Guyana Chronicle E-paper 6-16-2019

16th June, 2019

No.105670

AFC selects Ramjattan as No. 2

––Trotman as chairman; Hughes as vice chair; Patterson returns as general secretary

––– Nagamootoo throws support behind new executive 03 PAGE

Levi Lawrence Nedd, a special father to many 14 No drug, staff 23 shortage at Diamond Diagnostic Centre PAGE

PAGE

President Granger meets Cuban 09 foreign minister PAGE

New AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan; AFC Vice Chair Catharine Hughes and General Secretary, David Patterson are all smiles after the party’s National Conference and Elections on Saturday at St. Paul’s Retreat Centre, East Coast Demerara (Carl Croker photograph)

–– stands in solidarity with Cuba against US trade embargo

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sunday CHRONICLE june 16, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

AFC selects Ramjattan as No. 2

––Trotman as chairman; Hughes as vice chair; Patterson returns as general secretary

–– Nagamootoo throws support behind new executive

By Svetlana Marshall THE Alliance For Change (AFC), by a large majority, voted for Khemraj Ramjattan to be the party’s prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming General and Regional Elections, thereby ousting Moses Nagamootoo from returning as a PM candidate.

Ramjattan’s endorsement as the prime ministerial candidate took place hours after he was elected leader of the AFC during its National Conference and Elections held on Saturday at St. Paul’s Retreat Centre, on the East Coast of Demerara.

During the conference, which had 275 delegates and 40 observers in attendance, four motions were put to the floor for the AFC to appoint Ramjattan as the prime ministerial candidate for the next General Elections – the response was overwhelming. The Guyana Chronicle understands that over 200 delegates, by show of hands, voted in favour of the consolidated motion.

Ramjattan, in his address, told the delegates that while the motions recommended that he be the prime ministerial candidate, it was not an indication that the party had no confidence in Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

“The motion does not in any way, do any injustice to Moses Nagamootoo,” Ramjattan said, while emphasising that it was not a signal of no-confidence in the current prime minister.

“Moses has been my mentor and that is why before he left, he hugged me and said ‘Khemraj, whatever it is, we are still brothers,’” the AFC prime ministerial candidate told the delegates.

Ramjattan also told the delegates that the AFC will contest the upcoming elections alongside its coalition partner – the Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – as was done in May 2015, which resulted in them being elected to government.

GOING BACK AS A COALITION “We are going back as a coalition,” he told them while underscoring the importance of facing the electorate as a united force that has their interest at heart.

“Make a personal commitment to see us through successfully in the next elections,” he further urged the delegates. He also committed to creating employment op-

portunities for the people of Guyana.

On the sideline of the conference, shortly after he was recommended to be the prime ministerial candidate, Ramjattan told reporters it would appear that the delegates view him as “fit and proper” for the position. He committed to “doing a good job,” and addressing issues of job creation and constitutional reform raised by the AFC

supporters.

Before the consolidated motion was debated and put to a vote, Prime Minister Nagamootoo exited the conference on the basis that he did not want to influence the process.

He told reporters: “I am a democrat; I do not want to influence any of the decisions, one way or the other.”

The prime minister, who is regarded as an elder states-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo waving as he was leaving AFC’s National Conference and Elections held at St. Paul’s Retreat Centre (Carl Croker Photo)

man in the AFC, said the motion was not a contest. “I have not… thrown my hat in the proverbial ring. So it is not like you have to vote for either Nagamootoo or Ramjattan or anybody else.

It’s a motion, and for me it’s a motion of intention,” he explained.

He recalled that in 2015, it was the leadership of the AFC that approached him to be the prime ministerial candidate, and he accepted. Nagamotoo said this time around, there was no nomination for prime ministerial candidates or parliamentarians.

Nonetheless, Nagamootoo noted that since 2017, he indicated that he would no longer be contesting for any of the leadership positions in the alliance.

YOUNG PEOPLE “I have had a lot of that in 50 years on another side of the fence. I wanted young people to be able to participate in this process and to be qualified to be elected, and to be elected, so I withdrew from all leadership positions in the party,” he explained.

It is his view that the timing of the motion was wrong but made it clear that it was not for him to decide, noting that it was an inter-party political process.

“On Tuesday, the Carib-

bean Court of Justice (CCJ) will deliver its decision, I don’t know if they will be able to deliver all of the decisions, (but) this is happening on the eve, virtually, of those decisions, so for me, you have to be careful of the optics that you don’t send a message that you are already in elections mode and you are accepting the fact that the motion might have been carried, and you are already selecting candidates for an election,” Prime Minister Nagamooto explained.

But Catherine Hughes, who was re-elected vice-chairman of the AFC, said it was an important decision to make.

“This is an issue we have to deal with. We do not have the luxury of another national conference. Our national conference was due now and we decided that we were having it. We had it and we are prepared to enter into an election whenever it is necessary. We have said as a government, we are going to abide by the ruling of the CCJ,” Hughes told reporters. She said the conference was extremely expensive to host, and it was important for the party to capitalise on the opportunity to decide on its prime ministerial candidate.

“It makes absolutely no sense for the AFC to be unprepared. This is part of

AFC’s Prime Ministerial Candidate, Khemraj Ramjattan our preparation for going into a national election,” the vice-chairman said.

With Ramjattan selected as the AFC’s prime ministerial candidate, it is more than likely that he will run alongside President David Granger, the APNU’s Presidential Candidate, in the upcoming General Elections.

The Cummingsburg Accord, from which the APNU+AFC coalition was birthed, provides for AFC to provide the prime ministerial candidate, and the APNU, the Presidential Candidate in a national election.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Venezuela crisis: Migrants dash to cross Peru border (BBC) Thousands of Venezuelans have rushed to cross into Peru in a bid to beat the introduction of tougher migration laws.

Under new laws introduced on Saturday, Venezuelans need to have a passport and visa to enter Peru.

Authorities say about 6,000 Venezuelans crossed from neighbouring Ecuador alone on Thursday, three times the daily average.

Some four million people have fled Venezuela since 2015, according to the United Nations.

The country's imploding economy has resulted in high unemployment and shortages of food and medicine, and hundreds of thousands of people are said to be in need of humanitarian aid.

Previously, Venezuelan citizens wanting to enter Peru only required a national ID card.

Marianni Luzardo was travelling to Peru's northern border with her two daugh-

country, fuel has become scarce and drivers queue for days at petrol stations. There are also frequent blackouts.

The government says the shortages are caused by US sanctions. The opposition argues that they are the result of mismanagement and corruption by consecutive socialist governments.

The crisis deepened in January after Juan Guaidó,

Venezuelans queue at an immigration office in the border town of Tumbes

ters on Friday. "In Venezuela it is almost impossible to get a passport," she told the Associated Press. "We need to get to Peru soon."

Peru's President Martin Vizcarra defended the tougher migration restrictions on Thursday.

"Our country has opened its arms to more than 800,000

Venezuelans," he told reporters at an event in the northern city of Piura. "I think it's completely logical and justified to ask them to bring visas to ensure better control of who enters."

Latin American countries host the vast majority of Venezuelan migrants and refugees. Colombia has the most

at 1.3 million, followed by Peru with 768,000, according to UN figures.

What's the situation in Venezuela?

Under the government of Nicolás Maduro, the economy has collapsed and shortages of food and medicines have become widespread.

In parts of the oil-rich

Seaga helped to revive integration movement – St Kitts-Nevis PM (JAMAICA OBSERVER) PRIME Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Timothy Harris has hailed late former Prime Minister Edward Seaga for his contribution to the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

He said that Seaga was instrumental in reviving the integration movement in 1982 when Jamaica hosted the first meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) after a seven-year hiatus.

Seaga's efforts, he noted, served to reinvigorate the integration process.

“Seaga managed to convene a meeting of the Caricom heads and to, as it were, bring back some new life to the importance of the leaders' meeting, even if they would not agree on all the issues,” he said.

Dr Harris was speaking with JIS News at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), yesterday, where he signed the condolence book for Seaga.

The St Kitts and Nevis prime minister, in reflecting on the life and career of Seaga, said that the late former prime minister made an indelible contribution to the development of Jamaica in many spheres throughout his 43-year political career.

“When we think of the life and times of Eddie Seaga, we measure a man who has been resilient throughout the times,” he said.

Dr Harris described Seaga's career in politics as “long and colourful”.

“He served at the highest office of government as the

prime minister of Jamaica for two terms and had been, perhaps, one of the longest-serving leaders of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). A man with such a pedigree will certainly long be remembered by the people of Jamaica and the people of the region,” he noted.

Dr Harris said Seaga's legacy lives on through the prolific documents, books, scrapbooks and other memorabilia accumulated during his

years in public service. Some of these are housed at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Upon his retirement from public life, Seaga was appointed as a distinguished fellow at the Mona Campus, and was later named chancellor at the University of Technology, Jamaica in 2010.

“We hope that... his writings will help to provide thoughts that we, as young

politicians still learning, will better understand the dynamics of political life, how to hone our own space and to create better legacies for our people —not just in our member states — but in the Caribbean region,” Dr Harris said.

Seaga was Jamaica's fifth prime minister, serving from October 1980 to February 1989. He died on May 28 at the age of 89.

the head of the National Assembly, declared himself interim president, arguing that Mr Maduro's re-election last year had been "illegitimate".

He has since been recognised by more than 50 countries, including the US and most of Latin America.

But Mr Maduro retains the loyalty of most of the military and important allies such as China and Russia.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

The Enmore Martyrs

SEVENTY-ONE years ago on this date, five sugar workers were shot and killed by police at the Enmore Estate, East Coast Demerara. The victims were Lallabaggie and Dookie from Enmore, and Rambarran, Harry and Pooran from Enterprise/ Non Pareil. The story that led to this incident has to do with the workers’ demand for improved working conditions which is an element in workers’ struggle for self-determination. On this fateful day, about 400 workers were on strike to bring attention to their displeasure with the “cut and load” system which they wanted to be abolished.

Sugar workers were arguing that the “cut and load” system be replaced by the “cut and drop.”

While the former entailed cane-cutters having to load the canes they cut, the latter

would have allowed for division of labour, where one set of workers would cut, and another set load.

This struggle was against the backdrop of the desire of the workers to have the right to freedom of association respected and their choice to be represented by the Guyana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU), which is today known as the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU). GIWU was, in 1946, co-founded by Cheddi Jagan and Joseph P. Lachmansingh, with the former departing from the Man Power Citizens’ Association (MPCA), which he joined in 1943 on his return to the then British Guiana.

In that period, outside of the trade union movement, the struggles of workers for improvement in their conditions of work and stan-

dard of living were supported by the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), which was co-founded in 1946 by Jagan, Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase and Jocelyn Hubbard.

Workers’ struggles of this period also included that of one-man-one-vote (universal suffrage) and internal self-government, among other socio-economic and political issues that became principles for the movement cemented at the 1926 Caribbean Conference for Labour Leaders, hosted in Guyana with the participation of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow.

It should be said that while the MPCA, at the time, represented sugar workers, the workers considered it a “company union” and doubted its quality of representation.

With respect to the right to freedom of association, systems should have been

put in place for the workers to express their will in determining which of the unions they reposed confidence in. This fundamental principle was never applied until 1976, which led to the recognition of GAWU as the sole bargaining agent for workers that were represented by the MPCA.

Thus, the 1948 struggle carried with it both industrial and political intent and desire. Given the co-mingling of this relationship between Jagan and the sugar workers, one can understand the union’s affiliation to the party. Outside of the political influence, sugar workers were prepared to challenge the estate owners for weeks, given that the strike had commenced on 22nd April, which speaks to an unflinching determination. When the estate authorities called in the colonial police, the workers did not relent, pre-

ferring instead to challenge and confront.

This led to an exchange between workers and the police who shot the latter, killing the five and injuring others. This massacre led to the rallying of workers and citizens across the country, in what evidently was seen as the wrong way to defuse the situation or resolve the conflict.

When the five were buried at the Le Repentir Cemetery, there was a procession that walked from Enmore to the cemetery.

The demands by the people of the colonial authority to conduct a Commission of Inquiry into the event were loud and clear and met with the needed response in the establishment of such a commission.

The determination of the sugar workers and the struggle that led to the demise of some have not been in

vain and have been immortalised. In 1976, the Government of Guyana, based on the recommendation by the Inter-American Organisation of Workers (ORIT), which the Guyana Trades Union Congress via then General-Secretary Joseph Pollydore pursued, the five became known as martyrs.

A monument was built at Enmore in these workers’ honour. This monument represents a covenant with the workers of Guyana that never, ever again the guns of the State will be turned on them in their pursuit for self-determination. In this another year of commemoration, the pivotal role sugar workers played in the nation’s self-determination, some of which resulted in injuries and the loss of lives, is remembered.

It should be clear to the public that TIGI is now pushing an agenda Dear Editor, THE two recent columns by TIGI published in Stabroek News have featured attention-grabbing headlines.

But after unpacking the lengthy sections of legal jargon and quotations, I still struggle to see any clear-cut case of illegal activity being made.

I will be the first to admit that I have no legal training, which means TIGI’s columns make for some very thick reading. But I believe that I can distil everything down to two points, in layman’s

terms. 1) Then minister responsible for petroleum does not have proper “discretion” to grant blocks the size of the Stabroek, except for under “special circumstances,” and 2) the “special circumstances” the government has used to defend the award does not meet that definition.

