Guyana Chronicle E-paper 7-28-2019

28th July, 2019

' No.105712

‘NO LONGER

A PARIAH STATE’

…Harmon tells TT forum coalition restored Guyana’s international reputation …wows Trinidad business community to come here and invest SEE STORY ON PAGE 09 ►

President condemns SN for ‘malicious’ editorial …calls for apology from Editor-in-Chief PAGE

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'No dilly 05 -dallying' PAGE

…Dr David Hinds praises President for level-headedness in navigating political situation

106 sought treatment for drug abuse –NANA report

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After years of neglect, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has transformed what used to be a mud dam into a modern asphalted stretch of road at Upper Hadfield Street, Georgetown. Residents, who for years had complained about the state of the road, have heaped praise on the government for the work. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said the stretch of road is part of a series of developmental works ongoing across the country

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

President condemns Stabroek News for ‘malicious’ editorial

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…calls for apology from Editor-in-Chief THE Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) said it was astonished at the Stabroek News’ Editorial entitled ‘Temporising’ – which made numerous odious and malicious assertions.

The editorial was published in the Friday July 26, 2019 Edition of the newspaper, and according to the MoTP, it sought to insinuate insincerity and impugn the character of the President and his office in relation to the matters arising out of the passage of the no-confidence motion.

According to the MoTP, the editorial misinterpreted the meaning of the ruling and Consequential Orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and ignored the process surrounding the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. “It was with the aim of correcting mistaken opinions that President David Granger, on Thursday July 25, held separate engagements with the Diplomatic Corps and Civil Society. Given the groundwork that the President had done between January and July, therefore, the process could have been brought to a swift and consensual conclusion on July 26, giving the lie to the Stabroek News’ editorial’s silly claims of ‘temporising,’” MoTP said.

The MoTP said President Granger demonstrated prudent leadership in guiding the various processes that followed the December 21,

2018 no-confidence motion against his government and the path for the selection of the Chairman of the Elections Commission.

It recalled that shortly after the motion was passed in the National Assembly, the President held a high-level bilateral meeting with the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. On February 25, 2019, he had also written the then Chairman of the Elections Commission, Justice (ret.) James Patterson acknowledging his letter dated February 21, 2019.

“The chairman admitted that the commission did not have the capability to deliver credible General and Regional Elections (GRE) within the three-month time-frame beginning December 21, 2019 and that both additional funds and additional time were needed. The Head of State said in his response, ‘The Government of Guyana is committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the commission is provided with the financial resources and has sufficient time to conduct credible elections,’” MoTP pointed out.

The President had also urged the commission to commence preparations for the conduct of elections while assuring it that his government would “initiate measures to provide the funds required and to seek the approval of the National Assembly to ensure that an agreement can be reached, given both the Constitutional

requirements and GECOM’s capability.”

On March 6, the Head of State convened another meeting with the opposition leader after which, on March 8, he engaged the full membership

Editor-in-Chief of Stabroek News, Anand Persaud

of the Elections Commission. The aim, the MoTP explained, was to determine the commission’s needs and readiness to conduct the elections in the shortest possible time.

“President Granger has not demonstrated any form of “temporising” as indicated in the Stabroek News editorial.

The government acted within the law when it approached the courts to seek clarity on matters that are of interest to it,” MoTP said.

It noted too that it was the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, who had recommended that the “full, final and complete settlement of these issues by

a court of competent jurisdiction will place beyond any doubt any question which may exist and serve to give guidance to the Speaker and to the National Assembly for the future.”

The ministry said the government’s recourse to the judiciary aimed only at bringing clarity and certainty to the contentious issues which arose as a result of the no-confidence vote, and not to delay elections as alleged in the editorial.

It said the editorial also ignored completely the processes embarked on by the President and the opposition leader to arrive at a list of candidates who are “not unacceptable” for the post of GECOM Chair. It reminded that it was the CCJ, on June 18 that said the most sensible approach to appointing the Chairman of the Elections Commission was for both the President and leader of the opposition to communicate with each other in good faith and to discuss the eligible candidates for the position of Chairman before the formal submission of a list.

“The court said that the two sides ‘must’ agree on the names of six persons who fit the eligibility requirements and are “not unacceptable” to the President. The court held that, once the President and the leader of the opposition have 'hammered out' a list of names “not unacceptable” to the President, the list of six persons must then be formally submitted to the President

President David Granger

by the leader of the opposition. The President, in turn, must select the chairman from among those names,” the ministry detailed.

The court said that such an approach would give the President a role and would remove the possibility of a unilateral appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission. “This was exactly what the ‘hammering out’ process between the government and opposition appointed working groups achieved in four meetings between July 8 and 17, which resulted in the acceptable decision of July 26,” the ministry said.

