Guyana Chronicle E-paper 3-13-2019

WEDNESDAY 13th March, 2019

‘A TASK OF SISYPHUS’

No.105575

... AG maintains government cannot hold elections

… says provision in Article 106 (7) is an absurdity … contends Constitution does not provide for 'immediate' resignation of Cabinet 03&09 PAGES

RUSAL Fresh ideas needed to tackle TIP 13 recognises union PAGE

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… agrees to meeting to lay out concerns

‘PPP engineering 16 constitutional crisis’ PAGE

––Vincent Alexander

Forensic audit of City Council 23 begins March 18 PAGE

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videtic addresses the gathering while Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and other officials at the head table look on (Samuel Maughn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 13, 2019

‘Stabroek Clock’ money not yet returned THE United States Embassy in Georgetown has not yet been refunded the US$10,000 grant given to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to fix the Stabroek Clock, prompting Mayor Ubraj Narine to question why this has not yet been done.

A representative from the embassy called the City Council last Friday about the matter, but acting Town Clerk, Sharon Harry, informed that she was engaged and could not speak with the individual.

Acting City Treasurer, John Douglas, confirmed when the statutory meeting got underway on Monday, that the money has not yet been handed over. “Give me a reason,” the mayor responded, but Douglas did not stand to respond.

The acting town clerk opted to respond by offering

an explanation that a report has to be done by the M&CC and perused by the embassy representative before the handing over.

But the mayor indicated that he is in possession of an email from the embassy that they are waiting on the City Council to make contact with them. “I don’t know who is lying and who is telling the truth,” Narine mentioned, adding that he is hoping that the money will be returned before the end of this week.

At the previous statutory meeting, the M&CC announced that the money given to them as a grant to help fix the alarm on the Stabroek Market clock had to be forfeited.

The grant had been secured through the auspices of former US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway back in 2016, the very year Guyana celebrated its Golden

The statutory meeting on Monday heard how the ‘Stabroek Clock’ money has not yet been returned to the US Embassy

Jubilee, as well as 50 years of diplomatic ties with the US. At the time of the announcement, Ambassador Holloway had been quoted as saying that the embassy

was willing to work with the M&CC on getting the clock up and running, and that after discussing the matter with his affiliates in the US, the sum was approved for the cause

through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.

The first sum of money was given the City Treasurer’s Department in the form

North Rupununi villages get ambulance, water pump …two miles road to be constructed at Yakarinta

Ministerial Adviser Mervyn Williams examining the water pump

GOVERNMENT continues its outreach to villages across the hinterland with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs donating a number of items:- an ambulance to the community of Annai and a brush cutter and a water pump to the community of Yakarinta.

The ambulance arrived in Annai last Thursday and was handed over by to the community by Ministerial Adviser Mervyn Williams and Legal Assistant David James on Tuesday. The ambulance will serve the 14 villages in the North Rupununi.

Meanwhile, Yakarinta also received on Tuesday, its water pump and a brush cutter from the

ministry. Over one hundred villagers turned out to the meet with the ministry officials during the handing over of the equipment.

At the meeting villagers were brought up-to-date with a number of matters including the planned construction of the two miles access road to the village landing at the cost of $25M. This sum is provided for in 2019 budget. Yakarinta with a population of just over 600 has never before had a proper road leading to the village. the community of Annai, North Rupununi

of a cheque for US$10,000, the equivalent of G$2M at today’s going rate, following which the council had advertised via the print media for qualified contractors to submit tenders.

Of all the contractors who had responded at the time, one Carlyle Benjamin was shortlisted, since his proposal was deemed the most suitable. The US Embassy had also communicated to the council that they were exploring other options to have the iconic heritage item restored, one of which was having the world renowned Smithsonian Institute in the US effect the repairs.

But, that idea soon had to be shelved, because the cost to restore the clock was quite exorbitant; hence, the decision to return the money, and only after lengthy discussions were held with embassy representatives.

Men charged for possession of unlicensed firearm DENNIS Johnson and Mark Fraser on Tuesday appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, jointly charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm.

It is alleged that on the night of November 23, 2018, the duo were arrested on the Buxton railway embankment, East Coast Demerara.

The court was told that on the night of the arrest, a patrol unit from the Cove and John Police Station received a report that there was a robbery under arms in progress in the vicinity of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara. According to the police, the suspects were identified as two males of African descent. While patrolling, the police observed the suspects on a motor cycle and pursued them. During the chase, the rider lost control and crashed into a utility pole, resulting in injuries to the two men. Consequently, they were rushed to the Georgetown Hospital, where they were under police guard until they were discharged.

Johnson and Fraser were unrepresented by counsel when they appeared in court on Tuesday; they were therefore allowed to question police witnesses, as a result of which the defendants concluded that the police had concocted the charge against them.

They will return to court on March 19,2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Constitution does not provide for immediate resignation of Cabinet – AG

By Svetlana Marshall THE Constitution does not provide for the “immediate” resignation of Cabinet – such a move would cripple the government’s ability to finance the holding of elections by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) or provide critical services to the people of Guyana, Attorney General Basil Williams argued on Tuesday as oral arguments begin on the validity of the No-Confidence Motion in the Court of Appeal.

The Attorney General, who appeared in association with Queen’s Counsel Dr Francis Alexis, the Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, and Attorneys-at-Law Maxwell Edwards and Mayo Robertson, put forward a series of compelling arguments to the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud as he seeks to overturn the January 31, 2019 ruling of the Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire in the High Court.

Arguing before a packed court, the Attorney General said, while

Article 106 (6) of the Constitution provides for the resignation of Cabinet, including the President, if the Government is defeated in a vote of confidence, it did not specify a time.

He argued that timeframes were only provided in Article 106 (7). According to Article 106 (7): “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the elections.”

The Attorney General submitted to the court that the Chief Justice, in handing down her ruling, looked at Article 106 (6) in isolation when both Articles 106 (6) and 106 (7) ought to have been read conjunctively because of the word “notwithstanding.” He emphasised that the constitution must be interpreted in a holistic manner.

In defending his position, he referenced to the case the Minister of Home Affairs v Fisher, in which it was stated the Constitution is a radically different document which calls for a different and enlightened

approach by the Court to its interpretation. In that case, Lord Wilberforce stated that: “….“… it would be to treat a constitutional instrument such as this as sui generis, calling for principles of interpretation of its own, suitable to its character as already described, without necessary acceptance of all the presumptions that are relevant to legislation of private law.” Williams also alluded to the case of Attorney General of Grenada v The Grenada Bar Association, in which the then Chief Justice, Sir Denis Byron stated that the Constitution requires that “a broad, generous and purposive approach be adopted to ensure that its interpretation reflects the deeper inspiration and aspiration of the basic concepts on which the Constitution is founded.”

In that case, Sir Byron had underscored the importance of applying context to the provision taking into consideration the other provisions of the Constitution.

Maintaining that Article 106 (6) and Article 106 (7) ought to be read together, the Attorney General argued that the Chief Justice’s decision sever Cabinet from Government when the two are symbiotic.

“Once there is a Government, there ought to

be a Cabinet. Once there is a President there ought to be a Cabinet, and once there is a Parliament there ought to be a Cabinet,” he submitted.

Given that the two sub articles ought to be read together, Williams told the Court that the use of the word “notwithstanding,” allows Article 106 (6) to be subject to Article 106 (7) as such there is no need for Cabinet and by extension Government to resign before a new President is sworn in.

“Sub-article (7) prevails over sub-article (6) thus while sub-article (6) states that the Cabinet including the President shall resign once there is a successful no-confidence motion, this resignation is stopped by sub-article (7) which gives a timeframe of three months or longer as the case maybe,” the Attorney General submitted to the court.

He argued that the High Court implanted the word “immediate” into the provision.

The Attorney General also submitted to the Court that by instructing Cabinet to resign with immediate effect following the No-Confidence Motion on December 21, the High Court stripped the Government of a critical arm, with key functions for the smooth management of the country. The

Constitution states that Cabinet shall aid and advise the President and be collectively responsible to Parliament. Pointing to Article 50 of the Constitution, Williams stated that Cabinet is among three supreme organs of democratic power in Guyana, the other two being Parliament and the President.

“Cabinet is a supreme organ of democracy in Guyana and if one were to remove Cabinet, that would be tantamount to removing a massive pillar that keeps our democracy afloat,” he told the Chancellor and Justices of Appeal.

The Attorney General said under Article 171 (2), Cabinet performs democratic functions with regard to the approval of finances for the smooth governance of the country including “for the payment, issue or withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund or any other public fund of Guyana of any moneys not charged thereon or increase in the amount of such a payment, issue or withdrawal.”

NO FUNDING He stressed that “if there is no Cabinet, there is no funding,” warning that if the situation is allowed to continue there would be no funding to hold elections.

Attorney General, Basil Williams As it is currently, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has $3B for the conduct of House to House Registration. It would need Cabinet to make representation on its behalf to the National Assembly for additional funds to be sourced from the Consolidated Fund.

“The Cabinet has a critical and indispensable role to play in the financing of the daily operations of the Government of Guyana,” Williams reiterated.

Anil Nandlall, who is representing the Opposition Leader, Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan who appeared on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland who was also present, Kamal Ramkarran – Christopher Ram’s attorney and Sanjeev Datadin were among the attorneys present in the court room on Tuesday.

Arguments will continue today in the cases Attorney General v Christopher Ram and others, and Attorney General v The Speaker and others.

Mayor Narine opts out of China trip GEORGETOWN Mayor Ubraj Narine has decided against going on an official trip to China with his deputy Alfred Mentore, citing the fact that he is unwilling to leave his duties at the City Council at the current time.

Former Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, along with Chairman of the Finance Committee Oscar Clarke and former Town Clerk Royston King, had often been criticised in the past for undertaking overseas trips at times when the City Council was struggling financially.

“I’m not willing to leave my work and go that distance,” Mayor Narine told the City Council on Monday when it met

for its fortnightly statutory meeting.

According to him, since provision was made for two persons to go on the trip, being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), he was looking to see if a councillor could go with Mentore.

However, the IDB indicated that the event only caters to mayors and deputy mayors. As such, Mentore will be going alone.

The deputy mayor offered that since the one-week trip is being fully financed by the IDB, not a cent will be spent from the council’s coffers.

Councillors who were not in agree-

ment with foreign travels in the past, due to the financial constraints of the municipality, had often pointed out that the council did not receive any tangible benefits from such overseas trips.

But the then mayor had said that since the airfare and other expenses were usually not paid for by the M&CC, it was unfair for councillors to make such remarks.

Former Mayor Sherod Duncan, when Chase-Green, former Town Clerk Royston King and others went to China in the past, had held a placard at a protest, bearing the words: “Mayor and town clerk touring, workers starving.”

The councillor and others took umbrage at the fact that at a time when the M&CC was struggling to pay its workers and garbage contractors, US$25 of council’s money was being paid per day to each of the five members who travelled overseas.

Chase-Green had said that she received the invitation to go to China and that it was her decision to choose whom she wanted to accompany her on the trip.

Those accompanying her were King; Chairman of the Finance Committee Oscar Clarke; City Engineer Colvern Venture and Councillor Carolyn Caesar-Murray.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Britain in Brexit chaos

MPs crush May’s EU deal again

LONDON (Reuters) - British lawmakers crushed Prime Minister Theresa May’s European Union divorce deal on Tuesday, thrusting Britain deeper into crisis and forcing parliament to decide within days whether to back a no-deal Brexit or seek a last-minute delay.

Lawmakers voted against May’s amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics’ concerns ultimately proved fruitless.

The vote puts the world’s fifth largest economy in uncharted territory with no obvious way forward; exiting the EU without a deal, delaying the March 29 divorce date, a snap election or even another referendum are all now possible.

May might even try a

third time to get parliamentary support in the hope that hardline eurosceptic lawmakers in her Conservative Party, the most vocal critics of her withdrawal treaty, might change their minds if it becomes more likely that Britain might stay in the EU after all. While she lost, the margin of defeat was smaller than the record 230-vote loss her deal suffered in January.

Lawmakers will now vote at 1900 GMT on Wednesday on whether Britain should quit the world’s biggest trading bloc without a deal, a scenario that business leaders warn would bring chaos to markets and supply chains, and other critics say could cause shortages of food and medicines.

Advertisement May said the government would not instruct her own party’s lawmakers how to

vote, as would normally be the case.

An opposition Labour Party spokesman said this meant she had “given up any pretence of leading the country”. May’s political spokesman said she had not discussed resigning. The prime minister, hoarse after Monday’s late-night talks, told lawmakers: “Let me be clear. Voting against leaving without a deal and for an extension does not solve the problems we face.”

IMPASSE She said parliament was now at an impasse: “Does it wish to revoke Article 50 (announcing intention to leave the EU)? Does it want to hold a second referendum? Or does it want to leave with a deal, but not this deal?” Graham Brady, an influential Conservative

lawmaker, said the two most likely scenarios were leaving the EU without a deal “or some kind of endless delay”.

Andrea Leadsom, who manages government business in parliament, insisted however that “it is still our intention, if at all possible, to leave the EU on March 29 with a good deal”.

The European Union said the risk of a damaging nodeal Brexit has “increased significantly” but there would be no more negotiations with London on the divorce terms. Sterling, which had earlier in the day fallen by 2 percent to $1.3005, was trading at around $1.3086 shortly after the vote. [GBP/] “One door has closed but other possibilities have opened up and markets are hopeful that Wednesday’s vote on a no-deal Brexit will suffer a big defeat,”

British Prime Minister Theresa May reacts after tellers announced the results of the vote Brexit deal in Parliament in London, Britain, March 12, 2019, in this screen grab taken from video. (Reuters TV via REUTERS)

said Timothy Graf, head of macro strategy at State Street Global Advisors in London. Opposition to May’s deal among members of the Conservative Party derives from a belief that it does not offer the clean break from the European Union that many voted for. Supporters of Brexit argue that, while a “no-deal” divorce might bring some short-term instability, in the longer term it would allow the United Kingdom to thrive and forge beneficial trade deals across the world.

However, parliament is expected firmly to reject a “no-deal” Brexit as well, so lawmakers would then vote again on Thursday - on whether government should request a delay to the leaving date to allow further talks.

Both May and the EU have already ruled out any other changes to the deal, struck after two-and-a-half years of tortuous negotiations.

“NO THIRD CHANCE” “There will be no third chance,” European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Monday.

“There will be no further interpretations of the interpretations, no further assurances of the reassurances if the ‘meaningful vote’ tomorrow fails.”

The government had been expected to offer parliament the chance to press for a short extension, but announced on Tuesday night

that it would be for parliament to decide on the length of the delay that the government would request.

This raised the possibility that it might ask to push the exit date past late May, when Britain would have to participate in European Parliament elections - a prospect that both sides have been keen to avoid. A spokesman for European Council President Donald Tusk, representing EU governments, said Britain would have to provide a “credible justification” for any request to delay Brexit.

Britons voted by 52-48 percent in 2016 to leave the EU but the decision has not only divided the main parties but also exposed deep rifts in British society, bringing concerns about immigration and globalization to the fore.

Many fear that Brexit will divide the West as it grapples with both the unconventional U.S. presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China, leaving Britain economically weaker and with its security capabilities depleted.

Supporters say it allows Britain to control immigration and take advantage of global opportunities, striking new trade deals with the United States and others while still keeping close links to the EU, which, even without Britain, would be a single market of 440 million people.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

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EU blacklists five Caribbean countries BRUSSELS, Mar 12, CMC – The European Union Tuesday named five Caribbean countries on a new list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions which it said had been based on an “an intense process of analysis and dialogue steered by the Commission”.

The EU Finance Ministers said that based on the Commission’s screening, they have blacklisted a total of 15 countries. They said, of those, five, namely Trinidad and Tobago, Samoa, Guam, American Samoa and the United States Virgin Islands have taken no commitments since the first blacklist adopted in 2017.

The European Finance Ministers said that Barbados, United Arab Emirates and Marshall islands that were on the 2017 list and moved to the grey list following commitments they had taken, are now backlisted for not having followed up. The European Union said that seven other countries, namely Belize, Bermuda, Dominica, Aruba, Fiji, Oman and Vanuatu were moved from the grey list to the blacklist for the same reason. They said another 34 countries will continue to be monitored in 2019, while 25 countries from the original screening process have now been cleared.

“The list has proven a true success with many countries having changed their laws and tax systems to comply with international standards,” the EU said, adding that over the course of last year, the Commission assessed 92 countries based on three criteria: tax transparency, good governance and real economic activity, as well as one indicator, the

existence of a zero corporate tax rate.

