Guyana Chronicle E-paper 2-3-2020

MONDAY 3rd February, 2020

No.105899

‘We’ll return the Sugar Industry to profitability’ 3

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– Pres. Granger tells Berbicians ― says it fell apart under PPP, putting 5,000 on the breadline between 1992 & 2015

Two killed in separate hit-and-run 11 accidents PAGE

Broomes, Adams-Yearwood defend their 14 ‘integrity’

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APNU+AFC Candidate Derek Basdeo joins in the fun as thousands of Berbicians welcomed President David Granger to Rose Hall for the Coalition’s elections rally

―refute claims their assets not declared to Integrity Commission

Guyanese students safer in China, gov’t says 2

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―will continue to monitor their well-being

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

Guyanese students safer in China, gov’t says ― will continue to monitor their well-being

ATTEMPTS to bring Guyanese students home from China can increase their risk of contracting the Coronavirus, Minister of the Public Service Tabitha Sarabo-Halley warned while announcing government’s decision to have the students remain in China.

“Government is not putting plans in place to bring students home,” she said. “After listening and hearing what’s happening in China, and examining our own situation in Guyana, we decided it’s best for them to remain there, because the more movement, the more the possibility of exposure to the virus. Staying put in the hostel significantly reduces the likelihood of contracting the virus,” Minister Sarabo-Halley said during a meeting with the parents of those students on Saturday. **A team of government officials met with parents and other representatives of Guyana-China scholars at

the Training Division of the Department of Public Service, Ministry of the Presidency, Vlissengen Road and D’Urban Street, Lodge.

The team consisted of Minister Sarabo-Halley; Per-

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Forbes July.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of the Presidency, the meeting was convened to inform parents and other representatives of

China.

According to the records of the Department of the Public Service, there are 50 Guyanese students pursuing studies in China. Ten of those students, however, are currently

will have to be quarantined at various transit points.

In explaining this point, Minister Sarabo-Halley said: “For them to move from one province to the other to get out is a 14-day wait. Fourteen-day quarantine period and that could happen for a while before they actually get out. So, it’s not that the government doesn’t care about the students. We have taken that into consideration.”

Among the concerns raised by parents and other representatives of the students was the lack of adequate supplies and information for the students, who are currently restricted to their place of residence.

In response, Minister Sara-

people already had a high risk and most of them even if they get the regular flu virus some of them will sometimes succumb too,” Dr. Persaud explained.

In addition, he said that there are 18 countries outside of China which have registered cases of the virus, for which vaccines are currently being developed. He reiterated that the students are better off remaining in China during this period of the outbreak.

Further, the CMO said surveillance systems have been established at the various local ports of entry and suspected victims will be quarantined in keeping with internationally recognised

Representatives of government at the meeting on Saturday

manent Secretary of the Department of the Public Service, Soyinka Grogan; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud; and Director of International Cooperation of the

the students about steps being taken by the Governments of Guyana and China to manage the affairs of the scholars in light of the recent outbreak of the human coronavirus in

Some of the parents and representatives at the meeting

not in China.

Minister Sarabo-Halley assured the parents that the decision to let the students remain in China was not made unilaterally, but came after a meeting on Thursday among the Ministers of Public Health, State, Foreign Affairs, Citizenship and Department of the Public Service along with senior technical officers from the respective ministries and the head of PAHO in Guyana.

The decision took into consideration advice received from the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, local and regional medical practitioners.

“They have everything; they know what to do if the virus is contracted and so that is the best place for them at the current stage, because once they start moving we don’t know what will happen,” said Minister Sarabo-Halley.

She said while government remains concerned, it is recognised that there will be difficulties should attempts be made to bring the students home, whether by government or their relatives, since they

bo-Halley committed that herself and other members of the team of government representatives will endeavour to collect and disseminate accurate information on the situation as it pertains to each student currently in China on Government of Guyana-Government of China scholarships.

In trying to provide some level of comfort to the parents of those students, Dr. Persaud said the confirmed deaths from the virus are mostly among persons who were already of poor health.

“The virus is not an aggressive one like Ebola … most of the persons who succumbed, who get very sick and die are older persons and what they have also noted all of them are above 55years and most of these people who also have poor morbidity, or underlying conditions.

They are diabetics; they have kidney problems; they have lung problems; they have noted that a lot, about 33 per cent of them already had smokers’ complications in their lungs. So, most of these

standards.

“What we have at the two airports, Moleson Creek and the various ports is if we identify someone that is coughing we put a mask on that person to prevent them from dropping the droplets around the environment. Once we get the person into isolation. So far we have two sites that we have developed, one at the Georgetown Hospital and we have a small area at Diamond.

Last night we were also told both Ogle and Timehri will have a separate room … to conduct our examinations,” said Dr. Persaud.

Meanwhile, Fariz Khan, an obstetrician who has been working in the local health sector for the last decade, said his sister is currently pursuing her Master’s in China.

He encouraged those present at the meeting to recognise the advice being given as the best in the current circumstances. He also reminded the attendees of previous outbreaks of viruses such as Zika, Ebola H1N1, and SARS.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

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‘We’ll return the sugar industry to profitability’ ― Pres. Granger tells Berbicians

―says it fell apart under PPP, putting 5,000 on the breadline between 1992 & 2015

By Nafeeza Yahya PRESIDENT David Granger, on Sunday, assured thousands of Berbicians that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government will return the once ailing sugar industry to profitability, if re-elected for a second term in office.

Standing before thousands of supporters, drawn from every nook and cranny within the East Berbice-Corentyne District, the Head of State, in his address at the APNU+AFC Elections Rally at Rose Hall, said his Government is cognizant of the challenges faced by sugar workers.

“I know the pain the sugar workers feel, but the sugar industry the PPP gave us could not be sustained,” he said.

His Administration, he assured the residents, will do everything in its power to protect and preserve the industry by keeping estates such as Albion fully functional.

In 2017, the APNU+AFC Administration took a decision to consolidate cultivation at the Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates in an attempt to reduce losses and increase profitability within sugar industry.

That decision took effect in 2018 when the Wales Estate was merged with the Uitvlugt Estate and reassign its cane

home over 5000 sugar workers during their period in office,” he noted.

President Granger said, while his Administration is investing in the three remaining estates, the Skeldon Factory – one of the largest projects to have been executed by the previous administration – cannot be salvaged. He said to invest in that factory would be to “waste” taxpayers’ money.

“The sugar industry was in difficulties, even when we were in opposition, the APNU+AFC were helping to bail out

President David Granger addressing thousands of supporters in Rose Hall on Sunday

President David Granger greeting supporters as he entered the Area ‘H’ Ground in Rose Hall, where thousands had gathered for the APNU+AFC elections rally in the town

to the Uitvlugt Factory. The estates at Albion and Rose Hall were also amalgamated. Under the new construct, there are three estates and factories, Blairmont on the West Bank Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice and the Uitvlugt-Wales estate in West Demerara.

The decision to ‘right-size’ the sugar industry, he said was necessary, explaining that it was on the verge of a collapse when the APNU+AFC took office in May, 2015.

“If you come from Demerara and you pass along Diamond, it is the PPP that shut down Diamond. The PPP sent

dent noted while assuring those present that provisions would be made for those still seeking employment.

He reported that Cabinet has already signaled its no objection for the establishment of a State Land Resettlement Commission for the distribution of lands to former sugar workers for agriculture, commercial and domestic use.

“The APNU+AFC coalition is going to protect the livelihoods of the people now living in the squatter settlements and they will protect the livelihoods of the workers who are no longer working in the sugar industry to make sure they can get gainful employment by working for themselves or working for other people on those abandoned sugar cane lands, this is what we are doing for the people to help workers and households in the East Berbice-Corentyne,” he said to loud rounds of applause.

The President noted too that through the Government’s Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID) Programme, persons interested in farming, especially sugar workers, would be given the necessary support.

“This Region alone has 205 villages… and we are going to protect the livelihoods of farmers in all those villages under the Regional Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID) programme. We will help farmers get tools and equipment;

Supporters of the APNU+AFC turned up in their numbers at the Area ‘H’ Ground in Rose Hall for the APNU+AFC elections rally in the town (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

the sugar industry but unfortunately that blue monument at Skeldon cannot be bailed out, it scrapped,” President Granger said.

To cushion the impact, he said his Administration has been and will continue to work with sugar workers and those who would have been displaced. “The East-Berbice Corentyne sugar based on Albion will be preserved and protected by the APNU+AFC Administration,” he iterated.

Many of the sugar workers, who were affected as a result of the closure estates, have regained employment, the Presi-

we will help farmers with their cultivation; and we will ensure that [in] Region Six…we build an agriculture powerhouse not for a few villages but for all of the residents of this region.”

President Granger, however, cautioned the massive crowd that in order for these projects, including cash grants for families, to succeed and benefit Berbicians, not only does the coalition need to return to office but to win the regional elections by an absolute majority. He said for too long, the government’s plans are being stymied by the regional administration.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

Coronavirus: US and Australia close Coronavirus: First death outside China reported in Philippines borders to Chinese arrivals

(BBC) A man has died of the coronavirus in the Philippines, the first confirmed fatality outside China.

The Countries patient was aaround 44-year(BBC) old world Chinesehave man closed from Wuhan, the their in Hubei province, where the borders to arrivals from virus was first detected.

China, as officials workbeen to He appeared to have control the rapid spread of infected before arriving in the the coronavirus.

Philippines, the World Health ..The US(WHO) and Australia Organization said. saidMore they than would 300 deny peopleentry have died the outbreak so far,who the to allinforeign visitors vast majority More had recentlyfrom beenHubei. in China, than 14,000 people been where the virus firsthave emerged infected. in December.

The US, Australia and an Earlier, countries increasing number ofincludother ing Russia, countries haveJapan, barredPakistan the arrivand announced similar al ofItaly foreigners from China and travel restrictions. are requiring their own citizens But global health officials to be quarantined.

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has overtaken that of the similar Sars epidemic, which spread to more than two dozen countries in 2003.

But the mortality rate of the new virus is much lower, suggesting it is not as deadly.

What do we know such have advised against about this death? measures.

The manrestrictions travelled to can the “Travel Philippines from Wuhan, via cause more with harma 38-year-old than good Hong Kong, by hindering info-sharing, Chinese woman who also tested medical supply chains and positive last week, the Philharming economies,” the ippines Department of Health head said. of the World Health Officials said he wassaid admitOrganization (WHO) on ted to a hospital in the capital, Friday.

Manila, where recommends he developed The WHO severe pneumonia. introducing screening at ofThe man is thought to have ficial border crossings. health It has had other pre-existing warned that closing borders conditions. could accelerate the spreadthe of Rabindra Abeyasinghe, the virus, with travellers enWHO representative to the tering countries unofficially.

Philippines, urged people to remain calm: “This is the first reported death outside China.

However, we need to take into mind that this is not a locally acquired case. This patient

China has criticised the wave of travel restrictions, accusing foreign governments of ignoring official advice.

“Just as the WHO recommended against travel restrictions, the US rushed in the opposite direction,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. “[It is] certainly not a gesture of goodwill.”

What is the latest?

The death toll from the new virus, which is officially called 2019-nCov, came from the epicentre ofnow this stands at 259. outbreak.”

All the deaths occurred According to local news within China and the majoroutlet Rappler, Health Secreity in Hubei province, tarywere Francisco Duque III said the patient wasoriginated. “stable and where the virus showed signs12,000 of improvement”, Almost cases have but hisconfirmed condition and deteriorated been a small rapidly over 24 hours.

proportion of those - around 100 - have been identified outside China. The UK, US, Russia and Germany have all confirmed cases in recent days.

Meanwhile authorities in Hubei extended the Lunar New Year holiday until 13 February and announced marriage registrations would be suspended to discourage public gatherings.

China started celebrating the holiday on 24 January, and Chinese officials had already extended the break in The Department of Health an to postpone wasattempt now trying to track travel down by large numbers of people as people who were on the same they return to work. flight as the man so that they Hospital workers in could be quarantined, heHong said, Kong voted to people go on as wellhave as any other the manfrom and woman may have strike Monday unless cometerritory’s into contactborder with, such as the with hotel staff.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 02, 2020 - 10:30hrs

Monday, February 3, 2020 - 11:30hrs ― 13:00hrs

The man’s death was confirmed shortly after the Philippines announced it would immediately halt the arrivals of any foreign travellers from mainland China is completeChina. ly closed. The Hong Kong It had previously restricted government has refused to only those from Hubei, which is do so citing WHO recomat the epicentre of the outbreak. mendations.

The number of coronaWhat is the latest virus cases has from worldwide China?

