Guyana Chronicle E-paper 5-13-2019

MONDAY 13th May, 2019

Fully mobilised No.105636

–– regions gear up to minimise flooding during rainy season

Three Mother’s Day babies at 03 Suddie Hospital Young mom breaks glass 02 ceiling PAGE

A night of elegance

PAGE

03 PAGE

12

PAGE

–– becomes first woman to captain a T&HD ferry

Automated 14 toll-collection system for DHB PAGE

Winners of the Mother and Daughter Pageant 2019. From left: Jenel Cox-Greaves and Trinity; Alicia Brown-Deeges and Aleria; and Subbrina Marcus and her little angel, Nashavia pose for Guyana Chronicle at the National Cultural Centre Saturday night (Delano Williams photo)

2

Young mom breaks glass ceiling

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

–– becomes first woman to captain a T&HD ferry

By Wendella Davidson THE recent achievement of Vanessa Merchant, a young single-mother, who has broken the barriers in a male-dominated work environment, has been lauded by Regional Executive Officer of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Jennifer Ferreira.

Merchant, 36, etched her name in the annals of Guyana’s history on May 1 last, by becoming the first female to captain a Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) ferry, the MV Malali.

According to Ferreira, having learnt that during training, the young woman became pregnant but refused to see her pregnancy as an obstacle and is now mother to a beautiful daughter, Ameka Sam, is a compelling reason to celebrate her on Mother’s Day. She hopes that identifying Merchant on such an auspicious occasion will serve to motivate and give strength to other young women.

“As the REO of the Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara, I would like to congratulate Ms. Vanessa Merchant on her attainment as captain of the MV Malali, which plies the Essequibo River as it transports passengers from the Essequibo Coast and Wakenaam and Leguan Islands. Having created history in what is regarded as a male-dominated work environment, I am particularly proud of her, and would urge her to keep up the good works,” said Ferreira.

Merchant, as a young girl growing up

in the East Coast Demerara community of Vryheid’s Lust, always had a fascination for undertaking things that boys liked, and others considered too challenging for a girl child.

So, after completing nursery, primary and secondary schooling at the Vryheid’s Lust nursery and primary schools, and Bladen Hall Secondary School, respectively, she began searching for something to occupy her time, and at the same time earn a livelihood.

She eventually landed a job at T&HD, but that was not really her cup of tea, as it was a desk job, and she wanted something more challenging. She tried to be transferred to the workshop, but her supervisor would have none of it.

NO OFFICE GIRL Merchant recalled often going home and lamenting about how boring her work day was, because she had to be sitting at a desk, to the extent that her siblings made fun of her, telling her that she had too much of a boyish attitude.

As the days, months and years went by, she began to admire the T&HD senior ship personnel with their crisp white shirts and epaulettes signifying their respective status.

She longed to see herself dressed like them, so, when the masters in navigation course was made available for both men and women, she, without hesitation, jumped at the opportunity and the rest is now history.

For Merchant, the last of four girls, being on the course was quite a testing period, but

the challenge that the training brought with it, and her yearning to be adorned with the highest stripes in the field was her greatest motivation.

During the training, Merchant became pregnant with her daughter, and, as if to compound matters, she started having trouble with one of her feet, which at times severely curtailed her mobility. But even though she several times she felt depressed, she credits her Christian upbringing with enabling her to get on her knees and pray fervently, asking God to give her the courage and strength to see her through.

The young lady is ever grateful to her siblings who, upon noticing her determination to succeed, stood by her side through thick and thin, and took turns to assist in taking care of her daughter.

The five-year training entailed fire-fighting, survival at sea, ship security, oil and chemical tanker cargo operations (tanker familiarisation) and shipboard awareness, all with no prior knowledge of what maritime entails and one instance Vanessa took the position of the mate aboard a Trinidad-bound vessel.

EXCITING JOURNEY For her, it was one of her most exciting journeys yet, as she recalled having to manoeuvre the ship in a storm with rough waters and waves that got high as the navigation bridge or control.

But, as she recalled that aspect of the

training, her face lit up with a smile of confidence.

“I was not fearful. I was able to ride the waves; God sent his angels to be my steering partner,” she said.

Having successfully completed the training and examinations, Merchant now possesses a Master’s in Navigation, and is one of three female ship’s captains in Guyana.

Attaining the status of captain is a dream come true for this mother.

She describes the job as, “Very demanding, and with lots of challenges, as it is a male-oriented field, where it is felt that women have no place.

“So I am here to show other women that there is place for you in the navigation arena.”

Captain Merchant is encouraging other women to “take up the challenge and take up unconventional roles. Be bold in whatever career you choose. Be strong and do not be intimidated, as this is no longer just a man’s world!”

For now, her only challenge is having to work in an environment that is not conducive to women.

“I try to focus a lot on what I do. I try to be stern; I try to be brave, because, remember, I am Captain Merchant, and am the person solely responsible for giving guidance that entails mapping paths to get to destinations, and ensuring that all occupants onboard my ship, including the crew, are safe and are happy to be aboard,” the proud mother said.

Mothers in Region 4 Education Department celebrated MOTHERS working in the Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Department of Education were treated to Mother’s Day luncheon.

Celebrating with women were Regional Chair, Genevieve Allen, and Regional Executive Officer, Pauline Lucas.

At the event, Lucas and acting Regional Education Officer, Tiffany Harvey underscored the importance of mothers in families.

Allen stated that mothers, through their sacrifices, are generally the ones who hold families together.

She urged the attending mothers to continue embracing motherhood, even as she encouraged that being a mother is a great honour, and should not be taken lightly.

“Motherhood is a fantas-

tic feeling, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, as I feel honoured being a mother.

And I urge you mothers to ensure that you are pampered, as being a mother is such a great blessing,” Allen said as she reminisced on her late mother.

Meanwhile, Lucas shared some of her own experiences, pointing out that while she only has one biological child, she continues to be the mother of some 15 God-children, while she provides motherly support to others.

“It’s a great feeling and experience, and as we celebrate this important day, it allows us as mothers to reflect on our own lives, and those of our children and others who you may have impacted upon,” she said,

according to a release.

She told the gathering that many times, the roles of mothers are taken for granted, stating that a mother’s contribution cannot be counted.

In her remarks, Harvey thanked the many mothers who work in her department, even as she congratulated the newest mother in their midst, Danicia George, who is expected to deliver soon.

She offered words of comfort and advice to the young lady, urging her to value the blessing that she has, and to recognise that, irrespective of her child’s age, she will always be his or her mother.

Harvey also spoke about the importance of fathers, noting that it is because of fathers who play their roles,

Mothers of the Department of Education flanked by Regional Chair, Genevieve Allen; Regional Executive Officer, Pauline Lucas; and acting Regional Education Officer, Tiffany Harvey that mothers are allowed to play theirs.

“I would like to thank the men who have made us women mothers, as we know

that without fathers, there can be no mothers,” she said.

The mothers in attendance at the function were each given a gift package

as an indication of her recognition, while special gifts were also presented to Allen, Lucas and Harvey’s Secretary, Allison Hoppie.

Fully mobilised

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

–– regions gear up to minimise flooding during rainy season

By Lisa Hamilton THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC), through implementation of several measures, is expecting regional leaders to be ever alert to minimise flooding during the current MayJune rainy season.

CDC Director-General (ag), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig told the Guyana Chronicle that all ten administrative regions, apart from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), have had Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Plans and Regional Disaster Risk Management Committees set up.

The assessment process for Region Four has begun, and its plan is almost complete, even as the CDC remains on call for any emergency situation.

For years, Guyana’s coastal, riverine and hinterland areas have been plagued with flooding due to several factors such as

heavy rainfall, drainage issues and limited sea defence systems, among others.

The year 2005 saw one of the worst effects of flooding in Guyana, where thousands were affected physically and financially.

While the Government has sought, from all angles, to prevent such a disaster from ever reoccurring, the CDC tackles the issue from the perspective of training in preventative measures and disaster relief.

“There’s a system now, whereby if something happens (regional leaders) can activate it; meaning that they’ll be able to bring resources from all the departments within the region, in that all the different programme heads will come together as a whole to respond to any hazard, including floods,” Craig stated.

Just last year, he noted, officials of Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) were trained and equipped with assessment tools.

Craig stated that this is necessary to teach leaders in the region how to conduct, quantify and use information to assess and respond to hazards.

“Previously, they were just operating haphazardly; there wasn’t any plan.

Now they have a plan that they can use to control resources; they’re now trained and equipped to respond; to do assessments and to work together as a team,” he explained, adding: “The mechanism is so designed that if the region cannot cope with it, the CDC now will have ultimate control to coordinate and manage the response for that particular region that is affected.

That would entail gathering external resources for the region.”

CDC Director-General (ag), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig DONE BEFORE Craig stated that in some of the regions, like Regions Two and Three, flooding episodes have already had practice in utilising the DRM plan, and coordinating efficient responses through their committees.

Wi t h i n i n r e g i o n s ’

plan, he said, there is a multi-agency plan which allows all required agencies to come together to respond as a team to a specific situation.

“It’s not like before, where people just respond (such as) health goes and does what it wants to do; agriculture goes and does what it wants to do. It is coordinated by the regional chairman, and supported by the regional executive officers and all the programme heads in that region,” he said.

Knowing the past challenges of the capital city and flooding, Craig stated that even before the rainy season, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) had been tasked with the clearing of main drains in Georgetown.

Back in April 2019, the NDIA announced that mechanical cleaning operations totalling $71,934,120, and manual cleaning opera-

tions totalling $91,652,572 would go towards this cause.

“In 2019, NDIA will be responsible for 93,421 meters of main drainage canals in Georgetown, including the Downer/Liliendaal Pump Station Drain, South Road, Ruimveldt North & South, among others. An allocation of G$274M will be spent on Georgetown drainage for 2019,” Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has stated, speaking to the future risk of flooding.

Meanwhile, Craig added that even in the case that this does not prove to be sufficient to manage possible severe flooding, the necessary mechanisms and training invested in the regions would prove to be beneficial.

“They understand the system; they’ve activated it before, and they will be able to activate and respond, with the support from CDC,” he said.

Three Mother’s Day babies at Suddie Hospital THE faces of three women lit up at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) after deliver-

Narisha Khan and her new-born

ing healthy babies on Mother’s Day. Kirti Basso delivered a healthy baby boy at 10h37 on Sunday. The 26-year-old mother said she was happy to deliver a boy, since she already has a little girl.

Kirti and her husband, Davindra Krishna were at the time contemplating the name of the child. She thanked the nurses who attended to her for their patience.

Another mother, Narisha Khan, who was also in the ward, was overwhelmed with joy,as she also gave birth to a baby boy.

“Being a mother is the best feeling in the world,” Khan said. “I am happy to be a mother again on Mother’s Day.” Another woman from Waramuri, Region One (Barima-Waini) , also delivered at the Suddie Hospital on Mother’s Day. Renita Marks was very happy to become a mother for the first time.

The new mothers were all presented with hampers, compiments of the Essequibo chapter of the Dharmic Nawjawan.

Youths from the Dharmic Nawjawan, Essequibo Coast, presenting a hamper to Kirti Bassoo

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Alyssa Milano urges sex strike in protest against Georgia abortion law (BBC) Actress and #MeToo activist Alyssa Milano has urged women to take part in a “sex strike” to protest against a new abortion law in the state of Georgia.

“Until women have legal control over our own bodies we just cannot risk pregnan-

cy,” she tweeted.

Georgia is the latest state to enact legislation restricting abortion.

Ms Milano’s tweet divided opinion on social media, sparking a debate that led to the #SexStrike hashtag trending on Twitter in the US.

Monday, May 13, 2019 - 12:00 hrs

The so-called “heartbeat” bill, which was signed by Governor Brian Kemp on Tuesday, is scheduled to come into effect on 1 January.