“Today’s update shows that this clear, transparent and credible process delivered a real change: 60 countries took action on the Commission’s concerns and over 100 harmful regimes were eliminated. The list has also had a positive influence on internationally agreed tax good governance standards.”

Last month, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders at their 30th Inter-sessional summit in St. Kitts-Nevis said the blacklisting of CARICOM countries by the European Union (EU) has wrought considerable reputational damage to the Community. “Despite all member states, with the exception of one, being removed from the EU blacklist, the damage inflicted is irreparable and has consequential implications for building Member States’ economic and climate resilience given their inherent vulnerabilities,” they said in the communique issued at the end of the two-day summit.

“Heads of Government emphasised the Community’s commitment to good governance and the drive to enhance Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM) in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Addis Ababa Action Agenda, while recognizing that small, highly vulnerable States also require access to external capital to build resilience.

The regional leaders said in this regard they viewed the EU’s approach to “tax good governance” as inappropriate. “In addition, Heads of Government recall that the appropriate forum to deal with these matters is the OECD Forum for Harmful

Tax Practices which is inclusive in allowing other member states to be present and to be consulted. This was settled by the global community more than a decade ago.

“The OECD (Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development) has already reviewed the steps taken by member states and had no difficulty with them.

“It is an infringement of their sovereignty, coercive and harmful to the future of a key economic sector in CARICOM for the EU to demand these political commitments.

In addition they have not provided any empirical evidence of instances of tax evasion,” the communique noted. The EU’s Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, Pierre Moscovici, said “the EU tax havens list is a true European success. It has had a resounding effect on tax transparency and fairness worldwide.

“Thanks to the listing process, dozens of countries have abolished harmful tax regimes and have come into line with international standards on transparency and fair taxation. The countries that did not comply have been blacklisted, and will have to face the consequences that this brings. We are raising the bar of tax good governance globally and cutting out the opportunities for tax abuse.” The EU said that its list has led to changes in global tax practices that would have been unimaginable only a few years ago. It said conceived by the Commission and first agreed by member states in December 2017, it is a common tool to tackle risks of tax abuse and unfair tax competition globally.

MOU signed to advance CARICOM-Romania cooperation GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mar 12, CMC – The 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Romania aimed at advancing cooperation between them in a number of areas.

CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque and Romania’s Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu Monday signed the accord that will allow for cooperation in areas including science and technology, education, research, climate change and disaster management, and agriculture.

A brief CARICOM statement said that Romanian Secretary of State

for Foreign Affairs Dan Neculaescu personally welcomed LaRocque on his arrival in Romania

last Saturday to attend the Conference on Building Resilience to Natural Resources.

CARICOM SG Irwin LaRocque (Left) and Romania Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu sign MOU

“The process is fair with improvements made visible in the list and it boosted transparency with countries’ commitment letters published online. The EU listing process has also created a framework for dialogue and cooperation with the EU’s international partners, to address concerns with their tax systems and discuss tax matters of mutual interest. The EU said that a letter will now be sent to all jurisdictions on the EU list, explaining the decision and what they can do to be de-listed.

“The Commission and Member States (Code of Conduct Group) will continue to monitor the jurisdictions that have until the end of 2019/2020 to deliver, and assess whether any other countries should be included in the EU listing process. “The Commission will continue the open dialogue and engagement with the jurisdictions concerned, to provide technical support and clarifications whenever needed and to discuss any tax matters of mutual concern.”

Grenada PM wants more strategic US-Caribbean relations

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Mar 12, CMC–The Grenada government says it does not believe that the United States has treated the Caribbean as strategically important as it should.

A government statement said Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell met last weekend with the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the United States Department of State, Julie Chung and cited a need for more engagement between the United States and Caribbean governments.

“Historically, Grenada and the United States have had good relations but I do not think the US has treated the Caribbean as strategically important as it should. “There have been periods of active engagement, particularly after Hurricane Ivan in 2004 but regional leaders feel there is a need for greater engagement with the United States,” Mitchell is quoted as saying The statement quoted Chung as giving assurances that Washington is committed to ongoing relations with the Caribbean, making reference to the US strategy for engagement in the region, dubbed “Caribbean 2020,” which is designed to increase the security, prosperity and well- being of the people of the US and the Caribbean.

“As part of the Caribbean 2020 initiative, we are looking at very specific events to showcase how the partnership goes beyond

security. “Security is very important and we will continue with that, but beyond that, economic prosperity is also important, creating jobs and thinking about the next generation of leaders,” said Chung, who was accompanied by US Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS, Linda Swartz Taglialatela..

Mitchell welcomed the potential prospects for improved relations with the United States, saying a priority area for Grenada would be training opportunities that can help to further empower young people. “We have a very youthful population and I think what exists here is somewhat replicated around the region.

The challenge is how do you empower these young people to help themselves and their society.

Training is a fundamental aspect of this and it has implications for security as well, as more young people will be engaged in positive activities,” he said.

The statement said that the meeting also discussed the current situation in Venezuela where Washington is backing efforts by the opposition to oust President Nicolas Maduro from office. The statement said that Prime Minister Mitchell reinforced the position of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which has continuously advocated non-interference in the internal affairs of the country as well as meaningful dialogue leading to agreement on how best to resolve the crisis.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 13, 2019

The Babu Jaan address ON Sunday, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) held a memorial event at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, to mark the 22nd death anniversary of the party’s Founder Leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Events to honour the deceased, and someone of Dr. Jagan’s stature, would usually see speakers revisiting their contributions to society, the things they stood for and probably how those contributions would relate to the present.

When the party’s leader, General Secretary Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo took to the podium. his were the usual crass attacks on his opponents; this time even inciting those gathered there to “chase” government ministers and even the President and Prime Minister if they visit their communities after March 21. The Government has since condemned the

remarks by Jagdeo, deeming them “irresponsible”, while noting that Mr. Jagdeo’s “inciting can result in a breach of the law, and must be condemned as unacceptable, malicious and mischievous.”

The statement went on to say that Jagdeo has a history of wanton utterances, and his most recent at Babu Jaan “has serious implications on peace, race relations and national security, particularly in an election year.”

“The government notes that any call to violence or a breach of public order must be deplored. All Guyanese can be assured that law enforcement agencies will take action against anyone who engages in unlawful behaviour, and any attempts to “chase” the president, prime minister or ministers of the government out of any region of Guyana.”

Back in February, amid concerns that his rhetoric can

lead to serious instability, Jagdeo had threatened that there would be no business as usual if his party’s demand for elections by March 19 this year was not met.

Jagdeo had made similar threats when President David Granger found his nominees for the post of chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission ‘not fit and proper.’

Many would argue that this was the usual style of the former president, but this should not be countenanced as normal, coming from someone who held the highest office of this country.

What was also evident at this event as is the case in the previous ones was the coded language of race appeal.

Jagdeo, in speaking to what is happening in sugar, though none should fault him for having interest, dealt with the industry and company’s future in a manner unbecoming of the seriousness

they deserve. Where he feels that the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government is moving to destroy sugar--where a significant amount comprises the PPP/C’s support base -- he did not see it worthy to remind the audience of the role he played, which has contributed to sugar’s current state. During Mr. Jagdeo’s presidency, the sugar industry was not only allowed to slide, but the nation’s largest investment in any State company was made in the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

The Skeldon Sugar factory, which he touted would have been the saviour for sugar, cost taxpayers more than US$200M. This factory never functioned based on expectation, as more money was thrown behind it to do modifications. Skeldon is not only a white elephant, but

remains an albatross around the neck of every Guyanese.

It is unfortunate that during his presidency, and as sugar continued to decline, he never brought its problems to the National Assembly to have them debated and decisions made. Sugar workers, supporters of the PPP/C and every Guyanese should be concerned about whether his language of indignation at Babu Jaan was that of sincerity, or seeing the political expediency to be had at Dr. Jagan’s expense.

If Mr. Jadgeo is concerned about the viability of the industry as Leader of the Opposition, he should have had the PPP/C appear before the 2015 Commission of Inquiry into GuySuCo and submit its ideas, including recommendations. The Sub-Committee established to look into sugar invited the participation of the PPP/C, but the party failed to submit a proposal to improve GuySuCo’s performance. Condemning efforts by the APNU+AFC government in dealing with sugar- -and this is not to say that these are perfect--when

failing as Leader of Opposition and PPP/C to propose an alternative, the blame for the state of sugar deservedly lies with Mr. Jagdeo.

Asking citizens to resist the government is tantamount to inciting violence against public officials, and Jagdeo must be roundly condemned for this. Society will not forget that this very Jagdeo had showed great intolerance for dissent while he was president. This society is fraught with stories of the agony of those who dared to stand up and resist during his government. A water-cannon, considered a most repressive form of crowd control tool, was purchased to douse those that dared to stand up and resist.

The growth and development of Guyana requires the input of all. The Leader of the Opposition is being paid to also propose ideas to build Guyana and create the opportunities for all to work in peace and harmony. It is therefore not unreasonable to encourage him to take heed of these expectations of him.

Linden /Ituni/ Kwakani road Rehabilitation – a job well done

Dear Editor

Admittedly the demands on patience and tolerance of commuters using the Linden to Kwakwani road had reached breaking point over the past several years – having to endure intolerable travelling conditions on a poorly maintained but vitally important artery to our south east hinterland region. So that when the most recent effort in 2017 /2018 to get it right commenced there was obvious skepticism. It was indeed a long process, but it became clear that this time around there appeared to be more rational planning and tech-

nical engineering input into the re-design and repairs of this unpaved red loam / laterite surface.

The now rehabilitated roadway enhanced with distance posts designated in kilometres, was completed in late 2018 and has been so far living up to the expectations of its architects. It is profoundly appreciated by its users including residents of Ituni Kwakwani and the Upper Berbice River as well as timber mining and agricultural investors who can now complete their travel in half the time previously taken and presumably with reduced vehicle maintenance. The real test will

however come later on with the midyear rainy season. A sustained road maintenance initiative is the only option to ensure stability through this testing period, and, from all indications this is strategy already in effect and will continue as a permanent feature. Somewhat reminiscent of the maintenance programme in the erstwhile Demba /Guybau era of the 1970s when active bauxite mining in Ituni and points beyond demanded presence of managerial mining sub headquarters in Ituni. Personnel movement between Linden and Ituni was vital and was facilitated by such a maintenance programme

with graders and scrapers operating at regular intervals.

Indeed a properly maintained and passable ituni Kwakwani road is a major consideration in support of further investment in that sub region. Successful viable investment will in turn justify such costs. Note as well that there is a branch off the Linden Ituni road at 67km called the Ituni / Tacama road (a section of the old Rupununi cattle trail) which runs south east for some 50 km to Tacama where the GDF Clarke battle school is located, and then further on to the villages of Tacama Calcuni and Ituni on the Berbice river. The

Tacama savannahs is a major economic zone committed to forestry and large scale agriculture and is fortunate to have the GDF facility in this ecozone and to benefit positively from the efforts of their “corps of engineers “ in the maintenance and upkeep of that Ituni /Tacama trail.

Now that road users have been justly rewarded, I believe they also have an obligation to use the road responsibly especially in relation to speeding and reckless driving during wet and rainy conditions. Log trailers and 40ft containers laden with lumber are frequent users, which do most damage to the road by speeding under wet

conditions. Also a few errant timber workers have adopted a bad practice of loading logs on the roadside, causing occasional traffic disruptions and road damage. Regulatory guidelines, road use advisories and police traffic intervention could curb these infractions.

A job well done by the Relevant Ministry (Public Infrastructure) Region 10 administration and the associated road contractors.

Thank you on behalf of the road users and keep the maintenance programme active.

Regards Rowland Fletcher

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 13, 2019

Region Five off to a strong start

Dear Editor,

It is said and many will know the saying “PROGRESS BREATHS ENEMIES” and this is the case in the Mahaica-Berbice Region (Region 5).

Over the past, three and a half years or so the region has been moving positively upward when it comes to developmental works and it has been happening in all sectors.

As the PPP is sitting back and looking through the microscope for every dent on a zinc sheet, a pothole on a street, twisted nails, etc, the administration is busy in ensuring that works are being done in every community.

I must mention also that while the administration is doing its part to ensure there are developments some chairpersons of PPP controlled NDC’s is crying foul because they are surprised to see that there is no biases going on. So, it will be hard for them to blame the government and administration of racialism and favoritism.

While the PPP regional chairman is fighting since 2018 for a legal RDC Statutory meeting to become illegal, it’s shocking for him to see all the positive works that are happening without his input.

The PPP and its regional chairman along with all its councillors at the RDC should be proud to know that what the PPP could not have done in twenty-three (23) years has been happening since the APNU+AFC took office and that development is happening in all sectors with quality works throughout the region and with accountability.

So, the regional chairman can sit back and relax and enjoy the good life that this government has promised, while he is making negative comments to ensure he remains in office and do the PPP political work of misinforming the residents and country at large. This year the regional administration has started on a very positive note in having almost forty-five (45) projects being awarded. In those projects awarded works are almost 65% completed.

Works have been award-

ed for the upgrading of streets in Shieldstown, No.8, Bush Lot New Scheme, No.41, Good Faith\Recess, Ross, Rosignol villages just to name a few. Be it from upgrading to construction to rehabilitation. Sixteen road projects have been awarded thus far.

Works have also been awarded in the health sector and eight (8) projects are being executed presently within the various health centre’s. This will bring great relief and improvement in this sector and will positively have an impact on the residents.

Brothers and sisters in the education sector fifteen (15) projects were awarded and works are being done currently at Woodley Park Primary and Secondary, No.8 secondary, Karamat Primary and Nursery Schools in Mahaicony Creek, Latchmansingh Primary, Rosignol Secondary just to name a few.

Works are also being done in the agriculture sector esp. in D&I sector so that farmers burden of having better drainage and irrigation can be ease and they can continue their trade. Farm to markets roads is also being done as part of the regional agricultural developmental programme.

Residents of this region should be very proud of what has been happening under this APNU+AFC government and the Mahaica-Berbice regional administration under the watch of the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Mr Ovid Morrison.

While the naysayers within the PPP sits back saying all sorts of things, the people of this region has been benefitting tremendously since May 2015 and it is very much evident in all the villages.

Yes, I may also want to agree with some of the residents that more need to be done and what I can clearly say is that we are only three (3) months into this year and almost forty-five (45) projects will be completed soon.

I also will like for the residents of my beautiful region to know that almost another sixty (60) projects were out for tendering and that process completed and

most will be awarded in days to come, while some will be awarded in a couple of weeks time.

Brother and sisters of Mahaica-Berbice Region isn’t this positive improvement in our region?

But the PPP does not want to hear the word improvement and betterment because that will ease the burden and create a good life for our people. The opposition needs to relax and allow the positive works to happen that has been ongoing since 2015. While I traverse the region on a daily basis many also make demands. But we are moving step by step and things will be done in every NDC like what has been happening to better the lives of our people.

I call on all to see through the eyes of truth and speak and not allow the opposition politicians to blindfold you so that you can fall into their traps and that what they have been doing esp. to the APNU+AFC supporters. They will go into those government-supported areas and look for the needle that is needed and then tackle the people by saying, that the government is doing nothing for their area and then they will point out to works that are being done within the other villages that are supporting the PPP. And low and behold the government supporters fall for it.

While they are looking for the needle to comment on, they forget that they just pass a double axel truck, a grader and lots of people working on a project to improve the said community or they forget to look above and see that works are being done a school roof, etc.

The opposition is only seeing through the eyes of racism and hate and they are using that to ensure they get the people to see through the same lens they are looking through. But we must all remember that it is this same opposition when was in government neglected several villages in this very region because of their political affiliation and uses to do works within where their supporters live.

Long gone are those days where development is being done for one set of people and under this

regional administration and REO with the APNU+AFC government, support and works will be done in ALL the areas no matter what.

I must take this opportunity to comment and congratulate the REO Mr Ovid Morrison and team for the good work they have been doing in ensuring our region move

positively upward. So as the saying goes “progress breaths enemies” and it’s so true, the PPP is making themselves the enemies to progress and we are watching them day by day as they are eating themselves away. I want to assure the people of the Mahaica-Berbice Region that there are lots

more to come under this APNU+AFC government that will take our region to greater heights through positive developments that will help to “create a good life for all”.

Regards Abel Seetaram Regional Councillor Mahaica-Berbice Region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 13, 2019

Drivers in outlying regions not required to visit Georgetown for licence applications/renewals

Dear Editor

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has noted reports in the press about drivers on the Essequibo Coast experiencing “delays in licence renewals” and

being forced to “travel to Georgetown to access GRA service”.

The Authority has recognised that persons in the outlying regions sometimes are inconvenienced when there is a need to conduct

business with the GRA or in order to be tax compliant.