The President, on June 25, and following the ruling of the CCJ which said the appointment of the GECOM Chairman was flawed and therefore void in law, accepted the resignation of the GECOM Chairman. The President, on July 4, had met the leader of the opposition to discuss the appointment of a Chairman of the Elections Commission. The two sides discussed the means of selecting a new chairman in accordance with the judgment of the CCJ, and to

ensure that the commission would be able to function in an uninterrupted manner.

It was agreed at that meeting, that the leader of the opposition would submit a list of names of persons for the President’s consideration and, later, Gail Teixeira, Chief Whip of the Opposition, indicated to Joseph Harmon, Director General, Ministry of the Presidency, that “the leader of the opposition was not averse to the President informally suggesting names in their proposed engagement for his consideration.”

“The President, clearly, sought to engage all stakeholders and has repeatedly committed to the holding of free, fair and credible elections in the shortest possible time. The President, clearly, was methodical in his engagement with the opposition in the selection process up to July 26, when the chairman was finally appointed. The Stabroek News editorial was extremely malicious. The Editor-in-Chief owes the President an apology for accusing him of “temporising,” the MoTP said.

Political parties, private sector hail appointment of GECOM Chair THE appointment of Justice Claudette Singh, SC, CCH, as Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been well received by civil society, political organisations and the diplomatic community.

On Saturday, one day after President David Granger named Justice Singh as Chair of the Elections Commission after arriving at a consensus with Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on the list of nominees, the Alliance for Change (AFC) said it was pleased with the developments.

“The party applauds His Excellency, President Grang-

er and the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on reaching consensus on what has been a very contentious matter, and is satisfied that the constitutionally appropriate process was applied in the selection of Justice Singh,” AFC said.

It said the selection of Justice Singh is a positive step towards maintaining public confidence in GECOM and by extension the decisions of GECOM, and the results of any elections conducted by GECOM. “The AFC now looks forward to an early election being held in accordance with the constitutional requirements consequent on

Justice Claudette Singh, Chairperson of GECOM

the passage of the December 21st, 2018, no-confidence motion,” the alliance said.

The AFC forms part of the

coalition Government.

In a separate statement, A New and United Guyana (ANUG) said it welcomes the impending appointment of Justice Singh as Chair of GECOM. “Justice Singh, the Police Legal Adviser, has wide experience as an officer in the AG’s Chambers, a Judge of the High Court and of the Court of Appeal. She is widely respected and her appointment is expected to attract broad support,” the newly-formed political party said.

It took note of the fact that her appointment comes at a time when the country is facing, what some consider, electoral and constitutional

challenges, and when she will be asked to make difficult decisions. “Justice Singh will occupy perhaps the most difficult, challenging and controversial job in Guyana. Before even familiarizing herself with the basic elements and parameters of her office, Justice Singh will have to decide whether to support that the electoral list be extracted from the existing database and subjected to claims and objections, or whether a new electoral list has to be compiled from house-to-house registration. In an equally divided GECOM, her vote will be decisive,” ANUG reasoned. .

It is incumbent on the

major political parties to support Justice Singh, the party said, noting that even if her positions do not accord with theirs. “At the same time, while Justice Singh needs to be cognizant of the concerns of the members of GECOM, she should not allow those concerns to detract her from the hard choices that she will have to make,” ANUG urged.

It added: “Justice Singh has vast experience as a judge over several decades in making difficult decisions based on evidence after considering all the arguments. This experience will provide a favourable background in TURN TO PAGE 5 ►

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

Russia protests: Thousand arrested at Moscow rally (BBC) Police in Moscow have detained more than 1,000 people at a rally, in one of the biggest crackdowns in years.

Demonstrators were dragged away from the city hall as security forces used batons against the crowd.

People were protesting against the exclusion of opposition candidates from local polls. The opposition say they were barred for political reasons.

Some of the candidates banned from standing in the 8 September election had been detained earlier.

Officials disqualified

Riot police detained hundreds of protesters on Saturday

about 30 people, saying they had failed to collect enough valid signatures to stand.

At least 1,074 arrests

were made at the banned rally, officials say, while monitors reported 1,127 detentions.

Moscow's Mayor, Ser-

gei Sobyanin, has called the demonstration a "security threat", and promised to maintain public order.

Anger is widespread among opposition supporters at the way the city is run and the ruling United Russia party.

Opposition leader Alex-

SUNDAY 28 July, 2019 - 01:00hrs ~ 02:30hrs

ei Navalny, a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, was jailed for 30 days on Wednesday after calling for Saturday's unapproved demonstration.

Mr Putin was on a trip to the Baltic Sea on Saturday for a dive in a submersible. "There are a lot of problems on Earth, so to diminish their amount one has to go up and deep down," he remarked.