What is the bill and why is it controversial?

The law bans abortions as soon as a foetal heartbeat can be detected which is at about six weeks into a pregnancy.

Many women do not know they are pregnant by six weeks, with morning sickness usually starting after about nine weeks.

However, the law is expected to face challenges in the courts.

A federal judge blocked such a law in Kentucky which was scheduled to come into effect immediately as it could be unconstitutional, while Mississippi passed a six-week abortion law in March that is not due to take effect until July and is also facing challenges.

Ohio passed a similarly restrictive law in 2016 which was vetoed by the governor.

What about the ‘sex strike’?

Ms Milano tweeted out her call for action on Saturday, and both she and the hashtag #SexStrike were soon trending on Twitter.

More than 35,000 people have liked her tweet, and it has been retweeted more than 12,000 times.

Fellow actress Bette Midler tweeted in support of Ms Milano.

But there was an immediate backlash online, both from those who support the new law and from those who criticised the idea that women only have sex to

Alyssa Milano’s call for a sex strike drew an immediate backlash online please men.

“I appreciate the intent, but a #sexstrike is a bad and sexist idea,” wrote one person on Twitter. “As if we provided sex as a reward to the worthy. It’s denying women’s pleasure”.

Tokyo women declare ‘sex strike’ during vote ‘No vote, no sex’ for Kenyan men Sex strike against Togo’s leader “Self-denial and abstinence for some sort of gain is the antithesis of a sexually empowered world,” wrote another.

In her defence, Ms Milano later tweeted a Quartz article about how sex strikes can work - prompting further criticism online.

And the actors’ boycott?

During the abortion bill’s passage, 50 actors proposed a boycott of film and television production in the state - including Ms Milano, Amy Schumer, Christina Applegate, Alec Baldwin and Sean Penn.

“We want to stay in

Georgia,” the letter reads.

“But we will not do so silently, and we will do everything in our power to move our industry to a safer state for women if [this] becomes law.”

Other actors have also voiced their support, as have the heads of several independent production companies.

However, some in the industry have not committed to the boycott and are waiting to see what comes of any potential legal challenges.

Chris Ortman, a spokesman for the Motion Picture Association, issued a statement saying the group planned to “monitor developments”.

“Film and television production in Georgia supports more than 92,000 jobs and brings significant economic benefits to communities and families,” he said.

“It is important to remember that similar legislation has been attempted in other states, and has ei-

ther been enjoined by the courts or is currently being challenged. The outcome in Georgia will also be determined through the legal process.”

And others in Georgia itself recommend supporting efforts to challenge the new law, rather than to boycott the state.

“What about the working class folks who are going to be impacted in rural communities throughout the state?

What is a boycott of the film industry going to do for them?” activist and poet Aurielle Marie wrote in a Twitter thread, calling on actors to instead pay money to support local organisations.

The Georgia governor’s office said film and television productions brought $2.7bn (£2.1bn) into the state in 2018. Hollywood blockbusters Black Panther and The Hunger Games series were filmed there, as were the programmes Stranger Things and The Walking Dead.

11-05-2019

02 13 16 21 25 26 6

10-05-2019

G

5 6 12 14 18 20

0

9

6

4 6

6

4 6 9 11 12

9

16 17 19

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Cuba gay rights activists arrested Cannabis businessman arrested in St. Kitts at pride march in Havana (BBC) A number of gay rights activists have been arrested after clashing with police at an unauthorised pride march in Cuba’s capital, Havana.

Saturday’s event followed the unexpected cancellation by the communist authorities of the country’s 12th annual march against homophobia.

Activists condemned the move and then organised their own demonstration, largely through social media.

Marching in Cuba without permission can be met with a strong police response.

On Saturday, more than 100 demonstrators took to the streets of the capital.

Some said they were subjected to violence after they were stopped by plainclothes security officers.

After setting out on Havana’s Paseo del Prado, one of the city’s main boulevards, the marchers came up against a large number of police and state security forces.

At least three activists participating in the gay parade in Havana were detained.

Havana’s annual gay pride march is an important event for the island’s gay and lesbian community, which spent decades in the shadows and under persecution, says the BBC’s Cuba correspondent Will Grant.

As such, our correspondent adds, the decision by the government to cancel this year’s event was met with disbelief by many of those who had intended to participate.

Last week, the state-run National Centre for Sex Education (CENESEX) said the official Cuban Conga against Homophobia and Transphobia march was cancelled because of “new tensions in the international and regional context”.

In response, activists set up Facebook

A number of people marching without permits were arrested in the capital groups calling for a gathering in the capital on Saturday afternoon.

Cuba holds events around this time every year ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia on 17 May. Other official events celebrating LGBT rights in the country will reportedly be going ahead as planned.

Discrimination due to someone’s sex or gender is illegal in Cuba.

(THESTKITTSOBSERVER) A California businessman who came to St. Kitts this week offering what he said was billions in dollars in cannabis business has been arrested on three warrants for drug importation, possession and intent to supply.

St. Kitts and Nevis police said that Alkivaides “Alki” David was arrested on May 9 and appeared in court the following day. He was released on cash bail of $30,000, $50,000 in two sureties, ordered to surrender all travel documents and ordered to report to Frigate Bay police station daily.

The charges stem from an incident on Tuesday in which he was detained at Robert L Bradshaw airport attempting to import cannabis seeds, plants and products after arriving on a private plane. He is expected to appear in Basseterre Magistrate Court on Tuesday.

Earlier this week and prior to being arrested, David had spoken to The Observer about his detention at the airport and his plans to bring cannabis production to the Federation–plans which some had warned would be illegal.

In the interview with The Observer, David denied he had done anything illegal and that he and another businessman, Chase Ergen, were released shortly after being detained at the

airport. Most of the products, including the cannabis seeds, were returned. David said that authorities retained the plants for further testing.

David said he had arrived on St. Kitts to build relationships with farmers to grow hemp on their farms, which he would then purchase for his business selling legal cannabis products abroad including in the United States through his company, Swissx.

“We’re bringing an opportunity to St Kitts which is going to benefit my business, which is to buy as much biomass of hemp we can grow here,” David said.

“I want to do it with a cooperative structure. We’ve already identified four farms as of today,” he said. “It’s going to be very much about self-empowerment.”

“Four months from now, as soon as I get my seeds, we’ll be harvesting here. We’ll be harvesting thousands and thousands of pounds of cherry hemp,” David said.

David said hemp was needed to supply Swissx which distributes cannabis products. He said he is currently processing 1,000 pounds of hemp a week and plans to increase that to 10,000 in a month.

David claimed the Federation could produce US $350,000 per acre in hemp a year, half of which would be repatriated back to St. Kitts through the participating farmers.

David said that he has made ‘handshake’ deals with four farmers on St. Kitts who together are cultivating 500 acres of land. He said he was not concerned about opposi-

tion from the local authorities and claimed that there was no regulatory framework for the cultivating of cannabis.

“We’re here to build the regulatory framework. The fact is that this plant is 100 percent legal everywhere else in the world. Here there is no legal framework,” said David.

“The government can decide what they want, the law is the law, and I’m not infringing on the law” However, this is not necessarily true, according to lawyer Dr. Henry Browne, QC. Dr. Browne said that, in general, while the possession of cannabis seeds was legal, the growing of cannabis was not.

“The mere possession of marijuana seeds is not a crime,” said Dr. Browne.

“What is a crime is to have the seeds and to come to an agreement to plant the seeds.

Planting the seeds for the purpose of cultivation is a crime.”

Dr. Browne added that Federation law does make any distinction between marijuana or cannabis plants or between plants that contain THC, one of the active ingredients of marijuana, and those that do not.

“THC does not matter.

You would only know that after the plant is grown and you test the plant. The mere possession of the marijuana plant is illegal,” Dr. Browne said.

Dr. Browne added that anyone who had made an agreement to cultivate marijuana was at risk of running afoul of the law as it stands.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

The impact of social media

IT has been said by many respected observers and commentators that the rapid increase in the number and variety of social media platforms in the last 20 years or so, has been the most impactful development in the entire history of human social interaction.

Whether or not one agrees with that view, there is no doubt that the fast-paced increase of the number and variety of social media platforms has significantly affected the direction of human social evolution.

As is the case with all major developments, there have been both positive and negative consequences; and, as is to be expected in the case of extremely fast change, little thought was given to the medium and long-term effects of the introduction of the new factor into human society. Caught up in the frenzy of becoming part of the new order, society has, for the most part, paid scant attention to its implications. And, it is only within the last few years that researchers have begun to grasp the magnitude of the change, and study its effects.

Unfortunately, the general propensity of humans to leap first and think later has already had profound consequences. That state of affairs is likely to continue, at least until an equilibrium state is attained; that is, the point in time at which human understanding of the effects of the fundamental change, catches up with the pace of such change. Those factors considered, Guyanese should endeavour to learn as much as possible about the issue, because social media can have major effects on our country.

According to statistics, it has been found that 2.77 billion people currently use social media, up from 2.46 billion just two years ago in 2017. As of July, 2018, Facebook had the most users with some 2,270,000 active users worldwide.

You Tube follows with 1,900,000, and 1,500,000 people use WhatsApp, making that communications platform the third most popular medium. A 2018 survey by Pew Research has confirmed that Facebook and You Tube dominate the social media landscape among all demographic groups worldwide. The survey found too, that younger persons aged 18 to 24 years, use a larger number and wider variety of social media services.

Those include the photo-sharing app Instagram, video-calling platform Skype, micro-blogging site Twitter and others such as Snapchat, Linkedin, Viber, and Pinterest. Significant too, is the shifting means by which persons access the various applications. Researchers have found that the accelerating pace of mobile-technology development has had the effect of speeding up the spread of access to such media, owing to the fact that persons can have access no matter where they may be located. With so many persons — a high fraction of the earth’s human population — using social media, there must, of course, be consequences. But, most researchers first wanted to find out why so many people decided to start using social media; what is the initial attraction or first motivation?

Scientists have found that major motivations include the desire to share entertaining content with others, the need to define themselves, to establish and nourish relationships, and to spread the word about causes that they support.

While those motivations may appear to be generally harmless, once a large number of persons became involved, interests with less than noble intentions saw the potential of the platforms to achieve their own objectives. Those factors have caused social media to evolve from being a means of keeping in touch with family and friends, to being a means to

profoundly influence society in important ways. At this point, the election of Donald Trump to the office of President of the United States inevitably comes to mind.

The New York Times has opined that, “Trump’s [election to the presidency] is the starkest illustration yet that across the planet, social networks are helping to fundamentally rewire human society.” The Times noted too, that this rewiring is possible because human communication has become incredibly easy, thereby, among other factors, allowing marginal groups, and extremist organisations to reach and influence larger numbers of people.

As was stated, researchers are only just now beginning to observe, study, understand, quantify, and analyse the effects of the new phenomenon. Their initial findings, though necessarily incomplete, and possibly less that totally accurate, are interesting for at least two reasons: (1) the introduction of social media has impacted virtually all aspects of human life, including the social, economic, scientific, medical, inter-personal, and behavioural facets, and; (2) researchers and analysts are remarkably in agreement with each other with regard to effects, both positive and negative.

Experts have discovered that the introduction of social media into the human milieu has had, and continues to have major effects. Another study by Pew Research has found that some 18 per cent of people get their news exclusively from social media, and that fraction is increasing.

The result is that social media are now the determining factor in worldwide electoral politics, choice of brands in business, and other important human decisions.

One example of how social media has changed human behaviour was discovered by a study by the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business.

The study found that persons were less

The law does not exist in vacuo Dear Editor, IT was with a sense of disgust and urgency for change -- real change, revolutionary change -- that I read the report in your

newspaper regarding a magistrate who recently sentenced 19-year-old Steven King to two years imprisonment for being in possession of a single bullet.

