Guyana Chronicle E-paper 12-30-2019

MONDAY 30th December, 2019

’ No.105865

Elections 2020

Countrywide scrutiny for Revised List of Electors this week PAGE

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–– as elections commission grants clearance

Be a responsible –– WPA chastises PPP, Jagdeo leader! for false land-grabbing claims PAGE

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Economic transformation 08 beckons for Region Three PAGE

–– as construction of new Parika Stelling moves closer to fruition

Thousands to rally 03

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

around APNU+AFC President David Granger, upon his return from Bartica on Sunday, was greeted by a group of enthusiastic citizens at the Parika Stelling. In this Ministry of the Presidency photo, he greets one of the many commuters who was elated to have met him.

–– as it launches its elections campaign come Friday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

Immigrants could ‘add value’ to local labour market

–– economist suggests the creation of Sectoral Labour Market Policy

–– UNHCR, gov’t exploring ways of providing employment opportunities

By Vishani Ragobeer GUYANA has seen an influx of Venezuelan immigrants over the past few years. While this has caused many to be wary of the strain on the local economy that this increase in population may result in, experts contend that there are many benefits to be garnered.

“I think Guyana should provide assistance to the Venezuelans,” renowned Trinidadian Economist, Dr. Roger Hosein, told the Guyana Chronicle. “Of course it is a humanitarian crisis and if you show up by my house, hungry, from a humanitarian perspective, I have a moral responsibility to God and to man to give you some food,” he added.

According to a recent World Bank report entitled ‘Venezuelan Migration: The 4,500-Kilometer Gap between Desperation and Opportunity,’ more than 4.6 million people have fled the harsh socio-economic conditions of the Spanish-speaking country. And according to data collected by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and reported in November, about 17,000 of that 4.6 million have come into Venezuela’s eastern neighbour, Guyana.

Comparatively, those immigration figures may not seem too large but when Guyana’s population of 750,000 people is taken into consideration, it could be deemed significant. It is for this very reason that Dr. Hosein contends that Venezuelan immigration is not “just so simple.”

The Guyana Labour Force Survey, published by the Bureau of Statistics in 2018, detailed that of the 550,831 persons encompassed in Guyana’s total resident population aged 15 and above (persons of ‘working age’), there was a labour force participation rate of 56 per cent, or 271,068 persons.

In a nutshell, the labour force participation rate is the country’s labour force, and is the sum of the persons employed and persons unemployed, as a percentage of the workingage population. The statistics

munities, she said that the hammocks can be bought by the UNHCR and distributed to the vulnerable immigrants.

UNHCR Representative Cecilie Guerrero indicate that Guyana has relatively low labour force participation.

Cognisant of this, Dr. Hosein said “because Guyana has a serious labour shortage that is pending, and I think that the Venezuelans are a boom and a blessing to the Guyanese people.”

Instinctively, once in Guyana, the immigrants seek avenues of employment to provide for themselves and their families. Such is the case of two sisters, Susana and Samantha Valenzuela.

In mid-2018, the duo left Venezuela, where they had “desk jobs”, and came into Guyana, in Region One. Unable to speak English well, the sisters experienced difficulties in their attempt to gain employment. Adapting to their new ‘home,’ the sisters are now ardent bread-makers in North West District.

Regent Street, arguably Georgetown’s commercial shopping hub, has seen a transformation in the way business is done; many stores now seek sales girls and porter boys that are bilingual (English and Spanish), responding to the large number of Cubans that come to the country to shop in bulk.

It is here that Venezuelans find niche employment.

Along the pavement of this hub, Venezuelan food- arepas and tequenos- are quickly becoming as sought after as a Guyanese ‘eggball and sour’.

It is, however, not just a matter of letting the Venezuelans access these employment opportunities.

Dr. Hosein stressed that Guyana must capitalise on the opportunity presented

WORK PERMITS Another avenue being explored is the provision of ‘work permits,’ where the UNHCR and other UN bodies are advocating for this, in addition to the three-month stay permits which are being providTrinidadian economist, Dr. Roger Hosein to increase the labour force participation.

SECTORAL LABOUR MARKET POLICY “Design a sectoral labour market policy,” he advanced. “Here, you give them work in the rice sector, the sugar sector or any of the sectors for which it is difficult to get unskilled workers and build from there,” the economist further recommended.

With much attention being given to Guyana’s emerging Petroleum Sector, the economist cautioned that Guyanese must still focus on the “non-booming tradable sectors,” which includes the labour-intensive agriculture sector.

At a public forum organised by the University of Guyana (UG), earlier this year, Dr. Hosein outlined that in the first year of oil production, it can be expected that people will migrate from the manufacturing and services sector into the Oil and Gas Industry. While this occurs, it becomes imperative for people to work in the traditional sectors, and keep up the productivity, so as to contribute to overall economic development.

Through this policy, skills of the immigrants can be categorised and then channelled into the various sectors. Such a policy should also encompass the skills of Guyanese, to determine what skills are needed in the country and what skills the country possesses.

When this information is garnered, Dr. Hosein said a “formula” should then be worked out, where Guyanese and the immigrants are earmarked for work in

Managing Director of the Migrant Support Network (MSN), Derwayne Wills specific sectors. Dr. Hosein said when the anticipated “economic boom” occurs in Guyana, the policy can guide efforts to capitalise on the skills present in the country.

While the suggestion of this policy is something the government can mull, efforts are being made in the interim to harness the skills of the immigrants in a more structured way.

UNHCR Senior Liaison Officer, Cecilie Saenz Guerrero, in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, shared that the UN body is currently exploring how employment, or income-generating activities, can be facilitated for the immigrants, and for the host communities they settle into.

“Right now we are in dialogue with the Minister of Social Protection to see if we can open some community kitchens that could benefit Venezuelans and Guyanese who do not necessarily have, in their own kitchens, the equipment necessary to go out and do small catering or anything,” Guerrero said.

Support will also be offered in facilitating the acquisition of food handler certification.

There are also sizeable immigrant populations in the interior regions of Guyana such as Regions One, Seven and Nine. Here, the UNHCR representative indicated that the body is also exploring the procurement of materials that can be used by the communities to make Chincheros (hammocks, in Guyanese vernacular), which are made both by the immigrants and by local Indigenous People.

Once these materials are provided to the com-

qualifications, there must be engagement between the council and the Venezuelan institution the qualifications were given from. This engagement process is sometimes mired because of the breakdown in institution in Venezuela where staff may have been relinquished, documents destroyed, or there is inadequate access to power and Internet connectivity.

While Guerrero highlighted that the UNHCR

Susana Valenzuela. (right) and her sister Samantha as they walked through the town of Mabaruma selling bread last August ed by the government, through the immigration services.

“We do believe that many Venezuelans come in with skills that can benefit the people here,” Guerrero said.

In Lethem, Region Nine, there is a Venezuelan nurse who specialises in caring for children with special needs. In that town, there is no other person with that specific skill, and as such, the local authorities are trying to work along with the relevant authorities to have her Venezuelan certificates recognised.

However, this recognition and local accreditation of Venezuelan certificates may be precarious, according to Managing Director of the Migrant Support Network (MSN), Derwayne Wills.

He explained that there are certain “shortcomings” that exist in Venezuela that prevent the accreditation of these academic documents.

In order for Guyana’s National Accreditation Council to verify and accredit

is hopeful that it can work along with the government to assist with the verification, and translation, of these academic certifications, Wills related that immigrants, whose skills could have otherwise added to Guyana’s productivity, are forced into low-wage labour.

“That is not the most effective use of the labour that is currently in Guyana,” Wills said pointedly.

The UNHCR has also found that many of the Venezuelan immigrants — women in particular — are desperate to provide for their families.

They have been providing sexual services for money.

The provision of these sexual services has been termed “survival sex” and, according to the UNHCR representative, this leads to the immigrants being subjected to sexual and gender-based violence.

Guerrero highlighted that the UNHCR is hoping to intensify efforts in providing employment alternatives for the immigrants to stymie the violence resulting from the survival sex.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

Elections 2020

Countrywide scrutiny for Revised List of Electors this week

–– as elections commission grants clearance

By Lisa Hamilton THE Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been cleared to combine all transactions for the finalisation and printing of the Revised List of Electors (RLE), and will disseminate the list for countrywide scrutiny this week.

On Sunday, Commissioner Vincent Alexander told the Guyana Chronicle that the commission met on the said day, and the day prior, so as to meet the tight deadlines set. “We should start printing today,” Alexander said.

“They have been given the permission to make all the entries; only today we finalised that. In other words, they have now permission to use all the information from the house-to-house [registration], from Claims and Objections [and the field verification process]. We have gone through all of the process to clear the data that can be used to compile the RLE,” he further explained.

The GECOM Secretariat is currently working to compile the information and the public will know, at a later date, the total number of electors on the revised list.

For many weeks, the commission grappled with issues related to duplicates from the cross-matching of the 370,000 transactions that were done during the houseto-house registration exercise.

The cross-matching was conducted by an international digital security company, Gemalto, but GECOM did its own checks and found some discrepancies.

The commission eventually voted for a team of scrutineers to work for five days to verify the existence of the 16,863 new registrants.

Of the set, 10,329 registrants

The Guyana Elections Commission

were confirmed while 6,534 were not.

While the matter has been a contentious one for the commission, it has now decided that while unconfirmed, the some 6,000 registrants will not be excluded from the List.

“Those 6,000 people will not be excluded from the list because they were properly registered,” Alexander said.

“We went through all of the duplicates and consensually decided how we will deal with each one of them. That was not a problem, but that took time,” he added.

The list will come under review before the final list – the Official List of Electors (OLE) – is compiled for use in the coming elections.

Alexander said that the RLE will be in the public domain for 20 days or more.

Any inaccuracies observed can be communicated to the commission and the Chief Elections Officer, (CEO) Keith Lowenfield.

Once that review period comes to an end, the CEO is then expected to certify the RLE and produce from it the OLE. “We are on a tight deadline, but so far we’re still on track for March 2nd,” Alexander told this newspaper.

GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander On Friday, Director-Gen- of March, 2020,” the Head of eral of the Ministry of the State said.

Presidency, Joseph Harmon, “We are satisfied with the said that the commission had work that is taking place now given the government the and we feel that the Chairman assurance that it would work of the Commission has got to ensure the RLE would be her finger on the pulse and made available by December will do everything in her 29, 2019. ability to ensure that we will He had stressed that the have credible elections on the production of a credible list 2nd of March next year,” he must see due diligence being further stated. given to the data acquired With the assurance from the House-to-House that elections are on registration process. schedule, on Friday, President David Granger President Granger also has expressed his satisfaction issued the proclamawith the commission’s report tion for dissolution of that it is still on track for the Parliament and the 10 March 2, 2020 elections.

Regional Democratic “The government side is Councils today, which satisfied that Guyana is on will pave the way for the stream to have efficient and General and Regional credible elections on the 2nd Elections.

Thousands to rally around APNU+AFC –– as it launches its elections campaign come Friday

THOUSANDS of Guyanese from across the country are expected to gather at Durban Park on Friday, January 3, 2020 for the grand launching of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Elections Campaign.

Under the theme ‘Forward Ever - Backward Never,’ the launch will commence at 17:00hrs.

