Guyana Chronicle E-paper 3-28-2019

THURSDAY 28th March, 2019

No.105590

SEE INSIDE FOR NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES WORKED EXAMPLES

‘GECOM must

CARICOM Maritime legislation

be ready’

…President assures Gov’t will make funds available for elections

hits out at EU PAGE

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…says blacklist of some member states is an “infringement of PAGE sovereign rights” 17

updated for oil and gas sector

PAGE

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‘No uncertainty’

…President balks at private sector claims of uncertainty …assures of govt’s adherence to constitution 03 PAGE

Housing solutions top priority …govt promises at public day to fast track applications, open up new schemes PAGE

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Thousands flocked the Square of the Revolution for Government’s Public Day programme, where persons received on-the-spot solutions to problems and were able to interact and share ideas with ministers (Samuel Maugn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Public Day helps ministries identify areas for legislative changes

GOVERNMENT’s outreach on Wednesday was not just for the people, as it allowed the various ministries to do introspection and identify areas for legislative changes.

Persons flooded the Ministry of Finance with questions about the Guyana Revenue Authority, National Insurance Scheme and even student loans during the outreach at the Square of the Revolution on Wednesday.

“When persons are not getting answers the only way out is to come to the minister…we could guide people on the further steps to resolve issues or at least say action will be taken,” said Junior Minister of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma in an invited comment.

Some of the enquiries made the ministry realise that legislation, in relation to financial matters, needs to be amended so that issues could be resolved.

Minister Sharma said

Citizens flocking one of the many booths during the public day exercise

A section of the large gathering at the Square of Revolution

people need to understand that certain issues cannot be dealt with right away but incrementally through a process of amending the legislation.

The Ministry, he said is a service industry, meaning it provides services to every ministry and agency.

According to Sharma one of the direct projects under

the ministry is the Basic Needs Trust Fund which is focused on training communities and children.

Over at the Ministry of Business, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Rajdai Jagnauth said many minibus operators, taxi service owners and potential business people used the opportunity to seek clarity on certain issues.

Public Day helps ministries to identify areas for legislative changes GOVERNMENT’s outreach on Wednesday was not just for the people, as it allowed the various ministries to do introspection and identify areas for legislative changes.

Persons flooded the Ministry of Finance with questions about the Guyana Revenue Authority, National Insurance Scheme and even student loans during the outreach at the Square of the Revolution on Wednesday.

“When persons are not getting answers the only way out is to come to the minister…we could guide people on the further steps to resolve issues or at least say action will be taken,” said Junior Minister of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma in an invited comment.

Some of the enquiries made the ministry realise that legislation, in relation to financial matters, needs to be amended so that issues could be resolved.

Minister Sharma said people need to understand that certain issues cannot be dealt with right away but incrementally through a process of amending the legislation.

The Ministry, he said is a service industry, meaning it provides services to every ministry and agency.

According to Sharma one of the direct projects under the ministry is the Basic Needs Trust Fund which is focused on training communities and children.

Over at the Ministry of Business, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Rajdai Jagnauth said many minibus operators, taxi service owners and potential business people used the opportunity to seek clarity on certain issues.

A potential businessman, Carl Roberts said he was excited to finally get the opportunity to engage the Small Business Bureau. Roberts, who wants to open a grocery store, said the advice he received was sufficient and he will be pursuing further measures to get a loan in order to start his business.

There were many persons like Roberts who benefited immensely from answers to questions which they had for, in some cases, years. One of the ministries that drew a crowd was the Ministry of Social Protection which was spearheaded by the subject Minister, Amna Ally.

Minister Ally said the exercise was intended for ministers to take Government to the people so that they could highlight issues which they seldom get solutions to.

“We have dealt with a number of cases and we had resolution to matters… you have various things like pension, labour matters…it is a gamut of issues and there was an exceptionally well turnout,” said Minister Ally.

A potential businessman, Carl Roberts said he was excited to finally get the opportunity to engage the Small Business Bureau. Roberts, who wants to open a grocery store, said the advice he received was sufficient and he will be pursuing further measures to get a loan in order to start his business.

There were many persons

like Roberts who benefited immensely from answers to questions which they had for, in some cases, years. One of the ministries that drew a crowd was the Ministry of Social Protection which was spearheaded by the subject Minister, Amna Ally.

Minister Ally said the exercise was intended for ministers to take Government

to the people so that they could highlight issues which they seldom get solutions to.

“We have dealt with a number of cases and we had resolution to matters… you have various things like pension, labour matters… it is a gamut of issues and there was an exceptionally well turnout,” said Minister Ally.

Fly Jamaica passengers take refund complaints to ‘Cuffy Square’ …GCAA promises to speed-up process

Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director-General Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Fields interacts with citizens (Samuel Maughn photo)

PERSONS still awaiting refunds from Fly Jamaica Airways due to the cancellation of flights following the crash of the airline’s lone aircraft here last year, will see the process being expedited, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has assured.

At the government’s Public Day event held at the Square of the Revolution on Wednesday, GCAA Director-General Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field met directly with persons seeking refunds. He told the Guyana Chronicle that the majority of persons who came to see him under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s booth wanted information on refunds. On November 9, 2018, Flight No OJ 256 departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for Toronto, Canada, but after encountering hydraulic issues

minutes later was forced to return to the airport. The aircraft crash-landed and skidded off the runway.

Several persons were injured, while one 86-year-old woman died as a result of injuries sustained during the landing. Months later some persons are still awaiting word regarding refunds for tickets purchased in advance and the GCAA has been assisting as the medium of direct communication to the airline.

“The majority of the concerns today were from individuals enquiring about refunds for their Fly Jamaica tickets which they would have bought before the accident took place. They have approached Fly Jamaica on a few occasions; I don’t think they were fully satisfied, or some of them also did not get a chance to even make contact due to the telephone not working or the

individuals not answering. So, the Civil Aviation Authority acts as the medium sometimes between these individuals and Fly Jamaica. We do not offer refunds but we facilitate the process,” Field explained, adding: “The various concerns which were brought to us, we will forward them to Fly Jamaica with the necessary information and ask Fly Jamaica to follow up with these individuals. We have been doing that even before now, when approached, and Fly Jamaica has been honouring those refunds.”

Field said that while he sat next to Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson earlier on, he was impressed by the way in which he dealt with the many citizens who stopped by.

“People came to discuss either about their roads, or their lighting in the area or any other matter which concerns infrastructure.

There were many and the way in which he dealt with them in an expeditious manner gave them the guarantee we will get back with you…you can sense that action will be taken. This is what happens when senior individuals come out and meet with the average citizen,” he stated.

“All in all, I think it has been very productive because individuals who would have found it either hard to come to the authority, or even to make an appointment to see me, they were able to come down here and to discuss with me their concerns and I was able to assist them in whatever area they asked.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

‘GECOM must be ready’

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…President assures Gov’t will make funds available for elections …restates policy of non-interference in electoral management

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger said the Government will use its majority in the National Assembly to make the $3.5B available to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the preparations of General and Regional Elections.

“So, regardless of what happened at the Supreme Court, regardless of what happened at the Court of Appeal, regardless of what’s happening at the CCJ we are going to ensure that we satisfy GECOM’s requests,” President Granger told Guyana Chronicle on the sideline of an accreditation ceremony on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Addressing the media for the first time since the Court of Appeal ruled that the No-Confidence Motion against the Government was invalid, President Granger said he never disengaged the elections management body. Before the ruling was handed down on March 22, GECOM Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, had informed the President that approximately $3.5B was needed to facilitate early

General and Regional Elections. President Granger had asked the Commission, on two occasions, to present its plans, programmes and financial needs for the hosting of credible elections, in the shortest possible time.

A November, 2019 timeframe was given by GECOM. However, with the Appellate Court ruling that the No-Confidence Motion was invalidly passed, at this stage, Government is not mandated to hold early elections this year.

The Opposition prior to the ruling was up in arms against the Government, and had demanded that elections be held by April 30, 2019. It has now moved to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to challenge the decision of the Court of Appeal, and has indicated that it will not attend the National Assembly until a final determination is made by the CCJ. “I have made it clear that the Government, Executive Branch, cannot interfere in the internal administration and decision making in GECOM; that we cannot intrude, we cannot interfere, we cannot direct them or instruct them. So, I am very happy with the level of cooperation

President David Granger speaking to media operatives on Government’s decision to approach Parliament through Cabinet for finances for GECOM. (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

I’ve been getting from the Chairman and as far as possible we are going to satisfy those needs. We are going to go back to the Parliament, whoever attends, we are going to go back to Parliament and make requests to ensure that GECOM has everything it needs,” President Granger said.

CLEAN ELECTIONS The President said the

A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government is committed to having “clean” and “credible” elections in the country. He said regardless of the outcome, the Government wants GECOM to be ready. “In other words, we are going to ensure that whatever happens, at any level of the judicial system, Guyana is going to be prepared,” he told this

newspaper.

A date for the sitting of the National Assembly has not been set. However, the President assured the press that the Assembly will meet soon. The President explained that while GECOM had submitted a request for budgetary allocation for the preparation of elections, the High Court’s decision that Cabinet ought to have resigned with immediate effect following the No-Confidence Motion last December had affected its ability to move to the House for its approval.

“We could not go to the National Assembly because only Cabinet could submit a Bill to the National Assembly. Now that the ruling of the Chief Justice has been set aside, Cabinet has sat, and we have decided to go back.

I cannot say when, but the earliest date possible, every convenience met,” President Granger told reporters.

Government’s Chief Whip Amna Ally told this newspaper that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) decision not to attend the National Assembly will not hinder the work of the Parliament. “It is not the first time that the PPP will

boycott Parliament, so it is not a strange thing for them not to come to Parliament.

But what I must say, business will be as usual. We are going ahead with the business of the country,” the Social Protection Minister told Guyana Chronicle.

The Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, who was once demanding that the High Court’s decision be respected following what is now considered as the “failed no-confidence motion,” is refusing to accept the decision of the Court of Appeal.

The PPP/C’s decision to boycott the National Assembly during the period means that they will not be able to make representation on behalf of the Guyanese that elected them to the National Assembly.

However, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, during a televised broadcast last Friday night, hours after the ruling, said that the decision of the court “settles the matter,” which had been discussed within the public domain for months. He said the decision also brought about some level of certainty.

Housing solutions top priority at Public Day …gov’t promises to fast track applications, opening new schemes EVEN before the crack of dawn, the hundreds of white chairs that lined the Square of the Revolution were filled with eager Guyanese ready to engage their elected representatives on their concerns. And at the top of their list of concerns were housing solutions.

This was the ‘Government comes to you’ Public Day, which featured all ministries and their departments and associated agencies, such as the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and utility organisations.

Junior Minister of Communities, with responsibility for housing, Valerie Patterson-Yearwood, seemed to be the minister who attracted most of the large crowd.

“House lots are available at Meten-Meer-Zorg, which is a little further up [the West Coast],” Patterson shouted out to the crowd standing in the sun outside of her tent.

“All the people who request-

ing lots in Region-- you will get land there.”

Seeking to lessen the crowd and speed up the process of reaching each citizen, she directed persons to write their contact numbers and preferred area of residence on a copy of their application forms and give those to her capable staff. She promised that her ministry would then look into these and begin providing lots to persons.

However, the land at Meten-Meer-Zorg was only received by the ministry last week, she explained. Consequently, Patterson indicated that the land would need to be cleared, roads built and utilities put in place and as such, persons would not be able to begin setting up there until December.

In three weeks’ time however, the land would be demarcated and could be ready for allocation. And these are low-income to middle-income house lots, which range

Junior Minister of Communities, with responsibility for housing, Valerie Patterson-Yearwood engaging one resident at the Public Day

from $92,000 to $500,000.

“We have enough lots there to cover all of you standing here,” she posited.

Shereen Solomon had been living in St. Lucia for many years before remigrating to Guyana. She told the Guyana Chronicle that she had applied for a house lot since in 2009, but did not receive a response. At the public day however, she indicated that she was re-

ceiving desired assistance.