After I read that shocking

report, I silently pledged to the God of the Oppressed that as long as I continue to have the breath of life that God gave me, I shall continue to resist the unjust and repressive powers that be, until a

new dispensation emerges in this moral, spiritual and political wasteland known as Guyana.

This country needs a radical alternative administration, one that is capable of hum-

inclined to donate money to charitable causes about which they care, if they had the opportunity to “Like” posts about the charitable cause. In other words, they were substituting likes for actual, substantive donations that could make a real difference. Evidently, such change of behaviour can hurt charities and other similar organisations that depend on donations.

Social media have changed almost everything. Cyberbullying is a growing problem, with 23 per cent of teenaged respondents reporting having experienced such incidents, according to a survey done by the University of Alberta.

A study done by CareerBuilder found that 60 per cent of employers check job applicants’ social media pages before making a decision about hiring. Pearson Learning Solutions reported a dramatic shift by students towards relying on social media reviews before deciding to enrol in courses. Persons have met people whom they later married, and others have divorced spouses as a result of matters discovered via social media.

Clearly, social media have changed everything.

While there are many reports of negative experiences as a result of social media, there are also numerous positive ones. Guyanese are smart people; we should endeavour to take advantage of the positives and do our best to mitigate the possibilities of the negative. To that end, individuals have a responsibility to stay informed, organisations should be aware of the issues, and government is urged to conceptualise and implement policies that will benefit all citizens.

In that way, we can learn from the mistakes of more developed countries, avoid the pitfalls, while, at the same time, making good use of lessons learned.

bling the mighty and haughty, and exalting the poor and powerless.

Former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, expressing his shock at the harsh sentencing of this youth aptly referred to “the law as an ass” – a phrase popularised by the English writer and social critic, Charles Dickens, and often quoted in

legal matters.

And yes, though the law may be an ass, the law does not come into existence on its own, in a vacuum.

Gerald A. Perreira Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP)

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

NIS responds Dear Editor, THIS correspondence is in response to a letter published in the Guyana Chronicle on May 5th, 2019, titled: “NIS Staff Up In Arms Against General Manager.”

The said letter represents serious allegations that besmirch the integrity of the office of the general manager; that of the assistant general manager; administration; the board of directors; representatives of the trade union movement and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) internal processes, specifically relating to promotions and appointments.

Whereas it is easy to believe that the writer is one who is disgruntled over a failed effort at promotion, one cannot help but note the public invitation of external intervention by the Ethnic

Relations Commission and political forces. The contents of the said letter are very troubling to the NIS, especially at this very important juncture in the life of the scheme.

The writer is reminded that there is a process for addressing internal grievances of any nature, including any acts of discrimination, through the representative labour union where his/her voice can make a difference.

The individual is also advised to meet with the general manager, who still has an open-door policy, so that these concerns can be discussed for merit and clarity. This individual deserves a hearing and this could be facilitated as soon as possible, in the presence of labour representatives.

The aim of this administration is to provide expeditious and quality

service to every contributor and those who are impacted by our service.

We can only do so effectively through open and respectful dialogue aimed to promote workplace harmony for a productive environment.

As a matter of public information, the following is made clear.

The NIS has a long-standing administrative policy as it relates to employment. In accordance with said policy, all vacancies in the organisation are advertised both internally and externally.

Once shortlisted, applicants are contacted for interview sessions which are conducted by a panel whose composition varies, depending on the positions being filled.

Management-level positions require the presence of directors of the National Insurance Board

SN cartoon was disrespectful, libellous Dear Editor, POLITICAL cartoons for any newspaper are indispensable.

It is a visual medium that engages the readers, helps them understand and interpret the political, social and economic scene rapidly through its drawings. Political cartoons lately have gained much importance and have a raised the standing in the daily newspapers. Such cartoons play a role in the political discourse of a society, which provides for freedom of speech and of the press.

Apart from a great sense of humour, a cartoonist is required to understand the political scene and make a commentary on the situation, but to refrain from making it in bad taste. However, the cartoon in Stabroek News dated May 10, 2019, crosses the line, as it is disrespectful in its content and borders on libel. It portrays the President of Guyana, the opposition leader, as well as expelled MP Charrandass Persaud being given a dressing down by a Caribbean Court of Justice

Judge, being called “fools”, “idiots” and “jackasses” with the principals meekly answering yes, yes, yes.

A free press is the backbone of any democracy, but freedom does not walk alone, it walks with responsibility. The pluralism and diversity of opinions can ideally find lively and inclusive platforms where democratic debates thrive in open societies; but it does not have to stoop to the level of disrespect and libel.

The rights and liberties accorded the press in a democratic society give rise to corresponding responsibilities, which apply both to the managers and owners of media outlets and to individual journalists.

Stabroek News needs to be reminded that the roles the media and their public-service characters play in a democratic society, make it imperative that the highest ethical standards be applied to the practice of journalism.

Regards Aditya Panday

on the panel and unionised positions on the other hand, require the presence of representatives of the trade union, the Transport Amalgamated and General Workers Union. At the recent interviews for the post of Customer Service Officer(s), the Vice-President of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union was a part of three-member panel.

For the tenure of the current general manager of the National Insurance Scheme, employment procedures are followed and appointed personnel are duly qualified. This fact can be easily substantiated by our employment

records. Management of the NIS comprises several tiers of managers with various portfolios who meet and make decisions in keeping with industrial best practices. Our workers are in an organised industrial environment and whereas every employee may not be always satisfied, ours is an industrial-friendly climate that has enjoyed years of industrial stability and worker- satisfaction.

Most NIS workers, including myself, have long careers with this organisation. These NIS career workers can be found at various tiers of supervision and management, having qualified themselves for promotion based on a combination of experience, certification, attitudes and other factors considered important to higher performance/

appointment.

Our unionised staff enjoy many benefits, which are negotiated through the collective- bargaining process. We have always had an atmosphere of fairness based on meritocracy in our industrial processes and will continue to do so as we serve this nation. It is hoped that the letter-writer, if indeed an employee, gives this organisation an opportunity to seriously discuss with him/her the grievances that triggered this letter.

Failing to do so, the individual is encouraged to continue to work hard to fulfil the mandate of our beautiful organisation.

Regards Dianne Lewis-Baxter Publicity and Public Relations Officer

8

OP-ED

BY JOHN M. SEERAM

THE month of May is designated International Internal Audit Awareness Month by the Institute of Internal Auditors, Global (IIAG). The Guyana Chapter is affiliated to the IIAG, hence it has planned a month of activities to recognize this noble profession. One of its activities is to publish articles on the internal audit profession in order for practitioners to develop, among others, their skills and knowledge.

In so doing, the topic chosen by this writer is on the Roles and Responsibilities of the Audit Committee.

Introduction The audit function is indeed crucial in order to ensure the integrity of a company’s/entity’s financial systems. It includes not only its financial results but also the control systems and the code of ethics which are the cornerstones of an accurate financial reporting system. The key player in this is the audit committee, which is comprised of directors who report directly to the Board of Directors.

What is the Audit Committee?

An audit committee is a standing committee of the Board of Directors and should be comprised primarily of non-executive directors. These directors should not be involved in the management of the entity.

Organisation of the Audit Committee Board of Directors should carefully give consideration to their appointments of directors to audit committees.

• Number of Directors: The number of independent directors appointed to audit committees depends on the nature of the business and also industry dynamics, the size of the entity, and the size of the Board of Directors. The general consensus is that a minimum of three and a maximum of five are adequate.

• Composition: Because members of audit committees have varied backgrounds and occupations, they provide a mix of skills and experience. Although the members have different levels of expertise, it is strongly advisable to have at least one individual who has a finance/accounting and auditing background. It can be more useful to have some directors with a solid operational knowledge of the industry in which the entity operates, these directors can spot potential control weaknesses, based on their knowledge of how transactions flow in an industry or specific environment.

• Meetings: Audit Committees should meet at least four times a year, however, these meetings can be increased due to matters to be addressed.

Nature of Audit Committee Responsibilities Board of Directors will define their role and responsibilities of their audit committees. This charge is usually disclosed in the audit committees’ written charter which should include the terms of reference such as the mission statement, size and composition, term of service, frequency of meetings, scope of responsibilities, and reporting responsibilities. In effect,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Roles and responsibilities of the audit committee

audit committees are primarily responsible for the quality related to matters such as • External auditing process • Internal auditing process • Financial reporting process • Internal controls • Conflicts of interest • Regulatory and legal matters • Information technology • Other matters Recognising that audit committees operate on a part-time basis and serve in an advisory capacity to boards, it is therefore essential that boards place limitations on the scope of the committee’s performance, as well as to protect the committees against legal claims for their inactions that are outside their charge. The major tasks the audit committee should be focusing on would be centred on tasks related to external auditors, to internal auditors and to the financial systems.

Tasks Related to External Auditors • To Recommend the Hiring of External Auditors – It should ensure that a truly independent auditor is hired, rather than one who has connections with the entity in some way or the other that may influence the review of the financial statements. The audit committee should also base its recommendations on the auditor’s expertise in the industry, the quality of its services, the extent to which it performs other services for the entity, as an example, consultancies.

• Review Auditors Recommendations – Ensure control, governance and risk management issues raised are properly dealt with by the management team, thereby resulting in a stronger environment.

• Review any disagreement between the External Auditors and Management – Disagreement will normally occur on the auditors’ findings and/or recommendations which should be addressed and be determined by the audit committee. Also with the Audit Opinions issued on the accounts.

Task Related to Internal Audits The audit committee can strengthen the entity’s internal audit function by ensuring that management has established and is maintaining an adequate and effective internal audit structure. Here are specific roles, in the internal audit area, expected to be done by the audit committee • Appointment of the Chief Internal Auditor (CIA) – The CIA typically reports administratively to the entity’s management, however, the audit committee is responsible for the hiring and dismissal of the CIA. The objective here is not to deny the entity’s management the right to name the person who will administer the internal audit department, which serves the combine needs of the entity’s management and the audit committee. Rather, the significance of the audit committee’s participation is to ensure the independence of the internal audit function(s) when there is need to speak out regarding issues identified in the review and appraisal of internal controls and other activities of the entity.

• Approval of the Internal Audit Charter (IAC) – An IAC serves as a basis of authorization of every effective internal audit program. An adequate IAC is par-

ticularly important to define the roles and responsibilities of internal audit, and its responsibility to serve the audit committee properly. It is here that the mission of internal audit must clearly provide service to the audit committee as well as to senior management. The audit committee is responsible for recommending to the Board the approval of the IAC. • Approval of Internal Audit Plans and Budgets – Ideally, the audit committee should have developed an overall understanding of the total internal audit needs of the entity. This high-level appraisal covers various special control and financial-reporting issues, allowing the audit committee to determine the portion of audit or risk assessment needs to be performed by either internal audit or other providers.

As part of this role, the audit committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all internal audit higher-level plans and budgets. This responsibility is consistent with the audit committee’s role as the ultimate coordinator of the total audit effort.

The committee’s review of all internal audit plans is essential if the policies and plans for the future are to be determined most effectively.

• Audit Committee Review and Action on Significant Audit Findings – An audit committee’s most important responsibility is to review and take action on significant audit findings reported to it by the internal and external auditors, management, and others. While the audit committee has responsibility for all of these areas, the focus here is on the importance of internal audit to report all significant findings to the audit committee regularly and promptly.

Part of this reporting will occur through internal audit’s distribution of all audit reports to the audit committee. Reacting to significant audit findings requires a combination of understanding, competence, and cooperation by all of the major parties of interest: internal audit, management, external auditors, and the audit committee itself.