What happened this Saturday?

Last Saturday, more than 20,000 Russians took to the streets, demanding fair elections, and dozens were arrested.

It is unclear how many people turned up for the new unauthorised rally on 27 July but the numbers seem to have been sharply down.

According to police, about 3,500 people gathered, including about 700 journalists.

Police in riot gear pushed back the crowd from barriers surrounding the mayor's office in central Moscow, hauling off detainees to police stations.

A number of protesters could be seen bleeding while at least two members of the security forces reportedly received eye injuries from pepper spray.

Saturday July 28, 2019

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July 26, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

‘No dilly-dallying’ …Dr. David Hinds says President Granger’s sincerity cannot be questioned …praises him for level-headedness in navigating political situation

By Svetlana Marshall POLITICAL Scientist, Dr. David Hinds, while rubbishing allegations that President David Granger has been temporising or ‘dilly-dallying’ on critical matters following the December 18 no-confidence motion, said the President has gone above and beyond to adhere to the Constitution of Guyana and rulings of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Stabroek News, in its Friday, July 26, 2019 Editorial titled ‘Temporising,’ accused the President of “inflicting unnecessary damage on the nation at the constitutional level, the institutional level and the level of ordinary Guyanese,” through, what it considered to be the employment of delay tactics in the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the conduct of General and Regional Elections.

But Dr. Hinds, in an in-

terview with the Guyana Chronicle, said the editorial is a misrepresentation of President Granger’s character and his actions. “One thing you can’t accuse David Granger of is insincerity,” Dr. Hinds told this newspaper.

The Editorial was published hours before President Granger selected renowned legal luminary Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, SC, CCH for the position of Chairman of the Elections Commission from a list of six nominees submitted by the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo – a move which represented a breakthrough in negotiations between the leaders following the invalidation of the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman on June 18.

Ahead of this breakthrough, the government, in February, approved $3.4B for elections preparations after the commission had indicated that it lacked the capacity and financial power to conduct elections within three months. By

March 21, the no-confidence motion was invalidated by the Court of Appeal – a ruling that has since been overturned by the CCJ. However, the CCJ’s June 18 decision came almost two months after the Voters’ List expired, giving rise to need for house-

President David Granger

Political Scientist Dr. David Hinds

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

to-house registration to generate a new and credible list.

The opposition leader and by

Political parties, private sector ...

enabling her not only to be bold and courageous but to have foremost in her mind the interests of Guyana and its Constitution.”

In another statement, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) also congratulated President Granger and the Opposition Leader on producing a list of nominees that was not unacceptable to the President, and at the same time, pleasing to the Opposition Leader. It also used the platform to applaud Justice Claudette Singh on her new appointment.

“The PSC offers our full and unqualified support,” the PSC said.

With some 40 years of experience under her belt, Justice Singh is one of the only three women to be appointed Senior Counsel in the history of Independent Guyana. She was called to the Bar in London in 1973 and admitted to the Bar in Guyana in 1976. Justice Singh served as the Deputy Solicitor-General and as a Puisne Judge and a Justice of Appeal. During her tenure at the Chamber of the Attorney-General (AG), she spearheaded the Modernisation of the Justice Reform Project and is currently serving as the Guyana Police Force’s Legal Adviser. It is expected that she would be sworn in as Chairperson of the Elections Commission on Monday.

Hours after the announcement on Friday, the United States, United Kingdom and Canada hailed the appointment of Justice Singh as the new chairman of the GECOM – a move which has ended months of stalemate between the key political leaders.

In a terse message on its Facebook page, the US Embassy said, “We commend Guyana’s leadership for agreement on an Elections Commission Chairperson, in compliance with the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling.

We encourage continued collaboration toward free and fair elections.”

UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, in a statement said, “I welcome this extremely positive development. I look forward to meeting the new GECOM chair. All relevant actors are to be congratulated on this agreement.” For her part, Canada High Commissioner

extension the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have lobbied GECOM to use

to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, on her Twitter account said: “Progress for the citizens of Guyana!”

Subsequent to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) rulings, which invalidated the October 2017 appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Elections Commission, the Western diplomatic community called on all sides of the political divide to respect the ruling of the regional court – Guyana’s final appellate court.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; United Kingdom High Commissioner, Greg Quinn; Canada High Commissioner, Lilian Chattergee and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Jernej Videtic, noted in a joint statement, that “it is important that all sides respect the ruling,” adding that “we also encourage all to come to an agreement on the

the expired list in the interest of early elections though this, according to experts, would result in electoral fraud. President Granger, while making it clear that he will not interfere in the work of the commission, has repeatedly informed the nation that he will proclaim a date for elections when the Elections FROM PAGE 3

way forward.”