Headlining the launch will be a live performance from Trinidadian soca artiste, Farmer Nappy, who has already dropped a confirmation video on his attendance. He

will perform alongside a number of Guyanese artistes including Adrian Dutchin, Kwasi Ace, Vanilla, Alabama, Jomo and Big Red. Most anticipated, however, is the feature address, which would be delivered by President David Granger.

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Executive Member, Dr. Mark Kirton, told Guyana Chronicle that through the campaign, the coalition intends to energise the base, thereby ensuring a return of the APNU+AFC to office come March, 2020.

There has been significant

groundswell in relation to President Granger’s reelection, Kirton said.

While it is believed that the entertainment aspect of the launch aims to target the larger demographic of voters – the youths – a demographic which ‘voted like a boss’ in the 2015 elections that resulted in the APNU+AFC being elected to office, Kirton said, the coalition is targeting all of Guyana.

“We want to have people of all the regions, we want to have a cultural show and have President Granger speak to all the demographic so they can be able to devel-

op the mandate in relation to the achievements of the coalition and meeting the basic needs of the people,” he said. The message, he said, would be unambiguous and will be manifested in other campaigning mechanisms to follow.

APNU+AFC supporters are expected to join those residing in the city to ensure the launch reaps massive success. For the coalition’s stronghold, approximately 1,000 Lindeners will be led to the launch by PNCR Region 10 Chairman, Jermaine Figueira. Figueira said that it is important that Region 10

sends a strong message that the support base of the coalition is as strong as 2015 and as such, confidence must be expressed in their attendance, that the coalition will win the 2020 elections.

In the lead up to the official launch, campaigning commenced in the various regions, targeting homes, groups and other sections of the electorate.

The launch will take place days after the two parties signed onto a revised Cummingsburg Accord.

The accord was signed

by Chairman of the APNU, President David Granger

and AFC’s Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan – the Minister of Public Security.

Under this new agreement, the AFC will get 30 per cent of the seats secured by the coalition in the National Assembly based on a new 70:30 ratio agreed upon with APNU. The formula will also guide the allocation of seats at the level of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs).

Under the old accord, the formula was 60:40. Further, the Prime Ministerial post will be held by the AFC as was done under the old accord.

Dozens killed inPresident Mogadishu bomb Grangercar attends ‘Holyattack Family

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(AL JAZEERA) At least 78 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded in a car bomb attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday, authorities said.

"The number of the dead from the blast is still increasing, we now have 78 dead and 125 injured," the director of the private Aamin Ambulance service, Abdukadir Abdirahman Haji, told AFP news agency.

Police officer Mohamed Hussein said the blast targeted a tax collection centre during the morning rush hour.

Those wounded include children and several univer-

sity students who had been travelling in a bus, Hussein said.

There were conflicting reports about the number of casualties. Speaking to Al Jazeera, the adviser to Mogadishu's mayor said the death toll "is above 90 at the moment".

"There are many casualties as well so the death toll is expected to rise," Hodan Ali said, adding that the explosion took place at the Ex-Control junction.

Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa said Somali police officers were among the casualties.

"We can expect more injuries and casualties once these numbers are officially

Sunday, December 29, 2019 –– 05:30 to 7:00 hrs Monday, December 30, 05:00hrs - 06:30hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

en", he wrote.

President Mohamed AbTurkey's foreign ministry dullahi Farmaajo condemned confirmed the death of two of the attack as a "heinous act its nationals. of terror" and blamed the al'Scattered dead bodies' Shabab armed group.

Bodies lay on the ground Al-Shabab, which once amid the blackened skeletons controlled much of the counof vehicles. At a hospital, try, was forced out of Mogafamilies and friends picked dishu in 2011 and has since through dozens of the dead, lost most of its other stronggingerly lifting sheets to peer holds. But its fighters reguat faces, while hundreds of larly attack sites in Somalia Mogadishu residents began and neighbouring Kenya, There were conflicting reports about the to donate blood in response which has troops in Somalia number of casualties from a car bomb explosion to desperate appeals. to battle the armed group. in Mogadishu [Feisal Omar/Reuters] Sakariye Abdukadir, who The attack raises conwas near the area when the cerns about the readiness of tallied," she said, speaking was present at the time of car bomb detonated, said the Somali forces to take over from Nairobi. "A lot of offi- the blast at the Ex-Control blast "destroyed several of responsibility for the councials are saying their priority checkpoint, constructing a my car windows". try's security from an African is to try to help those who road to the city.

"All I could see was scat- Union force in the coming have been injured, trying A car belonging to the tered dead bodies ... amid months. to get them to hospitals as engineers was destroyed in- the blast and some of them Somalia has been riven quickly as possible and then, stantly in the blast, the wit- burned beyond recognition." by conflict since a civil war of course, count the dead." nesses said.

There was no immediate broke out in 1991, but has Rescuers carried bodies Somali Foreign Minister claim of responsibility for stabilised somewhat in reHis President First Lady, Sandra Granger and granddaughter, Faraa Gaskin; past Excellency, the twisted wreckage of David AhmedGranger, Awad later tweeted the blast. cent years.

Regional Chairman Region RDC, Gordon a vehicle and a minibusoftaxi that Seven two of the Turkish engi- Bradford and Mayor of Bartica, His Worship Gifford Marshall during the serviceneers died in the blast. smeared with blood. witnesses told Reu- David Many phasised of the dead were HISThree Excellency, President since it is key to building a in a beautiful and blessed town just ters news agency a small ambition, and communities.

Granger, alongthat with First "students Lady, with strong nation and as I enjoyed growing up. Protect and team of Turkish engineers hardworking men and remarks, wom- President Grang- preserve your families, preserve the Mrs. Sandra Granger, and grandIn brief

Day’ at Bartica Anglican Church

daughter, Faraa Gaskin, joined parishioners at the St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in Bartica, Region Seven for ‘Holy Family Day’ service on Sunday.

The Head of State commended the congregation for hosting a day dedicated to honouring the family unit, which he noted needs to be em-

Remains of six recovered from er, also reminded those gathered Hawaii of memory and messagewreckage of St. John The missing helicopter their civic duty in ensuring Bartica Baptist. Think of your township and

JAZEERA) re-your children The passengers on board becomes a striving, (AL modern town, The ensure understand the especially through good governance civic duty in mains of six people have theprotecting helicopterand hadpreserving been in for the future generations inherit.at theBartica.” beentofound crash two groups - a party of two “It has always been a beautiful Bartica is one of the oldest hinsite of a tour helicopter from one family and a party and blessed town and I want you to terland towns which was developed that went missingfrom in Haof four from another. setensure that those infants, who were an Anglican missionary waii, officialsup said.tlement, established According to the (DPI) statebaptised today, will be growing in 1842.

Seven people were ini- ment, final recovery eftially on board the aircraft, forts were suspended due which failed to return on to weather conditions but Thursday afternoon. would resume Saturday There were no indica- morning. tions anyone survived the "We are heartbroken by crash and the search for this tragedy and we continThelast 36-year-old the person on Rodboard ue to ask the public to conney, with silwillalong continue on his Saturday sider the sensitive nature of ver-grey Toyota Allion, morning, fire authorities this devastating situation," vanished on October 25. said on Friday, according to said Kauai's mayor, Derek He was due to testify that local media.

Kawakami. very day in the murder of "The remains of Seon six in"Our thoughts and his cousin, Marlon dividuals were recovered prayers are with the famRodney called ‘George’, Friday afternoon at the site ilies and loved ones of all who was gunned down of the helicopter wreckage victims," he said. last April in Norton Street, Lodge. in Kokee near Nualolo," Authorities were notiThirty-nine-year-old the county of Kauai said in fied that an aircraft from Osafo Grundell, called a statement.

Safari Helicopters, which ‘Safo’The of Freeman Street, victims' identities had been on a tourRodney over the Dead: Collin East La Penitence, have not yet been released, Georgetown, Na Pali area, was missing at are charged Georgetown and James pending notification of next with Marlon Rodney’s Fraser, 21, called ‘Dab’ TURN TO PAGE 05 of kin.Garnett Street, murder. from

Cellphone records of murdered witness to provide new leads AS investigations continue into the murder of Collin Rodney called ‘Glock’, police are tracking the last set of calls he received on his cellphone before he met his demise in October.

Rodney’s burnt car, along with burnt human remains in the trunk, was found on November 1, 2019 in a desolate area in Letter ‘T’, Mahaicony.

The Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) is carrying out deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

tests on the remains. The results are expected to confirm Rodney’s identity.

Reports indicate that police investigators are trying to identify those who would have made contact with Rodney before he was killed.

Thus far, the police have reportedly ruled out reports that Rodney was abducted near his home, and was actually responding to a phone call that caused him to proceed up the East Coast of Demerara.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

Griffith: TT Police locked and loaded in 2020 (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) “It affects me every single time there is a homicide in this country, so I have been affected 500-plus times this year. It hurts me.”

With this pain and dedication to duty Police Commissioner Gary Griffith said in the coming year he plans to take a heavy-handed approach to treat with criminal activity.

“I am going after these individuals one by one, and again I give the assurance it will be done within the law, but I am not going to sit idly by and have police officers shot at, seeing young men being killed and these individuals feel they could walk with a firearm and do what they want and affect the lives of the vast majority of citizens,” he declared yesterday.

“So to members of the media, to all the activist groups, to all the defence criminal attorneys who may be concerned, 2020 I am going to have a 2020 vision.

We are going to lock and load with safety catches off.”

Griffith spoke with Guardian Media a day after he and members of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) conducted an exercise which resulted in the killing of a man, Michael Thomas, suspected to have murdered PC Nicholas Victor on Christmas Eve. Moments after the killing an image of Griffith standing over Thomas’ dead body began circulating on social media.

The top cop said he met with the man’s mother and she apologized “It hurt my heart because a mother lost her son regard-

out, that is what has led to the death of a police officer.”

He said to move forward all the stakeholders must buy into the plans and policies of the police service. If the police are allowed to do their jobs and there aren’t any “get out of jail free cards,” there will be a reduction in crime.

“There comes a time this country needs to have persons stand firm and fight for our country. People don’t want that. We cannot sing kumbaya and try to hope that crime will go away. We need to fight fire with fire. I intend

Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith in an interview with Guardian Media at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. less of what he was,” he said.

Notwithstanding this, a tough-talking Griffith assured he will be on the ground more in 2020 and there will be higher visibility of officers.

He said: “So yes you are going to see more blue lights, you are going to hear more sirens, you are going to see more patrols, you going to have more roadblocks. We are going to be up close and personal, up in your face, because that is the only way we could provide a deterrent.”

In accounting for the past year the Commissioner admitted there was a spike in crime, particularly homicides, in the second half of 2019. He said this could be due to the work being done by the T&T Police Service (TTPS).

“At times we need to bleed to heal. Likewise, because of the things that the Trinidad and Tobago Police

Service has done this year when we’ve been cracking down heavily on drug blocks, going after white-collar crime, trying to put a block to illegal weapons entering the country, trying to prevent gangs from having state contracts—all of these things can cause an increase in crime,” Griffith explained.

Another factor he said is the proliferation of assault rifles in the hands of criminals.

According to Griffith, there is a great possibility that half of the homicides that took place this year were committed by criminals who were held with weapons but were let go.