If this is an accurate summary of their argument -- and I believe it is -- then I have to confess that I do not see TIGI’s legal case. Everything seems predicated on an opinion or judgment call rather than clear-cut legal wrongdoing.

Take the argument concerning “discretion.” TIGI cites lengthy statements from legal scholars, yet nothing I have read clearly shows that any violation of that “discretion” occurred. The problem is that it’s all about how you interpret the language, specifically the “special circumstances” provision which seemingly allows for a broad range of undefined discretionary activity.

The most recent column illustrates this clearly. TIGI included various quotes given in different contexts. All of these statements essen-

tially say the same thing: “discretionary doesn’t actually mean discretionary.” ‘He said’, ‘she said’ is dangerous ground for legal arguments though.

TIGI’s contention that the security situation regarding Venezuela did not and does not constitute a “special circumstance” is susceptible to the same problem. Ultimately, the letter of the law allows the minister to make that decision; TIGI may have an opinion on the status of Guyana’s national security at any given time, but their opinion alone does not deter-

mine what is legal or illegal.

The question I cannot stop asking myself is, if TIGI is confident that it has an airtight legal case, why aren’t they making that case in court? It’s fine to publish the columns and state their opinions, but why aren’t they moving to bring any legal case? Perhaps because there is no case to bring?

TIGI is meant to be a transparency watchdog – they are tasked with sniffing out corruption and seeking greater openness in governance. Their columns in Stabroek News

to date seem to veer away from encouraging greater transparency and veer towards an agenda focused on political and legal advocacy. That’s fine, but TIGI should be clear with the public that it’s now pushing an agenda, and not simply calling for greater transparency.

Regards, Donald Singh

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Sterner action required at City Hall Dear Editor, THERE is a popular quotation that says, ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,’ which is exactly the circumstances with the Audit Office of Guyana (AOG) and the mayor and councillors of the city of Georgetown.

Does the AOG really believe that the administration of the Georgetown municipality will turn over the requisite financial documents for examination?

For well over two decades now there has not been anything resembling audited,

qualified accounts being produced by the Georgetown municipality and made public for scrutiny by citizens as is required by the law. It is a free for all at the council with the billions of dollars raked in yearly from the citizens and from central government, which is then spent willy-nilly.

At first it was thought by many that this may have been due to pure incompetence, unskilfulness, torpor and inanity; but by now it must be recognised by the smallest child that is due simply to fraud, corruption and duplicity.

When will the AOG realise that the administration of the Georgetown municipality will never and maybe can never produce the documents they require for examination, as most of them may have already have been deliberately destroyed, stashed into a secret hiding place or currently being doctored to get it right.

The administration of the council ought not be dismissed as being so naïve as to hand over the documents required, as this would leave them in one of only two choices: to either head for the hills and never look back, or surrender to law- enforce-

ment authorities and face the consequences.

It is mind boggling that the Ministry of Communities, the Local Government Commission and the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown among other agencies, would disregard and overlook, if not condone this unlawful and criminal behaviour by the administration of the council.

It was nothing short of shocking to learn via the press that a senior functionary of the Local Government Commission announced that culpable officers of the Georgetown municipality

would not be fired in spite of strong recommendations of disciplinary action to be taken against them by the Commission of Inquiry.

Even worse, these officers who were found responsible for fraudulent action, abuse of power and authority and other aspects of maladministration at City Hall are being promoted, being confirmed in their substantive posts in which they are acting so poorly in and being given new appointments to nice cushy jobs in an already topheavy municipality. It must be remembered however that in spite of the death of one

member and the firing of the other from the ‘Fantastic Four,’ there still remains the other two members who hold prominent positions in the pivotal Finance and Human Resource Committees of the Council.

I want to know why the reluctance by the AOG, the Local Government Commission, and the mayor and councillors of the City of Georgetown to call in the police to bring an end to the charade, the travesty and the circus at City Hall.

Best regards, Deodarie Putulall

GTUC top brass must do some introspection Dear Editor, I REFER to a letter purportedly written by Leslie Gonsalves, President, Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) in the Guyana Chronicle page seven, dated June 13, 2019. I would like to make it clear that the academic, administrative and ancillary staff of the Critchlow Labour College (CLC) are not employed by the Guy-

ana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), but through the college’s Board of Directors (that is how it ought to be) in which the GTUC has the majority representation.

I had stated that the University of Guyana unions, the United Minibus Union (UMU) and the Guyana Market Vendors Union (GMVU) (informal/ non-traditional) are catered for under the International Labour Organisation (ILO)

Recommendation 202, so that there was no need for me to make excuses to anyone for not providing a Collective Labour Agreement (CLA).

At previous GTUC General Council meetings, I was not afraid to voice my concern as it relates to seeing GTUC missives in the newspapers signed by the general secretary that did not have the fiat of the executives and deemed same to be in his personal capacity.

My letter to the media was in my personal capacity and that does not take away the fact that I am a vice-president of the GTUC. I never knew it was the GBGWU’s remit to call on me to provide a CLA -- quite strange.

It is therefore obvious that my personal and dear friend Leslie Gonsalves did not read my missive, but is just the messenger. If he did, I would not be surprised by his letter; in fact, I would

have been disappointed if he did not take that stance, as it has caused me to have greater respect for Bro. Gonsalves because he is displaying a quality that is so lacking in the trade union movement and some unions, that is, unshakeable loyalty to the clan.

I am not prepared to be sucked into any protracted banter in the newspaper and I hope that the GTUC's hierarchy can do some introspection and change

course to develop the organisation, inclusive of its affiliates, and the workers that we are supposed to be representing.

Regards, Eon Andrews President UMU

The soul of the nation will soon be on trial

THE recent state visit by His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana showcased Guyana’s new-found importance in the world.

Added to this, what was also on full display is the embryonic phase of the new geopolitics of Guyana’s ascension to being an oil and gas nation. Make no mistake, we are now firmly on the world stage. Be that as it may, this visit triggered introspection and kicked off a Guyanese conversation that will go to the heart and soul of this nation.

The leadership demonstrated by His Excellency President David Arthur

Granger during this visit has put to this consideration to citizens of Guyana: are we really going to the polls to choose between Mohammed Irfaan Ali and the level of gravitas and leadership that is reposed in the President?

THE TRIAL Once elections are called, the campaign will begin, there will be unrivaled electioneering, the likes of which may have never been seen before.

Understandably so, it will be the first election pre-first oil. In my estimation, it will all be ungirded by a nation on trial. The country will face a

clear cross-examination: are we going to elect integrity, grit, statesmanship and continue the trajectory of a lawand-order society or we will express a desire to hark back to the dark and lawless times of ethnopolitics? If the latter is successful at the polls, such a verdict will be a sad pellucid admission that we do not possess the propensity to elect leaders based on the content of their character.

It would be a tribal verdict, the likes of which would set us back a few decades.

UNPRECEDENTED CANDIDACY Without prejudice to the

other political parties, this will undoubtedly be a contest between the two Presidential candidates of two of Guyana’s largest parties. On a prima facie level, when the resumes and public records of Mohammed Irfaan Ali and His Excellency David Arthur Granger are juxtaposed, it ought to be an immediate slam-dunk case where the former Brigadier wins hands down. However, Guyana can be an electoral twilight zone at times. Make no mistakes, in the history of Guyana election candidates, I don’t believe the Guyanese have ever been subjected to this level of paucity of quality of leadership from a

candidate at the polls. This is compounded by the fact that it is clear the selection of this candidate is the classic Putin/Medvedev puppet arrangement. The evidence will be laid bare for the court of history to cast final judgment on this nation. It is arguably the clearest case election we will face.

It is an opportune time to reflect on the sage words

of Mahatma Gandhi ‘The nation’s culture resides in the heart and in the soul of its people’.

The Guyanese masses have never been asses, you cannot foist a weak candidate on the nation in an attempt to create a puppet President. It simply cannot work, the soul of the nation goes on trial at the next national elections.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

OUR HISTORY, OUR MARTYRS

TODAY, June 16, marks 71 years since five sugar workers – Rambarran, Lall a/k Pooran, Lallabagee, Surujbally and Harry - were killed by British colonial police. The Five are revered as the “Enmore Martyrs”.

It was amusing that a few days ago the opposition press castigated the Coalition Government for not observing Enmore Martyrs Day, on June 6 last (which it unashamedly but erroneously described as the Enmore Martyrs Day!) It mirrored the racist but false claim by this opposition that this government was “silencing” and betraying Indians.

UNION RECOGNITION I wish to remind these racists that in 1948 the Enmore Martyrs fought mainly for recognition of a union of their choice to better fight for them. It was a long and bitter struggle that ended three decades later, in recognition of GAWU as the bargaining agent of sugar workers.

It must have come as a betrayal of the Enmore Martyrs six decades later, under the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency, that the Guyana Sugar Corporation issued a threat to de-recognise the workers’ union for which the Enmore martyrs gave their lives. That was in 2010 when Mr. Donald Ramotar (later to become President) was a director of the sugar corporation.

It was also amusing and hypocritical to hear the opposition leader talking about jailing current government officials for financial crimes. But the biggest financial crime was committed under the post-Jagan regime, when the sugar industry was bankrupted, with a debt of some $85 billion.

That must also come as a betrayal of the Enmore Martyrs as the livelihood of sugar workers was put in danger.

The former regime had promised to turn around the crippled industry, but instead turned it upside down!

Jagdeo himself poured some $47 billion into the Skeldon factory, saying that sugar was dead without Skeldon. The factory became a “white elephant”.

FACTORY CLOSURE He also resorted to factory closure, and gave bailout packages to Guysuco, to keep sugar workers for the PPP as a voting machine.

The bailout was continued under the Coalition to ensure that the salaries were paid to sugar workers. It is estimated that some $50 billion was extracted from taxpayers to bail out the sugar industry. The closure of four estates was just one way out of the mess left by the Jagdeoites that resulted in some 10,000 sugar workers jobs being saved. Those made redundant were given severance pay, under provisions of the laws of Guyana. Many of them have since turned to sustainable self-employment, and some others redeployed to grinding estates.

Had the Enmore Martyrs been alive today, tears would

flow from their eyes to know that a factory such as the socalled White Elephant in Skeldon was processing less sugar per ton of cane than the antiquated factory in its time.

No amount of crocodile tears would today hide the callous betrayal of sugar workers and the destruction of the dreams of the Enmore Martyrs by the former Jagdeo-Ramotar Government.

SACRIFICES OF MARTYRS The story of the Enmore Martyrs is part of the history that all Guyanese should remember, as we must know that we cannot let the sacrifices of our martyrs go in vain. All Guyanese ought to observe June 16 with sober reflection, that the re-birth of hope in Guyana came from struggles.

We must salute our heroes, knowing that in their memory, Guyana is now poised to realize their dream of a better life for all.

Yesterday, another event of historic significance was taking place on the East Coast Demerara, where the Alliance for Change (AFC) held its 7th Biennial Conference.

The PPP and other detractors had predicted with vulgar glee that the AFC would implode, that blood would flow on the conference floor, and that this young political force is “dead meat”.

PRIME MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE Those mortal predictions were yesterday dashed. The AFC, a partner in the Coalition Government, democratically chose its new leaders and ventured into the future by identifying a prime ministerial candidate for upcoming elections.

The AFC came out unified, but the intrepid “chatteratees” would find a new limb on which to hang their theories of doom, that is, that the AFC has dumped me as Prime Minister. They would celebrate in frenzy that ”Naga gone!”

But Naga has made his point, that he could humble the mighty, could bring down the corrupt, and lay the foundations for truly, multi-party, united and clean governance.

When I joined the AFC in 2011 and hit the electoral cam-

paign, we stripped the PPP for the first time since 1992 of its parliamentary majority. Then, in 2014, I tabled a motion of no-confidence in the corrupt PPP regime, which sent it into political frenzy, resulting in the regime proroguing, then dissolving parliament. Then, at the 2015 polls, the PPP was voted out of power.

Naga was at the centre of the transition from authoritarianism to democracy, and was in the vanguard of those revolutionary changes! So, I could understand why the PPP would want to see my back!

ELDER STATESMAN The AFC, it seemed, has decided to re-group, and to consolidate itself around the leaders who originally formed the party. I was honoured to have been admitted into the leadership of this young movement, and to have been baptized its Elder Statesman.

As in the past, I again did not run for political office, not even a place in the Executive Committee. I have had my unfair share of political infighting and intrigues during my 50 years in the PPP. So, I did not stay around for the debate on the motion to identify a prime ministerial candidate for future elections. I did not want, in any way, to influence the outcome, as I felt that the party has a right to look ahead.

LOOKING FORWARD With the AFC Conference behind us, I guess that our detractors would be searching for some other stale and anticipated putrid political encounters about which to prattle.

I am only sorry that yesterday’s AFC event did not generate the anticipated “dead meat” to feed the ravenous appetite of the political detractors, not even a tiny bone to feed a poodle.

But we must no longer be delayed or distracted by them.

There is much work to be done, and we have to look forward, with optimism, to discharging the mandate that the Guyanese people gave to us in 2015, to deliver to them the good life.

Mayor’s driver still in shock –– following deadly crash at Turkeyen

By Telesha Ramnarine GEORGETOWN Mayor Ubraj Narine has not yet released a statement regarding the accident involving the vehicle assigned to him at the City Council, which collided with several vehicles last Tuesday and resulted in the death of one person.