President David Granger, on Thursday, had met with members of the diplomatic community to personally explain Guyana’s current political situation, the legal actions taken by the government thus far and its intention to usher Guyana into fair, free and credible elections as early as possible.

Commission advises him that it is in a position to facilitate free, fair and credible elections. Until the election is held, the President has made it clear that his government, in accordance with the ruling of the CCJ, accepts that it is now operating in an interim mode.

“I happen to know there are people to the left of Granger on these issues; they are people who would play hard ball 24 hour seven with Mr. Jagdeo and the PPP. Mr. Granger has not been doing that; he has bent over backwards; he has said I accept that we are an interim government. He has agreed to restrict himself when some of

us believe that he shouldn’t restrict himself,” Dr. Hinds told the Guyana Chronicle.

Dr. Hinds, an Executive of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), noted too that since the passage of the no-confidence motion, President Granger has repeatedly said that he will be guided by the Elections Commission.

GECOM’s Attorney, Stanley Marcus, has informed the CCJ that the Elections Commission, would be in a position to hold elections after December 25, 2019.

“So I think, therefore, to accused him of dilly-dallying TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

The New GECOM Chairperson: Triumph of Reason over Partisanship

AFTER weeks of trying, President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday agreed on Justice Claudette Singh as the new chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Both leaders should be congratulated for what, in the circumstances, turned out to be a challenging exercise.

Just when the society at large was becoming restless over the gathering gridlock, reason triumphed over partisan considerations. It shows that when our two major political forces put their heads together in the interest of the country, positive outcomes are possible. Consensus is always difficult in plural societies, but it is not impossible. In fact, cooperation and consensus are also natural outcomes of pluralism.

President Granger must be specially commended

for the quiet dignity that he brought to the process. He withstood the bullying tactics of the other side and the blistering but baseless criticisms from sections of the media and Civil Society by keeping his focus on the principle of fairness and the rule of law. His was an example to aspiring leaders on how to conduct the nation’s business with a sense of purpose and uprightness. He showed that the answer to vitriol is not counter vitriol. The holder of the highest office must at all times point the country to the higher ground. All Guyana, regardless of political affiliation, could be proud of the Head of State.

The Opposition leader, in the end, succumbed to the logic of the example set by His Excellency. It was difficult not to see the light in the face of the President’s relentless adherence to what he

saw as the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ’s) clear directive to the two leaders.

The well-known PPP tactic of brinksmanship eventually could not be sustained. We hope that the opposition has learned the hard lesson that cooperation and compromise are superior political tools to unilateralism and zero-sum engagement.

The CCJ, recognising the urgency of the matter and mindful of the difficult political environment, had opened the door for such consensus when it urged that the President must play a meaningful role in the process. In other words, the court removed unilateralism from the process both in the final selection of the chairperson and from the compilation of the list from which that person is chosen. While the PPP and others initially argued that that directive departed from

the letter of the law, it was clear that it did not violate its spirit. Sometimes a strict reading of the letter of the law in isolation from its spirit could be counterproductive.

It certainly is at this point in time.

Now that the GECOM Chairperson is in place by consensus, we hope that all sides would give her the cooperation needed to discharge her duties in a fair and impartial manner. Hers is perhaps the most difficult job after the presidency. She holds the casting vote in an otherwise partisan commission—that is a tremendous responsibility that requires courage. We wish Justice Singh well and from what can be gleaned from her sterling legal career, she seems up to the challenge. All Guyanese should also pressure their leaders to ensure that the atmosphere of respect should be maintained.

Justice Singh needs the confidence of all sides of the political architecture.

Her first task is to deliver credible elections. Many observers have already dubbed the coming elections “the mother of all elections”. As such, all political sides would be doing everything in their power to influence the process. Given our long history of contentious elections, the Chairperson and her co-commissioners must keep their hands firmly on the wheel.

One side has already shown that it is prepared to bully its way in pursuit of its ultimate goal. It is incumbent on the Commission to rise above the fray and bat for all Guyana, but do so in a manner that privileges morality over immorality.

It is instructive that the new chair is a woman. This should not be lost on those who have tirelessly advo-

cated for gender equality in the highest seats of decision-making. Being a woman does not automatically mean superior decisions, but it offers a different dimension to the seat of power. We hope that Justice Singh can be an example to young women aspiring to high office.

In the last analysis, Guyana has survived another challenge to its reason for being. Some had feared that external forces would have had to intervene to bring about a resolution.

Thankfully, that was not required. We hope that the spirit that delivered this decision would prevail as we confront other challenges in the coming weeks and months. But for now, let us congratulate ourselves for weathering and overcoming this initial storm. The world and the ancestors are watching.