Authorities said more overtaken that of the45similar deaths were recorded Hubei Sars epidemic, whichinspread province by the of Saturto more than twoend dozen counday, tries bringing in 2003. the death toll in the country to 304.

But the mortality of Nationally, thererate were the new virus is much infeclower 2,590 new confirmed than that Sars,number which has tions.

Theoftotal of led officialsintoChina believe it is infections is now 14,380, state TV quoted the not as deadly.

National Health Estimates byCommission the Univeras saying. sity of Hong Kong suggest by the University the Estimates total number of cases of Hong Kong suggest the total could be far higher than number of cases could be offar ficial figures suggest.

More higher than the official figures. than 75,000 peoplepeople may have More than 75,000 may beenbeen infected in inthe have infected thecity city of Wuhan, thethe epicenWuhan,which whichis isat at epitre of theofoutbreak, experts say. centre the outbreak, exA say. new hospital in the city perts will How start admitting coronavirus are countries outside patients from Monday, state China responding? media report.

A string of travelHospital restricThe Huoshenshan tions have been announced in - which has 1,000 beds and was recentindays. built just eight days - is one of two facilities thata Thededicated US, which declared are to help rarebeing publicconstructed health emergency, tackle outbreak. bannedtheentry from all foreign On Sunday, thehad government nationals who visited said it would pump more than China in the past two weeks. $170bn (£128bn) into the economy as concern grows about the wider impact of the epidemic.

The speed at which the outbreak can be contained has also come into question, after the man leading the health commission investigating the new coronavirus said on Saturday that it could take between 10 days and two weeks for the virus to peak.

Five days ago Zhong Nanshan, a respiratory expert, had given the outbreak a week to 10 days to peak.

Which countries are restricting arrivals?

The US and Australia have said they will deny entry to all foreign visitors who had recently been to China, where

the 2019-nCov strain of the coronavirus first emerged in December.

Other countries including Russia, Japan, Pakistan and US citizens and residents Indonesia announced returninghave fromalso Hubei provtravel ince, restrictions. where the outbreak On Sunday, South Korea started, will bebar quarantined said it would entry to for 14 days.

Those foreigners who had returning recently from other parts of China will visited Hubei.

In the US, citizens their and be allowed to monitor residents returning Huown condition for from a similar bei will be quarantined for 14 period. days.

Those confirmed returning from Another case other parts of China will be in the US on Friday in Calallowed to monitor their own ifornia brought the number condition for a similar period. there seven. Robert RedThetoPentagon said it would provide housing forCenters 1,000 field, director of the people who Control may need be for Disease andtoPrequarantined after said arriving vention (CDC), 191from peoabroad. ple were under observation.

Australia said any of its whichfrom anownAustralia, citizens arriving nounced a similar ban, said China would also be quaranany of citizens artined forits twoown weeks.

There alsowould been be a riving fromhave China number of evacuations from quarantined for two weeks.

China as foreign There have governments also been a work to of bring their citizens number evacuations from back.

China as foreign governments work What to bring their citizens restrictions back.are there in China?

Wuhan is in300 lockdown More than Indians and other across arrived in major Delhi cities on Saturday the have evacuated suspended aftercountry they were non-essential business. from Wuhan, about 100 The mayorwhile of Huanggang Germans arrived in - a city of six million Frankfurt people to later theofsame day. the east Wuhan - has warned to that Thailand the numberisofalso casesset there is set to spike in the coming evacuate its nationals from days, state media said. days.

Up to the city in the coming 700,000 people had returned Russia will evacuate to the city from Wuhan beseveral hundred of its citifore travel out of Wuhan was zens from Hubei province banned. on Huanggang Monday and Tuesday, and the eastern Kremlin spokesman Dmitry city of Wenzhou have imposed restrictions Peskovdraconian said. on residents, allowing Countriesonly evacuating one designated person citizens are expectedper to family to leave home once evquarantine them for two ery two days to buy food and weekssupplies, to monitor them for other Chinese media symptoms and avoid conreported. tagion.

Hubei officials have extended the Lunar New Year holiday to 13 February.

Meanwhile, hospital workers in Hong Kong have voted to go on strike from Monday unless the territory’s border with mainland China is completely closed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

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Student returns to T&T from China: ‘I was screened, cleared’ (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Three days after Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced a 14-day travel restriction on arriving passengers from China, a local student has returned home and was reunited with her family after she says she was screened and cleared by immigration.

The student said she was not “flagged” with any flu-like symptoms.

The 20-year-old woman from east Trinidad, who is a second-year student at the New York University, Shanghai, arrived at the Piarco International Airport close to midnight on Friday.

The scholarship recipient’s return to Shanghai one week ago coincided with the Chinese New Year which was celebrated on January 25.

However, hours after landing in China, she was informed that classes had been postponed indefinitely following the spread of the coronavirus which originated in the Wuhan province. Wuhan is approximately an eight-hour train ride from the student’s location in Shanghai.

The soft-spoken student said upon landing in China, everyone was instructed to maintain a self-imposed isolation and as such, she remained locked in her dorm until deciding to return home to T&T. Requesting her name not be published, the Social Sciences student travelled from Shanghai to Tokyo, then to Texas and finally T&T. Screened a total of three times, the woman said she was currently satisfied with the international and local screening procedures she had undergone.

However, she added that while T&T had activated screening procedures, she was uncertain if this would be enough as the situation continues to unfold.

“In the airports that I have passed through in the US and Tokyo, it’s pretty okay because they are doing what everyone is doing at the moment. I am not too sure as the whole situation progresses if it will be enough because I know definitely that the other airports are really cracking down on everything.”

‘I consider myself lucky’ Referring to the bans on arriving Chinese nationals by various countries around the world, the student said, “I

believe I was’nt flagged because I didn’t show any signs.

I haven’t been sick from the time I arrived in Shanghai, to the time I left.”

“I used my mask from the moment I left my dorm in Shanghai, straight until my arrival in Houston. Upon arriving, there was barely anyone using masks and I was instructed by the immigration officer to remove it so they could see my face. But no one had any health concerns with it. They weren’t even using masks.”

Indicating she was lucky to have been allowed to go home by local authorities, she said, “I prayed from the moment I heard what they were going to do that until I came, so yes, I consider myself lucky.”

Applauding Government for implementing the decision to restrict visitors from China in a bid to protect the local population, she claimed, “It is really scary for the people that are actually just trying to get back home because I definitely know there are Trinidadians in China who probably have not arrived home as yet, and when they do, they will probably be placed in quarantine.”

Asked to describe the atmosphere back in China, she said, “When I arrived back in China, there was barely any celebrations at all. It was just quiet and if anyone was out, they were wearing masks. I think people were just trying to isolate themselves.”

Asked if the situation was as bad as was being reported, she said, “I don’t believe it’s as bad as it’s being made out to be.”

Pointing to the fact that Shanghai has a population of just over 24 million, the student claimed, “There are probably 100 cases in Shanghai.”

“Everything is in Wuhan and they are on lockdown.

The authorities stopped public transportation and people are really trying their best to be safe. Nothing is going on and everywhere is closed. There is no hysteria at all.

“I don’t think us in Trinidad have that much to worry about, mainly because per capita, it’s a really really slim statistical chance. Once we stay clean, wash our hands, we should be pretty safe.”

Acknowledging the influx of visitors being expected for Carnival, the student urged

everyone to maintain a strict level of cleanliness and personal hygiene to minimise the spread of the virus.

Indicating her mother had been “panicky and very worried,” the student smiled as she remembered taking calls at least three times a day.

The Cruise Ship Alliance, which is a global alliance, has now used that. The US has now come and said anyone coming in from China will be quarantined for 14 days.”

Confirming the media would be invited to view the thermal screening pro-

The student with the face mask she wore on her return to Trinidad on Friday night

Briefly commenting on the situation and having her daughter back home, the mother said she was relieved her youngest child had not been detained by the authorities.

Health Minister says quarantine measures in place at Caura Commenting on the student’s arrival, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said while he was not aware of that specific passenger, he was confident that the student would have been subjected to all screening measures that they had put in place.

He said this country’s airports and seaports have all been locked down in a bid to detect and isolate potential cases of the coronavirus.

And while he has assured that quarantine mechanisms are in place at the Caura Hospital to facilitate the isolation of such people, he is optimistic that early prevention measures would be successful to stop the entry of the virus into T&T. Responding to questions from reporters Saturday at the Mt Hope Womens’ Clinic, Deyalsingh reinforced the announcement by Cabinet last Thursday to subject people arriving in T&T from China to a 14-day restriction which would cover the expected viral incubation period.

This means that arriving passengers will not be allowed to enter T&T until a 14-day period has elapsed.

He claimed, “Since we announced the 14-day window, Jamaica has followed suit.

cedures at the airport on Friday, Deyalsingh said the tour would include a trip to the quarantine facility at Caura Hospital.

The minister said Chinese authorities had already issued national notices advising people that anyone leaving the country would do so at their own risk.

Deyalsingh said, “It is better if you are in China and well, to stay there.”

He said it was much easier to self-isolate yourself in China than to go on a plane and risk exposing hundreds more to the virus.

He said all foreign embassies in China were being provided with the necessary supplies to treat their local who live and work in the country.

Deyalsingh said, “So far, there is no local Trinidadian or Tobagonian who has come down with the virus in China.”

On Thursday, the World Health Organisation declared the virus an international emergency.

The death toll in China has so far exceeded 250.

CORONAVIRUS CARE WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows, which include hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices: 1. Frequently clean hands by using alco-

hol-based hand rub or soap and water; 2. When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands; 3. Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough; 4. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider; 5. When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;

6. The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

Against political lewdness on the campaign trail

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S we anticipated, but nevertheless warned against, the current election campaign is being infected with heavy doses of negative campaigning. This publication has a vested interest in ensuring that contestation for political office does not degenerate into the kind of mudslinging that endangers peace and tranquility in the wider society. At the end of the day, elections are not an end in themselves, but means towards an end that benefits all citizens regardless of party affiliation.

Negative campaigning in any society is dangerous, but in our fragile ethno-political environment, the potential for trouble is enhanced.

We do not set out to point fingers at any political party, as all politicians are prone to this infraction. But from all indications representatives of one of the major parties seem bent on crossing the line as a matter of policy. In recent days, two instances have come to the fore: last week the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) had cause to issue a strong rebuttal to a letter to the editor written by former PPP government minister Leslie Ramsammy, in which he took political poison to a new level.

This editorial would not repeat the plethora of lies and torrent of abuse levelled against the government and its

leader, as these have been adequately addressed by the MoTP. But we feel compelled to condemn Mr. Ramsammy in no uncertain terms for what amounts to the worst form of political and personal attacks. Such behaviour has no place in a civilised environment.

This publication defends the right of all citizens to express their political views without fear of retribution.

Indeed, one of the accomplishments of the government and the president which Mr. Ramsammy viciously attacks is the restoration of that right. It is no secret that the previous government had seriously trampled on the right of citizens to freely exercise their right to free speech. But the right to free expression does not mean licence to smear the name of your opponent or disrespect the president and presidency. This retort from the MoTP correctly captures Mr. Ramsammy’s naughtiness: “Dr. Ramsammy’s missive seems perfectly timed to not only spread misinformation, but to cause confusion in the society and to foster hatred for the legitimate President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.”

We have already warned of the negative effect that such communication in the public domain could have on the tenor of the overall discourse. We live in a society in which the words of political leaders could be cause for political actions

by supporters that fly in the face of peaceful contestation.

Not only did Mr. Ramsammy criticise his opponents, but he sought to demonise the president. Surely, such political lewdness is beyond the pale.

Then days later, a video surfaced with another PPP leader serving up his own version of lewdness. In an attempt to cast aspersions on the coalition, he used images that reflected his disdain for women. Again, we elect not to repeat the leader’s sick words and imagery. After pushback from several quarters, he advanced a feeble excuse which did not pass muster.

In the end, unlike his colleague, he offered a half-apology.

By then the damage was already done. Women of all political affiliations should be loud in condemnation of this kind of rhetoric from the political platform.

If this is the kind of rhetoric from candidates, then we can expect no better from them while in office. That is a frightening possibility. Indeed, the Ethnic Relations Commission and at least one women’s group have weighed in on these instances of overreach. We lend our voice to these condemnations and urge the rest of the society to rise up in righteous indignation. Only the mighty collective voice of the people could stop these men in their tracks. Guyana deserves better.