The Commissioner criticised the shortcomings in the criminal justice system, saying: “This is not a banana republic where persons can be held with firearms and we have politicians and we have persons who are attorneys that are senators who have the audacity to say that this person has a right to come back

to do this.

Griffith said he spent a large portion of the oast year restructuring and reconfiguring the TTPS. “I can assure you that this is a more effective, more efficient, more accountable Trinidad and Tobago Police Service,” he said.

He added several rogue officers have been arrested and disciplined.

With the police stepping up the fight against criminals, the Commissioner warned young persons to stay away from lives of

crime, because “who don’t want to hear will feel.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

Basil Butcher AS Guyana entered the festive season and prepared to bid farewell to 2019, the nation was plunged into mourning over the death of one of its iconic sporting legends, Basil Butcher.

Quite understandably, there has been an outpouring of tributes in the traditional media, on social media and wherever Guyanese express their thoughts. Basil Butcher played a sport that has been central to the moulding of the Guyanese and Caribbean civilisation -- cricket. As the great Caribbean philosopher CLR James proclaimed, cricket is a game which, for us West Indians, goes beyond the boundary.

Basil Butcher was a hero in an era of Caribbean cricket that produced several heroes. He was a linchpin in the great West Indies teams of the 1960s. The names of the legends of that time are mouthwatering— Garry Sobers, Rohan Kanhai, Seymour Nurse, Wes Hall, Charlie Griffith, Lance Gibbs, Jackie Hendricks, Joe Solomon and Basil Butcher. Butcher had also played

with some of the champions of the previous decade—Frank Worell, Clyde Walcott, Everton weeks, Sonny Ramadin and Alf Valentine; he also played alongside some of the soldiers of the all-conquering team of the 1970s and beyond—Clive Lloyd, Roy Fredericks, Deryck Murray and David Holford.

To understand Basil Butcher’s place in Caribbean cricket history one has to understand the value and significance of the 1960s team. If the 1950s teams were the “Decolonisation Teams” and the 1970s-80s teams were the “Revolutionary Teams”; and the teams of the 1960s were the “Independence Teams.”

That was the decade of Caribbean political independence beginning with Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica in 1962. It was that team which confirmed that we were ready for self-government. From the memorable 1960-61 tour to Australia to the end of the decade, the West Indies cricket teams confirmed to the world that we were full human beings with the capacity to match the rest of

the world in artistry and human creativity.

It was the decade of the first full-time Black captain when Sir Frank Worrell stood head and shoulders above all other captains across the cricketing world. It was the decade of the greatest cricketer of all time and for all times, Sir Garfield Sobers. It was also the decade when the Caribbean stamped its unique personality on the game—the artistic flamboyance and aggression born out of centuries of resistance and overcoming. It was the era of the Caribbeanisation of a game that was meant to subdue and conquer the Region. It was a time when cricket for the Caribbean meant self-determination.

Through it all, there was Basil Butcher.

A son of the working-class from the sugar estate at Port Mourant, he rose to the very top. His mastery of the craft whereby the little village boy with a bat in his hand became a genius was in the first bracket of excellence. Butcher was the first really consistent embodiment of a particular type of West Indian batsmanship—the quiet ac-

cumulator around which the other flashing bats amassed the grand totals. Butcher had the flair of the others, but he possessed that aura of stability that is key to the success of all great teams. Larry Gomes, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and now Shai Hope have continued the Basil Butcher legacy.

Butcher played for Guyana at a time when playing for the national team was as significant as playing for the West Indies. Guyana was a powerhouse during the Butcher years; it is no accident that he remained a Guyanese nationalist to the end.

Whether it was coaching, culture or politics, he was true to the preservation of the Guyanese identity. His career statistics match those of the best of his contemporaries and in the cricketing world at large.

But in the end, it is the humanity that he brought to the game, along with his singular contribution to the success of the collective, that makes him a giant of a cricketer and a champion ambassador and legend of Guyana.

Matis had this 10,609 acres of land since 2014 Dear Editor, I THE undersigned refer to two articles carried in the Kaieteur News over the past few days with respect to my functions as Chairman of the Board of the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA).

These articles are captioned: Conflict of Interest? MMA/ADA Chairman leased 10,000 acres in Mahaica- documents (dated Dec 25, 2019) 10,000 acres Mahaica lands leased…

Unusual for Chairman to benefit (dated Dec 27, 2019) Let me say that I am saddened by the fact that these articles were written without, as far as I am aware, any attempt to seek clarifications or explanations from me prior to their publication; something which I am of the view should be a sacred principle of investigative journalism.

That being said, I wish to add as follows: In August 2014, myself and three other persons, registered under the name Mc Agriculture Trading and Investment

Services (MATIS), was granted a Forestry Permission SFP DEM 21/14 from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) which contradicts the assertion that “I am the sole owner of that entity, MATIS, registered to Kelvin Saul”.

The SFP DEM 21/14 is a block of approximately 10,609 acres of State Lands lying on either side of Captain Creek in Region 5; in effect the same land mentioned in your articles.

This land was essentially Forest Land in the Hinterland and Intermediate Savannahs, and MATIS focused on husbandry and the harvesting of forestry products, with charcoal production through systematic and sustained tree felling and land clearing.

In January 2016, MATIS took a conscious decision to diversify into other related Agricultural activities (Crops).

The conversion from Forestry to Crops required the intervention/permission of the MMA/ADA, and to this end, an application was submitted to the MMA in January 2016 to lease the said block of land for agricultural purposes.

Subsequently, the GFC, which had granted the SFP in 2014, informed the Ministry of Agriculture and the MMA/ADA on August 8, 2019, that it had no objection to the conversion and to the granting of a Lease for the said land to MATIS by the MMA/ADA. As per protocol, I recused myself from the MMA/ADA discussions in 2016 on the conversion, and, in any event, I was not a member of that Committee that deliberated, nor was I the Chairman of MMA/ADA at the time.

The MMA/ADA subsequently approved the conversion.

It was not without an element of surprise, and I must admit subsequent annoyance Mr. Editor, that I read the scurrilous allegations by Mr. Harry Gill and Mr. Vickchand Ramphal, both of the PPP/C, who egregiously stated that I had obtained the land from the MMA/ADA during this year as part of a pre-election “land-grabbing scheme”.

I wish to reiterate, and there is some irony here, that the Lease for the 10,000 acres

of land was obtained by MATIS in 2014, from the PPP/C Administration, which is a direct refutation of Mr. Ramphal’s assertion that “this could not happen under the previous (PPP/C) Administration”.

The subsequent MATIS application to the MMA, which is the current excuse for controversy, was merely for a conversion of the use of the said land from Forestry to Agricultural purposes.

The indecent haste of these PPP/C persons in making baseless allegations against MATIS, impugning my integrity as an official, is sad to say a basic modus operandi of some of the activists of this party.

I am not excluding the legal option against this sickening attempt to tarnish my reputation by those who are economic with the truth, or who fail to do due diligence before making allegations against law abiding persons.

Yours Faithfully, Kelvin Saul Chairman MMADA, Member of MATIS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

Those who desire high office must come clean Dear Editor, IT IS international norm that anyone who aspires to hold High Office MUST be a person of integrity and good character.

The reason for this minimum standard is self explanatory. Suffice it to say that someone holding High Office is in a position of significant power. Some political scientist may rightfully or wrongfully argue that there is an imbalance in this power in favour of the Government. This would be concerning to the populace if this elected representative abuses his or her power and contract with the electorate by going rogue.

Dictators, Tyrants and Despots painfully come to mind. It is for this reason that I would argue, and many will support me, that the elector should take the process of electing their choice of leader very serious.

This should not be a process based on emotions or blind allegiance; rather it should be based on hard facts supported by irrefutable evidence. Failing this, the consequences of your actions could be felt for generations to come.

Regional and General elections are due in under three months in Guyana. This is our chance to elect political leaders in some of the most important areas. To make themselves presentable and electable to the electorate, the respective political parties are gradually moving into campaign mode.

Manifestos and promises are being championed on an almost daily basis. Each party jostling for position to present themselves as the best to govern an oil- producing country. Mr. Editor, I will pause here, for therein should lie the electorate concern. Oil is synonymous with money. Lots of money.

This election, labelled the Mother of all Elections, would result in leaders who will manage a multi-billion- dollar oil industry.

The consequences of a poor choice will be damaging. Who can the electorate trust with this money? Who can the electorate trust not to build another Pradoville with public moneys? Who has the integrity to be trusted? Who has the good character? The character beyond reproach? Which party has

the integrity to be trusted? Which party is beyond reproach or is not bribable? Would not conduct back-door deals to the detriment of the populace? Psychologists would argue, with strong scientific evidence, to inform their conclusions that the best predictor of someone’s future behaviour is their past behaviour. As a medical doctor and highly trained medical specialist, I have been trained to look at evidence. I’ve been trained to understand the hierarchy of medical evidence. I’ve been trained to apply such evidence, recognising their strengths and weaknesses. It is those skills I will apply today, guiding the electorate on who to be circumspect with when making their choice on March 2. I will repeat, past actions is a best predictor of future actions.

I will first examine PPP Presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali. This gentleman is facing, an unheard of for someone seeking High Office, 19 criminal charges which has been repeated ad nauseam for PPP but not often enough for the electorate. He is banned from entering Canada, again a first for someone seeking to hold High Office. He stated that he did his first degree at a university in West Demerara that does not exist. It is clear that he is lying. Academic fraud to add to his 19 criminal charges. In any other country, Irfaan Ali would have been excluded from running for High Office until his legal issues have been satisfactorily resolved. This does not apply to PPP. I support the view that a man is innocent until proven guilty, but this has to be balanced with the populace confidence in the Government to act in their best interest. Someone who has 19 criminal charges cannot work at a bank security, where he will be miles away from the moneys, then why should someone running for the most powerful position in an oil producing country be treated differently? My conclusion is that Irfaan Ali does not have the integrity to run a sweetie stand much less a country. In passing, I will also mention Dr. Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington, both of the PPP, are also facing criminal charges. I am not sure what role they may play in a PPP Government if they win the

elections, hence I will not review them, but I have mentioned them to highlight the fact that there seems to be a concerning pattern developing in PPP with regards to their selected officials.

The next individual under the doctor’s microscope is Alister Charlie, PPP MP for Region 9. This gentleman was recently charged after a protracted and detailed fourmonth investigation for sexual misconduct with a teenage boy. The details are quite sordid and concerning. This mirrors allegations made against another PPP member, Kwame McCoy, who had his American visa cancelled after the Americans were convinced that it was his voice that was caught on recording soliciting sex from an underage boy. Not only the Americans came to this conclusion, most Guyanese also share that view. Is Mr. Alister Charlie electable in our critical elections that is less than two months away? Absolutely no. Again, there appears to be a pattern developing with the PPP. Finally, the lawyer who shocked Guyana and the world with his deplorable conduct.

Ryan Crawford of the FEDUP party is facing multiple criminal charges for verbally abusing a police officer, refusing to provide documents to said officer, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without insurance, driving a vehicle which was not road worthy among other criminal charges.