Another PPP/C bird that cannot fly Dear Editor So Bharat Jagdeo, the self-ascribed, political god of the PPP/C has proclaimed his edict that, “The PPP will not accept voter’s list generated by house-to-house registration”, News Source, July 23, 2019.

Not a surprise, by the since known devious standards of an opposition leader who grows desperate by the day in his hell’s rush for political power; with his illogical mindset, emitting the dangerous wildness of an intemperate human.

Editor, for those Guyanese who would have been availing themselves of GECOM’S many public pronouncements, would know that this decision

for house-to-house registration, would have been taken by full agreement of the elections commission, since February 19, 2019, and given effect via Order No. 25 of 2019, June 11. In other words, it was an across the board agreement, inclusive of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic’s participation of its three commissioners. Thus, there can be no misunderstanding of any kind, as to its legality, on the part of Jagdeo, and his political bidders, whose attempts to brand such an exercise as “illegal’’, “extreme’’ and dangerous’’, further expose their dishonest fulminations, and attempts to support the fraudulent public behaviour of the driver of their political opposition

bandwagon.

One wonders how do these devious and dangerously, misleading political jockeys seek to make illegal, an agreement to which their political horse would have jointly sanctioned as a legitimate race for the political track.

Editor, it is not difficult to discern the wicked portents which, by such a dishonest statement, Jagdeo and the PPP/C are hoping to create for effect and end product and results. This political fossil is cunningly encouraging a situation of non-participation in the eventual national and regional elections, which will call into question the fairness of the poll, coupled with the slimy lie of non-participation, with the aim of distorting the

results for international attention, and possible opprobrium.

Further, in his party’s letter in the Guyana Chronicle of July 23, 2019, “PPP refuses to participate in house-to-house registration” it states in part “… will not participate in the illegal unilateral activity by the CEO which threatens peace and stability in the country and undermines constitutional rule’’.

Here again, is Jagdeo and party’s outright dishonesty in seeking to disassociate his party’s commissioners from the collective decision making process of the GECOM’s decision making structure. One must, again, question the PPP/C duplicitous claim of an “illegal” and “unilateral” process, when its commis-

sioners would have supported and sanctioned this particular decision.

As leader of the political opposition party in Guyana, Jagdeo has a constitutional mandate that makes him an important part of the national decision making process on matters pertaining to the national interest. Such an understanding dictates that he be responsible in his public statements, and not misleading and inciting the public, as is his tradition.

It is unfathomable for Jagdeo to be alleging that the legitimate procedure of house-to-house registration poses a “threat” to the peace, inclusive of its “stability’’. How can this be, when the process now in progress is wholly legitimate, and has always

been a part of the preparation for the national and regional elections. Only Jagdeo’s duplicitous mind with its penchant for wild concoctions, can explain such detritus.

Surely, he is the one, guilty of seeking to create a hostile environment; hoping that his announcement of “non-acceptance”, will result in non-participation of his constituents; which, of course, he will have to shoulder full responsibility, since there is no known impediment, or barriers to citizens being registered for the purpose of national and regional elections.

Regards Earl Hamilton

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

A call for a government of national unity Dear Editor,

The Editorial of Kaieteur news of Thursday, July 25, 2019 is a serious analysis and it is hoped that it gets the attention of leaders of our two main political parties.

The young people of Guyana are looking to the present leaders to take responsible actions to shape the future of our Dear Land of Guyana. Our Motto is ‘ One People, One Nation, One Destiny.’ We have to make every effort to make our motto a reality. It is not

beyond us. I am in serious disagreement with the few Guyanese who have written off our nation. I have great faith in our young people, if we, the older ones don’t make the right moves, they would certainly take action.

It is my firm belief that the majority of Guyanese, from all races, religions, political parties and regions wish to have a break from the old political bickering.

The hypothesis is that a vast majority of Guyanese would support the working together of the PPP and the APNU/ AFC, in the formation of a

national patriotic government, for a limited period of approximately five to seven years. Please refer to a letter in the Stabroek News of Friday, July 26, 2019 written by one of Guyana’s outstanding sons, Mr. Rashleigh E. Jackson. He stated that “A truce – a pause – may be helpful if it were to be used in our domestic politics in attenuating abrasiveness which we have endured for a prolonged period.” This would give us an opportunity to heal our nation. The work of such a government should be: 1. Preparation for the oil

industry; 2. Crime and Security; 3. Educational Reform from nursery to university; 4. Revamping of our constitution;; and 5. Formulating a National Development Plan with an emphasis on modern agriculture and processing of farm produce.

I recall having the good fortune of listening to our late Economist, Dr. Kenneth King presenting a proposed national plan in the 70’s. It catered for every region, district and village in Guyana.