Accordingly, we have been investigating ways to address this and to lessen the burden on taxpayers to voluntarily comply with the tax laws of Guyana.

This year, the GRA and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) collaborated to standardise the Driver’s Licence system by making a single Agency (the GRA) responsible for the sale and issuance.

The Integrated Regional Tax

Offices (IRTOs) at Parika, Anna Regina, New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Bartica, Linden and Lethem have all been upgraded to process applications for the Plastic Card/ID type Driver’s Licences. Therefore, applicants living in the vicinity of Anna Regina, Leonora, Cove and John, Fort Wellington, New Amsterdam, Whim/Corriverton, Bartica, Lethem and Linden will no longer be required to apply to the Guyana Police Force Certifying Offices.

Prior to implementation, numerous discussions were held between officials of the GRA’s Licence Revenue Office and the Traffic Department of the GPF for a smooth rollout of the system. The Authority therefore wishes to clarify that drivers whose licences are due for renewal are NOT required to travel to GRA’s headquarters in Georgetown to access the service, as was stated in the newspaper article. Sincere apologies are extended to those who were misinformed and inconvenienced as a result.

Under the new system, persons who were successful at the practical driving test at the Police Certifying Offices (Anna Regina, Leonora, Cove and John, Fort Wellington, New Amsterdam, Whim/ Corriverton, Bartica, Lethem and Linden) would have their Provisional Driver’s Licence endorsed with the Competence number or issued with a certification slip by the respective Certifying Officers. The Certifying Officers would then refer the persons to the nearest GRA/IRTO. At the GRA/IRTO, the applicants will be required to submit a completed Driver’s Licence Application form, copy of valid identification (ID Card or Passport), one passport sized photograph and their Provisional Drivers’ Licence endorsed with the Competence number or certification slip issued by the Certifying Officer.

The GRA officer in the lodgment area would verify and process the application in which, the applicant will have his/her photograph taken and issued with a lodgment slip. The applicant will then be directed to the Cashier to make payment. The Cashier will accept the lodgment slip

along with the required fee of $5,000 and issue a receipt with a date to return (same two weeks previously given by the Police Certifying Offices) and uplift the Drivers’ Licence. During the two weeks, the Traffic Officer at Headquarters would receive the Competences from the various Certifying Offices verify/approve same and submit to the GRA Headquarters within three (3) working days.

The GRA Headquarters, on receipt of the Competences, would verify, approve and batch print the Licences.

The printed licence would then be dispatched to the IRTOs for issuance. This process will take approximately three (3) days. Drivers who have the ‘Cardboard Cover’/ ‘Red Book’ Licences in their possession and are seeking renewals in the form of the Plastic Card Licence, will also be able to do so at any of the IRTOs. The applicants will be required to submit a completed Driver’s Licence Application form, copy of valid identification (ID Card or Passport), one passport sized photograph and their expired Driver’s Licence to the Lodgment Clerk.

The GRA officer in the lodgment area would verify and process the application in which, the applicant will have his/her photograph taken and issued with a lodgment slip. He/she will then be directed to the Cashier to make the payment of $5,000. The applicant will then be issued a receipt which indicates the date to return to uplift the Driver’s Licence. The return date is usually the same two weeks previously given by the Police Certifying Offices.

During the two weeks, the GRA Headquarters, would verify, approve and batch print the Licences before dispatching to the IRTOs for issuance. The Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act of 2019 provides for an extension of the duration of the Driver’s Licence from three (3) years to five (5) years and an increase in fees from four thousand dollars ($4,000) to five thousand dollars ($5,000).

Regards Guyana Revenue Authority

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 13, 2019

‘A task of Sisyphus’

–AG maintains government cannot hold elections

…says provision in Article 106 (7) is an absurdity

By Svetlana Marshall ATTORNEY General, Basil Williams SC said that the provision of Article 106 (7) in the Constitution, which requires that the government hold election within three months is tantamount to giving the administration a task of Sisyphus.

Sisyphus was a cruel Greek king who was punished to push a large rock up on a steep hill, only to find it rolling back on nearing the top. Williams made the comments during his arguments in the appeal case against the decision of the High Court in the no-confidence motion.

Addressing this critical issue before Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud the Attorney General who appeared in association with Queen’s Counsel Dr Francis Alexis, the Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, and Attorneys-at-Law Maxwell Edwards and Mayo Robertson, told the court that the Government cannot hold elections when GECOM is the constitutional agency established to do such.

He said Article 106 (7), states that Government shall “hold” elections within three month or at a time agreed upon by two-thirds majority of all members of the National Assembly but the Attorney General argued that a literal interpretation of the word or the provision would produce more or less an absurdity.

Under the current construct of the Constitution, only GECOM can hold and supervise the conduct of elections independently. In support of his position, the Attorney General referenced to Article 62, Article 161 (A) and (B) and Article 162. It was emphasised that the Constitution insulates GECOM from political interference.

“What happened in the Court below was that Article 106 (7) was looked at separately and in isolation of the other provisions of the Constitution…Your honours when you read Article 106 (7) in isolation, what do you find? We find that the Government is given a task, that one could say is a task equivalent to Sisyphus, impossible of performance because of course the government cannot hold an election, it is an absurdity,” he told the Court.

He maintained that Article 106 (6) and Article 106

Attorney General Basil Williams exiting the Appeal Court after making his arguments on Tuesday

(7) conflict with the provisions related to GECOM. However he noted that the two sub-articles are directory and not mandatory. He pointed out that the Chief Justice in the case of the Attorney General v The Speaker of the National Assembly and others specifically said that the President and the Ministers cannot remain in office after the three months expire and no elections are held. Interjecting, the Chancellor turned Williams’ attention to the other part of Article 106 (7) which allows for an extension of the timeframe given by a two-thirds majority. But the Attorney General said putting politicians to work together during an election period is a difficult task. “... (It) surprises me that inherent in Article 106 (7) as an alternative to the three months, is to have an engagement that requires a two-third majority which is a virtual impossibility, if you take into account the history of this country since independence,” the Attorney General told the Chancellor. According to him, such a requirement is even higher than the absolute majority requirement.

Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde, who is representing General Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Joseph Harmon, though applying a different formula, agreed that the Cabinet and Government must only resign when a new President is sworn in. He also underscored the critical role of Cabinet in the day to day functioning of the Government.

Meanwhile, Attorney Edwards told the court that the Chief Justice misdirected herself in law when she ruled that Article 70 (3) of the Constitution does not guarantee an elected government a term

Attorney-at-Law Maxwell Edwards

of five years. He submitted that Article 8 of the Constitution states that if any other law is inconsistent with it,

that other law shall to the extent of its inconsistency be void.

“Our respectful submis-

sion your honours, is that Section 5 of the Constitution of the Amendment Act No. 17 of 2000 which introduced the No Confidence motion into our Constitution of jurist prudence is inconsistent with Article 70 (3) of the Constitution,” which guarantees an elected government a fiveyear term in office.

He alluded to the fact that Article 70 (3) was embedded in the 1980 Constitution, and it was only 20 years after that Article 106 (6) and Article 106 (7) were inserted in the Constitution in 2000. Edwards said that the inserted articles seek to allow for a defeat of a Government which is guaranteed five years under Article 70 (3) to that extent it subverts, dilutes, and waters down that five-year term.

He is of the opinion that the elected Government has “an absolute right” to a five-year term in office and that term cannot be cut down by a resolution by 34 members of the National Assembly.

Anil Nandlall, who is representing the Opposition Leader, Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan who appeared on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland who was also present, Kamal Ramkarran – Christopher Ram’s attorney and Sanjeev Datadin were among the attorneys present in the court room on Tuesday. Arguments will continue today in the cases Attorney General v Christopher Ram and others, and Attorney General v The Speaker and others.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Urban communities benefitting from agriculture programme

THE residents of West Ruimveldt are currently benefitting from an Urban Agriculture Project being facilitated by Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) and other communities will soon be engaged.

Executive-Director of YCG, Dmitri Nicholson, told the Guyana Chronicle that the urban agriculture programme has been happening since 2016. However, this year, the non-governmental organisation received funding from oil company ExxonMobil, which he said, enabled them to expand.

“We have been doing this for several years, but this is

the first year that we are receiving financial assistance.

The assistance aided in managing the space better, and we were able to acquire the resources needed to produce; the funding covers all the resources. In addition to that, we were able to expand to other communities and increase the number of things we are able to do,” Nicholson said.

He explained that YCG has three main areas of focus: Health, Education and Lifeskills and Livelihoods.

The Urban Agriculture Project, he said, is one of the Lifeskills and Livelihood projects, which aims to pro-

vide persons from urban communities with the skillsets to produce food for themselves, and in the long run, the experience and knowledge gained, can be used to venture into agricultural practices as a means of generating incomes.

Nicholson said that he believes Guyana has a lot of potential to alleviate poverty, if we strengthen people’s understanding and skills to really improve their own livelihoods. This project, he said, is contributing to that.

“It will ensure that people have the skills to not go hungry. And so if we have an economic boom and there is a food shortage, families

Some of the crops planted by the beneficiaries of the Urban Agriculture Project

can teach their children to be self-sustained, rather than having to rely on alternative sources to provide for them,” Nicholson posited.

The Lifeskills and Livelihoods Coordinator, Dwayne Gangoo, said that the programme being facilitated in the West Ruimveldt community is an ongoing one, and currently has 10 persons benefitting from it.

He explained that due to the training being so hands on, the participants catch on quite quickly. Thus far, Gangoo said they have planted pak choi, cabbage, pepper and they are looking to put in some passion fruit, because they want to cover all the basics.

“It is not in-depth agriculture. Just the basic skills they need to farm to provide for themselves and their families, are what we are teaching them. It is subsistence farming, and subsistence farming is the way forward,” Gangoo said.

He said that the team from YCG went around in the com-

munity and conducted houseto- house visits, to engage persons in the programme.

It is their belief, that each household should be practising subsistence farming.

Gangoo also said that in a month’s time, they will be venturing into aquaculture and vermicomposting. The project is demand driven, he said, so they will be adding things as they go on in the programme, to give all the knowledge and experience they can give as it relates to agriculture.

“The intention is to expand the access to agriculture knowledge, so that persons can reap for their own consumption,” he said.

Travis Ferreira, one of the persons who has been benefitting from the project in West Ruimveldt, told the Guyana Chronicle that the programme has personally helped him to develop time-management skills.

He explained that he is a law student, and he has a full time job, so the additional commitment taught him to

manage his time properly.

However, in relation to the agricultural experience gained, Ferreira said that the knowledge is priceless; and with the techniques being taught, they all can branch off to their own personal farming facilities.

He said that he can see it having a viral effect in the community and they all can share their knowledge with each other, so everyone in their community can benefit. Ferreira also said that he hopes that a corporate sponsor would be willing to come on board after seeing how beneficial it is in a community, and assist in expanding it across the country.

Another beneficiary of the programme, Oneil Moses, said that he has learnt a lot, and now he is able to grow his own food.

The project is currently in West Ruimveldt, but will be heading to NorthEast La Penitence, Tiger Bay and Lodge Housing Scheme.

Two of the beneficiaries taking care of their crops

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

11

No confidence Vote...

Opposition did not secure absolute majority …Grenadian QC says CJ did not analyse stages required to arrive at majority

By Svetlana Marshall Queen’s Counsel and former Attorney General of Grenada, Dr. Francis Alexis on Tuesday argued that 34 votes in the 65-member National Assembly constitute an absolute majority and not 33 as ruled

by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire when she upheld that the No-Confidence Motion was validly passed by a majority in the National Assembly.

Roysdale Forde – Attorney-at-Law

Dr. Alexis, who hails from Grenada and on Monday joined the government’s legal team appeared before Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, on behalf of Attorney General Basil Williams, when oral arguments commenced in the two constitutional cases – Attorney General v Christopher Ram and others; and the Attorney General v The Speaker of National Assembly and others.

In his opening argument, Dr. Alexis told the Appellate Court that the Chief Justice was led into error when she ruled that 33 votes satisfied the requirement outlined in the Constitution for the passage of a No-Confidence Motion. He said in the case of an “ordinary act” a simple majority is required, however, in the case of a No-Confidence Motion, a higher requirement is set, and as such, there is need for an absolute majority in accordance with Article 106 (6).

Before turning the Court’s attention to the formula which would give rise to a 34 majority, Dr. Alexis explained that whenever the Court is interpreting provisions on No-Confidence Motion, the court uses literal interpretation but said the purposive approach will help in arriving at the objectives of the framers of the Constitution.

He said the “tradition and usages” which were known to the framers must be considered, emphasising that the framers were not operating in a vacuum. “The nature of a Constitution requires that a broad, generous and purposive approach be adopted to ensure that its interpretation reflects the deeper inspiration and aspiration of the basic concepts on which the Constitution is founded.

Respect must be paid to the language that is used and its context, by considering all relevant provisions bearing on the subject for interpretation as a whole, and to the traditions and usages which have given meaning to that language, in order to effect the objective of the Constitution. In order to do this the court must have a sober and objective appraisal of the general canvas upon which the details of the constitutional picture are painted,” Dr. Alexis said as he quoted Sir Denis Byron in the case the Attorney General of Grenada v The Grenada Bar Association.

On that note, he asked the Court to consider what “majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly” meant at the time the framers crafted the Constitution.

The Queen Counsel put to the Appellate Court that the Chief Justice should have utilised a two-phase methodology to arrive at an absolute majority. According to him, phase one entails dividing the number of members, in this case 65, by two, which would result in a stage one outcome. He said once the outcome is a fraction it must be rounded up and then one is added to the number to arrive at the absolute majority.

“It is always rounded up not down,” Dr. Alexis em-

phasised.

It was noted that while the principle has not yet been demonstrated in any case binding on the Courts of Guyana, it however, has been applied in cases which the Courts of Guyana may properly consider to be of persuasive authority. These cases include Hughes v Rogers, Kilman v Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu, H M Rajapappa v Director of Agricultural Marketing and Agricultural Procuder Marketing Committee, Ganesh Sukhdeo Gurule v Tahsildar Sinnar & Ors-Civil Appeal, Biraj Misti v District Panchayat Raj Officer 1998 and Fakrun Nessa Choudhury v The State of Assam.

The Queen’s Counsel argued that the learned Chief Justice was led into error

Queen’s Counsel, Dr. Francis Alexis

when she proceeded on the basis that article 106(6) did not involve a fraction. Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde, who is representing Representative of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Joseph Harmon,

told the Appellate Court that the Chief Justice in the case Attorney General v The Speaker of the National Assembly and others, made five major errors which affected the decision of the court.

Forde contended that the first major error resulted when the Chief Justice failed to recognize that there was a material difference between vote of a majority and a majority of votes. He submitted that Article 106 (6) which sets the foundation for a vote of confidence, is the only provision in the Constitution in which vote of a majority is employed.

Secondly, the attorney put to the court that the Chief Justice erred again when she concluded that half plus one is equal to one above all rivals combined and they were essential-

ly the same. “So the first error I pointed out your honour is that the court did not draw a distinction between votes of a majority and a majority of votes; and the second is that the learnt Chief Justice stated in her decision that the half plus one rule is equal to one over all rivals combined and essentially the same exited in each case,” he summarised. Forde said that the Chief Justice arrived at that conclusion because she relied on the Kilman’s case which presented an even number member House; however, consideration must be given to uneven number member houses. Forde also drew the court’s attention to the difference between a vote of confidence and a vote of no-confidence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Minister Norton commends GNYC on holding of elections

MINISTER of Social Cohesion with Responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, recently met with the incoming executives of the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC).

The executive include GNYC’s newly-elected President, Dr. Quacy Grant; Vice President, Ms. Delecia George; Treasurer, Mr. Rondell Nedd and Dr. Shonette Waterman, Chairperson for Inclusion and Regional Participation.

Also present at the meeting were the Assis-

(From left) Head of Administration of the Youth Empowerment Unit, Ms. Fayon Marshall; Interim Chairman of the GNYC, Derwayne Wills; Incoming Chairperson for Inclusion and Regional Participation of the GNYC, Dr. Shonette Waterman; Assistant Director of Youth, Ms. Leslyn Boyce; the Honourable Minister of Social Cohesion with Responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton; Incoming President of the GNYC, Dr. Quacy Grant; Incoming Vice-President of the GNYC, Delecia George; Incoming Treasurer of the GNYC, Rondell Nedd; and Member of the GNYC Communications Committee, Mrs. Cristal Johnson and Project Officer of the Department of Youth, Mr. Jermaine Watson. tant Director of Youth, Ms. Leslyn Boyce; Project Officer, Mr. Jermaine Watson; Head of Administration of the Youth Empowerment Unit, Ms. Fayon Marshall; Interim Chairman of the GNYC, Mr. Derwayne Wills and Mrs. Cristal Johnson member of the Communications Committee of the GNYC. During the engagement at Minister Norton’s Main and Quamina streets office, the Council was congratulated on the hosting of its elections.