Narine was at a workshop in Trinidad and Tobago when the incident occurred along the Turkeyen Public Road, in the vicinity of Movie Towne. His regular driver, Joel Bond, was at the wheel when he crashed into three other stationed vehicles.

Following the accident, the M&CC reported that the incident happened at approximately 15:00 hours. “The Mayor and City Council apologizes to the persons involved in the accident,” a statement from the municipality had said.

Mitford Cambridge, 53, of Lot 11 Section ‘C’ Middle Walk, Buxton, East Coast Demerara subsequently died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Cambridge was seated in the front seat of PHH 1846 when the Mayor’s vehicle, PTT 8909, crashed into him.

Speaking with this publication on Friday,

the Mayor said that although he has not yet released a statement, he has offered condolences to the relatives of the deceased via social media, and plans on visiting them very soon.

He said he prefers not to make any pronouncements as yet because the police are still conducting their investigations. “I wouldn’t make any comments until the police finish their investigation. I’m not a police, so I don’t know much.”

Narine said the accident occurred on the same day that he left for Trinidad and Tobago as Bond was running errands for him. Ever since he returned to Guyana, Narine said he visited and spoke with Bond at the Sparendaam Police Station where he is being held.

“I believe he is in shock. He still cannot

understand how it happened,” the Mayor observed, adding, “I must say to the public that these things happen. You can be the best driver, the world famous driver, but these things happen. There is no driver that can say they never made an accident. I have made maybe two accidents during my time of driving. So these things happen. You can’t prevent these things sometimes, although you try your best to stay safe on the road.”

Narine said he had thought of cancelling his trip overseas but is happy that he didn’t, or the possibility existed that he would have been in the vehicle that day.

“I believe the almighty knows what to do and everything in life has a reason when it happens.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, June 16, 2019

President Granger meets Cuban foreign minister -- stands in solidarity with Cuba against US trade embargo

PRESIDENT David Granger, this morning, assured the Republic of Cuba of Guyana’s solidarity relative to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the government of the United States of America (USA).

President Granger was, at the time, meeting with Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla; Director General of Latin America and the Caribbean Division, Ambassador Eugenio Martinez Enriquez, and Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency, Narciso Reinaldo Amador Socorro, at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Minister Parrilla travelled to Guyana for the Sixth Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of CARICOM and Cuba held on June 14, 2019.

“We have historically over four decades, regarded the integrity and sovereignty of Cuba in this hemisphere. We have taken a very strong and principled position on the question of the blockade and we will continue to give our support for the lifting of the blockade,” President Granger said.

The Head of State noted that the blockade is an aberration of international relations which have been perpetrated by one state against another. “We will continue to insist that the unlawful blockade against the Cuban people is lifted; it is something which is really part of the previous era of the cold war, it has no place in modern international relations. So, you can count on our solidarity in this regard,” he said.

On Friday, CARICOM’s Ministers of For-

eign Affairs, in a declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the Sixth Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of CARICOM and Cuba, rejected the imposition of unilateral coercive measures, while calling for an “immediate and unconditional end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the government of the United States of America against Cuba.”

The statement released by the CARCIOM Secretariat, also called for the end to what was described as the extraterritorial nature and the financial persecution of Cuban transactions, the severity of which has increased.

“In this regard, we denounce the application of the new measures under the Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, legislation which “flagrantly violates Inter-

national Law and undermines the sovereignty and interests of third parties, announced by the US Government, which strengthens the US blockade against Cuba.”

Additionally, President Granger iterated that economic development and peace in the Caribbean Bloc contributes to international peace and security.

“I would like to assure you, the Cuban Government, of the Government of Guyana’s solidarity in removing this blockade which has hampered economic development. I see the Caribbean as being not only a zone of peace, not only from a political or military point of view, but also as one of economic stability,” the Head of State said.

President Granger and the Cuban Foreign Minister discussed matters of mutual interest including climate

change and the environment, the protection of wildlife, renewable energy and healthcare, to name a few.

The President thanked the Government of Cuba for providing excellent and professional health care to him while he was being treated there for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma over the past few months. “I would like to iterate my gratitude to President Miguel DíazCanel, the Vice-President… yourself and the doctors at Centro de Investigaciones Medico Quirurgicas (CIMEQ) for the excellent care given to me,” President Granger said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Parrilla thanked Guyana for its continued support. He said Guyana and Cuba have a history of cooperation and collaboration and reiterated that the two countries will continue to work on areas

of mutual interest.

“We would never forget Guyana’s contribution dating back to 1972 [when diplomatic relations were established],” the Cuban Foreign Minister said, while noting that despite the challenging times faced as a result of the blockade, Cubans remain resilient.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams; Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Mr. Halim Majeed; Directors General of the Ministries of the Presidency and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joseph Harmon, and Mrs. Audrey Waddell respectively, also attended this morning’s meeting.

IDB execs now connoisseurs of El Dorado rums cials toured the distillery, warehouses and bottling plant and were particularly impressed with the centuries-old wooden still which is among the stills currently in use at the distillery.

“The visitors were brought up to date on the expansion and diversification plans currently underway at DDL, including the proposed solar farm to supply energy to the Diamond Complex, which is to benefit from funding from the IDB,” the release further noted.

IDB Representative in Guyana Sophie Makonnen [fourth from left] and DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo [left] share a light moment with the visiting IDB delegation at the DDL complex

Six executive members of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have been certified as official connoisseurs of Guyana’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning El Dorado Rum. The directors were presented with official certificates last Thursday at a simple ceremony in the bank’s

boardroom here by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman, Komal Samaroo.

A release from DDL noted that they earned their certificates after visiting the operations of DDL at Diamond, on Guyana’s East Bank of the Demerara River, during an official visit to Guyana, which is a borrowing member of the bank.

The directors who visited

DDL were: Eliot Pedrosa, the USA’s director; Bosco Marti Ascencio, director for Mexico and The Dominican Republic; Eric Mudueno; director for Canada; Malcolm Geere, director for the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Croatia and Slovenia; Jose Guilherme Reis, director for Brazil and Suriname and Ambassador Selwin Hart, director for the

Caribbean While at DDL, the directors participated in an organoleptic testing exercise of a range of the El Dorado and other brands of Demerara rums distilled, blended and bottled by DDL. Prior to the testing exercise, the directors, accompanied by IDB Representative in Guyana Sophie Makonnen, and DDL offi-

Last week, DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo and Government Affairs Adviser Wesley Kirton were here for the Caribbean Legislative Forum on Capitol Hill and an energy meeting at the bank and were received by five of the six directors in the office of the U.S. Executive Director. While visiting with the bank’s directorate, Samaroo took the opportunity to further discuss DDL’s diversification and expansion programmes.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Guyana stands tall in the areas of transparency, integrity in public life –– PM tells IMF team

THIS is according to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo when he briefed a high-level Mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as he explained that all is well in Guyana on the governance front.

The Prime Minister on Friday received the Mission which is headed by the Brazil-born Executive Director, Alexandre Tombini, who represents Guyana and 10 other countries on the organisation.

The IMF Mission consulted the prime minister on governance related issues, including the work of the Integrity Commission, the National Assembly and the judiciary, as well as on the state of the Rule of Law in Guyana. The prime minister explained how the Coalition Government has guaranteed the financial autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary, stating that his government respects and observes the doctrine of the separation of powers.

Mr. Tombini was accompanied by Mr. Meredith Mc Intyre, Chief of Mission for Guyana, together with the following other persons:- Mr. Aasim Hussain, Deputy Director, Western Hemisphere Department; Economists Messrs. Julian Chow, Ippei Shibata and Seedwell Hove; and Ms. Zahrah Mohammed, Senior Adviser to the Director.

Budget Director, Mrs. Sonia Roopnauth, along with Ms. Gracelyn George and Ms. Verna Adrian represent-

ed the Ministry of Finance while the prime minister’s team comprised Mrs. Abeena Moore, Permanent Secretary; Dr. Amanda Jaisingh, Executive Secretary of the Integrity Commission; Mrs. Deeann Ali, Personal Assistant to

revenues, and the vision for spending on infrastructures and on capacity building that is outlined in the ‘Guyana Green State Development Strategy’.

The prime minister disclosed that in area of good

knowledged the improvements in the work of the Integrity Commission.

Although Guyana is not within any IMF programme, the multilateral financial body re-committed to promoting the non-oil sectors to meet future demands in an oil economy for food security, and to boosting skills training to prepare the labour force

relation to anti-money laundering and the countering of finance of terrorism and proliferation (AML/CFT/ PF) and Guyana’s legal and institutional framework relating to the UN Convention Against Corruption.

Williams indicated that President Granger, upon coming into office in 2015, gave a high-level commit-

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo (seated front left) with members of the visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission and staff of his office. (OPM photo) the Prime Minister; and Ms. Christina Mohan, PAS (G).

During the consultation, which lasted over one hour, views were exchanged on a wide range of governance issues including the institutional framework to ensure integrity in public spending from oil revenues. In this regard, the prime minister gave the Mission a synopsis of the Guyana National Resources Fund which contains strong fiscal rules for access to oil

governance, Guyana has done much in recent years, which has won it accolades from transparency and human rights institutions. He noted that Guyana stands tall in its efforts at transparent procurement and integrity in public life. In the latter, he explained the progress made in reconstituting the Integrity Commission, and legislating for a new Code of Conduct for public officials.

The IMF Mission ac-

for the new oil economy.

The consultation was held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the IMF Team discussed Guyana’s anti-money laundering policy during a meeting with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, this week.

It was stated that the meeting focussed on the Government’s Anti-Corruption Policy, especially in

ment to combat corruption and as a result of this commitment and the zero tolerance to corruption stance of the government, the AG noted that Guyana was able to pass on to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)/ International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG) and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) third round mutual evaluation process.

“This was as a result of

several amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Finance of Terrorism Act, Cap 10:11 and the passing of the Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Act 2015 which dealt with the Vienna Convention, Palermo Convention and the Terrorism Financing Convention,” the ministry said.

Additionally, Williams stated that legislation was passed giving effect to the UN Convention Against Corruption, namely the State Assets Recovery Act 2017, the Witness Protection Act 2018 and the Protected Disclosures (Whistle-blower) Act 2018. He also discussed the mandate of the AML/CFT/ PF National Coordination Committee and Guyana’s upcoming fourth round mutual evaluation by the Caribbean Action Task Force (CFATF).

In addition to the anti-corruption measures discussed, the visiting IMF team inquired of assets declarations of public officials.

In response Kumar Doraisami, the Chairman of the Integrity Commission, highlighted the relevant provisions of the Integrity Commission Act, Cap 26:01 and the mandate of the commission.

Among those at the meeting were Matthew Langevine, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU); Ms. Alicia Williams, Compliance and Outreach Officer of the FIU; Ms. Niranjanie Ramprashad, Assistant Director of Supervision Division at the Bank of Guyana; and Ms. Joann Bond, Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

Harmon clears air on Broomes’ transfer of funds

DIRECTOR General of the Ministry of Presidency has dispelled claims that Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibilities for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes, transferred funds to a private individual.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had accused Broomes of transferring large sums from the Ministry of the Presidency to her

children.

Harmon, however, said that he finds it unusual that money would be transferred from the state to a private individual.

“Money is transferred based on contracts and agreements and, in this case, on scholarships,” said Harmon, adding that the sums are most likely proceeds from a scholarship.

He said it could be proceeds from a

scholarship arrangement in which the state provides funding and the parties, who benefit, are bound to provide a service at the end of the period of training.

“We do not operate those kinds of slush funds as was operated by the previous administration,” Harmon contended.

He further noted that when the current administration got into office in 2015, they

found funds which were left in Canada.

Those funds, he said, were used for different purposes but they were under the scholarship funds.

“Whatever we do is done in a transparent and lawful manner…any funds will be made through scholarship arrangements to pay for tuition and boarding,” said the Director General.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Understanding Energy

Frontier exploration

MANY will be familiar with Guyana’s classification as a “frontier” region when initial offshore exploration was taking place just a few years ago. While the term is often taken to have a negative connotation, in industry parlance a frontier is simply an area that is non-producing and under-explored.

While frontier regions do tend to be remote or underdeveloped, an important distinction is that the frontier label refers to the extent of successful exploration and production in the area, rather than a socio-economic description of the location or region.

Generally, upstream exploration is considered an extremely risky, yet highly rewarding segment of the global energy industry. This is when companies search for hydrocarbon reserves beneath the ground. Frontier exploration is a unique subset of exploration, taking place in entirely new and generally unexplored locations – essentially, the riskiest of the riskiest in financial terms due to the relatively low likelihood of finding commercial quantities of oil and gas.

Most oil and gas companies, being profit-oriented, try to avoid risky investments and instead prefer to invest their time, capital and capabilities in safer options.

The result is that a lot of exploration and production activity occurs in areas where reserves have already been identified nearby or where other operators are also invested, like the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. This allows a company to leverage existing knowledge about the reserve potential. They can also rely on existing infrastructure, personnel and logistics to help facilitate their operations.

In sum, these more fa-

vourable circumstances significantly reduce the potential costs of exploration in a given area and increase the possibility that the operations will be successful and profitable. For that reason, these types of regions are often referred to as “de-risked” – to some extent, the potential gains are known, and the risks are quantified.

This makes it a safer investment for companies with a low-risk profile.

Frontier regions, on the other hand, present high risk for companies. Exploration activities need to start from scratch to assess reserve potential, and there is ultimately no guarantee that profitable reserves will be found. The exploration and appraisal phase of an upstream petroleum project represents the high-water mark of uncertainty regarding petroleum prospects.