Two things are shocking here. This gentleman used his infamy to form a political party, which was aptly named FEDUP to mirror his frustration and disrespect of a law enforcement officer. Secondly, it is shocking that this gentleman is permitted to practise law, despite facing multiple criminal charges. At a minimum, his registration should have been suspended until the criminal matters are satisfactorily concluded, and the Bar Association investigates his deplorable behaviour to determine if he has brought the legal profession into disrepute.

What signal is the PPP-aligned Bar Association sending to the law-abiding public?

Lawyers are above the law? In my opinion, this lawyer is not fit to be a legal clerk,

much less a lawyer and holder of higher office. He is the type that will change the Constitution to give himself absolute power.

Because of space, I will have to conclude my analysis here, but suffice to say they are many others in the PPP who are facing criminal charges, eg. Omar Shariff, former Permanent Secratary in the Office of the Presidency et al.

So I have provided a synopsis of those running for Higher Office whose integrity is under question. What is noted is that PPP dominates in terms of members facing criminal charges. To me, this speaks volumes. It speaks of culture in the party, the integrity of those in the party and a flawed decision process in the party when selected representative. In my opinion, the electorate will severely punish the PPP for this forcing time to completely revamp the party after its likely worse performance in the upcoming election in March. On the contrary, APNU-AFC is free of such a dark cloud hanging over its head. The leader is beyond reproach, and so are his ministers. That is reflected in the Transparency International corruption score falling over forty points in four years.

This is a record fall in post-independent Guyana. Also, this Government has not developed a Pradoville to build mansions, using State monies. It is because of the squeaky-clean nature of the Government that the country as a whole has been seeing positive development. Public servants receiving record increases. Improvement in roads and infrastructure. Hospitals and health centres being renovated and built.

Improvement in the health service. Hinterland areas getting basic amenities for the first time, and many more.

The choice in the upcoming election is a straightforward one. Choose a party that lacks integrity or a party of the people, for the people and made themselves answerable to the people. That decision is yours on March 2. Choose wisely.

Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish

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

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

such a devious accusation.

A few days ago, the Minister within the Ministry of Housing emphatically debunked another of Jagdeo’s infamous assembly line of scurrilous lies, peddled against her at one of his now noted rant-and-rave news sessions where anyone seeking to become versed in the devious art of grand political deceptions and lies can tune in for audio edification. Of course, Minister Ferguson branded him a “pathological liar”, as she waved evidence of her only home ownership, in the form of a transport, approved during the PPP/C regime.

But one must congratulate the indomitable Charles Ceres, renowned geo-technical engineer, for not only being among a party of

prominent AfroGuyanese citizens who took a public stand against the now documented Jagdeo accusation that this progressive Guyanese, in addition to the others, had been involved in a “land grabbing scheme”’ in the aftermath of the No-Confidence Motion (NCM); but also making good on his promise to file suit for libel and defamation, despite Jagdeo’s “I am daring him to do this……’’ bluff, which Ceres did call, with an eventual lawsuit against the Guyana Times, as the agent publishing Jagdeo’s lies against Ceres et al, and which the Court has ruled in Ceres’ favour.

This was a classic example, of Jagdeo attempting to bludgeon Ceres’ public exposure of the latter’s lies; and his declared intention

to file suit. It did not succeed, because Ceres decided that he was going to defend his and family’s honour and his personal integrity, and reputation through the courts. The court has vindicated his position. And there are other similar matters that are due to be heard soon, involving Jagdeo and another publishing agent.

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

Regards, Troy Garraway

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West Berbice man allegedly torches home after argument with wife

A THREE-BEDROOM West Coast Berbice house has been completely destroyed by fire due to an alleged act of arson.

Cyril Potter College of Education Lecturer, attached to the Berbice Campus, Mersha Gouveia, lost her No. 29 Village home, and police are looking for her husband, who

has not been seen since the blaze began around 21:00hrs on Saturday.

Gouveia, a retired teacher, and two other occupants of the house are now homeless.

In tears, Gouveia told the Guyana Chronicle that less than 20 minutes before the fire, she and her husband had

an altercation over money he had given her. It is alleged that he wanted the money back, and had threatened Gouveia that failure to repay him would result in her death.

Scared for her life, the lecturer grabbed a great-nephew who lives with her and ran out of the house. They sought refuge at the home

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

of a friend. Approximately 10 minutes later, Gouveiva got word that her house was on fire.

Passersby reported hearing an explosion seconds before the fire broke out.

The two-storey wooden building, which is situated close to the coastline, was gutted in minutes. The blaze

Mersha Gouveia, her daughter Shanice, and great nephew Keon are now homeless as a result of the fire left the retired teacher traumatised.

“I worked hard to build my home. All my possessions even my cell phone have gone up in flames,” she told this newspaper.

According to her, she has

What is left of Mersha Gouveia’s West Coast Berbice house

lost millions of dollars in valuables. Gouveia said that her husband usually works on sea on a fishing trawler.

The police are investigating the incident as the prime suspect has allegedly gone into hiding.

Economic transformation beckons for Region Three –– as construction of new Parika Stelling moves closer to fruition

ECONOMIC transformation and advancement are imminent in Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara), with the construction of a new Parika Stelling being closer to fruition, after the Ministry of Public Infrastructure submitted an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental authorisation for the project.

The proposed Ferry Stelling will replace the archaic structure and, according to the EPA in a notice, the potential project will include activities such as demolition and excavation works, concrete and timber works, steel fabrication, pile driving, stock piling of materials and the removal of unwanted construction and demolition waste.

“It is therefore envisaged that the execution of these activities may have some degree of environmental impact to the surrounding community,” said the EPA. As such, in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05, the EPA will conduct an Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIA).

The EIA is required, given the magnitude of work to be done and at the end of the process, the EPA will make a decision to approve or reject the proposed project.

Members of the public were advised to make written submissions to the agency, setting out questions and matters which they require to be answered or considered in the EIA. In May 2018, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson had announced that the Parika Stelling will be equipped with modernised features as part of an upgrade.

Patterson had said a US $15 million loan was secured from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to cater for the upgrade.

“We will rehabilitate the Parika Stelling completely, with similar features to that of the Bartica Stelling. It will have commercial space, a shed so that persons can go there and sell their produce, persons can also open a restaurant or two. It just wouldn’t have the opening that the Bartica Stelling has,” Minister Patter-

son explained.

Residents of Region Three, particularly those who utilise the stelling on a regular basis, have expressed elation and anticipation for the upgrade of the facility, which they hope will result in economic transformation.

“The current stelling is serving its purpose but not to the level we expect, especially because of the increase in traffic...there was definitely a need for a bigger stelling which will cater for the increased traffic which will arise from the budding oil and gas sector.

“We are the gateway to the Essequibo and from the Essequibo to Georgetown…everybody will travel through more conveniently…businesses will explore the possibilities of opening branches and there will be better access,” said Regional Information Officer of Region Three, Ganesh Mahipaul in an invited comment, on Sunday.

The modern facility will encourage persons to travel more, since there will be better accommodation for vehicles, boats and even commuters,

Speedboat operations at the Parika Ferry Stelling said Mahipaul. The new facility will also aid the region in the area of tourism because it will be a state-of-the-art stelling, which will cater for more than just transiting boats and vehicles.

He said government’s intention was not only to improve transportation for passengers and vehicular traffic but to create recreational spaces for relaxation and interaction.

With the improved facil-

ity and services, Mahipaul believes that the region will become the most important economic hub in the country.

Boat Operator, Sereianand Dias was also optimistic about the increased opportunities that will stem from the upgrading of the facility.

“The stelling needs something better to accommodate the passengers…we need better landing, offloading and collecting facilities, so that the system could be more

organised,” said Dias, adding that he was optimistic about his wishes becoming reality when the project commences.

“This project will definitely benefit people in the region…it is a very good move and I believe not just the region, but the whole country will enjoy this,” said Councillor of the Mora/Parika Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Harriram Samlall, adding that the project was long overdue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

$700M power station in Bartica – a long-awaited blessing

– residents praise gov’t for addressing age-old power supply problem

By Gabriella Chapman AFTER enduring decades of power outages, residents of Bartica are in high praise of the government now that their town is being powered by a 3.3 megawatt power station.

The $700M facility located at Dogg Point, Bartica, was commissioned by President David Granger on Saturday.

On Sunday, one day after the commissioning ceremony, residents commended the efforts of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government to enhance and develop their hometown.

A prominent school teacher told the Guyana Chronicle that the power station signals the end of constant blackouts in Bartica – a capital town located in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District (Region Seven).

“As Barticians [sic], we might disagree on a lot, but for sure, we can all agree that for too long we suffered with GPL. It was always one old generator to the next, always coming from somewhere to here, and working a ‘lil’ while. But I’m glad I’m alive to see us get what we deserve, no more 72 hours blackout or load-shedding daily. I’m thankful for the development,” she said.

A budding environmentalist, Tamya Healis, recalled the many years of inconvenience.

“For many years growing up in the little town of Bartica it was such a norm to have power outages. There was even a period where I could recall that that was all we knew, which then saw many persons purchasing generators for household and business use; but we all knew that could have never been a permanent solution due to the price of fuel,” Healis told this newspaper.

The budding environmentalist said there were times when she had no other choice but to study with a candle or torchlight. Healis is thankful that after years of lobbying, the town now has a reliable source of electricity. “As we head towards Vision 2040 with the Green State Development Strategy as our guide, as locals we should continually make efforts to not just rely on fossil fuel, but diversify into renewable sources such as water, wind, waste and solar,” Healis posited.

Youth Leader Estiva Lake said the damage done as a result of years of power outages are well established.

Lake said today, after years of suffering, the people of Bartica are enjoying a reliable flow of electricity. “Being a witness to this Christmas with no power shortage is a blessing to me. It signifies growth or development as a town. Now I can bask in the fact that constant power shortage is a thing of the past in Bartica. I am most grateful for the 3.3 megawatt power plant created for Barticians [sic] by the David Granger Administration,” Lake told the Guyana Chronicle.

Two school friends – Oureanna Lake and Renee Amjad also shared their sentiments.

“I think that GPL’s 3.3 MW Bartica power plant is a wonderful initiative, because for years Barticians [sic] have suffered from a vast number of power outages, leaving us to go to school and work with our clothes rugged and causing a lot of damages [sic] to our electrical appliances. Not forgetting the struggle that we students had to face to get to study during the power outages. Apart from that, the choice of location of the power plant was well planned because the old power plant was located in central Bartica, and that caused high levels of noise and air pollution within the area,” Oureanna said.

Weighing in on the topic, Amjad told this newspaper that the operationalisation of the power station is a strong indication that Bartica is on the path to development.

“I see this major development of the new GPL plant boosting a more effective standard of living. There will be no setbacks for whoever may be doing something important as in if it is work-related or school-related,” Amjad said.

President David Granger on Saturday told the people that it was inconceivable that Guyana can be on a path of development and ignore the evolution of its hinterland communities. He noted that hinterland development must be accelerated to ensure greater equality and his government is on a mission to reduce and remove hinterland underdevelopment.

In this regard, he noted that energy security was essential to hinterland evolution as the enlargement of the economy, the expansion of employment opportunities and the improvement in the quality of life, required investments in energy generation. This was so, particularly in regions where investment and income levels were below the national average, he said.

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, in his remarks, said that the regional administration as well as every Bartican can now breathe a sigh of relief, since their power woes will now come to an end after many years of waiting.