Roles in the Financial Reporting Area The financial process and ensuring reliable financial information is one of the most important functions of the audit committee. While the audit committee should not become involved in day-today operations, there is pressure from the oversight role for the audit committee to get more involved in ensuring the integrity of the financial reporting process. Hence, audit committees are expected to: • Review all financial statements, whether interim or annual, before they are approved by the Board of Directors and to ensure their objectiveness, accuracy, and timeliness.

• Review all existing accounting policies, and concentrate on the impact on the financial statement of any changes in accounting policies including the likely impact of any contemplated changes.

• Evaluate exposure to fraud.

• Appraise key management estimates, judgements, and valuations where they are thought to be material to the financial statements.

• Evaluate the adequacy of financial

statement disclosures.

• Review the adequacy of the entity’s structure, including management’s implementation of internal controls, risk management and governance.

• Review all significant transactions, especially those that are non-routine and those that may be illegal, questionable, or unethical.

The Guyana Situation The Institute of Internal Auditors, Guyana Chapter has been playing an active role in promoting the establishment of audit committees in entities in the private, public and governmental sectors. Here in Guyana, there is still more work to be done in this area, which is an on-going exercise.

To those committees in existence, it is imperative that they comply with the pronouncements and best practices globally on their expected roles and responsibilities. Hence, entities with established audit committees should be aware of the pronouncements being made from time to time and to keep abreast with the best practices globally. Audit committees today are operating in an immensely complex modern business world. Over the years, there have been some reports (in Guyana) of audit committees not having a healthy working relationship with the entity’s management and with its CIA. In such a situation, then each party needs to understand that they have to function in an environment of trust, since each needs the other to succeed.

The shortcomings by members of an audit committee in terms of lack of specific technical skills should be addressed.

One possible approach is to have training seminars/workshops for directors since their competence is being judged by the board and the management of the entity. Not much research has yet been done on the roles and responsibilities of audit committees in Guyana by virtue of publications. This is an area which needs to follow up and to promote in keeping with the global best practices, hence the publishing of this article.

The audit committee, the CIA and management, work best when they pledge to work together. This relationship is seen as a partnership and it is most important for an entity to get it right, if it wants to attain effective governance. The success of an audit committee depends to a great extent on cultivating a strong working relationship with the management of the entity. Also, there is the need for both the management and the CIA to have a healthy and respectful relationship. All parties now have more to do, and it is imperative that each must understand the roles and responsibilities of the other.

In closing, the success of an audit committee is dependent on cultivating a strong working relationship with each party and they will need each other to succeed - ‘I will help you, and you will help me, and we both know that’. That being said, it’s about trust. Audit committees, the CIA and management have to trust that each other is thoughtful, competent, and looking out for the best interests of the company/entity.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Prompt payment, refreshments for NIS pensioners

By Gabriella Chapman

THE National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has adjusted their pension payment system to allow for the prompt and smooth flow of payments to pensioners.

Through a collaborative effort between managerial staff and the Board of Directors, NIS has implemented a system whereby pension payments will commence from 06:00 hrs, and end when the last pensioner has been attended to.

less of whether there were persons in line waiting to be paid.

The new system, she said, seeks to improve customer service, and give the elderly the service they deserve.

NIS Board Chairman, John Seeram said the aim is to be much more caring to pensioners.

“We want to make sure that when they come to collect their pension, they spend a minimum amount of time.

In so doing, we have assigned more staff, in at least the first

wheelchair, or walking with a cane, we provide a fast lane for them. They are given priority. We don’t want them to sit and wait. And that is very important.”

He said, too, that since pensioners are coming from as early as 06:00hrs, NIS provides them with snacks, and something to drink.

“These pensioners would have given human service to the development and growth of Guyana over the past 30, 40 and even 50 years.

Now they are getting

Some pensioners waiting to receive their pension NIS General Manager, Holly Greaves told the Guyana Chronicle that in the past, payments commenced at 08:00 or 08:30 hrs, and closed at 16:00 hrs, regard-

week, to make sure that all the paperwork is processed in a very prompt manner,” he said, adding: “With regards to pensioners who are handicapped, in a

their pension, we must recognise the work they have done, and treat them the way they should be treated; hence the reason why we have this new system,”

Seeram added.

ARREARS PAYMENT NIS has also started paying out the arrears for the minimum pensioners.

“What is actually happening this week is that we are paying out the arrears.

The minimum pension is tied to the minimum wage.

It is 50 per cent of the minimum wage. And with the increase in wages and salaries last year, the pension has now moved from 430,000 to $32,100. So we are paying out that difference now to pensioners,” he said.

There are approximately 28,000 old-age pensioners at the minimum who are going to be receiving that payment, and to a value of in excess of $455M. Before month-end, Greaves said, NIS will be paying out the increase to invalidity and survivors pensioners.

She also highlighted that they have the facility for direct payment into pensioners’ bank accounts. Persons are being urged to come forward and be assisted with the process, so as to save them the hassle of having to go to the office.

Seeram noted that there are pensioners who are getting above the minimum, but a decision on the percentage to pay out is imminent.

“Once that decision is taken, within two to three

NIS General Manager Holly Greaves, and Chairman John Seeram weeks that payment will be materialised. and that is expected to be by the end of this month,” he said.

To help improve their services, NIS has a suggestion box, where they are urging pensioners to place suggestions on how they can improve their services.

Merited suggestions will be implemented, Seeram said.

NIS is also urging persons not to wait until they are 60 to check on their records.

“By 55, they need to come in and let us know where the shortfall in their contribution is. We are also having name issues; persons are married and haven’t come in to change their names. We encourage them to use the opportunity to come in and have it changed,” Greaves said.

She noted that it is a joint effort, whereby both management and the Board are working at improving the system at NIS.

NIS zeroes in on Mobile Money payment option

THE National Insurance Scheme on Friday hosted a Compliance Workshop for Senior Managers, Office Managers and Compliance Officers from its 14 offices across the country.

The workshop is one of

management’s intervention and continued effort to enable compliance officers to plan and execute their dayto-day activities effectively, NIS said in a release. Many strategies were discussed, the most importnt of which

was making payment easier for self-employed contributors across the country via the Mobile Money app.

The Mobile Money platform provides an alternative payment method for self-employed persons, whereby

GTT representative, Mr. Chapman making a presentation on the use of the Mobile Money app

Senior Managers, Managers and Compliance Officers at the workshop

instead of visiting the NIS office in order to remit contributions, individuals can make their payments from a mobile device; Internet-enabled device and any Mobile Money depot.

This service seeks to improve compliance among the self-employed population by addressing the main complaint of having to leave their businesses for

an extended period in order to make their contribution payments. This training was done to provide details as to how the system would operate, from the perspective of the self-employed person, as well as what steps the employees of NIS must take to ensure verification of payments and their incorporation into NIMS. Brief remarks were made by the

Chairman of the NIS Board Mr. John Seeram, while presentations were done by Company General Manager, Ms. Holly Greaves; the Finance Controller, Ms. Rita Scotland; The Manager, Research and Information System, Mr. Keith Fileen; and GTT Representative Mr. Chapman.

The launch of the initiative is slated for June 2019.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Mothers, are you unconsciously trafficking your daughters?

‘TRAFFICKING’ is a strange word. To the average person who is not sure of the meaning, it probably conjures up a scene of vehicles moving to and fro on a busy road, but there is a stark difference between vehicular traffic and the illegal trafficking that is taking place each day, and becoming more prevalent in Guyana.

In the Cambridge dictionary, ‘trafficking’ is defined as ‘the act of buying or selling goods illegally’. This is one type of trafficking. However, trafficking in persons (TIP) is another act which is not only illegal, but, in some cases more akin to modern-day slavery.

There are various degrees of ‘trafficking in persons’, but a good example would be one where three women from a neighbouring country who are desperate for work and accommodation, were recruited as maids by a businessman. To begin with, he was kind to them, but it wasn’t long before he had them working in sub-standard conditions from 05h00 in the morning until 21h00 at night.

Their salary consisted of just enough money to cover their toiletry needs or nothing at all, and he fed them occasionally from left-over scraps. As if this wasn’t bad enough, the women were also totally subservient to his every whim and fancy, including his sexual demands.

Unfortunately, they were unable to leave, because their ‘employer’ had their passports. In short, ‘trafficking in persons’ is when someone deliberately exploits another person, and subsequently violates their human rights.

Sometimes children get caught up in trafficking, because they are young and gullible, and do not know better. Their parents or carer might send them on the street to beg while they wait at home for the proceeds. Placing children in such a vulnerable position is against the law.

Children begging on the street are at the mercy of every stranger or perpetrator who passes by. Who knows which one might be a child molester; a sex offender; a rapist, or worse.

Young girls (and boys) who have no guidance or sense of direction could find themselves caught up in trafficking as an older person (male or female) grooms them and then uses them to give sexual favours to adults. The child may feel grown-up and important, self-assured and desirable as he/she is ensnared into an illicit world by a cheap-talking parasite who does not have their best interest at heart. The victims are too young to understand that someone else is receiving the proceeds and benefiting from their naivety, while exposing them to danger and inadvertently marring their

childhood.

Recently, a case was brought to the attention of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), where two girls were brought to a village by a man with a ‘no good’ reputation. All three inhabited a small shabby cottage situated at the edge of the village. Every day neighbours could see the girls washing clothes, sweeping the yard; shopping and cooking. And although they muttered among themselves, they did not ask the man any questions or interfere.

Then, gradually, different men began to visit the cottage regularly. That is when tongues began to wag loudly, and the gossip picked up momentum. As one car left, another would pull up, and the cottage and its surroundings became a thoroughfare for these jaunts; sometimes during the day, but mostly at night. Upon investigation by the CPA, it was found, as was suspected, that the girls were giving sexual favours to the male visitors as instructed and overseen by their male companion. One girl was only 15 years old, while the other was 17.

It may surprise you to know that one of the most common types of trafficking in persons is carried out by mothers.

Some mothers are trafficking their daughters, and then turning a blind eye to the situation. They encourage sexual

relations between their daughters and men, and use the profits for their own means. Sexual exploitation of a child cannot be justified, however. And more cases like these need to be highlighted, and parents tried and convicted for their selfish crime.

There have been cases where boys have been taken out to sea by fishermen, and their parent(s) send them; well aware that sexual activity will take place, but also knowing they will receive payment at a later date when their son returns home.

In Guyana, trafficking in persons is monitored by the Ministry of Social Protection, and there are designated establishments set up, where victims of trafficking can receive help, comfort and advice. If you feel a child is being trafficked or exploited in any way, do not hesitate to contact the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) on 227-4082 or the Counter Trafficking in persons’ (TIP) Unit at the Ministry of Social Protection on 227-4083.

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

The Guyana-Slovenia connection

By Wendella Davidson

OUTGOING Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Guyana, Ambassador Jernej Videtic, has said that he knew of Guyana even before being posted here.

Speaking at a recent event at the Pegasus Hotel to observe Europe Day on May 9, the EU envoy disclosed that he became aware of Guyana through a Slovenian-British composer Dusan Velkaverh.

Velkaverh was born in Georgetown on September 12, 1943 to a Slove-

nian sailor and a British nurse, and died on February 1, 2016 in Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, at the age of 72.

He is a legend of the Slovenian song festival history and is credited with being responsible for the lyrics of some of the most memorable songs in the history of Slovenian music. About 30 of his 600 songs became major hits in Slovenia, the evergreens.

One song was also entered at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1975, with the title “Dan ljubezni” (The Day of Love).

Velkaverh, who was

active above all in the music publishing business and was not a professional author, wrote the lyrics of around 600 songs, mostly for Slovenian composers, but also for ensembles.

His name is tied closely to the blossoming of the Slovenska popevka festival of chanson and pop songs, which had its heyday in the 60s and 70s with contributions from professionally trained singers, composers and poets.