This means that the companies involved in frontier exploration are often quite different from the large, integrated international companies that dominate the global industry. While large operators

do conduct pure exploration and take calculated risks in frontier regions, that tends to be a smaller part of their business activity. Most frontier exploration is conducted by a mix of smaller companies that are more risk-oriented, often private equity financed, and base their business model on obtaining rights to explore unproven areas.

These pure-play exploration companies usually operate with a small staff and limited overhead. They are often built around a small group of industry experts who try to leverage individual knowledge and existing professional networks to identify opportunities. Their focus is on conducting some of the initial steps in the exploration process, like conducting seismic surveys, to reveal potential reserves. They attempt to de-risk and add value to the prospect, and then often exit by divesting or finding other larger operators that are drawn by the improved prospects created by the smaller company.

A primary example of this

model was Cove Energy, a London-based company that started as a £1 million vehicle for investment which bought up assets in East Africa in 2009 and 2010. Significant discoveries were then made over the next three years, resulting in Cove being purchased by Thailand’s national oil company-- PTT Exploration and Production-for £1.2 billion in 2012. The company was started and led by Michael Blaha and John Craven, two industry veterans.

Other explorers (such as Cairn Energy, Kosmos Energy and Africa Energy) use a similar model, concentrating on exploration of frontier areas and early monetisation of discoveries. Garrett Soden,

CEO of Africa Energy, explained that the company’s “strategy is to be early in these frontier plays and not to get into long, expensive development projects but to prove the resource and potentially sell to a larger company to develop.”

Guyana’s status as a frontier region earlier this decade certainly attracted a range of interested companies, from large operators like ExxonMobil to a handful of small, risk-oriented companies similar to Cove Energy. This diverse ecosystem of invested parties helped to generate interest from other larger investors in the early days of exploration activity in Guy-

ana.

Today, with the Stabroek Block’s prolific finds, Guyana is moving away from frontier status and generating interest, and investment, from some of the largest energy companies in the world.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Government will honour CCJ ruling in ‘no-confidence’ case

GOVERNMENT is prepared to honour the ruling made by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the case regarding the validity of the no-confidence motion, which was passed in the National Assembly in December, 2018.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, said the CCJ is the final court and whatever decision it arrives at, that will be the decision which the government will accept.

“Whatever decision the

court arrives at, it is a decision which we, as a government, has committed to accepting… we have no trepidation or fear about the decision itself,” said Harmon during a post-cabinet press briefing on Friday. He reiterated that government is prepared for whatever the court will decide next Tuesday.

In March, the Court of Appeal, by a 2-1 margin, ruled that the no-confidence motion, which was filed in the name of the Opposition Leader last December, was

not validly passed in the National Assembly, thereby overturning the High Court’s decision of Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, which was made on January 31, 2019.

The motion secured 33 votes after then government parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, had voted for the opposition-sponsored motion.

It was reported that President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders, adopted government’s position that an

absolute majority was needed to pass the no-confidence motion.

Justice Saunders said it is clear that an absolute majority was the requirement. “No one doubts that an absolute majority was required in this case,” Justice Saunders said.

In the three appeals, the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, along with recalled Member of Parliament, Charrandass Persaud, and political activist, Christopher Ram, were trying to validate the passage of the

motion in an attempt to defeat the government.

The three cases were: Christopher Ram v The Attorney General, the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon and the Guyana Elections Commission; Bharrat Jagdeo v The Attorney General, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Joseph Harmon and the Guyana Elections Commission; and Charrandass Persaud v Compton Reid, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the At-

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon torney General, Bharrat Jagdeo, Joseph Harmon and the Guyana Elections Commission. The coalition government, through the attorney general, had filed a cross appeal.

13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Trotman elected AFC chairman unopposed

By Svetlana Marshall

PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has been declared leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), and Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, chairman.

Ramjattan and Trotman were elected unopposed.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes was elected vicechair, while Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, with 155 of 274 votes, was elected general-secretary.

Beverly Alert, Leonard Craig and Michael Carrington had also contested the position of general sec-

retary, while Marlon Williams, the outgoing general-secretary, withdrew from nomination for re-election.

In the ‘race’ to occupy the vice chairmanship of the alliance, Hughes defeated Nicola Trotman, Valerie Lowe and Trevor Williams, to return to the post.

Up to press time, the Guyana Chronicle was unable to confirm the names of members of the 12-member National Executive Committee (NEC).

On Saturday, approximately 275 AFC delegates turned up to attend the party’s National Conference and Elections at St. Paul’s Retreat Centre on the East Coast of Demerara. Ramjattan, ahead

AFC Leader and Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, makes his way into the AFC’s Conference which got underway on Saturday morning

of the elections, told reporters that he was confident of a win.

At the close of the conference, Patterson, who once served as the AFC’s general-secretary and now returns to the post, told reporters that there was full representation at the conference with delegates drawn from the 10 administrative regions, the Caribbean and wider diaspora.

Patterson noted that a total of 14 motions were placed

on the floor; however, four were withdrawn, another four were defeated, and six were passed. Among the motions passed was a motion that called for the newly elected Leader of the AFC Khemraj Ramjattan to be the party’s prime ministerial candidate.

Speaking to reporters outside the St. Paul’s Retreat Centre, moments before the conference started, Minister Hughes said she See page 17

Alliance For Change (AFC) Vice-Chair and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, speaking to members of the media, as the AFC’s two-day National Conference got underway

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, June 16, 2019

Levi Lawrence Nedd, a special father to many

TODAY, thousands of Guyanese will either visit or spend quality time with their father or father figures and shower them with love and gifts in observance of Father’s Day. However, for one man, that visit began since Wednesday last and will continue well into tonight as his ‘children’ knows they have to get to him early because they are too many who want to see him.

Levi Lawrence Nedd, a biological father of two boys ages 13 and 17, has been the student affairs officer at the GuySuCo’s Apprentice

Nedd leads a team of apprentices performing at an event

Training Centre in Port Mourant, East Berbice, Corentyne for the past 16 years.

During that time, he became a father figure to over 1,000 children who are very thankful for his guidance for making them who they are today.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited Nedd on Friday afternoon, two former students were leaving his office. They were from a batch that graduated in 2015.

“We came to wish Mr. Nedd a happy Father’s Day early because we know he will get a lot of visitors later on and over the weekend, so we wanted to make sure we were early,” the students said.

At the hostel, students are required to live-in for the duration of their course, a minimum of two years.

Many walk into the doors as shy, sheltered children, unable to fend for themselves as they were dependent on their parents.

For those who live in the vicinity of the training hostel or have seen the students in action, they would have never guessed that.

Instead, they would attest that they are the most disciplined, well-mannered and neatly-dressed boys and girls. They are eloquent speakers and always seem to possess some special skills in extracurricular school activities.

This transformation or outlook that others see is mainly attributed to the input of Mr. Nedd, as he is fondly called.

Being a former student himself, who graduated as a fitter machinist apprentice in 1979, Nedd said the person he has become today was due to the guidance he received during his time as a student at the GuySuCo Training Centre.

Immediately after graduation, he pledged to return someday and give back because what he was taught helped him to rise above poverty and become someone productive in society.

NEVER LOOKED BACK Nedd took up his current position in 2003 and since then, he has never looked back.

Being the last of eight siblings and born in Stanleytown, Berbice, he grew up with his father, a watchman and his stepmother, in D’Edward village.

He was taught by Majorie Nedd, his step mother, to be a proper gentleman.

She was the first major influence in his life and pushed him to be a better person.

“I was taught the proper use of culinary utensils, how to dress and behave etc,” he reminisced.

Levi Nedd

Being an ‘old-school’ gentleman at heart and being able to adapt and keep abreast with the ever-evolving technological age, Nedd was able to connect with his students and instill in them life skills through mentorship and ‘tough love’.

“As a Muslim, I am taught to lead by example and if I want my students to be someone, I have to first be that person and I find that it works really well. I was taught tough love growing up and while I did not realise it then, it was very important later on so I use the same method. I tell them I don’t speak with water in my mouth. If I have something to say, I say it and we deal with it there and then and move on,” Nedd said.

MANY HATS Apart from being a social worker, he is a certified coach of volley ball, football and other sport disciplines and has a passion for singing and the arts.

In his younger days, being a victim of poverty, Nedd had to entertain himself and others as he did not have money to go to the movies, concerts or dances.

Nedd is currently the President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation and has represented Berbice as well as Guyana locally and internationally at the sport.

Over the years, he has achieved many accolades and recognition for his work in the area of sports, social work and culture.

He also pushes his students to participate in religious or national events.

“I do auditions with each batch and you would be surprised that many [persons] have raw talent or [a] hidden passion for singing, poetry, acting etc and I encourage them to embrace it.

The surprised or shocked response from the parents when they see their child up there performing is unbelievable,” Nedd told the Guyana Chronicle.

For most, being TURN TO PAGE 15 ►

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, June 16, 2019

27 cadets promoted to ensign

Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West (centre, seated) with senior military officers and the promoted ensigns

CHIEF of STAFF Brigadier Patrick West has promoted 27 cadets of the Standard Officers Course (SOC) 51 to the rank of ensign following a parade held Thursday in their honour at the Drill Square, Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri.

An ensign is the lowest rank of commissioned officer.

This is the second batch of students to have undergone training on the restructured programme, which extends the range of knowledge and skills training for potential officers.

The course, which now lasts for two years, focuses on 70 per cent military subjects and 30 per cent academics in the first year

and the reverse in the second.

In his address to the ensigns, moments after decorating them with their new badges of rank, Brigadier West congratulated them on their transition to another phase of training on their journey to officership.

“I commend your determination to stay the course in spite of all difficulties and adversities. I expect to see the same unwavering commitment and tenacity displayed in your second year of training,” he urged.

Brigadier West also told the newly promoted ensigns that they must feel a sense of pride and accomplishment of being daring

enough to do what others have failed to accomplish.

“As a cadet, you moved mountains; so as you grow, let the same tenacity abide in you to defend this nation. If you take an honest look at yourself, you would realise that because of the rigours of our training you are better versions of yourselves. You are tougher, stronger physically and mentally fitter and better prepared for officership,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also reminded the ensigns to remain true to their goal of becoming officers, ‘for nothing worth having comes easy.’

“Officers are leaders and should lead in all areas. Be focused and com-

Levi Lawrence Nedd, ...

FROM PAGE 14

Levi Nedd shares a moment with several students who competed in a 16-mile road race earlier this year

in the same job for over 16 years becomes monotonous but for Nedd, each day is new and exciting and despite having thoughts of leaving during tough times, it is days like Father’s Day that give him inspiration to continue.

“Dealing with people of diverse backgrounds is never easy, but everyone has a story to tell and if you can listen to that story, you will be able to know the person and meet them at their level and help them. I got a call a few moments ago from a

former student in the US and his wife; she joked about being fed-up and sending him to live with me because everything for him is Mr. Need said do this, this way or Mr. Nedd said make up the bed like this, or this colour does not go with this occasion... those are the moments that you realise how much your few words meant,” the proud father related.

Nedd’s son, now 16, is a student of the hostel. His dad hopes that the experiences he had that helped

him become a better person will be the same for his son.

“People want to change the world, I am happy if in each batch I can help make one person better. I have been blessed to have seen many move on to becoming successful but the real success is the fact that despite leaving, they still call for advice or just to check up on me and for that I am the lucky one to have so many children out there,” the training instructor proudly said.

mitted therefore in being better, in improving your skill level in skill at arms and tactics; in surpassing physical fitness requirements and in pursuing academic excellence. Be leaders worthy of example,” he encouraged.

SOC 51 commenced with a total of 64 students.

However, during the period of training, 37 persons either withdrew or failed to achieve the minimum standards.

Of the 27 promoted, two each are from the

Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force and the Belize Defence Force; one from the Jamaica Defence Force; two from the Guyana Prison Service and the remainder will serve the Guyana Defence Force.

16

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Tech seminar enlightens students on future of jobs

STARR Computer General Manager, Rehman Majeed, with students in discussion about one of the many technologies that will change how things are done in the future

Students captivated with one of the many interactive technologies on display in the Innovative Centre at STARR Computer WHEN considering the future impact of technology on teaching and learning, its impact on the economy, society, and workplaces changes and students of this generation must adopt since many jobs will become obsolete in the future.

This is according to School of the Nations teacher, Tiffany Ochasi, following a recent class tour at STARR Computer, Brickdam, Georgetown office.

Thirty students benefitted from the formal and informal technology seminar.

According to the teacher, the students are in a privileged generation that benefits from technological advancements, as such, they must be educated on the impact of these technologies, especially in the job market, as they educate themselves.

She explained that gone are the days when almost everything was done manually, and now many live in the time when a lot of work is taken over by machines, software, and various automatic processes.

In this regard, Ochasi said artificial intelligence has a special place in all the advancement made currently.

Artificial intelligence or AI, she said, is nothing but the science of computers and machines developing intelligence like humans.

In this technology, the teacher noted that machines are able to do some of the simple to complex stuff that humans need to do on a regular basis.

She explained that even while technology replaces some jobs, they are creating new work in industries that many students cannot even imagine, and new ways to generate income.

“As such, the tour was very relevant and the students learned a lot, especially about the careers that are needed for the future,” the School of the Nations teacher said.