There were persons who did not wish to reside in Region Three, but instead preferred Region Four. These included many persons who have been squatting in Sophia.

As part of efforts to provide assistance to these persons, Patterson-Yearwood shared that there is available land for house lots in Annandale and Vigilance, East Coast Demerara. As before, she

related that persons could indicate their preferred area on the copy of their application forms and she would review them.

“I just come to the area and so far I come to housing and planning to see how I can get through…I went and I get the form and they tell me the part where I could get the land was Annandale or Vigilance,” a citizen Rushell (only name given) said. She visited the event at around 15:00hrs, just when the crowd had begun dispersing.

Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, also has available land, but at the time the minister was unsure as to how many lots can be given out and as such, did not take any requests for that area.

In addition to the very many land applications, the minister and her team also dealt with land reallocation.

For Andrew Braithwaite, the Public Day was a great initiative. “It’s a good gesture on the government’s behalf and I wish everyone would gravitate towards this opportunity,” he said. “I came

for land… and so far I didn’t get much difficulty getting along.”

Even Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo took note of the sheer number of persons who came to the event for assistance in the housing sector. “You have a wide cross-section of people here… but from what I observed, the single largest attention is paid to those who are in search of a house lot or a housing unit; and most of these people seem to be young people,” the prime minister said, after his walk around the square Wednesday afternoon. “[The Public Day] is, for me, an exciting, innovative [and] novel experience, but it gives you a good feeling-- a feeling of touching base with the grassroots, of touching base with the common people who have these problems and concerns and I think government officials should respond to that,” he stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

May offers to quit to get her Brexit deal over the line

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday she would quit if her European Union divorce deal passes at the third attempt, making a last-ditch sacrifice to try to win over dozens of rebels within her Conservative party.

While her departure would not alter the terms of that withdrawal agreement, it could give Conservative eurosceptics who have opposed it a greater say in negotiating the terms of Britain’s future relationship with the EU. May’s office said there would be a contest to replace her after May 22 - assuming her plan gets through parliament - to provide new leadership for that next stage of Brexit.

“I have heard very clearly the mood of the parliamentary party,” May told a meeting of Conservative lawmakers (MPs). “I know there is a desire for a new approach – and new leadership – in the second phase of the Brexit negotiations – and I won’t stand in the way of that.”

May’s announcement is the latest dramatic turn in the United Kingdom’s three-year Brexit crisis, but it remains uncertain how, when or even whether it will leave the EU. If May does go, she will become the fourth Conservative prime minister in a row to have fallen foul of divisions over Europe within her centuries-old party, following David Cameron, John Major and Margaret Thatcher.

to resign. Advertisement May had already promised to step down before the next election, due in 2022, but by agreeing to go sooner, she increases the chances of her Brexit deal passing before the new April 12 deadline.

“I am prepared to leave this job earlier than I intended in order to do what is right for our country and our party,” May, who voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referen-

British Prime Minister Theresa May

Many Conservative rebels, who want a cleaner break from the EU, had made clear they would only consider supporting her agreement if she gave a firm commitment

dum, told the party meeting, according to extracts released by her office.

SOME MPS SWITCH Britain was originally due to leave the EU on March 29 but last week the EU granted a postponement until April 12. The government is expected to bring May’s deal back to parliament on

Friday, though that depends on whether the speaker is satisfied that the text has changed substantially since it was last defeated.

Much could now hinge on whether May can win over the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the small Northern Irish party that props up her minority government but has so far rejected her Withdrawal Agreement. May’s deal, defeated in parliament by 149 votes on March 12 and by 230 votes on Jan. 15, means Britain would leave the EU single market and customs union as well as EU political bodies.

But it requires some EU rules to apply unless ways can be found in the future to ensure no border posts need to be rebuilt between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

Many Conservative rebels and the DUP have objected to this so-called Irish backstop, saying it risks binding Britain to the EU for years. Jacob Rees-Mogg, who heads the ERG group of eurosceptic Conservative lawmakers, said he would now reluctantly vote for May’s agreement if the DUP backed it or abstained. A reporter for the Times newspaper quoted an

ERG source as saying 40 of its MPs had now switched to back her deal while 40 were still undecided. To succeed, May needs at least 75 lawmakers to come over to her side.

INDICATIVE VOTES While May was addressing her lawmakers in a committee room, MPs in the main chamber debated eight Brexit options ranging from leaving abruptly with no deal to revoking the divorce or holding a new referendum.

Lawmakers had voted on Monday to grab control of the Brexit process for a day in a bid to break the impasse.

Several options would see much closer alignment with the EU than May envisages, including staying in the single market or a customs union.

In the “indicative vote”, MPs can support as many proposals as they wish.

Results were due to be announced after 2100 GMT. “This is not about the number of votes precisely cast for one motion or another,” said Oliver Letwin, a 62-year-old Conservative former cabinet minister who has led parliament’s unusual power grab.

“It’s about whether, when

we look at the results as a whole, ... we get enough data to enable us to have sensible conversations about where we can go next.” If May passes her deal this week, he said parliament’s attempt to find an alternative would stop. The uncertainty around Britain’s most significant political and economic move since World War Two, has left allies and investors aghast.

Supporters of Brexit say that, while the divorce might bring short-term instability, in the longer term it will allow the United Kingdom to thrive. Opponents say it will leave Britain poorer and weaker, cut off from its main trade partners. Most voters think the negotiation has been handled badly and there may now be a slight majority for staying in the EU, recent polls suggest. Many Conservative MPs say May herself has caused the chaos over Brexit by not negotiating harder with the EU. “It was inevitable and I just feel she’s made the right decision. She has actually read the mood of the party, which was a surprise,” said Conservative lawmaker Pauline Latham.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Bringing healthcare to the people chologist stated.

…Shut-ins lobby for house-to-house visitations at public day HUNDREDS of persons on Wednesday had their health-related concerns dealt with on the spot and were encouraged to take their health seriously during the massive multi-ministry outreach at the Square of the Revolution.

Managing three booths were officials of the Ministry of Public Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), along with Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings.

Pausing briefly from her interactions with the public, Minister Cummings told the newspaper that before lunch the booth she spearheaded had seen over 100 persons.

Those assisting included the ministry’s permanent secretary; deputy permanent secretary and representatives of the Finance Department and various sub-programmes such as Disease

Control, Maternal and Child Health and Regional Health Services.

“Everybody was out here today and persons were satisfied with our meeting their needs. The complaint has been that we’re not going where the people are, so it’s an opportune time to reach persons and we have responded to the call,” Dr. Cummings said.

Some of the areas in which the ministry provided assistance were mental health issues, job applications and vector control.

“Persons complained that where they’re living there are a lot of stagnant drains and so it’s [attracting] mosquitoes, so we would have been able to attach them to the Vector Control Department to hear from the director there. Persons also would have had health companies and they were having problems getting them registered; and so

Bartician goes berserk on birthday –– stabs teen, rapes girl then commits suicide A 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted early Wednesday morning while her parents and another sibling were stabbed by a young man who later committed suicide during a grisly attack at Byderabo Road, Bartica.

According to reports, Keith James, 56, and his family members, including his wife Patrica Charles, also 56, were celebrating the birthday of 24-year-old Raphael Charles, a deaf-mute of Faulmouth village, Essequibo River, late on Tuesday night.

Reports are that several hours later, around 02:30hrs, the couple and their 14-year-old daughter retired to bed, leaving the 24-year-old suspect and their 15-year-old son watching television.

Reports are that the accused suddenly stabbed the 15-year-old to the neck and

also attacked his parents. The family members ran out of the house, leaving their 14-year old daughter behind. The suspect then attacked the young lady and sexually assaulted her.

The man then took his own life.

Keith James was stabbed three times about his body while his wife was stabbed to her back.

The injured family members were taken to the Bartica District Hospital where they were seen by doctors and admitted. They were subsequently referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC) for further treatment.

Their conditions are listed as serious but stable.

Senior psychologist at the Mental Health Unit, at the Ministry, Dr. Balogun Osunbiyi Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings, assists with health-related concerns (Samuel Maughn photos)

we were able to suggest that they go to our Standards and Technical Services Department and so, all in all, persons were very pleased to come and they’re very glad for the exercise,” she added.

Pointing to an array of brochures which lined the many tables at the booths, she stated that many persons were able to receive health advice and tips encouraging them to live healthier lives.

They included information on diabetes, cardiovascular health, chronic depression, substance use and more.

“We believe that health literacy is very important and we want to ensure that persons will take control of their health,” she stressed.

“The health of the nation is really the wealth of the nation. We are poised to

become an oil-rich country and so we want a healthy population and we want persons with healthy workers; we don’t want persons to have sick days and so forth, so health is very important and we encourage them to take their health seriously and to follow up at the nearest health centre.”

Meanwhile, Senior Psychologist at the Mental Health Unit at the ministry, Dr. Balogun Osunbiyi told the newspaper that the event had exceeded his expectations.

He noted that when the ministry’s team arrived around 07:30hrs, there were already about 300 persons waiting for the 09:00hrs start and by 10:00hrs, the crowd had passed 850.

“Here at the Ministry of Public Health we would have seen upwards of 200 persons in our booth alone,”

he said.

Speaking to his field of expertise, Osunbiyi added: “Persons had questions not only for themselves, but their relatives…we were able to address virtually all of those concerns. There were some persons who had relatives [with mental health issues] and we were able to take action immediately as those relatives, within the next 24 hours, are going to receive attention from our mental health staff throughout the region.”

In stating this, he expounded that the event saw turnout from persons from the regions, persons who jumped at the opportunity to meet face to face with the country’s leaders.

“I think based on the comments of persons who we interacted with, this is something that needs to be repeated maybe every quarter and in every region, because people have those needs and their needs need to be met,” the senior psy-

CARE FOR THE ELDERLY Catching up with several citizens coming away from the health booths, it was obvious that they felt their concerns were not only heard, but would be acted upon swiftly. “My concern was finding out if the Ministry of Public Health has a permanent place where senior citizens can go to get proper medical healthcare because, for the past couple days, I’m experiencing a chest pain right across the chest to the back; in my right eye I’m seeing spots on and off ,” said 62-yearold Leroy Austin.

“They directed me to an area for that at the Palms and the Georgetown hospital, so I will check on that tomorrow. I’m a pensioner and I’m happy with the initiative so far.”

However, Austin agreed that the event ought to be held more times within the year, while he recommended that house-to-house visitations could become a solution for shut-in individuals.

Meanwhile, Paula Evans told the newspaper: “I had something that I had to deal with at the Ministry of Health and I got through very easily. They paid attention to the matter and they will do further follow up on Tuesday.” She noted that she heard about the event on the radio and is thankful for it as on a regular day, she would not have been able to speak with the permanent secretary unscheduled.

Thursday, March 28, 2019 - 11:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Government Public Day initiative

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IRECT democracy is the oldest form of democratic engagement; it was used in what we now call ancient civilisations. This form of engagement allowed for citizens to be directly involved in the decision-making of their communities.

As the Western world moved from smaller city states to larger nation states, it moved away from direct democracy to a more indirect or representative democracy, whereby citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. The void was ostensibly filled by local government or local democracy. But this level of engagement, over time, also became a product of indirect democracy. One of the consequences of this development was that the practice of meeting to discuss and pronounce on public affairs became less and less a staple of the democratic process.

Here in Guyana, modern political engagement has been characterised by the public meeting, where leaders and parties summon the people to the street-corners to engage in political discourse. But this discourse has been more a one-way communication, where the leaders speak with little or no opportunity for dialogue with the citizens. Usually, these meetings are effective in mobilising large numbers of citizens in one place as a show of partisan strength, and in whipping up political fever among the people. The public meeting, therefore, has its usefulness as a mobilisation tool, but is less effective as a form of serious two-way dialogue between the governors and the governed.