Velkaverh wrote the lyrics for one of the most popular Slovenian holiday songs, Silvestrski poljub (New Year’s Eve Kiss),

while the list of his biggest hits also includes Pridi, dala ti bom cvet (Come to me, I’ll give you a flower), Zelene livade s teboj (The Green Meadows and You), Ljubi, ljubi, ljubi (Dearest, Dearest, Dearest) etc He also spent his childhood in New York, London and Belgrade, before his family moved to Slovenia in 1956.

The audience at the function was afforded the opportunity to listen and view a short video of a concert held in honour of the acclaimed composer,at which he also performed.

Said Ambassador Vi-

detic, “As you can see, a Guyanese-Slovenian has touched the hearts of generations of Slovenians, and I asked myself, was there any reverse influence from Slovenians to the Guyanese people? I could think of the Non-Aligned Movement. The ideology behind the movement was mainly conceptualised by Slovenian political figures and diplomats. A well maintained and groomed park in Georgetown (known as the Cenotaph), that has the busts of the main leaders of the movement is an evidence of this political influence,” he added.

Slovenian-British composer Dusan Velkaverh The ambassador said, too, that resulting from his posting here in Guyana, he has come to know more in depth, the Caribbean Region’s history and aspirations.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Moruca residents raise issues of land rights, renaming of Amerindian Act … during consultations

Member of Parliament and Ministerial Adviser to the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mervyn Williams Lake Mainstay. “They been told over and over said to us that they are again that there are isnot disagreeing that the sues that people believe Amerindian Act is not a are not adequately represented in the legislagood thing.

However, we have tion,” he said.

Residents pay rapt attention to a presentation by Member of Parliament, Mervyn Williams AS consultations continue for the revision of the “Amerindian Act 2006”, a team of officials from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs journeyed to the Moruca Sub-district of Region One (Barima-Waini) to get feedback from the Toshaos of villages within that sub-district.

The consultations lasted two days, and were well attended, not only by villagers but by Toshaos as well, almost all of whom had prepared extensive presentations to highlight their concerns with and provisions they would like to see added and or amended with the Act. Following this round of consultations, the Department of Public Information (DPI) caught up with Member of Parliament (MP) and Ministerial Adviser to the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mervyn Williams, to gather a brief on the feedback received from the villagers.

“There are a number of issues people feel strongly about what may resonate as an issue in one quarter, but may be different in another,” he said, “But

the overarching call is for a change of the name of the legislation, and for the replacement of the word Amerindian, with the word Indigenous.”

Williams said this word change has been a major point raised at all the consultations held so far, and that has stood out to the Government, but they cannot make that decision unilaterally, as they would need the view of all the villages that would be affected, which these consultations allow them to gather. This is being taken into consideration.

The MP disclosed that the other hot-button issue for these villagers is that of land. “That is touched principally by titling issues, application for extensions and so on. It is touched by mining operations where, for example, the issue of Chinese Landing is in the news…

The issue is that mining is affecting those communities. So, heavy on the agenda for villages which have deposits of mineral resources, is the issue of land tenure and titling, and mining operations,” Williams explained Under concerns for mining operations, issues were

raised with regard to environmental consideration, and as such, persons called for stronger veto power for villages, with respect to mining operations. “The law provides for a voice for the Indigenous Peoples, in the event of medium- scale mining coming to their areas.

They would, as we heard, there’s a call for stronger legislation that treats with mining generally; from large right down the line to smallscale mining.”

This particular provision attracted a lot of attention on the first day of consultations in the Moruca Sub-District, with many of the village councillors and Toshaos attesting that while they have the right to refuse small and medium-scale miners, large-scale miners, if refused, can be granted permission from the subject minister; something these residents wish to see changed. Indigenous leaders, and the Indigenous population at large, had been calling for some amendments to the Act to be carried out even before the coalition government took office; a point that MP Williams highlighted at the previous round of consultations held at

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Mother & Daughter pageant ...

‘Twas a night of elegance,love

THE air was filled was love and delight as ‘Supa-Stylistics’ hosted their 28th production of the annual Mother and Daughter pageant at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday, May 11, 2019.

Present at the event were First Lady Sandra Granger, Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence and other special invitees.

The show was produced

by Ms. Ingrid Fung and

and Trinity; and Abeeka Archer and Careeka.

However, only three pairs were able to make it to the top three. In third place was Yulisa Douglas and Gabrielle, while Patricia Herbert and Tahara got second place. The winners of this category were Jenel Cox-Greaves and her lovely daughter, Trinity.

While the crowd filled the National Cultural Centre with enchantment, five pairs of fathers and daugh-

brina Marcus and her little angel, Nashavia, while Cedil Burgess and Kiara copped second place.

Winetta Bayley and her daughter Shavana came in third.

A dance presented by the National School of Dance depicted the strength of a woman to endure all impediments, despite her femininity and her courage to stand firm and fight for what she wants. However, the most

Winners during the serenade Dr. Sulan Fung.

Under the theme, “The Supa of Love”, 44 contestants graced the stage in their beautifully-designed outfits, placing great emphasis on the bond between a mother and daughter. This year’s pageant was divided into three categories: Junior, Middle and Senior.

The crowd went wild as the pairs in the junior segment came decked out in their dresses, which portrayed both culture and elegance. The participants included: Karen McAllister and Hamakaiya; Amanda Monro and Emma; Yulisa Douglas and Gabrielle; Tramayne Britton and Unique; Patricia Herbert and Tahara; Lashaunna Singh and Zakiya, Jenel Cox-Greaves

ters showcased their undying love, as they walked the stage with great confidence and charisma. It was indeed one of the most energetic parts of the night, since the fathers got to ‘take charge’ of the stage as well.

In the middle category, the women displayed an extravagant array of chic and magnificence. Seven women and their daughters competed for the crown in this category. The contestants included: Alana Beresford and Nyah; Ilissa Jones and McCalssia; Nicole Marucs and Akeelah; Cedil Burgess and Kiara; Winetta Bayley and Shavana; Kelle Williams and Kiara; and Subbrina Marcus and Nashavia.

The winners of the middle category were Sub-

highlighted segment of the night came when the mothers and daughters of the senior category graced the National Cultural Centre with their presence.

Each pair proudly displayed their long, flowing gowns designed by some of the best designers known in Guyana as they strutted gracefully across the stage.

They modeled to renditions by the Heat-wave Band led by Calvin Burnett as the entertainer for the segment. The ladies showed a great deal of poise and elegance, as the audience felt the love shared by the mothers and daughters. The women who ‘wowed’ the judges in this category were Alicia Brown-Deeges and Aleria; Lisa Nicholas and

Winners of the senior category Breana; Donna Eastman singing. er items. and Shemeka; Colleen Amaya Fung, grandAt last, it was time for Roberts-Collymore and daughter of Ingrid Fung, the senior category results.

Krystal; Angaleena Odle gave her sincere gratitude The Senior Category and Quissieana; Alana to all the sponsors, and winners of 2018 made their Beresford and Nianna; and to the other persons who final walk as the results Ilissa Jones and Oclintia. came out in their numbers were presented. Lisa NichPrior to the results be- to support the event. She olas and her daughter Breing announced, the women also hopes that the show anna copped the third place were serenaded by Calvin will even get bigger and position, while Ilissa Jones Burnett. He presented each better in the years to come. and Oclintia placed second. of them with a rose to exWhile the crowd highly Crowned this year’s press his appreciation for anticipated the results of q u e e n s w e r e A l i c i a all the mothers. He also the senior category, they Brown-Deeges and Alepresented a rose to the enjoyed huge giveaways ria adorned in their First Lady, who also with which comprised hampers, beautiful and shining great delight joined in the food vouchers among oth- purple gowns.

Participants in the junior category

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Minister Broomes pays visit to youths behind bars on Mother’s Day

THE youths of Timehri Prison were on Sunday treated by Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes.

Delivering in the capacity of not just a minister, but also a mother, Minister Broomes encouraged the young prisoners to work for positive change in the country.

Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency, with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes talking to young inmates at the Timehri Prison “I am not just looking for perfect groups of young people in this country to work with; I am committed to working with all of you, including you here,” she told the young men.

She pointed out that youth incarcerated

in Guyana number over 600, and over 500 of them are between the ages of 18 and 25.

“We have to stop that; but you have to help us to do that. As the minister with responsibility for youth affairs, you got to help me. I hate it that you are here, and you are labelled as a criminal and believe that you have to live your whole life as a criminal.

That is not so! It’s not where you’re at; it’s where you’re going to finish it,” the minister admonished.

The young men were given the opportunity to share their stories, and say what the government can do for young people and how they can prevent youths from getting into prison.

One prisoner said that he believes the government should implement skill-training programmes with stipends. He said that some of the programmes that they have running, the youths do not complete them because they don’t have the money to upkeep themselves. The young man said that if they are offered a stipend, it will not just encourage them to continue and complete the programme, but it will help them with their daily lives.

Another prisoner voiced that more should be done for the youths behind bars so that when they come out, they can be changed persons. He told the minister that if they are provided with sport equipment and facilities, opportunities to learn craft and other trades, it will keep them meaningfully occupied.

A young man told the minister that to help prevent youths from going to prison, there should be television programmes showing what life in prison is like.

Minister Broomes welcomed all the contributions and stories shared, and she further encouraged the young men to aim to be better citizens.

“There is a life out there that you belong

The group of young prisoners taking in the prayer session being administered to them in. The world is talking about Guyana being the wealthiest in the world. We can’t afford to have our young people in jail; you have to be out there so that we can work together to make this country a better place. You must be there to prevent other youngsters from being in here… Do you believe that we could champion a cause for breaking this whole spell of prison for young people?

Some of you can tell your stories to bring prevention,” Broomes said.

She told the group that they must start working on a plan for when they are reinstated to society.

“You’re so consumed in here; there is no plan for when you get out there. And that’s why a lot of you get back into the trap again.

You need to sit and think and sort yourself out, and aim to be a better individual when you come out,” she noted.

Some of the young men were given the opportunity to call their mothers and wish them a happy Mother’s Day. They were also treated to lunch couryesy of Minister Broomes, and blessed with a song, prayers, and spiritual words from Pastor Timothy King.

As the minister was leaving, one prisoner stood up and said that the gesture was well appreciated and admired.

“You brought a little comfort to us today, and we are thankful, because on this Mother’s Day you could have chosen to go anywhere else, but you chose to come to us and we thank you,” the young man said.

Minister Broomes told the media that this activity is not the last of its kind, as she has plans to continue on to other prisons and hear from the young people and encourage them towards a better life.

Dr O’Toole receives MBE from Prince William DR. BRIAN O’Toole was on Saturday awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Prince William at Buckingham Palace on behalf of the British Government for his years of service in education in Guyana and internationally.

The ceremony began with Prince William being escorted into the Ballroom of the Palace by the Lord Chamberlain, the Comptroller, and the Equerry in Waiting attended by two Gurkah Officers, a tradition begun by Queen Victoria in 1876. The National Anthem was then played, following which each of the 76 recipients were then introduced, and the achievement for which they were being decorated.

The next day, Dr O’Toole was given a Fellowship by the Association of Business Executives, ABE, in a ceremony in London that honoured four persons from Nigeria and Dr O’Toole.

Dr. O’Toole and his wife, Pamela, left the United Kingdom over 42 years ago to be of service to the Baha’i community of Guyana. The O’Tooles were involved in a number of development projects through the Varqa Foundation, a Bahai-inspired development agency that they founded.

One of the first projects that they

worked on was the ‘Bahai Community Health Partnership’ (BCHP) in the Rupununi. This was spearheaded by Dr. Jamshid Aidun, who spent several years serving the health needs of the area at a time when there was no doctor in the entire region.