Meanwhile, General Manager of STARR Computer, Rehman Majeed, discussed topics with the students that surrounded the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, 3D Printing and Big Data.

Majeed noted that auto-

School of the Nations teacher, Tiffany Ochasi mation, digital platforms, and other innovations are changing the fundamental nature of work. Understanding these shifts can help policy makers, business leaders, and workers to move forward.

As such, he said students must understand that the technological changes occurring globally will reshape the workplace continually as it has already done over the past two centuries since the first Industrial Revolution.

Currently, he said the world is in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and this revolution is expected to impact all disciplines, industries, and economies.

This, he said, is characterised by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres, collectively referred to as cyber-physical systems.

The general manager noted that with the speed with which automation technologies are developing today, it means the scale at which they could disrupt the world of work is largely without precedent.

He explained that leaders and citizens must understand that this revolution will shape a future that works for all by putting people first, empowering them and constantly reminding “ourselves that all of these new technologies are first and foremost tools made by people for people.”

Majeed said the average person, based on technological developments, will change careers at least three to four times in their lifetime.

Therefore, students need to learn how to be versatile and adaptable, especially in the age of technology.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Trotman elected AFC chairman ...

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo makes his way into the AFC’s National Conference From page 13 would give of her all, regardless.

“I have been part of the AFC for many years, since day one (and) I am willing to serve in any way. I am not a betting person, but I have had different positions and I am more than happy to serve.

I think Guyana needs the Alliance for Change (AFC) and I will always be part of it in some way, even as an ordinary member,” Hughes told reporters.

Asked about claims made by executive member Imran Khan that he and his wife were being threatened, Minister Hughes said the situation could have been handled differently. “I think it was blown totally out of our proportion. Elections time is silly season they say, and we see that all the time.

I am extremely disappointed, because one individual making a totally inaccurate and unnecessary and uncalled statement is not a reflection of the Alliance For Change and it is something that I feel could have been dealt with very, very quietly,” Hughes

told reporters.

Days before the conference, Khan, in a statement, said he and his wife were being threatened for being involved in the party from a “hooligan” and “thug” empowered by another AFC executive.

Khan, on Saturday, stood by his statement. “I believe that I gave it good thought and I made the statement on the basis that it was absolutely necessary,” he said.

He added: “I have a number of options and I chose the option that I thought was most appropriate.” Khan said he is waiting on an appropriate time to file an official complain. After the elections, Khan, on his Facebook page, wrote: “Pleased to report that despite strenuous efforts by certain persons to derail the elections Tammy Khan prevailed and was today elected Chair of Women For Change (WFC), the women’s arm of AFC.” The leadership of the party said the concerns raised by Khan were not raised during the conference.

Minister of Public Infrastructure and Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member, David Patterson, gives a thumbs up as he makes his way in the party’s National Conference

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AFC Party members present their ‘party cards’ before entering into the St. Paul’s Retreat Centre, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), where the AFC’s National Conference is being held

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

M&CC approves surplus budget

By Telesha Ramnarine

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Friday afternoon approved a $2.5B surplus budget for the first time in more than 20 years, which will focus primarily on public health, solid waste, and works within the realm of the City Engineer’s Department.

“As the mayor, I wouldn’t pass a deficit budget; not at all,” Mayor Ubraj Narine told the Guyana Chronicle following the passing of the draft estimates at an extraordinary statutory meeting at City Hall.

The 2019 budget could not have been presented by last year November, as is required by the laws governing the municipality due to a number of factors. The council ran into Local Government Elections, a Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of City Hall, and the installation of a new Council and subsequent Finance Committee.

Initially, when budget talks began last year August, the Council was looking at a $700M deficit budget, which was eventually reduced to $45.6M based on certain modifications. However, the council was able to remove completely the deficit with further amendments, and now in fact has a $5M surplus budget.

“We were able to remove the deficit completely because

Chairman of the Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke, speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday.

Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine, sharing a moment with Chairman of the Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke, and other councillors following the passage of the 2019 draft budget

we were able to access funds from Central Government during the Ghana presidential visit to do works. So during that visit, works that we had proposed to do via the budget, we were able to do them with the government subvention we received,” Chairman of the Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke, told this publication in an invited comment.

Clarke does not fancy speaking with reporters but

made an exception on Friday because he said he was happy that for the first time since he joined the City Council in 1996, a surplus budget was passed.

“What we sought to do in this budget was to ensure that the various expenditure proposals were carefully scrutinised so that we can ensure they were as realistic as possible,” Clarke explained, as he reflected how expenditure

was simply added in without any real thought in previous budgets.

At Friday’s meeting, the council agreed to reduce the cost for maintenance for roads and streets from 30M to 20M; and the cost for solid waste machinery, vehicles and equipment from $85M to $75M. Assistant Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick, thanked central government for its support

and said the council has created history as far as a surplus budget is concerned. A date for the official presentation will be announced, she said.

The mayor and a number of councillors found it funny that People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor, Bishram Kuppen, who is a member of the Finance Committee, did not vote in favour of passing of the estimates. Kuppen and two other PPP councillors

who were present at Friday’s meeting abstained from voting on the draft estimates.

“I do not bring my political views to council. I work in the interest of the people in the City. Kuppen sits on the Finance Committee, so it was surprising to me that he abstained from voting,” the mayor remarked.

“That is to show us that there is no teamwork at Council level from the other political parties,” he added.

The two AFC councillors were absent from the meeting.

“We should put aside our differences and work in the interest of the people in the City. The citizens need us. I am trying, my councillors are trying; but I am surprised at the opposition councillors,” Narine said.

Sharma commits to doing best in new portfolio MINISTER Jaipaul Sharma said he is honoured to have been appointed to serve within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Sharma, from July 1, will take up his new portfolio as Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, replacing Annette Ferguson who has been reappointed Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing.

“I feel humbled, but at the same time, I also feel very honoured and privileged. I am grateful to H.E. Brigadier David Arthur Granger for giving me this opportunity to work along with Honourable Minister David Patterson and team in building our country's much-needed infrastructures in my new portfolio as the Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure,” Sharma said on Saturday.

The outgoing junior finance minister said he will strive in every way to fulfil his duties to the best of his ability. “I am utterly committed to the service of our people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” he said.

According to Minister Sharma, he met with Minister Patterson last Friday. Minister Patterson shared his vision for the country’s infrastructural development with Minister Sharma.

On Friday, Patterson said since 2015, he was supported by Minister Annette Ferguson, “whose performance is one of the main reasons why the ministry has been able to deliver on its mandate.”

Minister Ferguson, who holds the portfolio of Minister within the Ministry of Communities, is one of several ministers who were shifted this year.

Minister Jaipaul Sharma

The move was made after several ministers, who hold dual citizenship, resigned from their posts

as government honoured the court rulings made after the December 21, 2018 no-confidence motion.

Minister Sharma’s reassignment comes as President David Granger restructures his government.

Last April, President Granger appointed Member of Parliament, Haimraj Rajkumar, as Minister of Business. Rajkumar replaced his fellow Alliance For Change (AFC) colleague, Dominic Gaskin, who along with three other Ministers, resigned after it became public knowledge that dual citizens were prohibited from being in the National Assembly.

Dawn Hastings-Williams, who previously served as Minister within the Ministry of Communities, and recently as Minister of Public Affairs, was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency.

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, an executive member of the Working Peoples’ Alliance (WPA) was appointed Minister of Public Service in the Ministry of the Presidency. Sarabo-Halley replaces Dr Rupert Roopnaraine while Carl Greenidge was replaced by Dr. Karen Cummings as Foreign Minister. Dr. Cummings was the junior health minister at the time of her reappointment.

Minister Simona CharlesBroomes is now the minister in the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for youth affairs. Broomes had served as Junior Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources. It is her second reassignment since the government came to power.

Broomes started off as Junior Minister of Social Protection.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Yoga: a pathway to harmony and holistic health

By Tajeram Mohabir

IN the beginning there was darkness and from darkness emerged light with the sound ‘Om,’ which gave rise to words of knowledge compiled in sacred books referred to as the Vedas.

According to one of the Vedas, the Rigveda, one of the branches of knowledge that flowed from the fountain of elevated learning was yoga.

Yoga, since time immemorial, has been revered as the sacred art and science geared at uniting the body and mind to attain self-realisation.

The word yoga is mentioned in ancient seminal Hindu texts such as the Rigveda, the Upanishads, the Ramayana, the Mahabharatha and the Bhagavad Gita.

The Bhagavad Gita is literally a book on yoga and an inspiration behind Indian Freedom Fighter Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence movement that ended British rule in India.

Though it is known that the word yoga is Sanskrit in origin, and when translated to English means “to join together” or to “unite,” the date when this spiritual practice began is unknown.

However, some scholars, based on archaeological finds, believe that the practice of yoga began some 5,000 years ago; but others have expressed different views, with some contending that the discipline is way much older and dates back to about 10,000 years ago.

According to the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, one of the leading yoga centres of higher learning in India, yoga can be traced to the Indus Saraswati Valley civilisation around the year 2700 BC. This prestigious school bases its assumption on discoveries of motifs, figures, seals and other items excavated in the Indus Valley region.

The International Centre for Yoga Education and Research (ICYER) has how-

said.

POSITIVE EFFECT Not downplaying yoga exercises, Patil noted that they do have a positive effect on the practitioner’s health, fitness and general well-being.

Her claim is support by an article published by Harvard Medical School titled “The physical benefits of yoga”.

The article grounded in research, stated that yoga promotes physical health in many ways as it helps in stress management, promotes flexibility and reduces joint pain.

Former President Donald Ramotar, a yoga practitioner, speaking at a recent event testified that yoga has helped him to overcome daily stresses as well as a nagging back pain.

The Harvard Medical School article also noted that yoga may help with migraines, osteoporosis, balance and mobility issues, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

According to Patil, through constant practice, yoga would enable the practi-

tioner to enjoy holistic health, happiness and harmony.

Her sentiments are captured in a pitch by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who on September 27, 2014, proposed to the international community at the United Nations to adopt a day to observe yoga.

“Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature and a holistic approach to health and well-being. Yoga is not about exercise, but to discover the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world and nature,” the prime minister told the UN General Assembly.

On December 11, 2014, the UN General Assembly unanimously approved a resolution to establish June 21 as International Day of Yoga.

Today, Guyana will be celebrating International Day of Yoga at the Everest Cricket Club, Georgetown at 10.00 hrs. The day will also be observed at the Indian Arrival Monument, Palmyra, Berbice on June 23 at the same time.

Yoga teacher, Agnela Patil, and students performing recently at the National Cultural Centre ever pointed out that the Centre, formerly the Indian tice; it is not related to reculture of the Indus Valley Culture Centre. ligion, caste or creed, and civilisation is more than so anyone can join a yoga 9,000 years old, and as such, EIGHT-FOLD PATHS session. Some consider yoga it is likely that yoga began She told the Guyana as a mere exercise; however, more than 5,000 years ago.

Chronicle that yoga is prac- yoga is more than that. It is tised through eight-fold the integration of the mind, LOST IN ANTIQUITY paths as outlined by sage body and spirit into one harLike the date of origin of olden times, Pantanjali, monious whole. It strives which is lost in antiquity, who after studying various for attaining inner peace and the circumstance(s) that yoga texts, documented his union with the environment gave birth to this ancient work in a book, Pantanjali by means of quietening the practice is also unknown, Yoga Sutras. constant chatter of the mind, but could have been due to Modern-day yoga scholar creating a healthy body and a great absence in spiritual Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, being at peace with who you consciousness of the Indus in a paper titled: ‘The Histo- are and the world around you.

Valley inhabitants at the ry of Yoga from Ancient to Achieving this harmony time, or happens to be a Modern Times,’ identified is at the core of yoga,” she product derived from con- the eight-fold paths as Yama, tinuous learning.

Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, The very fact that a date Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana of origin and cause of es- and Samadhi. tablishment of this widely Yama, involves attitudes practised spiritual discipline toward the environment; Niare unknown, underscores yama, the attitudes toward two simple important points. oneself; Asana, the physiOne, yoga is a very ancient cal postures and stretches practice and two, its founders done; Pranayama, the restraint and early practitioners had to or expansion of the breath; be a people of an advanced Pratyahara, the withdrawal of civilisation. the senses; Dharana, the conToday, millennia after, centration required; Dhyana, their descendants have not meditation; and Samadhi, the only preserved this inner en- spiritual connection which gineering science, but have involves a meditative conspread it around the world sciousness. where it is widely practised, Patil said contrary to what including by millennials seek- some believe, even though ing inner peace from the daily yoga was birthed in India, stresses and travails of life. a country with a population Agnela Patil, an Indian today of 1.3 billion people, national who hails from about 80 per cent are Hindus; G o a , a f o r m e r P o r t u - yoga is not about religion, but guese colony in India, is a the art of living and it is more Yoga teacher, Agnela Patil, and students going through their paces at a public yoga teacher at the Swa- than just exercises. event mi Vivekananda Cultural “Yoga is a universal prac-

Gafsons receives certification for concrete blocks

GAFSONS Industries Limited was presented with a certificate from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) after the four-inch concrete blocks manufactured by the company fulfilled the requirements of the Guyana Standard GYS 215:2018 “Specification for load-bearing masonry concrete units.”

This certification, Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the GNBS, Lloyd David said is effective from June 07, 2019; it permits Gafsons Industries to affix the National

Standards mark to the concrete blocks it manufactures.

The certificate, he explained is valid for one year.

