will have lots of talented players to bowl against, over the next three days when the Johnson XI play the Anthony Adams XI from 09:30hrs today.

Leon Johnson’s squad: Leon Johnson (captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Vishal Singh, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Devendra Bishoo, Sherfane Rutherford Trevon Griffith, Akshaya Persaud, Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed, Nial Smith, Ramaal Lewis, Kevin Sinclair Head coach Esaun Crandon. Assistant coach/manager Shivnarine Chanderpaul Anthony Adams’ squad: Antony Adams (captain), Kevlon Anderson, Raymon Perez, Kemol Savory, Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed, Ricardo Adams, Tevin Imlach, Richie Looknauth, Kevin Umroa, Nial Smith, Clinton Pestano, Ashmead Nedd, Qumar Torrington, Joshua Jones, Quintin Sampson, Jonathan Foo. Coaches: Julian Moore, Clive Grimmond and Michael Franco.

(Clifton Ross)

back in the 70th minute through Teshawn Gordon, who blasted into the roof of the net. The score was then levelled in the 88th minute when Quincy Adams slotted home inside the left of the box.

Meanwhile, Friendship bested Mahaica 5-4 on sudden-death penalty kicks, after regulation time ended 3-3.

For Friendship, Dillon Wright copped a double in the 10th and 27th minutes while Clive Andries added a goal in the 62nd minute.

For Mahaica, Travis Adams fashioned a brace in the 15th and 41st minutes, while Shamar McPherson made an 80th minute strike.

The eventual champions

of the event will pocket $500 000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $200 000, $150 000 and $100 000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

Similarly, individual prizes will also be awarded for Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, MVP of the final, Best Goalkeeper of the tournament and the Best Goalkeeper of the final. Some of the major sponsors of the tournament include Bakewell Guyana Incorporated, ExxonMobil, the NSC, Flavours Boss and the Colin Talbot Construction Services.

Royals, Kwakwani A, B and Kings clash for top honours THE stage is set for tonight’s grand finale of the first-ever Kings Basketball Club’s 4x4 Under-18 championship, which is organised by the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) and requires three male players and one female player to be on the court at any given time.

The national winners of the Under-18 3x3 championship, Victory Valley Royals, have played impressively to reach the semi-final as the top team following their four wins and sole loss to Kings.

They are led by the core players from the 3x3 format which they won through Emmanuel Larose, Kobe Tappin, Omar Green and Delroy Belle while they have now includeed females Cliffanna Hunter and Rasheba Carroll.

They face the chal- Kobie Tappin of Royals lenge of the Kings team who defeated them in the preliminary round but despite that result they should get past their opponents.

The Kings have in their lineup Neil Marks (Jr), Jaden Rose, Ming Wong and Lemuel Wilson and former national standout female player Nichola Jacobs and Andre Smith included.

The other semi-final features Kwakwani teams A and B, who finished second and third respectively.

Notably making a return to the sport is Shakeila Sampson, who donned national colours at the junior and senior levels, and another national Kenesha Leacock, as they join with the Titan Bowl Most Valuable Under-16 player Hosea Conway, along with Hansel John, Elijah David and Huon Bethune.

Their A team opponents have female players Attala Rose and Shania Sears along with male players Tyrese Conway, Trevor Garraway and Travis Lewis, who are likely to give a good account of themselves.

However, there will be junior an East versus West basketball game from 19:00hrs. The first semifinal takes place at 20:00hrs followed by the second semifinal, ahead of the final.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 28, 2019

Could Sparta Boss end the year on a high?

THE question on everyone’s lips is whether Guyana’s most dominant team in the street and indoor formats could end the year with another title.

The answer to this question will be known this evening when the semi-finals and final of the inaugural Dragon Stout Community Cup conclude, at the National Gymnasium.

Sparta Boss have undoubtedly been the leading team not only this year but also for a number of years and fans will be flooding the mecca for indoor football to see whether their reign of success will continue.

They face a resurgent Leopold Street in the second semi-final in what is anticipated to be a scorching engagement.

Once again players the quality of Sheldon Shepherd, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Eusi ‘Boneyman’ Phillips and Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett are expected to lead their quest for another title.

The one worry for them is whether outstanding goalkeeper Devon ‘Worm’ Charles, who suffered an injury on the preceding game will be fit enough to take his place between the uprights.

The return of Leopold

tackle the star-studded Bent Street and this clash is another anticipated humdinger.

Andrew Murray, Jermin Junor, Solomon Austin and Job Caesar will lead their attack and ambition for a place in the final.

On the other hand, Bent Street should be motivated by the fact that a win could setup a possible return clash against Sparta Boss Sparta Boss in action during a recent Futsal champi- should the latter secure viconship at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tory against Leopold Street.