The smaller bottom-house or school-house meetings, which have also been part of mass engagement in Guyana, is theoretically more suited to two-way dialogue. But, in practice, it serves the same function as the street-corner meetings.

It is a more clandestine form of mobilisation, where leaders take the liberty to say things which could not be uttered at the public meetings. While there is some degree of participation by the audience, such participation is less about the concerns of the citizens, and more about political competition and party solidarity.

There is, therefore, a void in the political process as far as genuine opportunities for civic dialogue between the governors and the governed are concerned. In the age of technology and the electronic and social media, even direct engagement and the democratic process, the public and bottom-house meetings are becoming less and less frequent. But, effective as these media are in meeting people, they cannot be substitutes for real face-to-face two-way engagement. At least, not yet.

Here in Guyana, governance has been negatively affected by this lack of genuine engagement with the people in between elections. This robs the governors of the opportunity to feel the pulse of citizens. In a culture where instant polls are not a staple, this distance from people could lead to errors in political judgement, as governments often find out that their policy initiatives are out of step with the thinking of the people. The other negative consequence of the lack of direct

engagement is that there is little opportunity for the people to lodge complaints and concerns about developments in their communities directly to government leaders. This often leads to alienation on the part of citizens who inevitably feel that their input and concerns are not important enough to those who govern.

In light of the above, we must congratulate the Ministry of the Presidency for reviving the Public Day initiative, which was first introduced back in 2016. This initiative, as was evident on Wednesday, provided citizens with the opportunity to speak directly to the leaders. It was not a public meeting where the leaders were asking for votes; it was, instead, a genuine meeting where the concerns of citizens were raised and many received on-the-spot solutions. Often, all that our people want is a hearing; an opportunity to look the bosses in the eye and relate their concerns. This vital aspect of democratic engagement should be further encouraged. Witnessing our government ministers yesterday at the Square of the Revolution not looking for votes or shaking hands for the cameras, but instead, tending to the flock, certainly lifted the quality of our democracy. Government leaders have assured that this programme will be taken to other parts of the county and this we look forward to. We know that government ministers and MPs continue to engage citizens on the ground and this is applauded, but there is a case for the programme like the one yesterday.

New investors in Guyana need to hire locals Dear Editor,

T

HIS weekend, buried amid reports on the Court of Appeal ruling, I noticed some mentions that an American marine transportation company, Harvey Gulf, is setting up shop here in Guyana. While capturing onshore benefits and local content from the oil industry has moved out of the limelight, we would do well to remember that work is continuing offshore, and first oil is rapidly approaching. Like many, I am concerned that Guyanese will miss out on employment opportunities if the industry favours international contractors.

This was my initial reaction to the Harvey Gulf reports. Perhaps yet another instance of foreign investors capturing the opportunity presented by oil development. Yet, as I read I was pleased with the approach that this company is taking and grew more optimistic about

its prospects. Lately, we’ve heard a lot about local content with regards to a potential policy and increased numbers of Guyanese hires.

Just the other week we saw headlines about 24 Guyanese persons hired by ExxonMobil for Liza Phase-1 operations. While this is excellent news, and we all wish them well, I am not alone in desiring additional opportunities for Guyanese. My hope is that Harvey Gulf will be an example of this.

Harvey Gulf specializes in providing offshore support vessels for deep-water operations. The US- based company is setting up a physical onshore office which will employ approximately 125 people, primarily Guyanese.

It appears that it will be a priority of Harvey Gulf as they’re putting a lot of emphasis on their willingness to work with local resources – as it should be! Harvey Gulf foresees training taking 6 months maximum and, in those 6 months, recently-hired Guyanese will travel to

the US for corporate safety training. This should signal a long-term investment in our trainable workforce.

The company’s leadership emphasized this point. The articles covering the announcement say that they’re focused on figuring out how to “best serve the Guyanese people” and continue to point to their track record as proof of their company’s operational excellence. While this rhetoric is encouraging, for now, we must consider it mere lip service as we look forward to Guyanese being hired, trained and deployed onto the coming vessels. It is imperative that we Guyanese gain these positions to solidify our position as an eager, capable workforce. Hopefully, this opportunity pans out and new opportunities for training and development follow it.

Regards Clement Smith

Waiting for mortgage relief since January Dear Editor,

I

H AV E a p p l i e d f o r mortgage since January, 2019, and upon checking with the department at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), I am being told that my application is still being processed and they will inform me when it is ready.

I have asked how long this process takes and, to my astonishment and utter dismay, the young lady informed me that the process does not have a time frame. It is time the staff in this department at GRA become efficient in their duties to the public.

Regards A. Craig

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Ralph “34-33” Ramkarran playing political hopscotch Dear editor,

I

SAW in the electronic media (newsroom) that Ralph “34-33” Ramkarran, in his capacity as the Executive Member of ANUG, is suggesting that the government should hold elections in November 2019, as had suggested by the GECOM and repudiated by him before the Court of Appeal ruling on 22nd March. His convenient concern and once again change in position, is that, and I will quote him verbatim, “We think it’s a crisis and the crisis is not only the question of the No-Confidence motion and its aftermath, but the development of tension in the community…it’s a political tension and it is aggravating our ethnic discord in the country,” Who is this man really that is forever talking about crisis after crisis? If he were thirty years younger, I would have thought he is going through some kind of mid-life crisis but, at his age, he is more along the spectrum of dementia.

It was Ralph “34-33” Ramkarran who was stirring up uncertainty and anxiety by repeatedly writing in his biased column of a looming constitutional crisis. It was also him, out of political expediency, who changed his 34 to 33, creating tension and uncertainty. He went further to write that the speaker does not have authority to rule on or overrule the NCM, which could have potentially caused civil unrest if the Speaker did. And it did not stop there. He wrote the government should resign forthwith despite that not being in the constitution. He was proven wrong on multiple occasions on his interpretation of the Constitution. Senior Counsel Pollard caught him changing position. Mr. Sherod Duncan caught him changing position. I caught him changing position. The entire Guyana looked on as he unashamedly changes his positions. This once Senior Counsel is now relegated to Senior Contradictor.

And what about Bharrat “Blah Blah” Jagdeo. He said the government ministers should be “chased out,” instigating violence against government ministers. He said among his Indian base that “we should take back our country.” Not sure by what means. He prematurely arranged countrywide protest. I wonder what else he does prematurely? Then Irfaan Ali was released from his chains and ankle shackles and sent out to face the scorching hot sun and burnt some centrally built-up adipose tissue while the “champion” relaxed in his well air-conditioned Olympic-size swimming pool while enjoying the sea breeze. And more on the one-man show name Jagdeo: He attacks journalists, placing their limbs and lives at risk. He refused to accept GECOM’s autonomy despite he is on record as supporting their autonomy when he was maximum leader; protesters and loudspeakers at their offices to intimidate them followed by frivolous criminal charges.

He described the government as illegal, yet failing to identify who will be the legal replacement; setting the groundwork for a coup d’etat. He refused to meet President Granger and had to be coaxed like a petulant toddler by the International Community. Orchestrating a crisis of his making. He refused to attend Parliament. Like if he and his MPs are needed in Parliament to pass bills. The fact is that they are only needed to pass a Confidence Motion since 34 is the established magic number and the government has 33.

What about the government? They conducted themselves with nothing but decorum despite the provocation by Stabroek News, Private Sector Commission, the RISE that is now dead, the Civic Society, which should have been named the Comic Society, Christopher Ram, Ralph “34-33” Ramkarran and his crew.

So it’s clear, Mr. Editor, who is and was causing the “crisis.” Calling elections in November wouldn’t solve that, since the aetiology lies elsewhere. Ralph “34-33” Ramkarran

knows pretty well where the problems lie. HINT: Try talking to your oil thirsty mates. Do that and we can petition Exxon to reward you with a few barrels of black gold. Sorry, Charandass took all the cassareep to Canada.

Mr. Editor, please allow me [to] try to explain Ralph “3433” Ramkarran’s psyche. The origin of his problem started over 50 years ago. He lost his political virginity to PPP. He was then overlooked to be number one in the house in preference to a younger but intellectual retarded “man.” He was so hurt that he left the political relationship crying tears of corruption. Despite he left, PPP was always his first love. His only love. As a result, he would always, in desperation, try to get their affection. Hence, the birth of ANUG. A desperate attempt to get back into their arms and into their political bed.

That’s what’s playing out in front of our eyes.

Listen to me Ralph. PPP doesn’t want you. They don’t love you. My advice to you, as I would advise all those who are broken-hearted-- MOVE ON. Try joining the lonely hearts club. Leave with the little dignity you have. Quit the mini-skirts (propaganda) and short tops (creating crisis). You cannot compete with someone half your age.

No one in Guyana is taking you seriously. No one in Guyana is taking ANUG seriously because of your hopscotch approach to politics, jumping from box to box. Mr. Editor, the fact is that ANUG is now irrelevant. ANUG is like gravity. We only know they exist when someone falls out.

First was the chicken and most recently the rice. Elections will be in 2020. If the vision of you and your cronies is not 2020, then go get yourselves some unifocal lenses for your myopia-- short sightedness. You may also wish to get yourself some hearing aids and listen out for the CCJ ruling.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

President Granger accredits Botswana, Zambian envoys

Newly-accredited Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Alfreda Chilekwa Kansembe Mwamba greeting President David Granger in the presence of Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge. (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

President David Granger making a point during a discussion with the newly-accredited High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to Guyana Tebogo Teko Lily Motshome (left) and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge (second right) in the presence of another official from Botswana.

PRESIDENT David Granger accepted Letters of Credence from the new Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the Cooper-

Wednesday, said the renewed diplomatic ties between the two countries will pave way for mutual exchanges in ‘green’ development in areas such as agriculture, mining and tourism. Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, was among officials present during the ceremonies.

Upon receiving the credentials of the Botswana High Commissioner, President Granger said the relations between Guyana and Botswana were strengthened by the State visit to Guyana of President Sir Seretse Khama in 1975 and by the work of skilled Guyanese in Botswana’s public sector.

He said Guyana looks forward to the revitalization of bilateral cooperation between the states during High Commissioner Motshome’s tenure, particularly in the areas of agriculture, air transportation, green development, mining, public health, trade and tourism.

“Guyana and Botswana have worked closely with each other within the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group, the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations. Guyana reaffirms its commitment to deepening our engagements and cooperation with Botswana within these organizations,” President Granger said.

He informed the Botswana High Commissioner that Guyana is moving towards the establishment of a “green state” which will place emphasis on the protection of the environment, the preservation of biodiversity and the promotion of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

“These objectives are

ative Republic of Guyana, Alfreda Chilekwa Kansembe Mwamba, and Tebogo Teko Lily Motshome, the new High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana

to Guyana.

President Granger, in receiving the Letters of Credence, during two separate ceremonies at the Ministry of the Presidency on

aligned with those articulated in Botswana’s Vision 2036 which aims at the sustainable utilization of natural resources, water security, energy security, sustainable land use and management, sustainable human settlements, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.

Our shared commitment to sustainable development can form the basis of mutually-beneficial exchanges of experiences,” President Granger said.

High Commissioner Motshome assured the President of her commitment to work closely with the Guyanese Government to promote excellent bilateral relationship between Guyana and Botswana.

“We need to choose a path, as nations, that serves the interest of all and upholds the broadly-held international values that preserve and nurture our prosperity and security and that contribute to our collective goal as a better, safer, more just, more prosperous members of state in the world,” High Commissioner Motshome said.

Guyana and Botswana have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties, forty-four years ago, on October 28, 1975. The two countries’ relationship is founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security.

In a separate ceremony, upon receiving the Letters of Credence from the Non-resident High Commissioner

of Zambia to Guyana, President Granger said Guyana is prepared to learn from Zambia in the area of green development.

“Guyana is keen to learn from its experience in promoting ‘green’ jobs. Your appointment will create the opportunity for both our nations to exchange good practices and experiences in ‘green’ development,” President Granger told Non-Resident High Commissioner Mwamba.