The PPP must apologise to the nation Dear Editor,

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…It cannot run from its record of crime and insecurity

WATCH with amazement as the PPP embarks on a campaign to run from its record. It is astounding that a party which has been in power for two plus decades would ignore those 23 years as it campaigns for the upcoming elections. One would imagine that a party that has been in office for all this time would have been proud and confident to run on its record. Instead, all we hear from the opposition is criticism of the coalition’s last four years in office and a dogma of distraction. I am not at all saying that the PPP should not examine the record of their rivals, what I am contending is that any party which has been in power for more than two decades would have found it useful to entice the voter with its accomplishments, as opposed to using the majority of its time to harp on illusory accusations against their main opponent. However, the fact that the PPP decided that it may not be useful to run on its record should be of no surprise to the average voter. This decision clearly indicates that they are not excited about that record. But, why should they be? I am not naive, nor will I bury my head in the sand and pretend that the PPP did nothing in those 23 years. In fact, I would admit that they have done quite a lot! The question is, what were those “lots”? Were they primarily positive or were they mainly negative? I am quite sure the people will tell you

that they were negative.

Editor, since the PPP decided that it will run from its record, I have decided that I will confront that record and remind us of those 23 years. Yes, the PPP has done some things, but among those realities are some of the most egregious acts to have ever happened within the borders of the 83,000 square miles of Guyana. Guyanese will tell you that events during those 23 years, of PPP rule, have left scores of families with permanent holes. These are the realities that are so poignantly reflected upon by many families, even as they try to move past that period of unthinkable atrocities. The PPP, therefore, knows that any attempt to run on its record will, as of automaticity, replay those terrifying images in the minds of the people. Images that have come to form a large part of their legacy. The party understands that to run on its record means that it would have to confront the ugliness and the brutal images that are steadily tied to those 23 years of PPP rule. Thus, the PPP, and its frontline advocates continue to use their political platform to either evade its record or obfuscate it. The party has refused to forcefully confront those 23 years, for to do so the party would have to start with an honest and open apology to the nation. An apology that is long overdue and an apology that may occasion an opening for the national healing to begin. However, it is clear that Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP are unprepared to do so. In fact, there is no inkling of evidence that the PPP might be even remorseful

for that “black hole” it has tunnelled into Guyana’s history.

What the PPP hopes, is that the people will just forget about their trauma, just get over it and vote for them! This thinking I would describe as presumptuous and disrespectful! I do not call for an apology because I want to! I call for it because I believe it is absolutely necessary and the right thing to do!

The PPP cannot run from its record!

Editor, what are these most egregious acts I allude to and what is the PPP’s record? I am quite sure that no one needs any clue or probing to remind them of these things, as the mental and physical images remain most vivid in our minds.

However, allow me to confront the PPP with their record that they continue to ignore. I speak, not as a third person, an average bystander or a regurgitator of hearsay accounts! I write here as someone with a first-person account, as I have been integrally involved in the struggles against these most brutal acts, which follows the 23 years of PPP rule. These acts were tied up in an apparent criminal corrupt policy carried out in plain sight. I have been following the PPP’s campaign as I follow others, and at the party’s campaign launch I thought I might have heard a remorseful tone from Opposition Leader Jagdeo and those leading the PPP campaign charge, but I did not! I thought that the party might have used the opportunity to muster the moral courage to express regrets for that unTURN TO PAGE 7 ►►►

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thinkable period. So, since the PPP believes it has nothing to apologise to the nation for, let me take this opportunity to remind them of some of those dastardly cruel, and inhumane acts against the people.

The PPP’s record would demand that it apologize for the death squad it allowed to run freely around the country. A squad that unleashed terror and pain on Guyanese. The death squad appeared to have been adopted by the PPP as a crime fighting strategy. It seemed to have been the government’s policy initiative supported and implemented by the decision makers at the highest level. Why do I think this? Remember, then Home Affairs Minister and now deceased, Ronald Gajraj’s stunning admission in the parliament. The Home Affairs Minister’s comments convinced everyone that the government was appeared to have been aiding and abetting the operations of a death squad in the country. I was right there, in the National Assembly when Minister Gajraj pompously admitted to the nation that he was in communication with the death squad. His reasoning was that they were helping him to solve crime. Gajraj spoke with confidence. It appeared clear to all that he was executing his government’s policy. I was shocked!

I believe, however, that the only reason the admission was done publicly was because Gajraj’s phone records obtained.

Those records showed that he was in constant communication with known members of the death/phantom squad. I recall my colleague, now deceased Deborah Backer M.P, leading the charge to pressure Gajraj to respond to questions on the functioning of a death squad. Gajraj’s admission of knowledge and apparent government’s approval of the death squad was a most devastating moment for me. It was unbelievable and surreal. While I had my suspicion about who was behind these wanton killings it was difficult for me to hear the government actually admit knowledge of its cooperation with the squad.

This reality has left a gaping hole inside of me. I value life, so the slaughter of innocent people was already taking its effects on me.

The PPP’s record of its 23 years in government has been marred by a period of inconceivable crime and corruption, of a magnitude and breed that was shockingly audacious. The apparent PPP government sanctioned death squad was the main enforcers of the mayhem that engulfed Guyana during that infamous period. The pain and bedlam the squad and its parent body unleashed on the nation cannot be reckoned. This period has left us with some gruesome images and haunting memories that cannot simply disappear. A few weeks ago, while campaigning around Georgetown I ran into mothers and entire communities still in pain and grief. Many of my interactions commenced with their, unsolicited reflection and condemnation of the death squad. They associate its damning effects directly to the Bharrat Jagdeo/PPP rule. Some people recounted their personal experiences during that shameful period. For instance, while campaigning in Georgetown a few weeks ago, I met a mother who still carries her son’s photograph in her purse every day. As she spoke of her son I recognize that her grief was still real. Jagdeo and the PPP must apologize!

Editor, I don’t believe I would be able to chronicle the litany of atrocities committed, under the Bharrat Jagdeo/ PPP watch, by their “crime fighting unit/death squad”. The record is exhausting. So, I will use the space here to merely highlight a few, but we will never forget the many. The people will specifically remember the slaying of Donna McKinnon, on April 9, 2001. McKinnon bullet riddled body was discovered aback an open premises adjacent Freedom House. Her body was covered with zinc sheets. People recall hearing gunshots emanating from the direction of the Freedom House back door where, eyewitnesses stated that a man dressed in black clothes and dark sun glasses was positioned. Many claimed to have seen the man’s long riffle. According to many, this was a Freedom House hit job intended to scare protestors off the street or

put them in check. However, to date no one was charged for McKinnon’s murder. No surprise here! In those days of PPP rule, that was the order. It was the new normal! With all the brazen slaughter and broad daylight kidnapping no one was charged, while the death squad was in charge! Justice escaped those seeking justice.

How can we forget the July 26, 2001 brutal slaying of Antoine Houston, John Bruce and Steve Grant (The Mandela Trio) who were brutally gunned down on Mandela Avenue!

Bruce and Grant were shot 11 times and Houston shot in the back of his head and other parts of his body. Despite, his hands in the air begging for his life he was killed. These were three young black men who were still under 30 years old. The holes in their families will always be there. Guyanese cannot forget the brutal slaying of Shaka Blair. On April 6, 2002 Blair was brutally murdered when a group of Guyana Police Force Target Special Squad (TSS) (another disguised section of the phantom squad) barged into his home and pumped bullets into his body, while he slept alongside his young children.

The image of the blood-stained bedroom floor and bed sheets still lingers in my head. I visited Blair’s home that hapless morning, with Opposition Leader H.D Hoyte. Mr. Hoyte’s outraged was at its apex. The question was, how can the police take to killing men in front of their children, in the name of crime fighting. We cannot forget these records! People will not forget the many lifeless bullet riddled bodies of men, left lying in the streets all over Georgetown and Guyana. People will not forget those men who were sitting on Robb Street having a good night out when they were gunned down and left to bleed to death in the streets. How can we forget!

People do not forget the horrors that engulfed their everyday lives. They do not forget the brothers, George and Shaheed Bacchus who were slain six months apart. These brothers also fell victims of the death squad. Many can vividly recall George Bacchus’ affidavit in which he recounted the operations of the death squad as he outlined the PPP government’s connection to it. George Bacchus was one of the death squad informants who had direct access to the Minister of Home Affairs, Gajraj. Bacchus confessed that the slaughtering of the innocent had become unbearable and so, decided that he was duty-bound to speak out against what he considered to be a cruel gang that was killing with impunity. Guyanese remember, when they were glued to their television sets waiting for the evening news to hear of where the death squad had struck next and to find out who were its victims. They recall George Bacchus stepping forward to express his obvious regrets and frustration of the actions of a gang he was familiar with. We watched as Bacchus read from his affidavit as he exposed the dreadful nature of the squad. Bacchus was visibly shaken! He recounted that men were killing for money, and he could no longer stand and watch innocent people die! He stated that he advised Minister Gajraj that things were really getting out of hand, but that the minister took his concerns and complaints about the phantom squad right back to the ears of the gang members. Bacchus, who noted that at this point he realized that the government was also acting as an informant to the death squad. Bacchus, after realizing he could not depend on the Jagdeo led PPP government to protect him, sought refuge at the US Embassy. Bacchus took his sworn affidavit to the US Embassy in Guyana where he was apparently interviewed. He also met with Former PNCR leader Robert Corbin, who helped to further expose the PPP branded killing squad. I believe, the local Human Rights organizations and other international bodies were contacted. Bacchus knew his life was in danger. He stated that the death squad was out to permanently silence him, especially since he had exposed its functioning and connection to the government. He was right! So, in January 2004 his brother Shaheed Bacchus was gunned down in a hail of bullets by men in a car that drove passed him as he sat on his bike in front of his home. News

reports revealed that those bullets were intended for George.

However, on June 24, 2004 Bacchus was silenced while he slept in his home! This was the PPP’s record!

How can people forget the PPP’s record! How can we forget Victor Bourne, who was shot and killed in his home in Rasville, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, while he slept! How can we forget 24-year-old taxi driver Sherwin Manohar, who was abducted on June 15, 2003 by known death squad members!

News reports stated that at the time of his abduction he was babysitting for his girlfriend. Manohar was never seen again until his bullet-riddled body turned up on the access road to Cummings Lodge on August 15, 2003. Sadly, this was a pattern. It was the way many mothers learned of their children’s demise; bodies turned up on the streets. We remember three months prior to Manohar’s death another Lloyd Bourne was abducted and slain. People recalled his mother Pam Fletcher’s emotional and passionate plea for justice. Pam explained that she came to know of her son’s death while watching the evening news, When yet another body was found on the public highway. According to reports, Bourne worked at a funeral parlour and he had good knowledge of where the bodies of many who were abducted were hidden and/or dismembered.

Since her son’s death Pam Fletcher and her daughter were permanent protestors in front of Ronald Gajraj’s office. I ran into Ms. Fletcher and her daughter last July and the grief and pain were still raw. How can I tell her to just move on, how dare the PPP tell her to just move on! Pam Fletcher must get an apology from Jagdeo and the PPP, because her son’s death was part of their crime-fighting record.

The PPP’s record of shame continued! How can Guyanese forget the kidnapping of Agricola resident Kenneth Bacchus?

It was reported that Bacchus was a young police officer who quit the job because he was being pressured to join the death squad. However, those who operated and managed the squad would not let him escape. So, his mother reported that one evening a van load of men dressed in military fatigues and police uniforms descended upon their home. According to Bacchus’s mom, whom I interviewed a few times after the abduction of her son, the men entered her premises, snatched her son and threw him at the back of the van. Bacchus was handcuffed and made to lie face down and had stuff thrown to cover him up. The men gave her no explanation for taking her son, even as she pleaded and begged for mercy. What was sad about this incident was that Bacchus’s young children stood there and witnessed the act. After her son was taken Pastor Patsy, as I called her, made every attempt to find out the whereabouts of her son. Her numerous outreaches to the police were met with roadblocks. With the help of members of the community she followed every lead she received, even turning up at burial ground and dumping grounds to try to find her son’s body. She pleaded on national television for the return of her son’s body as she was convinced he had been killed. During those days once you were missing you were quickly presumed to be dead. Pastor Patsy’s relentless efforts to find her son or his body proved futile. This was a woman of God whose faith kept her going. Sadly, she died a few years ago. Pastor Patsy left this world without having the closure she so desperately pleaded for and needed. I recall our last conversation; all she begged for was to know where her son was! Her pain gripped me the day I visited her. It was a pain only a mother knows. The mayhem, pain, sadness and emptiness the death squad unleashed in Guyana is second to none in the nation’s history! And so, the PPP must apologise! It must apologise for aiding and abetting a killing squad, as acknowledged by then Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj. I was struck by Gajraj’s defence of the squad when be emphatically stated on the floor of the National Assembly, that if he had to he would do it all over again. He was praising the death squad TURN TO PAGE 8 ►►►

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he acknowledged was his crime-fighting unit! These were his words not mine; the Hansard is there to prove it! I was taken aback by his comments. I sat there thinking, if he can say this with such passion and conviction, then it must be assumed that the death squad was a part of the PPP’s crime- fighting strategy. It has to be the government’s policy, supported from the very top of the government. So, when Mr. Jagdeo said that his prime ministerial candidate will be responsible for crime and security, how do we know this security policy does not speak to the reintroduction of death squads in Guyana! The PPP must apologise to the nation!