It was presented to Gafsons Industries Limited Factory Manager, Bharrath Rampersad by Al Donavon Fraser, Head of GNBS Certification Services Department.

The handing over was done recently at the company’s new Mc Doom Complex.

“The GNBS is proud of the commitment demonstrated by Gafsons Industries Limited to be the first company in Guyana to be grant-

Gafsons Industries Limited Factory Manager, Bharrath Rampersad, receives the certification from Al Donavon Fraser, Head of the GNBS Certification Services Department

ed certification for concrete blocks under the Product Certification Scheme. Poly vinyl chloride pipes (PVC) manufactured by the company are also certified to national standards,” David said.

Other products currently certified to national standards under the GNBS Product Certification Scheme are PVC pipes manufactured

by Guyana Thermoplastics Limited and gold jewellery manufactured by Steve’s Jewellery.

The GNBS, David said, encourages more manufac-

turers of local products, including concrete block-makers, to get on board the scheme and have their products certified and garner the benefits.

Benefits include improved product quality and increased sales due to increased consumer confidence.

He said it must also be noted that the GNBS plans to widen its Product Certification Scheme to include the certification of water tanks, conduits and other locally manufactured products.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Traffic lights were off during fatal accident –– pillion rider still outside Botanical Gardens in critical condition PERSONS often complain about having to wait in a line of traffic at a traffic light but, many times those lights regulate the flow of traffic and ensure that accidents are avoided.

A little patience at a traffic light is better than hav-

ing to manoeuver your way through an unregulated flow of traffic since it could lead to an accident.

Persons who were standing in front of the Botanical Garden and at the corner of Regent Street and Vlissengen Road on Friday were

The mangled motorcycle lays on the ground outside the Botanical Gardens on Vlissengen Road (Adrian Narine photo)

Dead: Mark Sauers witnesses to a fatal accident, which they believe could have probably been avoided if the traffic light, which regulates traffic in that area, was working.

Motorcyclist, 29-year-old Mark Sauers of Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, lost his life in that gruesome accident, while his pillion rider, 41-year-old Eon Howard was severely injured.

The minibus which was involved in the accident on Friday (Adrian Narine photo) Eyewitnesses who were that the traffic light was not which were not in workat the scene, said prior to the working at the time of the ing order at the time, the minibus proceeded to turn accident, traffic was chaotic accident. in the area because the traffic “As both vehicles ap- west onto Regent Street and lights were not working at proached the intersection the motorcyclist continued the time. of Regent and Vlissengen north and, in doing so, the It was confirmed by the Road, which is controlled motorcycle collided into the Guyana Police Force (GPF) by traffic light signals See page 23

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Traffic lights were No drug or staff shortage at Diamond Diagnostic Centre –– Director of RHS off during fatal ...

From page 22

left side of the minibus,” said the police.

As a result of the impact, both the motorcyclist and the pillion rider fell off the motor cycle and onto the road surface where they sustained multiple injuries.

Driver of the Route 40 minibus, BVV5557, Mark Pancham, in an invited comment, confirmed that he was travelling along Vlissengen road, turning into Regent Street when Sauers, who was travelling along the opposite side of Vlissingen Road, smashed into the side of his bus.

Pancham claimed that the motorcyclist was speeding and even overtook another vehicle before crashing into the bus.

The police report also indicated that the motorcycle was proceeding north along the western side of Vlissengen Road at a “very fast” rate of speed and both the rider and the pillion rider were not wearing safety helmets.

As a result of the accident, Sauers, a businessman, reportedly died on the spot while Howard was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was regarded as critical because of head injuries and broken bones.

“He still in the hospital…we visit he this morning and we see that he hand and foot break and he could barely talk…he keep asking is he friend (Sauers) ok,” said Howard’s sister, Rochelle Howard in an invited comment on Saturday.

Rochelle said her brother is still in a critical condition but the family is hoping for the best.

According to the police, passengers of the bus were also injured but they were treated at the GPHC and sent away on the same day.

The body of Sauers was taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour and is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver of the minibus and no trace of alcohol was found in his system, so he was served with a notice of intended prosecution and placed in custody.

DIRECTOR of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr Kay Shako, has refuted reports of a shortage of drugs and human resources at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre on the East Bank of Demerara.

“There is no critical drug shortage. Presently, there are six medications: calamine lotion, unsterile gloves, sterile gloves, salbutamol inhaler, beclomethasone inhaler and insulin syringe which are soon to be replenished,” Dr Shako said responding to a news article from a privately-owned newspaper.

According to a release from the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Shako also debunked claims of staff shortage at the Diagnostic Centre.” Managers of the health facility are provided with the scope and supportive supervision needed to improve health service quality and efficiency, through innovation and the reinforcement of protocols for the equitable dispensation of governance and administration at the Centre,” she said.

In addition, she said “our staff complement receives Basic Life Support

(BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support training annually, especially staff in direct provision of emergency care and services.

Ninety-five percent (95%) of nurses and doctors have been trained in BLS,” while pointing to ongoing improvement programmes at the state-run institution.

She announced there was also the reintroduction of X-Ray and Ultrasound services which has seen a significant in-patient load of 38 percent of staff seeking this service.

“The centre offers electrocardiogram (ECG) in both the Emergency and Outpatient departments,

with an average of 20 ECGs are done daily in both departments with a monthly average of over 1000 patients receiving this service,” the Director said.

With the addition of bedside patient monitors in the emergency room, service delivery is further strengthened.

Meanwhile, with the establishment of the Paediatric Unit, the facility will offer specialised paediatric services with in-patient and out-patient facilities.

The Operating theatre and High Dependency Unit (HDU) currently facilitates surgical intervention from specialties such as Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Surgery and Dermatology.

The Paediatric Advanced Life Support training is currently being offered for all staff involved in direct provision of emergency care for pediatric patients, Dr Shako said.

At the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, there was also the addition of laboratory and dental services and these are currently being upgraded to provide additional services such as cardiac enzymes and serum electrolytes.

“Diamond Diagnostic Centre continues to expand its services and is committed to improving access to cost-effective healthcare services for all individuals of Demerara/ Mahaica (Region Four),” Dr Shako assured.

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48 hours to ‘D-Day’

Golden Jaguars ready to ‘roar’ against USA

By Rawle Toney in New York (compliments of Let’s Bet Sports) IN 48 hours Guyana’s senior Men’s National team, Golden Jaguars, will embark on their journey of competing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, opening up the confederation’s flagship tournament against defending champions USA, at Allianz Field, in Minnesota.

Guyana are drawn in Group D of the tournament alongside USA, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago. While the other teams are no strangers to the competition, for the Golden Jaguars, it will be their first time participating.

Following their game one June 18 against the USA, Guyana will travel to Cleveland where they will take on Panama at the FirstEnergy Stadium and will later tackle Regional rivals Trinidad & Tobago on June 26, in Kansas City at the Children’s Mercy Park.

It was a long time coming for Guyana, given the fact that the Golden Jaguars, under coach Wayne Dover and Jamaal Shabazz, came close several times, to qualifying for the Gold Cup, as recently as the last tournament when their 4-2 heartbreaking defeat to Jamaica at home (Leonora) proved to be the game that kept them away.

Holder wants more consistency from Windies SOUTHAMPTON, England (CMC) – While the West Indies have shown at times they can compete with the best teams in the world, their captain Jason Holder wants to see them do it more consistently at the World Cup. The Windies were thoroughly outplayed by England, going down by eight

wickets on Friday. It was their second loss of the tournament.

The regional team also went down by 15 runs to Australia in a game which they dominated for the majority of the contest.

Following the team’s loss to England, Holder called for his teammates to deliver more consistent performances.

“We were showing glimpses of what we can produce here in this tournament so far and also in the recent past and in the past generally.

“First, it is just a matter of bringing it together for long periods, stringing together a complete game and being consistent. I have always spoken about consistency whenever I speak to you guys, so it’s a matter for us to find it,” Holder said.

“We have to dig deep within to make sure we take the responsibility as batters and as bowlers to keep being aggressive.”

The Windies skipper said with five games remaining, the team was still very confident of reaching the knockout phase of the competition.

He said a clinical performance was needed against Bangladesh in their next match.

“I think it would be very foolish not to be confident.

There’s still a lot of cricket to be played in this tournament.

We have only played four games. A hell of a lot of cricket is left to be played.

“We have just got to be disciplined and make sure we come against Bangladesh, firstly, in our next game and make sure we beat Bangladesh,” Holder said.

In the lead-up to this historic clash against USA, Guyana faced fellow Gold Cup debutants Bermuda and fell 0-1 then faced Haiti in Costa Rica and lost 1-3..

As a matter of fact, in their last 10 matches played, dating back to 2017, Golden Jaguars were victorious three times and have one draw (1-1) which came against Trinidad & Tobago. The USA, since their 2-1 loss to Soca Warriors in 2017 which kept them out of the last FIFA World Cup, they featured 18 times in international competition, winning six, drawing two, picking up six losses, including their recent back-to-back defeat against Venezuela (3-0) and

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Jamaica (1-0).

Panama, on the other hand, have not won any of their 15 outings since beating Trinidad &Tobago 1-0 in a friendly in 2018.

The Panamanians made their maiden qualification for the FIFA World Cup last year but didn’t win any of the three games played against Belgium (3-0), England (6-1) and Tunisia (2-1). They played to a 2-2 draw against South Korea and 1-1 against Brazil this year.

For Trinidad and Tobago, since being responsible for the Red, White and Blue not reaching the World Cup,, played nine times over the past year but only tasted victory once (2-1), against United

Arab Emirates).

Guyana arrived in Minneapolis over the weekend, as coach Michael Johnson, according to a release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) said, “We don’t have the big names like the Christian Pulisic worth $52M but we have got a real, tightly knit group together and I think that you will always go further together.”

“The team can’t do it on their own. We need the fans to get behind us. We need the fans as an extra voice; we need the fans sending positive messages whether it’s via social media, the radio or newspapers. You need to know that you are not out there on your

Pelicans agree to trade Davis to Lakers (REUTERS)-The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to trade All-Star big man Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round picks — including the No. 4 overall selection in this week’s draft — ESPN reported Saturday.

The deal, which cannot be made official until July 1, gives the Pelicans two of the top four picks next week, after they won the lottery for the top overall pick.

According to ESPN, they will take Duke star Zion Williamson first overall and consider trading the fourth overall pick, with several teams already expressing interest.

The New York Times reports Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker is expected to be a top target in free agency for the Lakers in the wake of the deal for Davis.

The Boston Celtics were also involved in separate talks with the Pelicans for Davis, ESPN reported earlier this week, and the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers had interest in Davis but didn’t make much progress in discussions with New Orleans.

Earlier last week, Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, who also represents the Lakers’ LeBron James, told Sports Illustrated a deal to Boston would have resulted in a one-year rental agreement before Davis enters free agency in July 2020.

The Lakers pursued Davis after Paul announced the big man wanted a trade last winter. With Magic Johnson (Lakers) and Dell Demps (Pelicans) both out of jobs after leading those trade talks, and a fresh list of demands provided teams on Monday by first-year Pelicans team president David Griffin, there was optimism the Davis deal would happen.

New Orleans has the benefit of starting over with Williamson as a centerpiece.

One of the lingering doubts for a Lakers-Pelicans match was whether Griffin valued Ingram and Hart more than Demps did when talks fizzled in February.

own, because we are massively the underdogs. But it gives you great pride, it gives you great resilience when you know you are fighting for a cause and for your fans whom we need to stand united behind the team and get us over this line.“ According to Johnson, “Nobody has given us a chance of scoring a goal or winning a game. I’ve heard that you would not get a point. I’ve heard some of the media talking that it’s a great chance for USA to kick-start their bad run of form, but we are 100% positive in the way we would be approaching our matches.”

Get registered, GMRSC urges competitors WITH exactly one week before the second national Drag Racing championship of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) just under five competitors have been registered.

According to the club, competitors should make haste in registering themselves before next weekend’s event.

Club president Rameez Mohamed in a statement today reminded those errant competitors to get organised early and avoid the rush.

“I know the event is going to be big, I’ve seen the local cars that are being built for this event; but just over a week remains and we have just about five cars registered so far,” Mohamed said.

“What we are trying to avoid is persons crowding the office on Saturday and Sunday to get registered and possibly missing out on such.”

He noted that bikes are not exempt from being registered as the club tries to cut out the ‘late culture’ of registration.

“We also don’t want (next) Sunday to be delayed by the persons coming to line up to register their cars. Register early, Saturday and Sunday can be test days where you have a chance to use the lights and what’s not.”

The GMR&SC boss sent out a stern warning, saying, “If you try to get registered between Saturday and Sunday and don’t get through then there is really nothing we can do. We have an event to run and we want to do it smoothly.”

According to Mohamed, over 100 competitors are expected to register for the event which will see the driver with the fastest reaction win $20 000.

Del Ice Co has sponsored cash prizes for the fastest 10-second ($200 000), 11-second ($150 000) and 12-second ($100 000) cars.

Sponsors for the event include Platinum Car Show, KFC, Supreme Bets, R. Kissoon Contracting Services, Deryck Jaisingh Trucking Service and Machinery Rentals, Del Ice Co., Mohamed’s Enterprise, B.M. SOAT Auto Sales, Prem’s Electrical, E-Networks, Motor Trend, Nexus Machine Shop, Power Line, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Wind Jammer Hotel, Cyril’s Taxi, A&R Jiwanram Printery, Blue Spring Water, Choke Gas Station, Miracle Optical, Special Auto, First Class Auto Spares and Sales, GT Tuners, West Coast Customs Washbay and Imran Autoworks.