The new GPL power station at Bartica (Alden Marslowe photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

Spirit of the Season

AS we draw towards the end of the year it is the perfect time for families to get together, sharing quality time, good food

and catching up on each other’s progress and failures for the past year and plans for the year ahead.

Tradition plays a big part in what families do during this season as some customs have been handed down for decades; people

believe it just would not be ‘The Christmas season’ without their usual practices. Learning the significance of various family traditions can be a good thing for children as they grow; children need consistency in their lives: they need to know they are accepted and are part of a family. Most children have the privilege of experiencing this type of family attachment naturally; others, like those who may have grown up in care, have never felt that special sense of belonging.

It may sound like a very simple thing, but it makes a huge difference to a child’s development just knowing that he is part of a family, or that some relatives or adults care about him. Do you know of a child (or family) that you can help at this time? Share your love and consideration, bring some light and care into a child’s world for this season (and if not for this season, then during the coming year).

The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ministry of Social Protection is working with several partners to ensure that this yuletide season is as enjoyable as possible for the children in their care.

Currently, at the So-

phia Care Centre there are 73 children, some of whom are adolescents (18 – 20 years old). These older children reside at the Half-Way House while transitioning to adulthood, but they have not been left out of the fun and celebrations. So far, the children and young people have enjoyed a visit to MovieTowne to see ‘Frozen two’ and there have been parties held especially for them, such as the one hosted at Parliament. In addition, dinners and luncheons have been prepared in their honour.

The Honourable Minister of Social Protection Ms Amna Ally visited Care Centres, including Sophia, to share gifts with the children.

The children are organising a Christmas concert and they will participate in singing, dancing and other dramatic activities. Some children in care are fortunate enough to have family with whom they can spend this season, so they will be away from the centre for a while.

The Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection, endeavours to do all it can to bring cheer to these children during this holiday. It is, however, ultimately the public who can make a permanent difference

to their lives by coming forward as Foster Parents, Mentors and by adopting children. This will help with their well-being and development. It will also give them a sense of belonging.

Adults must also do their duty to children by reporting child abuse; even if they only suspect that a child is being abused, they must call the Childcare and Protection Agency.

All calls are treated with the strictest confidentiality and you do not have to give your name. Children rely on adults to speak and act on their behalf; we must not let them down. It makes all the difference to children just to know that someone cares.

Watch out for the Childcare and Protection Agency’s Christmas Special on NCN on New Year’s Day, at 19.15hrs. Also to be featured is the launch of our new Parenting Skills video, ‘Madeleine.’

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail. com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY,MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

Alleged phone thieves nabbed after robbing foreigners TWO suspected thieves were arrested on Sunday, moments after they allegedly snatched the cellphones of two foreign men in the vicinity of Longden Street, Georgetown.

In a statement on Sunday, the Guyana Police Force said the suspected phone thieves were caught as a result of the swift response by police and public-spirited citizens. The incident occurred at around 09:50hrs.

According to reports, public spirited citizens, upon witnessing the robbery, called the police via 911, and the information was filtered via-VHF

Network to ranks on bicycle patrol in the Stabroek area, who immediately proceeded to the location. The suspects were pointed out by the victims and public-spirited citizens.

It was reported that during the pursuit, one of the suspects aggressively attacked an armed rank with a cutlass but surrendered only after he was repeatedly warned. The force said the rank exercised much restraint, and resorted to discharging a warning shot in the air.

The stolen items were not recovered.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

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Lethem aerodrome project closer to commencement

PLANS to expand the Lethem aerodrome are taking shape as the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) has approached the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental authorisation, a requirement for commencement of the project.

According to an EPA notice published in the Guy-

ana Chronicle, the proposed upgrade of the aerodrome will improve the Georgetown-Lethem air transportation link.

“It (the project) may entail, but not be limited to activities such as rehabilitation and construction of a paved apron, visual aids, lighting system, construction of buildings/structure such

as tower control, passenger arrival and departure terminals, rescue and fire-fighting services capacity, a security system, etc…” said the EPA. It is, therefore, envisaged that the execution of those activities may have some degree of environmental impacts to the surrounding communities.

As such, in keeping with

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

The Lethem Airstrip (DPI photo) the EPA Act, Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be required for such a development before any decision to approve or reject the proposed project.

In that regard, the EPA has invited persons, within the next 28 days of the notice, to make written submissions to the agency, setting out questions and matters which they require to be answered or considered in the EIA. In September, it was reported that the transformation of the Lethem aerodrome into a regional airport remains a priority for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

This was according to Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson during the ceremonial signing of an agreement for the rehabilitation of the aerodrome.

The agreement was signed at the Takutu Hotel in Lethem, and the contract awarded to H. Nauth and Sons Limited on September 20, 2019 for $137. 3M.

Patterson said there are increasing calls for air transportation between Georgetown and Lethem, and northern Brazil and the Caribbean. This demand, he said: “is projected to grow exponentially, particularly with expansions in the gold mining sector and emerging oil and gas industry.”

“The Government of Guyana ultimately intends to upgrade the Lethem aerodrome to regional standards, which will also act as a hub in servicing this demand,” Minister Patterson stated.

He said that the rehabilitation of the Lethem aerodrome will significantly reduce the cost of doing business, and improve the quality of inter-regional connectivity.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had also said the government believes that the project is worthy, and is critical to the vast region.

He also noted that the transformation of the aerodrome will contribute to improving the standard of living in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Police capture men who robbed miner in Takatu Backdam TWO men, who allegedly robbed a 50-year-old miner of cash, gold and other valuables at Takatu Backdam, were arrested by the police while they were in a boat at the Bartica Stelling.

The miner was identified as Joao Dsosristinto of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Reports indicate that Dsosristinto was robbed at Takatu Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven at around 23:30hrs on Friday.

The miner was reportedly sleeping at his mining camp along with his cook and another worker when he was attacked. He was reportedly awakened by two masked men, armed with cutlasses. The bandits reportedly tied up Dsosristinto before robbing him of two Samsung cell phones, $850,000 in cash, four colognes, and $200,000 in raw gold.

Acting on information received, a police team went to the Bartica Ferry Stelling where the two suspects were arrested. The men were heading to Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

They were escorted to Bartica Police Station, a short distance away, where they were searched and the items along with $400,000 cash were recovered.

They subsequently confessed to the crime.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

Three homeless following Corentyne blaze

TWO houses in East Berbice-Corentyne were destroyed by fire Sunday evening.

The fire of unknown origin started at approximately 19:00hrs and completely destroyed a two- storey wooden house located at Lot 9 Number 75 Village, East Berbice-Corentyne.

The fire also spread to a nearby house at Lot 8,

leaving substantial damage to the interior.

Nomattie Chinnapah, 37, called “Chandra,” resided at the Lot 9 property with her husband Boujendra Ramnauth, 39, and her 15-year-old son. Chinnapah told the Guyana Chronicle that she and her husband were purchasing groceries at a nearby shop when they were told that

their house was on fire.

“After me buy groceries, I stand up gaffing with the shop people when my neighbour called the people to tell me to come home, that my house on fire,” Chinnapah recalled.

She said by the time she arrived at the scene, the entire kitchen area was engulfed in flames.

The woman, who

works in the community as a domestic worker, said her husband, a watchman, had just collected his salary and they opted to stock up their home with groceries for the new year. The woman noted that when she left home there were only two lights on – one in the upper flat and another in the kitchen.

Neighbours formed a

bucket brigade to help extinguish the fire; however, it quickly spread through the house. While Chinnapah and her family are now homeless, their neighbours have pledged to accommodate them.

A newly constructed house was also damaged; it is owned by contractor Shafeer Khan. Chinnapah estimated her losses to be

Nomattie Chinnapah in excess of $6M and said she is willing to accept any form of assistance.

Persons desirous of helping can call 652/0443.

GWI Church st. line for replacement in early 2020 MANAGING Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Van West-Charles, said that the $51 million replacement of the Church Street water transmission line was expected to commence in the first quarter of 2020, even as he commended the swift repairs done by staff, on Saturday, to rectify the latest rupture to the pipe which had disrupted water supply to several

areas in central Georgetown.

GWI, on Saturday morning, issued a notice informing customers of central Georgetown, that their water supply would be disrupted from 13:00hrs to facilitate the repairs.

Communities affected included Kitty, Campbellville, Subryanville, Bel Air, Queenstown, Alberttown, Bourda, Lacytown, Cummingsburg, Wortmanville, Lodge, Thomas

GWI staff hard at work to ensure water was restored to the affected central Georgetown communities

Lands, Charlestown, and Albouystown.

After assiduous work by the company, the water supply was restored by late Saturday night.

“The team came out and started to do the work.

Working in a lot of water sometimes, they were there all the time working.

They didn’t stop. We were there, the Director of Operations, and myself and we stayed supporting the staff and ensuring it was done, because we knew the importance of this main in terms of its supply to the city, to hospitals and other critical institutions. I will certainly honour these men who have been consistent in working and addressing these issues effectively,” Van West-Charles noted.

Saturday’s breakage to the transmission line was the latest, in a number of breakages, that had occurred to the Church Street and other transmission lines, throughout the year.

The breakages are as a result of the aged state of the transmission lines which constitute the Georgetown network, which was installed over 100 years ago.

“It’s an old pipe, so most likely some vehicle ran over the area and the pressure caused the pipe to rupture. The pipelines in central Georgetown are very old, so that is a challenge. So we are focusing

on replacing these lines commencing in 2020,” Van West-Charles said.

In March of this year, repairs had to be effected on the Church Street transmission line at the corner of Avenue of the Republic. Heavy-duty container trucks contributed to the damage; in April the line reportedly suffered four ruptures at varying parts within a two-week period; in August a main pipeline along Cemetery Road also suffered a rupture.

In each case the water supply had to be turned off to effect the repairs, leaving residents in several communities without water for hours.

The city’s network spans from Turkeyen to Agricola and was interlinked with a downside to the interconnectivity being that breakages cause the need to shut down the water service to several areas, to effect repairs, a Department of Public Information article noted, earlier this year.

Realising the severity of the issue, Van WestCharles, earlier this year applied for a financial supplementary provision to replace lines in Church Street and Vlissengen Road.

“We’re moving at replacing the line on Church Street. It was budgeted for in the supplemental of

The damaged part of the GWI 16-inch transmission line 2019, the award is more or less completed, and we should have the purchase of the materials and, early in the first quarter of 2020, we deal with the placement of the pipes,” the Managing Director relayed.

Even with those lines repaired, however, much work will still remain towards replacing the entire Georgetown network.

“We have to do much more but we’ll start by looking at the replacement of the pipe in Church Street. This is just part of

the network. We have to be looking at the replacement of other parts of the network in areas such as Kitty, Kingston, and so forth,” Van West-Charles noted.

The new pipes will come with an increased diameter allowing for a greater pressure.

“Currently, we cannot increase the pressure beyond a certain amount or else we have a lot of breakages, so the new pipes will go to about 24 inches I think,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 30, 2019

Be a responsible leader!

–– WPA chastises PPP, Jagdeo for false land-grabbing claims

AS Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo must take seriously his responsibly to ensure that his party is a credible source of information and must do away with his age-old political strategy of trying to deflect from his party’s wrongdoings by conjuring falsehoods elsewhere.

