Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12-19-2019

THURSDAY 19th December, 2019

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5IN FAIRFIELD DEAD CRASH

No.105856

…as minibus crashes into drinks truck

'Oil $$$ not for the pockets of rich men' -President tells veterans

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March 2 polls still on schedule --- Commission to receive International support

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IMPEACHED

– Trump now third US president to face Senate trial

SEE STORY ON PAGE 04

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Improved access to data

-as Gov’t launches National Data Summary Page GUYANESE and other stakeholders will now have greater access to pertinent data for assessing economic performance and development, with the launch of the National Data Summary Page (NSDP).

The NSDP will be hosted by the Guyana National Bureau of Statistics (GNBS) on its website, as part of the agency’s adoption of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Enhanced General Data Dissemination System (E-GDDS). “The output of which will be hyperlinks to data and statistical reports published by the Bureau of Statistics, Bank of Guyana and the Ministry of Finance.

The data will be easily accessible through digital devices in accordance with a dissemination schedule and will facilitate evidence-based planning and decision making,” said Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan during the launch of the NSDP at the Ministry of Finance, on Wednesday.

According to the minister, the online platform will would be useful to policymakers and scholars interested in conducting research and analysis.

“The platform will also ensure that Guyana adheres to international standards on transparency in the dissemination of statistical information. We will be joining many of our Latin American and Caribbean neighbours, including Jamaica, Suriname, Panama and Paraguay who have already launched their NSDP,” said Minister Jordan, adding that it displays greater transparency and accountability, which can boost economic stability, as information for economic decisions becomes available to all.

With “first oil” around the corner, the minister said it is important to ensure that the capacities of regulatory agencies are constantly enhanced and optimised, so that government can maintain high levels of transparency and

accountability, both of which are inextricably linked to the country’s ability to generate and disseminate, in a timely manner, appropriate data and statistics.

The minister, as such, believes that the implementation of the IMF’s e-GDDS is a key achievement and will require continued cooperation and diligence since this and much of the country’s other reporting obligations are not one-off exercises.

This implementation will encourage the punctual dissemination of data, including data regarding national accounts, central government operations, central government gross debt, balance of payments and exchange rates, the creation and publication of an annual release calendar (ARC) and providing detailed information about statistical practices.

The GDDS itself is part of a broader IMF Data Standards Initiative launched in 1996 to help address macroeconomic data deficiencies,

which contributed to the emerging economies’ financial crises during the early 1990s.

It is widely acknowledged that the adoption of internationally recognised standards, or codes of good practices, can help to improve economic policymaking and strengthen the international financial system.

The international financial community has relied on the IMF and other standard-setting agencies to develop standards and codes covering several economic and financial areas, including data dissemination, fiscal, monetary and financial policy transparency, banking regulation and supervision, securities and insurance regulation, accounting, auditing, bankruptcy and corporate governance.

“In this regard, the Coalition Government has consistently advanced initiatives that are designed to improve both the quality and quantity of national data. It is for this reason that, without hesitation, we ensured that the Bureau of Statistics has a permanent secretariat for the first time since its incorporation in 1957, and that its Board was reconstituted in 2015, with its first non-ministerial chairman,” said Minister Jordan.

He said government has supported several critical

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (left) and Chief Statistician of the GNBS, Lennox Benjamin (Adrian Narine photo)

surveys, including the MICS, the Labour Force Survey and the Household Budget Survey.

“I vividly recall launching the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS), which allows for the harmonisation of the statistical system of the country. But simply, the NSDS enables all government agencies to share information with each other in an enhanced format for capacity building and support, as necessary,” said the minister, adding that it allows Guyana to advance its ability to generate and share accurate statistical data with the public, sister agencies and development partners, in a timely manner.

In this regard, Jordan believes that in a time when Guyana faces heightened demands for accountability, and when accurate data is integral to forecasting outcomes, especially in the oil

and gas sector, the launch of the e-GDDS is most welcome.

There, however, remains a challenge involving the paucity of skills at the Bureau and the primary-data-generating agencies.

“If truth be told, this paucity is pervasive throughout the public sector. The government remains committed to reducing and, eventually, eliminating this deficit through a number of initiatives, including better remuneration, and training and retraining,” said Minister Jordan.

In this regard, public servants have benefitted from significant wage increases over the last four years and there has been a marked rise in domestic and overseas training and the availability of scholarships.

Specifically, as it relates to data, since 2015, nearly TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

“The people want a Police Force they can trust”

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---President Granger tells senior cops

PRESIDENT David Granger, on Wednesday, told Senior Officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that Guyanese desire a force, which they can trust and it is therefore incumbent on the organisation to ensure that they understand their roles and responsibilities and make every effort to fulfil them.

The President was, at the time, speaking at the Annual Commissioner of Police Breakfast, which was held at the Force’s Conference Room, Eve Leary.

“This profession is based on public trust and without that trust, policing cannot

want their girl children to go to school and come home late from lessons in safety.

These are the things that all Guyanese want and I want you to be the type of Force that the Guyanese want you to be,” he said.

President Granger stated that it was for that reason that his Government had embarked, over the last four and half years, on an ambitious programme, to improve the security in the country. He noted that while some people had been hesitant with the changes, he was confident that the changes that had been taking place will make Guyana safer for citizens and inves-

that.

“Everything that is happening, you will see the benefits in the years to come and I am proud and pleased that the Police have understood the changes and are working with the Commissioner to ensure the changes benefit not only the Officers but the general public, which is bound to look to the Police Force for its safety. I am happy that we have put together a team and year by year changes are taking place to improve the efficiency of the Police Force. My aim is to make the Guyana Police Force the best in the Caribbean Commonwealth,” he said.

President David Granger was, at the breakfast, joined by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

succeed. I understand the importance of policing to this country and the people of this country. The people want a Police Force they can trust. The people want to cooperate with the Police.

People want to look out their windows and see the Police patrolling. People want to approach the Police and get help. People want to live in a safe society. They

tors alike. The Commander-in-chief of the armed forces said that while the Police Force was established 180 years ago, during the colonial times, to control the large working population, the role had now evolved from being one of controlling the population to protecting the population and it was therefore important that Officers recognised

President Granger said that over the next ten years, the changes that were taking place will result in an unimaginable Guyana. He added that a better Force was needed in order to convince investors that Guyana was the place to be.

The Head of State also used the opportunity to congratulate Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leslie James

President David Granger shares a light moment with Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leslie James

and his Deputy Commissioners for the work done over the past year as he noted that they had embraced the much needed changes that were taking place and would continue to take place to make the Force a better, more efficient organisation.

“I congratulate the Commissioner and his team for the zeal with which they have implemented those changes. When you look at the distance we have travelled over the last four and half years, you will see the placing of Mounted Police, the regionalisation of the Police command structure [and] I have appointed four Deputy Commissioners of Police. These are important changes that will strengthen the institution of the Police Force so that younger officers can see a clear path, a professional path if they are going to go to Intelligence, Operations, Administration.

They can now see that the ceiling that prevented them

from moving forward and upward has been removed,” President Granger noted.

Meanwhile, Commissioner James in his remarks, said that while the Police Force has had a good year overall, there had been numerous challenges including the misconduct of both senior and junior ranks.

However, he noted that the successes of the Force had outnumbered the challenges and the ranks and officers must be commended.

“We have been able to achieve, as mandated by our Strategic Plan, our Police Reform Board. It is the oversight body for the Plan, which ends in 2021.

We were able to implement Human Resource Departments across the Police Divisions. We have been able to achieve the alignment of Police Divisions across Regions one to 10.

That realignment has seen significantly a better management of resources, human and otherwise and has

Improved access to ...

1000 public servants have benefited from training in key concepts of monitoring and evaluation.

Government has also completed the first Voluntary National Review of the implementation of the SDGs this year, and has begun data clinics with the Ministry of Education to assist in the preparation for data development plans to ensure appropriate data is collected,

and aligned with national priorities, and the Green State Development Strategy-- GSDS. These efforts are intended to build the competencies of public officials to appreciate the importance of data and its role in decision-making, as well as to equip them with the skills to effectively undertake evidence-based planning.

“I anticipate that, soon, the Bureau will

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fully operationalise the Poverty Measurement and Analysis Unit; continue to expand the coverage of the Consumer Price Index; commence the Agriculture Census; and complete the rebasing of the GDP. We have a lot to look forward to and a lot of ground to cover, as we move into 2020,” said Minister Jordan.

He believes that the country has come a far way in making data available to the wider

significantly [seen] better management of crime and traffic. We have seen an increase in road carnage and this has resulted in the operationalisation of ‘Safe Roads’. That operation is expected to last for as long as we think we have seen a change in the attitude of motorists,” he shared.

He noted that the Force welcomes the public’s scrutiny since ranks were expected to provide their duties with diligence and professionalisation and it will continue to work on its public relations, public trust and image to ensure that it becomes a hallmark of service and protection.

Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams and Minister of Citizenship and former Police Commissioner, Mr. Winston Felix were also present at the breakfast. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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public; something that was unheard of for 23 years.

He said this government recognises that the work of the bureau is pivotal to the functioning of, not only government, but also the wider economy and, as such, they remain committed to supporting the bureau’s work.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

Trump is impeached -- becoming third US president to face Senate trial Donald Trump has become the third US president in history to be impeached by the House of Representatives, setting up a trial in the Senate that will decide whether he remains in office.

The House voted on two charges - that the president abused his power and that he had obstructed Congress.

Both votes fell along party lines with nearly all Democrats voting for the charges and all Republicans against.

As voting took place, President Trump was addressing a campaign rally.

He told the crowd in Battle Creek, Michigan: “While we’re creating jobs and fighting for Michigan, the radical left in Congress is consumed with envy and hatred and rage, you see what’s going on.”

The White House released a statement saying that the president was “confident that he will be fully exonerated” in a Senate trial.

The proceedings on Wednesday began with members of Mr Trump’s Republican Party calling for votes on procedural issues in an effort to frustrate the process.

That was followed by a vote on the rules to be set out for the impeachment, which kicked off six hours of partisan debate on the merits of the two impeachment charges against President Trump.

At about 20:30 local time (01:30 GMT), the House called for votes on the two charges: first, abuse of power, stemming from Mr Trump’s alleged attempt to pressure Ukraine to announce investigations into his Democratic political rival, Joe Biden; and second, obstruction of Congress, because the president allegedly refused to co-operate with the impeachment inquiry, withholding documentary evidence and barring his key aides from giving evidence.

The vote for the first article of impeachment, abuse of power, was passed 230-197 and the second, for obstruction

of Congress, 229-198.

Being impeached places Donald Trump alongside only two other presidents in the nation’s history - Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton - and sets up a trial in the Senate for his presidency.

And so it is done. Donald Trump now becomes the third member of the exclusive club that no-one wants to be a member of.

But the framers of the constitution with its impeachment provision could never have imagined the hyper-partisanship - on both sides - that has been witnessed during today’s sterile House proceedings. Each side with its own narrative, neither side listening to the other.

And one can say with some certainty - I would bet all my yet-to-be-gifted Christmas presents - that it will be much the same once this becomes a trial

in the Senate in the New Year.

Donald Trump will be acquitted. He won’t be forced from office. So what changes?

Well, Donald Trump will have a place in the history books - and for a man with such a huge sense of self that will hurt. Acutely. But 2020? Far from this being a killer blow against President Trump, it might turbo charge his bid for a second term. The House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was always wary about going down the impeachment route. We’ll discover next November whether that concern was well founded.

During the House debates, Mr Trump tweeted several times, calling the Democratic arguments “ATROCIOUS LIES BY THE RADICAL LEFT” and an “ASSAULT ON THE REPUBLICAN PARTY!!!!”.

The Republican Party has a majority in the Senate, making it highly unlikely the president

will be removed from office when senators cast their votes.

Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell last week said that Republican senators would act in “total co-ordination” with the president’s team during the trial, outraging Democrats who pointed out that Senators are obliged to act as impartial jurors.

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opened the debate on Wednesday with a speech from the floor of the House.

“For centuries Americans have fought and died to defend democracy for the people, but very sadly now our founder’s vision of a republic is under threat from actions from the White House,” she said, “If we do not act now, we would be derelict in our duty.

It is tragic that the president’s TURN TO PAGE

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19 December, 2019 11:30hrs ~ 13:00hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

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Panama inmates use AK-47s in deadly shootout At least 13 inmates were killed and 15 injured in a shoot-out in a prison in Panama on Tuesday.

Officials said they found three AK-47 assault rifles and five pistols.

President Laurentino Cortizo said an investigation would be launched into how the guns got into La Joyita jail east of the capital, Panama City.

Fifteen inmates were injured in the shoot-out (BBC photo)

“These firearms didn’t fall out of the sky, there was obviously some type of cooperation there for firearms to be brought in,” he said.

President Cortizo said he would meet his security council on Wednesday to discuss how to put a stop to guns being smuggled into jails.

“It’s something we have to put a stop to. A few weeks ago a search was carried out

[in the prison] and arms were found, and now again, so someone is letting these guns in,” he said.

The shooting started at 14:00 local time (19:00 GMT) in cell block 14. Prison officials said that inmates are housed in blocks according to their gang affiliation.

The assistant director of Panama’s National Police, Alexis Muñoz, said that the

shoot-out was between members of the same gang who had “an internal disagreement”.

While La Joyita is notorious for overcrowding, this is among the deadliest recorded prison fights in the Central American country.

No prisoners escaped during the fight, officials said. (BBC)

Every McDonald’s in Peru shuts to mourn dead workers Every McDonald’s in Peru has been closed for two days of mourning, after two young employees were electrocuted at a branch in the capital, Lima.

Alexandra Porras Inga, 19, and Gabriel Campos Zapata, 18, reportedly died on a night shift while cleaning the kitchen.

The New York Times reports they were killed by a loose cable on Sunday.

Police said Ms Porras

Inga suffered an electric shock from a drinks machine, and Mr Campos Zapata was electrocuted when he tried to help her.

Emergency services found both teenagers dead at the McDonald’s branch in the Pueblo Libre area of Lima. Peru’s public prosecutor’s office has opened an

investigation.

In a statement on Monday, McDonald’s operating company in Peru, Arcos Dorados, said it shared “the sorrow and extreme pain of the affected families”, and would co-operate with authorities to establish what happened.

Protesters gathered in Lima the next day to demand

improvements to workplace safety. On social media, many young people shared stories of their perilous working conditions, casting light on a nationwide problem.

McDonald’s could be fined 189,000 soles (£43,000; $56,288) if Peru’s workplace safety agency, Sunafil, finds the branch was responsible

Trump is impeached... reckless actions make impeachment necessary. He gave us no choice.”

Democratic representative Joe Kennedy, a grand-nephew of President John F Kennedy, used his speech to address his children directly, explaining his decision to vote for impeachment. “Dear Ellie and James: This is a moment that you’ll read about in your history books,” the Massachusetts congressman said, going on to accuse the president of “using his power as a weapon against his own people”. Doug Collins, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, accused Democrats of conducting an unfair and illegitimate inquiry.

“This is an impeachment based on presumption. This is a poll-tested impeachment about what actually sells to the American people,” Mr Collins said.

Republican Barry Loudermilk compared the impeachment process to the fate of Jesus Christ. “During that sham trial, Pontius Pilate afforded more rights to Jesus than Democrats have afforded this president in this process,” Mr Loudermilk said. Democrats were reportedly instructed by Ms Pelosi to treat the process solemnly.