“I am glad that your voting was done electronically. It shows that our youths are keeping up with technological advancements and setting the trend in utilising same,” Minister Norton was quoted in a release by his ministry as saying.

According to the release, the minister was particularly pleased by the fact that the online voting system allowed for young people, in all parts of Guyana, to participate and cast their votes.

“This demonstrates GNYC’s cognizance of the importance of inclusion and ensuring that all are involved in the deci-

sion-making processes,” Minister Norton noted.

In thanking Minister Norton for his support and encouragement, the GNYC members expressed commitment to continuously improve the work of the council.

The incoming President of the body also used the opportunity to share some of his plans for the council, upon officially assuming office.

Minister Norton assured the body that it will receive full support from the Department of Youth in the execution of its noble mandate of representing youths all across Guyana.

“As much as we will support you, we want to ensure that the GNYC maintains its independence so that representation of our young people is in no way stymied or used as political pawns,” Minister Norton explained. He added, “It is for this reason that the Department of Youth was skeptical in offering you an office space in their building.”

Nonetheless, Minister Norton congratulated the team and expressed anticipation in working together to ensure the prosperity of Guyana’s youths.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Fresh ideas needed to tackle human trafficking … Ramjattan tells migrant smuggling forum

MINISTER of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has urged leaders in the Caribbean to seek out fresh ideas to tackle Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and migrant smuggling even as Guyana works locally to professionalise its police force to deal with the same.

The minister spoke at a Regional Thematic Meeting of the Caribbean Region on Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling of Migrants hosted a the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel on Tuesday.

The three-day EU-funded programme was made possible through collaboration of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM); the Caribbean Migration Consultations (CMC) and the Ministry of Public Security.

The event is guided by the framework of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) EU- Migration Action Programme, and saw the attendance of delegates from Caribbean countries including all ACP countries in the Region.

Ramjattan, in his address to the gathering, differentiated the two terms stating that in human smuggling, the migrant pays the smuggler for passage while in the case of TIP, the trafficker deceives or coerces the migrant.

Some of the human impulses which he listed as drivers of migration in the Caribbean include economic hardship; violence; stagnant labour market; natural disasters and asylum seeking. “Human traffickers prey on these impulses and thanks to their ability to elude government enforced obstacles, they can turn human impulses into profit,” the minister said.

He noted that TIP, while not the most lucrative form of illicit trade, is the fastest growing and such is evident in regions such as South-East Asia where some 30 million women and children have been trafficked in the past 10 years.

Meanwhile, Ramjattan stated that migrant smuggling can shape the lives of those smuggled, leading them into challenging situations where they are left at the mercy of their smugglers.

“Many vulnerably-smuggled migrants are left with exorbitant and arbitrary debts that will lead them into sweatshops and other exploitive working conditions conveniently arranged by their smugglers,” Ramjattan explained.

However, the public security minister pointed out that combatting these challenges does not depend on policing alone, but includes elements of prevention, and development and integration of humanrights-based approaches. He also noted that it requires a comprehensive approach through government support, training of

to Guyana, Jernej Videtic, stated that over the last three years, the EU has progressively established a comprehensive and balanced approach on migration.

He added that ultimately, migration is a global challenge which therefore needs global cooperation.

“We at the EU are fully aware that we will only reach our ambitious goals by working together with our partners, with member states, with the global community, civil society, local

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan spoke at a Regional Thematic Meeting of the Caribbean Region on Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling of Migrants hosted a the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel on Tuesday law enforcement, institutional strengthening and access to civil legislation, labour laws, social welfare, child protection and more.

He urged the representatives to be aware of the peculiarities of each country to better tailor the forthcoming recommendations to unique challenges.

Ramjattan also suggested that countries begin practicing red-flagging individuals on the run for TIP or smuggling and other fresh ideas.

Speaking to the situation in Guyana, Ramjattan said that the government has set up a Ministerial Task Force on TIP guided by the TIP Act and action plan and led by the Ministry of Public Security.

He noted that most recently, the inter-agency collaboration led by the task force discussed the prosecution of TIP cases in Guyana and included magistrates, police prosecutors, the chancellor and chief Justice.

There have been training programmes for police officers and interpreters to better communicate with Guyana’s varied indigenous groups often affected by TIP. These activities and more have allowed the country to maintain its Tier One status after being promoted from Tier Two in recent years.

“Our efforts in the Government of Guyana in combatting [TIP and migrant smuggling] are largely augmented in this collaboration,” he said.

“The Government of Guyana is grateful for these committed efforts and looks forward to the continued collaboration and initiatives such as these and more.”

European Union (EU) Ambassador

authorities and the private sector,” he said.

“This is why our discussion during this three-day seminar is so important and I have no doubt that we can expect fruitful exchanges throughout the days.”

The IOM, through its ACP-EU Migration Action Programme, builds national capacities for combating trafficking and smuggling in several Caribbean countries, and provides tailored technical support on migration.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

RUSAL recognises union … agrees to meeting to lay out concerns

... but strike will continue until discussions are over

By Navendra Seoraj RUSSIAN-owned Bauxite Company, RUSAL has agreed to engage in bilateral discussions with the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GB&GWU), a step down

from its initial refusal to meet with the union if its General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis was present.

The company and union have been at odds for close to a decade, and the situation worsened recently when RUSAL fired a number of

workers who had protested a meagre salary increase. It had also declared that it has not been making profits in recent years and will be closing sections of its operations, while laying off some 91 workers.

“We have decided that we need to meet bilaterally start-

ing on Friday,” said Lewis in an invited comment following a meeting with RUSAL, the union and officials of the Ministry of Social protection on Tuesday.

“The union shall submit to the company, a list which will form part of the discussion,” said Lewis, adding that the list will include all the issues affecting the workers of RUSAL and the union. Matters which will be included on the list include the rehiring of workers who were sacked and other matters which have been affecting workers for years. The company is also expected to submit a list of issues which are affecting them.

The outcomes of the meetings will be reported to the Ministry of Social Protection until there is a decisive conclusion. Lewis believes that the discussion will be one which will build trust and confidence in the relationship between the union and RUSAL. Despite not recognising the union in the past, the company has made it clear that it will recognise the union in the interest of the workers and nation. Lewis said it is necessary for both sides to work together in the interest of the workers and the country.

The recent fallout between the parties has caused a nationwide stir because RUSAL has been operating in Guyana for many years as a major employer of Guy-

General Secretary of GB&GWU, Lincoln Lewis anese.

The dismissed workers had taken strike action on February 15, 2019 to protest a one per cent increase in salaries for 2019.

The workers have since blocked the river at Aroaima where the company’s bauxite-laden barges have to pass to go to the transshipment station for loading onto ocean-going vessels.

STRIKE TO CONTINUE Although the parties will be meeting, Lewis said the strike action will continue until a solid decision is made.

“I want to commend the guys on the ground…the way forward was made possible because of the workers who have been striking,” he said, adding that the strike is an indication of the quality of men and women who work with RUSAL. “There was no collective agreement since 2009 and there are lots of matters

pending, so we need to sit at a table and iron out the issues after which we will move to the next step,” said President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, Coretta McDonald, in recent interview.

Despite the lack of consultations, RUSAL had made demands of the union and ministry, calling for the river to be unblocked because they are paying $1M a day.

RUSAL had been “totally” disrespectful to the government, said Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, after the company had submitted proposals to normalise the situation created by the sacking of workers.

Minister Ally had lobbied for reinstatement of the fired workers. She made it clear that government’s main interest is to protect the rights of its citizens.

Ally said instead of respecting workers and recognising the union, RUSAL has been making demands for the river to be unblocked.

GCAA nixes application for use of Boeing 737 Max … says will monitor results from ongoing probes THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Tuesday said it has put on hold an application for the use of a Boeing 737 Max aircraft following the fatal crash of a similar one in Ethiopia on Friday.

In a statement, the GCAA said that no such planes currently operate in Guyana and the existing application will be put on hold until the cause of the disaster is ascertained.

According to the aviation body, the unfolding events surrounding the accident on March 10, 2019 in Ethiopia, has caught its attention. The authority extends to the Government and the Civil Aviation Authority of Ethiopia its condolences, and sympathy goes out to the families and relatives of the passengers from the various countries who perished on the aircraft.

“The GCAA has taken note of the aircraft type involved, the Boeing 737 Max 8, the same type of aircraft which was involved in a similar accident less than six months before. In similar fashion, all passengers

on board perished. Both crashes are under investigation however, similarities between the incidents have prompted caution among some aviation authorities and airlines,” the GCAA statement read. According to the body, given these unfortunate and regrettable occurrences, the GCAA will continue to monitor the reports emanating from the investigating team as they proceed with their investigation of these accidents.

“The authority wishes to inform the flying and general public that no aircraft of this type presently operates into Guyana, and even though one operator has submitted an application to add this type of aircraft to its fleet, as an extra safety precaution, the authority will withhold its approval until a definitive causation of the accident is ascertained.

The GCAA reaffirms its commitment to enhance the safety and security of the travelling public and aviation personnel,” the release concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 13, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

‘PPP engineering constitutional crisis’ –Vincent Alexander

AS the country awaits a decision from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) regarding the shortest possible time within which credible elections can be held, opposition-nominated commissioners again walked out of Tuesday’s statutory meeting while the minutes were being discussed.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Vincent Alexander believes that Oppositionnominated Commissioners Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn, are intentionally engineering a constitutional crisis.

“Today’s meeting came to an end under the item matters arising from the minutes. Under that item the old

question was raised that we seem not to be discussing an elections schedule. The commissioners nominated by the leader of the opposition made their usual interventions and then asked to be excused,” Alexander recounted.

“The reality is that we have not, for the last three meetings, been able to go through our agenda. What

is of interest is that on this occasion, if we had gone through the agenda, the next item is correspondence and there is a piece of correspondence emanating from Commissioner Shadick with a proposed schedule for elections that would have been discussed. But they have stymied the discussions of their own proposals by virtue of departing the meeting at the time when there are still matters arising from the minutes.”

Prior to departing, on agenda item ‘matters arising from the minutes’, PPP commissioners argued that the issue of house-to-house registration should not be on the agenda for discussion.

“House-to-house registration is a policy decision that was taken from time-to-time by the Guyana Elections Commission. The requirement to

Commissioner Vincent Alexander speaks on how the work of the Guyana Elections Commission is being affected (Samuel Maughn photo) age of 18 will be disenfranchised; something he and his colleagues cannot allow.

At the meeting, the opposition-nominated commissioners also upheld, once again, that GECOM should

Opposition-nominated commissioners Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn are questioned by the media following their walk out on Tuesday (Samuel Maughn photo) hold elections is mandated by the Constitution of this country. The necessity to hold elections obviously trumps the need for house-to-house registration,” Gunraj told media operatives as he left.

However, Alexander countered: “There are those of us who feel that the discussion for elections need not be restricted to that. It could involve the question of whether you want to go into an election with a sanitised list but they’re obviously refusing to get involved in that discussion and only referring one aspect of the constitution rather than the whole question.”

Article 106(7) of the Constitution allows for an extension of the three-month time period with a vote of two-thirds of the elected members of the National Assembly.

Maintaining the push for a new voters’ list, Alexander reiterated that without houseto-house registration youths who have now attained the

use funds allocated by the National Assembly to carry out its mandate by using its current funds to facilitate elections. The rehashing of this position comes even as the Ministry of Finance, back in February, indicated that funds for new elections can only be utilised in accordance with the programme by which the appropriation fund was informed.

Added to this, President David Granger has stated pubicly that he intends to go to Parliament to secure the necessary funds for holding new General and Regional Elections. Tuesday’s event marks the third, consecutive time that the opposition-nominated commissioners have walked out of a meeting therefore stalling the work of the commission. “I think a crisis is being engineered as I’ve said before,” Alexander commented. “It is clear that what is being attempted here is an engineering of a constitutional crisis as defined by the leader of the opposition.”

However, when ques-

tioned on the way their actions are preventing the entire country from moving forward, the commissioners denied that they are creating a crisis. “We were forced to take this step again! Because we will not be held hostage to sit in these meetings and discuss anything that does not cater for the holding of elections,” Gunraj stated.

“The constitutional crisis will be borne out of the failure to hold elections in the constitutionally mandated timeline which is 90 days or three months from the successful passage of the no-confidence motion.”

Meanwhile, Benn added: “We are not creating the crisis. We are not creating the crisis…if we do houseto-house registration for the next nine months or whatever the crisis will be on us before that time. The crisis will be on us by the 21st of March and we’re not having anything to do with that because we’re not engaging in that discussion.”

Still, they overlooked the fact that the commission, since February 19, 2019, had agreed by way of vote that it is unable to hold new elections by March 21, 2019 or within a three-month time period. President Granger, after meeting with the commission on March 8, 2019 urged the commissioners to return to the discussion table to determine the shortest possible time in which credible elections can be held, after which an election date will be set. It has been clearly noted in the press that the President cannot foolhardily determine an election date without knowing whether the commission is capable of meeting a particular time period.

Due to the walkout, the commission is expected to meet yet again on March 19, 2019 to hopefully come to a decision, now, just two days before the constitutional deadline.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

‘The battle is not over’ … but workers welcome talks between RUSAL, union

By Vanessa Braithwaite STRIKING workers of RUSAL breathed a collective sigh of relief after receiving the news that the company has agreed to meeting with their union – Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union.

However, they were quick to point out that the “battle is not over”, vowing to remain on strike until the matter is fully settled.

There was some celebration at Maple Town, Aroaima on Tuesday, where about 250 RUSAL workers are camping out on a ‘longhaul’ strike for close to a month. They are elated with the company’s decision to acknowledge their elected

union and to hold engagements as early as Friday.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle was employee Ephraim Velloza, who is also the President representing RUSAL workers, who are members of the union. Velloza said that while the striking workers have won the war, they are still to claim the victory. He is however, confident that this will be done in the near future. “The workers here are in a joyous mood; we are celebrating; what they wanted is now coming to the table and that is for the company to recognise the union. The first step was to acknowledge the union and we have that, now everything else: reinstatement of workers and all of that are part of

the package.”

He said that while the company’s acknowledgement of the union is a great achievement, the strike continues until all agreements are placed in black and white. Velloza said he is hoping that the issue can be mutually resolved in the earliest possible time, since the barricading of the river is affecting other stake holders, such as the Kwakwani Loggers Association. RUSAL is reportedly losing up to $1M per day as a result of the river blockage.

“When everything is in black and white, then the barricade will be removed and then we will return to work,” he related.

HIGH COMMENDATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT While acknowledging every stakeholder and entity that stood in solidarity with them through this tumultuous time, Velloza said that out of all, the government must receive high commendation for sticking with them until this matter is resolved in their favour.

“The government must be given 90 per cent compliment for ensuring this speedy conclusion today.

We must commend the government and the ministers, our union…we must commend the people, the community that stood with us and give us the support, some of the private sector that stood with us and the media for giving us full coverage and making this thing go viral,” he said.

The employee and union representative said that he is also calling on the company and the government, which has 10 per cent shares in the company, to look into the conditions of the road and the crossing in Aroaima that is used by schoolchildren, which needs urgent upgrading.

Speaking to another striking worker, he said that he is happy that their struggle was not in vain and reiterated that the strug-

gle was not only for the striking workers, but for future employees of not only RUSAL, but other foreign companies. “We were not doing this for us, we were setting a record, that workers in Guyana must be treated with respect and dignity and must be given a voice,” he said. For those workers who were part of the less than skeleton staff that continued operations at RUSAL, while the majority was on strike, he said they will not be discriminated against as the struggle was for them too. The workers also commended the government for their support and provision of supplies as well as the union.

He also relayed that strike action continues, until agreements are in black and white.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Guyanese inducted into ICAO Hall Of Fame

THE International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), through its South American Regional Office (SAM Office), has inducted a Guyanese civil aviation pioneer into its Hall of Tribute to South American Aviation Pioneers, located within the

SAM Regional Office in San Isidro, Peru.

The event took place as part of a series of activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the SAM Regional Office on December 7 last year, ICAO said in a release. The image and a brief history of the

work of Retired Lieutenant Colonel Charles Compton Courtney Hutson are now among several South American aviation pioneers decorating the Hall of Tribute of the SAM Regional Office.

Colonel Hutson’s early experiences in aircraft

maintenance carved a vision which he pursued with a quiet passion, ICAO said, adding that it was this passion that led to the establishment of a formal training institution and an approved maintenance facility with procedural guidelines, through which young Guyanese can receive professional development.