Dr. O’Toole recalled the vivid image of Dr. Aidun walking part of the distance to Karasabai, after having swum across a creek, walking in his bare ‘buckta’, coffee mug in one hand, and a stick in the other, looking like a latter-day Ghandi.

Another initiative was the Community Based Rehabilitation [CBR] programme which was introduced along with Ms. Geraldine Maison-Halls.

POSITIVE IMPACT The CBR programme was able to reach thousands of people with disabilities in almost all the regions of Guyana.

It attracted visitors from many countries, and resulted in more than 30 articles in leading international journals, two books, and a series of video programmes that were translated into Spanish, Italian, French, Arabic, Farsi and Amharic.

Out of the work in the Rupununi came

the literacy programme, ‘On the Wings of Words’, which trained literacy facilitators in seven of the regions of Guyana and received support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); the British Embassy, the Luxembourg government, the Guyana Book Foundation and UNICEF. Dr. O’Toole commented, “Laureen Pierre and Juliet Solomon worked with both the BCHP and the CBR programme for years in the interior of Guyana, earning the deep respect of so many persons for their dedication, detachment, and ability to connect with persons from all backgrounds.”

As the BCHP and the CBR programmes grew, they attracted visitors from many parts of the world, including Sweden, Italy, Mauritania, India, North America and India. The funders, AIFO of Italy, allowed great flexibility in the work in the Rupununi. The other major funder, Unity Foundation from Luxembourg, also proved to be invaluable partners, as they struggled to learn what development might mean in practice.

These development efforts were mirrored by so many persons in Guyana, as School of the Nations began to emerge 20

years ago with five children, and has now grown to 3,800 students from more than 34 countries, and partnerships with the universities of Cambridge, London and Bedfordshire in the UK. Another partnership that ‘Nations’ has developed is with the London International Academy [LIA] in Ontario, Canada. A group from ‘Nations’ recently went to LIA to learn about Robotics, and another group is set to go in September, and will then develop a Robotics programme for primary and secondary school children at ‘Nations’.

Other exchange visits are now planned for The Gambia, in West Africa, where ‘Nations’ has a partnership with the visionary Non-Governmental Organisation [NGO], Starfish, and another partnership with schools in Ningbo and Lanzhou in China, and a school in Afghanistan. The Sixth-Form Student Council is in the process of raising funds to bring two students each from Afghanistan and The Gambia to study at ‘Nations’.

Said Dr. O’Toole, “The growth of ‘Nations’ over the years was only possible because of the support, guidance, hard work and skills of a special group of administrators and teachers at ‘Nations’.”

14

Reg. 4 nurses awarded

AS the 2019 International Nurses’ week concluded in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) several nurses received awards for consistent and outstanding service over the years.

Nurses Yelena Doodnauth of Melanie Health Centre and Fazia Bacchus of Timehri Health centre, were awarded as Nurses of the Year for their respective borders on the East Coast and East Bank.

The awards were presented at a fun day on Saturday held at the Better Hope Community Centre and attended by nurses from the health centres and two hospitals in Region Four.

Copping the Regional Health Officer (RHO) Special Award were Senior Health Visitor for East Coast, Iona Barker-Wickham; Senior Health Visitor for the East Bank, Joyce Phillips;

and Matron of the Diamond Diagnostic Centre (DDC), Sabrina Phillips.

Receiving the RHO Appreciation Awards for Outstanding and continuous support were nurse Aletha July of the Kuru Kururu Health centre, and Nurse Sedel Blake, of the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

Presenting the respective awards to the Nurses of the Year, Senior Health Visitors Iona Barker-Wickham and Joyce Phillips reminded the nurses that their contributions to health in their regions are highly appreciated.

The women expressed appreciation to the Region Four RHO, Dr. Quincy Jones for his inclusive, cooperative, helpful and pragmatic approach to issues affecting nurses within the region.

“Region Four is certainly blessed and in better position

with Dr. Quincy Jones as our Regional Health Officer (RHO), and this is evident from the cooperation and achievements that we have collectively achieved with him being here for a mere year,” Barker-Wickham said.

“I remain forever grateful and thankful, because with his experience and willingness to involve all we are continuing to grow significantly.”

Meanwhile, Matron Sabrina Phillips of the DDC, stated that the region will continue to improve as a result of the level of commitment demonstrated by nurses.

“Don’t be deterred by challenges or difficulties, but remember that you chose this profession to give of your best and I urge you to continue that trend as we are certainly proud of the service that you continue

to deliver the best always,” she said.

RHO Dr Quincy Jones, congratulating all the nurses, said that he is pleased to be serving in Region Four alongside hardworking, diligent and committed nurses.

“We will have issues, but what I am happy about is that we have the most dedicated, diligent and committed nurses and they continue to make my job easier, as they are so dedicated and unified in taking health care to another level. So let me thank you significantly,” Dr Jones told the gathering.

He assured nurses that his department is seeking to enhance the working conditions of nurses through the purchasing of needed equipment; this has begun with the completed purchase of three near-infrared scanners used to identify veins when

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Nurse of the Year for the East Coast , Yelena Doodnauth, receives her award from Senior Health Visitor for the East Coast, Iona Barker-Wickham, in the presence of RHO Dr Quincy Jones drawing blood.

These are to be placed at the DDC, thus making it easier for nurses at the institution to draw blood or insert IVs. Meanwhile, at the

event, he stated that each of the 190 nurses in the region will receive a nurse’s watch among other items, as part of the Health Department’s demonstration of gratitude to them.

Automated toll-collection system for DHB –– system being created by talented Guyanese engineers

By Lisa Hamilton

GENERAL Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams, has announced that the corporation has just completed its first round of testing for automated toll collection in Guyana.

He made the announcement on Friday while on a panel of engineering experts at the 8th International Road Federation (IRF) Caribbean Regional Congress in Guyana.

“We’re now at the point where we’ve just finished our first phase of testing in respect to automated toll collection. It’s the very first time that automated toll collection will be used in Guyana and we’ve just finished our first round of testing,” Adams stated.

Earlier in the year, the bridge corporation announced its collaboration with Smartware Solutions to create the automated toll system that will serve to improve traffic management and accountability.

It will allow vehicular users to purchase credit to pay for tolls, rather than utilising physical cash.

With vehicular traffic over the Demerara Harbour Bridge increasing in

recent years, the corporation saw the need to improve receipt distribution and the collection system, which generally contributes to the slowing of traffic.

With plans towards this end progressing, Adams assured the audience that Guyana is slowly but surely heading in the right direction and towards the use of disruptive technology.

He was keen to add that the software being used to develop the automated toll system is being created by talented Guyanese engineers.

“Our first automated toll-collection system in Guyana is developed by our locals through our IT persons,” he said.

His announcement came even as Project Manager at Surveying and Project Management Inc, Joel Trotman, impressed upon the panel, the need for Guyana to begin thinking beyond the construction of roads to the construction of smart infrastructure.

“We’re at a very unique position where we can now do quantum leaps, because we’re now saddled with old technology; we don’t have any technology at all, so we can now move to the next level,” Trotman said.

“We cannot expand some of our urban infrastructure anymore because widening roads and all of that wouldn’t

make any sense, because there’s no space to do it. We need to look at how we can optimise what we have by introducing smart technology into the system.”

The project manager had also called for greater collaboration within the road transport sector so that equipment, such as CCTV cameras are not only used for the monitoring of traffic, but to gathering information origin and destination.

In this regard, Adams stated that collaboration ongoing between the bridge corporation and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will see the optimal utilisation of the traffic CCTV cameras.

“We’ve just taken over the responsibility for managing the cameras on the overpasses and one of the things we’re working [on] with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, is to share those information with respect to the collection of the videos. They have the software to do the traffic council and that information will be shared with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, because we intend to add some additional cameras,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the issue of security, Adams stated that collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will allow this information to be shared for their use.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Secondary school students enlightened about plagiarism

By Elvin Carl Croker

AS part of World Copyright Day observance, the Guyana National Library held a lunch-time lecture titled “Plagiarism and how to avoid it in the preparation for assignments”.

The lecture was held on Wednesday and featured Dr. Joyce Jonas speaking to a number of Grade 10 students selected from 10 secondary schools in Georgetown.

At the beginning of her discussion, Dr. Jonas requested the students to show by the raising of hands, how many of them do their assignments’ research using books.

None of the students indicated but the entire room raised their hands when asked who used their smart phones or computer to do their research.

With this icebreaker, she took the students through a

Shameza Mohamed and Fariza Hannif of the St. Joseph High School

number of rules and regulations on copyright laws in Guyana. She informed the students of a number of ways to avoid plagiarism while using their smart devices and other forms of technology.

At the end of the lectures, some of the students gave some feedback on what they learnt. Shameza Mohamed, a fourth form student of St. Joseph High School, said one of the things she learnt is that plagiarism is really bad and more can be achieved by not

Nianna Gravesende of Mae’s Secondary School

copying others work without giving due credit.

Her classmate, Fariza Hannif, said the lecture has helped her to realise that she has been plagiarising a lot.

“Today, I have learnt of the penalties and that when you grow up you will regret it in the future and having your own idea is going to help you a lot more than copying people’s work,” she said.

Junior Kandasammy of Brickdam Secondary, another

Telecommunications Agency being established THE Ministry of Public Telecommunications in fulfilling its obligations under the Telecommunications Act of 2016, is in the process of establishing the Telecommunications Agency.

The Act provides for the dissolution of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) as currently exists and its absorption by the Telecommunications Agency.

Section 92 (8) of the act provides for the termination of the staff and in an attempt to make the process as seamless as possible, the Telecommunications Agency embarked on a process whereby staff of the unit were advised of the organisational structure of the agency and the job descriptions attached to various positions as of March 27, 2019.

Staff were encouraged to submit expressions of interest for employment with the Telecommunications Agency prior to the Appointed Day (May 10 2019), with a view of the agency being in a position to complete the formalities to facilitate re-hiring decisions without a break in employment of selected staff.

This process was designed to give employees of the NFMU priority

with respect to employment with the agency. Two of the staff members, including the current NFMU CEO, have so far not taken up the offer.

The remaining 16 have applied and it has been recommended that 14 of the 16 who applied be offered positions. Two individuals were deemed not qualified for the positions for which they had applied and have and so far appeared disinterested in positions commensurate with their qualifications.

The ministry is pleased with the prior consultations that took place with staff and looks forward to the 14 members of staff commencing work in their new roles at the Telecommunications Agency. Every effort has been made to ensure that their remuneration and benefits, including pensions are not adversely affected by this transition. The Telecommunications Act 2016 was duly passed in the National Assembly and assented to by His Excellency, President David Granger.

The ministry extends best wishes to the current employees in their future endeavours and thanks all staff for their service to the NFMU during the period of their employ.

Dr. Joyce Jonas

fourth form student, admitted to committing plagiarism in the past and said the lecture taught him how teachers could identify plagiarised work.

“Well now I learn that it isn’t right, but now going to follow and at least now I know to state the reference of who wrote it and those things,” he said.

“I knew plagiarism was always an issue in schools but I learnt today that you

should always cite your sources that you got your information from and give the people the credit that they deserve because it was their hard work that they put into it,” said Nianna Gravesende of Mae’s Secondary School.

The law governing copyright in Guyana is the United Kingdom Copyright Act 1956.

By the Copyright (British Guiana) Order 1966, this Act is applied to Guyana with the necessary excep-

tions and modifications The Government of Guyana recently announced moves to enact legislation to bring copyright laws into effect in Guyana. However, the opposition Peoples Progressive Party said Guyana is a poor developing country and should wait until sometime in the future when people can afford to pay for copyright material.

According to the PPP, international treaties do not protect the interests of small countries like Guyana.

But Dr. Joyce Jonas debunked this theory, describing it as the opposition “flogging a dead horse” and that the government is at least trying to do something on copyright in Guyana.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

New batch of pharmacists takes oath

SOME 24 pharmacists on Saturday evening recited the pharmacist’s oath after donning their white coats and being awarded their licences to practise.