She told reporters outside the chamber she was “sad” about the proceedings, and a number of Democrats reflected on their disappointment at being involved in impeachment proceedings. Across the country in the 24 hours leading up to the vote, pro-impeachment protesters took to the streets.

Hundreds of people gathered in Times Square in New York on Tuesday night, chanting: “Tell

me who’s above the law? Nobody is above the law!”

The president had made an extraordinary intervention on the eve of Wednesday’s vote, penning an irate six-page letter to Ms Pelosi accusing her of declaring “open war on American democracy”.

In the letter, which was published by the White House, the president claimed he had been “deprived of Protesters marched in support of impeachment across the country (BBC photo)

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basic Constitutional Due Process from the beginning of this impeachment scam”. He was in fact publicly invited by the Democratic chair of the House Judiciary Committee to give evidence, a move that would also have allowed his legal team to question witnesses, but he declined. (BBC)

for the deaths.

The Guardian quoted Silvia Cáceres, Peru’s labour minister, as saying: “If the rights of these young people have been violated, we will proceed with the sanctions - although the money is not important because a life has no price.”

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

Guyana on the move AFTER an extended run of 23 years, the people of Guyana removed the floundering People’s Progressive Party government in preference for the six-party coalition in May 2015. Despite considerable and undeniable advances and as is not unusual in public life, over the past four years there has been a fixation on a handful of the coalition government’s less than shining moments.

These have been latched on to in an effort to construct a certain political narrative. The full picture, on the other hand, reveals that while there have been not unexpected challenges and difficulties, there have also been resounding successes. Reasonable observers and the average Guyanese are not fooled.

On the economic front, we have seen economic growth being sustained over the past four years.

Growth over the years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 were 3.2 per cent, 3.4 per cent, 2.1 per cent and 4.1 per cent, respectively. The coalition government has also reversed the

financial mismanagement which left the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) bankrupt, the rice industry hobbled and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) reeling from involuntary indebtedness.

Additionally, investments are increasing and generating new jobs and that the Guyana Office for Investment in 2018 alone processed some G$89.4B in investments.

These investments are expected to result in the creation of 1,644 jobs when fully operational. There have also been improvements in public servants’ wages. The minimum wage of public servants and teachers increased by over 70 per cent, or from $ 39,400 to $ 70,000.

This year the government granted a 9% increases to public servants on the lower salary tiers. Corporations have benefitted from the reduction of the corporate tax rate for manufacturing and non-commercial companies from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent. The value-added tax (VAT) was reduced to 14 per cent and the VAT threshold was increased from

$10M to $15M. In the area of national infrastructure, works are continuing at breakneck speed all across Guyana.

The coalition government inherited a national infrastructural network which was substandard and decrepit. Roads were dilapidated, bridges were broken, stellings were falling apart-- literally.

Roads and bridges all across Guyana are being resurfaced, built and repaired. Where there had never before been paved roads, bridges, street lights and even potable water, there now are. Sophia, Leguan, Yarrowkabra, Mocha-Arcadia, Linden and Whim are but a few examples. The story however, is deeper than just shiny new surfaces.

The quality of work is far superior to that which Guyanese had grown accustomed. Roads are not sinking and crumbling after mere months of use. Bridges are not collapsing within weeks.

After an intense programme of cleaning, clearing and reclamation and dredging of the outfall chan-

nels, Georgetown is no longer prone to chronic flooding for days on end after the lightest of rains. Even after heavy, prolonged downpours Georgetown now remains dry. In a few troubled areas, the water recedes within hours. This, Guyanese were told, was impossible and unimaginable — that they are doomed to be inundated by contaminated floodwaters at the slightest hint of rain clouds. Guyanese know better now.

The government is steadily moving forward in difficult circumstances and pressing ahead with the challenging business of managing the economy and the affairs of the state in the best interest of all the people. In May 2015, Guyana was not a vibrant, prosperous, economically stable country. Had it been there would have been no need for the people to remove the PPP from government. The coalition government received the keys to a nation in a broken state. This is a story which is not always told, nor is it appreciated; and neither

are the unavoidable ramifications of the corrective actions which are imperative to restoring order, equilibrium, credibility, confidence and lawfulness to the society.

It will take a bit more time, but once we are healed fully from all that ailed the nation, the good life which has begun to emerge will be realised fuller. We are already seeing unmistakable signs of it and the coalition government’s commitment to delivering the good life. Guyana is not yet a paradise, but there can be no question that the country is on the path to prosperity and realising its long-lamented potential. After four years there have been lessons learnt, mistakes made, gains and successes, achievements and progress. Guyana cannot move from minus 20 to 100 overnight, but every day Guyana is moving forward.

Dr Bynoe is beyond reproach Dear Editor, I WRITE today with a heavy heart, burdened by what the media is attempting to do to the unblemished character of Dr Mark Bynoe, Director of the Department of Energy.

What they are attempting to do will inevitably fail, but this knowledge is unlikely to make it less distressing to Dr Bynoe.

Before I go further I must state that Dr Bynoe is completely unaware of this letter, therefore these thoughts are completely my own.

I have known Dr Bynoe for many years. As a matter of fact,

I’ve known Dr Bynoe since I was a teenager. Dr Bynoe was the rector of the church I attended before I migrated. Dr Bynoe earned the respect of the entire congregation despite his tender age. Dr Bynoe has always been beyond reproach, taking his spiritual journey not down the easy, well trodden path, but down a path lined with thorns as directed by God. Dr Bynoe did not take a solitary walk, but took the congregation with him, the weak and spiritually infirm along with the strong and spiritually mighty. Dr Bynoe has always been apolitical and impartial. He lived by the word

and I’m certain he will die by the word.

I last saw Dr Bynoe when I visited Guyana in April of this year. His belief in God had not diminished. Rather, it has grown, if that was ever possible. He remains humble, very humble, shaking the hands of all with his characteristic smile.

His oratorical skills are a complete mismatch to his humility.

A man, unmatched by those who are trying to discredit him.

A man whom I know would be the first to forgive and forget.

I would always remember the human side of Dr Bynoe.

As a kid our house did not have

electricity because it had fallen to the ground. I studied under the light of the neighbourhood shop until our evangelist and our rector, Dr Bynoe found out.

I was given a key to the church, to utilise at nights, to study. In the church was a chair that was my bed for years. Dr Bynoe was a pillar of support. The motivation I needed. While I was in medical school, he left to pursue studies in the UK. On his return, he remained humble.

If today I have become a person of minimal success, that minimal success I owe to people like Dr Bynoe, who provided a shoulder for me to lean on when

I was spiritually and physically ataxic.

I will always remember the Bible classes Dr Bynoe conducted with us the youths, on Sunday nights. I will always remember the passionate debates he would stimulate as he took us along that spiritual journey; those nights will forever remain indelible in my spiritual heart.

As stated earlier, I last saw Dr Bynoe in April of this year.

He remained the man I’ve known for years: spiritual, humble, beyond reproach, apolitical, objective, an academic, an intellectual in that order.

As a result, it hurts my

heart to see what the media is doing to him. The aspersions, the innuendos, the character assassination. Mentally,Dr Bynoe is made of steel, but he is human. If the media continue along this path, in my opinion Guyana may lose a very special and incomparable man of the soil.

Regards DrMark Devonish

Policemen who allegedly burnt teen should be charged with attempted murder Dear Editor THIS young man, 17-yearold Ashkay Budhiram, of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, has alleged

that two brothers who are both police ranks abducted and tortured him. The men reportedly accused the minor of breaking into their home. This atrocity is a crime against hu-

manity. If this allegation is true, these police ranks should be immediately dismissed from the Guyana Police Force, charged and prosecuted for attempted murder and kidnapping. If

found guilty they should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Any police officer who commits such a crime is a disgrace to law enforcement and must be made a public ex-

ample. Torture is a barbaric act that is unacceptable under any circumstances. It has no place in a civilised society.

Rickford Burke President Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

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Full probe needed into Region Two flood Dear Editor, THE recent flooding that occurred in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) is certainly cause for all residents to be concerned; and while I am not in a position to pronounce on the cause, effect and cure or remedy for what occurred in Region Three, I am in a position to say that the grave situation in Region Two was in no small way man made.

Stabroek News of Friday 13-

12-2019 on headline C.D.C. on standby as floods hit Regions Two and Three, and the full story on page 3, reading the first two paragraphs tells it all. There was gross negligence on the part of the regional administration.

I was a Regional Democratic Councillor for seven consecutive years and further to being an RDC Councillor, I served as a member of the Works and Agriculture Committees for almost all of those years. The drainage and irrigation system falls directly under the Works

and Agriculture Committee, a statutory committee of the RDC, and is chaired by no less a person than the regional vice-chairman; the D & I Engineer reports directly to that Committee, which in turn has the RDC ratify or approve all decisions made by that committee.

To hear that no fuel was at the pumping station until after 09:00 hrs the Thursday morning and the pump attendant on that fateful day reported late for duty, is both unbelievable and unacceptable, any part of

the world except in Guyana and these things have been going on for decades, but only in the Public Sector. I worked in the private sector in various capacities or to be more precise B K International at the Tiperu Quarry, Region Seven in the Mazaruni River, for years and nothing close to what was said to be responsible in no small way for the extensive flooding in the cultivated areas and elsewhere would never happen.

This region has several committees, the Agriculture, the D & I Committee with

many engineers, the Water Management Committee and the Water Users Association, but the question is, are they serving the purpose for which they were appointed?

The APNU+AFC administration spent hundreds of millions of dollars to purchase and install pumps at strategic locations, but lo and behold when it matters most, no fuel is available at these locations when there was a reasonable expectation that at least eight hours before they got started they should have been in action,

Those that contributed significantly to this flooding by their actions or inactions must face the consequences.

A full-scale investigation must be held, mainly to prevent a recurrence and let the chips fall where they may. Whether you are a rice farmer or not in the end we all will be losers and we all must be overly concerned. We must benefit from foresight and not only hindsight.

Regards Archie W. Cordis

AN example of cheap politicking about a seminal issue in the national interest Dear Editor REFERENCE is made to Kaieteur News story of December 15, 2019, captioned: “PNC/R stalwarts among casualties in ambassador’s SHAKE UP.” Is this caption constructed in a manner to play to the gallery, thereby conveying that well known interpretation of ‘jobs for the boys’? For this propaganda have at times been peddled by the PPP/C opposition in a tongue-and-cheek manner, in the direction of the President David Granger-led

administration, unsupported by any evidence. In fact, it has been just another one of the Robb Street gang’s slimy resorts, deviously seeking to attribute one of its well-known cronyism practices to the coalition government.

Of course, the particular diplomats, identified, with the exception of one, have all been associated with the party of their choice, the PNCR; and through its governments, both past and present, have contributed in different capacities, at different periods in service to their country. Their record is

there as testimony to such an effect.

However, in recalling those high diplomats, President Granger has again demonstrated that his administration is about adhering to strict principles of public administration and organisational requirements, particularly as they relate to such a high-end ministry, the function of which is to conduct Guyana’s international relations with the rest of the world, with a specific eye to the domestic benefits to be garnered, for country always is a priority.

Therefore, President Granger’s policy is not about sinecures and the perpetuation of an ‘old boys’ club, for benefit, long past when such official appointments ought to have ended. This was the policy of the PPP/C governance which relied more on political loyalty than with performance, and which saw many of its mission heads holding down their appointments for over two decades. Such an extraordinarily lengthy period of occupation at the apex of diplomatic representation would not do positives for the development

and professionalisation of such a key service in any jurisdiction.

One can also refer this blinkered management ideology to the question as to how many cabinet re-shuffles took place during the 23 years of the PPP/C regime’s tenure. Were there ever? Not as far as memory can advise. Now, compare such stagnation to the current tenure of the current administration, and the difference is clearly seen. The president made cabinet changes when they had to be made, particularly in the interest of better governance, and the type that must be able

to satisfy propriety.

The Kaieteur News headline has therefore been done for politicking purposes; cheap journalism, as has been its policy since 2015, and for mischievous reasons.

Finally, it deliberately misses the intent and purposes of the President’s actions with regard to the de-politicisation process of the country’s diplomatic service.

Regards Earl Hamilton

Big TATA model buses needed Dear Editor ALLOW me to express my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in yesterday’s horrific accident. These persons are ordinary people who use buses to go to work or

home. They have no other option than to use these buses. They would have held their breath every day in those mini-buses until at last those same buses took their breath away.

We know how unruly the bus drivers and conductors

behave when passengers ask them to lower the music or reduce speed. I want to appeal to the authorities to introduce 45-seat buses, so that this road carnage will come to end. That is the only solution to put an end to these killing machine

mini-buses. Besides, let these big buses commute with scheduled time and stop only in bus stations. An immediate introduction of big buses with time and bus station is needed to resolve road fatalities. Let us put an end to the mini-buses which have

killed enough people thus far. If government cannot afford these buses, at least allow the private companies to import these big buses so that our people can be safe and alive. I have written letters to the editor on this subject before, but no ac-

tion, I beg let this letter not go in vain.

Regards Kevin Ram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

March 2 polls still on schedule --- Commission to receive International support

EVEN as final checks are still being made, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said it remains on course to hold the March 2, 2020 elections and will be receiving technical support from the Commonwealth Secretariat for same.

The Senior Electoral Advisers who will come to Guyana are Former Chairman of the Ghana Electoral Commission, Kwadwo Afari-Gyan; Former Chief Elections Commissioner of India, Dr. Syed Nasim Ahmad Zaidi and retired Chief Elections Officer of Canada, Jean-Pierre Kingsley.

At a news conference on Wednesday, GECOM Chair, Justice (R’td) Claudette Singh, stated that they would be sharing their expertise with her as Chair as well as to the Secretariat.

Added to this, the Inter-

far each submitting Lists of Candidates, one National Top-Up List, at least six Geographical Constituencies’ List and the Regional Democratic Councils’ Lists that the party may seek to contest.

Former Chairman of the Ghana Electoral Commission, Kwadwo Afari-Gyan (Altrechon photo)

national Republican Institute (IRI) will be providing the Commission with technical support in the area of civic and voter education. The exercise is intended to ensure that the public understands its rights and restrictions when it comes to voting.

The commission is also discussing a location for the facilitation of Nomination Day. While City Hall was first considered, the issue of

its disrepair was raised and the Umana Yana is now being looked at as a possibility.

Nominations Day will take place on January 10, 2020 and will see the 19 political parties contesting thus

ID CARD COLLECTIONS Meanwhile, regarding the 18,398 Identification (ID) Cards in the commission’s possession for a number of years, a total of 949 have been collected. Providing a

ly emphasised the importance of gender parity, in relation to women in this society. Therefore, every female minister of government must be seen as a way of empowering women as a whole in the country. As women, they can be considered as being lifted to higher levels. However, they are not there for themselves, but for every citizen who may need their assistance in direct or indirect ways. Hence, they are empowered to help their womenfolk in every possible manner, but are also obligated to be of service to the men as well.

Women and economic independence “It is my belief that if women were economically independent; if they were educated and if they were empowered, we would not have this sort of domination and domestic violence that are taking place in this country. So, I call upon you my sisters, to move the process along by ensuring that your girlchildren particularly, can get to school, that they are

protected from abuse, that they are given education and that they can take control of their lives,” said President Granger First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger, on the other hand, stated, “Girls and our women have to be educated and independent and to know their power; to know how they are going to spend their money and to know how they are going to make the demands that come with that power and that comes with that sisterhood; then is when we will really start to see women moving forward.