As an aircraft engineer, Col. Hutson was responsible for the effective maintenance of a fleet of aircraft at the Guyana Airways Corporation. He was later transferred to the Guyana Defence Force with the rank of Major, where he attained certification in

helicopter maintenance, becoming the first Guyanese to hold a dual aircraft maintenance engineering licence.

Col. Hutson later joined the private sector, and with the support of Mr. Richard Campbell and Mr. Peter D’Anarde, birthed the Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services, Guyana’s first Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO). Following closely behind its establishment, was the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, an approved training organisation, offering professional training in the field of aircraft maintenance

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Charles Compton Courtney Hutson engineering to Guyanese and students globally.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the Government of Guyana congratulate Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Charles Hutson on his selection as one of South America’s Aviation Pioneers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Jury empanelled in Muslim scholar rape case

A 12-member jury was on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, empanelled by Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court for the trial of Muslim scholar, Nezaam Ali, for the offence of rape.

Ali, also known as ‘Mufti,’ an Imam of Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, was committed to stand trial in the High Court on nine counts of engaging in sexual activity with boys under the age of 12, back in 2012.

The charges alleged that between December 2011 and January 2012, Ali, being a teacher attached to the Turkeyen Masjid, engaged in sexual activities with the children.

He was granted bail in the sum of $1.3M at

the time.

The acts were allegedly committed while Ali was in a position of trust, being a religious teacher, and knew, or could reasonably expect to have known of the trust in relation to the boys. The boys had been attending Arabic and Koran classes at the time.

The defendant is being represented by Attorneys-at-law Stanley Moore and Latchmi Rahamat, while Tuanna Hardy is representing the State.

The trial commenced on Tuesday with a series of witnesses being called and is expected to close on Wednesday, March 13, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

UK assessing relations with SOCU

By Leroy Smith

BRITISH High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn, said that an assessment of its relationship with the Special Organised Crime Unit, SOCU is being done following which a decision would be made with respect to that country’s future engagement with the

agency.

The disclosure was made by the high commissioner during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle at his official residence in Bel Air Georgetown on Monday. “In terms of ongoing UK support, we are in part of sort of an assessment of what happens next year. We are now looking at what we

may do with SOCU going forward,” Quinn told the Guyana Chronicle.

SOCU, an arm of the Guyana Police Force which investigates financial and other organised crimes, has been under fire in recent months ranging from poor management to alleged violations of best practices. Asked when the UK would be in a position to

advise government on its decision going forward with SOCU, High Commissioner Quinn said that he cannot provide that information at this point.

On the issue of a replacement for Dr Sam Sittlington, who was fired by the UK recently for opening a fraud company here, Quinn said: “well it is one of the

things that is currently being assessed and being discussed but I cannot give you a timeline at the moment because those discussions are going on back in the UK about what happens now going forward,” the high commissioner made clear.

Earlier this year, SOCU’s special investigator tendered her resignation after she refused to provide the court with her credentials to substantiate her claims of academic achievement. When she was then called upon by a senior government minister, she again could not provide the certificates which she had earlier claimed that she has and she was given the option of being fired or to take the high road and resign, she chose the latter. Weeks after, the Dr Sittlington was fired after it was found that he registered a local arm of his UK company and which was deemed to be a conflict of interest. He was reportedly given clearance to register the company, by head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner Sydney James.

During the interview on Monday, the high commissioner said that he was not prepared to speak too much on SOCU, since he is aware that an internal investigation is being led by the Guyana Police Force as it relates to the developments at the agency.

“Well firstly, I think that I have said everything that needs to be said about Dr Sittlington and secondly, Ms. James was never employed by UK funding; that was a decision that was taken internally I think by SOCU. I think there is a belief that we funded Ms. James when we didn’t. I think there is ongoing work and we have all seen what the commissioner of police has said, so I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to go into any further details on that,” stated

British High Commissioner to Guyana Gregory Quinn the high commissioner.

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, in a recent interview with the media, noted that in accordance with the terms of the contract, the UK had indicated that they can provide a replacement for Dr Sittlington, but he was not sure how possible that could be given the timeframe. With respect to the audit at SOCU, the minister said that it was ongoing and that the investigators have already questioned James. The minister was questioned about the police investigating James and whether there could be any bias.

To this, he assured that it is perfectly normal and that in addition to the police’s own internal audits ongoing at SOCU, the auditor general can come in and take control of the proceedings.

He said that for now, the police auditors are seeking to understand better, the systems which have been in place for spending at the agency.

Ramjattan was asked about the presence of James and his continued running of the affairs of the agency while an audit is ongoing.

“At this stage yes, there are some allegations being made that monies were not spent properly and of course you just don’t go and do anything drastic, in the meantime you listen to what the auditors of the police force would say on that score and then you proceed apace with that” the security minister noted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

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Xi urges military to meet goals

PRESIDENT Xi Jinping urged the military on Tuesday to make all-out efforts to ensure its goals for 2020 are fully realised in a timely manner.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, told national legislators from the People’s Liberation Army and the People’s Armed Police Force that this year is crucial to fulfilling the armed forces’ 13th five-year development plan, from 2016 to 2020.

He asked all military personnel to understand the significance and urgency of the plan’s realization and spare no effort to turn its goals into reality. Xi ordered the military to focus on improving its combat readiness and capability. It should also deepen its reform, foster innovation and present new achievements for the coming 70th birthday of the People’s Republic of China in October, he added.

He said that to achieve the 2020 goals, the military must strengthen planning and coordination, concentrate resources on its priorities and enhance its accountability system.

More attention should be given to projects that concern the military’s combat readiness efforts, and those key to boosting the armed forces’ operational capability or to facilitating reforms in national defense.

The military should gear up such projects and make sure they are of high quality, according to Xi. Policies pertaining to military buildup and

troop management should be refined to lay a solid foundation for the realization of the goals.

Xi ordered the military to intensify its internal supervision and inspection to prevent and uproot the practice of formalities for formalities’ sake and bureaucratism. Funds should be used where they are truly needed, and the virtues of hard work and thrift should be promoted.

Management and scrutiny over the use of funds should be strengthened to eliminate misconduct and corruption, he said. He stressed that the armed forces’ 14th five-year development plan should fit with national strategies in development, security and the military, and should integrate their current and future needs to pursue sustainable, consistent growth.

Xi insisted on the military understanding the determination and intention of the Party’s leadership, exerting itself to enhance combat preparedness and firmly safeguarding China’s sovereignty, safety, development interests, and social stability.

He also instructed the military to support the country’s economic and social development, environmental endeavors and disaster and accident relief work.

It should also play its part in poverty alleviation, he added.

Governments at all levels should, in turn, support the military’s work, make appropriate arrangements for veterans’ employment, take good care of military retirees with physical difficulties and the family members of military personnel, and support the military’s efforts to withdraw from all its commercial activities, Xi said.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attends a plenary meeting on Tuesday of the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army and the People’s Armed Police Force to the second session of the 13th National People’s Congress in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

China’s Two Sessions buzzwords attract global attention

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- China’s annual Two Sessions have always been an important opportunity for the international community to observe where the world’s second largest economy is heading. This year is certainly no exception.

As this year’s Two Sessions continue, poverty reduction, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), further opening-up to foreign investment and high-quality growth have become the buzzwords attracting the attention of experts around the world.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION In the government work report delivered at the opening of the annual NPC session on March 5, China pledges to reduce its population of rural poor by over 10 million this year.

Official figures show that over the past 40 years, China has lifted more than 700 million of its rural residents out of poverty, and the poverty rate -- the proportion of people living below the Chinese poverty line -- had fallen among the rural population from 97.5 percent in 1978 to 3.1 percent at the end of 2017.

In the eyes of Khairy Tourk, a professor of economics with the Stuart School of Business at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, “many countries look up to China to learn from its experience.”

“The Chinese experience is based on building a modern infrastructure and then on setting up special economic zones that would help underdeveloped countries to industrialize,” he added.

BRI COOPERATION The BRI, first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and aims to build a trade and infra-

structure network connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond.

At a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing Two Sessions, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the initiative has become the world’s largest platform for international cooperation and the most welcomed global public good.

He noted that a total of

industrial economic zones.”

The BRI, he said, “is going to be the engine of growth in the 21st century.”

FOREIGN INVESTMENT Another hot topic is the draft law on foreign investment that is expected to be voted on during this year’s Two Sessions.

Cai Hua, a national legis-

parency and predictability of the investment environment.”

HIGH-QUALITY GROWTH In this year’s government work report, China sets its gross domestic product (GDP) growth target for 2019 at 6-6.5 percent, and vows to promote high-quality and sustainable growth.

added.

What happens during the ‘two sessions’?

The “two sessions” meetings are held every year in March in China. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about two of the most important political meetings of the year.

What are the two sessions?

This term refers to the annual plenary sessions of

ecutor.

The CPPCC is China’s top political advisory body. It also facilitates China’s multiparty cooperation and political consultation mechanism, led by the Communist Party of China. The CPPCC was established in 1949, five years before the NPC. WHAT HAPPENS AT THESE SESSIONS? Routine tasks at the annual NPC meeting include reviewing the annual work report of the central gov-

Officials during China’s annual Two Sessions 123 countries and 29 international organizations have signed BRI agreements with China.

Noting that China treats each country on the basis of equality, Tourk said, “I think it’s a matter of time before all nations come to realize the wisdom behind the Belt and Road Initiative.”

China is the only major country in history “that has made the development of poor countries one of its top priorities,” he added.

“Through the BRI, many of these nations are fortunate to enjoy Chinese funding and know-how for the building of modern infrastructure and

lator and director of Wisely Law Office in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, said that “the emphasis on foreign investment law demonstrates China’s determination to protect intellectual property,” which will increase the confidence of foreign investors.

The draft law, said Tourk, will make “it easier for foreign firms to do business in China.” Mahmoud Raya, editor-in-chief of the “China in Arab Eyes” news website, said the draft law is “considered as a fundamental change in China’s foreign investment management system, which will improve openness, trans-

Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, a professor at the University of Yaounde II in Cameroon, said Chinese innovation is helping to boost economic and social development in other countries, and helping them cultivate their own talent.

A good example, Ngolle said, is the Chinese agricultural technology which “is transforming barren land into fertile farmland in Africa.”

“As China continues to realize more benefits from its reform, the innovative spirit of the Chinese people will continue to flourish, which will contribute even more to the progress of mankind,” he

the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The term “two sessions” was coined because the wordy titles are difficult to remember.

What are the NPC and the CPPCC? The NPC, with almost 3,000 deputies elected from across the country, is the highest organ of State power and the top legislature. It supervises the government and judicial system and determines major State issues.

The NPC also appoints and supervises the president, the chief justice and chief pros-

ernment, which includes the official gross domestic product forecast; hearing work reports by the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate; and reviewing the annual plan for economic and social development and the central and local budgets. This year, an additional task is deliberating draft provisions of a new, unified Chinese Civil Code.

Members of the CPPCC National Committee gather to discuss important political, economic and social matters and make proposals.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Tender out for $60M Linden River Front project

THE contract for the first phase of Linden’s river front development project has already been put out for tender and should be awarded soon, according to Region 10 Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon.

He noted that $60M has been estimated for the entire project which will be done in phases. The first phase will be completed in 2019 and $10.5M has been allocated for its completion. This includes cleaning up the river beds and placing piles on the beds to break the flow of the water, in addition to reinforced concrete.

Gordon said that the project is an answer to a call made by President David Granger to see all towns develop their river front, as was done in Bartica. He said that this project will be highly beneficial to Linden, since it is a unique town – the only one with a river passing through; hence there is a river front on both the eastern (Mackenzie) and western (Wismar) shores. This he said will promote the beauty of Linden.

Regional councillors were shown an art-

ist’s impression of what the river front project would look like.

President Granger had made a call to local officials, during a presentation at Victory Valley Linden, to have the river front developed, more so on the western shore.

“I would like to see, all of these waterfronts developed, so that young people could go strolling at night safely, with solar lights, good food, music…and I would like to see this western shore like a boulevard…every town in Guyana must have a boulevard, full of beautiful trees so that young people can enjoy the environment,” President Granger had said.

Linden will now have a chance to showcase its river and eco-tourism potential when the project is completed. Both shores currently sport the boat landings and some small-scale business huts.

The river front on the Mackenzie shore was in the past given a boost by the Linden Mayor and Town Council, but things have fallen apart since then.

Men charged with possession of unlicensed firearm DENNIS Johnson and Mark Fraser on Tuesday appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, jointly charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm.

It is alleged that on the night of November 23, 2018, the duo were arrested on the Buxton railway embankment, East Coast Demerara.

The court was told that on the night of the arrest, a patrol unit from the Cove and John Police Station received a report that there was a robbery under arms in progress in the vicinity of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara. According to the police, the suspects were identified as two males of African descent. While patrolling,

the police observed the suspects on a motor cycle and pursued them. During the chase, the rider lost control and crashed into a utility pole, resulting in injuries to the two men. Consequently, they were rushed to the Georgetown Hospital, where they were under police guard until they were discharged.

Johnson and Fraser were unrepresented by counsel when they appeared in court on Tuesday; they were therefore allowed to question police witnesses, as a result of which the defendants concluded that the police had concocted the charge against them.

They will return to court on March 19,2019.

Forensic audit of City Council set for March 18

ACTING Town Clerk Sharon Harry has announced that a forensic audit into the operations of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will commence on Monday, March 18, 2019.

She made the disclosure when councillors met for their fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall on Monday.

Councillor Bishram Kuppen, who has led calls for a forensic audit over the years, told this publication that he was hoping the audit would cover all of the necessary areas at the City Council.

“I have been calling for such an audit since 2016 because I see it as a requirement to set this Council straight; to reset it. There is a lot that is not proven and tested, and we know with the corruption and the mismanagement of the City, a forensic audit is important,” he stated.

Kuppen said he welcomes the announce-

ment and is hoping the audit will be robust.

“The terms of reference should be really exhausted so that when it comes there, it is not only offering where the loopholes are, but recommendations can be made to improve the City Council,” he said.

It is not clear who will be conducting the audit but it is possible for the Auditor General to contract other forensic auditors to get the work done. City councillors were not provided any details on the audit, except the date on which it will commence.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma last year announced a forensic audit of the M&CC since the management of the municipality had failed to provide important financial information to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Members of the committee had said it was difficult to access information from the Council.

A section of the Upper Demerara River front on the Western shore

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 13, 2019

Schoolchildren excel at Commonwealth Day event THE Parliament Office on Monday hosted an exhibition and reception at the Umana Yana to celebrate Commonwealth Day, which was observed around the world.

The exhibition involved students from one primary and one secondary school, from each administrative region in Guyana. The chil-

dren showcased their brilliance and creativity at their individual booths, with each booth depicting a Commonwealth country.

They showcased important facts about each country, such as the national food, national dress, national flag, the leaders and heads of government, and different aspects of the culture of the country.

Some of the students also learned the languages and dances of some of the countries, and entertained the fascinated onlookers.

After the exhibition, a short programme was conducted in the benab, which saw the presence of several dignitaries. The High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Venkatachalam

The National Dance Company doing a cultural dance showcasing cohesion among the Commonwealth nations

Mahalingam, highlighted interesting facts about India and the Commonwealth, and said that India is committed to reducing greenhouse gases and will redouble its efforts in helping small states, and small-island developing states.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, reminded the students and other persons present that they all must work together in the battle against climate change. “We need to have solidarity between all member states and to support the mandate. “Do we all need a plastic bag for every purchase we make, as is the habit of most member cities?” he questioned. He added that we need to work together to boost the voice of the Commonwealth internationally, and support and strengthen the secretariat.

The British High Commission, he said, is determined to carry out the shared objectives in the next couple of years and he is looking forward to working with Guyana.

The lone female High Commissioner, High Comissioner of Canada, Lilian Chatterjee, said that as a Commonwealth we must also ensure that women and girls are the heart and centre in assisting us with our systemic economic developmental efforts. The Government of Canada she said, is committed to reducing the systemic structures and values that prevent women from fully participating in economic life, both at home and abroad.

“When women are able to develop their full economic potential, whether it’s agricultural producers, employees, entrepreneurs and business owners, the economy strives and the benefits of growth reach all society, including men and boys,” Chatterjee said.

Adding that, “as a connected Commonwealth, let us celebrate our shared values, renew our ties, and mo-

bilise our partnership as we collaborate towards inclusive and sustainable, social, political and economic development.”

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, reminded the audience of the many contributions Guyana has made to the Commonwealth and benefits of fostering connections between member states. She reassured the gathering that “As a nation, I know we have what it takes to avoid any constitutional crisis… While I wish to commend the Commonwealth for its work, and its commitment to making the world a better place, I use this opportunity to urge all Guyanese to ensure that we all work together to make the world a better place.”