To even think that the people will disremember these piercing and pivotal moments of their reality is disrespectful.

It is like saying that they can care less about the atrocities that have been committed against their families, neighbours, friends and fellow human beings. Many mothers and fathers still grieve for their children. We remember the infamous 2002 jail break which saw notorious criminals wreaking havoc in the country. We were led to believe that this gang had a mission of its own, but what caused Guyanese to start scratching their heads was when they found out that the gang members were living and operating from a dwelling adjacent to Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj. These criminals appeared to have been his neighbours! The nation became aware of this during a brutal exchange of gunfire which left men sprawled dead on the fence which separates the two lots. People ask, how did the minister not know about this?! Was it, incompetence, ignorance or something more sinister? The PPP has never explained this reality and for this they must apologise!

People will remember the ambush, in broad daylight, of Yohance Douglas and his friends on Sherriff Street on March 1, 2003. We remember that fateful day when members of the death squad stopped the students who were travelling along Sheriff Street when they were stopped by members of the Guyana Police Force killing squad. Reports are that these five young men had just finished playing a game of basketball and were minding their business when the squad sneaked up on them told them to exit the car and began unleashing bullets on them. Yohance Douglas was killed after he was rushed to the hospital. His friend Ronson Grey was shot in his mouth, the three others suffered other injuries. These police killers tried to plant a wig on him and attempted to make him out to be a criminal, as they had done to many other people. However, that did not work. Yohance was a second-year University of Guyana student with an unblemished school record and character. He was a young man who has never had as much as a speeding ticket. Yohance Douglas’s case seemed like the watershed moment, as it brought out thousands more people on the streets to protest the slaying of this young man. Contrariwise, the slaughter and mayhem continued unabated. In fact, one would argue that it had gained greater momentum.

What else must the PPP apologise for? The party must apologise for the criminal culture it allowed to develop and foster during its tenure in office. They must therefore come clean on the death of their own minister and apologise! We cannot forget that LBI slaughter! On April 22, 2006, during the reign of Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP, Minister “Sash” Sawh, two of his siblings and his security guard were slain at Sawh’s LBI home. The PPP must come clean and let the nation know the details behind Sawh’s slaying. Guyanese will never forget the unthinkable, almost back to back, massacres that occurred on this land. On January 26, 2008, the community of Lusignan suffered a cruel blow. On that day gunmen stormed the community and massacred men, women and children. After the bullets had subsided, entire families were almost wiped out as they slept; the wounded were left to pick up the pieces. In that one night 11 lives were lost. As if the nation was not already in a state of shock, almost three weeks later the mining community of Bartica was on the receiving end of the wrath of this mayhem. On February 17,

2008, men strapped with AK-47s (the most prevalent weapon at the time) stormed Bartica. They cleared everyone in their path, including police officers. They overran the entire Bartica Police station and when the dust had settled, three police officers were among the 12 lifeless bodies. This was the state of the security situation in Guyana. Crime and corruption were at their zenith! The death squad occasioned a crime spree never known to Guyana. The PPP created this history! A brutal history they must apologise for! How can we forget when the lives of police officers were threatened almost every day!

The police were no safer than the citizens they took an oath to protect. The death squad had a strangle hold on the police force itself, so many decent, law-abiding officers who were interested in staying true to their oath became targets. I cannot go through the list of all the police officers who lost their lives or were injured during this infamous crime-infested period.

However, I cannot forget the young traffic cop Quincy James, who was gunned down on Regent and King Streets while he was performing his duties, on December 4, 2002. James was killed when scores of gunmen in bright daylight went to rob a store on Regent Street, hijacked vehicles and unleashed a hail of bullets as they made their escape. Constable James’s killing was a dagger to many of us, especially those of us who depended on him to help us cross that busy intersection.

He also was very kind and courteous, and had an infectious smile. We can never forget Constable Quincy James. This was the PPP’s record!

Editor, I did not live through the 60s and therefore I have no first-hand experience of the much talked about racial strife that caused the violence that occurred during that time.

However, I do have first-hand experience of what happened during the 23 years of the PPP’s rule in Guyana, and the trauma of that period is rife. During those years I cannot count how many funerals I attended. Funerals of slain Guyanese who were killed for absolutely no reason. During those PPP years, most of us went to work with black and red, as those came to become the colours associated with the funerals we went to after work. The ritual was, go to work and after work it was either funeral or protesting for some mother’s child who was gunned down. That was how my day went! I can’t forget the numerous times I walked in funeral processions from Georgetown to village after East Coast village to bury a slain young black man. I can’t forget the mothers who cried on my shoulder as we met for television interviews. I cannot forget the many photographs of countless naked bullet-riddled bodies of young black men who lay on an over-crowded floor at the Georgetown Hospital Mortuary. The violence against the slain and the executed continued even at the mortuary.

Killing human beings had become an epidemic in Guyana under the PPP! For this they must apologise!

How can the nation forget the date January 30, 2006, when Ronald Waddell was brazenly assassinated? Waddell was a known critic of the PPP government. He used his television programme to fearlessly expose the regime. On that fateful day he was brutally assassinated as he attempted to exit his car and enter his yard. The gunmen ensured that they pumped enough bullets into him to make sure he was dead. Clearly, it appeared that he had to be silenced. To date, no one has been held accountable for his assassination. Sadly, this was the way things were under the PPP! The wanton killing spree happened almost effortlessly, whether in broad daylight or in the middle of the night, but the killers largely evaded justice.

Justice was absent from the nation. Hence, the PPP must apologise!

Editor, it would be remiss of me to end this letter without referencing the assassination of Courtney Crum-Ewing. On March 10, 2015, Ewing’s bullet-riddled body was found at Third Avenue, Diamond New Scheme. Ewing was a regular one-man protestor in front of then Attorney General Anil Nandlall’s office. He exercised that constitutional right to

protest against what he saw as the common lack of decency and accountability of the office holder. Minutes prior to his assassination, Ewing was in the said area with a bullhorn urging and reminding people to vote for the coalition government in the upcoming May 11, 2015 elections. However, it appears that some intended for him not to cast his own vote. Many believed that Crum-Ewing was killed because of his activism. It appeared that Courtney, exercising his democratic right to protest, was a threat to some. Three years earlier, three Lindeners were also executed while protesting.

We cannot forget the date July 18, 2012, when Ivan Lewis, Ron Somerset and mentally challenged young man Shemroy Bouyea were gunned down by the police, while thousands were protesting an increase in electricity tariffs for Linden.

How can we forget! For this the PPP must apologise! This was the PPP’s record!

The PPP must also apologise to the nation for intimating, through the comments of the then Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, that the Jagdeo/PPP government sanctioned the torturing of Guyanese. I wrote to express my outrage on this shortly after Mr. Persaud’s comments were made. The Guyanese people cannot just wish away these things, when in fact these damning utterances happened in the National Assembly, while these PPP ministers of government were delivering presentations in that august body! Guyanese remember the names Sumners, Jones and others who were badly beaten and even burnt by members of the “PPP joint services.” Robert Persaud, in his defence of the actions of those who tortured the men, laughingly claimed that the beating and cruel actions meted out to these men were “mere roughing up.” These were his words! Guyanese saw the badly beaten and disoriented men who were on national television recounting their horror and exposing the horrible wounds on their bodies. These images we will not forget! The PPP must apologise! How can we forget the trumped-up treason charge against Mark Benchop, who spent years languishing in jail as Mr. Jagdeo demanded that he beg for pardon! The people will never forget those who were executed at Office of the President on that disastrous June 2002 date.

Editor, I believe that the PPP owes the nation an apology for trauma it inflicted on the country. I think it is a blatant insult for the PPP to return to Guyanese and ask them to return them to power after they have put the country through so much. How dare Mr. Jagdeo and the PPP think that they can simply turn up and solicit votes from Guyanese families who sit at dinner tables with empty chairs. Empty chairs that remind them of their young male children whose lives has been callously taken from them. How dare the PPP try to minimise the trauma of these families! The PPP and Mr. Jagdeo have a responsibility to apologise to the nation and let the healing begin! I pray that Mr. Jagdeo find the moral courage to offer a sincere apology to the nation. It was Robert F. Kennedy who posited that “Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change.”

I submit that Guyana is a society that yields most painfully to change. A change that can occasion a time of healing and forgiveness. That change must be from the hardened position of the PPP, to ignore the damage and trauma they have caused families. The pain the emptiness they have left many children, who became fatherless at an early age. I pray that as a nation we come to understand that the day-to- day struggles of many families continue. Those who were able to leave the country to escape the pain and memory did so, others face the inescapable.

I pray for the healing to begin.

Sincerely Lurlene Nestor

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

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Working with children WORKING with children can be a fun and rewarding job for adults who understand the role they play in the life of a child, and why they need to be positive role models. Others may not even know why they chose the profession; in turn, they bring to their job additional baggage and problems. Their focus could be marred for many reasons, and therefore their aim to nurture and guide the young may not be as effective or sincere.

Life with its many twists and turns, ups and downs and tribulations affects us all at different times in different ways. Ultimately, we cope and move on. But whether we learn valuable lessons from events or cultivate and harbour negative emotions can make a difference to the traits that we carry around in our personality.

Children can pick up on the negative energy, especially when it emanates from adults who are meant to be helping them or teaching them. “Did you have a nice day at school?” a mother asked her son as they walked home. The boy replied, “Yes mum, it was good because Mr. Millar wasn’t there, and we had a different teacher.” Mr Millar was the regular teacher, but he was not making a positive impression on this particular child.

Adults also pick up on energies from the people they interact

with, whether the energy is positive, negative or nonchalant. You hear people say, “There’s a particular man in that shop I don’t like dealing with. I will go and see to my business when he’s not around.”

As adults, our experiences should not affect the way we interact with others or the way we make decisions, but most of the time they do. Very rarely do adults review their actions or reactions, or the thoughts behind their conduct towards certain people rather than others.

Being somewhat responsible for guiding young minds, for those in the childcare or the social work sector, self-assessments must be carried out every so often. This is how workers will know whether they are giving their best, and, in turn, will receive the best from their wards, to whom they show genuine care and consideration.

Self-evaluation is a stepping stone towards self-development, and an important factor for adults who work with children. Examining current techniques and seeking new approaches, where relevant, can make a difference in how workers interact with others, and how they come across to children. It also allows the worker to take note of his or her weaknesses and strengths.

Those who are involved with children have to care enough to want to do a consistently good job. This would entail putting the safety, health and happiness of children first. They should also be supportive of their colleagues, and, where necessary, give advice and pass on knowledgeable facts to assist and help the progression of the workforce.

Working towards continuous quality and improvement should be the workplace motto as motivation and efficiency will bring about positive results. Most jobs that involve children can be either taxing or challenging, and usually include going the extra mile. But those who work diligently should not despair as in time Guyana will benefit from the fruits of their labour: as our children, not only strive, grow and shine, but also make positive contributions to society.

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

GWI commissions new water supply system at Aishalton - over 1,000 residents benefitting THE GUYANA Water Incorporated (GWI) commissioned the Aishalton Water Supply System in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Sunday, bringing improved water quality and supply to some 1,000 residents.

The residents of Aishalton and surrounding villages attended the commissioning ceremony and were addressed

by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; GWI Managing-Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles and other officials.

nese.” Minister Allicock noted that approximately $50M has been expended to ensure that residents there get access to potable water.

Allicock stated that he is aware of the challenges presented by droughts which affect the region, and urged residents to cooperate with the government and its agencies to ensure that they achieve the best out of the project.

Some of the areas he highlighted which will benefit from the improved water supply are the home, agriculture, businesses and schools.

and their most pressing needs met.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Dr. Van-West Charles told the residents that the water supply system has been made available for all residents despite their political affiliation, as is their right.

He said the GWI is working to ensure that water is supplied to the village 24/7.

“More and more we want to ensure that the service that you have is 24/7. So, we are going to be adjusting; we are going to be monitoring to ensure that you have water 24/7.

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles (first left) and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock (third left) commission the new water supply system along with other residents of the village of Aishalton

Addressing the gathering, Minister Allicock said that water is one of the world’s most valuable natural resources, and all Guyanese deserve equal access to it.