“My husband and I talk often about education, and we also talk about the burdens on women, particularly single women who are parents of children and struggle to get them to school and to put a roof over their heads and feed them…” she posited.

Emphasis on entrepreneurship In this regard Mrs Granger, using her office of First Lady, has been carrying out effective training pro-

grammes, with particular emphasis on training and development of women all across Guyana. The plan is to make women employable at every possible level – to foster women’s entrepreneurship, as well as women for employment in the public or private sectors.

So far through her office as First Lady, nearly 1000 women from every region across Guyana have been trained through the First Lady’s office in Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshops since 2015. In addition, a total of 1,042 women received training in Care for the Elderly, First Aid in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and Early Childhood Development training at many workshops.

Further, the President 5Bs Initiative provided hundreds of bikes and many buses and boats. This means that thousands more children in rural, hinterland and urban areas are now able to attend school as a result. In fact, it was reported that families

Former Chief Elections Commissioner of India, Dr. Syed Nasim Ahmad Zaidi (Firstpost photo)

Chief Elections Officer of Canada, Jean-Pierre Kingsley

breakdown of the same, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward said that the highest number of collections came from Region Four with 387 out of 9,343.

Data for the other regions show: Region One – 35 out of 313; Region Two – 68 out of 548; Region Three – 202 out of 2401; Region Five – 75 out of 194; Region Six –92 out of 3,267; Region Seven – 21 out of 269; Region Eight—4 out of 124; Region Nine – 23 out of 263 and Region Ten – 42 out of 776.

Justice Singh said that several persons have been emailing and calling in to the commission to explain the situations which have prevented them or their families from collecting their ID cards. While some of these individuals now reside overseas, the Chair told of a recent occasion

whereby a woman stated that she had received a message urging her parents – now dead – to collect their IDs but, even though they are deceased, she could not provide their death certificates. “I asked her to supply us with the death certificate, again, in certain creek areas like Mahaica Creek, Mahaicony Creek, Crabwood Creek, you would have several persons there dying [and] there are no postmortems from people dying from old age; the police would visit and that’s it, they would bury them; they don’t bother with death certificates and all of that,” Singh said, explaining the challenge.

in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have been able to save an average of $72,000 per day, $360,000 a week and $1.4 million a year due to the President 5Bs Initiative.

Such situations say to mothers and fathers that your children now have better chances to stay in school and be educated. The APNU+AFC promises high quality and free education, which has already started.

What is probably of much more importance is that your sons and daughters are now safe from the very serious transgression, where many were innocently assassinated, leaving families still reeling from such tragic losses.

been many benefits derived from these and other training sessions for women across Guyana.

OP-ED Women need only an inch of support

By Margaret Burke

IN every aspect of life in Guyana, women, once given the opportunity, positively perform at their optimum.

Most of them follow every lead to develop and enhance their lives. In this regard, they continue to play pivotal roles in the social and economic development of Guyana and the Granger-led administration has been giving them due recognition. There has been a revolution in the global socio-economic landscape and women have had significant inputs.

President David Granger has consistently demonstrated his commitment to be a trusted supporter of women.

So far, 40 per cent of his cabinet positions are held by women – double the global average. Women have also been appointed to state boards and constitutional commissions in significant numbers.

The President has actual-

BARRIERS TO WOMEN Studies have highlighted the importance of training and education as openings to women, especially in areas of entrepreneurship, revealing that education and training are crucial for the development and creation of entrepreneurs under any system. And indeed, there have

The education and training workshops are continuing to provide new entrepreneurial skills. These include business skills and knowledge which the participants have gained.

And these workshops have demonstrated that entrepreneurship programmes can indeed help create new businesses, grow existing ones and generate new jobs.

Such a situation has become reality all over Guyana.

Many women are willing to come forward to talk about direct employment they have gained. More than that, there are many more women who are anxious to speak about their entrepreneurial abilities, which they are currently putting into action – with multiplying effects.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

9

Five …as dead in Mahaicony accident minibus crashes into drinks truck

FIVE persons were confirmed dead following a horrific accident at Fairfield, Mahaicony on Wednesday.

The accident involved a truck bearing registration GPP 9433, which was heading to Berbice and a route 50 minibus, bearing registration BRR 5478, which was heading to Georgetown.

Dead are: Ewart Reynolds, 64, of Calcutta, Mahaicony; Alana Vaughn, a 28-year old medex of Farm, Mahaicony; Keon Sealey, a 33-year old anaesthetic nurse, who was also of Mahaicony; Maxwell Thom, 76, and Seechandal Chandilall, the driver of the bus who lived at Bath Settlement, Berbice.

They were pronounced dead on arrival at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital.

Those injured were Cecil Gordon, 46, of Farm, Mahaicony , David Jacobs, 60, and Angela Jacobs, 15, both of Moraikobai. The four, along with the driver of the truck, Sherlon Wills, were taken to Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where they were treated and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation; their conditions are regarded as serious. The 15-year old Jacobs' left hand was severed during the accident.

Vaughn, a mother of two, was in the 37th week of her pregnancy and she was heading to a clinic when she met her demise.

According to reports, around 11:10 hrs on Wednesday, the minibus was heading to Georgetown at a fast rate when it suffered a left fronttyre blowout in the vicinity of the Fairfield Rice Mill.

The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed headon into the truck which was heading to Berbice to deliver a quantity of beers.

When this newspaper arrived at the scene, the police were attempting to control a large traffic build-up in the area while employees of the owner of the truck were clearing the roadway of broken bottles.

At the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, the scene was filled with loud screams and anger as relatives of the deceased converged at the medical institution to get a glimpse of the remains of their loved ones. Vaughn’s husband was at a loss for words as relatives consoled him.

The scene of the accident at Fairfield, Mahaicony. (Ravi Latchman photo)

Keon Sealey

Seechan Chandilall

that she was on her way to a clinic at Highdam when the accident occurred.

Reynolds’ brother was consoling another relative when he spoke to reporters.

He said that around this time some years ago, he lost another brother and as such, his brother’s death on Wednesday came as a blow to the family.

Police are investigating the accident.

SPEEDING

Alana Vaughn

His sister described

caring” person who was liked

Vaughn as a “loving and

by her peers. Reports are

Wednesday’s deadly accident comes amid a national outcry against reckless road use and the need for motorists to cut their speeding. Only on Tuesday Police Commissioner, Leslie James, said a change in attitude of motorists in the way they use the road is foremost for a reduction of carnage on the roadways. “We would like to see a change in the attitude of motorists in the way in which they use the roads and you would have heard statements by the traffic chief speaking directly to the attitude of persons using the road; the way

in which they would drive, the way in which they would use the road resulting in serious and fatalities,” Commissioner James stated.

Errant motorists, he said, are dealt with fully by the law when caught.

“The law as it is today and penalties and so on like fines being given to persons who are found driving dangerously and even to the case where persons are incarcerated following a fatal accident being charged with causing death by dangerous driving, I think it’s sufficient at this present time,” he noted.

Last weekend, the commissioners and his deputies met with the traffic chief and traffic officers from all the divisions to look at how they can effectively address reckless use of the road by motorists. That meeting saw the birth of Operation Safe Roads.

Operation Safe Roads has since resulted in the police apprehending a number of motorists for various offences. Some have been charged and others ticketed. Commissioner James also urged

reporters to spread the road safety message. “But I would ask that you the journalists play a role to appeal to the users of the roads in the way in which they are doing at this present moment,” he said.

He further stated that a number of persons have been complaining about the stops which police have been conducting and noted that all will be done to ensure safety on the roadways. President David Granger, last month, described as “insane” the increase of road accidents.

Speeding and alcohol were the main factors which led to 21 persons being killed in November.

There is a fix, according to the President; the police force, road safety bodies, civil societies and others will have to play a role to make the roads safer. President Granger made it clear that he is distressed by the deaths, disabilities and injuries and damage to property caused by accidents on the roads.

According to the President, road accidents represent a threat to human safety. “Every accident is one too many; every death is too great a loss that our country cannot afford. The record is grave: Young persons between the ages of 16 and 42 years comprised more than three out of every five fatalities.”

According to President Granger, he had proposed a three-point approach to road safety in an address at the launch of Road Safety Month, on the 4th of November 2015. The three-point approach involved more stringent enforcement of the traffic laws, including those driving under the influence of alcohol; playing distracting music and the use of cellular phones while driving.

According to the President, stricter enforcement will help to promote greater safety on the roads with regular and rigorous patrols of notorious, high-risk zones conducted during daylight and at night.

He noted that speed limits and limitations on the lawful complement of cargo and passengers by commercial and public transportation vehicles, must be established. The Head of State also called for greater road safety education through a systematic and sustained countrywide campaign to be conducted.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

'Petroleum revenues not for the pockets of rich men' -President Granger tells veterans PRESIDENT David Granger, on Wednesday afternoon, reiterated his commitment to ensuring veterans live comfortable lives and assured them that their future generations will benefit from petroleum revenues.

The Head of State was, at the time, delivering Christmas greetings at the Guyana Veterans Legion’s annual Christmas lunch.

The event was held at the Legion’s Carifesta Avenue headquarters. He said as everyone looked forward to a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year, great things can be expected in 2020 when the Government launches the ‘Decade of Development’. This decade will span from 2020 to 2029. “Yes, there will be petroleum revenues but the revenues are not meant to fill the pockets of rich men. The revenues are meant to give all Guyanese a good life. Your children and grandchildren must never be poor again…

You must rest assured that we will manage that revenue in a prudent manner so that your children will enjoy the benefits of education and employment, which some of you may not have enjoyed to the fullest,” he said.

President Granger noted that Guyana owes a debt of gratitude to veterans for keeping Guyana intact. He said that this year was particularly significant as it was the 50th Anniversary of the two most important military operations to protect the integrity of

President David Granger serves lunch to the veterans during the Guyana Veterans Legion's annual Christmas luncheon. Assisting him is the Legion's President, Lt. Col (ret’d) George Gomes

the country, Rupununi in January, 1969 and New River in August, 1969. He recalled that in the first operation, he and his fellow troops went there not knowing what to expect but in

President David Granger sits with veterans at the Guyana Veterans Legion’s annual Christmas lunch, held on Wednesday

the end were able to protect the integrity of the country. Months later, he said, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks travelled to the New River area to again protect the country’s

territorial integrity. “It was the GDF which led the way to keep Guyana [the way] it is today…Guyana owes the GDF an eternal debt, particularly for those two major operations 50 years ago and thereafter in maintaining our territorial integrity and sovereignty. So, we have reason to celebrate,” he said.

He used the occasion to reiterate that the Veterans Commission of Inquiry was not only convened to investigate the conditions and service of the veterans but also to ensure that they can have comfortable lives, now that they have retired, particularly, from difficult service in the army.

President Granger added that he was working with the Legion to ensure that veterans had comfortable lives. He thanked the veterans for their service and wished them a happy Christmas. He later served them lunch. Retired Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Edward Collins and President of the Royal Belizean Veterans Legion, Bob Stevens, also delivered brief Christmas greetings prior to the serving of lunch. Also present were the Legion’s President, Lt. Col (ret’d) George Gomes and General Secretary, Mr. Arno Solomon.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

Some of the veterans who attended the Guyana Veterans Legion’s annual Christmas lunch. The event was held at the Legion's Carifesta Avenue headquarters.

Lowenfield fit for CEO position –– GECOM chair GUYANA Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, has acknowledged Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, as the best person to remain in the post, at the commission, for at least the next three years.

Earlier in December it was announced that the decision was made to renew Lowenfield’s contract which comes to an end in March 2020.

The three Opposition-nominated Commissioners had abstained from

voting recommending that the matter be deferred until after the elections.

However, Government-nominated Commissioners put forward that there was no justification as to why Lowenfield’s contract should not be confirmed especially since he has served well in the capacity and indicated his interest in continuing.

On Wednesday, Justice Singh told the media why she too had preference for Lowenfield. “The Chief Elections Officer, in my opinion, is a fit and proper person for that posi-

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh (Adrian Narine photo)

tion. He has 20 years of experience, a man with institutional knowledge of this institution. It is very rare that one would find a person fit to run this institution and a person who has worked on several areas in this elections agency, a person who has actually manned three elections,” she said.

“I voted with them [Government-nominated Commissioners] in relation to the renewal of his contract because I did not think that it is proper to have someone just

hanging, someone with this type of institutional knowledge and experience to just hang on like that until after elections.”

It was also pointed out that the CEO had accumulated a substantial amount of leave over the years and his contract required that he took all of it before the end of contract. The Commission had also decided to pay him in lieu of leave so that he would continue in the position up until elections next year March.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

11

Court upholds gov’t supervision of Berbice Bridge …after company threatened 360% hike in tolls

By Clestine Juan ACTING Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, on Wednesday, ruled that government’s decision to take temporary control over the Berbice Bridge is lawful.

Government had stepped in to manage the company after it had a 360 per cent increase on the toll for all users that was set to take effect from November 12, 2018. The CJ made her ruling stemming from the challenge brought by the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI), requesting that the High Court reverse the decision of government to take control of the facility.

The State was represented

by Solicitor General, Nigel Hawke, and Deputy Solicitor General, Deborah Diane Kumar. Senior Counsel, Ralph Ramkarran, appeared on behalf of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI).

The Attorney General, Basil Williams, and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, were listed as defendants in the case.

The CJ, after reviewing the case, agreed with the submission made by the Solicitor General, who represented the interests of the government. The solicitor argued that the Berbice Bridge links two counties and if the toll was to be hiked, citizens would use alternative means to cross the Berbice River which would result in the loss of lives.

Thus, government intervention was necessary on the grounds of national safety and public interest.

In her ruling, the CJ said that Minster Patterson is empowered in setting the maximum toll of the Bridge and his actions were justified and lawful. Additionally, the Chief Justice said BBCI cannot act unilaterally and has to consult with Patterson before proposing new tolls for the bridge. The CJ dismissed BBCI’s petition and

ordered that it pays $50,000 in cost each to the Attorney General and Minister Patterson.

Patterson had referred to the move by the company as “draconian”, “unreasonable” and “unwarranted”, which would have only become burdensome to Berbicians and the public at large. He further stated that the demand for an increase in toll is based on a “flawed formula

that the functions of the concessionaire to maintain and operate the bridge shall be exercised by the Government of Guyana as of 5th November, 2018 until the date the minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety,” Patterson stated.

ORDERS SOUGHT The BBCI had approached the court for several orders, the first being an order of certiorari quashing paragraph two of the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order 2018 dated

Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran

and computation” and, as such, the government will do everything in its powers to alleviate disruption and ensure smooth function. “On the basis of correspondence between both sides as recently as over the past few days, we do not envision a swift resolution to this crisis.