This stern advice comes from Executive Member of the Working Peoples’ Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, who, like many others, was disturbed by the recently-debunked claims against Chairman of the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), Kelvin Saul.

Recently, two leading members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) alleged that 10,000 acres of land in Region Five was given to Saul as part of a land-grabbing scheme ahead of the 2020 elections.

When a report of the allegation was published by the Kaieteur News, the opposition leader reposted it to his Facebook page with the caption “another example of APNU+AFC land grab.”

However, Saul cleared the air shortly after, explaining that it was under the PPP/C in August 2014 that himself and three other persons, registered under the name ‘Mc Agriculture Trading and Investment Services (MATIS),’ were granted permission to occupy land titles SFP DEM 21/14 from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

The land was first used for husbandry and harvesting of forestry products and

in January 2016, MATIS took a decision to diversify its operation to include other related agricultural activities. Such a move, he explained, required the permission of the MMA/ADA, and as such, an application was submitted.

With the claims made public, Saul has not ruled out the option of taking legal action against the PPP/C for attempting to tarnish his character. He said the attempt is “sickening.”

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE It would not be the first time that the opposition leader has faced penalty and backlash for propagated misinformation and, on some occasions, media houses have suffered for publishing the same without factchecking.

Dr. Hinds told the newspaper that the opposition leader has to take responsibility, not only for his own actions, but the ill actions of those associated with his party which he encourages.

“As an important leader of the country he needs to be more careful than others,” Hinds said.

“None of these accusations have turned out to be true and so the opposition leader has to be very careful because there are younger leaders both in the PPP and other parties who may look at that kind of behavior and try to emulate it,” he further added.

Earlier this month, judgment was awarded in default against privately-owned Guyana Times Inc. and Edi-

tor-in-Chief, Tusika Martin, for a $200M lawsuit levelled against them by Managing-Director of Ground Structure Engineering Consultants (GSEC), Charles Ceres, and his wife, Ndibi Schwiers, for defamation of character.

Ceres had filed the lawsuit after Jagdeo accused him of being one of several involved in a massive “land-grabbing” scheme facilitated by the government following the December 21, 2018 no-confidence motion.

A part from the Guyana Times newspaper, the couple is still in the process of seeking damages in excess of $200M from Jagdeo for the publishing of the unsubstantiated and defamatory statements via the PPP’s social media channels and the Kaieteur News.

At his press conference where the remarks were made, Jagdeo had challenged Ceres to do his worst.

“He could sue me because what I state is factual,” Jagdeo said. “I am awaiting the lawsuit and the police investigation…I’m daring him to do this,” the opposition leader added.

Although the opposition leader appeared confident in his claims, Deputy Director of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), Aubrey Heath-Retemeyer, and Head of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Trevor Benn, debunked the claims with documented proof.

Ceres has stated that he does indeed have 4.5 acres of land in Liliendaal; this was received since 2017 for which he paid GYD$4M per

acre, and is paying $200,000 per acre yearly for the lease.

Meanwhile, he has rejected Jagdeo’s remarks that he owns or leases any land at Bohemia, Corentyne, Berbice.

NASTY POLITICAL STRATEGY Dr. Hinds told this newspaper that he sees these repetitive actions of the opposition leader as part of a political strategy.

“We feel that the opposition leader adopts a strategy whereby he throws things and hopes that they stick,” Dr. Hinds said.

“The second reason he’s doing it is to deflect the accusations that are being made against members of the PPP and his administration which engaged in serious land grabbing; the worst kind of land grabbing in the history of post-colonial Guyana occurred under the PPP,” the WPA Executive further stated.

He also noted that the opposition leader is engaged in a form of “ethic finger pointing,” something Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, also observed back in June 2019.

Harmon had pointed out that those who were subject to Jagdeo’s ridicule are of one ethnic persuasion.

Among those who have been targeted in the past are Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Businesswoman, Muriel Allen; and Special Assistant at the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), Eric Phillips.

“We have always preached unity of our peo-

ple; we have preached social cohesion. In fact, when we came into office, we made a whole ministry out of social cohesion, because it is our belief that social cohesion is what we need in this country for it to be developed in an equitable way,” Harmon said.

He noted that land for regular citizens is one of the most challenging matters the government is trying to correct.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that while PPP opposition has a “dirty” history regarding allocation of State lands and assets, these acts have not been adopted by the APNU/AFC Government.

“We know about the sleaze associated with Pradoville One and Pradoville Two,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said as he recalled the removal of the mast of the former Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to make way for “prime state land” to be handed out to members of the PPP and its affiliates at Pradoville Two. The allocation process at the two schemes has been ventilated in the media over the years and came up for discussion at the Land Commission of Inquiry in 2017.

During those hearings, the commission was told that there is no evidence within the records of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) of house lot allocation process for homes at Pradoville One and Pradoville Two. PPP’s Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, has also been accused of defrauding

Executive Member of the Working Peoples’ Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds the State of some $174M for his role in the notorious Pradoville land-sale scandal.

The case is before the court.

The ex-minister was slapped with 19 counts of fraud in November 2018 and the charges laid were indictable. The charges read that between 2010 and 2015, Ali conspired with persons unknown to defraud the Government of Guyana when he acted recklessly in presenting the value of 19 plots of State land situated at Plantation Sparendaam and Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, and sold the said lands at a grossly undervalued price without first obtaining a valuation to determine their true value.

“Some of them used the government as a real estate agency,” the Prime Minister Nagamootoo said, while adding “I believe that the PPP, the Jagdeo PPP, should hang its head in shame.”

DDL invites Lindeners to take advantage of TOPCO’s expansion project DEMERARA Distillers Limited (DDL) has made an official invitation to farmers, particularly young farmers residing in Linden, to take advantage of their TOPCO multi-billion dollar expansion project which is expected to take effect in July 2020.

The recent call was made at the Linden Youth Summit where company Chemist, NaJuma Nelson, and Carl Sancho, addressed Linden youths on how the expansion can directly benefit them and how they can use the opportunity to get into agriculture, particularly with the advent of E-Agriculture.

With the emergence of the oil and gas industry,

Nelson, who is also a young Lindener, urged the youths to see the agro-processing industry as a spin-off industry to oil and gas, which can be as equally lucrative.

She highlighted that TOPCO was very strict on its policy to utilize local farmers and with the two million fruit that was needed to supply the plant’s expansion operations, there was need to expand their relationships with the local farmers. The company was already working along with 40 farmers and in 2019, 350 000 lbs of fruits were supplied. “We need to expand our relationships with local fruit farmers and this is where the opportunities for youths and young peo-

ple being involved in the process is present,” she said.

With local farmers on board, the company will be able to have more stable prices for its products as well as stable employment for the farmers. The company’s expansion includes adding a one litre packaging line as well as to commence the production of dairy products. Mr. Carl Sancho related that the two million lbs of fruits needed, will not even be enough for the expansion. “If all 1.9 M lbs of fruits are supplied by local farmers next year, that will only account for about 7 per cent of our capacity; would be utilized for an eight-hour period per day,” he said.

The company was also

looking to expand the type of fruits that are currently used which include cherry, passion fruit and five-finger.

These, among other reasons, are why there is need for more farmers to come on board. The officials urged the farmers not to be afraid of stepping on the supply chain because there was a plethora of support agencies and access to a network of technical advice experts they can tap into. There was also financial support and market support. “We hope that future young Linden farmers take advantage, as E agriculture will come on board to join us, as we expand in the juice industry and future dairy industry,” Nelson said.

President Granger who gave the feature address at the summit, also encouraged the young Lindeners to come on board and to tap into the agricultural opportunities available in the country.

Since the establishment of the Regional Agricultural Department, headed by Agronomist Derick Collins, agriculture has certainly seen a boost in Region Ten and more farmers, particularly young people, are gravitating towards the fields. The Department, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, has also successfully completed several training sessions with farmers and has been giving them the continuous

technical and even tangible support, through donations, over the last few months.

The construction of the farm to market road which gives access to the intermediate savannahs of Region Ten and the farming villages along the Berbice River, has also opened up avenues for many farmers along this corridor to benefit from such an opportunity, since accessing markets was one of their sore issues.

There has been an increase in food production in Region Ten, and, with the opportunity made available by TOPCO, fruit farmers in particular, can now be guaranteed of a stable market for their produce.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 30, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 30, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 30, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 30, 2019

Late Abraham strike gets Chelsea past Arsenal (REUTERS) - CHELSEA pro“I give credit to the boys, credit duced a stunning late comeback to Jorginho,” said Chelsea striker to beat Arsenal 2-1 in the Premier Abraham. “In the first 30 minutes League on Sunday, consigning they dominated the ball... then this Mikel Arteta to defeat on his man (Jorginho) comes on and it’s home debut as coach of the north a whole different ball game. Him London side. coming on lifted us as a team.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Abraham saw one effort blocked gave the hosts the lead in the 13th and another saved by Leno in the minute but Arsenal goalkeeper Bersecond half, while Arsenal substitute nd Leno’s howler handed Jorginho Joe Willock fired narrowly wide. an equaliser on a plate after 83 Arsenal complained when minutes.

Jorginho, already booked, brought Four minutes later, Tammy down Lucas Torreira, but referee Abraham settled a bad-tempered Craig Pawson did not issue a second London derby when he turned in the yellow card. box and drilled through the hapless Then with the clock ticking Leno’s legs. down Leno missed his punch as he Arsenal, 12th, started with great tried to reach Mason Mount’s free intensity, forcing Frank Lampard’s kick, allowing Jorginho a simple tired-looking Chelsea back, until tap-in at the far post.

Aubameyang broke the deadlock Abraham and Willian broke at after 13 minutes with an acrobatic lightning pace and combined for Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham (2R) scores their second goal to take the lead 1-2 during the the English striker to net the second header.

English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London Lampard brought on Jorginho against a shell-shocked Arsenal, his on December 29, 2019. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP) after 34 minutes and changed from 12th league goal of the campaign. a 3-4-3 formation to 4-3-3, as he did For the first time since 1959, ArBournemouth. on Boxing Day against Southampsenal suffered a fourth consecutive After Aubameyang’s opener, Alexandre Lacazette came home defeat, across all competitions. ton, and it helped the visitors find a foothold at a fired-up close to adding a second but N’Golo Kante made a vital inEmirates Stadium.

“I’m really disappointed with the result and the way we Fourth-place Chelsea, who lost five of their previous terception in front of goal. conceded the goals and the timing of it as well,” said Arteta.

The hosts showed more spark than in recent weeks but seven league games, had the better of the second half and “I’m pleased with a lot of things we trained on and when Leno blundered they quickly turned the screw to leave could not capitalise and Jorginho’s presence helped Chelsea saw in the game, but disappointed with the result. We Arteta still hunting for his first win, following a draw at turn the game around after the break. have to move on.”

City win marred by VAR controversy (REUTERS) - MANCHESTER City got back to winning ways on Sunday with Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne on target in the second half as Pep Guardiola’s side beat Sheffield United 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium in a Premier League game which saw yet more VAR controversy.

It was another impressive performance from Chris Wilder’s promoted side, who were unbeaten away in the league, but in the end third-placed City’s sharpness in front of goal was decisive as Guardiola picked up his milestone 100th Premier League win.