Unfortunately I am not sure where that plan ended up.

Lots of good work has been

done already, from Burnham, Jagan and Hoyte. I know that our country has outstanding sons and daughters who are prepared to join forces to enable the paradigm shift that is urgently needed. Quoting Mr. Jackson again, “the boat may already have sprung its moorings and is heading inevitably to the rapids.” We will not go down. The young people of this land will save us. I have confidence that we have bright, patriotic children who would take action if President Granger and Mr. Jagdeo do not change course.

I believe both of them are

patriotic leaders. Now is the time for them to show it. Put the future of Guyana ahead of party politics.

Is it possible for the leaders of the PPP and the APNU/AFC to agree to ask the people of Guyana through a Referendum: Do you wish us to work together for the good of Guyana for a limited period? No or Yes. Mr. Editor it is my firm belief that the overwhelming response would be YES. Regards Charles Vandyke

Disqualifying all Guyanese should not be Jan Mangal’s goal Dear Editor, I take issue with Jan Mangal’s recent letter in the press about Guyanese participation in our oil industry. In the letter “Bright light needs to be shone on MNR/ GGMC over award of oil blocks” he states that, “The country does not benefit when say twenty well connected Guyanese get a couple million US$ in the bank, a couple Land Cruisers, and acquire some properties in Miami and Long

Island. Also, no Guyanese can legitimately “partner” with any of the major oil companies.”

What is Mr. Mangal saying here? If he has evidence that specific individuals are engaged in corrupt practices to gain oil block licences, then he should disclose it and endorse a full investigation. And even if he has concrete evidence of that sort, how can he extend that to a blanket statement that not a single Guyanese should have the ability to invest in oil blocks? Are we all

unqualified and corrupt?

Mr. Mangal goes on to say that “the guidelines mentioned above pretty much disqualify all Guyanese applications for oil blocks. But this is alright, this is not a problem.

Disqualifying the unqualified is a good thing.” Fair, most Guyanese right now don’t have the capacity to develop an oil block. But if there are, now or in the future, Guyanese companies that are able to invest the money, who is Mr. Mangal to say they can’t because of their

nationality?

Importantly, it is clearly stated in the government’s standard Production Sharing Agreement that if a company does not explore or develop a block within a short period of time, it must relinquish its ownership and the block can be auctioned again. So, why can’t Guyanese be allowed to bid on blocks?

If they can’t find money or hire the skilled workforce to develop it, then they’ll have to relinquish it anyway. It seems to me this could

Corentyne Chamber of Commerce takes issue with Trotman’s broadside of Gouveia Dear Editor, Guyana today is in a very, very troubled place. The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, together with other rural Chambers like the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Berbice Chamber of Commerce & Development Association, the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce & Development, Bartica Chamber of Commerce and the Region Five Chamber of Industry & Commerce are all sectoral members of the Private Sector Commission. Together, these chambers are made up of hundreds of members and it is extremely dis-

ingenuous to conclude that they are all PPP supporters.

So to brand the Private Sector Commission a PPP organisation and attack its chairman, who was unanimously elected, is quite dangerous, as it seeks to erode the credibility of the premiere Private Sector institution in Guyana, whose collective membership is the largest employer in the country and which is in the forefront of fighting to guard the democratic values of our country and ensuring the government is in compliance and adherence to the constitution.

The Private Sector Commission recently sent two letters to Mr. Keith Lowenfield, Chief Elections Officer, in the

main, showing how the present voters list can be refreshed and use in the upcoming pools. A lot of questions asked of the CEO were mainly ignored. However, thereafter a vicious, racist and extremely nasty attack was launched on the P.S.C. and its chairman, Mr. Gerald Goveia by Elections Commissioner, Desmond Trotman. The hate that spewed from his pen showed the dangerous levels this country is descending into and the government of the day has to take full responsibility.

The fact that Mr. Lowenfield recently confessed that the present list can be refreshed through claims and objections, is proof enough that the

P.S.C letters to him may had its intended effect and which has exposed the partisanship of Mr. Trotman. His attack on Chairman Goveia is strongly condemned by our Chamber.

We also feel the haste to start house to house registrations without a Chairman in place was unwise and ill advised.

By issuing this statement, our Chamber may also come under attack, but it’s a small price to pay for us to ensure democracy and adherence to the constitution of the country.

Regards Central Corentyne Chamber of commerce

be a great opportunity for Guyanese companies who know the coast and our geology well, but don’t have the capacity to develop the fields singlehandedly.

Mr. Mangal should rethink his position and use his expertise to help Guyana’s oil industry move forward, instead of asking that it be held back.

Regards Donald Singh

Freedom Radio is about offensive views and national mischief Dear Editor, I support Ceon Rollox’s views, as made in “How petty and low can we stoop”, Guyana Chronicle July 26, 2019.