The President said he looks forward to improved relations between Guyana and Zambia during the tenure of the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Zambia to Guyana.

Similarly, High Commissioner Mwamba said Guyana and Zambia have a long history of friendship and she believed the time was ripe to concretise those bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of mining, agriculture and tourism.

The newly-accredited non-resident High Commissioner said Zambia stands ready to cooperate with Guyana for mutual benefits while calling for the exchange of skills between the two countries. The relationship was cemented by the close personal friendship between Guyana’s first Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, and Zambia’s first President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, both passionate advocates of the African Liberation.

President Kaunda’s visit to Guyana in 1975 helped to deepen relations between the two states.

Guyana and Zambia have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties on February 11, 1971.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Ministers hail public day a major success

…admit ‘quite a bit of work to do’ MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and First Vice-President Carl Greenidge, assessing the well-attended outreach, said, “the public seemed to welcome the oppourtunity to meet with the ministers, and I suppose that is not surprising.”

He noted that a few areas or ministries attracted more attention than others such as housing, roads and jobs.

In his ministry’s case, the minister said there were some who were happy to meet him, some whom he knew and were happy to “gaff” and others who had urgent problems and understood that those would take time to resolve.

He rated the response “as favourable overall.”

“The outreach was a chance to meet people with real issues,” so said Minister

of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, as he gave a wrap-up of the ministerial outreach. The minister was enthused with the response and added that he was “humbled to see so many people coming out to voice their concerns and voice their praise for what we are doing.” Many of those whom the minister met at his booth had to resolve issues of opportunities, access to mining lands, mining permits and he acknowledged that there is still a “quite a bit of work to do.”

In terms of response, Minister Trotman said, he has set a time frame of two weeks to resolve those issues for which persons sought assistance, “some of them will be addressed within days but at the most it will be two

weeks.” More than 100 persons sought assistance from the Natural Resources Ministry and at least 40 were dealt with directly by Trotman.

Attendance at the event, the minister noted, was a clear indication that more has to be done despite his ministerial colleagues being busy: “Obviously, the people need us to touch them in a more direct and personal way, so I’ll recommend that we do more of these exercises on a regular basis, not only in Georgetown, but in other regions and districts as well.”

The ministry will host its next mining lottery—tentatively-- on April 10 at Port Kaituma and April 17 at Bartica.

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, noted that his department has been reaching

Pupil killed in Corentyne accident struck down Lowenfield who walked out from behind a lorry that was heading west in the other lane.

According to the child’s mother, Oma Devi Bascom, a passenger in the car said the driver was on his phone and was speeding.

“A big woman from here who was in the car tell we when she hear the noise she

injured child who was said to be in an unconscious state to the hospital.

The 33-year-old driver of the car who hails from Number 79 Village, Corentyne, reportedly picked up the motionless child and rushed her to the Port Mourant Hospital but by the time he got there, the child was already dead.

Dead: Arrianna Lowenfield

A six-year-old pupil of Eversham Primary School died, on Wednesday, after being struck down by a hire car, moments after leaving home to do an errand for her mother.

The child identified as Arrianna Lowenfield, the second of three children and of Epson Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was attempting to cross the road when the accident occurred.

According to the police, Lowenfield walked out from behind a lorry into the path of the speeding car.

Reports are that the driver of the Silver colour Toyota Premio, bearing registration number HC 2523, was proceeding south on the eastern carriageway at around 15:20 hours, when, in the vicinity of the Eversham Bridge, he

The car that struck down the child on Wednesday

thought was a dog but then other passengers said was a child. He pick she up from this side of the road and pitch she till the next side,” the distraught mother related.

The mother of three said she heard the impact shortly after Arianna left, but, by the time she went out to see what had happened, she was told the driver already took the

He was taken into police custody and a breathalyzer test done on him returned a negative result. His car was impounded.

Meanwhile, the parents of the girl are appealing to the public for assistance in preparation for her funeral. They have also called for the driver to be brought to justice.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, surrounded by his ministerial colleagues and other officials, addresses the opening of the public day event at the Square of the Revolution (Samuel Maughn photo)

out to communities as part of efforts to take its services directly to communities, countrywide. He noted: “the demand now is not so great as it was two years ago.”

Though his section was fully staffed, there were only a few persons seeking advice or resolutions to issues covered by the ministry.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs saw its fair share of persons, many of whom had various legal issues. Unable to spend most of the day due

to several high-level engagements, Attorney General Basil Williams, SC, said his staffers met persons and took their relevant information, offering legal advice. He described the activity as “a good thing.”

Giving his assessment, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said that his ministry’s booth attracted more than 200 persons. He noted that at least 99% of the visitors left satisfied after meeting with his staff

on hand. He viewed the outreach as “a wonderful exercise and added, “I believe we will hold this again. The thousands who would have left here today, would have left satisfied, at least because they got to share their concerns with a minister.” He revealed that on April 5, the National insurance Scheme will be hosting an open house at its Camp Street office to meet the public and address their issues.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

‘No political uncertainty’ …President balks at private sector claims of uncertainty …assures of government’s adherence to constitution

PRESIDENT David Granger said the perception of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) that the current political situation is causing a decline in business is more of a misconception.

On Wednesday, GCCI said it continues to be an active and vigilant observer of the political situation in Guyana. According to the Chamber, the “political uncertainty” is affecting the country’s economic activities. The Private Sector Commission (PSC) also echoed similar sentiments on Wednesday, stating that it is concerned about Guyana’s current business climate in the midst of the political uncertainty facing the country.

“The PSC had discussions with local and international businesses which have expressed reservations in investing as the uncertainty continues. There has been a reduction in Government and private sector contracts

directly attributable to the uncertainty,” the PSC said.

But President Granger, in response, said he thinks it is a misconception.

“There’s no chaos or confusion or crisis in the political situation. Everything that has happened since the 21st of December has been logical, and, on the part of the Government, it has been within the framework of the law. I do not know how valid that perception is but as far as I’m concerned, the Government has done nothing to engender any disorder or any despair in the business community,” President Granger told reporters on the sideline of an accreditation ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday.

Although the Government was faced with a No-Confidence Motion, the Constitution allowed for the President and his Ministers to remain in Government.

Additionally, the Administration abided with the ruling

of the High Court until it was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which ruled that the No-Confidence Motion was

as usual even on March 22, 2019 when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) protested Government.

Business was the order of day in the Stabroek Market when Guyana Chronicle’s Photographer Delano Williams captured the hustle and the sion, I’ll meet any group, as bustle “That’s not crisis, that’s

A recent photo of down town Georgetown

of no effect since the Opposition did not secure an absolute majority. Notably, while the Opposition and GCCI, during this period contended that the political situation had affected the business community, it was business

“Naturally, people felt that there was some chance that the claims…made at different levels of the political community were valid, but we don’t think so, and everything that we have done has been according to the law and the Constitution and I’ve tried to point this out,” President Granger said.

He added: “So, if that is the perception, well, I think it’s quite unfortunate but I will meet them, I will meet the Private Sector Commis-

long as I’m in the country to do so and assure them that everything we’ve done has been, you know, open, transparent and in accordance with the law.”

He said Government had turned to the Courts to challenge the validity of the No-Confidence Motion which was declared passed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland. While the High Court upheld the motion, the Appellate Court by a 2-1 margin ruled that the motion was invalid, thereby allowing Government to enjoy its five-year term in Office.

President Granger said, in a similar fashion, the Opposition utilising its legal rights has turned to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to challenge the Appeal Court’s decision.

not confusion. So, I don’t think that the perception that you’ve mentioned, that you’ve spoken to me about is a valid perception, and we will continue trying to do our best to give the people of Guyana a good Government and a good life,” President Granger told reporters.

Importantly, Government during this period held bilateral talks with a number of its partners like South Africa and multilateral partners like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to discuss areas of investment and technical cooperation. In February, the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, signed a loan agreement with the IDB for US$6,000.000 for the establishment of an Electronic Single Window for Trade.

EEPGL preparing for potential environmental impacts With the recent hydrocarbon discoveries made offshore Guyana, a collective impact assessment will be conducted as part of the Payara Development Project.

The assessment will determine the potential environmental effects and methods of curbing the negative impacts that production could bring.

According to the Payara Development Project Summary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its environmental consultant will probe mitigation processes and monitor progammes to address the public on significant environmental impacts.

According to reports by EEPGL, studies have shown that possible effects are similar to those identified in earlier projects such as Liza Phase I and 11.

These include areas of air quality and climate, seabirds, marine fish, health and well-being of the community, employment and land usage,

among other important aspects.

The company said it is highly committed to playing a part in curbing emissions in its production operations.

According to the summary, a board was convened to assess the risks. The board consists of both local and international bodies which will look at methods of increasing energy efficiency and reducing flaring.

Apart from these procedures, they will set up various technologies such as feasible cogeneration and carbon capture initiatives to protect the livelihood of the nation.

Climate change is a global problem which has engaged the attention of many environmental experts. Guyana has been rapidly facing some of the adverse effects of climate change. Matters such as drilling and ballast water discharges will be critically looked into and the public will also be sensitised on measures of control.

Despite the many effects oil production could have on the environment and persons within it, EEPGL noted that the development will build capacity in the local labour force.

There will be a demand for skilled labourers in the industry and a beneficial increase for service industries.

Employment for Guyanese will be made available on the drill ships, installation vessels, Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Vessels (FPSO) operations, aviation operations and project-related marine traffic, the company said.

Since May 2015, ExxonMobil through local subsidiary EEPGL, along with joint venture partners HESS and CNOOC Nexen has made some 12 oil discoveries off shore Guyana.

These together have the capacity to produce recoverable resources of 5.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

UG gets $2B geo-technical lab

…to better equip students for the oil and gas industry THE University of Guyana (UG) Turkeyen Campus is now better equipped to train students for the oil and gas industry as Guyana prepares for first oil.

Emerging from collaboration among Schlumberger, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the university’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology, now has a geo-technical computer lab, worth US$10.8M, (GYD$ 2,251,511,002) for students who are studying in the field of oil and gas.

At the handing over ceremony of the laboratory at the campus on Wednesday, Managing Director of Schlumberger for Trinidad and the Caribbean, Sean Herrera, said that the company has been involved in Guyana’s oil and gas industry since 2012.

Schlumberger is the world's leading provider of technology for reservoir characterisation, drilling, production, and processing to the oil and gas industry. Working in more than 85 countries and employing approximately 100,000 people who represent over 140 nationalities, Schlumberger supplies the industry's most comprehensive range of products and services, from exploration through production and integrated pore-topipeline solutions for hydrocarbon recovery that optimize reservoir performance.

Herrera said that the discovery in 2015 has put Guyana on the Oil and Gas map,

(From left); Commissioner (ag), GGMC, Newell Dennison; Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Elena Trim; Managing Director of Schlumberger for Trinidad and the Caribbean, Sean Herrera; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, PACE, Paloma Mohamed

and has initiated an amazing journey, presently underway.

Therefore, persons must be fully equipped with the necessary knowledge to develop and maintain the new sector, he asserted.

The geoscience software on the computers, Herrera said, is one of the most widely used software platforms globally, in the industry. As such, “not only will the university students be using world-class software to operate in their curriculum, but even more importantly, as graduates, they will be entering the workplace with valuable knowledge of, and experience with, a platform highly likely to be used by prospective employers locally and globally,” he added.

He also noted that the donation

of the software embodies the affirmation and commitment

by Schlumberger, to educational development.

Climb higher heights Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, said that the students will definitely climb to higher heights as a result of this donation.

Trotman said that his Ministry and by extension, GGMC, will remain committed to long term partnerships with the institution, since it is responsible for shaping the lives and minds of our people.

He said that it is within their goals, to help develop the youths of Guyana. Echoing similar sentiments, Commissioner (ag), GGMC, Newell Dennison said in his remarks, that GGMC has been sponsor-

Seawall shooter freed of firearm-related charges

By Clestine Juan A 26-year-old man was on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, freed of three firearm-related charges

by Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

On trial was Keron Hinds, of Smyth Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, and he was represented by attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon. The state was represented by Police Prosecutor Vivian Adolph.