His century was achieved in 134 games, a Premier League record that bettered Jose Mourinho’s 100 in 142 games.

United began strongly and looked to have grabbed the lead through Lys Mousett in the 28th minute but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review found the slimmest offside margin.

Moments later both sets of supporters expressed their opposition to the VAR system in a loud, united chant.

“Yet again we had another goal disallowed by VAR, that’s about eight or nine over the weekend, this is not a situation helping the game with the small margins,” said Wilder.

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City scores his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Sheffield United at Etihad Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 30, 2019

South Africa crush England inside 4 days (REUTERS) - SOUTH Africa swept to a 107-run victory over England on the fourth day of the first test at Centurion Park on Sunday after taking seven wickets in the second session to go ahead in the four-match series.

England, needing an improbable 376 to win, were bowled out for 268 just before tea as their bottom order offered scant resistance to a barrage of pace once South Africa had taken the second new ball.

Kagiso Rabada proved the Kagiso Rabada struck with the new ball © Associated Press destroyer-in-chief with 4-103, assisted by Anrich Nortje who took three wickets for 56 runs.

Stokes, who had led England’s highest ever successful “Our bowling unit was very effective and it is a massive run chase when they scored 362-9 at Headingley to beat confidence booster for our team,” said South Africa captain Australia earlier this year, was bowled by spinner Keshav Faf du Plessis after arresting a run of five successive test Maharaj for 14 just as he and Root were increasing the run defeats. rate after England had gone to lunch on 171-3.

“We played with great skills over the last two days with The second new ball then accounted for Jonny Bairstow, contributions from everyone.” who hit a boundary off Rabada before edging the second England had been hoping for heroics in a delicately delivery of the 81st over to gully, where Zubayr Hamza took poised contest as they started the day on 121-1 and still a sharp catch. looked capable of a dramatic win despite losing two wickets Root battled his way to 48 before being caught behind, by lunch. effectively ending England’s hopes.

But the turning point proved the key wickets of both “We turned up today with a real belief that we could win England captain Joe Root and potential match-winner Ben but unfortunately we weren’t able to do it,” he said.

Stokes.

He was undone by a fuller delivery from Nortje, playing

SCOREBOARD South Africa 1st innings 284 all out .................................................................

England 1st innings 181 all out .................................................................

South Africa 2nd innings 272 all out ....................................................................

England 2nd innings Rory Burns c Kagiso Rabada b Anrich Nortje 84 Dominic Sibley c&b Keshav Maharaj 29 Joe Denly lbw Dwaine Pretorius 31 Joe Root c Quinton de Kock b Anrich Nortje 48 Ben Stokes b Keshav Maharaj 14 Jonny Bairstow c Zubayr Hamza b Kagiso Rabada 9 Jos Buttler c Dwaine Pretorius b Kagiso Rabada 22 Sam Curran c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada 9 Jofra Archer c Rassie van der Dussen b Anrich Nortje 4 Stuart Broad b Kagiso Rabada 6 Extras 8b 3lb 0nb 0pen 1w 2 Total (93.0 overs) 268 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-92 Sibley, 2-139 Burns, 3-158 Denly, 4-204 Stokes, 5-222 Bairstow, 6-232 Root, 7-251 Curran, 8-256 Archer, 9-262 Buttler, 10-268 Broad Did Not Bat : Anderson Bowling Ov Md Rn Wk Econ Ex Kagiso Rabada 24 3 103 4 4.29 Vernon Philander 20 8 35 0 1.75 Anrich Nortje 17 4 56 3 3.29 1w Dwaine Pretorius 16 6 26 1 1.62 Keshav Maharaj 16 3 37 2 2.31 a poor shot outside off stump and getting a nick through to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

The last four wickets followed quickly thereafter as the tail was swept away by Rabada and Nortje.

Rory Burns (84) and Joe Denly (31) were dismissed before lunch to tip the contest in the home team’s favour.

The teams now move onto Cape Town for the second test at Newlands from Jan. 3-7.

Lyon snags four as Australia rout England (REUTERS) - SPINNER Nathan Lyon grabbed four wickets as Australia completed a crushing 247-run victory on day four of the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand on Sunday to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

After setting an improbable 488-run victory target, Tim Paine’s side bowled

out the Black Caps for 240 after tea, with Lyon breaking their resistance on a balmy afternoon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground following a withering pace assault by James Pattinson in the morning.

Australia’s unbeaten run against their trans-Tasman neighbours has now stretched to 25 years, leaving a battered

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday December 30, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 6 Tests (2) 3 Wins (1) (2)

Today’s Quiz:

How many ODIs the WI played in 2019?

How many did they win?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

and bruised New Zealand playing only for pride in the third and final test in Sydney this week.

Having thrashed Kane Williamson’s team by 296 runs in the day-night opener in Perth, Australia have claimed victory in four successive tests since retaining the Ashes in England.

“I thought the way we went about this test from the moment we lost the toss was outstanding,” said captain Paine.

“We’re sharing the load.

We can’t rely on too few and good teams have guys contributing throughout the list and we’re starting to do that.”

Tom Blundell warmed New Zealand hearts with a stirring century that thwarted Australia’s hopes of wrapping up a quicker victory.

But his batting partners crumbled around him and New Zealand ultimately bowed out meekly in the final hour.

“They’ve got a fantastic attack with pace and bounce but their accuracy stood apart and they did seem to get more out of that surface,”

said New Zealand skipper Williamson.

“All round from our perspective we need to be better in all departments. We do need to be better come Sydney.”

Australia declared their second innings closed at 168 for five in the morning and an unleashed Pattinson crashed through New Zealand’s top order with three wickets in nine deliveries.

New Zealand rallied through Blundell, an inspired replacement for the out-ofform opener Jeet Raval, to be 131 for four at tea to the delight of thousands of travelling fans who sang with gusto in the terraces throughout the day.

But Lyon broke the game open by capturing BJ Watling’s wicket for 22, ending a 72-run stand with Blundell with a venomous delivery that caught an inside edge on the way through to David Warner’s safe hands at leg slip.

All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme was out for nine flicking Lyon straight to Warner at backward square

Steven Smith congratulates Tom Blundell on his hundred at the end of the Test © Getty

leg, ending a short and uneasy innings on the 12th ball faced.

With tail-ender Trent Boult not batting due to a broken hand, a comical run out of Tim Southee for two left Australia needing only one wicket for victory.

Part-time legspinner Marnus Labuschagne wrapped it up by having Blundell out for 121, with Lyon taking a catch just above the grass.

Williamson will think ruefully of what might have been, having sent Australia in to bat after winning the toss only for their batsmen to pile on 467 runs and Travis Head

score a matchwinning 114.

A five-wicket haul to Pat Cummins then saw New Zealand bowled out for 148 in their first innings to all but put the result beyond doubt.

“Without a doubt their bowlers came in and hit the wicket hard, bowled exceptionally well and made life difficult for us,” said Williamson, who was trapped lbw for a duck by Pattinson on Sunday after managing nine in the first innings.

“That is the nature of playing cricket over here.

But as a batting unit we do need to be a lot better.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 30, 2019

West Ham to reappoint Moyes

(Reuters) - Premier League strugglers, West Ham United, are set to reappoint David Moyes as their new head coach to replace the sacked Manuel Pellegrini, Sky Sports and the BBC reported on Sunday.

Chilean Pellegrini was sacked after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home by Leicester City, their ninth loss in 12 league games that left the London side 17th in the standings — one point above the relegation zone.

It would be Moyes’ second stint with West Ham after he saved the club from relegation in the 2017-18 campaign during a six-month deal.

He was hired by West Ham in November 2017 to replace Slaven Bilic with the London side in the relegation zone and the Scotsman led them to a 13th-placed finish to ensure the club’s survival in the top flight.

However, the club chose not to renew his contract and hired Manchester City’s former title-winning manager Pellegrini in the off season last year, who led West Ham to a 10th-placed finish last season.

If appointed, Moyes’ first game in charge will be at home against 16th-placed Bournemouth on Wednesday.

David Moyes

Ancelotti’s dream Everton run continues (REUTERS) - CARLO Ancelotti’s flying start as Everton manager continued as his side won 2-1 at Newcastle United and Watford are also thriving under new boss Nigel Pearson after crushing relegation rivals Aston Villa 3-0 on Saturday.

Everton won for the second time in two games with Italian Ancelotti at the helm as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s double sealed the points at St James’ Park to ease Everton into mid-table.

Fabian Schar had levelled for Newcastle but Calvert-Lewin’s fifth league goal in his last five games gave Everton the win.

Watford remain in the drop zone but Pearson is working his magic having taken over from Quique Sanchez Flores this month to become the club’s third manager this season.

Pearson’s side played for more

than half an hour with 10 men after defender Adrian Mariappa was sent off but they already led through Troy Deeney’s opener in the 42nd minute.

Watford scored again when Deeney slotted Carlo Ancelotti, Manager of Everton acknowledges the fans following his victory in the Premier League match between Newcastle United and home a pen- sides Everton FC at St. James Park on December 28, 2019 in Newcastle upon alty after he Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) was fouled

by Douglas Watford recorded their second Luiz. successive victory under Pearson to by that kicked off Ismaila Sarr added a third as move to within three points of 17th- gramme.

placed West Ham United, who play later on Saturday.

Villa beat Norwich City on Boxing Day but defeat

by Watford left them third from bottom.

B o u r nemouth are also too close to the relegation zone for comfort after losing 2-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion in the south coast derthe day’s pro-

Iranian winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh opened the scoring with his first goal for Brighton and Aaron Mooy made the points secure in the 79th minute as Brighton claimed a vital victory in their bid to stay away from trouble.

Danny Ings earned Southampton a point in a 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace who had taken the lead through James Tomkins.

Palace also had a goal ruled in the first half through VAR, Max Meyer’s celebrations being cut short for a marginal offside call on Wilfried Zaha.

Tottenham Hotspur can go fourth with victory at Norwich City in a later kickoff while Leicester City will try to close the gap on leaders Liverpool to 10 points by winning at West Ham. Burnley host Manchester United in the day’s final action.

United climb to fifth after Burnley win (REUTERS) - MANCHESTER United climbed to fifth place in the Premier League after goals from Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford gave them a 2-0 win at Burnley on Saturday which leaves them a point outside the Champions League spots.

For all the question marks over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his side, United head into the New Year battling for a top-four place thanks in part to rivals’ inconsistency but also due to the emergence of Martial and Rashford as real attacking threats.

The win also ended a run of 14 matches without a clean sheet for United and was their first away since February, although Burnley’s shot-shy attack certainly made that task easier.

United’s midfield was weakened by the absence of midfielder Paul Pogba, still in recovery phase and rested after two recent substitute appearances, and Scott McTominay who Solskjaer says faces up to four weeks out with a knee injury.

The Norwegian coach was forced to hand a rare start to Nemanja Matic and, despite the absentees, United had little trouble gaining the upper hand against a cautious Burnley.

Rashford forced goalkeeper Nick Pope into action with a long-range free-kick and then hit the post at the end of a swift break while Martial had a shot cleared off the line by Phil Bardsley in the 33rd minute.

The French forward got the breakthrough a minute before halftime with a simple finish after Andreas Pereira robbed

defender Charlie Taylor and slipped the ball across to Martial.