He stated that government is committed to giving citizens a feeling of satisfaction by solving the problems which affect them.

“There is progress and it’s happening now,” he said, while adding that the “government is committed to doing its best to bring quality life to all Guya-

Apart from the water supply system, the minister said that the government has developed trails which will eventually become roads, commissioned Radio Aishalton, brought internet hubs to the community and continues to work in the interest of teachers and students.

Moving forward, he urged villagers to work along with the South Rupununi District Council to complete their Village Improvement Plan, so that they can be better understood

If there’s a hiccup, we’re here to remedy [that] with you,” he assured the residents.

Dr. Van-West Charles also urged residents to swiftly report to the GWI any leaks or changes in water quality, even as he pointed out that the water company is held accountable by the Public Utility Commission (PUC).

Toshao of Aishalton, Michael Thomas, said that residents across the region have been benefitting from the wells that are being drilled by the

government and its agency.

He expressed his gratitude to the collective team, stating: “We want to thank the Guyana Water Incorpo-

rated for bringing us such a great project. We would have seen improvements in the lives of our people across Guyana and also in areas

in development other than bringing accessible [water supply] to the host [sic] of our people. We want to thank you for that.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

Emergency meeting among CARICOM health officials set for today ― as region examines approach to the Coronavirus

SENIOR health officials, including Health Ministers from CARICOM countries will be meeting today to discuss the novel Coronavirus, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified as a public health emergency of international concern. **The outbreak, which originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, started in December 2019, and up to last week, saw about 8,000 cases being laboratory-confirmed globally, with 82 cases confirmed outside of China.

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Today’s meeting of the CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), which will also be attended by other senior Health and Security officials, will provide updates on regional plans.

CARPHA, the lead CARICOM Institution on public health matters, has activated its Incidence Management Team for Emergency Response, and has been working with its regional and international health partners to monitor developments, and support national response efforts. CARPHA has been urging CARICOM Member States to be vigilant, and to step up surveillance at their ports of entry.

In recognising the severity of the disease, which, according to the BBC, has already killed about 170 people in China, Guyana has taken steps to strengthen its port health authority,

and is even working with officials to examine the possibility of bringing home Guyanese students who are in China.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that authorities here continue to be on guard against the Coronavirus, and are even well-equipped to deal with the virus if it reaches here.

“We are prepared and equipped with what is needed to handle a situation, should one arise,” said Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence during a joint press briefing between the Ministry of Public Health and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) last Tuesday.

According to Minister Lawrence, government’s first approach to keeping the virus at bay is to ensure that they “test, isolate and treat” any person who enters Guyana, and has a high index of suspicion. While every port is being monitored, the minister said emphasis is being placed on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Eugene F. Correia Airport.

“We have not moved to the second phase to check whether we do have cases, but what we are looking at is what it will take to expand services outside of Georgetown, especially if we have an overflow… We know GPHC has a high occupancy rate, so we need another facility to house persons,” said the minister, noting that the ministry is examining other available facilities, and looking at what needs to be purchased.

ADEQUATE MEDICATION So far, the ministry has confirmed that it has an adequate supply of medication to treat the respiratory and other symptoms of the disease. The ministry is expected to make a presentation to Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, who was made aware of the situation when the minister and her

team briefed Cabinet last Tuesday.

The team of medical professionals provided an insight into the rise of the novel Coronavirus, and advised Cabinet that the Caribbean and Guyana were at a relatively low risk, but that it was important to be prepared for any eventualities.

Cabinet was told that the GPHC and the Diamond Diagnostic Centre were identified as the two medical facilities where any arriving passenger suspected of having the novel Coronavirus will be quarantined. Both facilities were being prepared and retrofitted accordingly.

The team briefed Cabinet that Port Health Authorities had begun screening Chinese nationals arriving at the CJIA from Suriname and Asia. According to a press statement, President David Granger thanked the team for the briefing, and the work that they and other agencies were doing to ensure that Guyana is prepared to handle an occurrence. President Granger said Guyana’s preparedness to deal with transnational diseases is at an optimum.

Resident PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. William AduKrow, said during the joint press conference last Tuesday that Guyana, although not having to deal with some of the prevalent outbreaks in recent times, was experienced and prepared to deal with any disease. “As of now, though, we are very, very, very low in terms of getting a condition like that, but we are prepared,” Dr. Adu-Krow said.

In emphasising his confidence in Guyana, he said: “We went through Chikungunya, Ebola and so on, so I think we have gained enough experience. Even though we did not have the cases, we have enough experience to deal with it… PAHO/WHO is also prepared to stand by the ministry to support in the event of the virus reaching Guyana.”

TNM reaches out to Sophia residents THOUGH promising to address the sore issue of squatting if elected to the National Assembly, The New Movement (TNM) did not receive the full support of residents, when it hosted its outreach in ‘D’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, on Sunday.

At a road intersection where less than 10 of its members gathered, the small political party interacted with residents – making public its intention to address Sophia’s pressing needs.

However, it was not long after the outreach commenced that some residents of the community brought out their own flags and banners to show that they were in support of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+ AFC) coalition.

TNM presidential candidate Dr. Asha Kissoon told the newspaper that she was unfazed by the show of ‘opposition.’ According to her, TNM was invited to the community by its very members.

“That’s expected, but it doesn’t deter us,” she said.

Among issues atop its

agenda was that of squatting, a problem that has plagued Sophia for decades.

“We do not support squatting, however, our thing is they should be allocated land because a lot of them have been waiting five to 10 years – they showed us their documents – we believe that they should be given their own parts,” Dr.

been languishing in the system. House lots, she further posited, should be distributed to Guyanese free of cost.

“Only 11 per cent of Guyana’s land has been developed – of course we’re not going to touch the forests – but our population is less than a million people, so there is enough; it’s feasible to give out the land to our

to ‘D’ Field Sophia.

“I haven’t joined this party, but I see them and I like them so I said I gon give them my vote,” Harris said.

“Some people like PPP, some people like this party [APNU+AFC], everybody got their own likes and this is my own likes. If they’re coming they have to address [the issue that] certain peo-

...promises end to squatting if elected

The party established some time back that it will not be hosting large political rallies and will do

most of its work in small groups, meeting persons at their homes or within their communities.

TNM supporter Darren Harris

Kissoon said.

According to her, if TNM secures a seat in the National Assembly it would lobby for the development of lands for those currently living in squatter settlements, and other Guyanese whose applications have

citizens,” the TNM presidential candidate opined.

Meanwhile, one resident, Darren Harris, was seen trying to call out others from his community to attend the meeting. Dr. Kissoon said that he was one of the residents who invited the party

ple don’t have land rights and that’s why all of this [some parts of the community] is squatting and that isn’t supposed to happen.

So, I would like for everybody who’s squatting to get a piece ‘uh thing,” he further added.

The New Movement (TNM) presidential candidate, Dr. Asha Kissoon

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 3, 2020

Towards a Good Life…

Youth, women and ethnic minorities

By Melina Harris I WAS pleasantly surprised by the recent comments of APNU + AFC Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, who announced his intentions to retire following the intentional exemption of his name from the APNU + AFC Nomination List.

As a child, I had rather lofty aspirations of one day becoming President of this great nation, however, as I matured in age, education and wisdom, I soon became very disenfranchised with the ideologies of government and politics, and quickly pursued other aspirations.

Growing up in the UK, I observed that most government officials, and indeed most authority figures, were old, white, male and ‘upper class’.

And as a result, the institutions, legislation and society became fashioned in such a way as to benefit that class of society: The bourgeoisie and upper-class Englishman.

Disenfranchised working-class young people, women and ethnic minority groups have had a long history of under-representation in governmental institutions. And today, these groups continue to endure the outcomes of “institutional racism”, and intersectional discrim-

ination in today’s society, albeit with some progress in the opposite direction. I make this point to draw the comparison with Guyana, which is the actualisation of a very similar trend. In Guyana, the PPP’s 23-year tenure in office produced Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Donald Ramotar, and Bharrat Jagdeo, mostly older men belonging to certain key demographics.

The current Coalition government is demonstrably diverse in comparison to previous administrations; however its main figureheads are also older men. Certainly one might opine that the ruling elite have always maintained a certain status quo. Consequently, young people, and particularly young women, have never really been associated with the upper echelons of political office until quite late into the 20th Century. Young people, women, and ethnic minorities in general have often been described as apolitical, apathetic and otherwise disengaged with politics.

Younger citizens in Generation Y and Z, or Millennials, as we have come to be known, have grown up in the democratic era where we have been told that we have the power to elect our representatives who would govern the nation in the best interests of all citizens.

GOVERNANCE FOR US BY US Democracy has been touted as governance for us by us, the latter being those we choose to elect to office. But there is a perception locally, and indeed overseas, that young people in particular do not engage with politics, and often protest against the State, mainly through demonstrations, protests and voter abstention. So, why has my generation become so disenfranchised with government and democracy? I believe diversity and representation are key factors in addressing the fallout.

Although coverage on the mainstream media is not forthcoming, governments and democracies the world over are under pressure from mass protests, where the vast majority of the participants are young, working-class women and ethnic minority people. Mass anti-government protests have been raging in France, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Chile, Peru, Indonesia, Haiti, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and India, the world’s largest democracy. Young people and other disenfranchised groups of society are challenging governmental and democratic norms. In order for these troubled societies to move forward, the

voices of the disenfranchised must be heard.

Guyana is at an incredibly important and interesting juncture in the nation’s development and the politics of the past will not serve the nation well if all demographics of our society are not satisfied through inclusivity and representation, particularly the younger generations.

Like many young Guyanese, I too, am often bored and frustrated when engaging with local politics and politicians.

NOTORIOUSLY EVASIVE

I find some politicians to be notoriously evasive when questioned.

Why is it that politicians have been allowed to evade, deceive and lie to the very people who elected them to office? Thankfully, and in general, that culture seems to be on the decline, but could you imagine going to your doctor and not being able to get a straight answer about a diagnosis? Like doctors, politicians too, have a job to do, and their work must be scrutinised so that they may be held accountable, especially where financial matters are concerned.

This past week, an Online petition started to make its rounds on social media. The petition

Two killed in separate hit-and-run accidents

TWO persons are now dead following two separate hit-and-run accidents at Providence, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and at Good Hope, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

While the victim of the Good Hope accident was unidentified, the victim of the Providence accident was identified as 29-year-old Everton Charles, of Lot 282 Earls Avenue, Subryanville.

According to a report from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), a motor lorry was proceeding south on the eastern carriageway, allegedly at a high rate of speed, on Saturday, when it collided with Charles, who was, at the time, riding his motorcycle, CJ 5282, in the same direction.

“The lorry then stopped a short distance away where the driver reportedly checked his vehicle then proceeded on his journey,” the police said.

Charles, after being struck down, was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Tributes poured in for Charles on his Facebook page, as friends and family called for justice to be served.

One person said: “We need justice.

We need this heartless man found! We need him to pay for what he did! He didn’t care to stop and think of what this man, who was so many things including well mannered, polite, always smiling, a great friend, patient and kind!”

The 29-year-old was remembered for being a quiet, humble and friendly person, who would always be there when needed.

As relatives and friends of the deceased continue to mount calls for

justice, reports from the GPF indicated that the suspect was apprehended and is assisting with the investigation.

Meanwhile, over at Good Hope, residents of the area were left baffled early Sunday morning, after they woke up to see a male lying motionless in a drain just off the railway embankment road.

It is believed that the man was a victim of a hit-and-run accident.

According to residents of the com-

Sumner and Hall emerge Junior Soca and Calypso Monarchs

Dead: Everton Charles

The spot where the unidentified body was found (Carl Croker photo)

munity, the unidentified male was clad in red boots, black pants and a red t-shirt.

One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, said she heard no noise, but there were spots of red on the road.

Persons found it strange that the

was created by Youth Advocate Dennis Glasgow, and called for the organisation of a Presidential Candidates Debate to take place prior to the March 2 elections.

I am all for said debate to take place. If the newspapers are any indication of the political mud-slinging contest that might ensue, Guyanese the world over could be in for a treat. Could you imagine the scenes that would ensue? All jokes aside, the debate would be the perfect forum for meaningful discourse to take place. Party Manifestos could be dissected, and young people could pose questions about matters important to us. I believe that in order for Guyana to move forward effectively, we need to elect candidates who are qualified, and demonstrate imagination and vision; qualities which are notably associated with young people as it were.

In order for the government to be able to respond to all of the current and future challenges facing all sections of society and the economy, we need to hear more from and about young people from those vying for office, and indeed those electing them. I would encourage more dialogue from both sides of the fence.

person was allegedly hit and dragged along the road but somehow ended up in the nearby drain. Residents said they observed visible bruises on the man’s body.