It was alleged that on April 16, 2018, at Fifth Street, Alberttown, Keron Hinds had in his possession one pistol without being a

licensed firearm holder.

It was also alleged that, on the same day, and at the same location, Hinds had in his possession five rounds of ammunition. It was further alleged that, on the same day, and at the same location, Hinds discharged a loaded firearm in a public place.

The prosecution contended that the police had received a 911 call about someone discharging rounds at the seawall.

A police patrol on duty responded and observed someone matching the description that was given them.

However, as they were

about to approach, the individual started to run and he then discharged a round.

Constable Holder, a member of the patrol, saw the defendant throw an object under a car. Other ranks pursued Hinds, caught him and took him back to the spot where he had thrown the object.

There the ranks found a gun.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Attorney Dhurjon made a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove key elements of the charges against his client.

Magistrate Bess ruled in the attorney’s favour,thereby freeing Hinds of the three charges.

ing, supporting and donating to the university because it is their belief that the agency’s strength, is in the institution. “…and we believe that the institution’s strength is as strong as we are. So we find it very useful to have these relationships with the university… Specific to this lab, the development of oil and gas is only one aspect of what we should be looking forward to in Guyana. And it provides an opportunity, by the technological advances it would bring very quickly, for all the other areas to make along a similar trajectory.

Because unless those areas

are also strong, agriculture, environment, and so on, only then can we have maximum development,” Dennison said.

On that note, the university’s Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor, Ivelaw Griffith, said that “these are not the only ones that will be offered… As time goes by we will have to examine what are the needs of the industry, what are the needs of the regulators and how can we build further partnerships in this respect.”

Griffith added that “we as a university cannot afford the luxury of being only reflective of what the university’s needs are, we have got to pursue, reflect and plan, in regard to what the nation’s needs are.

And what the nation needs, is not only in relation to the oil and gas industry. They’re other opportunities we have begun to pursue, and will pursue, in the context that is non-engineering and technology, but in the context of what the nation needs to have its work done.”

VC also explained that included with the software donated by Schlumberger, is a three year license for use, inclusive of a maintenance component.

Service Manager, Software Integrated Solutions, Nicholas Warwick, explained to the Guyana Chronicle that the Petrel E&P software platform, brings disciplines together with best-in-class applied science in an unparalleled productivity environ-

ment.

“This shared earth approach enables companies to standardize workflows from exploration to production and make more informed decisions with a clear understanding of both opportunities and risks,” Warwick said.

He added that “as the industry looks to accelerate reserves replacement and boost recovery in difficult reservoirs, increasing productivity is essential. The Petrel platform supports automated, repeatable workflows, to capture best practices and share them across the organization.

New data is easily incorporated, keeping the subsurface live and current. Embedded cross-domain uncertainty analysis and optimization workflows enable straightforward testing of parameter sensitivity and scenario analysis. The embedded Studio E&P knowledge environment improves productivity with multiuser database access and collaborative work sessions with team members. The Studio environment lets you capture more than just data, it allows you to store and share the knowledge of how a result was accomplished.”

This ability he said, will be of great improvement of the local knowledge and capability in the oil and gas sector.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Maritime legislation updated for oil-and-gas sector

By Navendra Seoraj IN view of the projected transformation, Guyana is preparing its maritime sector by revising and updating local laws and regulations to reflect the current realities of the emerging oil-and-gas sector.

“We must continue to employ good governance in the oil-and-gas sector through focused attention directed towards environmental concerns and protection of marine life,” said Public Infrastructure Min-

ister, David Patterson.

He expressed these remarks at the Maritime Administration Department of Guyana (MARAD)’s Maritime Stakeholders’ Conference at the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday.

Oil and gas will be the primary engine of growth of the country for the next two decades. This has engendered an entirely new set of demands on maritime resources.

The current maritime legal and regulatory framework will have to be significantly upgraded and adapted to meet the

new demands of the oil-and-gas industry.

MARAD, in recognition of the new challenges ahead, hosted the conference to provide an opportunity for local and international experts to participate in the creation of an entirely new, safe, modern and efficient maritime regime for Guyana.

Minister Patterson believes that it is not enough for Guy-

According to director of MARAD, Claudette Rogers, while they have made significant strides quite a lot needs to be done in relation to positioning of the department to respond to the demands and challenges which will stem from the fledgling oil-and-gas sector.

In addition to the ratification of international treaties, MARAD has also taken other

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson addressing participants of MARAD’s stakeholders’ conference

A section of the gathering at the Maritime Stakeholders’ Conference

ana to stand on the brink of a resource-rich future. He said the country must be prepared through the implementation of supporting legislative mechanisms with an ingrained safety culture.

Patterson said government will be planning for unforeseen circumstances through appropriate safety regulations to protect the populace.

Seafarers, he said, represent the true local persons who will encounter activities carried out offshore, so it is ultimately those officers who will serve to advance the maritime industry through the execution of their respective duties which would be grounded in safety, best practices and regulations.

“It is our men and women who will be the first responders, thereby emphasising capacity as we anticipate first-oil in 2020,” said Patterson.

In light of this, he believes that government must create a robust legal and regulatory framework to support development.

GAPS Guyana recently received assistance to identify gaps and areas for continued improvement through audits, which were conducted by the International Maritime Organisation in 2018.

“We remain committed to addressing these issues to foster overall growth and advancement in the maritime landscape,” said Patterson.

In November 2018, Guyana also ratified 12 international treaties pertaining to development of the oil-and-gas industry.

As part of that process, 11 instruments were deposited at the International Maritime Organisation in February this year.

steps to respond to the challenges in the sector.

Rogers said a consultant was hired to update Guyana’s maritime legislation. She said the consultant’s assignment has been complemented and the requisite recommendations will pave the way for a more robust system and consequential reduction in conflicts among agencies.

Regional Adviser of the IMO, Colin Young, congratulated Guyana for making positive strides, but urged the government to remember the importance of implementation in the process of safeguarding Guyana’s marine environment within which port state inspection plays a crucial role in ensuring that shipping takes place securely.

As a specialised agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing field, so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance.

Young said countries must continue to address pressing safety and environmental concerns proactively and promote use of the latest technologies so that others do not find the need to impose inappropriate unilateral solutions on the industry. IMO has been assisting countries to build their capacity through technical cooperation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Goldfields sets 145,000160,000 ounces of gold target

Guyana Goldfields Inc, CEO Scott Caldwell

GUYANA Goldfields Inc. has set a target of between 145,000-160,000 ounces of gold for production in 2019.

The Aurora gold mine, which is operated by the company, produced more than 500,000 ounces of gold in just over three years of commercial production, the company said in a release.

The company said, “despite some tough challenges,” it remains confident of a bright future. “We have identified and initiated a number of cost savings programmes that will lead to improved operational efficiency.”

The firm has strengthened its leadership team, streamlined organisational structure and initiated partnership arrangements with key contractors and suppliers.

“We continue to believe that there is considerable, untapped potential for additional, high-quality ounces in this system. We expect to access high-grade zones beneath Mad Kiss with our underground exploration development later this year and will look to secure our permit for commercial underground production in a timely manner," CEO of Guyana Goldfields, Scott Caldwell said.

In a separate release, Guyana Goldfields noted that for 2018, it produced 150,450 ounces of gold, a figure which represents a decrease of 10,050 ounces compared to production from 2017.

It was noted that the daily average mining rate improved by 50 per cent in order to meet the increase in stripping ratio for its Rory's Knoll open pit development.

“For the full year, the mill processed an average of 7,000 tpd, a 15 per cent increase compared to an average of 6,100 tpd in the prior year,” the company said.

The firm’s phase two mill expansion was commissioned in February this year and is expected to further

improve recovery by up to two per cent, throughput by 10 per cent and allow for 75 per cent redundancy of the primary crusher.

In terms of financial gains, Guyana Goldfields said earnings from mine operations were $36.6 million for 2018, a decline of $21.6 million from 2017.

It said this decline was largely driven by increased mining and processing volumes, lower gold ounces sold from lower average head grade and increased production costs.

“These declines in production costs were offset by lower TURN TO PAGE 15 ►

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‘A very good start’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

…seniors hail ministerial outreach

a lot of information to share with her students, and her problems with the National Insurance Scheme were, “partly solved” and she was happy with that.

Geva Conway, a retired nurse was of the opinion that the event “should have been done a long time ago, not at the last moment.” She advised that since the gov-

Junior Minister of Social Protection, Keith Scott attending to one of the senior citizens at the outreach

SENIOR citizens were not excluded from the ministerial outreach held at the Square of the Revolution on Wednesday and many lauded the initiative and expressed satisfaction with the level of service received.

Maybell Portsmouth, a resident of Friendship East Coast Demerara was seated since 07:00hrs. The 75-yearold pensioner said that she was happy to be part of the event. She was optimistic about enrolling her nephew in the Guyana Defence Force and hopefully getting some of her electricity bills sorted out.

For 64-year-old Mrs. Fanfair, who accompanied her friend, it was “high time” that the government understands that officials needed to keep in touch with the people, whether supporters or not. David Ramdass, a 70-year-old from a settlement 18 miles up the Demerara River said the turnout for the event was a signal that

despite the good work that the government has been doing, much more needed to be done. The former headmaster said he was attending to get some information on his pension which was overdue for more than 25 years. He explained that he had written to the Ministry of the Presidency and received a reply, advising him to attend the outreach.

The outreach was, “a very good start despite the views from some that it might not please some people but it would assist the majority,” according to Pansy Ashton. She advised that similar outreaches be done at least every six months and in communities countrywide.

The 62- year-old Sophia resident said the government has done a lot for her community and called on young people to appreciate what was being done, get registered and vote.

Retired educator Sheryl James said the day’s activity was “worth it”. She collected FROM PAGE 13

Goldfields sets ... deprecation and lower cost of sales adjustment,” the release stated.

At the end of 2018, Guyana Goldfields cash balance stood at $82M and total debt reduced to $40M, a decrease of $60M as at the end of 2017.

According to Guyana Goldfields, the firm elected not to make the voluntary accelerated debt repayment of $20M during the fourth quarter of 2018, and this provided it with additional short-term liquidity.

“Under the current terms of the loan agreement, the company is scheduled to make eight additional quar-

terly payments of $5 million to retire the debt over the next two years. As we open a new chapter at Aurora, we will continue to focus on improving efficiency and maximising operating cash flow, while maintaining our admirable safety record, including our achievement earlier this month of one million-person hours without a lost time injury," Caldwell said.

Guyana Goldfields Inc. is a Canada-based, mid-tier gold producer, primarily focused on the exploration, development and operation of gold deposits in Guyana, South America.

ernment took office “all they had to do was to sympathise with the people, so people would know where to go and who to get assistance from.”

The 67-year-old, emphasised that the government needs to let the ordinary person know what is going on, with simple messages.”

Describing the outreach as a very good gesture, Clifford Zammett opined that “one day is not enough!” He added, “the fact that some

booths were sparse with others overflowing was an indication that a bit more needed to be done to get this message out to the public.”

The 64-year-old added that if the outreaches are going to be taken to the regions, more has to be done to inform residents. The seniors were among many others seated comfortably under tents awaiting service or being served by ministry and department officials since the

early hours of the morning.

Opening the outreach, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said that it would not be a “one-off event” adding that similar activities will be conducted in communities countrywide.

More than 22 ministries and government departments were represented at the outreach which attracted thousands of persons with various issues to be resolved.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

CARICOM hits out at EU …says blacklist of some member states is an “infringement of sovereign rights”

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has hit out at the European Union (EU), as it has blacklisted some member states within the regional body.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Guyana based CARICOM Secretariat said the revised list, issued earlier this month is a “renewed attack on our Member States’ economic prospects constitutes an infringement of our sovereign right of self-determination in the best interests of the CARICOM people.”