Therefore, in accordance with the powers conferred upon the minister by Sections Four (one) and 11 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, in the interest of public safety, the minister issued (today) an Order declaring

the exercise of those functions by the government is necessary and expedient in the interest of the public during the period 5th November, 2018, to the date the minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety. (b) An order of certiorari quashing paragraph three of the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order 2018, dated the 1st November, 2018, No. 42 of 2018, made by the first named defendant under the Berbice River Bridge Act Cap 51:06 ordering that the tolls levied and collected and any exemptions shall be the same as those levied, collected and exempted immediately before the coming into operation of the said order. (c) An order of prohibition

Solicitor General Nigel Hawke

the 1st of November, 2018, No. 42 of 2018, made by the first named defendant under the Berbice River Bridge Act Cap 51:06 ordering that the functions of the concessionaire, namely the claimant, to maintain and operate the bridge shall be exercised by the government, the first named defendant having determined that

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

prohibiting the first named defendant or the Government of Guyana from exercising the functions of maintaining and

The Berbice Bridge

operating the Berbice River Bridge. (d) An order of prohibition prohibiting the first named defendant from ordering that the tolls levied, collected and exempted immediately before the coming into operation of the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order No. 42 of 2018, shall be the same as those levied, collected and exempted before the coming into operation of the said order. (e) A declaration that the first named defendant has no power under the Berbice River Bridge Act, or otherwise, to approve or reject an increase in tolls by the claimant. (f) A declaration that the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order No. 42 of 2018 is ultra vires sections Four and 12 of the Berbice River Bridge Act. (g) A declaration that the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order, No. 42 of 2018, made by the first named defendant under the Berbice River Bridge Act is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect in that it is tantamount to the compulsory taking of possession or compulsorily acquiring an interest in or right over property, to wit, the Berbice River Bridge, owned by the claimant without prompt and adequate compensation in violation of article 142(1) of the Constitution of Guyana. (h) A conservatory order prohibiting the defendants, by themselves, their servants and/ or agents from assuming the functions of the claimant as the concessionaire to maintain, operate the Berbice River Bridge under the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order No. 42 of 2018 made under the Berbice River Bridge Act, Cap 51:06. (i) A conservatory order prohibiting the defendants by themselves, their servants and/ or agents from ordering or continuing to maintain the or-

der that the tolls levied and collected and any exemptions from the payment of tolls shall be the same as those levied, collected and exempted immediately before the coming into operation of the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order No. 42 of 2018 made under the Berbice River Bridge Act, Cap 51:06. (j) An order directing the first named defendant to supply to the claimant as a body affected by the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order, No. 42 of 2018, a statement setting out the findings on material questions of fact referring to the evidence or other material on which those findings were based and giving the reasons for the decision.

In October 2018, the government moved to take over the operation and maintenance of the bridge until an amicable resolution can be met.

In a press statement, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, had stated that the decision takes immediate effect and is in accordance with the powers conferred upon the minister by Sections Four (one) and 11 of the Berbice River Bridge Act. A portion of Section 4 (11) states: “A function exercisable by the concessionaire may be exercised by the government — (a) in the event of a national emergency declared by the President; or (b) if the minister determines that – (i) its exercise is necessary or expedient in the interest of public safety; or the concessionaire has defaulted in the performance of its obligations under the Concession Agreement…”

An Order regarding such, cited as the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order 2018, was gazetted on November 1, 2018, and signed by the minister.

Labourer accused of illegal possession of ammunition granted bail MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty, on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, granted a 19-year-old labourer $50,000 bail, on an ammunition possession charge.

Shemroy Williams of So-

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

Particulars of the charge stated that, on December 16, 2019, at Mandela Avenue,

Georgetown, he had one live round of 9mm ammunition, while he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

Attorney-at-law, Adrian Thompson, who represented Williams, told the court that

the items were given to his client attached to a band and he thought it was a decoration.

Police prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail, based on the wrong address

Williams gave to the police, and told the court that, on the day in question, the ammunition was found in Williams’ right side pants pocket.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to the pros-

ecutor and the lawyer released Williams on $50,000 bail. The matter was adjourned until January 22, 2020.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Towards a worthy cause

Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, wife of Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, on Wednesday, handed over proceeds that amounted to $2.1Million to the Ptolemy Reid Centre from a recent performance by Sonia Olla and her Flamenco troupe.

His Excellency, Javier Carbajosa, Ambassador of Spain to Guyana, in collaboration with the Honorary Consul of Spain in Guyana, Brian Tiwarie, hosted a night of Spanish dancing at the National Cultural Centre, on December 6. The event was hosted under the patronage of the Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo.

Mrs. Nagamootoo thanked Ambassador Carajosa and Mr. Tiwarie, noting that the proceeds will improve the lives of the children at the centre.

GLSC partners with Serbia to establish a National Spatial Data Infrastructure THE Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) has teamed up with the Republic Geodetic Authority (RGA) of Serbia to create a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).

Spatial data, also known as geospatial data, is defined as information about a physical object that can be represented by numerical values in a geographic coordinate system. Generally speaking, spatial data represent the location, size and shape of an object on planet Earth such as a building, lake, mountain or township.

“The specific area of cooperation that we are exploring is to get support to create what we call a National

Spatial Data Infrastructure, which is essentially a platform of policies and standards and arrangements between institutions to leverage geospatial information,” said Manager of GLSC’s Information Systems Division, David Cole, during a press briefing, on Wednesday.

GLSC is mandated to create such a system and the commission has already finalised a roadmap towards the development of such an infrastructure in Guyana. The roadmap for development of the NSDI is in line with the United Nations (UN) Geospatial Information Management Framework.

In outlining some features of the roadmap, Cole said: “our roadmap lays out

several key areas to look at and capacity and education are strategic areas…we want to create mechanisms where we can better use geospatial data to make decisions to address challenges and issues we have.”

In addition, through the roadmap, the commission is also working towards making additions to the technological side and improving standards and policies.

With the roadmap in place, Cole explained that RGA will now lend support to develop certain aspects and components of the NSDI. Director of the Centre of the Serbian Geospatial Information Management, Darko Vucetic, has been in Guyana over the past week and has

been engaging in discussions with key agencies.

“We are formalising concrete means and we are leveraging various expertise from across the world to get the NSDI done,” Cole pointed out, adding that GLSC has also sought support from the University of Twente in Netherlands in this area.

The aim is not to duplicate or plagiarise what those countries have done, but to adopt the best practices and basis that will guide the commission.

“We will soon have our own guide… a National Geospatial Information Policy which is currently being looked at by Cabinet… this is important, especially with the prospect of a changing

economy and Guyana’s first oil production,” Cole said.

Guyana will now use Serbia’s experience for further guidance on the development of the data infrastructure. Cole noted that both the GLSC and RGA have a similar mandate to serve their respective countries and leverage geospatial data information for the development of the respective countries.

“We have much that we could learn from RGA and Darko is here this week, exploring and learning and having fruitful discussions on how we can formalise cooperation between our two agencies,” said the manager.

Vucetic said geospatial data right is very important

for unlocking the power and potential of countries.

“We will do our best to share experience and knowledge which we collected in the last couple of years and try to support you,” said the Serbian expert, adding that Serbia will guide the commission and help it to establish E- Government procedures and promote better decision-making based on the geospatial data.

Serbia has leverage on geospatial data the extent that services which usually take months to complete can now be done in a matter of days. Guyana hopes to replicate this through the partnership.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

13

STARR introduces crime prediction software OIL and Gas economies bring fame, fortune and new challenges to developing countries and criminals follow the money and new challenges arise.

With this in mind, STARR Computer has partnered with a leading international firm to provide surveillance software with artificial intelligence.

This was disclosed, on Thursday, by Mike Mohan, President of STARR Computer, during a press briefing at STARR Computer, Brickdam, Georgetown location.

The international company, Digifort Inc, is a Brazilian company that specialises in video surveillance software and video monitoring intelligence. It has two development centres: one located in Boca Raton (Florida, US) and the other one in its Corporate Headquarters in São Paulo, Brazil.

Digifort has offices and branches all around the world and it is present in more than 130 countries with its platform translated in over 18 languages.

According to Mohan, the award winning predictive surveillance software, with artificial intelligence (AI), offers law enforcement agencies, businesses and consumers, the ability to deploy modern technologies on their existing available hardware to deter, apprehend and convict criminals. “Today, as Guyanese and stakeholders prepare for the next phase of oil production, we have three choices to deal with criminals. We can do nothing, wait to react when criminality goes on the rampage, or, be proactive with

Arie Hornreich, Vice President of Digifort

technology solutions readily available. As started almost three decades ago with the computer industry, STARR has now partnered with Digifort Inc,” Mohan said.

Arie Hornreich, vice-president of Digifort, explained and demonstrated their award-winning new software that uses artificial Intelligence (AI) deep learning analytics on big data gathering to predict criminal behaviour.

From facial biometry to “follow me sequence” on a network of surveillance cameras running on a Digifort software platform, Hornreich said this is seen more often in developed countries – cities, malls and airports.

He explained that the software offers from weapon detection to Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) and Security Drone integration to Video Synopsis (the ability to filter human images by colour, clothing, height, and other characteristics).

It also rapidly processes, detects and matches millions of faces in real time, provides 24-hour-per-day service, automating alerts and notifications as an event occurs as well as immediate insight and situational awareness.

Hornreich said the platform supports flexible deployment – including on-premise,

From left at front: Arie Hornreich, Vice President of Digifort; Mike Mohan, President of STARR Computer (behind Hornreich); and Rehman Majeed, General Manager (right at front) with STARR employees testing the software and cameras

cloud, or hybrid – and can also characterise gender, age, and sentiment.

“This enables security professionals to not only identify people on watchlists, but also build greater awareness of demographics and traffic patterns in facilities across retail, health, telecom, education, government, and other commercial markets,” he underscored.

Further, he explained that security teams are burdened with hours of monitoring, which requires extended periods of extreme concentration and attention to detail in order to identify unauthorised or unknown activity.

But, he said, with the software, security staff can be alerted in real time when

Man remanded on break and enter charge MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty, on Wednesday December 18, 2019, remanded a 49-year-old man to prison, on a break and enter charge.

Cecil Forde called ‘Abo’ appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is alleged that, on December 8, 2019, at Avocado Place, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Sonia Aaron and stole

two gas cylinders valued at $50,000, twelve zinc sheets valued at $12,000 and a quantity of clothing valued at $80,000.

Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail being granted to Forde and told the court that, on the day in question, Aaron secured her house and went to bed.

She was awakened by a noise and, upon checking, she saw Forde in her yard with the items.

Blackman added that since the place was bright

Aaron could have seen Forde. She raised an alarm and Forde threw some of the stuff over the fence and made good his escape, with the other items.

The matter was reported to the police, an investigation was launched and Forde was arrested and later charged.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to the Prosecutor, remanded Forde to prison. The matter was adjourned until January 15, 2020.

persons of interest are recognised on any live camera feed, whether or not they are

in view of security personnel.

This includes registered persons, threats, concerns, and

VIPs in authorised or unauthorised areas.

Meanwhile, Mohan explained that STARR Computer is the local integrator, Service Center and Distributor/Partner of many major manufacturers’ products, including Lenovo, HP, APC, Honeywell, Hikvision, Q-See and Epson, among others.

“We make a perfect match with Digifort software,” he said.

Several of STARR COMPUTER employees were certified by Digifort in 2018. And additional training was provided to STARR employees over the past few days. And on an on-going basis, free webinars and seminars will be conducted in STARR board room.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

Broomes surprises mother with new refrigerator -- after tree fell and destroyed her appliances

A YOUNG mother of four, was, on Tuesday, encouraged to stay strong and continue working hard for her family, after a tree fell and damaged her home and appliances.

Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes, visited the housing compound popularly known as ‘Big Yard’, in Guyhoc, where the

incident occurred, to cheer up the distressed family.

The young mother, Lukesha Hackett told Guyana Chronicle that she was doing some Christmas cleaning last Thursday and had placed her appliances outside the house when a big tree fell and damaged her items.

Hackett said her only source of income to provide for her and children were the sales from her icicle and

drinks business. With her refrigerator damaged, she was unable to make any money.

During a visit to the area on Sunday, Broomes learnt of the incident. At that time she was visiting to hand out tickets to the children to attend a football game. After learning of the incident, Broomes said she promised the woman that she would return and pay her a visit.

On Tuesday, she did and

Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes engaging a group of women in Guyhoc

Lukesha Hackett with Minister Broomes after receiving her new refrigerator

presented a brand new refrigerator to the distressed mother. The kind gesture brought the mother to tears.

Hackett said she was grateful to the minister, who would always visit the area and assist residents in whatever way she could.

The children in the community, as reported, were also very fond of Broomes since she would spend quality time with them.

“Minister has done so much I can’t stop thanking her. Nobody comes to check on us but Minister Broomes.

Nobody else comes to bring anything for us or assist our youths, but minister Broomes always would come and make sure we alright. And for that, I must thank her. Now I can go on and start back my business and keep pushing to take care of my family,” Hackett said.

Speaking to a reporter, the minister said she was happy to bring joy and hope to people, especially during this time.

She said even though the situation was unfortunate, she had to ensure that the women in the area understood that they must not depend on handouts. As such, she encouraged Hackett and a few other women in the area to continue to strive for better.

“I believe rather than giving her a fish, give her bait and a rod so she will catch her fish and grow…

All you need is support, not sympathy. I want you all to grow from strength to strength and keep uniting each other until better things happen,” Broomes said.

Teen remanded on larceny charge

MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty, on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, remanded an 18-year-old mason to prison, on a larceny charge.

Isaac Caesar of South Ruimveldt Park appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge, when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on December 15,

2019, at Water Street, Georgetown, he stole a shoulder bag valued at $15,000, a phone valued at $60,000 and $1000 cash, property of Rohee Diadeen.

Police prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail being granted to Caesar and told the court that, on the day in question, Diadeen and her sister were heading to the route 42 bus park when Caesar ap-

proached them and snatched Diadeen’s bag and attempted to run away.

Blackman added that Diadeen raised an alarm and Caesar ran into six police in plain clothes and was arrested and later charged.

Magistrate McGusty remanded Caesar to prison and adjourned the matter until January 8, 2020.

Man accused of rape remanded MAGISTRATE Ann McLennan, on Wednesday December 18, 2019, remanded a 30-year-old taxi driver to prison for having sex with a child under the age of sixteen.

Sahodeo Pooram of Herstelling East Bank, Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on September 27, 2019, at Herstelling East Bank, Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child of the

age of twelve.

It is noted that Pooram picked up the child at Mocha road head took her to his Herstelling address and raped her.

Magistrate McLennan remanded Pooram to prison until December 30, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

GECOM keen on sticking to five-day timeline for new verification exercise per cent verification to ensure that there are no duplicates because we are looking for a credible list and we will ensure that we have that credible list,” Singh said.

“I ruled in the interest of transparency and because I

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield (Adrian Narine photo)

IT is critical that the verification of new registrants recorded during the house-tohouse exercise stick within its five-day limit as failure to do so could affect the Guyana Election Commission’s (GECOM’s) planned timelines.

This is according to Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, who said, on Wednesday, that a team of scrutineers would be working up to Sunday to ensure that they can verify the existence of some 16,300 new registrants.

The need for verification comes as there have been instances of duplicates whereby persons already on the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) were found to be listed as new registrants. Lowenfield said that the activity will bring closure to GECOM’s preparation of a Revised List of Electors (RLE) which will be the final list published for review before the Official List of Electors (OLE).

“The exercise seeks to confirm the identities of 16,300 persons approximately. Working along with our staff and members of the scrutineering teams, we will be moving to ensure that those persons are found. If not found, then the Commission, at the next statutory meeting…will deliberate on further actions to be taken,” the CEO said.