Sean Dyche’s Burnley side struggled to create any openings but were more positive after the break and David de Gea had to pull off a fine save in the 68th minute to keep out a low drive from Bardsley.

But after a spell of late pressure from the hosts, United wrapped up the win in Marcus Rashord of Manchester United goes round Nick Pope of Burnley FC to score stoppage time with Dan James his teams second goal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and breaking and finding RashManchester United at Turf Moor on December 28, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. ford, who rounded Pope and (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) slotted home. put a challenge to them and they’ve put my words to shame United end the year with back-to-back wins, following a 4-1 victory over Newcastle so I’m very happy with them”.

Rashford is developing an impressive understanding with United on Boxing Day and the concerns raised by Solskjaer after the recent loss at Watford seem to have had the desired Martial and took time to praise the Frenchman, who scored twice in the win over Newcastle. impact.

“He was brilliant again today. For a forward, there’s “We want to get (in the top four) and we’re not far away.

We did (challenge) towards the end of last season as well, we nothing better than scoring goals. Hopefully, it keeps his were close to the top four, but then we dropped off,” he said. confidence high and this can continue until the end of the “Now they’ve responded to the defeat against Watford, I season,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 30, 2019

BCB completes successful year

80th Anniversary among highlights of year AFTER a two-year period of dormancy, the Berbice Cricket Board, under the current administration of Hilbert Foster, has spearheaded a revival of the game across Berbice.

Public Relations Officer, Simon Naidu, in a review of the year, described it as one which surpassed expectations on and off the cricket field.

Thirty-two tournaments were launched at all levels, numerous programmes, including developmental ones, were hosted while young cricketers and cricket clubs continues to receive assistance on an unmatched level.

Naidu and BCB president, Foster, hailed the 80th Anniversary, restoration of the BCB New Amsterdam office, the long overdue return of inter county cricket to Berbice and the hosting of a two-day first division tournament as the highlights of the year.

The BCB hosted 32 tournaments at U-13, U-15, U-17, U-19, U-21, Intermediate, Internal Zone, Inter Village, Second Division, Secondary Schools, Primary Schools and First Division levels.

The BCB has been able to successfully complete the majority of them despite a four-

month-long rainy season that lasted up to the beginning of September.

After an absence of fifteen years, the BCB was also able to obtain a $2M sponsorship for a two-day tournament which is currently being played by eight teams.

At the inter-county level, Berbice won both female titles and the two-day Under-19 tournaments.

Over forty-five Berbicians represented Guyana or other Caribbean teams in Cricket West Indies tournaments.

They include players like Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Umroa, Seon Glasgow, Marvon Prashad, Sarwan Chaitnarine, Tameshwar Mohabir, Isiah Thorne, Zeynul Ramsammy, Veersammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo and Clinton Pestano.

At the female level, Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi joined Shemaine Campbelle on the West Indies female Senior team as the massive investment into female cricket by the RHTYSC continues to bear fruit for the Ancient County.

Five Berbicians played in the 2019 CPL while Shimron Hetmyer played in the IPL.

Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh launches the Wall of Fame

Off the cricket field, the BCB hosted numerous developmental programmes and activities.

The BCB also raised $100,000.00 to assist Ms. Ruthel Henry to construct her own home while Hilbert Foster spearheaded a highly successful 80th-anniversary celebration during the month of September.

The highlight of the BCB’s office upgrade included repainting, ceiling of the roof, tiling of the floor, obtaining over $400,000.00 worth of furniture and acquiring a Television set, DVD Player, electric fans, desk top computer, water dispenser, kitchen utensils, fax machine, cordless telephone among others.

The publication of the first ever youth information booklet for youth cricketers in the Caribbean was also another major achievement for the anniversary.

The BCB via an aggressive marketing drive led by its hardworking President was able to raise close to $12M alone in 2019 and has already acquired some major sponsorship for 2020.

The board also presented its highest Award, Tribute to Hero to Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, Brian Ramphal and Dr. Puran Singh

during the year while it was named Berbice Sports Organisation of the Year by the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Committee.

The hard work of the BCB President also saw the return of inter-county cricket to Berbice after an absence of over a decade.

Isiah Thorne and Rampertab Ramnauth were also presented with a cricket bat as the BCB honoured them on their West Indies Under 15 Selection.

To round off a successful year for Berbice Cricket, Lower Corentyne won the Guyana Cricket Board Franchise league at the 50 overs level.

President foster who was returned for another two-year term in a 31-0 vote at the BCB AGM on the 22nd of December has unveiled some major plans for the 20202021 period. They include construction of an all-weather practice center, setting up of a professional league by December 2021, at least 20 tournaments per year, expanded coaching programmes, acquiring covers for BCB, to assist deserving clubs with gear, balls, scorebooks and to lobby cricket west indies for the return of first-class cricket to Berbice.

RHT Poonai Pharmacy Under 13 team reigning champion of the Trophy Stall Under 13 tournament

Albion Under 19 team- Champion of the New York Business Group 50 overs title.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday December 30, 2019

Veteran Tiwari wins New Trend Auto golf tournament KALYAN Tiwari dominated the fairways on Saturday when the New Trend Auto year-end tourney teed off at the Lusignan Golf Course.

Played under the Medal Play system without flights, Tiwari, with a 67/16, finished ahead of William Walker (68/12) and Mohanlall Dinanauth (68/6).

The fourth-place tie between three golfers, Patrick Prashad (72/8), Shanella London (72/15) and Rabindranauth Persaud (72/16) was an indication of the keenness and excitement of the tournament.

Member Anasha Ally, who had been away from the course for a little while but

also participated in the tournament, presented the prizes on behalf of New Trend Auto.

The Lusignan Golf course was in refreshingly great condition after due year-end light work, with all fairways prepared by club president, Aleem Hussain, after the rains.

CEO and owner of New Trend Auto, Rudy Ramalingum, whose first golf tournament sponsorship was under the Foodtown banner in June 2018, also sponsored under the New Trend Auto banner in March 2019 and again stepped in to readily support the development of golfing in Guyana and the Lusignan Golf Club, with this year-end tournament.

From left– William Walker, Anasha Ally, Mohanlall Dinanauth, Kalyan Tiwari, and club president, Aleem Hussain.

Radar Security; BK International join GFF Super16 cup Radar Security Service and Supplies and BK International have joined the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Super16 Cup ahead of the New Year’s Day final.

Radar Security Service and Supplies through Managing Director, Adepemo Peters, handed over the company’s contribution to President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, citing that his company has been following the progress of the sport and tournament.

He said the company felt it necessary to further empower the GFF towards hosting a successful competition.

Peters, himself a former football administrator, congratulated President Forde and the GFF for the positive leadership the sport has en-

Managing Director of Radar Security Service and Supplies, Mr. Adepemo Peters (2nd right) hands over sponsorship to GFF President, Wayne Forde in the presence of two employees.

Kyle Tiwari hands over sponsorship to GFF President Wayne Forde in the presence of his father, Brian Tiwari.

joyed over the past four years and promised that his company would continue to support this forward thrust in whatever way they can.

Meanwhile, owner of BK International, Brain Tiwari, and his son, Kyle, presented a sponsorship cheque to Forde towards the hosting of the tournament.

Handing over the cheque at their Water Street, Kingston Office, both father and son expressed delight at being able to support the sport once again, noting that the company has always been doing their bit in support of not only football, but sports on the whole in Guyana.

The senior Tiwari noted that they have been observing the strides the sport

has been making over the past few years, pointing out that clubs always look forward to having a good time at the year-end tournament.

President Forde, in accepting the sponsorship, thanked both companies for their partnership through this tournament and assured them that the positive developments would only get better.

Forde also pointed out that the teams in this year’s Super16 have all done their best and is expecting more fierce battles in tonight’s semifinals when Fruta Conquerors tackle Santos FC and the Guyana Police Force face the Guyana Defence Force.

Smith, Perez keep Adams XI in charge with day remaining

Speedster Niall Smith snapped up 4 wickets while Raymond Perez will be eyeing a fifty, as the Anthony Adams XI gained the upper hand over the Leon Johnson-led side when day two of the ongoing 3-day practice game continued at Providence.

Heading into the final day, Adams XI were, in their second innings, on 76-3 after 21 overs. Opener Perez, 10 short of a half-century, will be looking to achieve his landmark when he resumes on 40 with six fours.

The dangerous Johnathan Foo hit 3 fours during his 52-minute stay in the middle for his unbeaten 27.

Fast-bowler Keon Joseph snapped up two early wickets to keep the Johnson side in contention.

Tevin Imlach (4) and Akshaya Persaud (1) were removed by Joseph while Kevin Sinclair followed up is half-century with a wicket.

Chasing a first innings total of 174, Johnson’s XI were blown away for 127 in 34.5 overs thanks mainly to the pacer, Smith, who, just like in the domestic 50-over league, bowled with pace and precision to end with 4-34.

Spinners Ramaal Lewis (2-18) and skipper Adams (2-29) and fast-bowler Qumar Torrington (2-25were

exceptional in their support of Smith.

Kevin Sinclair was the guiding light for the Johnson XI with a classy 53 from 69 balls with 8 fours and a solitary maximum. The all-rounder oozed class as he kept his team afloat amidst the dramatic collapse around them.

Resuming on their overnight score of 80-2, Adams XI were eventually knocked over for 174 in 68.3 overs.

The devastation was brought about by Devendra Bishoo, who warmed-up for the 4-Dayers with a 5-wicket haul.

The Windies Test spinner snapped up 5-45 in 18 overs to help keep the opposition at bay in their first innings.

Tevin Imlach (28), Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed (25), Raymond Perez (23) and nightwatchman Smith, who showed skill with the bat to end on 27, were the primary scorers for Adam’s XI. Johnson’s side got off to a shaky start after losing both openers to the pace of Smith who knocked over the stumps of Windies Test opener Chandrapaul Hemraj for a duck, then trapping the temperamental Trevon Griffith LBW for two.

Johnson (2) and Vishaul Singh were unable to utilize their West Indies experience as the skipper was removed

by Smith while Qumar Torrington snuffed out the latter for six.

Chris Barnwell played a brief aggressive knock of 25 off 25 balls with three fours and a six, before falling to his Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) team-mate, Torrington.

Anthony Bramble was expertly caught and bowled by the opposition captain, Adams, for eight runs. Smith removed Veerasammy Permaul for a duck before Lewis sent back Gudakesh Motie (16) and Bishoo for two.

Sinclair continued to motor on as he reached his 50 off 57 balls with eight fours and a six as his team sought to apply more pressure on their opponents.

Earlier, Bishoo got help from veteran all-rounder Barnwell, who grabbed 2-19 while spinners Sinclair and Motie chipped in with a wicket each.

The young side, although positive, were outfoxed by Bishoo and tied down by the pair of spinners along with Barnwell’s inroads.

The third and last day bowls off today at 9:30hrs.

(Clifton Ross)

Smith, Perez keep Adams XI in charge with day remaining PAGE

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Day-two action in the ongoing 3-day practice game at Providence. (Elvin Crocker photo)

South Africa 20 crush England inside 4 days PAGE

Faf du Plessis shakes hands with James Anderson after South Africa sealed victory, South Africa v England, 1st Test, Centurion, 4th day, December 29, 2019 © Associated Press

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2019