Up to press time, the GPF said the body remained unidentified and the matter is still being investigated.

THE Junior Soca and Calypso competitions concluded on Saturday evening in the township of Lethem, with 17-year-old Relon Sumner and 18-year-old Omaiah Hall emerging, respectively, as the two Monarchs.

Sumner hails from the mining town of Linden and is visually impaired. However, he told the Guyana Chronicle that he has been singing for five years and had no fear entering the competition; neither did he doubt that he can be the winner.

Nonetheless, he said it feels great knowing that he won, since this was the very first time he tried singing a soca song, and it is also his very first time entering the competition.

“I feel really great because I’m into dancehall music, and to know that it was the first time for everything and I won, I feel good. But I rehearsed a lot, so I went in prepared,” the young man said.

Coming in the other places behind Sumner were Akeem Alexander, Faith Corrica and Jada Harry.

Meanwhile, the Calypso Champion, Hall, said that she is overwhelmed with joy.

“I prayed for this, I really did pray for this and I worked really hard to win. I went out there and gave my all and I came out successful. I’m really happy that I got the support from my mom and loved ones out there with me,” she said.

Coming in second, third and fourth were Reshaun Whyte, Chisara James and Akeem Alexander, respectively.

Both Junior winners are now preparing to take on the seniors in their semifinals this Saturday. If they go through to the next round, the Juniors will take on the challenge to be the Senior champions as well.

In this regard, Sumner said that he is aiming to make history.

“In the senior competition, there are a lot of big artistes in there, some that I was watching since I’m small. Now, instead of meeting them and shaking their hands, I will be competing with them, and that is an honour. I have no fear though, I’m looking to make history as the first person to win both junior and senior monarchs,” he said.

Hall expressed similar sentiments, saying that it is her dream to win, and to “shock out” the seniors. The first part of the dream came through now that she is the Junior winner. She is now ready to take on the big guns for the senior title.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

GNYC launches voter education campaign THE Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) and its partnering organisations have launched a national youth-led Civic and Voter Education Campaign to enhance the participation of young people in Guyana’s electoral process.

The GNYC is a non-governmental network organisation of youth, youth advocates, youth organisations with a youth component advancing youth inclusion in governance, the electoral process and other policies relating to youth in Guyana.

a peaceful manner on elections day. She cautioned against sensational news reports, which can sometimes incite violence, and called on GNYC to communicate that stories must be verified before sharing.

“You will do your utmost as youth leaders. Go out there

Members of the audience at the Moray House on Sunday

The launching took place at Moray House on Sunday under the theme “Ink It Up: Your Voice. Your Vote”.

As Guyana prepares to host its General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020, GNYC will target primarily the youth population through peer education, empowerment interventions and relevant information about their rights and responsibilities in the voting process.

Present at the campaign launch was Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh and representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and civil society organisations.

In her remarks, Justice Singh said that a call must be made for citizens to operate in

charged [but] we know better and we should try to impart that into other members of the electorate,” she further stated.

According to a GNYC release, the ‘Ink It Up’ Campaign will include a National Training Series for youth in hubs across all administrative

high volumes of youth.

It will feature games, minitalks and mock polling stations to educate individuals on what happens on the day of elections and the voting process.

The ‘Ink It Up’ campaign will also utilise social media and radio as platforms

Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh delivers remarks to youths of the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC)

and enlighten the electorate and let them know what they should desist from and that is important that they exercise their ballot because that is their constitutional right,” the GECOM Chair encouraged.

“They [citizens] have a right to vote for the person and party of their choice. We are all grateful for this session and for having this exercise as we all know that at election time, tempers and atmosphere is

regions in collaboration with GECOM. The young people trained will then host Voters’ Villages, which the Council referred to as “informal and youth-friendly face-to-face voter education” in public spaces in a pop-up format.

These pop-up events will be conducted at various marketplaces, bus parks and shopping malls, among other locations geared at attracting

to spread information on the voting process, roles and responsibilities, among other key non-partisan messages through visual, textual and audio forms.

The GNYC’ radio programme, Youth Talk Back Live (YTBL) will also be a key platform to have twoway dialogue with youth to both motivate and educate an informed youth electorate.

ERC urges Guyanese to resist provocation during political rallies THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has called on citizens and supporters of all political parties to reject attempts at provocation or heated confrontations against any party campaigning for the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

In a statement on Friday, the commission said that it has been receiving reports about heated confrontations during political outreaches. As such, it called on the public to shun confrontation and concentrate on the issues being put forward by the candidates.

“The Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC) condemns the unacceptable conduct of purported supporters of contesting political parties over the past few days, which have resulted in heated confrontations in different parts of the country, such as at Wismar and Non Pareil,” the commission stated.

The ERC reminded the public that it is monitoring the political campaigns as it seeks to play its role in promoting harmony, good relations and peace in the society.

It also called on political leaders to urge their supporters to immediately stop and reject any inclination by their supporters to taunt, confront and intimidate others of opposing sides.

The commission stated: “The ERC wishes to remind that under the Laws of Guyana, campaigning by political parties during the elections period is allowed, but wants citizens and supporters to reject outright all attempts at provocation, and instead concentrate on issues being put forward by the candidates.”

Meanwhile, it is still engaging political leaders on its proposed Code of Conduct set to guide their behaviour for the upcoming elections.

The commission last reported that the initiative has not yet received the expected response.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 3, 2020

RUSAL blocking all attempts at peaceful resolutions – Lincoln Lewis

GENERAL Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU), Lincoln Lewis, has accused the Russian-owned Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) of blocking all of the union’s attempts to resolve the current industrial relations impasse peacefully.

Though the company continues to emphasize its willingness to rehire the laid-off workers, the rehiring constitutes just one out of three demands that the Union is adamant need to be addressed collectively, for fear that if issues are addressed in parts, they will remain unattended, as has been the case in the past.

Lewis said too that the issue stems from more than just the blockage of the river by the bauxite workers.

Workers blocked the river subsequent to the company laying off 142 workers on January 23.

The company laid off another 146 workers on January 30. The blockage prevented the company from transporting the bauxite from its Kurubuka Mines in Region 10.

According to the union official, the company is refusing to address the other two issues, continuing to place focus on the unblocking of the river. Following a Department of Labour meeting on Friday, BCGI Executive, Vladimir Permyakov, restated the company’s position on rehiring the workers once the

GBGWU General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis

river is unblocked; he likened the situation to being “with a gun to your head”.

“This opportunity is taken to remind Permyakov it is often through extreme vigilance change comes.

Changes in the world don’t always come from talking to people across the table alone, but change comes in many instances when force was matched equally with force. Workers tried all measure of peaceful conflict resolution and they are being blocked from this by RUSAL,” Lewis said in a statement.

Lewis further stated that: “He thinks the company cannot negotiate ‘with a gun to your head’, the reality is there are times in the world when nothing has been resolved unless people stand on firm ground to make changes. Guyana too has a proud history and legacy of struggles and none will take from us what we took hundreds of years to achieve, i.e. human rights and a nation state.”

“RUSAL has successfully, over the years by some measure, rendered the Department of Labour ineffective in dealing with them,” Lewis said.

Antagonistic relations between the employees and the company again came to a boil in February 2019, when the company initially fired 60 workers and subsequently 31 more when the employees commenced strike action over an arbitrarily imposed one per cent salary increase.

The strike lasted for a month, ending with a small victory for the workers with all the workers being reinstated and the company agreeing to recognise the workers’ union.

“GB&GWU is forced to recognise the actions of the frustrated persons to block the river as an act of desperation to bring about social justice when all legal and procedural avenues have been stymied by inaction, foot-dragging and

BCGI’s representative, Vladimir Permyakov misrepresentation of advice on best practices,” Lewis said.

The company says that the blockage of the river is illegal, and has called on the government to see it as such. Lewis said the company is choosing to conveniently cherry-pick laws.

“While RUSAL is not prepared to honour the Laws of Guyana, they are prepared to turn the Government of Guyana against the workers of Guyana,” Lewis said. He further added that: “Since the company now finds it convenient to speak

about the Laws of Guyana regarding Guyana national waters, we take this opportunity to remind them that the Constitution of Guyana also speaks about the sovereignty of our nation and the Laws of Guyana which they have been in violation of for over a decade.”

In addition to rehiring the laidoff workers, the Union is also asking that the company address compensation for two workers who suffered electric shock while on duty in December; and for discussions on wages and salaries to progress to arbitration.

“Workers are prepared to return to work under these conditions which were communicated to the company,” Lewis said.

With almost a year elapsing since the company and Union agreed to work on an agreement for wages and salaries and still making no progress, Lewis stressed that the Union is steadfast in its call for the discussions to move to arbitration.

“GBGWU calls for arbitration. Now! GBGWU calls for declaration of an impasse to be followed immediately by arbitration. The Union calls also on the Guyanese community, our trade union comrades and the media to rally around bauxite workers in exposing and fighting the injustices meted out to them,” Lewis said.

New lights for Bartica Community Centre Ground VERY soon, the youths of Bartica will be able to utilise the Bartica Community Centre Ground at nights, as works have started for the installation of new floodlights there.

On Friday, the planting of poles began at the facility, under the close watch of Mayor Gifford Marshall and other officials. The mayor disclosed that over the course of the following three days, the installation of 20 brand new lamps will be completed, thereby providing better lighting than was previously available at the ground.

Residents of Bartica, especially sports enthusiasts, have already expressed sentiments of relief at the prospect of having the new lights operating on the field.

The Bartica Community Centre Ground has been earmarked as one of the celebratory venues for Guyana’s Republic Jubilee, which is being observed this year. The lighting project is being carried out by the Government of Guyana, with support from the Bartica Football Association.

In a comment, Mayor Marshall said that the objective is to improve the lives of youths in the town, and produce well-rounded individuals.

“As part of our commitment to youths of Bartica, we are working feverishly to improve all of our sports facilities,” the mayor said, adding: “Also, we are working towards improving our open spaces, and putting the necessary infrastructure, facilities and equipment for academics to ensure that we have well rounded young people.”

Speaking of some of the township’s hopes and aspirations, Mayor Marshall said, “As we

move forward and embrace the decade of development, we are placing focus and emphasis on our youths and the development of our people.

For too long we would have had a troubled society, where drugs would have plagued our young men. We’ve had a situation where many of our young girls become pregnant at a tender age. We’ve had a number of social issues that affected our beautiful town over the last few years, and we believe that if we invest in them, by putting the necessary facilities, equipment and infrastructure in place, it will direct their energies, and refocus their minds toward a kind of youth that we want. So the installation of lights at the ground is just one aspect that represents our objective in terms of making that entire facility into a sports centre.”

Very soon, he said, they will commence work on the Mongrippa Hill playfield, and install lights there as well.

He noted, too, that they are working towards identiBartica fying a spot for a playfield in Mayor Gifford the Potaro Road area, where Marshall many persons reside.

“So, it is an ongoing project, and it is one that we are very committed to. And we will ensure that Bartica moves from one level to another,” Marshall said.

Director of Sports Christopher Jones and Regional Officials

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 3, 2020

Broomes, Adams-Yearwood defend their ‘integrity’ - refute claims that their assets were not declared to the Integrity Commission IN keeping with her obligation to the Integrity Commission, Minister of Youth Affairs within the Ministry of the Presidency, Simona Broomes, had declared her assets prior to the commission publishing a list of officials who “did not declare their assets.”

Minister Broomes, who was surprised at her name being on the list, said she had submitted the required documents to the commission for the period listed, July 2018 to June 2019.

“The notice by the commission is erroneous…I have submitted the required declaration to the commission for the said period, in accordance with the law,” said Minister Broomes during an inter-

view with the Guyana Chronicle, on Sunday.

She called on the commission to correct the public record forthwith, noting that she has never been delinquent in declaring her assets to the constitutional body.

Minister Broomes, who had evidence to show, said she declared her assets to the commission for 2017/2018 and 2018/2019.

In defending her compliance with the commission’s regulations, the minister said: “I have nothing to hide…I submitted in 2017 and I did the same thing in 2018/2019... [And] I have the receipt for my last submission.” The receipt was seen by the Guyana Chronicle.

She said this is, however, not the first time she had to provide clarity to the commission, noting that in 2017, the commission had written her to submit documents, which she had already submitted.

The most recent document, which was submitted by the minister, was a new title for an old property. Minister Broomes, however, said the document was tampered with and damaged by staff of the Integrity Commission.