“It is imperative that that decision made over that period because our work plan indicates that we should start production or printing of the revised list of electors on or before December 29, 2019. “

He noted that he has met with party Chief Scrutineers to operationalise the conduct of the exercise and that the goal was to have one team make 20 visits per day. Along with its permanent staff, the Commission will be utilizing the field assistance of persons who worked during the house-to-house registration exercise. Resources for the same will come from left over finances from the cut short house-to-house registration exercise.

Providing data, the CEO said that the largest concentration areas of new registrants to be scrutinized are located on the East Coast corridor with 2,300; South Georgetown with 2,106; North Georgetown with 1,528 and Parika with 1,241.

The total new registrants in other areas include: Mabaruma 511; Moruca Sub Region 176; Charity 451; Anna Regina 682; Vreed-en-hoop 851; La Grange 947; East Bank of Demerara 1,428; New Amsterdam 600; Whim 541; Corriverton 601; Bartica 182; Kamarang 100; Mahdia 105; Paramakatoi 56; Lethem 218; Mackenzie, Linden 459 and Wismar, Linden 451.

Following the verification process, the Commission will provide reports on how the individuals will be committed for production of the RLE. On Wednesday, GECOM Chair, Justice (R’td) Claudette Singh told the media that she ruled that the houseto-house verification exercise be conducted to ensure that there is no leeway for error on the Commission’s part.

“We have to do a 100

would like a credible list; I would like all to have a level playing field so that, in the end, no one can complain that GECOM did something which was just foisted on them without having the List with the new registrants

fully verified.” However, Government-nominated Commissioner, Vincent Alexander has publicly disagreed that house-to-house verification could solve the issue of duplicates on the List of new registrants. He

told the newspaper recently that only fingerprint cross matching and manual sideby-side comparisons of the data on registrants can address the issue of duplicates.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

‘I LOVE GUYANA MINISTER of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, said the “I LOVE GUYANA” monument that was unveiled on Wednesday must inspire more pride and patriotism in every Guyanese and that they should take care of it.

He was, at the time, addressing the gathering at the official unveiling of

Guyana’s first “I LOVE GUYANA” three dimensional sign. “The words “I LOVE GUYANA” must mean something to us”, the minister said at the event which was held on the lawns of the Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry LTD (GBTI) at High & Young streets Kingston Georgetown.

He also congratulated Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry LTD (GBTI), Impressions and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) for the venture, and called on all Guyanese that visit the site to not only say the words “I love Guyana” but to help in taking care of it and by not littering.

Meanwhile, President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar, informed the gathering that it is the intention of the association to brand the entire area the “I LOVE GUYANA Tourist Park” since he believes the area can serve as a gathering point for visitors who wish to celebrate their travels in Guyana. “While this ‘I LOVE

The beautiful ‘I Love

GUYANA’ sign enhances our tourism product, I see it as a symbol of National Pride, Unity, Peace and Love

of Impressions, brought the idea up almost a year ago but underestimated the amount of materials required and

Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine; Patrick Sukhlal of Impres GBTI, and President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar, cutti

among Guyanese,” said the president of THAG. He further noted that the brainchild of the initiative, Patrick Sukhlal aka Neal,

painstaking process involved in making it. As such the cost ran in to over $5M since the construction of the base, walkway as well

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

17

A’ sign unveiled the location was chosen because of its strategic location which covers from the Marriott beach front to the Kingston seawall.

This area, he said, has in its vicinity the Marriott and Pegasus hotels, the Duke

e Guyana’ monument

as landscaping had to be catered for.

To this end GBTI came onboard with a sponsorship

ment towards continuing its sponsorship for the next 10 years. The 12 by 30 feet structure which is brightly

ssions and his family, along with Suresh Beharry, Director of ing the ribbon to open officially, the area to the public

of $1.5 million to assist in the general maintenance and power supply of the monument. The bank has also indicated its commit-

painted in the colours of the Guyana Flag also serves as a perfect backdrop for taking photos and videos.

President of THAG said

Lodge, Embassies and high Commissions along with the Guyana Marine Turtle Monument and the Umana Yana.

His Worship the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, was joined by Sukhlal of Impressions and his family

along with Suresh Beharry director, of GBTI and President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar, to cut the ribbon to open officially, the area to the public. Also speaking at the event were Chairman of the Private

Sector Commission, Captain Gerald Gouveia, and Mayor Narine. Guyana’s singing sensation, Poonam Singh, sang her popular “Guyana” song while the GBTI Buxton Steel orchestra entertained the

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

$12M bridge brings relief to Plaisance, Sparendaam residents

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams and Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency Joseph Harmon assist a young resident with the cutting of the ribbon

A brand new $12 Million bridge has brought relief to the communities of Plaisance and Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

On Wednesday afternoon, there were shouts of jubilation, when Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC and Director General (DG) of the Ministry of the Presidency Joseph Harmon commissioned the bridge. The

absence of the much-needed facility, which now safely connects the two villages, was a cause of distress to residents for several years.

Dubbed their “Christmas gift” by Regional Chairperson Genevieve Allen, residents were assured that much more will be realised in the communities after March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

DG Harmon said af-

ter the issue of the bridge was brought to his attention during an outreach to the community, he reached out to the private sector for assistance. He described the construction of the new bridge as a success story and noted that the best is yet to come.

“We are sure that Guyana is on the right track under the leadership of (His Excellency) President David Granger and the APNU/AFC

Residents turn out in their numbers to witness the commissioning of the bridge

administration. And I know that come March 2nd, you will give us that opportunity to continue this development we have started and ensured that not only this bridge is fixed in Plaisance, but all of your streets and the matters that affect you on a daily basis. AG Williams said the commissioning of the bridge represents a promise kept.

“What you seeing here this afternoon is delivery. The

APNU/AFC delivers. And that is what happened today.

This is not an isolated event; we have a policy to deliver throughout the length and breadth of Guyana,” he said to arousing applause.

The AG said the restoration of infrastructure is one the countless issues left by the previous administration that the Coalition continues to remedy. “You go to Buxton, though there

were no roads in 23 years, you are seeing roads. You go to BV, the same thing in Mahaica. We want to say to you that we are assured that you will remain with us.” He pledged the installation of street lights and rehabilitation of the roads.

Delivering remarks at the simple ceremony too were Regional Chair Genevieve Allen and community activist Conway Douglas. (DPI)

Expedition Roraima a Success!!

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) hosted a press conference on Wednesday December 18, 2019 to share details on its latest tourism activity, “Expedition Mount Roraima”. The expedition featured two Indigenous persons, Edward Jameson and Troy Henry, as well as several expert climbers including Wilson Cuthbert, Waldo Ethrington and Leo Houlding who led the expedition. Henry and Cuthbert were among the first locals to climb to the top of the mountain.

The expedition lasted for one month and saw eight persons being a part of the trip. The participants braved the weather and many other challenging circumstances to make their successful climb to the prow of the 2000-foothigh Mount Roraima.

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, spoke on the success of the expedition stating, “I imagine Phillipai in a few years’

time will be seeing much more helicopters and lots more persons who desire to climb the mountains.” The minister further related her amazement at the historical occurrence of having local persons who had the interest, and braved the obstacles to successfully make the climb and being resolute in participating in this type of expedition.

She encouraged the local persons to take the opportunity they were given and make use of the knowledge they had gained to train and teach other persons, so as to broaden the tourism activities within their communities.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said that the expedition serves as a reminder for Guyanese, of the great nature experience that Guyana has to offer. This gift, he said, will provide a unique future for Guyana in tourism and by extension other businesses.

Further, he explained that

Members of the expedition team along with Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock. (From left) Wilson Cutbirth, climber; Waldo Ethrington, climber; Troy Henry, climber; Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams; Edward Jameson, climber: Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; and Leo Houlding, Expedition Leader

the collaboration of the locals and the visitors to realise the vision is also instructive of the crucial role partnership has to play in the continued development of sustainable eco-tourism.

“The knowledge of our

Indigenous People is key to any venture of this kind.

The forest is our backyard, the eco systems demand our respect and that is what we treat it with. I am sure our accomplished visitors can personally vouch for the

invaluable service the knowledge and experience of the local guys from the beautiful village of Phillipai,” Minister Allicock said.

Troy Henry, one of the two Guyanese ‘climbers’ on the expedition, related

his experience calling it, “difficult” as well as “fulfilling”, he explained that it was difficult navigating the paths and ensuring complete safety, but stated that at the end, the feeling they had gotten, be able to be among the first set of people to climb to the top of the mountain, was unexplainable.

Henry further stated that he was not very fearful while on the expedition and explained that he took strength from his fellow climbers saying to himself, “he’s a human and I’m a human too, if he could climb it, I could do it too.”

The GTA activity aims to encourage the climbing and exploration of Guyana’s mountains as a way of promoting eco-tourism.

It believes that the country’s unique flora and fauna would attract persons from around the world, as it already has and this would be extremely beneficial to the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Determination, discipline, dedication essential in policing -- says 2019 Essequibo Coast Best Cop

Top Cop, Leslie James (seated second from right) along with his deputies (seated) flanked by persons who received awards at the ceremony

WITH determination, dedication and discipline, any member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will rapid-

ly develop in executing the mandate of the profession while serving as peace officers in society.

This was according to Best Cop Sergeant, Gladwin Handover, who was stationed in Essequibo. The 32-year-

old sergeant joined the GPF six years ago.

He was among some 2,600 ranks who were rewarded on Wednesday at the Tactical Service Unit Drill Square, Eve Leary, for their stellar performance.

Sergeant Hanover, who was also named Best Cop of his division, also received multiple gifts from Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), retired Captain, Gerry Gouveia.

The sergeant explained that he was an instructor who trained police before they commenced active duty and was also in charge of the Zara Computer Training Centre at the Richard Fikal Police Training College in Suddie, Essequibo.

He said the college offered citizens computer classes and since 2013, in excess of 2700 persons were trained, even in computer repairs.

“They have also introduced free transportation to and from classes,” he noted.

Further, he noted that, in the police profession, no one can like any specific area or duty since one can be reassigned based on where there was manpower need.

“I am always prepared for anything and whatever the commissioner or administration of the Police Force chooses, I am willing to serve,” he said.

Noting that several youth groups were formed under his guidance, the sergeant said he loved working with youths and always sought to do his best in the various communities as a role model.

Meanwhile, in his remarks at the event, Com-

missioner of Police, Leslie James said the Christmas award ceremony was one where rewards were given

police reform change board.

He explained that the board was providing strategic oversight and it was enabled

PSC Chairman (rtd), Captain Gerry Gouveia hands over an award along with other prizes from Roraima Group of Companies (Adrian Narine photo)

for the good work done by outstanding ranks.

“The performances of our ranks over the past year, in a general way, were in keeping with the Force’s mandate.

Due recognition will be given to those ranks who understood that sense of duty and performed credibly for the past year,” James said.

Adding that the event was a permanent fixture within the Force’s calendar, James said deserving ranks received incentives and commendation. The sum to be given out was $21.3M. “From 1990 from when we had our first award ceremony to date, a total of approximately $425M was given to police ranks and I think that was an achievement,” he noted.

Underscoring that it was year one of the GPF implementation of its strategic plan, the top cop said a number of objectives were achieved, inclusive of the

through the political administration, the IDB and other significant stakeholders.

The top cop noted that currently, the GPF has recorded a -1.3 per cent decrease in serious crimes in all divisions and following the recent carnages on the roadways, the Force has rolled out “Operation Safe Roads”.

He explained that the operation was an effort to stop or prevent fatalities on the roads.

“I take the opportunity to urge that there be a change in the attitude with the use of our roads by the motoring public and also other categories of road users,” he said.

James explained that the Force will continue with its forward thrust and engage in social crime prevention approaches as a professional organisation.

Prizes were also given to community policing groups, rural constables and Joint Services members.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

21

20 graduate from dental assistant programme

DEPUTY Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Boyle, on Wednesday, charged the 2019 graduating class of the Division of Health Science Education’s Dental Assistant Programme to have the right attitude to work and always strive for excellence.

Some 20 students graduated from the programme held at the Grand Coastal Hotel, where Nafeeza Benn of New Amsterdam was named Best Graduating Student.

The students of the one-year programme will now serve at varying public health institutions across the country.

Dr Boyle reminded the students that completing the Dental Assistant Programme is a start on the journey towards greater things.

“This is just a stepping stone to becoming something more. What you have accomplished now, I want to call it your foundation. The most important thing in a building is the part we never see, the

remain in the dental field but with a degree in psychology.

The opportunity presented itself, so I decided to grab hold of it and enter the programme. When I came into the programme, I learnt that dentistry is about so much more than just extracting teeth,” Benn shared.

She described the feeling of completing the one-year programme and topping her class as a bitter-sweet moment.

“I’m happy to be the top student but then it’s sad leav-

Valedictorian of the Dental Assistant Programme, Nafeeza Benn

Volda Lawrence.

With the right attitude, Dr Boyle told the students, their achievements could be limitless.

“Have that right attitude, once you recognise that your altitude is determined by your

of excellence. I assure you there will be no limit to how far you can go,” she said.

All of the students agreed that they had no plans of simply remaining dental assistants and, while many of them said they are headed to

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle (sitting left) with other officials and the graduating students

foundation. And that foundation has to be strong, the strength of the foundation determines how high the building can go. Your attitude is part of that foundation,” Boyle said as she delivered the feature address, on behalf of Minister of Public Health,

attitude, have timeliness for opportunities, have tenacity even though life may throw you curve balls; you keep focused with your eyes on the prize; remain inquisitive; be time conscious; be ubiquitous; be disciplined, dependable; and have a spirit

becoming full blown dental surgeons someday, valedictorian Benn has her sights set on becoming a psychologist.

“This is just the beginning of things to come. I want to study psychology and become a psychologist, so that’s my next step. I would

ing people you’ve known for one year and you’ve built bonds with,” she said.

Benn also copped the award for Best Student of Psychology.

Akeela Deeno was adjudged the Best Graduating Student of Region Five while Abiola Patoir was recognised as the second Best Graduating Student from that Region.

Najuma Christiani was the Best Graduating Student of Region Three.

Patoir was also awarded for being the Best Student in

Infection Control and Christiani was the Best Student in Dental Assisting and Dental Charting. The award for Best Radiology Student went to Esther MacCloud.

Dwayne Barry, who was one of only four males in the programme, won the Most Improved Student award and was also the third Best Graduating Student. The Best Clinical Student prize went to Dellon Lewis.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Nandlall loses again

…Court of Appeal throws out his challenge to law books theft charge THE Guyana Court of Appeal on Wednesday threw out the application filed by former Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall to have the larceny charge for over $2M worth of law books from the Ministry of Legal Affairs quashed.

The ruling was handed down by Chancellor (Ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices Rishi Persaud and Franklin Holder at the Appeal Court, Kingston, Georgetown.

Nandlall had approached the Appeal Court for a judicial review of the charge against him.

The former AG is on trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the alleged

theft of the Lexis Nexis Law Reports of the Commonwealth that cost some $2M. The law reports are the property of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the charge contends.

The chancellor noted that she did not want to intervene in the ongoing matter at the Magistrates’ Court.

As such, after the matter concludes at the Magistrates’ Court, Nandlall should approach the Appeal Court for a judicial review of the case.

One year ago, Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore had called on Nandlall to lead his defence in the trial for the alleged theft; he is still to do so.