According to the EU, the countries, purportedly not adhering to good governance include Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda.

The EU also placed seven other CARICOM member states on a monitoring list as the governments committed to undertake reforms by December 2019 .

These are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands.

“The narrative provided by the EU Council to support the inclusion of the blacklisted States is grossly misleading and misrepresents the response, in good faith, of our Members since the initial listing in December 2017,” said CARICOM. “Moreover,

we are concerned that the EU’s ‘tax good governance strategy’ is beginning to border on anti-competitive behaviour targeted at the decimation of the international business/financial services sector in the Caribbean.”

The Caribbean Community says that the labelling as “non-cooperative tax jurisdictions” has wreaked irreparable reputational damage on our small, highly vulnerable member states. According to CARICOM, member states have acted in good faith to “mitigate this egregious action by the European Union while upholding the shared values and principles underlying the United Nations Addis Ababa Action Agenda.”

“These principles emphasize, inter alia, shared responsibility, mutual accountability, fairness, solidarity, and different and evolving capacities in respect to the mobilization of resources to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

The Secretariat notes that the process of engagement which has unfolded between CARICOM Member States and the European Union, specifically from the latter part of 2017 until the present “has regrettably, been devoid of the shared values that have informed our relationship over the years prior. There is a clear regression to the

Dogs kill jaguar at Mainstay/Whyaka

The jaguar that was killed by dogs in Mainstay/Whyaka

TOSHAO of Mainstay/ Whyaka, Region Two, Milton Federicks said jaguars are a nuisance as they frequently devour livestock and poultry in the community.

His comments came Wednesday after several dogs killed one of the dangerous big cats on Tuesday morning.

According to the toshao, he was told by residents that dogs in the village killed a jaguar measuring seven feet in length and weighing about 200 pounds.

The toshoa said he was amazed by the news.

“What I know is that its two of the jaguars, they usually come in pairs, we don’t kill them… we set traps and then we inform EPA,” Federicks said.

He further explained that in the morning, he would see prints of jaguar paws around his poultry pens. He also said dogs, sheep and goats were killed in the past by the jaguars. The toshao was concerned about the safety of the residents.

Residents were told at several wildlife workshops not to kill the jaguars but to make traps for them instead.

days of metropolitan imposed policies on the governed.”

CARICOM says that the Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) Council’s allegation of ‘harmful tax regimes’ not only lacked any supporting empirical evidence but the process has been non-consultative, inflexible and insensitive to our

circumstances as small, highly vulnerable States seeking to build both economic and climate resilience.

“Moreover, the EU has selectively relied on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) tax governance process to pursue the blacklisting of jurisdictions

like Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago while ignoring the conclusions of the OECD FHTP in respect to the tax regimes in Barbados and Belize,” the CARICOM statement noted. “It is becoming apparent that the actions of the ECOFIN Council are designed to destroy the financial sector in

our Member States even as we seek to build resilience in all our economic sectors in order to mitigate our inherent vulnerabilities.

The Caribbean Community deplores this injurious development and will continue to resist this retrograde approach by the EU.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

CWI settles damages claim with Simmons ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has settled its long-running legal dispute with former head coach Phil Simmons.

In his first act as CWI president after unseating three-term incumbent Dave Cameron last Sunday, Ricky Skerritt, announced that the regional governing body had reached “an amicable resolution” with the former West Indies player who was axed three years ago under controversial circumstances.

Antigua’s Industrial Court heard the matter on Tuesday and Skerritt had hinted ahead of the hearing that CWI was ready to settle.

No figure was given by CWI but media reports earlier this month said Simmons was claiming in excess of US$300 000.

Skerritt (second from right) shakes hands with former West Indies coach

Phil Simmons. Looking on is CWI director Enoch Lewis (left) and CWI vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow.

The claim for damages had been held up in court as CWI, even though admitting liability, refused to settle.

Cameron revealed last week “the number he (Simmons) is asking for is too high”.

However, Skerritt said the move by CWI was in keeping with his Cricket First Plan, which among other things, pledged to “repair stakeholder relationships, particularly with former players”.

Skerritt also followed through on his promise to make a formal apology to Simmons over recent comments made by Cameron labelling Simmons’s appointment “a bad decision”.

“We would like to apologise to you for referring to your appointment as a “mistake”. Cricket West

Indies did not make a mistake when we selected you as our head coach,” Skerritt said following a meeting with Simmons here Monday which also involved his vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow.

“In my previous role as CWI independent director, I was involved in the interview panel that recruited Phil Simmons from a long list of competitors and he was the best candidate.

“Subsequently based on the results he produced on the field, he proved himself to be a very competent coach in his time with West Indies, winning the World T20 in 2016, and now currently with Afghanistan.”

Simmons, appointed following the 2015 World Cup, lasted a little more over a year before he was sacked six months after overseeing the Windies capture of the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, for what CWI labelled “differ-

ences in culture and strategic approach”.

The Trinidadian, who has excelled in his new role with Afghanistan, said he was thrilled the matter was now at an end and said he was optimistic of a bright future for West Indies under the new leadership.

“My family and I are relieved that we have been able to finally close this matter, and I am pleased that it has been done so amicably,” Simmons said following the meeting.

“Following the election on the weekend I am more confident than I have ever been that the future of West Indies cricket is in good hands. I am a very proud West Indian and I hope that in the future I get the opportunity to try and help move our cricket forward again.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to president Skerritt and vice-president Shallow.”

Riley assures new CWI president of BCA support BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) president, Conde Riley, says he intends to give newly-elected Cricket West Indies president, Ricky Skerritt, his full support even though the BCA openly backed losing three-time incumbent, Dave Cameron, at last Sunday’s election.

Riley copped severe criticism during the campaign after the BCA snubbed a request from Skerritt and then running mate Dr Kishore Shallow, to present their manifesto to the local body.

Following the election result, however, Riley said he had spoken with Skerritt to offer his future support.

“I congratulated him on Sunday at breakfast,

we shook hands and we spoke because I’ve served under Ken Gordon and several presidents [and] after the elections you have to move on,” Riley told a cricket radio programme here.

Barbados Cricket Association president, Conde Riley.

“At breakfast at the Pegasus Hotel [president SkerAmerican Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race1 Always Lucky Race 2 Yodel E. A. Who Race 3 Diamond Majesty Race 4 Speed Bump Race 5 Macho Blue Race 6 Purple Girl Race 7 Drink In My Hand

ritt] and I shook hands and we both agreed that this is not about Cameron, Skerritt or me, this is about cricket.”

He added: “I said to president Skerritt Barbados will continue to support West Indies cricket and I will continue to support any president that is elected democratically.”

Riley was seen as a staunch Cameron ally and pledged the BCA’s support during the election campaign, that saw Guyana also come out in support of the Jamaican.

Windward Islands was the third territorial board to give Cameron their back before the election, guaranteeing him of at least six of the seven votes needed to retain the presidency.

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had only gained the support of Leeward Islands and Trinidad and Tobago with Jamaica undeclared but in a stunning twist on election day, the challengers managed to pick up previously unguaranteed votes to both win by 8-4 margins.

However, Riley said whatever had occurred was now history and the focus was now on the future.

“I understand politics.

When we went in there (election) I had heard that three territories were supporting Cameron and three were supporting president Skerritt,” he explained.

“As it turned out two delegates [switched] … but that’s water under the bridge now. We’re moving forward in the interest of West Indies cricket.”

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Guyanese women suffer heartbreak to settle for Silver, Men cop bronze

THE Guyana national men’s and women’s teams played their hearts out yesterday when action in the 61st Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) in front of a full house.

For their valiant efforts, the women’s team settled for Silver, losing out to the Dominican Republic (DR) in their final round-robin match while the men’s team, after losing a hard-fought battle in the semi-final to Puerto Rico, managed to defeat Barbados in their third-place match-up to claim Bronze.

First, Chelsea Edghill and Trenace Lowe faced the DR’s duo of Yasiris Ortiz and Esmerlyn Castro; that match proved to be a classic five-setter. In the opening set, Edghill and Lowe found themselves on the losing side of things, conceding it 6-11. However, they fought back to claim the second 11-9, but the DR duo claimed the next one 7-11 before the Guyanese dug deep to claim the last two sets at 13-11 and 12-10.

It was up to Natalie ‘Speedy’ Cummings who faced Eva Brito next, they produced another five-setter which went in favour of Brito, who won 7-11, 11-8, 4-11, 15-13 and 5-11 in a nail-biter.

With proceedings level at 1-1, the DR seized the advantage with Ortiz defeating Lowe in yet another five setter at 11-7, 12-10, 11-2 and 13-11. It was then heartbreak for the Guyanese women when Cummings conceded the game to Castro in sets of 7-11, 3-11 and 5- 11 for the DR to clinch Gold.

Earlier, the men’s team of Christopher Franklin, Joel Alleyne, Shemar Britton and Nigel Bryan showed tremendous heart and mental fortitude to take a 3-2 win over Barbados to claim Bronze in their category.

Alleyne and Franklin handed Guyana the advantage when they came from a set down to defeat Mark Dowell and Kevin Farley in sets of 7-11, 11-9, 11-7 and 11-3 in the doubles match.

Meanwhile, Britton could not hand Guyana a 2-0 lead, losing to Tyrese Knight in sets of 5-11, 4-11, 12-10, 8-11.

However, Alleyne then bounced back to defeat Farley 11-6, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8 while Knight pulled Barbados level by defeating Franklin 11-8, 13-11,11-8.

Britton then closed in on the Bronze for Guyana by relegating Mark Dowell to a 11-7, 11-6, 6-11, and 11-8 defeat.

Real and Atletico to play ICC match in United States

(REUTERS) - Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will take their rivalry outside Europe for the first time when the two Liga clubs play in the International Champions Cup (ICC) in the United States in July.

The Madrid derby on July 26 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is one of 18 matches that will be played by 12 clubs across the U.S., Europe and Asia in the seventh edition of the competition, according to the ICC match schedule released on Wednesday.

Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Juventus, AS Roma, AC and Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Benfica and Mexico’s Chivas de Guadalajara are also taking part in the event.

Roma and Chivas will kick off the July 16-Aug. 10 tournament in Chicago, while Manchester United and Inter will get the event started in Asia on July 20 at Singapore’s National Stadium.

United earlier said they had added the pre-season match in Singapore plus games in China and Wales, including a clash with Premier League rivals Tottenham in Shanghai.

Among the other games, Spurs will face Italian champions Juve on July 21 at the Singapore National Stadium.

Juve will also play Inter in China on July 24, with a venue yet to be decided, while Tottenham, who won the event last year, host Inter on Aug. 4 at their new Hotspur Stadium in London.

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “It is our fourth time competing in the ICC and these fixtures are against top level sides that will help us with our preparations for the 2019/20 season.”

During the tournament, each team will play three matches, and the club with the most points at the end will win the championship and receive the first trophy of the season.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Former Australian cricketer Bruce Yardley dies at 71 Bruce Yardley took 126 wickets for Australia in 33 Tests.

(REUTERS) - Former Australian bowler and influential coach Bruce Yardley died yesterday at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.

Playing at a time when the Test landscape was dominated by fast-bowlers, Yardley started out as a medium-pacer himself before switching to off-spin midway his career and earned his Test debut for Australia at the age of 30.

Using a distinctive long run-up better associated with pace bowling and employing his middle finger rather than his index finger to get the ball to turn, Yardley went on to take 126 wickets for Australia in 33 Test matches.

He also picked up 344 wickets in a first class career that

spanned 24 years.

“Bruce was a significant figure in Australian cricket, contributing in many ways on and off the field,” Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts said in a statement.

“As a player, it took him more than 10 years of persistence playing first class and Premier cricket to find the art of offspin, earning him a Test debut at the age of 30.

“Off the field, Bruce had an infectious personality and was regarded as one of the best spin-bowling coaches in the world, coaching Sri Lanka and mentoring the greatest Test wicket-taker of all-time, Muttiah Muralitharan.”