The event known as the White Coats Ceremony for Pharmacy Interns, was held at the Herdmanston Lodge.

The newly minted pharmacists have acquired bachelor’s degrees in Pharmacy from the University of

Guyana (UG) and served a one-year internship at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This is the second batch of pharmacists to undergo a medical training period of one year.

As is customary, after being handed their white coats, each pharmacist lit a candle from a single flame borne

by Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud. This, according to the Pharmacy

Council, symbolises the transition of leadership from the policy level all the way down to practice.

Speaking on behalf of this batch of pharmacists, Mark Persaud reflected on his time spent as an intern.

He shared some of his personal experiences along with others he shared collectively with his colleagues. Persaud expressed confidence that he and his fellow pharmacists

The new pharmacists as they recite the Pharmacist’s Oath will uphold their vow to be the pharmacy profession in to emulate the ‘trailblazers’ ambassadors of the profes- Guyana, noting that locally who went before them, as it sion. the profession was started by is “an exciting journey, but a “I would say, this batch expatriates from the United serious career.” of pharmacists is leaving Kingdom, when the country In 2018, Guyana welhere determined not to com- was still a colony. He ex- comed 17 clinically trained promise for mediocrity. This plained and said that more pharmacists into the frabatch is one I see standing widely the profession dates ternity. This is now set to firm and adhering to the rules back even further. be an annual feature as the and regulations that govern “You are now officially University of Guyana conthem and won’t support poor joining a noble profession tinues to educate persons in governance from superiors, that dates way back… you the field of Pharmacy. Beand won’t compromise with may not know, but the prac- fore the pharmacy internship malpractice …. in this health- tice of pharmacy started way programme was launched in care system.” back, maybe 2000 years March 2017, persons who Persaud boldly declared Before Christ, in the Sa- had studied the pharmacy that the commitment being maritan period. In ancient theory, went on to practise made by the pharmacists to documents, there are actual without hands-on knowledge. the health sector, whether records of how it was put Today, those completing the locally or otherwise, is one together, what was given and UG programme can benefit which must be recognised. the frequency with which it from full-time training and When it comes to the values was given.” practical exposure. of each individual in this The recital of the PharAlso in attendance was batch, Persaud remarked, “I macist’s Oath was led by Chairperson of the Pharrest assured that we are that Director of Pharmacy Ser- macy Council in Guyana, batch that will make pharma- vices, O’Neil Atkins, while Levante De Santos and cists recognised in healthcare the charge was given to the Deputy Chief Executive Offor what we are called to do.” pharmacists by the imme- ficer, Elizabeth Gonzalves, Dr Persaud who delivered diate past chairman of the preceptors who facilitated the feature address on behalf Pharmacy Council in Guy- this batch of interns and of the public health minis- ana, Carl Bacchus; Bacchus other staff of the GPHC. ter, outlined the history of encouraged the professionals (DPI)

The new pharmacists donning their white coats

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

AMERICAN RACING TIPS Finger Lakes Race 1 Terquito Race 2 It’s Cold Out Race 3 Tricky Posse Race 4 Stone Bandit Race 5 Winston’s Chance Race 6 Tousled Race 7 Emmy Knows Race 8 Hackensack Hill Race 9 Gobi Race10 Mr October South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:15 hrs Charter Jet 08:45 hrs Time To Be Great 09:15 hrs Warrior’s Stone 09:45 hrs Mac De Lago 10;15 hrs Casablance Kid 10:45 hrs Saint Marco ENGLISH RACING TIPS Wolverhampton 08:50 hrs Creative Talent 09:20 hrs Tha’ir 09:55 hrs Miss Matterhorn 10:25 hrs Alacritas 11:00 hrs Dream Magic 11:30 hrs Nabbeyl 12:00 hrs Muraaqeb WINDSOR 12:20 hrs Sapainca 12:50 hrs Making History 13:20 hrs Scintilating 14:20 hrs Pempie 14:50 hrs Geizy Teizy 15:20 hrs Simoon IRISH RACING TIPS Killarney 12:05 hrs Abyssinian 13:10 hrs Ask Heather 13:40 hrs Dona Katharina 14:10 hrs Peregrine 14:40 hrs Consharon Boy 15:10 hrs It Came To Pass 15:40 hrs Baboin ROSCOMMON 12:30 hrs Georgeville 13:30 hrs Hazel Bay 14:00 hrs Tirmizi 14:30 hrs Bold Emperor 15:00 hrs Jerandme 15:30 hrs Osmotic

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Hamilton leads Bottas to Spanish 1-2

(BBC) - LEWIS Hamilton led Valtteri Bottas to the fifth consecutive Mercedes one-two at the start of this season after dominating the Spanish Grand Prix.

The world champion,

who started second, passed Bottas into the first corner and eased away to an ultimately comfortable win, despite a late safety car.

A long way behind, Ferrari used team tactics yet

again but lost out to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for third.

But a disheartening performance for the Italian team on a weekend they hoped would make Top three finishers Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP, Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes GP and Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing celebrate on the podium with Chief of Mercedes Dieter Zetsche during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 12, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo

by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) a step forward only emphasised the sense that Mercedes are in a league of their own this year and that the championship fight is already a private one between Hamilton and Bottas.

Hamilton, with three wins to the Finn’s two and a point for fastest lap from Spain to add to his tally, leads Bottas by seven points and their closest rival, Verstappen, is a massive 46 points behind, with Vettel a further two adrift, and Leclerc 10 behind him.

Mercedes’ lead is not far off two clear wins, at 25 points for a victory, and the size of the advantage at just about the quarter-way mark of a 21-race season underlines Mercedes’ superiority.

Vettel very nearly took the lead off the start, but damaged a tyre under braking, which compromised his whole race An aerodynamic upgrade to the world champions’ car for this race

was said to be worth 0.4 seconds a lap and it more than compensated for both chassis and engine improvements by Ferrari.

Mercedes dominated the weekend, Bottas taking pole by 0.6secs after Hamilton had a messy qualifying session, and Hamilton controlling the race after making the better start, easing away in comfort.

The first corner was tense, with Hamilton, Bottas and Vettel threewide on the entry, before Hamilton claimed the lead from the inside line and Vettel locked up on the outside and went into the run-off.

As the German rejoined, he ran team-mate Leclerc out of road, costing the Monegasque the third place he had just before claimed as Verstappen backed off to avoid running into the back of Bottas.

Ferrari spent the rest of the race fighting a losing battle to reclaim that final podium place.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday May 13, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chennai Super Kings & Delhi Capitals (2) 5 times

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the result of the first game in the current WI/IRE/BANG Tri-Nations ODI series?

(2) Who claimed the Man of the Match award?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

Ambris describes century as ‘finest moment’

CMC - STROKEMAKER Sunil Ambris on Saturday described his maiden OneDay International hundred as the finest moment of his career, and said he was honoured to be the first Vincentian batsmen to reach triple figures for the West Indies.

The 26-year-old slammed a superb 148 off 126 deliveries, as West Indies produced their highest-ever successful run chase of 328 to beat Ireland by five wickets in their third match of the Tri-Nations Series at The Village in Malahide.

“It is something that I can’t explain. To be honest, I don’t know how I’m feeling – it’s out of this world,” Ambris said afterwards.

“It’s something that I’ve been working towards and that I wanted to achieve. Being from St Vincent, nobody there has ever done that and it’s something that I really wanted to do.”

He added: “It was something that I knew that no batsman from St Vincent had ever done … so it’s something I always had in the back of my head, that I’d love to be the first to have an international hundred.”

The right-handed Ambris struck 19 fours and a six, posting 84 for the first wicket with Shai Hope (30), before dominating a thirdwicket stand of 128 with Roston Chase, who made 46.

He raced to his half-cen-

Sunil Ambris plays through the off-side during his maiden ODI hundred against Ireland on Saturday.

(Photo courtesy CWI Media) tury off just 43 balls and required only another 46 balls to reach triple figures in the 28th over.

Ambris, in only his fourth ODI, said he found momentum early in his in-

nings and was never troubled by the Ireland bowlers.

“It’s probably the best I’ve batted in international cricket. I haven’t played much [sic] games and I think that’s also my first List A

City retain Premier League title (BBC) - MANCHESTER City retained their Premier League title and finally ended Liverpool’s magnificent challenge after surviving a scare to come from behind and outclass Brighton at the Amex.

Pep Guardiola’s side started the day knowing victory would ensure they would be the first team to retain the crown since Manchester United 10 years ago, but any slip-up could let in their relentless pursuers Liverpool, who were hosting Wolves at Anfield.

And when Glenn Murray gave the Seagulls the lead with a glancing header from a corner after 27 minutes, anxiety rose in Sussex and hopes rose at Anfield that Liverpool might win their first title in 29 years.

Manchester City’s response was instant, emphatic and ruthless as they swept Brighton aside to end the campaign with a record 14 successive league victories, making it 32 in all, which equals the record they set last season.

Sergio Aguero pounced in the area to equalise inside 83 seconds and Aymeric Laporte arrived unmarked on the end of a corner to put City ahead before half-time.

Brighton had no way back and City completed the formalities in spectacular style as Riyad Mahrez fired high past Mat Ryan just after the hour and Ilkay Gundogan’s spectacular 72nd minute free-kick sparked wild celebrations.

City may not have repeated the 100 points that won the title last season, but this was arguably an even sweeter success, given the season-long battle with Liverpool.

City knew their task at kick-off here in Sussex - but whether it was a combination of nerves or unwitting complacency, it took the fright of going behind to kick them into action.

Vincent Kompany of Manchester City lifts the Premier League Trophy after winning the title during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City at American Express Community Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Brighton, United Kingdom.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Image City were careless and lacking in urgency until Murray bundled in a near-post header.

It was the signal for the last assault on the title.

Aguero swiftly put the show back on the road and once Laporte escape the attentions of Murray to head home, this was job done.

It was a fitting decoration that the final two goals of City’s season were thunderous efforts from Mahrez and Gundogan, demonstrating the quality that is spread so liberally through this squad.

Brighton, to their credit, did not simply stand aside and allow the party to take place: Chris Hughton’s side were organised and resilient, but once they levelled matters up, City were irresistible.

And even the home fans accepted the inevitable by the final whistle,

rising to first give a standing ovation to City captain Vincent Kompany when he was substituted and then to Guardiola and his team, once referee Michael Oliver had sounded the final whistle that confirmed they were were Premier League champions for the fourth time and for the sixth time in total.

City’s achievement, completed with that astonishing 14-game win towards the winning post, is underscored by the fact that they saw saw off a Liverpool side that lost just once this season - to City - and amassed 97 points.

This is a magnificent feat by Guardiola and Manchester City.

The best team always ends as Premier League champions - and no matter how superbly Liverpool have performed, they came up against a truly outstanding team that was just one point better.

hundred. Once I got in, I tried to carry it as deep as possible and that’s what I did,” he explained.

“I started very fluently, so it wasn’t a case where I was bogged down, so it was easy for me. I got boundaries early up and I was always going at more than a run-a-ball, so it wasn’t the hardest of innings.

“The guys I was batting with made it a lot easier – they’ve been there and done that before, especially Hopey (Hope) and (Darren) Bravo and it basically made things a lot easier.”

Ambris usually bats in

the middle or lower order, but grabbed the chance to move up to the opening spot in the last game against Bangladesh when John Campbell was forced out with a sore back.

He said his decision was based on his motivation to be among the runs for West Indies.

“I don’t usually bat at the top,” he noted.

“I saw it as a good opportunity to get a big score because in this setup I was slated to bat at seven, so I said to myself ‘it is either seven or open,’ so why not take it at the top.”