When the matter was last called at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Court, Nandlall was absent because he was attending the launch of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s 2020 manifesto, which was held at Freedom House. Nandlall is being represented by Attorneys-at-Law Neil Boston, S.C, Glen Hanoman and Devindra Kissoon.

The matter was adjourned until January 10, 2020.

On November 23, 2018, Magistrate Azore had ruled that a prima facie case against Nandlall had been made and called on him to lead his defence.

During that hearing, Hanoman had told the court that his client will give a sworn testimony and former President Donald Ramator

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

was expected to be called as a defence witness to support his case.

Over the past few years, Nandlall has repeatedly confirmed that while he was AG, the law books were

purchased for him by the state with approval by former President Ramotar. Nandlall had explained that the law books were in his possession and he had no intention of returning them to the state.

He subsequently secured an order in the High Court, which bars the police from seizing the books.

Nandlall had stated that the books were acquired during his term in office as Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs. He previously stated that he commenced subscribing to Lexis Nexis (U.K.), publishers of the Commonwealth Law Reports sometime in 2003, and the arrangement was that the reports be shipped to him, along with an invoice.

He noted that before his appointment as attorney-general and minister of legal affairs, he had requested that as a condition of his service, that is, that the state should stand the related expense and that was agreed.

The items were taken by him when his party demitted office in May 2015. That, he said, was communicated to the relevant authorities.

More rice companies should aim to supply Cuba’s market MORE rice is expected to be exported to Cuba in January 2020, but there is need for more rice companies to raise their standards to supply the Spanish-speaking market.

This is according to president of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Halim Khan.

Khan said Surinamese officials are currently securing markets in Cuba for rice exports next year while also developing urea fertiliser and other inputs available at attractive prices.

He said Cuba currently purchases a large quantity of rice from Guyana. Nand Persaud and Company Limited, producers of Karibee rice brand, have built a rice milling plant in Cuba’s free zone.

He noted that Nand Persaud is a major employer in East Berbice and one of the biggest buyers of paddy from farmers. The company has also invested in packaging and call centres.

Khan noted that Barbados has also expressed interest in purchasing rice from Suriname.

“Guyanese companies need to raise their standards in order to meet the needs of global supply and demand while exploring value-added chains,” he said.

He explained that the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has embarked on a mission to increase awareness of the significant benefits and opportunities of its Rice Value Chain.

The chamber’s president noted that the re-introduction of rice flour into the market will result in a decrease in the importation of

President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce, Halim Khan

wheat flour, further resulting in a reduction of Guyana’s overall import bill.

“Value-added rice and rice-based products will also create employment and serve as an additional source of income to those who get involved in the production chain. The industry will also increase the shelf life of products made from rice while reducing the importation of these products from other countries,” Khan noted.

The president of the Region Three Chambers noted that Guyana has been enjoying a close relationship with Cuba since the 1970s and early 1980s.

“The two countries officially established diplomatic ties in 1972 with Cuba agreeing to provide medical supplies, doctors, and medical training to Guyana, an initiative that still exists. Since then, a significant number of persons have received scholarships to study there. In recent year or so, Cubans have been coming here under a visa-free arrangement to shop,” Khan explained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Leguan ferry service to resume normal operating hours MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, on Wednesday, met with rice farmers and a miller, as well as other business persons in Leguan, Region Three where he committed to resuming the regular operating hours of the Ferry service for a limited time.

The Minister was, at the time, addressing the residents, during a meeting which was specifically held to discuss the issues affecting them on the Island.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Minister Sharma was told that due to the ongoing construction works at the Leguan Stelling, the regular operation hours of the Ferry Service were disrupted, affecting rice farmers and the business community as well as general commut-

The release said the service was disrupted as the stelling was not in a safe state to facilitate heavy loads and hence needed repairs.

Several suggestions were made but the Minister eventually agreed to resume the service for a period of time to cater for the transportation of the residents' goods especially their rice produce.

The Minister said that the Ferry will be arriving in Leguan around 07:00hrs to facilitate the business persons.

The vessel will later return to the Island from Parika, during the afternoon hours, at approximately 16:00hrs.

During the visit, Minister Sharma was also taken on a walkabout to assess some of the ongoing and completed projects. “The Minister observed that drainage works were progressing well to

Death penalty for killer of Buxton woman JUSTICE Sandil Kissoon on Wednesday imposed the death penalty on the mastermind behind the gruesome 2015 murder of businesswoman Samantha Benjamin in Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

Imran Ramsaywack called Kevin Jones, Coolie Boy or Ramsa, of Berbice, was found guilty by a 12-member jury for the murder of Benjamin between March 25, 2015, and March 26, 2015 at Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

The judge handed down the ruling at the Demerara High Court after noting that the killing of Benjamin was “a cold- blooded and calculated robbery which turned into murder.”

Justice Kissoon also considered the manner in which Benjamin was killed-- the violent nature in which her body was dismembered.

The judge deemed Ramsaywack unfit to dwell among civilised citizens, thus imposing on him the death penalty.

As the judge read the sentence, Benjamin’s relatives began to weep while shouting “Justice is served” and shook their heads in agreement with the death sentence. Ramsaywack, who stood expressionless in the prisoner’s dock, watched as his relatives burst into tears.

Hill on the Island. Residents stressed the importance of that project as they pointed out that the area was recently inundated due to heavy rainfall.

Residents also used the opportunity to request assistance to fix about eight street lights which have not been working for a few weeks.

ers.

Ramsaywack was represented by Ravindra Mohabir; Abigail Gibbs and Mandel Moore represented the state.

During the trial, Police Detective Inspector Salish Roopnarine testified on behalf of the state and read a caution statement which he had taken from Ramsaywack during the investigation in 2015.

In the caution statement, Ramsaywack told the investigator that he was smoking “weed” and was listening “Kartel” music with his friends Zackery and Itchy.

The men on March 25, 2015, allegedly robbed Benjamin at her Buxton home. They men lashed her to the head then proceeded to ransack the house for valuables, particularly the room Benjamin had occupied.

After hitting the woman to her head, they proceeded to chop off her hands and feet, placed her in a wheelbarrow and wheeled her to the Buxton seawall under cover of darkness. At the seashore, Itchy decided to sever the woman’s head.

On March 26, 2015, Benjamin’s torso was found but her head and limbs were missing.

Shortly after, the police returned to the scene where the woman’s head, hands and feet were discovered nearby.

From right: Mr. Seenarine Nandram, Region Three Sea and River Defence Engineer; Hon. Jaipaul Sharma, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure; and Mr. S. Maraj from Maraj Construction Company

aid in significantly reducing flooding in the area, caused by heavy rainfall. The clearing of the drains will assist the rice farmers and cash crop farmers,” the release said.

It noted that the works were being undertaken by a

private contractor, A. Nazeir Construction and General Supplies, for the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Minister Sharma was told of some of the major works that were required, including the clearing of a major canal at Uniform to Richmond

Section of the farmers and residents represented at the meeting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 19, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Kuldeep hat-trick; Rohit, Rahul hundreds crush Windies Arab Emirates Racing Tips Meydan 10:30 hrs Ziyadd 11:05 hrs Early Motion 11:40 hrs Dubai Avenue 12:15 hrs Lady Parma 12:50 hrs Heavy Metal 13:25 hrs George Villiers American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 New Frontier Race 2 Gray Witch Race 3 Uncle Ned Race 4 Nowitna River Race 5 Him She Kisses Race 6 Am Impazible Race 7 Arthur’s Hope Race 8 I’M Fine South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:10 hrs Pillaroftheearth 08:45 hrs Running Brave 09:25 hrs Social Order 10:05 hrs King’s Archer 10:45 hrs Norcic Rebel 11:25 hrs Tilmeeth English Racing Tips Hereford 08:40 hrs Special Princess 09:10 hrs Supremely Lucky 09:40 hrs Steal A March 10:10 hrs Espion De Saflo 10:40 hrs Northofthewall 11:10 hrs Shininstar 11:40 hrs Holly Mount Holly Exeter 08:50 hrs Misty Whisky 09:20 hrs Lossiemouth 10:20 hrs Dostal Phil 10:50 hrs Kiwi Myth 11:20 hrs Johnbb 1150 hrs Urtheonethatiwant Wolverhampton 12:50 hrs Summeronsevenhills 13:25 hrs Qatar Queen 14:00 hrs Elzaam’s Dream 14:30 hrs Whisper Aloud 15:00 hrs Canford Bay 15:30 hrs Roaring Rory 16:00 hrs Muraaqeb 16:30 hrs Enmeshing

VISAKHAPATNAM, India (CMC) – In-form Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran carved out contrasting half-centuries but Kuldeep Yadav’s dramatic hat-trick crippled West Indies’ run chase and propelled India to a series-levelling 107run victory in the second One-Day International here yesterday.

Chasing a mammoth 388 at the ACA-VDCA Stadium after openers Rohit Sharma (159) and KL Rahul (102) slammed scintillating hundreds, West Indies were challenging at 192 for three in the 30th over and creating some worry in the Indian ranks But Kuldeep intervened with his left-arm spin to knock over Hope, Jason Holder (11) and Alzarri Joseph (0) in successive deliveries in the 33rd over as West Indies lost their last seven wickets for 88 runs to be all out for 280 in the 44th.

Hope stroked a top score of 78 off 85 deliveries while Pooran unleashed a breathtaking 47-ball 75 but their dismissals ended all hope of pulling off the record run chase.

With the game gone, all-rounder Keemo Paul lashed a stroked-filled 46 from 40 balls, in an attempt to take some of the shine off India’s convincing win.

Kuldeep finished with three for 52 while seamer Mohammed Shami picked up three for 39, including the key wickets of Pooran and captain Kieron Pollard (0) off successive deliveries in the 30th over.

The victory saw India avoid a series defeat to West Indies and turn Sunday’s final game in Cuttack into a series- decider.

Sent in, India flourished through Rohit and Rahul, the pair posting an astonishing 227 at the top of the order – a record first-wicket stand for

the hosts against West Indies.

Rohit, a deserving Manof-the-Match, crunched 17 fours and five sixes in a knock lasting 138 balls while Rahul chipped in with eight fours and three sixes off 104 deliveries.

Rahul, though, was first to his fifty off 46 balls in the 16th over and Rohit followed in the 22nd over, bringing up his landmark off 67 balls by pulling seamer Paul to the square boundary.

Capitalising on a dropped chance on 70, Rohit raced to his 28th ODI hundred off 107 balls in the 34th over and Rohit joined him three overs later, reaching his fifth one-day century off 103 balls.

The stand ended when Rahul was taken at third man off pacer Alzarri Joseph off the final ball of the same over and the Caribbean side struck again in the next over, the 38th, when Pollard removed his opposite number Virat Kohli for a first-ball ‘duck’.

However, Shreyas Iyer, who slammed 53 from 32 deliveries, then put on a further 60 for the third wicket with Rohit and 73 for the fourth wicket with Pant (39), to get India up to their second highest-ever total against West Indies and ninth highest total overall.

Needing to score at nearly eight runs an over, Hope and Lewis gave West Indies a solid, if not dashing, start to their run chase when they posted 61 off 66 balls to deny India early success.

Surviving a chance at slip off the fourth ball of the innings before he had scored, Hope struck seven fours and three sixes while the left-handed Lewis punched five fours in a 35-ball stay at the crease.

With the required run rate steadily rising, Lewis holed

out to deep square off pacer

Scoreboard INDIA innings Rohit Sharma c wkp.

Hope b Cottrell 159 KL Rahul c Chase b Joseph 102 V. Kohli c Chase b Pollard 0 S. Iyer c wkp. Hope b Cottrell 53 R. Pant c Pooran b Paul 39 K. Jadhav not out 16 R. Jadeja not out 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-3, nb-1, w-13) 18 Total: (5 wkts, 50 overs) 387 Fall of wickets: 1-227, 2-232, 3-292, 4-365, 5-373.

Bowling: Cottrell 9-0-83-2 (w-2), Holder 9-0-45-0 (w-1), Pierre 9-0-62-0 (w-2), Paul 7-0-57-1 (w-1), Joseph 9-168-1 (w-3), Chase 5-0-48-0 (w-3, nb-1), Pollard 2-0-20-1 (w-1).

WEST INDIES innings E. Lewis c Iyer b Thakur 30 S. Hope c Kohli b Yadav 78 S. Hetmyer run-out 4 R. Chase b Jadeja 4 N. Pooran c Kuldeep Yadav b Mohammed Shami 75 K. Pollard c wkp. Pant b Mohammed Shami 0 J. Holder stp. Pant b Kuldeep Yadav 11 K. Paul b Mohammed Shami 46 A. Joseph c Jadhav b Kuldeep Yadav 0 K. Pierre c Kohli b Jadeja 21 S. Cottrell not out 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-2, w-8) 11 Total: (all out, 43.3 overs) 280 Fall of wickets: 1-61, 2-73, 3-86, 4-192, 5-192, 6-210, 7-210, 8-210, 9-260.

Bowling: Chahar 7-1-44-0 (w-2), Thakur 8-0-55-1 (w2), Shami 7.3-0-39-3 (w-1), Jadeja 10-0-74-2 (w-1), Yadav 10-0-52-3, Iyer 1-0-13-0 (w-2).

Man-of-the-Match: Rohit Sharma.

Shardul Thakur in the 11th over and first-match century-maker Shimron Hetmyer lasted just seven balls before he was run-out for four going for a second run in the 14th over.

When left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja squared up Roston Chase (4) and rocked back his off-stump, West Indies were reeling at 86 for three in the 16th over – having lost three wickets for 25 runs in the space of 30 balls.

Pooran then entered to unveil a gem of an innings, belting half-dozen fours and sixes in an up tempo 106-run fourth-wicket stand with Hope to give the Windies Hope.

While Hope reached his fifty off 58 deliveries, Pooran

his – the fourth of a promising career – off 34 balls in the 27th over with disdainful pull to the mid-wicket boundary off pacer Deepak Chahar.

Dropped on 22 in the 24th over, Pooran eventually perished in the 30th over, top-edging Shami to Iyer at long leg and off the very next ball, Pollard edged one that left him and was caught at the wicket.

Hope was eyeing a third straight ODI hundred when he swung Kuldeep to Kohli at deep mid-wicket. Holder, who had crossed, was then deceived and stumped by Pant and Joseph edged a prod to Kedar Jadhav at slip, to give Kuldeep the second hat-trick of his career.

Foster keen on parts of ...

few to put the club as well as the country on the map and Foster identified the side screens, two dressing rooms and stands as potential parts of the venue which could be given new aliases.

With the BCB elections set for Sunday, Foster said that should he be re-elected, he will push harder for the renaming of Port Mourant ground. He stated that the

objective, should he be given a chance to rule another term; will be to continue the work he has been committed to over the past 22 months.

Regarding the passing of Butcher who died in Miami on Monday, Foster said should the legendary player’s body be sent back home to Guyana, BCB will then seek to arrange tributes in memory of the 86-year-old cricketer.

wasted little time in racing to

From back page

Foster also noted that no decision will be made regarding hosting of matches and tournaments until after elections. He said the pair of 1st division finals; Ivan Madray T20 and Busta Champions of Champions, which were postponed due to the weather will have their new dates confirmed after Sunday.

The BCB head explained that should a new executive

committee take office, that body will have to designate a competition’s chairman who will then set dates for the pair of matches.