Yardley coached the Sri Lankan team in the late 1990s and defended Muralitharan when the Sri Lankan, who has a record 800 Test wickets, was investigated for having an illegal action in 2004.

“Very sad to hear about the passing of Bruce Yardley,” former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said on Twitter. “He was a good man to get to know and a great friend of Sri Lankan cricket. May he rest in peace!”

Chelsea offer winger Hudson-Odoi counselling after racist abuse CHELSEA have offered counselling to teenage winger Callum Hudson-Odoi after he was subjected to racist abuse twice in 11 days.

The club reported that the 18-year-old heard monkey chants during Chelsea’s Europa League win at Dynamo Kiev on March 14, which UEFA is now investigating.

Hudson-Odoi was one of several England players abused during the 5-1 win over Montenegro on Monday.

England boss Gareth Southgate has also been in touch with the player.

After the Montenegro win, which was Hudson-Odoi’s full England debut, the winger described the abuse (also targeting Danny Rose and Raheem Sterling) as “unacceptable”.

The youngster is under-

stood to be faring well since then but will be offered a range

of support if he needs it.

UEFA said “disciplinary

Callum Hudson-Odoi made his full England debut against Montenegro on Monday.

proceedings” had been opened against Montenegro with one charge for “racist behaviour”.

Hudson-Odoi said after the Euro 2020 qualifier: “When you are hearing stuff like that from the fans, it is not right and it is unacceptable. Hopefully UEFA deal with it properly.

“When me and Rosey went over there, they were saying ‘ooh aa aa’ monkey stuff - we just have to keep our heads and keep a strong mentality.”

England boss Gareth Southgate said: “We have to make sure our players feel supported, they know the dressing room is there and we as a group of staff are there for them.”

Chelsea are next in action at Cardiff City on Sunday as the Premier League returns after the international break.

(BBC Sport)

IOC wants swift and tough punishment for doping offenders

By Karolos Grohmann

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on Wednesday demanded swift and tough sanctions for doping offenders — both athletes and their support staff — involved in a German-Austrian doping ring.

At least 21 athletes from eight nations across five sports are suspected of blood-doping linked to a German doctor who was arrested as part of an Austria-Germany doping raid last month.

Five athletes, including two Austrians, were initially arrested on Feb. 27 at the Nordic skiing world championships in the Austrian resort of Seefeld.

The arrests were part of a joint operation with German police targeting a suspected international blood-doping ring

believed to have been run out of Germany.

“We hope that all this will be clarified and everything will come on the table and there those responsible and the entourage of these athletes, the doctors and the personnel, that they will be punished soon and hard,” Bach said.

“I hope that this is not dragging on, that their justice will really set an example. I hope there will be hard sanctions to have a deterrent effect on everybody,” he added.

A doctor in the German city of Erfurt was also arrested along with five other suspected accomplices.

According to German prosecutors, the doping of the 21 athletes from five sports — three winter and two summer — occurred from 2011 onwards and blood transfusions took place in many countries across the world.

RHT Gizmos and Gadgets into final of BCB Elizabeth Styles U-21 tournament

Leon Swamy finished with a good all-round performance for Tucber Park.

Kevin Sinclair led from the front with a match-high 69 for the RHT Gizmos and Gadgets.

THE Rose Hall Town (RHT) Gizmos and Gadgets U-21 team will battle the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-organised, Elizabeth Styles U-21 tournament.

Although a date for that competition has not been finalised, the board has named the Port Mourant ground as the venue for the championship clash.

On Saturday, Rose Hall Town got past the Tucber Park by 63 runs in their semi-final clash at the Hampshire ground owing to a half-century from skipper Kevin Sinclair and four wickets from Keith Simpson.

Rose Hall Town batted first and scored 256 with Sinclair hitting 69. National U-17 all-rounder Gevon Shultz and off spinner Joshua Singh led Tucber Park’s attack with 3-25 and 3-37 respectively, while Berbice U-19 all-rounder Leon Swamy took 2-37.

Swamy led the chase with 63 runs, and although skipper Garfield Benjamin supported with 43 and Shemar Joseph 22, Tucber Park were restricted to 193.

Simpson took 4-28 for the winners.

England players’ union chief Taylor to stand down

By Simon Evans

MANCHESTER, En gland (Reuters) - Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) which represents players in England and Wales, will step down after a review of the organisation’s governance.

Chief executive of PFA, Gordon Taylor

Taylor, 74, who has faced criticism over his salary level, will stay on until the end of the review and

the recruitment of a new CEO, the PFA said after its annual general meeting.

More than 200 former and current players signed a letter in November calling for Taylor to stand down and urging the modernisation of the body he has headed since 1981.

Taylor said in the statement here yesterday: “Today, members of the PFA have agreed that I should remain as Chief Executive throughout the period of the review to provide the necessary stability for our organisation and members.

“I have given the majority of my life to the advancement of the PFA and I hope I have provided a platform for our continued success in the future.”

The PFA said once the recruitment process has ended, the current Chairman and Management Committee will also step down at the following AGM.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Guyana Women’s hockey team completes tour to Canada A GUYANESE national indoor selection travelled to Canada on March 20 to compete in a Field Hockey Canada Invitational Indoor Hockey Tri-Nation series from March 22 to 24.

Also invited to compete against a Canadian national selection and a Canadian President’s eleven was the national team of Kazakhstan.

With a ranking of 13th in the world, the team from Kazakhstan would be the highest-ranked team of the series, followed by Canada, ranked 17th and Guyana ranked 31st.

Guyana’s efforts to participate in this event were really motivated by the need to expose new young players to a high level of competition ahead of the next Indoor Pan American Cup (IPAC) which is scheduled for Pottsville Pennsylvania in March 2020.

The last time Guyana women participated in international indoor hockey was back in 2017 when the IPAC was held here in Georgetown at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

This selection for Canada saw as many as six new faces on the 14-member squad with five of them still under 16 years of age.

Guyana opened their series in Canada with a match against Asian indoor champions Kazakhstan and won 2-1, thanks to goals from Trisha Woodroffe.

The second match for Guyana that very afternoon, however, proved much tougher as the well-rehearsed and experienced Canadians piled pressure on the Guyanese,

stan by 2-1 on the previous day.

The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate and by chance the points table at the end of the pool dictated that these two

THE annual Digicel-sponsored 10/10 softball competition for teams on the Essequibo Coast will climax on Sunday at Anna Regina Community Centre ground starting at 14:00hrs.

After four exciting rounds of competition at the Golden Fleece beach, the teams to contest the semi-finals are RG XI, Young Warriors, Adventure S.C and Queenstown Ariel.

The final will then be played under lights with over $500 000 in cash and trophies at stake.

Given the results of the preliminary matches, all four teams are capable of

lifting the title.

Spearheading RG XI will be David Williams who already has a century to his name and former national Under-19 all-rounder Latchman Rohit whose batting exploits are known.

Another centurion Brian Mangal is in superb form and with Jonathan Fernandes will lead Queenstown’s charge.

Much is expected from Adventure SC who will depend heavily on Charles Grovesnor and Govinda Sharma after their consistent performances. Another centurion, Andy Pearce, and Aron Latchman will pro-

vide the power needed for Young Warriors in their hunt for the coveted title and cash incentives.

Meanwhile there will be a Duck Curry competition starting from 10:00hrs while a grand cultural explosion will take centre stage after the final.

Prizes including Digicel phones, credit and other accessories will also form part of the attraction for patrons, supporters and fans, who are expected to converge on the picturesque ground for a full day of entertainment.

Admission is free and a large crowd is anticipated.

who defended bravely to keep the score to 0-0 at the half but it ended 6-0 The second day saw Guyana face Canada White, who had defeated Kazakh-

through a Madison Babineau penalty corner only four minutes into the match.

The Guyanese seemed to have had their best match of the series thus far, as they

showed better possession and creativity in attack than in previous matches.

It took 30 minutes more of hockey, however, before the voluminous Guyanese cheering section launched into an uproar as Nicole Eastman’s penalty corner strike beat the goalkeeper high in the left corner.

The 1-1 final score caused the semi-final to go to a shootout which ended similarly in a 2-2 stalemate and it took sudden-death penalties to break the deadlock and Guyanese hearts, as Babineau scored immediately after Gabriella Xavier’s effort was blocked by Canadian goalkeeper Hilary Neeb.

The semi-final loss meant Guyana had to face the Kazaks once more for the bronze medal match which turned out to be anti-climactic for the Guyanese.

After coming so close to making the final, the 4-1 resulting loss to Kazakhstan was a great disappointment, although the disparity in experience was evident on that final day.

Team Guyana coach Philip Fernandes said that despite the disappointing placement of his team in

the end, a great many of the objectives were achieved during the series.

Fernandes stated that the team, being fully aware of their unfavourable ranking and inexperience, had set a target to win or draw at least one match in the series. As it turned out they won a match and drew twice during the series.

Fernandes noted that the Guyanese defended well throughout the series but needed to improve on their offensive skills and ability to convert chances into goals.

All four of Guyana’s goals came via the penalty corner route which highlighted the fact that we were not able to score in the run of play.

While it is difficult to single out players in a team sport, the coach was high in praise for goalkeeper Alysa Xavier who, in his opinion was the best goalkeeper in the series.

Fernandes pointed out that aside from Gabriella Xavier and Nicole Eastman, both of whom carried the brunt of the attack, Sarah Klautky and Abosaide Cadogan had encouraging moments and showed that they had the foot speed to match the seniors.

looming World Cup has seen them romp to their sixth straight victory, with their stars sealing a series triumph over Pakistan.

Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell played contrasting innings of substance, before Pat Cummins delivered the knockout blow with the new ball to see the Aussies claim an 80-run victory in the third ODI in Abu Dhabi.

knock was far from his most fluent innings, finding the fence just six times, but the late fireworks from his close friend Maxwell ensured Australia posed a competitive 6-266.

Maxwell creamed 71 from just 55 deliveries, his highest ODI score in two years, to send a timely reminder of his finishing capabilities with returns of Steve Smith and David Warner looming.

streak is the longest stretch they’ve put together since the 2015 World Cup, while it’s the first time in two-and-a-half years they’ve won back-toback ODI series abroad.

They now turn their attention to the final two games of the series in Dubai tomorrow and Sunday, where they’ll be targeting their first five-game series whitewash abroad in over a decade.

Having initially struggled to get into his rhythm, as Pakistan’s innings begun, during a steady flow of rain, Cummins obliterated his opposition’s hopes of keeping the series alive when he eventually found his groove.

Handscomb took a blinder at slip off Shan Masood (2), before Haris Sohail (1) and Rizwan (three-ball duck) on review both followed in the same over after a rain delay, all to Cummins.

Maxwell’s (1-21 off five overs) good night continued when he had Imam-ul-Haq (46) lbw (with debutant umpire Asif Yaqoob’s call standing up to a review after the first two ‘out’ decisions of his career were overturned) as did Cummins’ with a sliding outfield catch.

Shoaib Malik (31), Umar Akmal (36) and Imad Wasim (43) all scraped to keep Pakistan alive, but their top-order’s failure to fire proved fatal as Pakistan lost their last five wickets for 37 runs.

teams would meet again in the semi-finals.

The semi-final against Canada White saw the Guyanese chase from behind as the Canadians went one up

Young promising striker Abosaide Cadogan

Australia romp to ODI series win Digicel 10/10 softball semi-final, final AUSTRALIA’S perfectly member of Australia’s top-order finish up with 4-43 from 9.4 return to one-day for the World Cup. overs. set for Sunday at Anna Regina ground timed prominence ahead of the The opener ’s 136-ball Australia’s six-game win

Pacer Pat Cummins led the way with 3-24 © (AFP)

Latchman Rohit

Brian Mangar

Finch got within 10 runs of becoming the first Australian to score centuries in three consecutive ODIs, a feat only 10 men, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Kumar Sangakkara among them, have achieved.