“They tampered with it and loosed the ribbon from the legal document… I had contacted Trevor Benn and he said it is tampering, so I have to write the Integrity Commission and copy Mr. Benn,” said the minister, adding that she had recently received

the title from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

In stressing her commitment to declaring her assets, the minister said: “I have submitted documents for every property and asset…In the past I had sent all my original copies so that we could remove any speculation and doubt, but I will be sending photocopies after my title was tampered with.”

Minister Broomes further defended her integrity, noting that she is a responsible person, who believes in accountability and transparency.

She reiterated that she has proof of all her documents being with the commission, noting that although she would not submit those documents personally, her

Minister of Youth Affairs within the Ministry of the Presidency, Simona Broomes

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valerie Adams-Yearwood

staff would always ensure the documents are signed and submitted.

The minister said her biggest challenge this year was getting an updated valuation for her property in Bartica, due to her official

responsibilities. Despite having difficulties with acquiring the valuation, the minister said she communicated to the commission about the property.

“The properties are there, I did not leave it out…I wrote the commission and say I had some

challenges…everything was submitted and I want to say to all Guyana, I at no time would want to dishonor my obligation to the commission…the commission has its role to play, it is nothing personal,” said the minister.

The minister was, however, disappointed in the commission’s release of “inaccurate” information, especially during the elections season.

In expressing her disappointment, she said: “the timing is wrong…to throw somebody out there to the public without verifying is wrong…they could have double checked…I submitted before.”

The minister said she plans on writing an official letter to the commission today, expressing her dissatisfaction with what was done.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valerie Adams-Yearwood, whose name was also on the list, confirmed that she had declared her assets and was surprised by her name being there.

National Park back to normalcy after bee invasion forced closure NATIONAL Park officials have confirmed that bee experts have located and eliminated the bee nest that caused the closure of the facility on Saturday.

In an advisory to the media on Sunday, notice was given of the updated position. However, while the release advised that the facility would be reopened “no later than 1:30 pm on Sunday, February 02, 2020”, the National Park was still inaccessible to the public when this publication visited the facility around 16.30hrs yesterday.

The main gates to the Park were locked; there were no visible signs of activity and persons visiting the park were turned back by security personnel stationed at the gate.

On Saturday, the Protect-

Some persons who were turned back from entering the National Park on Sunday

ed Area Commission (PAC) decided to close the park to the public, citing an invasion of bees as the reason.

It is not clear if this is the first time such an occurrence is recorded at the National Park.

The National Park houses a number of clubs and

companies such as the Let’s Dance, the National Dance Company, the National School of Dance and many others.

Hundreds of persons also use the facility on a daily basis to exercise and perform extracurricular activity.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

Commonwealth electoral advisers call on PM Nagamootoo

Standing from left to right are: Head of Good Offices for Peace Governance, Dr. Tres-Ann Kremer; the Prime Minister’s Legal Adviser on Governance, Tamara Khan; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; former Chairman of the Ghana Elections Commission, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan; former Chief Elections Commissioner of India, Dr Nasim Zaidi; Adviser and Head of Elections Support, Mr Martin Kasirye and Head of Information Technology Policy and Special Projects, Deeann Ali. (DPI photo)

A TEAM of high-level senior electoral advisers from the Commonwealth Secretariat, assisting the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in the upcoming elections, paid a visit to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Friday to brief him on their objectives while in the country.

The team comprised former Chairman of the Ghana Elections Commission, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan; former Chief Elections Commissioner of India, Dr. Nasim Zaidi; Adviser and Head of Elections Support, Mr. Martin Kasirye and Head of Good Offices for Peace Governance, Dr. Tres-Ann Kremer.

They met at the prime

minister’s official residence with the Prime Minister’s Legal Adviser on Governance, Tamara Khan; and Head of Information Technology Policy and Special Projects, Deeann Ali also in attendance.

According to the Department of Public information (DPI), the prime minister gave the Commonwealth advisers a brief history of the election processes and electoral reforms in Guyana.

He emphasised the importance of GECOM in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

He also conveyed greetings to the Commonwealth group from His Excellency President David Granger and shared with them policy state-

ments by the Head of State on hosting credible elections in Guyana.

Meanwhile, in addition to being India’s former Chief Elections Commissioner, the Harvard-educated Dr. Zaidi is a former Civil Aviation Director-General and Secretary, Ministry of Aviation of India.

Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan is a celebrated political scientist, and has served as Chairman of Ghana’s Elections Commission. He was also one of the framers of his country’s fourth republican constitution.

The team thanked the prime minister for providing useful information on the country’s political history and its electoral processes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

Greenidge dismisses Global Witness, Mangal ― urges Guyanese to be wary of ‘false news, dirty tricks’

FOREIGN Secretary Carl Greenidge has urged the public to be wary of “false news” and “dirty tricks” which will arise during this election period intended to sway them politically.

Greenidge made the remarks at the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) rally held recently in New Amsterdam, where a large number of supporters turned out to hear of the government’s vision for the East Berbice-Corentyne region.

The former Foreign Affairs Minister drew the public’s attention to what he said is an ongoing attempt to sully the government regarding its management of the country’s oil resources.

“That attack suggests that the government has somehow engaged in arrangements that are improper; arrangements that will not bring the maximum benefit to Guyana,” he said.

Foreign Secretary Carl Greenidge

He, however, rebutted the claims. “The government has gone to great efforts to ensure that the works carried out by its ministers are fit and proper and that the ministers themselves are fit and proper ministers,” the foreign secretary maintained.

He also pointed to attempts to smear the government through allegations that it operates without transparency in its decisions.

However, Greenidge pointed out that prior to 2015, the APNU+AFC, while in opposition, fought for transparency in decision-making at a time when friendship and family largely influenced the awarding of contracts by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

He stated that the current government has made the greatest efforts in ensuring proper governance.

He urged citizens to reject the ongoing efforts to label the government as non-transparent and to pay keen attention as to from whom such messages are coming.

One such person he named was former Petroleum Adviser to the President, Dr. Jan Mangal, who the foreign secretary said had gone on Aljazeera, an international news channel, to name Guyana as “one of the most corrupt places in the

world.”

Greenidge said such negative positions are not becoming of a person interested in advancing the best interest of his country. He also noted that Mangal’s actions against his country and government may stem from a grudge held following non-renewal of his contract by the state.

Even so, contrary to Mangal’s position, he reminded that in 2019, Guyana moved 20 places up the worldwide Transparency Index.

“Some of the countries that you see our friends pointing to as being better off are lower ranked in their index and yet we can have an official, or former official, appearing on the international stage disparaging his country,” Greenidge said.

“This man was silent when the previous government was in office; he said not a word even when the Exxon contract was awarded in 1999; nothing was said, but when Exxon found oil you suddenly discovered that they are the worse company in the world and that the government somehow is corrupt,” Greenidge posited.

The foreign secretary also lambasted Mangal for being silent on the fact that the largest contract awarded by Exxon thus far, in the country, was awarded to his brother.

He called on citizens to be keen enough to sift out opinions from facts and be wary of experts brought in by newspapers for their own agendas.

Greenidge then spoke specifically to Global Witness, an investigative company known for sourcing its information through questionable means such as secret filming, satellite imagery, drone footage and anonymous sources.

He chastised the company for having nothing to say on Guyana’s behalf when Venezuela laid claim to more than half of the country and its resources.

“Some set of Guyanese have sought to bring an NGO – a very controversial NGO – to present a report which will claim that this government has been managing its business improperly, corruptly, inefficiently and billions of dollars have been lost to the poor,” he said.

“When [the border controversy] was going on, this NGO called Global Witness was nowhere to be found. They had nothing to say on our behalf when another country was trying to steal our resources.

If our resources are stolen they are lost to our poor. But now that oil has been discovered, this NGO has suddenly got a feeling for the poor,” Greenidge further added.

Since the foreign secretary’s ousting of international company, the government’s main political competitor, the PPP/C and known critic of the government, attorney Christopher Ram, have picked up on the same.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 3, 2020

AMERICAN RACING TIPS Nahoning Valley Race 1 Unbridledselection Race 2 Victor’s Destiny Race 3 Candy Kettle Corn Race 4 Hooray For Harvey Race 5 Empirita Race 6 Dinesen Race 7 Abraham Race 8 Springdetti SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Flamingo Park 08:10 hrs Letigre 08:50 hrs The Russian Sailor 09:25 hrs All Thesevens 10:00 hrs Manaftermidnight 10:30 hrs Euan’Me ENGLISH RACING TIPS Carlisle 09:50 hrs Goobinator 10:20 hrs Ballybreen 10:55 hrs Pennymallow 12:00 hrs Haulusin 12:30 hrs Xpouniversel Wolverhampton 13:00 hrs Billyoakes 13:30 hrs Rockesbury 14:00 hrs Buymeback 14:30 hrs Comeatchoo 15:00 hrs Ohthisisus 15:30 hrs Bondangel 16:00 hrs Sheriffmuir 16:30 hrs Ember’s Glow

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 3, 2020

Novak reigns in Australia (REUTERS) - NOVAK Djokovic endured a fierce challenge to his Melbourne Park reign before overhauling Dominic Thiem 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 on Sunday to clinch an eighth Australian Open crown and reclaim the world number one ranking.

While Rafael Nadal rules Roland Garros with 12 titles, Djokovic holds sway in the title match at the Rod Laver Arena, having never lost a final in Melbourne Park. Yet, on Sunday, the Serb was under siege for much of the thriller.

For the first time in eight Melbourne finals, Djokovic was forced to come back when trailing after three sets, rocked by the power and determination of Thiem.

But as he so often does, the Serb found a way.

He captured the decisive break in the third game of the final set, then held firm as Thiem made desperate assaults on his serve.

Going for broke in a nerve-shredding final game, the fifth seeded Austrian went for the lines but missed on the first championship point to hand Djokovic one of his most hard-earned triumphs.

“This is definitely my favourite court, my favourite stadium in the world and I am blessed to hold this trophy again,” said Djokovic after being presented with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup by 2005 winner, Marat Safin.

Four months after Nadal stopped Russian,

Daniil Medvedev, in the U.S. Open final, the Serb’s 17th Grand Slam title continued the ‘Big Three’s’ reign over the majors.

Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer have now won 13 Grand Slam titles in succession, dating back to Federer’s 2017 win at Melbourne Park.

Thiem, seen as one of the greatest hopes to end the Big Three domination, was consigned to his third defeat in a major final following losses in the last two French Open deciders to Nadal.

“Unreal what you are doing through all these years. You and two other guys have brought men’s tennis to a completely new level,” the 26-yearold told Djokovic at the trophy ceremony.

“Well I fell a little bit short but I hope I can get revenge soon.”

While Thiem started heavy-legged after spending a total of eight hours beating Alexander Zverev and Nadal in his previous two matches, Djokovic charged out of the blocks to take the first set.

But the match turned on its head at 4-4 in the second when Djokovic became flustered after being called twice for breaching the service clock.

He returned to his chair fuming and paused to sarcastically pat chair umpire Damien Dumusois’s sneaker, telling the Frenchman: “Great job

man, you made yourself famous in this match, especially for the second one. Well done.”

Conceding the set with a terrible backhand, a shellshocked Djokovic lost six games in a row as Thiem, blasting winners virtually at will, roared to a 4-0 lead in the third.

Something was amiss with the Serb and he called for the trainer after holding serve. But he underwent no treatment and resumed after an exchange of words.

He made a fist of digging in, saving three set points but a wayward forehand on the fourth gave Thiem the lead.

It looked gloomy for Djokovic, who had destroyed Nadal in three sets in the 2019 final.

But the match turned again when Thiem gave up a double-fault to concede two break points, then blasted a forehand long to fall 5-3 behind in the fourth set.

In a flash, Djokovic had served out the set to love, sealing it with an ace.

Having spent about six hours more time on court than Djokovic through the tournament, the strain of a long campaign began to tell on Thiem but he refused to crumble in the fifth.

He had two chances to break back in the fourth game but Djokovic nervelessly cancelled the threat before holding firm in the nerve-jangling finish.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday February 3, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK –

STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 57 ODIs; WI 28 (SL 26; 3 NR) (2) 9 T20s; WI 3 (SL 6) Today’s Quiz:

What is the highest individual ODI score made by a WI player against Sri Lanka to date?

(2) What is the highest individual ODI score made by a Sri Lanka player against the WI to date?

(1)

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 3, 2020

India secure T20 series against New Zealand

KL Rahul pulls during the course of his quick 45 (Getty Images)

(REUTERS) - LOCAL boy Kane Williamson sat out of the Mount Maunganui T20I, and Ross Taylor made a half-century in his 100th T20I in front of his family, but New Zealand still botched another match that they should’ve won. India had rested their regular captain, Virat Kohli, and their stand-in captain, Rohit Sharma, retired hurt on 60, after hurting his left calf, but Jasprit Bumrah and company helped India rally and secure a 5-0 whitewash.