In closing, Foster said the year was good for BCB as they achieved much in terms of their goals while a lot more cricket competitions were played this year compared to the drought a few years ago. (Clifton Ross)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Fuelled by Stokes, foiled by Smith - England headline 2019 act Amlan Chakraborty NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - Explosive all-rounder Ben Stokes and relentless run accumulator Steve Smith could not be more different in their approaches to the game but both roared back from personal adversity to bestride an extraordinary cricketing year.

Nobody doubted England’s title credentials in their home World Cup after the spectacular metamorphosis of Eoin Morgan’s side into a white-ball juggernaut since their embarrassing exit from the 2015 tournament.

But few anticipated the drama that would mark their crowning moment as they ended a 44-year wait for a maiden 50-over World Cup title at a mesmerised Lord’s.

Stokes’s international future had been in doubt after he was involved in a court case over a fight outside a nightclub, but with that behind him he returned to the fold in spectacular style.

In the final, he chan-

nelled his inner gladiator to almost single-handedly drag England to a tie with New Zealand as, after six weeks of cricket, the game was decided by a Super Over.

That too ended level but England knew it would be enough to win the trophy on the obscure boundary countback rule, triggering wild celebrations at the home of cricket and heated debate about the fairness of the rule.

Defeated captain Kane Williamson, adjudged player-of-the-tournament, handled gracefully the heartbreak that cemented New Zealand’s reputation as the tournament’s perennial bridesmaids.

Three months after the July 14 final, the game’s governing body discarded the rule, prompting a sarcastic response from New Zealand’s Jimmy Neesham.

“Next on the agenda: Better binoculars for the ice spotters on the Titanic,” tweeted the all-rounder who faced five of the six deliveries from Jofra Archer in that fateful Super Over.

STOKES ALSO LIT UP ASHES SERIES. After England had been bowled out for 67 and were running out of batsmen in their second innings, he smashed an incredible unbeaten 135 to secure an astonishing victory in the third Test at Headingley.

His heroics earned him the BBC Sports Personality-of-the-Year award, but even the great all-rounder had to bow to Smith when it came to dominating the series.

ASHES REDEMPTION In a drawn series, Australia retained the Ashes largely because Smith redeemed himself in extraordinary fashion after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

Stripped of the captaincy and smeared in ignominy after the Cape Town fiasco, Smith became Australia’s immovable rock as he amassed 774 runs in seven innings at an average of 110, despite missing the third

Australia’s Steve Smith and England’s Ben Stokes shake hands after the match. (Reuters/Paul Childs)

Test with concussion.

Financial powerhouse India lost in the World Cup semi-finals but flexed their muscles in the long format.

Virat Kohli and his men top the confused and confusing World Test Championship table with seven wins in as many matches, including their first pink-ball Test against Bangladesh last month.

That victory marked their 12th consecutive Test series win at home.

In other significant de-

velopments, women’s Twenty20 got the nod to feature in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, while Test cricket returned to Pakistan after more than a decade with a two-match series against Sri Lanka.

The game continued to grapple with corruption issues and Bangladesh captain Shakib-Al-Hasan was given a two-year ban, one of which is suspended, for failing to report fixing approaches.

Player-board disputes flared up in Bangladesh

and South Africa, the latter also grappling with a tricky transition after quick Dale Steyn quit Test cricket while batsman Hashim Amla and leg-spinner Imran Tahir retired altogether.

The game also lost former England captain Bob Willis - one of the heroes of the classic 1981 Ashes series - who died of cancer at the age of 70 this month.

Anderson back in action as England in draw

BENONI, South Africa (AFP) - England fast bowler James Anderson bowled 11 overs and picked up a wicket yesterday in his first outing after more than four months out of action because of injury.

Chris Woakes was England’s most successful bowler, taking three for 48 as the tourists bowled out a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI for 289 on the second day of a non-firstclass two-day match at Willowmoore Park. England, leading by 20 runs on the first innings, declined the chance to bat again as the match ended in a draw.

“It was a good run-out for us,” said Woakes, who took all three of his wickets in the space of 11 balls after

James Anderson is England’s leading Test wicket-taker, with 575 wickets.

lunch.

Anderson, who suffered a calf injury after bowling four overs in the first Test against Australia at Edgbaston in August, bowled two spells.

He sent down six overs with the new ball, conceding 30 runs and a more impressive five-over spell after lunch when he took one for seven.

Anderson ended a 131run third-wicket stand between Kabelo Sekhukhune (65) and Jacques Snyman (79) when he had Sekhukhune caught behind.

Woakes followed up with his three-wicket burst, using the short ball effectively.

“It was a different role, really, bowling a few bouncers. The wicket wasn’t responding too much from a

length, so at lunchtime we felt we had to change it up a bit, find different ways to get wickets.”

Three of England’s frontline bowlers – Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad and Jack Leach – did not travel to Benoni because of illness. All-rounder Ben Stokes was not part of the match squad after only arriving on Tuesday but took the field as a substitute fielder and held a catch.

England will play a three-day first-class match against South Africa A at the same venue, starting tomorrow. The first Test starts in Centurion on December 26.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Why Fury split with trainer Ben Davison ahead of Wilder rematch THERE would be no lucrative rematch with WBC champion Deontay Wilder for Tyson Fury were it not for Ben Davison. There may not even have been an initial bout between the two giants with claims to the heavyweight throne were it not for Davison.

Davison revealed on social media on Sunday that he’d split from Fury and would no longer train the lineal heavyweight champion, who fights Wilder in a rematch of their memorable 2018 bout on February 22 in Las Vegas. On Monday, Fury announced that SugarHill Steward, the nephew of the late Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward, would be

in his corner for Wilder.

Fury was more than 400 pounds and not far away from a suicide attempt when he’d hooked up with Davison.

With Davison’s guidance, he dropped 140 pounds, fought Wilder to a controversial draw and signed a big-dollar co-promotional agreement with Top Rank to fight in the U.S. Davison was far more than a trainer; and actually working on strategy and teaching Fury technique were the least of his contributions.

He is the guy who, quite literally, brought Fury back to life.

He was there as much for the way he could help Fury with his mental health prob-

lems as he was for his boxing knowledge. Davison is 27 and doesn’t have the years of experience that someone like Freddie Roach brings to the corner. He is a perfectly competent trainer, but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of perfectly competent trainers.

Davison was the Fury whisperer, a guy who was there for Fury during the many rough patches in his life. Fury has been public with his mental health demons, and Davison is one of the key figures who helped him through that.

It’s going to be something Fury has to fight all of his life, but he’s in a far better place now than he was in those dark days after he’d

Tyson Fury and Ben Davison are no longer working together, but remain friends. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

beaten Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to become unified champion and began to think of taking his own life.

He speaks publicly about his issues in a bid to help others face their problems.

People are often reluctant to admit they have problems and need help, and Fury has tried to remove the stigma that surrounds them. One isn’t “nuts” simply because he/she suffers from depression or some other form of mental illness.

Davison was there to support Fury and be an understanding voice and a watchful eye. He was the perfect trainer at the perfect spot in Fury’s life.

But as Fury has improved in that regard, he’s not in need of as much help as he was, and he’ll have former middleweight champion Andy Lee in his camp to serve that role.

Obviously it’s not gonna stop until there’s an answer.

Tyson and myself had to both make decisions for our

careers, which resulted in our working relationship coming to an end, However, we remain friends and he will smash the dosser!!

Fury trained at the Kronk Gym in Detroit when Emanuel Steward was alive and got to know SugarHill there.

With his fight with Wilder essentially determining who is the world’s No.1 heavyweight, it’s incumbent upon Fury to put together the best team possible.

He would have liked to have had Davison remain on as a No. 2, but Davison wasn’t interested in that.

Davison is training Billy Joe Saunders and can now commit all of his attention to Saunders, who is in the running to be Canelo Alvarez’s next opponent.

Fury out-boxed Wilder when they met on December 1, 2018, in Los Angeles in a fight that ended as a split draw. One judge favoured Fury, another had Wilder and the third had it even.

Wilder’s knockdowns in the

ninth and 12th rounds were what got him the points to earn the draw.

If Fury stays off the deck in the rematch, he’s almost certain to win by a wide margin. Fury is by far the better pure boxer and can win the fight by keeping a jab in Wilder’s face and keeping him at a distance where he can’t close the gap and land his powerful right.

Wilder is arguably the hardest puncher in boxing history, and is riding a wave of confidence heading into the rematch. He figures to be more dangerous in February than he was in 2018, so Fury needs to be comfortable that he’s doing all he can to be prepared to defuse those bombs headed in his direction.

If he feels Steward gives him the best chance to do that rather than Davison, then he needs Steward in his corner. The decision has nothing to do with Davison’s ability to train and all to do with Fury’s comfort.

Davison will go down in boxing lore for what he did with Fury, even if they never work together again. Bringing Fury back from the brink of death to within a single punch of the WBC belt is a monstrous achievement that won’t ever be forgotten.

He was that man for that time. SugarHill Steward is the man for the present.

Fury made the move that made the most sense for where he stands in his career at this stage, and no one should have a complaint or a second-guess about what he’s done. (Yahoo Sport)

Ireland’s tour of Sri Lanka postponed due to lack of broadcast partner IRELAND’S February Test against Sri Lanka has been postponed due to the lack of a broadcast partner.

Sri Lanka Cricket’s original broadcast agreement was concluded in 2013, at which time Ireland was not a full member country.

ICC rules dictate that all international Tests must be broadcast.

Sri Lanka hopes to reschedule the Ireland Test for later in 2020 after securing a new broadcast agreement early next year.

Ireland’s men were set to take on Sri Lanka for the first time at Test level between February 8 and 12, in just their fourth game in cricket’s longest format.

“We had far progressed in our planning for this short tour, so we and the travelling squad are obviously disappointed,” said Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom.

“Rest assured we shall work as quickly as possible with SLC to identify an alternative slot for the match and we shall communicate

that as soon as it is confirmed.”

The news of postponement comes just a day after Ireland announced the cancellation of their T20 series with Afghanistan and their plans to change their home Test with Bangladesh to a T20 match.

In making the alterations to their 2020 schedule, Deutrom cited “financial constraints and prioritisation of fixtures” before the T20 World Cup in Australia. (BBC Sport)

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Guyana finish 15th at World Mixed Doubles Curling Qualification in Scotland GUYANA’S national mixed doubles curling team – Rayad Husain and Farzana Hussain – claimed 15th place overall in the recent World Mixed Doubles Qualification Event at Greenacres Curling Club just outside of Glasgow, Scotland.

This is the first year that the World Mixed Doubles Championship has been split from an open entry event.

Sixteen teams qualified directly to the 2020 World Championship Kelowna, BC, Canada from last year’s event in Norway. Those who did not qualify were offered the opportunity to compete in Scotland for the remaining four entries in the 20-team field in Canada.

According to a release from the Guyana Curling Federation (GCF), 28 teams were divided into four groups at the inaugural qualification event, where Guyana were drawn into Group A with tournament favourites China and Germany, as well as Denmark, Kosovo, Ukraine, and Wales.

The six-game round-robin began for Guyana on Day Two (after receiving a bye on Day One) with two age-old powerhouses of international curling; Germany and Denmark.

Guyana’s national Mixed Doubles curling team – Rayad Husain and Farzana Hussain – compete at the World Mixed Doubles Qualification Event in Scotland. (Photo compliment WCF/Richard Gray)

The Guyanese duo started slowly against the Germans spotting a 5-ender in the first end. However, they began to make up ground bringing the score to 5:4 after three ends. That is where progress stalled, and the Germans ran away with the game ending 11:5.

In the evening, there was another tough task for Guyana against Denmark. At the

halfway point, the Guyanese were ahead by 4:1 even with a couple of missed opportunities for extra points. After 7 ends and forcing Denmark to a single point on their power play in the 6th end, Guyana led 5:4.

To the credit of the Danes, they played a perfect 8th end which resulted in a steal of one to force the extra end. Another perfect end and

a bad call by the Guyanese gave Denmark another steal and the game 7:5.

The disappointment of the first two games, and particularly the Danish game, did not carry over though.

Three decisive wins in a row gave the team some momentum with wins over Ukraine (8:2), Kosovo (9:2), and Wales (9:4).

With a 3-2 record on the

final day, the momentum ceased as they were playing a very strong Chinese team (one of a few beginning preparations toward the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022).

Ice reading was tricky in this final game, and the Chinese were able to find the right weights and lines leading to a 13:2 win. It was a sad ending for the brother-sister duo as their play was great through the week.

On a 3-3 final record, the team finished 4th in the Pool of Death, and 15th out of 28 overall. The Germans and Chinese advanced from the group to the playoffs where they won the right to qualify their countries for the 2020 worlds alongside Korea and Italy.

Reflecting on the championship, Rayad Husain said “obviously 15th place is not where we want to be. However, given the pool that we were in with three strong teams, of which two qualified to the world championship, we can’t be too disappointed.

The game against Denmark is a game we would like back, but we’ve learned from it and take it as experience for the next time.”

Asked about the goals moving forward for the team,

he said: “We feel very positive after this event. We know we are capable of better than what we showed here, and feel determined to make it happen next season. We are definitely among the middle of the pack, and now need to do the right things to get us to the next level, and we are ready to do what it takes to achieve that.”

The next event for the mixed doubles team will be a major cash event in Toronto from January 17-20 featuring top Canadian teams, as well as China, Korea, Australia, Poland, Switzerland, and Hong Kong.

Following this event, Rayad and Farzana will join forces with Baul Persaud (competed in last season’s America’s Challenge) and newcomer Roslyn Baichoo to play a few events in Canada to prepare for their debut in the World Mixed Championship (4-person team) in October 2020.

The Guyana Curling Federation expressed gratitude to Rock Solid Productions Inc. for continued support as well as Goldline Curling Supplies for supplying the team kits.

Dragon Stout Street-ball ‘Community Cup’ … Indoor Kings’ Sparta Boss in tonight’s first quarter-final

Futsal action at the National Gymnasium

DUBBED ‘Kings’ of the indoor format, Sparta Boss will oppose Future Stars, while Leopold Street battle Gold is Money, Rio AllStars tackle Avocado Ballers and Bent Street engage Festival City tonight in the quarter-final section of the inaugural Dragon Stout Street-ball ‘Community Cup’ at the National Gymnasium.

The respective teams advanced to the fina-eight section, following opening-night victories on Tuesday at the same venue in front of a sizeable crowd.

According to a brief comment from the Dragon Stout Brand Manager Jamal Baird, “Despite the intermittent showers, an exciting and incident-free night of action occurred which boasted several upsets - a sign of the competitive nature of the

event.

“I want to thank all the fans and players who were present and I am expecting a scintillating quarter-final section, which will precede the-always captivating final night of play. This is the start of a wonderful project and I am very excited about the future.”

Bent Street overcame Broad Street 3-2. William Europe bagged a double in the fourth and ninth minutes while Daniel Wilson netted in the 16th minute.

On target for losers were Ryan Dowding and Akeem Sam in the seventh and 18th minute respectively.

Similarly Leopold Street edged Ansa McAl 2-1. Darren Benjamin and Omallo Williams scored in the 15th and 17th minute respectively.

For Ansa McAl, Mavlvis Alcala netted in the 14th

minute.