It is unbelievable that such effluence can come from the general PPP/C support base, as is the daily instance, via their racist Freedom Radio. Yes, I hold to such a view because, mostly, the caller’s views are simply uninformed, and consist of mindless horrible regurgitations of their primary party leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Maybe, they have a right to their views, since we are functioning in a democratic country, particularly one in which citizens’ rights to a political party of their choice, are respected and upheld. But the right of free speech, carries a tag of responsibility in what one says.

It is never meant to be a licence for disrespect and irresponsible babble, disguised as some kind of sensible talk.

Editor, I will always support the right of free speech; but not when it continues to be reckless; adds nothing to the debate, and

continues to be made against the background of subtle racism. In fact, Freedom Radio, serves a purpose of offensive views and national mischief.

It is even worse, when there are moderators, as is daily on this poisonous airwave of the PPP/C, who actively support the offensive statements of their callers, by an encouraging silence.

I have to agree with Mr. Rollox’s description of “petty” and “low’’, in describing the views of the caller, as related to President David Granger having to journey to Cuba for another medical evaluation. How can the President be accused of being “Don’t kay”, because he has had to undertake a mission for purely medical reasons? This is the kind of disrespect, underpinned by undoubted racism, by the general mainstream of callers to programmes on Freedom Radio by PPP/C supporters. If it is not, then it speaks to a mindset that daily devalues the quality of some categories of human beings.

Regards Carla Mendonca

8

WILL TO SUCCEED CELEBRATED in song, there is an old but familiar proverb: “Where there is a will, there is a way.”

Nothing exemplifies this more than the selection by His Excellency President David Granger of the eminently qualified former Justice of Appeal Madam Claudette Singh S.C., for appointment as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) after a consensual process involving the leader of the opposition.

When she takes the Oath of Office tomorrow, Justice Singh will be the first woman to be appointed to this constitutional office. She will join an impressive galaxy of Guyanese women who have smashed the so-called glass ceiling by ascending to high offices.

Women form a significant component of our Cabinet and the National Assembly, and occupy posts such as chancellor of the judiciary, chief justice, director of public prosecutions, chief magistrate and judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

For years, confirmation of appointment of Guyanese jurists to the post of chancellor and chief justice, with

permanent tenure, has been impaled on a constitutional gridlock. The President and the leader of the opposition have failed to meet the threshold for the appointment under a well-intentioned but rigid provision of the Constitution that goes beyond mere consultation, and requires bi-partisan agreement.

This is the antecedent of the Guyanese problematic where decision-making has been infected with the political virus of ethnic polarisation and partisan brinkmanship. Nothing comes easy in this South American republic with Caribbean characteristics, but our people have never surrendered the will to succeed.

SAUNDERS COROLLARY The consensual approach under what should now be termed the Saunders Corollary to the Carter Formula, through a unique process of “hammering out” of nominees to find an eligible person who is not unacceptable to the President, is a revolutionary innovation. This judicial engineering has provided a stimulus to the political will not only to end unilat-

eralism, but to succeed in problem-solving that could steer Guyana away from the precipice of future gridlock.

It has also given space for the President to play a role in the identification of nominees and, on a good-faith basis, for leader of the opposition to submit the final list of six persons who are all “fit and proper,” as he has done on this occasion, thus ruling out as an option unilateral appointment of someone from outside the list.

Notwithstanding the oftentimes acrimonious cut and thrust of the “hammering out” process, both President Granger and Opposition Leader Jagdeo have emerged winners. They have had a collective baptism in good faith and consensus politics.

CRITICAL SUPPORT This was the political will and patriotic leadership that I have shared when the legendary Cheddi Jagan moved away from a campaign of civil disobedience after the controversial 1973 elections to embrace “critical support” for the Burnham-led government in the face of a threat to our sovereignty. The PPP had branded the said gov-

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

ernment “neo-fascist,” and had launched a campaign of non-cooperation that was spliced with talks of utilising “all means” available for removal of the said government.

I was among those who had initially advocated the “all means possible” line, but radically changed my position to firmly embrace “critical support” on the basis that the dialectics favoured support for Guyana’s national defence and progressive foreign policy. Many of us had also felt that the time was ripe for rapprochement between the two major political parties and their leaders, Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan.

Today, we hear similar mis-characterisation of the populist-nationalist APNU+AFC Coalition as being “illegal,” with exhortations from an extremist wing of the party for a campaign of resistance. These elements would hope that the sporadic protests would transition to concrete forms of extra-parliamentary struggles. The characterisation of “illegal” would dictate the means by which those elements contemplate the destabilisation of the government, as they sought to do recently in Trinidad by attempting to scare

away investors. However, as someone who has been there, this perceived strategy lacks imagination and, at the same time, it is dangerous.