In his closing remarks, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton U. A. Scotland, reminded the audience of the theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day ‘A Connected Commonwealth.’ He said that “this year’s theme, reminds us of the need for us as members of the Commonwealth to continue to forge efforts in the battle against common threats of the effects of climate change and to hold democratic principles and the rule of law.”

He urged the students to never fail to practise the tried and proven values of respect to their fellow Guyanese, and all they would encounter elsewhere.

Respect and love in a country, he said, will commit to Guyana’s future, and “you who are the future, you must help to contribute to that future,” Dr. Scotland said. The audience was then treated to a cultural dance from the National Dance Company, showcasing cohesion among nations of the Commonwealth. The evening’s proceedings ended with a cocktail reception. Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira also delivered brief remarks at the event.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 13, 2019

Children can opt out of HPV vaccination – says CMO

By Vishani Ragobeer CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, said parents who do not wish for their children to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, must “opt out” through a signed document.

Speaking to members of the media yesterday (Tuesday, March 12, 2019), Dr. Persaud explained that, previously, the delivery of the HPV vaccine required consent, but that programme was revised since it was found to be a barrier to persons accessing the vaccine.

According to him, persons indicated previously that they wanted their children to receive the vaccine but, in some cases, could

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud

not have signed the consent forms.

As such, he related: “We discussed this at the policy

Nova Hotel drug ‘bust’…

Venezuelan jailed, others freed By: Deneita Fredericks THREE men were on Tuesday hauled before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates Court, after being held in a drug “bust” at the Nova Hotel, last Saturday.

The men are Ganesh Das, a 26-year-old of Affiance, Essequibo Coast, Evel Boodhoo and Richie Boodhoo. Das, who is employed as a boat operator, pleaded guilty,to being in possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking; the two others pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The charge read that on March 9, 2019, at Nova Hotel, Cummings Street, Georgetown, a quantity of narcotics weighing 6.150 kilogrammes or 13 pounds were found.

Due to the first defendant’s guilty plea, the other two were freed of their charges.

Das was represented

by Attorney-at- Law Keoma Griffith, who, in a plea of mitigation, asked the court to impose a reasonable sentence and fine on his client; this, he said,

is because of the state his (Das’) homeland (Venezuela) is in and the hardship which led him to commit such an act.

He also noted that the defendant had cooperated fully with the police from the beginning and admitted full ownership of the drugs found; hence, his plea for leniency.

According to CANU prosecutor Konye Sandiford, on the day in question, CANU officers acted upon information and went to the hotel, where they conducted a search in the presence of the five suspects. A white salt bag was then recovered with suspected cannabis in 10 parcels. When weighed, the street value of the drugs was assessed to be $G7,306,200. Das was taken into custody and gave both oral and written statements on how the narcotics got there.

In tears, Das told the court that he was sorry for his actions and he only took a chance because of the hardship he was facing. He was sentenced to four years imprisonment and fined $G7.3 million dollars.

level and the decision was made to have an ‘opt out’ process.”

“It’s not a case where you have to get a consent for each dose of the HPV administered. You can decide that, in your informed decision, you don’t want your child to have the vaccine. You will then sign off,” he explained.

“Otherwise, we will assume that you have agreed to have the child immunised against HPV,” the CMO said.

He contended that once the vaccines are to be delivered in schools, the health personnel should first meet with the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and inform its members of the vaccines and outline to them the process by which they can opt out. Furthermore, he said that the necessary “opt out” documents should be available at the schools, in addition to information pamphlets provided by the Public Health Ministry.

The ministry recently launched an emergency HPV vaccine campaign from February 11 to March 13, where it revised the age limits of the recipients from age nine to 16, and has now included boys. This was done after several requests were made by the public.

“We do have a small, very small portion of persons who would opt out and a lot of times, even when they have indicated they would like to opt out, the health

visitors will have conversations with them and discuss some of the ramifications,” he highlighted.

“If there is a signed document to say that you do not want your child to have the vaccine, the vaccine would not be given,” Dr Persaud indicated. The CMO also noted that he has not received any reports of children receiving HPV vaccines “without any proper procedures applied”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 13, 2019

More gender-conscious citizens needed – WGEC chairperson says

By Vishani Ragobeer WOMEN and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) Chairperson, Indranie Chanderpal, has called on Guyanese to become more gender conscious as the country strives to strike a gender balance.

Speaking at a forum organised in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2019, Chanderpal directed focus to the global efforts geared at achieving gender parity.

She reminded hundreds of Guyanese about Goal #5 of the United Nations Sus-

tainable Development Goals (SDGs), which highlights that achieving gender equality is necessary in ending poverty, and ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Achieving this goal will however pose a great challenge, according to Chan-

derpal. “[The first is] that there are countries where women’s rights are practically non-existent because of historically-entrenched views of cultural norms and traditions, and secondly, there are religious and patriarchal views that will affect the achievement of gender equality,” she highlighted.

Chanderpal also indicated that many persons are of the view that women in leader-

Indranie Chanderpal

ship positions do not necessarily lead to gender equality.

“However, we must recognise that there has to be a starting point and, in this regard, the gender-conscious men must be encouraged to give the requisite support to bring more women into leadership positions,” she related.

Chanderpal added: “We must also recognise that while we can have the most progressive legislation and policies in place to promote gender equality, there is need for all the support that exists [because] not everyone is gender conscious and some are still opposed to gender equality.”

As such, she noted that it was necessary for the education system to include “gender considerations” at all levels, so young people could understand the importance of gender parity.

And for her, the theme of International Women’s Day 2019 ‘Balance for Better’, is an indicative one that should function to “galvanise” persons into action to find innovative ways through which gender equality and women empowerment can be promoted. This is especially needed in areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.

“We must also examine long-term planning; there are many institutions where an unemployed spouse or wife is left penniless after the passing of a spouse. Therefore, the issue of social protection must engage the attention of government and society as a whole,” the WGEC chairperson said.

Aside from ensuring social protection for women, she said gender parity means both men and women must have an equal standing in a changing world. “Balance for better is about everything in life,” she said.

“We must recognise that the world is changing; more women are becoming single parents and more women are becoming inclined to educate themselves,” she noted. Due to this, she emphasised the need for males to have paternity leave as recommended in the recent report of the WGEC, presented to Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland.

“As more women enter the job market, there is going to be more competition for lucrative jobs and it is therefore important to have fair employment practices,” the chairperson explained.

Bar owner remanded for trafficking Venezuelans.

By Deneita Fredericks.

SAVITA Persaud, a club owner of Georgetown, on Tuesday (March 12, 2019) appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLenann, to answer three charges pertaining to exploitation.

The first charge alleged that between January 31, 2019 and March 8, 2019, Persaud unlawfully recruited two Venezuelans, withheld their identification documents and transported them for sexual exploitation.

She was also charged with two counts of trafficking in persons and with

employing an under-aged child to work in a bar that sells liquor.

The defendant was represented by Attorney-at-Law George Thomas who pleaded for bail. He noted that his client rented the building to the Venezuelans and was not a part of the act.

The police prosecutor objected to bail because of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. As such, he said, offenders must face penalties for their actions.

Persaud was remanded and will make her next court appearance on March 15, 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 13, 2019

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Celebrating women not about degrading men – Canadian high commissioner

By Vishani Ragobeer FIRST Lady Sandra Granger has highlighted that there should be “no objection” to women’s demand to ‘Balance For Better’, particularly in light of their contributions to society.

Young Trinidadian superstar, Nailah Blackman

The First Lady was at the time speaking at the Canadian High Commission’s annual expo and concert held in observance of International Women’s Day 2019. This event was held on Sunday at the Everest Cricket Ground.

According to the First Lady, women are key players in development and innovation and must be equipped in this regard. “We as women have always been more open to innovation, particularly when innovation helped to make our multitasked life easier,” she said.

She added: “Since we are fully into the fourth industrial revolution, we must train and equip our girls for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).” Through access to technology, via cellphones and the Internet, she stressed that young girls and women can edify themselves and work to empower others.

Mrs. Granger also highlighted the need to protect women’s rights. “So let us, as we balance for better, ensure that we speak up and speak out against violence of any kind, against the person and not just for one day, but every single day, whenever and wherever it occurs,” she said.

“Let us ensure that our legislation against domestic violence is rigorously enforced so that we can one

day boast of zero tolerance for domestic violence.”

She bemoaned that while many avenues for access to healthcare have been opened up, too many women do not access these. The First Lady reminded that in Guyana, there is treatment available for sexually transmitted diseases and infections, including access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

“There are still too many persons who do not know their status, or do not want to know their status [and] still too many persons are tested positive for HIV, but do not access antiretroviral treatment because they fear stigma and discrimination and this occurs in a country like Guyana where treatment is free,” she said.

According to her, studies show that young women between the ages of 15 to 24 are twice as likely to contract the same diseases as young men in the same age group.

Speaking on employment, she noted that it is recognised that companies and businesses that have women in leadership positions benefit from a more diverse leadership which positively affects the way business is done. “So indeed, balance is better,” she said but posited: “At the same time we must not forget our sisters who do unwaged work in the home and as caregivers, nor should be leave out the women who work in the informal economy.”

Cognisant of all these factors, she posited: “There should be no objection to our demand to balance for better.” This year, International Women’s Day was observed under the theme: “Balance For Better” and Canadian High commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee, who also spoke at the event, reminded that celebrating women is not synonymous with degrading men. “We can do both of these things without maligning anyone, [we are] pointing fingers at structures of discrimination that exist,” she said.

At the event, about three thousand persons benefited from empowerment sessions geared at advancing the cause of women. The night ended with a concert which headlined young Trinidadian female artiste, Nailah Blackman.

First Lady Sandra Granger and Canadian High commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee with young girls who have been part of the high commission’s project to get local girls involved in leadership positions

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Mines Services Limited receives ISO certification

By Clestine Juan

MINES Services Limited (MSL), a member of the Farfan & Mendes Group of companies, on Tuesday held a reception to celebrate its recently achieved: International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001:2015 certification.

The ISO 9001:2015

is based on a number of quality-management principles, including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach and continual improvement of a company.

The certification requirements established by the ISO were acquired Mines services Limited, with the support of Exx-

onMobil Guyana’s Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD).

The reception was held at the Farfan & Mendes corporate head office at Providence, East Bank Demerara, with the feature address being given

by Managing-Director, Andre Mendes.

Mendes explained that the company’s goal to achieve the ISO

9001:2015 certification was initially aimed at being in a position to supply goods and services to the oil-and-gas sector.

However, he said, the process began following an initial supplier audit through Technip FMC. “While we understood that investing in this process did not guarantee us business from the sector, we know that not invest-

ing in an improved quality-management system guaranteed that we would get nothing” the managing-director said.

He noted that the process of working towards certification developed rapidly into a process of continuous improvement for the company and existing customers, rather than a means to become a supplier to the sector.

“For myself, running the company, the process mapping and developed procedures give me much greater peace of mind and trust in the organization, because our employees

Project Director of ExxonMobil Guyana’s Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), Patrick Henry had a structure that they could conform to, that guaranteed the level of service we wanted to have for our customers,” Mendes stressed.

The managing-director explained that the next step is having all of the Farfan & Mendes Group of companies ISO9001:2015 and ISO45001 certified by the end of 2019.

Meanwhile, Project Director of (CLBD) Patrick Henry explained that there has been a rapid demand from Guyanese Businesses to get ISO certification.

Henry explained that the demand is ahead of schedule and the centre is filled of local businesses, since the CLDB had targeted 10 businesses to get ISO certification for the span of three years; so far over 15 companies are on board before the

Managing-Director of Farfan & Mendes Group of companies, Andre Mendes. (Photo by Adrian Narine) three-year mark.

He explained that another round for ISO certification will be coming in July 2019, while in March and April a third round of businesses will be joining the ISO9001 process.

“Today, the centre works with nine firms towards the ISO9001 compliance; three of them have undertaken audits and certifications,” the CLBD project manager said.

He added that the centre of local business development was established in 2017 to assist Guyanese businesses to understand the oiland-gas sector broadly and position themselves windward.

“Since that time, Guyanese businesses have not only learnt about the sector, but have actively engaged firms like ExxonMobil and their prime contractors through the centre” he stressed.

This engagement, Henry said, has led directly to Guyanese businesses being prepared to windward (open), form smart partnerships, invest in new opportunity and rapidly grow in a domestic oil-and-gas sector.

“International certification provides a common alphabet between Guyanese suppliers and international businesses – they can understand what each does, where there is a gap and what improvements need to take place,” Henry stressed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

List of essential drugs being prepared

By Vishani Ragobeer THE Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is close to finalising the list of essential drugs needed in the local health sector for the next two years.

“The essential list [of drugs] is what the government buys… [it] guides the government policy,” Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud told members of the media.

This list of drugs includes those drugs that are procured by the Ministry of Public Health and are distributed countrywide.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Public Health joined with partners from the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) at the Marriott Hotel to work towards finalising the list of essential drugs.

“We [at the MoPH] will know the medication that our patients need and if you go with a known condition to our facility your expectation will be that you will get the medicine because it is listed on the essential medicines list,” Dr Persaud said.

He noted that the overall benefit here is that the patients will have access to the critical medicines that they may need.

The list is expected to be updated every two to three years, and requires input from pharmaceutical suppliers, distributors and healthcare professionals.

Dr Persaud noted that standard treatment guidelines are developed first by the Ministry of Public Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital assists with guidelines or specialised areas of treatment.

These guidelines indicate what types of medications and drugs would be used in the treatment of ailments.

“What we do on a twoyear basis, [is that] I work together with a pharmaceutical team to extract all the list of medicines in the guidelines. We add the newer agents [which are],

the more effective agents; we also remove the medicines we find are ineffective [because] for example, there may be resistances developed against some form of antibiotic,” the CMO explained.

The last essential medicine list was signed off in 2015. Since then, the list has gone through some “small revisions” but the main revision started this year.

RAPIDLY CHANGING Ideally, he indicated that the ministry would want to update the list every two years, cognisant of the fact that medicine is rapidly changing.

So far, he noted however that a great majority of the drugs from 2015 have been placed on the newer list with few additions.

He also noted that private institutions would approach the government, from time to time, to procure the drugs that they deem necessary.

“Those would usually go through a process and they are allowed to buy those outside of the essential medicines list....

So it doesn’t put the burden on the government to buy everything that is needed,” the CMO said.

Occasionally, he indicated that the government would procure drugs that are off of the list, once it is deemed pertinent.

The medications on the list would be those that are in their pure form, categorised by strength and preparation type, and what form they take (i.e. whether in solid form, like tablets, liquid form, etc).

And while there may be ‘medication’ available in many forms, sometimes owed to brands with patents, the ministry would look at the “generic” component of the medicine. An example of this is the generic drug: “Ibuprofen”, which has the brand name of “Motrin”. Another example is “Valium”, which is the brand name of the generic

drug “Diazepam”, which comes from the benzodiazepines, a class of psychoactive drugs.

PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow posited that identifying which medicines are regarded as essential is a “national responsibility”.

“It is therefore import-

ant that the process becomes consultative… and in all that we do it should be evidence-based,” he urged.

Speaking to the team of stakeholders at the Marriott Hotel, regional adviser on the rational use of medicines for PAHO, Dr Jose Luis Castro, shared that focus must

also be given to other areas of medical procedures.

“There is not only the evaluation and selection of medicines that is important… when we discuss medical procedures we discuss medicines, vaccines devices and even procedures,” he stressed.

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Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud

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Golden Jaguars warm up for Belize with clash against Suriname on Saturday in Nickerie

WITH just 11 days before Guyana face one of their biggest matches ever and possibly enable themselves to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Guyana National Senior Men’s Team will play the Suriname Senior Men’s National team on Saturday, at the Pierkhan Stadium, Nickerie, Suriname from 16:30hrs or 15:30hrs (local time).

The team, commonly known as the Golden Jaguars, will comprise 18 Guyana-based players, who are scheduled to depart for Suriname on Friday morning.

In an invited comment, Golden Jaguars head coach Michael Johnson, who returned to Guyana yesterday, said the match will seek to test the progress made with team preparation and some technical areas as well as the team’s overall game understanding.

According to Johnson, “The game against Suriname will give the players a real stiff test and we will be able to see which players have improved in all areas of their development.

“The GFF Training Centre is a solid base that allows us to get some good work into the players but you can’t be competitive without games. With both teams involved in the CONCACAF Nation’s League fixtures, this gives us

the opportunity to try out player systems and develop their understanding without the scrutiny of the result being the main objective.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana-based squad engaged the East Bank Demerara Football Association select team last Saturday in a training match at the GFF’s National Training Centre, Providence.