Tickets for adults cost $1 000 and children $500.

35

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, June 16, 2019

Women’s World Cup

Miedema double helps Netherlands to beat Cameroon to seal last-16 spot VALENCIENNES, France (Reuters) - Vivianne Miedema scored twice to become Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer, as the European champions beat Cameroon 3-1 yesterday to reach the last 16 at the Women’s World Cup. Cameroon, playing Netherlands for the first time in a competitive match, adopted a cautious approach at Stade du Hainaut, with five players in the back line and four in front of them for the majority of the game.

The tactics worked until a sweeping Dutch move in which Shanice van de Sanden’s inch-perfect cross found Arsenal forward Miedema, who powered home a thumping header in the 41st minute.

Cameroon responded almost immediately as winger Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene timed her run perfectly to latch on to a long ball before beating goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal for an easy finish.

Netherlands, who beat New Zealand in their opening match, were back on the front foot in the second half after a cleverly worked free kick allowed centre-back Dominique Bloodworth to score her first international goal from close range.

Cameroon substitute

Miedema celebrates scoring Netherlands’ third goal with Jill Roord, Lieke Martens and team mates. (PHOTO: REUTERS)

Henriette Akaba came close to an equaliser in the closing stages before Miedema scored her second goal to put the result beyond doubt.

It was Miedema’s 60th goal for Netherlands as she overtook former striker Manon Melis to become their all-time top scorer.

“It is something special, something I’m only going to live once and it’s a special experience for me,” 22-yearold Miedema said.

“It’s a World Cup - you score a goal, so I think you can cheer and be a little crazy about it.”

Netherlands top Group E after winning back-toback World Cup matches for the first time, before

Canada’s evening kick-off against New Zealand in Grenoble.

“I’m glad we won. In a couple of stages we played better than the previous game but we struggled as well,” Netherlands coach Sarina Wiegman said.

“We are now qualified for the next round. But who is better as an opponent? Is it Japan, Sweden or England?

I think it’s dangerous doing maths. Let’s just play the Canada game first.”

Netherlands will meet Canada in their final group-stage match in Reims on Thursday, while Cameroon face New Zealand the same day at Montpellier.

Canada beat New Zealand to secure place in last 16

CANADA enjoyed a comfortable victory over New Zealand to secure their place in the last 16 of the World Cup. Canada dominated in Grenoble, with record scorer Christine Sinclair hitting the crossbar on 18 minutes.

Jesse Fleming then broke the deadlock just after halftime, before Nichelle Prince ensured Canada maintained their winning start.

The 2015 hosts face Netherlands in their final group game to see who will go through as winners of Group E. New Zealand, who have never gone beyond the group stage, had only two shots on target and lost right-back Catherine Bott to an early hand injury.

Moments later a Canada corner saw Sinclair head against the woodwork, with Kadeisha Buchanan’s follow-up being scrambled off

Canada’s Jessie Fleming celebrates after scoring against New Zealand at the Stade des Alpes at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup yesterday.

the line.

Canada, who drew 0-0 with New Zealand in the group stage in 2015 before losing to England in the quarter-finals, had 13 shots in the first half but only two were

on target.

Fleming struck within three minutes of the restart, though, as Prince was released down the left wing before cutting back for Fleming to side-foot inside the far post.

Sinclair spurned a chance to double Canada’s lead two minutes later, shooting over from 12 yards, before Prince fired a 20-yard strike straight at Erin Nayler.

The New Zealand goalkeeper produced a fine save to push Prince’s glancing header over the bar on 72 minutes, but Prince was on hand to poke in the rebound after Sinclair headed against the post with 11 minutes left.

Teams in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup are: England, Germany, Italy, France, Netherlanda, Canada.

36

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 16, 2019

Finch ton, super Starc take Aussies to top of World Cup table

By Ed Osmond LONDON, England (Reuters) - Captain Aaron Finch’s brilliant 153 and the ruthless pace bowling

by Mitchell Starc led Australia to an emphatic 87run victory over Sri Lanka in the Cricket World Cup yesterday.

Finch and Steve Smith (73) shared a fine partnership of 173 to lead the defending champions to an imposing total of 334 for seven at The Oval.

Sri Lanka, attempting a World Cup record run chase, faded after a bright start and Starc picked up four wickets as they were bowled out for 247 in the 46th over.

Australia’s fourth win of the tournament lifted them top of the 10-team standings while Sri Lanka stayed fifth with only one win from five matches.

“I thought we were a tad short with the new ball and ’twas so hard to pull it back after that. We were a bit slow to change our plans and lost a bit of momentum,” man-ofthe-match Finch said.

“With each game we’re

improving. Through the middle overs today we were excellent with the way we pulled it back with our pace bowlers. Mitch was all over them, he is a world-class bowler,” Finch added.

After Sri Lanka had won the toss, Finch and David Warner shared a solid opening partnership of 80 before Warner, on 26, was bowled by spinner Dhananjaya de Silva.

Usman Khawaja was caught at square leg off de Silva for 10, bringing former captain Smith to the crease.

Finch launched de Silva for successive sixes and the right-hander lifted Milinda Siriwardana for another maximum to reach three figures off 97 deliveries.

Finch moved past 150 and must have had his sights on a double century when he skied Isuru Udana to extra cover after hitting five sixes and 15 fours.

Smith was bowled by Lasith Malinga as Australia’s momentum stalled briefly but despite a flurry of late wickets, Glenn Maxwell’s quick-fire unbeaten 46 ensured his team posted a very

Scoreboard AUSTRALIA innings D. Warner b de Silva

26

A. Finch c Karunaratne b Udana 153 U. Khawaja c Udana b de Silva

10

S. Smith b Malinga

73

G. Maxwell not out

46

S. Marsh c Siriwardana b Udana

3

A. Carey run-out (Udana)

4

P. Cummins run out (Udana)

0

M. Starc not out

5

Extras: (lb-4, nb-1, w-9) Total: (7 wickets, 50 overs)

14 334

Fall of wickets: 1-80, 2-100, 3-273, 4-278, 5-310, 6-317, 7-320.

Bowling: S. Malinga 10-1-61-1, N. Pradeep 10-0-88-0, I. Udana 10-0-57-2, N. Perera 10-0-67-0, D. de Silva 8-0-40-

Australia’s Aaron Finch acknowledges fans after being dismissed for 153 in the ICC Cricket World Cup match vs Sri Lanka at Kia Oval, in London, yesterday. (Photo: Action Images via Reuters )

2, T. Siriwardana 2-0-17-0.

SRI LANKA innings (target: 335 runs from 50 overs) F. Karunaratne c Maxwell b Richardson 97

competitive total.

Sri Lanka’s reply started well as Dimuth Kurunaratne and Kusal Perera took the score to 115-0 in the 16th over.

Perera, however, was bowled by Starc for 52 and Lahiru Thirimanne laboured to 16 before edging Jason Behrendorff to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

Kurunaratne was three runs short of his century when he cut Kane Richardson to Maxwell at backward point and Angelo Mathews

M. Perera b Starc

gloved Pat Cummins down the leg-side to Carey for

B. Mendis c Carey b Starc

nine.

Starc picked up two

7 16 8

S. Malinga c Khawaja b Richardson 1 N. Pradeep c Carey b Cummins

0

Extras: (lb-2, w-6) 8

Perera caught at mid-on

Total: (all out; 45.5 overs) 247

for seven, and the left-arm

Sri Lanka’s last eight wick-

3

I. Udana c Finch b Richardson

three and getting Thisara

caught by Carey for 30 as

9

T. Siriwardana b Starc D. de Silva not out

Milinda Siriwardana for

30

A. Mathews c Carey b Cummins N. Perera c Warner b Starc

wickets in an over, bowling

seamer had Kusal Mendis

52

H. Thirimanne c Carey b Behrendorff 16

Fall of wickets: 1-115,, 2-153, 3-186,

Mitchell Starc celebrates taking the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera.

4-205, 5-209, 6-217, 7-222, 8-236, 9-237.

Bowling: M. Starc 10-0-55-4, P. Cummins 7.5-0-38-2, J. Behrendorff 9-0-591, K. Richardson 9-1-47-3, G. Maxwell 10-0-46-0.

ets fell for 61 runs.

Proteas see off Afghanistan to seal first World Cup win SCOREBOARD AFGHANISTAN innings Hazratullah Zazai c van der Dussen b Rabada 22 Noor Ali Zadran b Imran Tahir 32 Rahmat Shah lbw b Morris 6 Hashmatullah Shahidi c du Plessis b Phehlukwayo 8 Asghar Afghan c & b Imran Tahir 0 Mohammad Nabi b Phehlukwayo 1 Ikram Alikhil c Amla b Morris 9 Gulbadin Naib c Markram b Imran Tahir

5 Rashid Khan c van der Dussen b Imran Tahir 35 Hamid Hassan c du Plessis b Morris 0 Aftab Alam not out 0 Extras: (lb-4, w-3) 7 Total: (all out, 34.1 overs) 125 Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-56, 3-69, 4-69, 5-70 , 6-70, 7-77, 8-111, 9-125.

Bowling: K. Rabada 8-1-36-1, B. Hendricks 5-1-25-0, A. Phehlukwayo 8-1-18-2, C. Morris 6.1-2-133, Imran Tahir 7-0-29-4 SOUTH AFRICA innings H. Amla not out 41 Q. de Kock c Mohammad Nabi b Gulbadin Naib 68 A. Phehlukwayo not out 17 Extras: (lb-1, w-4) 5 Total: (1 wicket, 28.4 overs) 131 Fall of wickets: 1-104 Bowling: Aftab Alam 5-1-16-0, Hamid Hassan 4-1-11-0, Rashid Khan 7-0-45-0, Gulbadin Naib 6-0-29-1, Mohammad Nabi 6.4-0-29-0.

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir bagged 4-29 for South Africa.

CARDIFF, Wales (Reuters) - South Africa finally got a World Cup win under their belt as they eased to a nine-wicket triumph over Afghanistan at Sophia Gardens yesterday to keep alive their hopes of a semi-final berth.

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir took 4-29 as he engineered an Afghani collapse after a 75-minute rain break as they were dismissed for 125.

Chris Morris contributed

with figures of 3-13 and Andile Phehlukwayo took two wickets for 18.

The South Africans then set about the slightly adjusted target of 127 from 48 overs in cautious fashion, reaching 131-1 with 19 overs to spare.

Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock put together a 104-run opening wicket partnership before de Kock was dismissed for 68.

37

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, June 16, 2019

Kohli plays down Amir duel and hype around Pakistan contest

By Amlan Chakraborty MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - India captain Virat Kohli swatted aside talks about a duel with Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir and played down the hype around today’s World Cup blockbuster between the arch-rivals at Old Trafford.

The nuclear-armed neighbours have gone to war three times since independence in the mid-20th century - and another conflict nearly erupted earlier this year, giving an even spicierthan-usual geopolitical backdrop to the contest.

India have an unblemished record in 50-overs World Cup against their neighbours, having beaten Pakistan on each of the six encounters between the former champions.

There has been plenty of hype surrounding today’s sold-out contest but Kohli refused to fuel it further.

“I think the best way to approach something like this ... it’s not going to last a lifetime for you, whether you do well or you don’t,” Kohli said.

“Our tournament, whether we do well as a team … or we don’t, is not going to finish.... So I think the focus always has to be on the larger picture.”

The match was sold out hours after tickets went on sale for the 26 000-capacity stadium

Mohammad Amir

and millions more will be watching at home.

Kohli understands the fan sentiments but said the players have learned to cocoon themselves from the elevated expectations.

“I can’t tell the fans to think in a particular manner. For us, it has to be a professional approach to the game,” said the 30-year-old.

“We can’t get emotional or over-excited with any occasion. Obviously the player’s mindset is different from the fans’ and you can’t mix these two.

“From fan point of view, looking at the atmosphere and frenzy around the game, I wouldn’t say it is easy to think like a player but for the players it’s very, very crucial to be absolutely professional.”

PERSONAL CONTEST An interesting sub-plot will be the showdown between Kohli, the world’s top-ranked ODI batsman, and Pakistan’s

Virat Kohli

pace spearhead Amir who claimed five wickets against Australia in Taunton.

“You may not believe me but I see only the red or white ball, not the bowler delivering it,” said Kohli.

“You should always be wary of the strength of an impact bowler. You should also have the self-belief to do well against any bowler.

“Also, the match won’t be decided by my runs or his wickets. There are 10 players on each side; they also have to play well. I’m not entering any personal contest or competition,” he added.

“You got to play well regardless of the bowler.

Even part-timers will get you out if you are not playing well. I keep my game simple.”

Kohli acknowledged Pakistan have “a lot of talent” in their ranks but preferred to talk about his own team instead.

India won their first two

Venezuela draw 0-0 with Peru in their Copa America opener PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (Reuters) - Venezuela and Peru began their Copa America with a nervous 0-0 draw yesterday in a match marked by two Peruvian goals chalked off after consultation with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Christofer Gonzales’s 11th-minute goal was disallowed for offside earlier in the move and then Jefferson Farfan suffered the same fate 19 minutes into the second half after his header hit the net.

The game grew tenser after Venezuela had Luis Mago sent off with 16 minutes remaining.