Likewise Future Stars squeaked past Albouystown 3-2. Jamal Cozier, Selwyn Williams and Dellon Kelly scored in the eighth, 13th and 16th minutes.

For Albouystown, Moses Grittens and Andre Webber netted in the 14th and 18th respectively.

Meanwhile, Gold is Money defeated Mocha 3-1. Jamal Pedro, Michael Pedro and Stephon McLean scored in the seventh, ninth and 15th minutes. For the losers, Amos Ramsay found the back of the net in the 18th minute.

Rio All-Stars battled past Alexander Village 2-0. New recruit Trayon Bobb recorded a double in the eighth and 18th minutes.

In other results, Avocado Ballers dismantled Sophia 5-1, while Festival City

crushed North East La Penitence 4-1. Meanwhile Sparta Boss received a bye to the quarterfinal section.

Winners of the tournament will pocket $300 000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the runners-up will collect $150 000.

Meanwhile, the third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $75 000 and $50 000 respectively and the corresponding accolade. Below list the complete fixtures and results for the previous match day.

Quarterfinal Fixtures Festival City vs Bent St 20:00hrs Rio All-Stars vs Avocado Ballers - 20:30hrs Leopold Street vs Gold is Money - 21:00hrs Sparta Boss vs Future Stars - 21:30hrs

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Barca, Real share spoils in rare goalless ‘Clasico’

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Real Madrid outplayed Barcelona for large parts of Wednesday’s La Liga clash but were unable to make their dominance count and the ‘Clasico’ ended goalless to leave the Catalans top of the standings on goal difference. oth sides had shots cleared off the line and Real’s Gareth Bale did put the ball in the net after the interval but his strike was narrowly ruled out for offside and the fixture ended scoreless for the first time since November, 2002.

The draw left Barca top on 36 points after 17 games with Real also on 36, five clear of third-placed Sevilla.

The game was rescheduled from Oct. 26 due to the political turmoil that gripped

Catalonia after separatist leaders were given lengthy jail sentences two months ago and was played amid a protest in favour of independence near the stadium.

Loud chants of “independence” and “freedom” greeted kick-off while many supporters held up flags reading “Spain Sit and Talk” distributed by protest organisers in a call for dialogue between the central government and Catalonia.

Local police reported confrontations between officers and protesters outside the ground while play was briefly stopped in the second half when a number of beach balls were thrown on to the pitch amid more chants for freedom for the jailed leaders.

The action on the pitch

did not quite live up to the billing or the tense atmosphere in the stands as Barca failed to get going throughout the game and Real bossed the first half.

PENALTY APPEALS Zinedine Zidane’s side fired 12 shots at the hosts’ goal before the interval, coming closest with a Casemiro header which Gerard Pique scrambled off the goalline, while they also had two penalty appeals waved away for challenges on Raphael Varane.

Ramos said his side were unfortunate not to earn a spot-kick.

“Today we saw a great Real Madrid side with a lot of character which is exactly the image we wanted to give.

We went out to try and take the ball off them and we cre-

Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - December 18, 2019 Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Real Madrid’s Casemiro after the match REUTERS/Juan Medina

ated a lot of chances,” he told reporters.

“We watched the penalty appeals at halftime and they seemed pretty clear, they are both penalties but we can’t change that. VAR is there to help but today we didn’t get

that bit of luck.”

Barca looked short of ideas, with Lionel Messi being their only source of inspiration.

The Argentine could have broken the deadlock in the first half but Real captain

Sergio Ramos slid to the floor to block his goal-bound shot.

Messi later teed up Jordi Alba with a scooped pass but the defender fired just wide, while Barca’s all-time top scorer was uncharacteristically sloppy at times and miscontrolled a clear opportunity to strike at goal in the second half.

Midfielder Ivan Rakitic admitted Barca had struggled for parts of the match.

“Real Madrid had a lot of chances in the first half, it was tough for us but then we had a few opportunities. It was a game that could have been decided by the odd goal but it wasn’t to be,” said the Croatian.

“We’re happy with how we played, but we just lacked that final touch of quality.”

Sangakkara to captain MCC side to Pakistan in February MUMBAI (Reuters) - Kumar Sangakkara will lead a Marylebone Cricket Club(MCC) side on their tour of Lahore in February to help Pakistan in their bid to convince touring sides to return to play test cricket in the country, the club said on Wednesday.

The MCC, which was founded in 1787, will play a number of matches in the city in February after its World Cricket Committee voiced support in seeing touring sides return to Pakistan at

meeting held at Lord’s in August.

Pakistan is currently hosting Sri Lanka in a two-match series, their first tests on home soil since the 2009 militant attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore left six security personnel and two civilians dead and six players injured.

Other teams refused to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns and the side were forced to play home tests at neutral venues in the United Arab Emirates.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday December 19, 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)

Clifford Roach-209 (WI vs ENG, Bourda, 1930)

(2)

Gary Sobers-365* (WI vs PAK, Jamaica, 1958)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first WI player to claim a fivewicket haul in a Test innings?

(2) Who is the first WI player to bag a 10-wicket haul in a Test match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara

The PCB promised watertight security for the Sri Lankan players as the team returned to play several limited overs matches earlier this year - though 10 key play-

ers opted out citing security concerns.

A full-strength Sri Lankan side, however, returned for the tests, the first of which was drawn in Rawalpindi.

Former Sri Lanka captain Sangakkara, who took over as the first non-British president of the MCC in October in a one-year post, said he was excited to lead the club side in Pakistan.

“It is hugely important to support cricket in countries such as Pakistan, and the PCB has done a tremendous job in rebuilding the interna-

tional cricketing landscape since the tragic events of 2009,” he said in a statement.

“With international cricket having returned for the first time in a decade, it is wonderful the Club is doing its part to strengthen cricket in Pakistan and I look forward to being part of the trip.”

MCC works closely with world governing body International Cricket Council and undertakes overseas tours, where they play exhibition matches to help in the development of the game.

PCB Chief Executive

Wasim Khan welcomed the decision of MCC, which has been based at Lord’s, which it owns, since 1814 and is the custodian of the Laws of the game.

“The decision by the world’s oldest and most influential cricket club to send a quality team is further testament that Pakistan is as safe and secure a country as any other cricket-playing nation in the world, and MCC’s tour is a further step forward in normalising team tours to Pakistan,” he said.

Misbah-ul-Haq slams Amir and Wahab Test retirements

MISBAH-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s head coach and chief selector, has criticised fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz for the timing of their retirements from Test cricket. He revealed that the PCB was mulling a policy to ensure that players remain available to play for Pakistan across formats.

Amir gave up Tests in July, in order to manage his workload and extend his white-ball career, for Pakistan as well as in T20 leagues around the world. Wahab followed suit in September, taking an “indefinite break” from red-ball cricket, including the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s domestic first-class tournament.

While Wahab was 34 when he made his decision, Amir was only 27.

The loss of the two experienced left-arm quicks has left Pakistan in a situation

where they have been forced to rebuild their pace attack with young and inexperienced options including three teenagers in Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Muhammad Musa.

“We are thinking deeply on these lines, and we will make a policy on this very soon,” Misbah said, referring to the loss of experience from Pakistan’s pace stocks.

“Going forward this might become a problem for Pakistan, because when you invest so much in the players, on their development, and expect them to give back, they leave the game and it’s not the right way to go about it. Your resources are consumed for their development and we need a certain policy to make sure players should be available for Pakistan first.”

Amir’s case stands out in particular, both for his age and the fact that he enjoyed

immense support from the board and the team management during his reintegration following a five-year ban for spot-fixing. He ended his Test career with 119 wickets in 36 Tests at an average of 30.47.

His Test career was split into two parts. From his debut as a 17-year-old in July 2009 to the start of his five-year ban, he played 14 Tests, picking up 51 wickets at 29.09. After his return in July 2016, he played 22 Tests, taking 68 wickets at 31.51.

ESPNcricinfo understands that there were discussions ahead of Pakistan’s recent tour of Australia about asking Amir to reconsider his Test retirement, but the plan didn’t go through.

Pakistan are currently sixth on the World Test Championship table with 20 points, earned from the drawn Rawalpindi Test against Sri Lanka.

Before that, they lost 2-0 in

Australia, in the first Test series under Misbah’s management.

It has not been the smoothest start to Misbah’s time as coach-cum-selector, but he identified a few positives to have emerged nonetheless.

“The biggest plus for us is Babar Azam and our batting, the way we responded in Australia overall,” Misbah said.

“His hundred in Rawalpindi and his overall shift from white-ball cricket to red is an important positive for Pakistan at this stage. And at the same time we’ve got a younger bowling attack. The way Shaheen and Naseem are bowling, consistently hitting 140-plus [kph] in good areas.

They have ample time in their careers to develop into match-winners. They have played very little cricket so far, but will improve with every passing day.” (ESPN Cricinfo).

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 19, 2019

Sleepin Hotel supports GFF Super 16 Cup

General Manager of SleepIn Hotel, Clifton Bacchus, (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GFF president Wayne Forde.

GENERAL Manager of Sleepin Hotel located on Church Street, Clifton

Bacchus, has committed his hotel, which is part of the Sleepin Hotels chain,

towards supporting the annual GFF Super 16 Cup, which kicked off last Sun-

day night at Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, with a double-header.

Bacchus handed over a cheque to president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, to confirm its support noting that the business has been following the progress of the sport and this is a way of fulfilling a corporate responsibility of giving back to development.

Forde, in accepting the sponsorship noted that he welcomed the partnership of Bacchus and Sleepin Hotel for the year-end tournament which has a total of sixteen teams competing, two already being knocked out.

The GFF is very pleased with the support of Sleepin Hotel and welcomes the entity as another corporate partner for this year-end spectacle which has already commenced and will get more exciting as the various match days unfold.

“We look forward to a continued partnership and relationship with you and your hotel Mr. Bacchus, and we will work collectively to develop this beautiful game.”

The GFF Super 16 Cup will continue this weekend.

Minister Norton expresses condolences on the passing of Basil Butcher MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, via a release yesterday, expressed sincere condolences to the family, relatives, friends and fans of legendary Guyanese and West Indian cricketer, Basil Fitzherbert Butcher, AA. Butcher, 86, passed away on Monday, December 16, in the USA, after a period of illness.

During his career, the cricketing star played 44 Test matches for the West Indies from 1958 to 1969. During that period, he scored seven centuries, with a high score of 209 not out.

Named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year for 1970, Butcher also played an integral role in organising the first-ever Mashramani celebrations in Linden.

Basil Fitzherbert Butcher At a time when Guyana is gearing up to celebrate its 50th Republic An- significant. great-grandchildren. His legacy, niversary, Butcher’s contributions to Butcher is survived by his wife, however, will live on for many Guyanese society becomes even more seven children, grandchildren and generations.

Young, Patrick help Windies Under-19s halt losing slide

Nayeem Young scored 55 and took three wickets to see the West Indies U19s to victory.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Nyeem Young struck a half-century in a strong all-round performance while Matthew Patrick chipped in with another fifty, as West Indies Under-19s halted their worrying slide with a seven-run win over Sri Lanka Under-19s in their final outing in the Tri-Nations Series.

Playing at Coolidge on Tuesday, the hosts gathered 207 for nine off their 50 overs with Patrick hitting 57 off 102 balls and Young stroking 55 off 76 deliveries.

Unfortunately, no other batsman passed 20 as newball seamer Amshi de Silva (5-44) snatched a five-wicket haul and leg-spinner Kavindu Nadeeshan supported with two for 40.

In reply, Sri Lanka looked to be in control at 107 for three in the 33rd over but declined at the back end to finish on 200 for eight off their allotted 50 overs.

Captain Nipun Dhananjaya top-scored with 74 off 129 deliveries while wicketkeeper and opener Kamil Mishara hit exactly 50 and Sonal Dinusha, a breezy 40-ball 45 batting at number seven.

Young made his presence felt with the ball, claiming three for 48 with his pace while new-ball seamer Matthew Forde ended with three for 29.

The victory was only the Windies Under-19s’ second in the competition and ended a wretched run of four defeats, ahead of next month’s campaign in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa.

Sent in, West Indies lost both openers Kimani Melius (11) and Mbeki Joseph (5) to de Silva as they slid to 47 for four in the eighth over.

However, Patrick then anchored two key partnerships, putting on 37 for the fifth wicket with Kevlon Anderson (17) and a further 85 for the six with Young, to rescue the innings.

Patrick struck four fours while Young counter-attacked with a brace of fours and sixes before falling in the 47th over.

In reply, Sri Lanka were slumping at eight for three in the fifth over after Forde struck twice but two partnerships then dug the visitors out of their hole.

Dhananjaya, who counted two fours, first put on 99 for the fourth wicket with Mishara before anchoring a 63-run sixth-wicket partnership with Dinusha.

But left-hander Dhanajaya perished in the penultimate over, caught at wide long on off Forde, and the 15 runs required from the final over proved out of Sri Lanka’s reach.

Kuldeep Yadav celebrates with skipper Virat Kohli after completing his hat-trick during the 2nd ODI against West Indies.(PTI)

Kuldeep hat-trick; Rohit, Rahul hundreds crush Windies PAGE

26

Man-of-the-Match Rohit Sharma crunched 17 fours and five sixes in his 28th ODI ton.

Shiva Boys, Waramadong advance to KFC football semi-finals BCB president Hilbert Foster

Foster keen on parts of Port Mourant Club ground being named after West Indies players BERBICE Cricket Board (BCB) president Hilbert Foster said he is aiming to rename parts of the Port Mourant Cricket Club ground after five of their first marquee West Indian players.

Foster told Chronicle Sport yesterday that following the recent passing of Basil Butcher, it is his hope to have parts of the Berbice venue named after the first quartet of players from the club to represent Guyana and the West Indies; John Trim, Ivan Madray, Joe Solomon, Rohan Kanhai and Butcher.

The five Guyanese icons were among the elite TURN TO PAGE

26

Shiva Boys Hindu College (yellow and blue) continued their dominance.

ANOTHER strong performance from Shiva Boys Hindu College and Waramadong ensured that both teams advanced to the semi-finals of the KFC Goodwill football tourna-

ment.

The Trinidad and Tobago-based Shiva side made light work of Annandale, 6-2, yesterday at Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Training Centre at Providence while

Waramadong trounced Marian Academy 4-0.

Surprisingly, Annandale started strong with Junior Harrington opening the scoring in the 13th minute. For several minutes more the

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Annandale side seemed to stun the Shiva boys but when they got settled, things were different.

Captain Adica Ash levelled the score in the 24th minute with Nigel Carraby

giving the tourists the lead just two minutes later.

A tense feeling hung in the air as the half ended and many predicted close match.

However, on the resumption, Shiva stepped up their game.

Ash completed his brace in the 49th with Flex Lewis in the 55th making it 4-1 and Jamal Lewis in the 60th adding the fifth.

Omari Glasgow pulled one back for the East Coast side in the 73rd minute but the hat-trick-completing goal for Ash in the 83rd meant the score line read 6-2 at the final whistle.

The second game was a slaughter between Waramadong and Marian Academy, the latter losing 4-0.

Carlito Joseph (15th), Yasir Abraham (51st), Melee George (57th) Odvid Andrews (85th) were the goalscorers..

The semi-finals will now move to Ministry of Education ground tomorrow with Shiva Boys playing Lodge Secondary from 17:00hrs and Annai playing Waramadong at 19:00hrs.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019