The training matches are part of the preparation for Guyana’s final CONCACAF Nations League qualifier against Belize on March 23 at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

Tickets for the match are being sold at $1 500 at the following locations: Andrew’s Supermarket - Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt; The Guinness Bar – D’Urban Street, GT; West Indian Sports Complex, Robb Street; Nice Restaurant, Status Hotel, Croal Street, GT; Pegasus Hotel Guyana; KFC Outlets - Regent Street & Mandela Avenue; Dad’s Fish Shop (Den Amstel) and Patsy Food Court and Bar, Linden/Soesdyke Junction.

Fan jerseys are also available at the GFF Secretariat at a cost of G$5 000.

Match time is set for 18:30hrs.

Possible 20-athlete contingent for CARIFTA Games, says AAG’s Hutson

By Michelangelo Jacobus

AFTER three separate weekends of high-quality competition, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) revealed 17 locally based athletes, who have qualified for the CARIFTA Games 2019, with an additional three overseas-based athletes who also secured qualification standards for the Games.

Among the locally based female athletes who have qualified for the Games is young sprinter Deshana Skeete who qualified in the 200m event while jumper Princess Browne (triple jump) and middle distance star Shaquka Tyrell (800m, 1500m) also met AAG’s qualifying standards.

A seasoned campaigner, Daniel Williams, will possibly make his third appearance at the Games in the Boys’ U-20 200m while the vastly improved Daniel Melville (400m), young distance star Cordell Charles (1500m) and L’oneil Marks (100m, 200m) also made qualifying times in their various events.

AAG boss, Aubrey Hutson, told Chronicle Sport

that the “three weekends were really good, you saw the constant improvement of athletes as well as coaches going back to the drawing board to help their athletes”.

He revealed that the AAG gave the athletes the highest quality of competition in order to motivate them to push harder for the qualifying times. “We incorporated the best of the senior athletes that we have at home in those three meets, we did this because this is the kind of competition that our young athletes will face at the Games”.

According to Hutson; “Our (AAG’s) intention is to incorporate Claudrice McKoy (800m, 1500m), Chantoba Bright (long jump, triple jump) and Joanna Archer (3000m) into the contingent. After meeting, we will finalise our budget and start booking flights.

We will also look at the appointment of officials to travel with the team. These officials will include coaches who can offer technical support to the athletes.”

There is a possibility that the contingent could grow even larger with the inclusion of other athletes for the vari-

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ous relay events.

“This could be our largest contingent yet; we are looking at sending them because they have all earned their spots and their right to be there”.

He also called on the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Government of Guyana and Corporate Guyana to support the young athletes in their endeavours.

The Cayman Islands will host the 48th edition of the premier Regional track and field event, This will be the third time after doing so for the first time in 1995 then more recently in 2010. The Games will run from April 20 to April 22.

Below is the full list of Guyanese athletes who have qualified for the CARIFTA Games: LOCALLY BASED ATHLETES

FEMALES: ● Brianna Charles – Running Brave (100m) ● Deshana Skeete – Christianburg/Wismar SS (200m) ● Keliza Smith – Running Brave (400m) ● Adriel Austin - Running Brave (800m) 08:40 hrs Rumbleinthejungle 09:20 hrs Brighteyebushytail 10:00 hrs Duke’s Dozen 10:40 hrs Noble Joshua 11:15 hrs Arrow’s Mark English Racing Tips Cheltenham 09:30 hrs Sam’s Profile 10:10 hrs Santini 10:50 hrs Vision Des Flos 11:30 hrs Altior 12:10 hrs Tiger Roll 12:50 hrs Band Of Outlaws 13:30 hrs Master Debonair Huntingdon

● Shaquka Tyrell Christianburg/Wismar SS (800, 1500m) ● Princess Browne Running Brave (Triple jump) ● Jahaziah Copeland Upper Dem (Shot put) ● Anisha Gibbons Ruralites (Javelin)

MALES: ● Osrick Pellew Ruralite (100m) ● Loneil Marks Hopetown Flames (100, 200m) ● Osa Blair Police (100m) ● Daniel Williams Upper Demerara (200m) ● Cordell Charles Super Upcoming Runners (1500m) ● Daniel Melville Police (800m) ● Matthew Gordon Hopetown Flames (3000m) ● Melon Lowenfield GDF (High Jump) ● Tremaine Browne Christianburg/Wismar SS (Long Jump) OVERSEAS-BASED ATHLETES ●Claudrice McKoy (800m, 1500m) ● Chantoba Bright (Long Jump, Triple Jump) ● Joanna Archer (800m, 3000m) 09:45 hrs Finawn Bawn 10:25 hrs Vivaccio 11:05 hrs Bisoubisou 11:45 hrs Shanroe Tic Tec 12:25 hrs Enlighten 13:05 hrs Coopers Square 13:40 hrs Beyond Redemption Kempton 12:40 hrs Hanakotoba 13:10 hrs Tulloona 13:45 hrs Ulster 14:15 hrs Moonlit Sea 14:45 hrs Dancing Jo 15:15 hrs Jai Hanuman 15:45 hrs My Town Chicago 16:15 hrs Viola Park

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Williamson in doubt for third Test after New Zealand wrap up Bangladesh series WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is a doubt for the third Test of the Bangladesh series after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the innings and 12-run second Test win in Wellington.

New Zealand wrapped up victory in the rain-affected match at the Basin Reserve shortly before lunch on the fifth day yesterday to clinch the threematch series with a game to spare.

Bangladesh, who had needed 221 runs to make New Zealand bat again, were bowled out for 209 as the umpires extended the first session by 15 minutes as a result was likely.

Neil Wagner finished with figures of 5-45.

The final Test starts on Saturday in Christchurch, although New Zealand coach Gary Stead said

Broadcast costs derail Afghanistan’s proposed Zimbabwe tour HARARE (Reuters) Afghanistan’s proposed tour of Zimbabwe for five one-day international matches next month has been cancelled because of broadcast costs, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said on Monday.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had asked Zimbabwe Cricket to host the series in Harare to help their team prepare for the World Cup in England.

“Although the two boards had agreed to share the tour expenses, the prohibitive costs of broadcasting the matches live on television – which the ACB was insisting on – unfortunately derailed the proposed series,” ZC said a statement on Monday.

they would be cautious with Williamson, who is likely to be replaced by the uncapped Will Young.

“Kane is obviously keen to play this final game, but we’ll look to take a safety-first approach, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon,” Stead said.

“Will has been in our Test squad as batting cover for the past two series and he should be confident following some strong performances domestically and for New Zealand A.” Stead added that it was too early to determine whether wicketkeeper BJ Watling would be fit for the third Test after he did not appear on the fifth day in Wellington having suffered a hamstring strain in the warm-ups.

“BJ has a minor left hamstring strain and we felt it was best he didn’t keep today to give him the best chance of being fit for the

third Test.”

The victory was New Zealand’s fifth Test series win in succession and all

the more remarkable with the entire first two days of play washed out, while an hour’s play was also lost

at the end of the third day due to rain and poor light.

Captain Mahmudullah provided the only real

Neil Wagner was relentless with his short ball strategy and finished with nine wickets for the match.

Walton Hall clip the wings of Sparwin to win T20 final THE eagerly anticipated final between Walton Hall and Sparwin was played on Sunday at the Walton Hall ground in front of a large and vocal crowd.

It was the experience though of Walton Hall which tilted the balance in determining the outcome. After winning the toss and batting, Walton Hall struggled from the inception against a disciplined bowling performance.

Batsmen played and missed several times while runs were hard to accumulate. After 10 overs, Walton Hall were pegged back, being 38-3. An invaluable 45-run partnership for the 4th wicket between Suresh Persaud (17) and Latchman Singh, who eventually top scored with 42 (2x6 and 3x4), steadied the innings.

When Persaud departed, Singh continued to gather important runs with the lower order before he too departed with the score on 110.

Some late hitting at the end saw Walton Hall reaching 135-9 in their 20 overs.

Accurate seam bowling from Shane Paul( 3-28 from 4

overs) and Dhaniram Lall (3-24 from his 4 overs) were impressive.

It looked a seemingly gettable total, given the fast outfield and small boundaries. However, when Sparwin replied, an incisive first over

by Suresh Persaud stunned the crowd.

Bowling with searing pace, Persaud accounted for three wickets in his first over, including that of former national under-15 batsman, Wayne Osbourne with his first delivery. Sparwin never seem to recover as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Opener Brain Gobin kept the innings alive with a topscore of 22 (3x4s) and with Yogeshwar Singh 16 (2x4s) provided a glimmer of hope.

But, with the asking rate climbing along with steady bowling and dynamic fielding, the target proved beyond Sparwin and they eventually succumb for 76 in 16 overs to lose by 59 runs.

Persaud had a brilliant all-round performance, claiming 4-15 from 4 overs while off-spinner Vishwana-

uth Lall supported with 3-18 from his 4 overs to clinch another championship title for Walton Hall.

given the interest shown and the success of the competition.

The man-of-the-match

resistance for the visitors with a counter-attacking 67, while Mohammad Mithun scored a patient 47 and had held off New Zealand’s bowlers late on the fourth day.

Bangladesh had resumed on 80 for three, still requiring another 141 runs to make New Zealand bat again after the hosts’ first innings of 432 for six declared with Ross Taylor (200) scoring his 18th century and Henry Nicholls (107) his fifth.

Mithun had resumed on 25 with Soumya Sarkar on 12.

They thwarted New Zealand for the best part of an hour before Trent Boult got a delivery to climb on Sarkar who nicked through to Taylor at first slip to leave the tourists on 112-4.

Despite Mahmudullah’s resistance, Wagner ran through the tail to give New Zealand the win.

Boult finished with 4-52.

--By Elroy Stephney Ajodha Lall while the winners trophy and $40,000 was presented to Walton Hall, compliments of Uvin-

Walton Hall players celebrae with their supporters.

At the presentation, Coordinator Ajodha Lall congratulated the champions as well as thanked the other teams for participating. He further expressed the hope that more corporate sponsors will be motivated to sponsor,

prize went to Suresh Persaud, who collected a trophy and $5000, compliments of Rajesh Chattergoon.

The runner-Up trophy and $25,000 went to Sparwin, compliments of

dra Balgobin of Balgobin Electrical Contracting Service. Eight teams participated in the round robin competition which was sponsored by the management committee of North Essequibo.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

41

Haile Gebrselassie slams IAAF move to cut Diamond League disciplines

By Aaron Maasho

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - The IAAF’s decision to limit the longest event in the Diamond League circuit to 3 000 metres will “disproportionately affect” Ethiopia and Kenya, two powerhouses of middle and long-distance events, running great Haile Gebrselassie has said.

After a meeting in Doha, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Council said on Monday the circuit will have a trimmer look and fewer meetings as the one-day competitions aim for a more consistent and fast-moving format.

Meetings will be reduced from 14 to 12 competitions, while the number of disciplines will be cut from 32 to 24 with 12 each for men and women.

But Ethiopian Haile, considered by many as the greatest distance athlete of all-time and who - alongside com-

Ethiopia’s Haile Gebrselassie

patriot and rival Kenenisa Bekele - went chasing records

to extraordinary effect in the 5 000m and 10 000m, said the

Three-time world track champion Kelly Catlin dies aged 23 THREE-time world champion and Olympic silver medallist Kelly Catlin has died aged 23, USA Cycling has confirmed.

Catlin won three straight team pursuit world titles on the track from 2016 to 2018, claiming silver in the same event at the Rio 2016 Games.

coaches and staff. We also encourage all those who knew Kelly to support each other through the grieving.”

Catlin also won individual pursuit bronze at both the 2017 and 2018 World Track Championships.

She won all three of her

and those who were fortunate enough to know her best.”

Chloe Dygert Owen, who was in the same team for all three of Catlin’s world titles, posted on social media: “We will miss you forever. Rest in peace now, Kelly.”

Three-time Olympic time

move was “unfair” to countries that traditionally excelled in those races.

“It is a sad decision that will disproportionately affect Ethiopia and Kenya, as well as East Africa as a whole,” he told Reuters in an interview.

“Some Asian countries have also been making strides in middle- and long-distance.

At a time when the (governing) body needed to exert its maximum effort to boost athletics worldwide, it has taken a decision that is tragic and unfair.”

The Diamond League, the IAAF’s top competition outside the Olympics and World championships, at present has two end-of-season finals, with Zurich hosting one-half of the disciplines and Brussels the other.

The circuit, which celebrates its 10th season beginning in May, currently features nine races for men and women, including the 3 000m steeplechase and 5 000m, and seven field events - high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus and javelin.

Haile said the Diamond League, alongside other events, has long been a competition where Ethiopia and Kenya have tussled for east African track dominance.

“Its (Diamond League) prestige will also be affected.

Middle- and long-distance competitions were among the main draws at the time myself, Kenenisa and others competed. It will deprive fans of the chance to watch some of the world’s best athletes.”

Mohabir grabs match figures of 9-58 in second-division debut for Transport DEMERARA U-15 captain Alvin Mohabir had a perfect transition to senior cricket, grabbing match figures of 9-58 on debut in the Noble House Seafoods Second-Division Two-Day cricket competition against the University of Guyana (UG).

Thirteen-year-old Alvin Mohabir almost bowled Transport to an overall win.

UG were lucky to have survived the young off-spinner in the second innings as he grabbed six wickets to spearhead his team’s attack at the GNIC ground on Sunday.

Transport who finished with first-innings points needed a wicket more to get full points.

On Saturday, Transport won the toss and opted to

take first strike. Four wickets each from Godfrey Matthews and Kierre Henry however undermined their batting, which left them on 186 all out in 37 overs.

Azeem Azeez, who struck nine fours in a top score of 46, batting at number seven became the first of Henry’s victims, as he cleaned up the tail, while Mark Ramsammy added 39 (5x4).

In reply, UG were scuttled out for 148 in 46 overs. R. David led the attack with 54, but he became a victim of medium pacer Shaun Massiah, who claimed 3-13 from 19 overs, while 13-year-old Mohabir took 3-16 from nine overs and A. Clarke 2-42 from 6.5 overs.

Transport then powered their way to 225-9 declared with two of their batsmen firing half-centuries.

Opener Devaughn Nandan struck 10 fours and a six in a score of 55, while Devon Allen hit 10 fours and two sixes in a top score of 59.

UG were given a few hours in the afternoon to get past 263, but they were unable to read Mohabir, who captured six wickets for 42 in 20 overs, which left the University team at 129-9 when play ended.

The game went down to the wire and Mohabir grabbed his sixth wicket in the penultimate over of the day. Although Massiah bowled a tight line in the last over, the university last pair held their nerves for a draw.

Zeeburg register nine-wicket win in Amreith Rai T20 tournament

Kelly Catlin (left) won three straight world titles as part of the USA women’s team pursuit squad She competed for Rally world titles alongside Chloe Dy- trial champion Kristin ArmUHC Cycling on the road and gert Owen and Jennifer Valente, strong also posted: “This is was studying for a graduate while Kimberley Geist was part a devastating loss. We need degree at Stanford University. of the 2017 and 2018 triumphs to continue to look after our “We are deeply saddened after Sarah Hammer rode in 2016. cycling family. RIP Kelly. I’ll

by Kelly’s passing,” said USA Catlin, who was born in always remember your sense Cycling president and chief ex- Saint Paul, graduated from of humour, wit and kindness.” ecutive Rob DeMartini.

In a piece Catlin wrote two the University of Minnesota In a letter to VeloNews Cat- last year with degrees in math- weeks before her death, she lin’s father Mark said that his ematics and Chinese and was described the stress of working daughter had taken her own life. studying computational and as a pro racer while studying in “We will all miss her dear- mathematical engineering at university as similar to “juggling ly,” added DeMartini. “Kelly Stanford University in Cali- knives”. was more than an athlete to us fornia.

“Being a graduate student, and she will always be part of “The news of Kelly’s passing track cyclist, and professional the USA Cycling family. has hit the team hard,” said Rally road cyclist can instead feel like “Our thoughts and prayers UHC Cycling in a statement on I need to time-travel to get everyare with the Catlin family. This social media. thing done. And things still slip is an incredibly difficult time and “Losing an incredible per- through the cracks,” she wrote. we want to respect their privacy. son at such a young age is very “So how do I balance three “The entire cycling commu- difficult. competing (no pun intended) nity is mourning this immense “Kelly was our friend and careers? loss. We are offering continuous team-mate. Our heartfelt con“Easy. I don’t balance support to Kelly’s team-mates, dolences go out to her family them.” (BBC Sport)

A STIFLING spell of offspin bowling by Yutesh Dhanpaul and positive strokeplay from Richardo Poloram and Balbinder Shivpersaud propelled the Zeeburg Sports Club to a nine-wicket win over Players Sports Club when action in the Amreith Rai T20

tournament continued on Sunday.