With scores of 116, 153 not out and 90 in the first three games of the campaign, Finch has emphatically re-established himself as an indispensable

In his first game back following a two-game rest, Cummins (3-23 off eight overs) found extravagant seam movement under lights to make a mess of Pakistan’s top-order, as he snared three wickets in 11 balls all caught behind the wicket.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa then cleaned up the tail to

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Braithwaite wins GuyanaNRA Spoon Shoot THE GuyanaNRA held its first Spoon Shoot last Sunday at the Timehri Rifle Ranges at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

The conditions were described as having tricky winds with smoke appearing on the ranges at interval.

The Spoon Shoot, historically, goes back to early twentieth century in England where the regiments competed for this prize.

It is actually a teaspoon with rifle-related engravings and has continued to be competed for and presented, in most rifle associations around the world.

The GuyanaNRA Spoon Shoot, sponsored by Crown Mining, was over the 300, 600 and 1 000 yards.

Veteran marksman Lennox Braithwaite finally rose to the occasion with a fantastic display of shooting over the ranges, by not dropping any points with the maximum score of 105.

However, he attained 9Vs instead of the maximum 21 attainable Vs. He shot 35.2 at 300 yards, 35.4 at 600 yards and 35.3 at 1 000 yards.

This was reminiscent of his scores at the Commonwealth Games.

Lennox Braithwaite collects the spoon from vice-captain Dylan Fields.

Ransford Goodluck, who was also at the last Commonwealth Games, was second with 97.3 points.

He shot 34.1 at 300 yards, 32.1 at the 600 yards and then ended with 31.1 at the 1 000 yards.

There was a tie for third position between Peter Persaud and Sherwin Filicien,

but on countback Persaud was awarded the third position.

Persaud, who won the opening competition, shot 34.4 at 300, 29.1 at 600 and 27.0 at 1 000 yards while Filicien shot 30.2 at 300, a possible at 600, with 35.2 then followed with 25.1 at 1 000 yards.

Dylan Fields shot a total

of 88.3 and Leo Romalho shot 82.3.

The ranges have been a big challenge to the marksmen since they resumed competitive shooting for 2019.

They are scheduled to participate in Postal Team Shoot, which has been reintroduced by the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council.

Thirty sport administrators to attend GOA Olympic Solidarity Course in Linden today SOME thirty representatives from five sport disciplines have been registered for the 20th annual IOC Sports Administrators Course Course, sponsored by the Olympic Solidarity, which starts this afternoon in Linden.

The sport disciplines of football, basketball, track and field, swimming and cricket have registered their administrators, who will attend the annual course which continues tomorrow, Saturday and ends on Sunday at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre in Mackenzie, Linden.

GOA representative Mrs Mayfield Taylor-Trim said that “everything is on stream for the clinic with the requisite number of applicants registered for the course”.

According to her, it will start at 17:00hrs today and tomorrow and on Saturday it will begin at 09.00hrs through 17:00hrs. On Sunday it will run from 09.00hrs to midday to make way for the closing ceremony which is set for 15:00hrs.

Mrs Taylor-Trim noted: “This course gives the sport administrators a better way of handling their organisations and disciplines. It is set to cover sports tourism, sports and the law, communication, nutrition, drugs and women in sports, among other important topics which are the cream of the crop.

“There is the manual which will give more in-depth information and is very informative because we cannot cover everything over a weekend period.”

She told Chronicle Sport that the GOA which runs these courses “go to different regions to reach out and get maximum participation from persons involved in the different sport disciplines. Last year it was held in Berbice and the year before it was in Bartica.”

Russell encore fires KKR to table-topping win

KINGS XI Punjab (KXIP) made four changes to their eleven from the previous game, but it did little to cover up their shortcomings overall.

In the face of some incredible hitting from Nitish Rana (63 off 34) first and later Andre Russell (48 off 17), Kolkata Knight Riders rattled up a massive 218-4 after being put in to bat. KXIP were left ruing the opportunities they

missed, particularly a big one against Russell.

A COSTLY NAP A small, but crucial, bit of play was noticed by the umpires when Russell was just on 3. He had been bowled by a Mohammed Shami yorker but KXIP had only three fielders inside the ring, one short according to the rules.

It was deemed a noball and left R. Ashwin,

the KXIP captain, howling in anger. They had been caught napping, and now they had to pay the price.

from the yorker plan, and missing their mark when they went back to it.

And for the second

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ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Andre Russell made the most of a schoolboy error from Kings XI Punjab. (BCCI photo)

A RUSSELL ENCORE Soon after that reprieve, Russell went on an 8-ball spree that went 6, 4, 4, 6, 6, 6, 6, 4 against Andrew Tye and Shami. The pacers were guilty of moving away

game in a row, Russell emphasised why he’s the most dangerous hitter in the death overs.

RANA TRUMPS ASHWIN Ashwin’s captaincy

moves were off the mark throughout. He had started with the spin of debutant Varun Chakravarthy to open the innings, who was promptly carted for 25 runs in the over by a rampaging Sunil Narine.

And despite getting Narine and his partner, Chris Lynn through pace, KXIP got no respite. The middle-overs battle between Nitish Rana and R. Ashwin had only one winner with the left-hander smacking four sixes off Ashwin to get his innings going and hitting two more before rattling on to a 28-ball fifty. Between the blitzes of Rana and Russell, KKR also had Robin Uthappa holding the innings together with a 50-ball 67 to set KKR up for a massive total.

KXIP’s biggest bets in the chase, their openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul were back in the dugout inside the powerplay effectively killing the chase.

While Rahul’s release shot against Lockie Fer-

guson after a series of dot balls found mid-off, Gayle was done in by Russell’s short of length delivery giving a catch to mid-on.

While Mayank Agarwal and later David Miller both cracked fifites, KXIP were at no point threatening to get close to the required run-rate thereafter. That they finished only 28 runs short was a flattering result in the end.

WHERE THEY GO NEXT KXIP have their first home game of the season coming up in two days against Mumbai Indians.

And after two home games on the trot, KKR will now travel away for four games, the first of which will be against Delhi Capitals on March 30.

Brief Scores: KKR 218-4 (Robin Uthappa 67*, Nitish Rana 63, Andre Russell 48) beat KXIP 190-4 (Mayank Agarwal 58, David Miller 59*; Andre Russell 2-21) by 28 runs.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 28, 2019

Devon Smith

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Windward Islands Volcanoes veteran left-handed opener Devon Smith and Leeward Islands Hurricanes champion off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall were the top individual performers who led the incentive award winners in the recently-concluded 2018-19 West Indies Championship.

Smith, who holds the record for the most runs in a single season, gathered 745 runs in nine matches at an average of 43.82 to top the batting aggregates for the fifth straight season.

He and fellow veteran opener Montcin Hodge of the Hurricanes were the only two batsmen that

Smith, Cornwall lead incentive awards for 2018-19 Windies Championship cracked the 700-run club for the season.

Smith again earned the Vivian Richards Award for the most runs in the season and a US$1500 cheque.

Cornwall collected exactly 54 wickets at 17.68 apiece in nine matches to finish with the most wickets in a season for the first time. He earns the Courtney Walsh Award and a US$1500 prize.

Cornwall was the only bowler to finish with 50 wickets or more in the season, as he snared five-wicket hauls three times and had a single 10-wicket matchhaul.

Anthony Bramble of reigning five-time champions Guyana Jaguars was

Anthony Bramble

Lloyd `deliriously happy’ with Skerritt’s capture of CWI top spot BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Legendary former West Indies captain, Clive Lloyd, says he is “deliriously happy” with the election of Ricky Skerritt as the new president of Cricket West Indies (CWI).

The 74-year-old, who had publicly endorsed Skerritt for the top spot, said the regional governing body needed someone with the former St Kitts and Nevis government minister’s qualities in order to protect cricket’s precious heritage in the Caribbean and to also oversee the Windies resurgence internationally.

“I know Ricky quite well. I think we need a change,” said Lloyd, credited for moulding the great West Indies side of the 1970s and 80s.

“The point is the presidency is something ... you have to believe in. You have to believe … our cricket is very important. Two of our most important institutions in the West Indies are our cricket and the University of the West Indies.

Those two things have worked well in the past and can continue to work well in the future.

“We need to have peo-

ple with clear thinking and who will want to improve our sports, and I’m talking about sports in general.

Cricket is probably just one of the main things but we have a lot of talented people in the West Indies.

Legendary former Windies captain Clive Lloyd

“We need to have people who will lead and who are not looking at any monetary gains, who will look to promote sports and promote something that we have excelled at for a long time.

We have a lot to be proud of … and I’m sure that Ricky and Dr Shallow will try and maintain (that heritage) and try and get us back to the top.”

Skerritt stunned threeterm incumbent president

Dave Cameron 8-4 at CWI elections during the annual general meeting last Sunday in Jamaica.

Dr Kishore Shallow, president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association, also beat incumbent vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan by a similar margin.

During the campaign, Skerritt and Shallow elicited support from legends such as Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Andy Roberts, and also gained the backing of two-time T20 World Cup-winning skipper Darren Sammy.

Lloyd said he now hoped to see cricket development which incorporated the use of the academy and the universities throughout the region.

“Let’s use them to get our players up to speed, not only with sport but thinking about the game. When they get in front of a camera they don’t freeze and are able to express themselves,” Lloyd explained on the Mason and Guest cricket radio show here.

“So there are a lot of things we need to do but the most important thing is to get our coaches singing from the same hymn book.”

the leading wicketkeeper for the second straight season, effecting 43 dismissals, comprising 42 catches and one stumping, and takes the Deryck Murray Award and a US $1500 cheque.

Bramble also earned an additional US$1500 and the Malcolm Marshall Award for the Best All-Round Performance, as chosen by the Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies (CWI).

The Jaguars wicketkeeper/batsman gathered 580 runs at an average of 52.72 from 14 innings in 10 matches in addition to his productive work behind the stumps.

Jonathan Carter of Barbados Pride gave fur-

ther evidence that he has one of the safest pair of hands in the Championship, as he pocketed US$1500 and the Clive Lloyd Award for holding 21 catches in the outfield, for the second straight year.

The other individual award, chosen by the Selection Panel, saw Anderson Phillip, an emerging pacer from Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, receive a US$1000 cheque and the Andy Roberts Award for being the Most Promising Fast Bowler. He bagged 28 wickets at 24.57 each in eight matches.

In addition to the Championship prizes, each franchise gained

Rahkeem Cornwall

US$3000 for winning a match.

As a result, champions Guyana Jaguars pocketed US$36,000, comprising the US$15,000 grand prize for winning the Championship and US$21,000 for winning seven matches this season.

Runners-up Barbados Pride earned US$26,000, consisting of US$8000 for finishing second and US$18,000 for winning six matches.

Third-placed Hurricanes earned US$18,000 for six wins this season, fourth-placed Red Force carried away US$12,000 for four wins, and fifthplaced Jamaica Scorpions and bottom-placed Volcanoes bagged US$9000 each for three wins apiece.

61st Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships

Guyanese women suffer heartbreak to settle for Silver, Men cop bronze Page

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Guyana’s Shemar Britton is a picture of concentration during the teams’ competition at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. (Adrian Narine Photo)

Natalie Cummings was full of heart during the Women’s team competition in which the Guyanese women copped Silver medal. (Carl Croker Photo)

GBA President honoured by Promoter Seon Bristol CWI settles damages claim with Simmons

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GBA President, Steve Ninvalle (left) received an award for his recent achievements from longtime friend and promoter, Seon Bristol, at the Windjammer International Hotel poolside last night.

Ninvalle was last Friday elected Vice -President of the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) at a Congress held in Panama City, Panama.

This is in addition to Ninvalle being elected the Chairman of the Caribbean Steering Committee which oversees the sport in CARICOM in January. (Adrian Narine Photo)

Ricky Skerritt (second from right) shakes hands with former West Indies coach Phil Simmons. Looking on is CWI director Enoch Lewis (left) along with CWI vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow.

Riley assures new CWI president of BCA support → 35

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THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019