After Taylor had provided a throwback to his IPL heyday and shellacked 34 runs along with Tim Seifert in a Shivam Dube over, New Zealand needed 66 off 60 balls to pull one back in the series. This time they couldn’t even take it into a Super Over and by the time Ish Sodhi launched a pair of sixes in the last over, the game was all but up.

Once Navdeep Sani had Seifert flapping a catch to midwicket for 50, New Zealand suffered another irreparable collapse, losing 6 for 25. After cramping Seifert for room, Saini returned to have a leg-side happy Taylor snicking behind for 53 off 47 balls. Bumrah, as is the norm these days, also played a crucial hand in India’s victory, yorking Daryl Mitchell and Tim Southee at the death.

Not too long ago, KL Rahul was a mere Mr. Fix It in India’s line-up, but he has now established himself as one of the key figures in India’s white-ball sides. Although he slowed down against spin, he made it to 45 off 33 balls, and closed out the series with 224 runs in five innings at an average of 56 and strike rate of just a shade under 145.

After Sanju Samson (2) opened once again and threw away another opportunity, Rahul set the early pace, cracking Southee for three boundaries in the third over, the pick of them being an exquisite

lofted six over extra-cover. By the end of the Powerplay, Rahul claimed 33 off India’s 53.

Spinners Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner then tied him down in the middle overs with their clever variations in length and pace.

From 33 off 17 balls, Rahul managed a mere 12 off his next 16 balls. As a result, he went searching for a scoring opportunity against Hamish Bennett and wound up scooping a leading edge to extra-cover.

Rahul wasn’t done yet though. He put in another fine shift behind the stumps and juggled it with the additional responsibility of captaincy after Sharma had injured himself and didn’t take the field in the second innings. By the stroke of midnight, Rahul was soaking in India’s 5-0 win as their captain.

After challenging India to bat first, Sharma followed a familiar template: he took his time to get his eye in and then unfurled a variety of strokes. He was on 19 off 20 balls at one point, but found a higher gear when he carved Sodhi’s flipper for four. In the next over, he heaved a long hop from Santner into the stands beyond midwicket. Sharma took Sodhi for two sixes, and progressed to his fifty off 35 balls. Just when he threated to go bananas, he seemed to have hurt his calf while running between the wickets and hobbled off the field in the 17th over. India were 140 for 2 at that point.

After conceding 23 runs in the Powerplay, Southee brought himself back at the death, and leaked 29 in his last two. He routinely missed his lengths and allowed India to breach 160. When Southee missed his straight yorker in the last over, Manish Pandey shovelled him over long-on for six.

When Southee missed the wide yorker, Pandey scythed him over point for four.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 3, 2020

Albion and Rose Hall Town win one 100-ball final each over the weekend ALBION Community Centre Cricket Club lost to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club in the Let’s Bet 100-ball T20 second-division cricket final on Sunday, one day after beating the same club in the Rafeek Construction 100ball second division final.

On Saturday, Albion whipped RHT by nine wickets at the Port Mourant ground.

Rose Hall Town batted first, but were restricted to just 73 all out, three balls short of their 100 balls.

Junior Sinclair finished with 29 runs, while left-arm spinner Kelvin Umroa led the attack with 3-19.

In reply, Albion raced to 74-1 in 56 deliveries.

Eventual man-of-thematch, Adrian Sukhwa,

led the way with an unbeaten 45 while Sharaz Ramcharran also finished unbeaten, but with 23 runs.

Albion Community Centre Cricket Club won the Rafeek Construction 100-ball second-division final on Saturday.

SINCLAIR’S UNBEATEN KNOCK Meanwhile, on Sunday, Albion lost at home to RHT by 35 runs in the Let’s Bet 100 Balls final.

Batting first, RHT posted 145-5 from their allotted 100 balls with Kevin Sinclair leading the way with an unbeaten 82.

Ramcharran grabbed 3-15 with his off-spinners, bowling for Albion.

Albion responded with 110-7. Sukhwa again fell just short of his half-century with a top score of 46.

Left-arm spinner, Ravi Narain, took 2-13 for RHT.

After finishing as runner’s up on Saturday, Rose Hall Town won the Let’s Bet 100-ball T20 final on Sunday.

Jacques hat-trick helps DCC to innings and 90-run win over UG MEDIUM-fast bowler, Carlton Jacques, delivered his second hat- trick in his career, yesterday, to spur the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) to an innings and 90-run victory over the University of Guyana in the GISE, Star Party Rental and Trophy Stall first-division twoday cricket competition.

National cricketer, Christopher Barnwell, had starred with both ball and bat (6-16 and 134 runs) on Saturday (day one), which propelled the home team to 301 after they had bowled out UG for 94. On Sunday—it was the fast bowler’s turn.

Jacques extracted bounce from

the wicket, which resulted in all three of his victims (Yogendra Singh (3), B. Bandoo (0) and Ershaad Ali (0)) edging behind.

Although DCC proved to be the better side, UG, starting the day trailing by an innings and 207 runs, never tried to bat themselves in. Instead, many of their batsmen were guilty of flamboyant strokeplays, which made it easy for Barnwell to use his bowlers to pick them off.

Almost half of the 117 runs reached or went over the boundary. Damion Vantull (14) was particularly aggressive with two big sixes, one of which reached onto the steps of the Queenstown

Secondary School.

Skipper Dwayne Dodson, who was run out, scored four fours in his 19. Also finishing with 19 was Keon Roberts. The opener scored three fours, while Pavindralall Persaud, who had scored 39 in the first innings, added 18 runs (2x4s).

Jacques, who bowled four overs (two of which were maidens) finished with 3-4, while K. George and Orlando Giddings finished with two wickets each.

The opening bowler, George, got the opening pair, while Giddings made inroads against the lower order.

In total the second innings took just 29.4 overs.

Carlton Jacques got his first hat-trick in first division cricket. His previous hat-trick was in second division cricket.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 3, 2020

UDCA receive gear from GCB, as cricket continues its rebirth in Region 10 THE newly-elected executive body of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) recently acquired a number of gear and equipment from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) as development continues in Linden, Region 10.

Headed by GCB Territorial Development Officer (TDO) Colin Stuart and his assistant, Kavita Yadram, UDCA President Mr. Jermaine Figueira, last week Friday, accepted the wide array of cricket gear which included bats, pads, gloves, helmets and other pieces of equipment.

Figueira, who was recently elected president of the Mining Town’s association, thanked the GCB for their timely contribution which came at short notice.

He stated that the UDCA and the GCB will further collaborate in an effort to revamp cricket

in Linden, adding that discussions are already on the way for construction of two clay wickets at the McKenzie Sports Club and the Linden Technical Institute grounds.

Stuart, the ex-Guyana/West Indie Test pacer, in his remarks, noted that the GCB was thrilled to continue their mandate in ensuring that the clubs and venues across the country are properly sustained and equipped with gear and facilities necessary for producing top-tier cricketers.

He noted that with the wealth of talent in the community, players can now be nurtured under a well-managed environment. “We are confident that you, Mr. Figueira, and your supporting colleagues, will be able to positively address the development and empowering needs of the said region,” Stuart ended.

From left: GCB Assistant TDO, Kavita Yadram, UDCA president, Jermaine Figueira and GCB TDO, Colin Stuart during the recent presentation.

BCB 2020 Cricket Season

Premium Asphalt and T/R Construction 20/20 Tournament launched THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), in partnership with Premium Asphalt and T/R Construction, will host their inaugural inter-zone 2020 knockout tournament for 20 teams in the Lower/ Central Corentyne area.

The launch, which took place last Friday, will see No1 Road, Courtland, Fyrish, Fyrish Road, Chesney, Kilcoy, Jai Hind, Albion Open, Belvedere United, Tamarind Root, Rose Hall Tigers, Port Mourant, Tain Block 4, Whim-Kildonan, Kennard Memorial and Ramnarine Memorial

doing battle.

Premium Asphalt and T/R Construction’s Mr. Therbhuwan Jagdeo hands over sponsorship cheque to Leslie Solomon, Chairman of the BCB Competition Committee.

Powerhouses, Rose Hall Town Bakewell and the calendar year unless permission is Under-19 player in their final eleven. list of BCB sponsors and reassured Albion, have been debarred from the obtained from the BCB. Only players Foster cautioned the teams that the them that the tournament would be tournaments as an encouragement to living in the sub-zone are allowed BCB would only assist those who well organised and promoted.

Mr. Tevindra Jagdeo, the sponthe other teams. Matches would start to play unless they have a record of have a junior team. Solomon spoke at length about the importance of team sor, stated that he and his brother at 13:00hrs while captains, who fail playing for other clubs.

BCB President Hilbert Foster and discipline as the BCB intends to take are very pleased with the remarkto be at the venue by 12.45PM, would Chairman of the BCB Competition a hard stance on indiscipline. able work the BCB has done and, forfeit their rights to the toss. All Committee, Leslie Solomon, at the Solomon also urged the teams to as such, decided to come forward. other players will be granted half an launching at the Area H Ground, look around their villages and to get He expressed confidence the tourhour after the scheduled start of play. urged the club to invest in youth youths involved in playing the game. nament would be successful and Teams have to submit at least development if Berbice Cricket is to Foster expressed gratitude to the would achieve its objective of fifteen players and they would only develop.

Management of Premium Asphalt and promoting cricket at the grassroot be allowed to represent one club in Each team shall have to play one T/R Construction for joining the long level.

Bowlers finding groove, as Jaguars...

FROM BACKPAGE

to Barbados Pride. Their bowlers in the first two rounds were a bit tame but Round 3’s spark lit a fire under the bowlers as they were crucial in Guyana’s thrashing of Red Force.

For the most part, Guyana have been ticking all the right boxes as their fielding has been good while their batting errors revolved around the lack of conversion after a number of players made significant half-century scores but failed to carry on to three-digits.

Additionally, with fast-bowling all-rounders, Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul, on international duty, Ronsford Beaton banned from bowling and Raymon Reifer being under watch, following his injury from Round 2, a void was evident in the Jaguars’ bowling department.

But Niall Smith’s hostility, which saw him run amok on the Trinidadians with 5-12 in one of his better spells, coupled with senior pacer Keon Joseph’s knack

for breaking opening partnerships and spinners, Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo’s cunning approach, impelled Guyana to regain their winning ways.

With Smith, Permaul, Bishoo, Joseph and Reifer, who is expected to return for Round 4, all playing at optimum levels, Jaguars could easily use this new foursome to wreak havoc on the other teams for the remainder of the competition.

Smith and Permaul were the tormentors-in-chief against Red Force as the spinner passed the 500-wicket mark in first class cricket and they both will have huge roles to play, especially the scorching Smith who continues to mature with each game.

And should they regain the services of Sherfane Rutherford, Paul and Shepherd during the course of the Regional 4-Day tourney, Guyana could maintain their poise and go on to win their

6th title.

Meanwhile, Guyana has a current aggregate of 44.6 points with 2 wins and a loss from 3 matches played.

They lead the Pride by .2 as the Bajan franchise come in at second place with 44.4 points, making the 4th round an exciting one.

Guyana shift back to their home ground at Providence to tackle bottom-placed Jamaica Scorpions from Thursday, February 6.

Bowlers finding groove, as Jaguars regain winning ways

By Clifton Ross DEFENDING Regional 4-Day champions, Guyana Jaguars, seem to have their mojo back following their return to winning ways, and reclaiming the top-of-the-table position, compliments of their bowlers co-starring in their huge 3rd round win.

After suffering a loss to Barbados in Round 2, the champions switched to ruthless mode as they mauled the-then number one ranked team on the table, Trinidad Red Force, beating them by 219 runs at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, to reclaim their spot as table-leaders.

It would seem that the impact made in the last round by the bowlers have somewhat raised the bar for the champs, who up until Round 3, were leaning towards being a more batting-heavy side.

The Jags, despite not having a centurion in their mix so far, managed to show their mighty batting prowess as a number of their marquee batsmen have come to the party, including Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chris Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Vishaul Singh and Leon Johnson, who have all registered one half-century or more in their name to date.

Guyana’s reality check came after they lost Round 2 in a basically one-sided affair SEE PAGE 23

… Defending champions retake number one spot ahead of Round 4

Niall Smith and Veerasammy Permaul have played their roles well for the Jaguars.

Novak Djokovic kisses the Norman Brooks Challenge Cup trophy following his victory against Austria’s Dominic Thiem in their men’s singles final match on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne early on February 3, 2020. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

Novak reigns in Australia PAGE

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020