Peru were unfortunate not to sneak all three points, with Venezuelan goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez making a superb reflex save to scoop the ball off the line in the closing minutes of the match.

“We are a bit upset be-

Venezuela’s Salomon Rondon shoots at goal from a free kick at Porto Alegre, Brazil yesterday. (REUTERS/Henry Romero)

cause we think we deserved to win,” said Peruvian captain Paulo Guerrero. “We just couldn’t find the last ball.

“We did what we could.

All we lacked was a goal.”

The first half was a stopstart affair but things improved in the second period as Peru imposed themselves on their opponents, one of only two South American sides never to win the Copa

America.

The draw means both sides are tied in second place in Group A, behind host nation Brazil, who beat Bolivia 3-0 in the tournament’s opening match on Friday.

Peru now face Bolivia on Tuesday in the second round of matches and Brazil take on Venezuela the same day.

matches but split points

with New Zealand after Thursday’s washout at Trent Bridge.

The threat of rain looms large over today’s match as well and Kohli said weather would influence India’s combination.

“The conditions and length of the game will obviously make us consider a few combinations that we could potentially go with in this match.”

“We’ll have to be flexible .... If conditions are very

different from what it was in our last game, we’ll have to think of different combinations, identifying areas to strengthen, especially in our bowling attack.”

Stumper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who flew in as cover for injured opener Shikhar Dhawan, joined the rest of the Indian squad in their training session under an overcast sky at Old Trafford.

38

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, June 16, 2019

GCA completes successful Bermuda can reach Gold Cup quarter-finals, says coach Coaches Workshop SEVENTEEN potential coaches affiliated with the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) completed a one-day Cricket Coaches Workshop yesterday at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO), Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport at the conclusion of the workshop, Mark Harper said the objectives were to provide coaches and captains with practice and preparation structures as well as plans to improve their players.

The programme also included fitness guidelines, nets options, remedial and skills development, batting, bowling, fielding, wick-

Kyle Lightbourne believes his side can be among the last eight teams in the Gold Cup.

Roger Harper demonstrates a bowling point to the participants.

et-keeping, mental and tactical aspects, according to Harper.

The instructors were former West Indies off-spinner

Roger Harper, and former national cricketer Mark Harper and Neil Barry. Guyana Jaguars physiotherapist Neil Barry Jr was also part of the

team.

The workshop was organised by the Cricket Development Committee of the GCA.

PC dominate Tutorial High in YBG Georgetown/East Coast Regionals

PRESIDENT’S College (PC) claimed two victories on Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Georgetown and East Coast Regionals, including a massive win against Tutorial High School in the U-18 division.

Richard Semple led PC in the 66-point victory (7711) against the Georgetown school. The teen powered his way to a game-high 27 points and eight rebounds.

Support came from Jushaun Bailey, who added 18 points and Rankin McDonald with 11 points, nine boards. Peter Thompson led Tutorial with four points, nine rebounds.

PC and Marian Academy locked in the U-14 battle.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday June 16, 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) Ramnaresh Sarwan & Collis King (2) Pakistan (1992 & 1999); Sri Lanka (2007 & 2011) Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest number of matches ever scheduled for a World Cup tournament?

When?

(2) Who has scored most World Cup runs without a hundred?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

In the U-14 division, PC thrashed Marian Academy 27-8. Kerol Mentore led the East Coast school with a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds), while Rasean Barnwell added five points, seven rebounds.

Nicholas Verwey led Marian with four points, eight rebounds.

In another U-14 clash, St Stanislaus College got past YBG Cluster by a score of 23-17. Daniel Bailey finished with a double-double for the winners (12 points, 10 rebounds), while K. Howard (six points) was the main scorer for YBG. In a close U-18 clash, Marian Academy were able to shoot their way past GTI 40-35.

Josiah Daniels and Akili Haynes did it at both ends of the court for the winners with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 points, nine rebounds respectively.

Israel Yaw finished with a game-high 15 rebounds and 12 points for GTI. Darren Thomas just missed out on a double-double for the institution after pulling down 11 rebounds to add to his nine points.

Bishops’ High dominated against their Georgetown counterparts St Rose’s High in the other U-18 clash.

Led by Keron Bacchus, who scored 23 points, the Bishops’ raced to a 69-36 point win.

Daniel Benjamin added 11 points, 10 rebounds and Timothy Richmond 11 points.

Jaiden Craig with 12 points, seven rebounds and Adrian Pilgrim with 10 points, led St Rose’s High.

The tournament is sponsored by Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd, NSC, Banks DIH LTD and Exxon Mobil.

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (CMC) – National coach Kyle Lightbourne believes Bermuda can reach the quarter-finals as they prepare to make their debut in the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Haiti at the weekend.

But 50-year-old Lightbourne, currently enjoying his second stint at the helm after he led the team from 2005 to 2007, admits a positive result against Haiti is key if Bermuda is to achieve their goal of advancing to the quarter-finals.

Bermuda, who arrived here on Monday ahead of their opening game against Haiti today, must finish in the top two in Group B, which also includes Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Although Lightbourne’s side finished a lofty fifth in the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers, ahead of Nicaragua, whom they play in their final group game, Bermuda are the lowest ranked of the four teams.

Haiti finished top of the standings while Costa Rica qualified automatically as participants in the final round of the World Cup qualifiers in 2018.

“The boys are confident and we feel like we can match most teams,” Lightbourne told Bermuda’s Royal Gazette newspaper.

“We want to try our best to get through to the next stage. We definitely want to make it hard for teams to play against us. We saw a lot of the things we’ve been working on in training against

Guyana – on the ball in the first half and defensively in the second. It’s on the day that we need to get it right.”

Bermuda beat Guyana, who are also making their Gold Cup debut, 1-0 at home in a friendly last week.

Bermuda showed they are made of sterner stuff these days, fighting back from a goal down in their must-win match away to the Dominican Republic in their final Nations League qualifier, and Lightbourne believes it will be a huge mistake if Haiti take his side lightly.

“Since the Nations League started we’ve really grown into a good unit,” he added. “We showed we can come from behind against the Dominican Republic, but now we’re going to be tested at a different level.”

Bermuda have qualified in League A of the Nations League and have home and away ties in Group B against Mexico and Panama in the autumn.

“We want to be able to stay at this level,” Lightbourne said. “However, we’re going to have to learn and learn quickly, if we are to build off this.

There are opportunities for us to grow as a foot-balling nation.”

The Gold Cup has been extended from 12 teams to 16 teams, split into four groups. The final is scheduled to be played on July 7 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

39

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, June 16, 2019

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica Championship

Defending champions sent packing on thrilling opening night

By Michelangelo Jacobus A FULL house on Friday night witnessed an action-packed opening night of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica Championship, as defending champions Disconnection Crew were sent packing by newcomers, Walking Boys, at the Bartica Community Centre tarmac.

In a game full of endto-end action from the first whistle to the last, the debutants defeated the favourites 1-0 on sudden-death penalty kicks, after regulation time ended with neither side hitting the back of the net.

Prior to opening night, Disconnection Crew were widely regarded by many as heavy favourites to retain their title.

Meanwhile, 2017 champions, Rivers View, survived a similar fate against debutants Man City. The

inaugural winners of the event thrilled the crowd as they came from behind to defeat their opponents by a 2-1 scoreline.

A Guinness Goal (GG) (a goal scored in the final two minutes counts as two) in the 19th minute secured the victory for the highly-rated outfit.

In other highly entertaining matches, Potato United, Mighty Ruler, Prison Officers, Beacons, Police and Goal-Raiders secured berths in the group stage with contrasting wins.

Potato United took apart Potaro Strikers 5-1 in their ‘Derby’ matchup to the delight of their fans.

Meanwhile, Mighty Ruler trumped Itaballi 3-1, while Prison Officers halted Falmouth in an identical scoreline.

Police arrested Jones Avenue 2-0 while Beacons needled Almanac Kings and

Action on Friday night between Police (orange bib) and Jones Avenue at the Bartica Community Centre tarmac.

Goal-Raiders sneaked past Ballers 1-0.

Up to press time last eve-

KFC Senior squash championship heating up as finals set for today THE 2019 KFC Senior National Squash Championships continued Friday evening at the Georgetown Club Ltd squash courts with play in the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Plate, Women’s Plate and Men’s Over 50 categories.

In the Men’s Open quarterfinals, No 1 seed Jason Ray Khalil dropped one game as he defeated Nicholas Naraine 11-3, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8.

No 2 seed Nyron Joseph also surrendered one game as Damien Da Silva was precise with his cunning drop shots.

However, Nyron was eventually victorious winning 11-6, 11-3, 9-11, 11-6.

Regan Pollard was forced to pull out all the stops as, after winning the first two games in his match against Peter Michael De Groot in identical fashion 12-10, 1210, he lost the next two 2-11, 2-11 but Regan’s experience prevailed with an 11-6 fifth game win.

Shomari Wiltshire was the only one of the Men’s quarterfinalists to be victo-

KFC Senior nationals lit up Georgetown Club Inc Squash Courts. (Adrian Narine photo)

rious without conceding a game, as he won in straight sets against Robert Fernandes 11- 3, 11-1, 11-4.

In the Men’s plate Gianni Carpenter had a contrasting evening as, firstly, he was victorious in his first match against Reagan Rodrigues, scores being 11-2, 11-3, 113, but then lost in the next round in dramatic fashion to Jonathan Antczak with the fifth game finishing 12-10 to Jonathan.

Jonathan won 11-4, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7, 12-10. In the other plate match Nicholas

Verwey beat Adam Alves in four close games, 12-10, 119, 10-12, 11-9.

In the Women’s plate Kirsten Gomes defeated Sarah Lewis 11-4, 11-4, 12-10 while Lydia Fraser trounced Teija Edwards 11-5, 11-1, 11-6.

In the Veterans Men’s Over-50 Joe Mekdeci overpowered Medhi Ramdhani 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 while Garfield Wiltshire thrashed Tony Farnum 11-5, 11-5, 11-4.

Play continued yesterday with the finals set for today from 11:00hrs.

ning, the group stage round was underway at the same venue.

The top two finishers from each pool will process to the semi-final round sched-

uled for today. The grand final will also be staged today at the same venue.

Winner of the zone will collect $400 000 and the respective trophy. They will also earn an automatic place in the National Championship, which is set to kick off in August. Meanwhile, the losing finalists will receive $150 000 and a trophy.

On the other hand, the third- and fourth-place finishers pocket $100 000 and $75 000 respectively and the corresponding accolade. The victors of the Guinness Plate Championship will receive $60 000.

The other major sponsor of the event is Colours Boutique. In attendance at the venue was Banks DIH Limited Outdoor Events Manager and former national player Mortimer Stewart.

Lloyd says Windies can’t afford any more slipups SOUTHAMPTON, England (CMC) – Despite two losses former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd has not given up faith that the West Indies can still win the 2019 ICC World Cup. However, for that to happen, the legendary cricketer says the Windies cannot afford to lose any more games.

The West Indies lost their second game of the tournament against England on Friday by eight wickets. It was their second loss in four games and leaves them in sixth position on three points.

Lloyd said it was imperative that the regional team win their remaining five games.

“If the West Indies want to win this World Cup then now is the time for them to come out fighting and show what they are made of. Defeats and bad days are always going to happen in a tournament like this, and now we just have to hope that the West Indies have got all of theirs out of the way,” Lloyd said.

“I still think they

West Indies captain Jason Holder

have got the firepower in both their batting and bowling to go all the way but the pressure is building.

They need to win nearly every group game from here on if they are to have a chance of making the semi-finals.

“Eleven points will probably be enough to get a team into the top four, and considering they still have the likes of New Zealand and India to

play, it is now or never,” he pointed out.

While Lloyd said the Windies would be very disappointed in their performance against England, he maintained the writing was not yet on the wall.

He said it was up to captain Jason Holder to now rally the team for their upcoming game against Bangladesh.

“But all is not lost just yet. Jason Holder has got to try and rally the troops and get them back on track.

They started well in this tournament and are still in there fighting.

“Bangladesh are up next on Monday and they are no pushovers – they beat the West Indies twice in a Tri-Series very recently, have beaten South Africa in this tournament already and made a very good fist of chasing down a huge total against England,” Lloyd cautioned.

“It’s a must-win clash for both sides – Bangladesh will be feeling very good about their game and it’s up to the West Indies to stand up and be counted.”

48 hours to ‘D-Day’

Golden Jaguars ready to ‘roar’ against USA PAGE

34

Guyana’s ‘Golden Jaguars’ during their first training session in Minneapolis. (GFF photo)

Holder wants more consistency from Windies Pelicans agree to trade Davis to Lakers Get registered, GMRSC urges competitors

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34 All-Star big man Anthony Davis

National Mini and Pre-Cadet Table Tennis Championships rescheduled to next month E

Next Sunday’s second round of the GMRS&SC Drag Race championship is expected to feature over 100 competitors but to date, just about five are registered. (GTRidez photo)

XAMINATIONS and venue constraints among other variables have forced the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) to reschedule its national Mini and Pre-Cadet Table Tennis Championships to next month.

Information from the association indicates that the three-day event will now be held July 5-7 at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The championships (Mini Cadet U-11 and Pre-Cadet U-13) were previously scheduled for this weekend.

After several calls by parents to the association, who indicated that they were worried that the event would encroach on their children’s end of term exam preparations, the association decided to postpone the event.

In a statement, the GTTA said: “We wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused”.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019