Players SC won the toss at the Canal Number Two Sports Club and opted to take first strike, but Dhanpaul, who has been clinical in the competition so far, had other ideas.

His three wickets for six runs and one each from Mark

L-R: Balbinder Shivpersaud, Richardo Poloram and Yutesh Dhanpaul stood out in the win.

Jeffers and Andre Seepersaud helped to restrict Players SC to 109-7 in a reduced 15-over clash (late start). A. Persaud and J. Lovell each scored 24 runs for Players SC. In reply, Poloram and Shivpersaud put together 105 unbeaten runs for the second wicket, with the former leading the attack with four fours and an equal amount of sixes in a score of 55 runs. Opener Shivpersaud added 47 not out.

His innings was punctuated with two sixes and five fours.

The aggressive batting propelled Zeeburg to victory in 9.5 overs (114-1).

Overall, Zeeburg, who are one of the favourites for the title, have registered four consecutive wins. Prior to Sunday’s win, they had defeated Meten-meer-Zorg, Windsor Forest and Sawpit.

42

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

David Fernandes is Guyana Squash Association president DAVID Fernandes has been voted in as president of the Guyana Squash Association, following their annual general meeting at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street.

Fernandes will head the association for another year, with the current term ending in 2020. Chief Executive Officer of GO-Invest, Owen Verwey, has been elected vice-president, while veteran sport administrator, Garfield Wiltshire is the treasurer.

Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal is secretary, with Anabelle Singh the assistant secretary/treasurer. Robin Low and Juanita Fernandes have been elected to serve as Chairperson for Clubs Committee and Junior Affairs Committee respectively.

Tiffany Solomon is the chairperson of Competitions and Tournament, with Suzanne DeAbreu elected as Sub-Committee chairperson for fundraising.

In delivering a report on the past year activities, Fernandes highlighted the dedication of National coach Carl Ince and assistant coaches Tiffany Solomon, Nyron Joseph and Taylor Fernandes.

“He championed the

David Fernandes (second left, back row) pose with members of the new Guyana Squash Association (GSA) executive.

commitment of the players and families of the fraternity, along with expressing gratitude to the Guyana Olympic Association for its significant contribution to the international tours of 2018. Other sponsors ExxonMobil, Bounty, Toucan, Woodpecker, Banks, Ansa McAl, Farfan and

Mendes and the National Sports Commission were also thanked for their support”, the association said in a press statement.

Fernandes spoke of having a busy 2019. Guyana will host the Senior Caribbean Championship in early July; participate in the Junior Caribbean Championship in

Trinidad and send the women’s team to Peru.

“The returning president acknowledged the hard work of the members of the committee and forecast that as Guyana Squash continues to develop, they can look forward to a successful year”, the Association’s statement concluded.

Ronaldo hat-trick leads Juve into Champions League quarter-finals TURIN, Italy (Reuters) Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a hat-trick against his favourite victims as Juventus stormed back from a two-goal firstleg deficit to beat Atletico Madrid 3-0 in the return and reach the Champions League quarter-finals yesterday.

Ronaldo made the breakthrough in the 27th minute, levelled the aggregate score three minutes after halftime with another towering header and blasted home the decisive goal from a penalty with four minutes left to seal a 3-2 overall triumph.

It was his eighth hat-trick in the Champions League, pulling him level with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi. The former Real Madrid player also took his tally against Atletico

to 25 goals in 33 matches in all competitions.

The visitors failed to mus-

Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick with Emre Can (REUTERS/Alberto Lingria)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday, March 13, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Chris Gayle-117 (vs SA, Johannesburg, 2007) (2) 3 (1)

(2)

ter a shot on target as they paid the price for an ultra-cautious approach by coach Diego Sim-

TODAY’S QUIZ: What was the WI first opening batting combination in a T20 International game?

How many T20 International games have now been played in St. Lucia?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

eone in the last-16 second-leg tie.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, making his 500th appearance for the Italian champions, had the ball in the net after four minutes following a goalmouth scramble but it was disallowed for foul by Ronaldo on goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

The Serie A side bombarded the Atletico area with crosses but made little headway against a packed defence until Federico Bernardeschi switched to the left and floated a cross to the far post where

Ronaldo outjumped Juanfran to head in.

With Atletico making little effort to look for the away goal that could have changed the complexion of the tie, Juventus continued to press forward.

Bernardeschi curled a free kick over the crossbar and also produced an ambitious bicycle kick which flew wide before Chiellini had a header tipped over by Oblak.

Atletico’s first real chance fell to on-loan striker Alvaro Morata who got between two defenders to meet Koke’s cross from the right only to head over.

Juve went straight back on the attack after the break and quickly levelled the aggregate score at 2-2.

Ronaldo met Joao Cancelo’s cross with another powerful header and although Oblak clawed the ball away, goal line technology showed that it had crossed the line by centimetres and the referee signalled a goal.

Atletico brought on Vitolo and Angel Correa in an attempt to add more bite to their attack but to no avail.

With extra-time looming, Bernardeschi powered into the area and was pushed in the back by Correa, leaving Ronaldo to blast home the penalty to the delight of the Juve supporters.

Seven up for Manchester City as they demolish Schalke (REUTERS) - Rampant Manchester City demolished a woeful Schalke 7-0 to complete a 10-2 aggregate win and become the third English side into the quarter-finals of the Champions League yesterday.

lead three minutes later and the impressive Leroy Sane made it 3-0 before halftime.

Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva finished off flowing moves after the break and youngster Phil Foden bagged his first Eu-

Manchester City’s Phil Foden scores their sixth goal.

(REUTERS/Phil Noble)

City’s record home win in Europe did not look likely after a quiet opening 35 minutes but once Sergio Aguero began the rout from the penalty spot it became embarrassingly easy, as City reached the last eight for the third time in four years.

Aguero doubled City’s

ropean goal before Gabriel Jesus made it seven.

City, who trailed 2-1 in the away leg before turning it around late on, join Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals with Liverpool in action against Bayern Munich today.

GSA/Toucan Distributors Junior Skill Level Tournament starts tonight THE annual Toucan Distributors Junior Skill Level Tournament will serve off tonight at the usual hosting venue, the Georgetown Club, Camp Street.

According to the Guyana Squash Association (GSA), 44 players will compete in eight categories over

Shomari Wiltshire

five days of competition, with the juniors, ranging from 7 to 16 years of age, competing in skill level groups.

Caribbean champions Shomari Wiltshire and Michael Alphonso will compete in top Category A with Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, Nicholas Verwey and Gianni Carpenter, while other top junior players include Abosaide Cadogan, Kirsten Gomes, Mohryan Baksh, Lucas Jonas and Ethan Jonas.

Upcoming youngsters in Categories C to H will be fighting for a place in the trophy winners’ line-up on the final day presentation on Sunday.

L a s t y e a r, S h o m ari Wiltshire came out on top in the tournament after defeating Samuel Ince-Carvalhal 11-3, 11-1, 11-1 in the final.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 13, 2019

43

National female cricket team begin training … Mangru expresses confidence in squad

The National female senior cricketers during training yesterday

By Rajiv Bisnauth

COACH of the National female senior cricket team, Bharat Mangru, believes the squad has the right blend of players to land Guyana their first regional title.

Mangru made this assertion as the players began their preparation camp for the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 50-overs and T20 tournament billed for Guyana from March 17 to April 4.

“With the home advantage we are looking to probably finish somewhere one to three which could be a good achievement. Having never won the tournament we don’t want to put them under that pressure and demand that they win the tournaments so anywhere one to three we can be satisfied but winning will be the ultimate gold,” Mangru said.

The squad and reserve players were encamped from Monday afternoon at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence Hostel at LBI. However, they had their first training session yesterday at the Enmore Community Centre ground, where Mangru explained that it was important for the current batch of players to hit top gear quickly, and yesterday’s session seemed to have opened their appetites ahead of the tournaments.

“We want to assess the current level of fitness of the players, so today (yesterday) exercises could be hailed as promising,” Mangru, a former coach of the West Indies Blind team reckoned.

Asked to comment on the squad, Mangru said, “We have a good mix of youth and experience and having watched the Inter-County games I feel this is the best possible team the selectors have come up with”.

Meanwhile, Mangru explained to Chronicle Sport that

they will look to make use of home advantage to its fullest.

Teenagers, Afruica Gentle and Lafona Gilgeous were the only newcomers in the Guyana senior female team which will be led by West Indies recruit, Shemaine Campbelle.

The Guyanese will face their counterparts from Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands and Windward Islands in the three-week tournament. Barbados and Jamaica are the defending champions.

Guyana squad reads: Shemaine Campbelle (captain), Akaze Thompson (vice-captain), Tremayne Smartt, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Plaffiana Millington, Lashuna Toussaint, Shebika Gajnabi, Cherry Ann Frazer, Mandy Mangru, Kaysia Schultz, Melanie Henry, Lafona Gilgeous, and Afruica Gentle. Standbys: Shemika Edward, Heema Singh, Subrina Munroe, Marian Samaroo, Lisa Charles, and Dian Prahalad.

Historic cycling road race Persaud wins GuyanaNRA Record Shoot GuyanaNRA recently He pipped Lennox Vice-captain Dylan Fields set for Bartica this weekend THE held its first Record Shoot Braithwaite by one point to with eight V-bulls managed for 2019 at the Timehri Rifle Ranges at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

The competition was shot over the 300 and 600 yards ranges with a maximum total score of 100.20 to be attained.

After the smoke from the rifle nozzles had cleared, it was Peter Persaud who had outshot the sharp shooters.

Peter has been having good scores in recent months as a result of his dedicated training.

The top cyclists in the country will head to Bartica on Saturday to compete in the town’s first-ever cycling road race.

IN a historic move, Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), in collaboration with the Mayor and Town Council of Bartica, will pull off what would be the first major road race in the town on Saturday, March 16.

The crème de la crème of Guyana’s cyclists in the seniors, juniors and veterans categories will all head to Bartica to vie for top honours in the groundbreaking day of action.

Over $400 000 in cash, along with other incentives, will be up for grabs with the top six seniors, top three juniors and veterans eligible for prizes. There will also be a whopping 20 sprint prizes on offer.

In addition, there will be BMX races for youths of Bartica in the 6-9 years and 9-12 years categories while the senior citizens would also have the opportunity to roll back the years as there will be an exhibition event for them.

The route of the race is as follows: Starting-point is at corner of First and Third Avenue. Cyclists proceed south along First Avenue then turn right into Sixth Street, left into Fourth Avenue, left into Eighth Street, left into Second Avenue crossing the finish line at Second Avenue and Third Street.

win the competition.

Peter Persaud amassed 98.06 points, shooting 49.2 at the 300 yards and followed up with 49.4 at the 600 yards.

Braithwaite amassed 97.10 having shot 49.5 at the 300 and 48.5 at the 600 yards ranges.

Three other shooters, namely Fields, Goodluck and Romalho, had a photo-finish end, each amassed 96 points but with V-bull differences.

to take the bronze medal compared to Goodluck’s 4Vs and Romalho’s 2Vs. Fields shot 49.5 at 300 yards and 47.3 at the 600 yards.

Goodluck had 47.2 at 300 and 49.2 at 600 yards. Romalho had 47.1 at 300 yards and 49.1 at 600.

It was a keenly contested competition and the shooters are now waiting for the next Record shoot to try and reverse the position chart.

Rifleman Peter Persaud

Holder likes Windies growth with World Cup looming BASSETERRE, St Kitts ( C M C ) – C a p t a i n J ason Holder says he is pleased with the development shown by West Indies ahead of the World Cup, and hopes to use the Tri-Nations Series in Ireland to put the finishing touches on preparations for the showpiece.

Against all odds, the Windies twice came from behind to draw their five-match one-day series against world number one, England, producing several outstanding performances throughout.

West Indies will come together again in May for their next ODI series involving Ireland and Bangladesh, a period which Holder believes will be integral.

“If I look at our performances, we were pretty pleased with them but we’re

still down at (number nine) so we just need to improve on that,” the all-rounder said.

“There are a lot of points to be had in the World Cup. We’ve got a series before the World Cup in Ireland so hopefully we can gather some momentum going into the World

Cup and gather some more points in the World Cup.” Overall, West Indies exceeded expectations against England, especially in the Test series where they stunned the visitors by massive margins in the opening two matches, to regain the Wisden Trophy with a Test

West Indies ODI captain Jason Holder

to spare.

In the ODIs, the batting proved inspiring, with the hosts twice scoring in excess of 350. In the fourth match, they tallied a Windies record 389 in pursuit of 419 at the Grenada National Stadium.

West Indies have been given little chance at the World Cup, which runs from May 30 to July 14, but Holder remained upbeat about the side going forward.

“I’m pretty pleased as skipper, it’s just for us to keep building as a side,” he pointed out.

“There were lots of positives throughout the entire series and lots that we can take away from the series, and a lot of learning that we can take away. I think we have all to play for in the future.”

Golden Jaguars

warm up for Belize with clash against 39 Suriname Page

Golden Jaguars’ Clive Nobrega in action during his side’s clash with an EDFA-select side

Possible 20-athlete contingent for CARIFTA Games, says AAG’s Hutson 39

Page

Chantoba Bright

Coutinho, a 1962 Brazil World Cup winner, dies at 75

Former striker Coutinho is seen in a March 2015 file photo. Coutinho played for the Brazilian national team and Santos, among others. (AFP) SAO PAULO, Brazil - Brazil- released. In January, he was ian striker Coutinho, a 1962 taken to a hospital because World Cup winner whom of pneumonia, and he also Pele considered his favourite suffered from diabetes. attacking partner at Santos While Pele was dazzling FC, has died. He was 75. the world as a 17-year-old senSantos announced Coutin- sation at the 1958 World Cup, ho’s death in a statement on Coutinho was having his debut Twitter on Monday. The club at Santos at age 14. said he died at home and his He scored 368 goals for funeral will be at Santos’ sta- the club. Pele netted 1 091 for dium. the Brazilian team.

The cause of Coutinho’s They played together at death was not immediately Santos from 1958 to 1967.

AAG president Aubrey Hutson

Daniel Williams

Gonsalves, CARICOM hopeful after meeting ICC chief executive

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – A productive recent meeting with the International Cricket Council’s chief executive, Dave Richardson, has left chairman of CARICOM’s subcommittee on cricket, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, hopeful that Cricket West Indies (CWI) governance reform can he pushed through in the near future.

Gonsalves met with Richardson on the sidelines of the recent ICC board meeting in Dubai, laying out CARICOM’s concerns about the current CWI structure and also articulating the restructuring process that needed to be undertaken.

“The ICC appreciated that I came to talk to them,” the veteran St Vincent and the Grenadines leader said.

“They agree also that you can’t have a board being in a hostile relationship with governments or several of the governments. That doesn’t make any sense and that is not good for cricket generally.

“He (Richardson) was appreciative of what we are try-

ing to do and appreciative of the fact that we are not going to undermine the ICC statutes about the independence of management from any political direction or control.”

Chairman of CARICOM’s subcommittee on cricket, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves

The Dave Cameron-led CWI has had a strained relationship with CARICOM in recent years, as it has stoutly resisted the regional nation grouping’s recommendations to undergo governance reform.

A CARICOM-commissioned Governance Review Report in 2014 criticised CWI for having an “obsolete governance framework” which did not “prioritise accountability and transparency”, and recommended “immediate dissolution” of the board.

In pushing back on CARICOM’s intervention, CWI has argued that as a private entity, governments did not have the right to determine its operations.

However, CARICOM has maintained that cricket in the Caribbean constituted a “public good” and as such, oversight and accountability were required – a point Gonsalves said he made clear to the ICC. “I … outlined to him our position, that is to say that, cricket is a public good and it ought properly to be regulated and ought not to be operated by a private sector entity,” Gonsalves continued.

“That we want to pass appropriate legislation so that we can … the State will not be involved, the governments will not be

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involved in the management but we will have the structure of this public good reflecting constituencies other than the current one to ensure that it is more transparent, that the organisation is more transparent and more accountable to the region, reflecting this public good.”

Gonsalves said CARICOM’s legislative approach would ensure the regional people became active stakeholders in the game.

“We intend to abide by all ICC statutes, we would incorporate best practices, and that’s basically the message, it’s the same we have been preaching all the time,” Gonsalves pointed out.

“It is not an anti-Cameron message; it is a proWest Indies cricket message. The people in the region will have an opportunity to discuss the briefing that we will prepare for the legal draftsperson and then we will discuss this bill among the people of the region and then take it to our respective Parliaments.”

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019