They had lost to them Street talisman Omallo Eon Alleyne and Okanie Williams has brought a Fraser they could make it in the preceding tournament huge ray of hope to their real tough for the in-form and would definitely relish another skirmish against the chances of lifting a title Sparta Boss side. and with support from the In the opening semi-final, shorter version juggernauts.

Players the calibre of likes of Darren Benjamin, dark horse Rio All Stars will

Gordon Greenidge gets knighthood FORMER West Indies cricketing great Cuthbert Gordon Greenidge is to be conferred with a knighthood.

In the New Year Honours announced yesterday, he has been accorded Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (KCMG).

Born in England, the 68-yearold represented Barbados and Hampshire Cricket Club, but really made his mark in his 17-year-career opening the batting for one

Sir Gordon Greenidge

of the most dominant West Indies teams, many of those years alongside fellow Barbadian Desmond Haynes.

Greenidge played 108 Test matches and scored 7 588 runs at an average of 44.7, and in 128 One-Day Internationals, he scored 5 134 runs at an average of 45.

The son of the soil has a school named after him at Rock Dundo, St Peter, and he plays a very active role in its maintenance and upkeep.

Daniel Wilson, Pernel Schultz, Clive Nobrega, goalkeeper Akel Clarke and Colin Nelson have all donned national colours, making them the most formidable unit on paper.

However, a potential matchup against Sparta Boss is a different kettle of fish and should this showdown materialise their fans could be in for a real Christmas treat to end another successful year in the format.

A massive outpouring is anticipated to close the door, but next year promises to be even bigger and better in what has become the most popular format of the sport locally.

Archer escapes bowling ban in beamer row

By Mark Gleeson

PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) - England paceman Jofra Archer escaped being banned from bowling for the rest of the first Test against South Africa after delivering two successive beamers late in the twilight at the end of a frustrating day for his team yesterday.

Archer bowled two full tosses at South Africa nightwatchman Anrich Nortje in the penultimate over of the day, They were both no-balled by umpire Paul Reiffel, only for his decision on the second no-ball to be reJofra Archer scinded.

Two successive noballs for beamers would have meant Archer, key to England’s ambitions in the four-Test series, would not be allowed to bowl for the remainder of South Africa’s second innings.

The drama unfolded as England were left frustrated See page 28

Wolves fight back to beat 10-man City as title fades further W O L V E R H A M P T O N, England (Reuters) - Tenman Manchester City gave up a two-goal lead as they crashed to a 3-2 defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux yesterday to leave them 14 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

City’s Brazilian keeper Ederson was sent off in the 12th minute after he raced out of his area and clipped Diogo Jota, who tumbled to the floor.

The VAR review backed

referee Martin Atkinson’s decision but the system was soon back to familiar controversy when it awarded City a penalty - ruling that Leander Dendoncker had trodden on the foot of City winger Riyad Mahrez.

Wolves keeper Rui Patricio saved Raheem Sterling’s spot kick, but VAR spotted an encroachment in the area

by Conor Coady who had cleared the loose ball and so the penalty had to be retaken.

Again, Patricio saved from Sterling, but this time the En-

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matt Doherty celebrates scoring their third goal at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers)

gland winger drove home the rebound to put City in front.

Sterling then doubled City’s lead, five minutes after the interval, with a composed finish after being sent clear by a defence-splitting pass from Kevin De Bruyne.

Wolves got back into the game though, five minutes later, when Adama Traore, who had scored twice in Wolves’ win at City in October, beat substitute keeper Claudio Bravo with a low drive from outside the area.

It was poor defending

from City full back Benjamin Mendy that handed Wolves the equaliser with less than ten minutes remaining. The Frenchman in trying to usher the ball out for a goal kick was robbed

by Traore, who zipped a low pass across the goal to Raul Jimenez, who slotted home.

The dramatic winner came in the 89th minute when Matt Doherty weaved his way through the City defence before poking a left-foot shot past Bravo.

Sir Clive Lloyd

Cricket great Clive Lloyd knighted in Queen’s New Year Honours List WEST Indies cricket legend Clive Lloyd has been given a knighthood in the New Year Honours List.

The 75-year-old heads a long list names from West Indies cricket to receive the award, with the likes of Sir Gary Sobers, Sir Everton Weekes and Sir Viv Richards all honoured.

Although Lloyd received a CBE in 1993, the belated nature of Lloyd’s award might be explained by his hailing from Guyana, which became a republic in 1966, coincidentally the year in which Lloyd made his Test debut.

While Richards plus the likes of Sir Curtly Ambrose and Sir Richie Richardson in 2014 were knighted directly by the government of Antigua, Lloyd has had to wait for his opportunity.

In addition to his success with the West Indies, Lloyd played for almost two decades for Lancashire, with whom he

retains a strong affiliation.