Mumbai snag 2019 IPL tile

(ESPNcricinfo) - IN a deeply tactical and wildly chaotic final, Lasith Malinga turned around a horror night in an exceptional final over to hand Mumbai Indians their fourth IPL title.

The match went this way and that -- both batting sides arguably underperformed, technology gave the third umpire a nightmare, catches went down and run-outs were missed -- before it came down to Chennai Super Kings needing nine to win off the final over.

Malinga -- three overs for 42 until then, a dropped catch, ordinary fielding and a missed run-out to his name -- turned up one final time with creaky joints to concede just seven.

With two required off the last ball, he bowled the most magical slower-ball to win it for Mumbai, when most bowlers would have been happy to bowl a slower wide ball to try to ensure the tie first.

On a night when experience came to the fore, Shane Watson nearly enjoyed a similar fairy-tale.

Trusted through what can conventionally be seen as a horror run, Watson carried Super Kings into the final with 80 off 59, twice undoing Mumbai’s good work with his targeted assault of Mumbai bowlers, but his physical struggles got the better of him in the last over.

With five required off three balls and with Malinga nailing his yorkers, Watson set off for a suicidal second, not only running himself out, but also leaving Ravindra Jadeja stranded at the non-striker’s end. It was perhaps time for Jadeja to say no to that second.

Winning the toss and deciding to bat because of the pressure of the final, Mumbai came out full of intent to not let Super Kings bowl Deepak Chahar for three straight overs in the Powerplay. Quinton de Kock went after Deepak in the third over, hitting him for three sixes, and MS Dhoni was forced to go to Shardul Thakur in the fifth over.

De Kock hit him for a six fourth ball of the over. Now Mumbai were close to pushing Deepak and Super Kings out of their comfort zone; all they needed was to not lose a wicket in the next two balls.

De Kock didn’t pay much mind to this by-play, and went for another six, gloving the ball to Dhoni.

This allowed Deepak to come back in the sixth over, and he responded beautifully with a knuckle ball that got the wicket of Rohit Sharma for 15.

What’s more, he made that sixth over -- usually the most difficult in the Powerplay -- a maiden. From 45 for 0 in 4.4, Mumbai went to 45 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

New champs to be crowned in Linden Guinness Greatest of the Streets A NEW champion will be crowned in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Championship, as holders Silver Bullets went down to High Rollers in the semi-final round at the Mackenzie Market Tarmac.

A large crowd was on hand to witness the unlikely result, as the youthful High Rollers outfit prevailed 1-0 on penalty kicks, after regulation and extra time finished scoreless, in the process sealing their first ever appearance in the final.

Talisman Omar Brewley was the difference on the night, netting from the distance, after both Silver

Bullets players Robin Adams and Jermaine Samuels missed from the distance, alongside a failure from team-mate Jonah Simon.

With the win, High Rollers set up a meeting with fellow first time finalist Amazings, who also prevailed via the penalty shoot-out route.

Amazings were perfect from the distance, defeating Capital Storm 2-1 on penalty kicks, after regulation and extra time ended scoreless. The two losers will face-off in the third place playoff.

In the earlier quarterfinal round, High Rollers upset highly touted Swag Entertainment 2-1. First-half

goals from Jehu Regis and Shane Haynes in the fifth and eighth minutes each secured the win.

For the loser, Colwyn Drakes found the back of the net in the 13th minute.

On the other hand, Amazings edged Coomacka 2-1 on penalty kicks, after normal time ended 0-0.

Meanwhile, Silver Bullets crushed Wisroc 4-0.

Damion Williams recorded a hat-trick, opening his account in the 11th minute, before registering a ‘Guinness Goal’ [GG] [a goal scored in the final three minutes counts as two] in the 20th minute.

Assisting with a third-

Action in the Guinness Greatest of the Streets football tournament minute conversion was Jermaine Samuels. On the other hand, Capitol Storm

edged Quiet Storm 2-1. An 18th minute [GG] from Oral Peters sealed the win.

For the loser, Kellon Adams netted in the sixth minute.

Flash FC, Kanuku Harpies win home leg of RFA quarterfinals

Flash FC stormed to a 5-1 win against the Kanuku Harpies

THE Kanuku Harpies males and the Flash FC females have registered wins in the first leg of their quarter-final clashes in the Fourth Rupununi Football Association (RFA) Champions League.

On Saturday, the teams battled the Jaguars FC and Kanuku Harpies respectively at the Parishara Village Ground, in East- Central Rupununi.

The male Harpies edged out the Jaguars FC 4-2, while Flash FC whipped the female Harpies 5-1.

Neither the female Harpies nor the Jaguars had ever reached the quarterfinals of the league.

Later this month, the sides will get a second change when they play the return leg of the competition.

The female Harpies will travel to the Flash FC’s home in Yupukari Village on Saturday, May 25; the males will journey to the Jaguars FC home ground in Kaicumbay on the same day.

The other second-round battles will also be held this month. Games are scheduled over the next two weekends (May 18 and 19 and on May 25 and 26), at venues to be named.

Last evening, the last of the first-round quarterfinal games were scheduled to be played.

Reifer encouraged by Windies ‘mental toughness’ CMC – WEST Indies head coach Floyd Reifer has said he is encouraged by the mental toughness shown by the players, especially the batsmen, in the ongoing Tri-Nations Series against home side Ireland and Bangladesh.

The West Indies have won two of their three matches played so far and have virtually assured themselves a place in the final.

Reifer said he was espe-

cially pleased by the Windies’ approach in chasing down an ODI record 328 against Ireland in their last match.

He said the coaching staff had worked hard during practice sessions, getting the players’ mindset ready to play cricket.

“I am very happy with the results so far, the mental approach of the players have been excellent, I thought the players adapted

very well to the conditions.

The conditions are not what we are accustomed to, so I thought the players adapted very well,” Reifer said.

“The way that we played the first three games; the two games that we won against Ireland, I thought the approach was very good.

Chasing 329 runs the mindset was very positive…and I thought the batting unit did a very good job there. It’s a young team and most of the

guys have not played a lot of ODI cricket, so it’s good to see the approach to the batting has been clinical.”

Reifer was also full of praise for Sunil Ambris, who scored his maiden century in that winning performance.

He said Ambris was originally slated to bat at number seven, but volunteered to open the innings after John Campbell was unable to play due to a sore

back.

“Firstly, we have to commend Sunil [Ambris] for raising his hand and taking the opportunity at the top of the order. His first game you could tell he was a little nervous, [but] we had a couple meetings after that and we watched some footage together and pointed out a few areas he could improve on.

“I thought he played a magnificent innings. It

was well thought out and he paced the innings and I don’t think he played a false shot,” Reifer said.

He said the innings would go a long way in building Ambris’ confidence and would also benefit the West Indies in the long-run.

“We have players who are not in the World Cup team who are still putting in performances like this and this is what we want to see,” he said.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 13, 2019

FIFA Conference on Development starts tomorrow DELEGATES for the 2019 FIFA FIFA Conference on Development will begin arriving today for the twoday event (May 14 - 15) at the Marriott Hotel.

The Government of Guyana, through the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) will partner with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to host the conference which president Wayne Forde said will have the participation of every affiliated member of the Caribbean Football Union.

Forde, in explaining the importance of the conference, said the full body of the FIFA Development Committee will be in Guyana, where one of the key areas of focus will be the implementation of a comprehensive regional schools football programme.

The GFF president noted that during the visit of FIFA president Gianni Infantino to Guyana in 2017, there was an extensive discussion on a Regional Schools football programme with CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque, and the extent it could contribute on the overall development on the game in the Caribbean.

The Development Committee, according to FIFA, shall deal with the Federation’s development programmes and shall devise and propose appropriate strategies, check these strategies periodically and analyse the support provided to member associations, confederations and zonal/ regional associations in this regard.

The FIFA Forward Development Programme was first adopted by the FIFA

Umroa says WI U19 training camp gave him confidence

GFF president Wayne Forde Congress on May 9, 2016 and it was to become not only a “step change” for global football development and the way we share the success of the FIFA World Cup with our member associations, but also one of the most prominent sports’ development programmes.

FIFA Forward is built to provide 360-degree, tailor-made support for football development in each of our member associations and the six confederations and is based on three principles – more investment, more impact, and more oversight.

Woodpecker Products Junior Nationals begins this evening THE Woodpecker Products Junior Nationals will begin today at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street, Georgetown.

The tournament is important in the Junior

Squash calendar as a benchmark for Junior Caribbean Squash Association squad selection; determining the national title winners.

Twenty-four players will compete in age categories Boys and Girls under

19, Under 17, Under 15, Under 13 and Under 11.

There is a very young group of players this year, but there is certainly no lack of talent amongst them.

Reigning U19, U17 and U15 Champion Shomari

THE Woodpecker Products Junior Nationals will begin today.

Wiltshire, will defend his U17 and U19 titles for the boys, while Michael Alphonso, Nicholas Verwey and Demetrius DeAbreu will battle each other and others in the U15 category.

Mohryan Baksh will be looking to earn the U13 title this year.

For the Girls, Abosaide Cadogan will be defending the U19, and U17 titles, while Kirsten Gomes will set her sights on the U15 category, as well as compete in the higher categories.

WIth few competitors in the girls’ group, the younger categories will have the majority of games over the coming week.

Play will continue each weekday at 18:00hrs and the final matches will begin on Saturday, 18th May, from 11:00hrs

KEVIN Umroa feels that his dominance in the three-day format of the Hand-in-Hand Inter-County cricket Tournament came down to two factors: one improved his skills and confidence, the other inspired him—the end result was 23 wickets, the most this year.

The Albion Community Centre Cricket Club next generation left-arm spinner said that he was more poised and willing to bowl to his merits in the four-team competition, which concluded last week.

“I got all of those wickets because I was confident after coming back from the West Indies Under-19 camp. I had to put all my emphasis on my bowling and back myself before heading into this Inter County Kevin Umroa spun his way to 23 wickets at the tournament.” just concluded HandThe camp was in-Hand Three-Day Inheld from April 18 to ter-County Tournament. the 28 in Antigua, and Umroa, fellow Berbician Kevlon Anderson (RHTY&SC) and Demerara Cricket Club cricketers Ashmead Nedd and Sachin Singh were coached on their batting, bowling and fielding techniques.

“The camp was a good training experience for me. I have learnt a lot of things and ideas from coaches and players from other countries.”

With his confidence, the 18-year-old was able to extract turn on the pitches. In fact, his dominance with the ball was a key reason that Berbice retained their title. In the final of the competition last week, Umroa finished with an 11-wicket haul, including 6-41 in the second innings.

ENCOURAGING WORDS Prior to travelling to the capital city for the three-day competition, Umroa was given a pep talk by seasoned bowlers Veerasammy Permaul, his West Indies compatriot Devendra Bishoo and national spinner Gudakesh Motie.

“They all told me to do what I do best.”

The former JC Chandi Singh Secondary School student said that he is also ready to make an impact in the one-day competition, which bowls off today in Berbice and Georgetown.

“For bowling I’ll just try and be consistent and keep it simple and if I have the chance to bat, I’ll just try and be positive.”

Berbice are set to play Essequibo at Albion today, while at the Everest Cricket Club Ground, in the capital city, Demerara will challenge the Select U17.

New champs to be crowned in Linden Guinness Greatest of the Streets SEE STORY ON PAGE 22 ► Action in the Guinness greatest of the streets football tournament

Mumbai snag 2019 IPL tile

The Mumbai Indians players pose with the IPL 2019 trophy © BCCI

SEE STORY ON PAGE 21 ►

Woodpecker Products Junior Nationals begin this evening SEE STORY ON PAGE 23 ►

FIFA Conference on Development starts tomorrow SEE STORY ON PAGE 23 ►

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

GFF president Wayne Forde MONDAY, MAY 13, 2019