The impact Lloyd had during his playing career at Old Trafford was emphasised by the county’s then captain Jack Bond, who said: “His value to Lancashire cannot be measured by ordinary standards.”

Lloyd was named captain of the West Indies in 1974, three years after being awarded the prestigious title of Wisden Cricketer-of-the-Year.

At the time the West Indies were far from a dominant force in world cricket, and after an embarrassing Test series defeat in Australia in 1976, Lloyd vowed: “I promise we will never get another flogging like this while I am captain.”

Lloyd was true to his word as he went on to establish the West Indies as a global force, as well as returning statistics which make him one of the finest Test captains of all time.

He led the West Indies in 70 Tests of which they won 36.

He also led them to two World Cup wins in 1975 and 1979 and was the first West Indies player to achieve 100 international caps.

After retirement, Lloyd became a respected international ICC referee and also served as both a director of the West Indies Cricket Board and briefly as its chairman of selectors. (Evening Standard; Additional reporting by the Press Association)

Super 16 semi-finalists decided

Santos down defending champs Den Amstel, GDF edge Buxton, Police arrest Western Tigers SIX (of eight) days into the 2019-2020 edition of the GFF Super 16 Cup the semi-finals will be contested tomorrow night at GFC ground, Bourda.

New champions would be crowned following the exit of defending champions, Den Amstel at the hands of Santos Football Club in clinical fashion, 3-0.

Netting the final goal was Kester ‘Shoes’ Jacobs who had won the 2018-2019 championship with Den Amstel. For that matter, Santos

current captain and central defender Kevin Dundas also won the tournament with Den Amstel.

The match-ups on Boxing Night were anticipated to be exciting. The young Buxton United did take the fight to the Guyana Defence Force, but were guilty of spilling at least three chances in the first half which, and as has been the case ever so often not capitalising, came back to haunt them as the soldiers nailed them in the end.

Santos ensured them-

selves a chance to challenge for the top prize by eliminating defending champions, West Demerara’s Den Amstel, compliments of a solid 3-0 win. The match that continued from Christmas night between Guyana Police Force and Western Tigers saw the lawmen put the Tigers away very early - Trayon Bobb scoring on the first run down) of the ten-minute affair.

The match, which was the feature affair on Christmas night, had to be continued on

Daniel Wilson (right) and Trayon Bobb

Benjamin Opara (right) and Sherwin Caesar Boxing Night due to problems with the lights at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary. At that juncture, the score was tied 1-1 and the game was in the second half of extra time.

Daniel Wilson had sent Police ahead in the 50th minute but Western Tigers found the neutralising goal on the stroke of full time (89th minute) via the penalty route, Andrew Murray nailing the shot.

Fast track to Boxing Night, when the whistle was sounded to signal the start of the final ten minutes at GFC, the man starting the ball, Bobb in combo with Wilson and Pernel Shultz and teammates showed the energy and focus to score straightaway even as the Tigers were still getting warm.

Western, somehow did not seem enarmoured to give it their having had almost 24-hours to recover. Their lack of capitalising on the moment cost them in the end.

Police have now advanced to the last four and have earned a date with the Guyana Defence Force in a match that certainly has all the ingredients for an explo-

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sive combat.

The Army was held under duress for some time against the young and exciting Buxton United but the Buxtonians can blame only themselves for letting their opponents off the hook.

With the first half ending 0-0, it was Buxton who took the lead in the 61st minute, Omari Glasgow finally was able to find the target after a few misses - one of those, mere minutes before he beat GDF custodian, Enoch Carmichael.

But Buxton’s goal only woke up the GDF side as they responded in like manner four minutes later, Benjamin Opara levelling things up in the 65th minute with his fourth goal of the tournament, the same as Fruta Conquerors’ Delon Lanferman.

That goal changed the momentum of the match and GDF eventually sealed the deal with a Sherwin Caesar goal in the 90th minute.

Santos, even though they were reduced to 10men in the 69th minute, were still able to send Den Amstel packing. Ryan October’s second yellow card

in the 69th minute after the first in the 6th minute, did not really matter as by then, Santos were already up 2-0.

The battle was real as neither team wanted to give up any real estate in the final third which made it difficult for chances to be had. But Santos eventually found the opening in the 43rd minute, Orin Yarde pouncing the chance with glee to hammer his shot past goalkeeper Ryan Hunte.

Stephon Reynold doubled the advantage for Santos two minutes into the second half and by then it was all over bar the shouting for Den Amstel. The sealer, which more or less rubbed salt into the wounds of the Den Amstel team, came off the boot of one of their own, Kester Jacobs in the 90+2 minutes.

Santos have earned a date with Fruta Conquerors in the first semi-final tomorrow night at the GFC ground. The second semi would be a battle of the armed forces when the Guyana Defence Force throw down the gauntlet to their counterparts from Guyana Police Force.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2019