I would not place it beyond this extremist phalanx to intensify pressure on GECOM, especially its new chairperson, even before she settles down. But, in my opinion, Justice Singh is not someone whom the opposition could arrogantly push around or walk over.

They have only to look back at the post-1997 elections to be reminded that she is a formidable person.

For now, it would be all smiles before the opposition shifts the scene of engagement. This would see more attempts at derailing the current house-to-house registration of Guyanese to compile the data base from which a voters list would be extracted for upcoming elections. It is clear that the PPP has a vested interest in a list that locks out first-time, young voters and which is riddled with phantom names.

EXIT STRATEGY The opposition may not succeed in torpedoing this exercise, but may negotiate an exit strategy that limits the time for completion of a new voters list, so that elections

could be held soonest after September 18. However reluctantly, iopwevedrHot may compromise with GECOM on a parliamentary motion to extend the time for holding these elections, given a reasonable but shortened timeframe for completion of the registration exercise and the refreshing of the voters lists during a claims and objections period.

Like a polluted river, the list has to be cleansed, sanitised and refreshed at its source, which is the data base. Unless this is done, the voters list that will flow from the data base, like tributaries to the regions and local constituencies, will be contaminated, muddy and putrid.

Such a list can only deliver elections that are foul, not fair or free.

The appointment of Madam Chairperson Claudette Singh will give the electoral process a strong puff of fresh air and the tensions of the recent past will largely subside. The western democracies have all embraced our latest sortie into consensus politics and adherence to the commands of our judiciary, in this case the CCJ, signals a triumph of the Rule of Law in Guyana.

Illegal weapons found buried on Adventure farm POLICE in ‘G’ Division, acting on information, made a startling discovery during a search of a farm at Adventure, Essequibo Coast around midday on Sunday.

According to reports, the farm belongs to one “Camodeen” and is located 500 metres west of the Adventure Public Road. Police unearthed two shot gun locks, four shot gun choke, one shotgun pistol grip, one mini mag light, one shotgun choke spanner, and a quantity of shot gun pillets, all suspected to be components

Some of the illegal weapons which were buried at the farm

of a firearm in a bucket, two pairs socks, two hand guard and two knee guard.

The items were tak-

en to the Suddie Police Station. No one has been arrested to date.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

‘No longer a pariah state’

9

…Harmon tells TT forum coalition restored Guyana’s international reputation …wows Trinidad business community to come here and invest

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon recently told an investment forum in Trinidad and Tobago that the Coalition Government has removed the stain of a ‘Pariah State’ from Guyana to a position of respect and honour in the world’s community of nation.

Harmon, the former Minister of State was accompanied

by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine at a high-level investment forum in Port of Spain last week Friday hosted by the Guyana High Commissioner in that country, Cammie Ramsaroop.

“I invite you our closest Caribbean neighbours; our brothers and sisters of the Caricom family, to join us in this grand enterprise. The areas of opportunity are many and varied, there is a place for all of you and more,” Harmon told the large gathering of investors at the forum held at the Hyatt Regency. Since coming into office, Guyana has climbed the Transparency International rating for its fight against corruption; was removed from the blacklists of the Caribbean Actions Task Force; the Financial Action Task Force and recently the European Commission.

Guyana has also for the past two years enjoyed favourable ranking on its anti-money laundering efforts; drug trafficking as well as trafficking in person.

Making a pitch to the investors at the forum Harmon spoke about opportunities in the agriculture sector, noting that there are endless possibilities for agricultural investment in Guyana’s traditional coastal agricultural areas on small and medium scales or in mega-farms in our intermediate savannahs, the range is vast.

“Of course, there are also our abundant natural resources, our forests; our gold and diamonds; our rare earths and other mineral resources in our hinterland as well as the attendant need for infrastructural development, such as roads, bridges and aerodromes to enable us to access these resources in our largely un-developed hinterland,” the director general stated.

He said too there is also the new existing area of fresh water supply and marketing. “The world is facing a water crisis and it is suggested that demand for fresh water will outstrip supply by 40% by 2030, while the growth of the world’s population will increase demand for fresh water by 55 percent by the year 2050, placing great strain on global freshwater reserves,” Harmon observed.

He alluded to an address at the world water forum in Brasilia, Brazil in March, 2018,

by President David Granger where the Guyanese leader mentioned: “Guyana calls on this world water forum to take action to protect and preserve the Guiana Shield as a vital source of the world’s freshwater reserves. At stake is nothing less than humanity itself”. Harmon said Guyana is part of the Guiana Shield, an area spread over 2.7 million square kilometres, the ‘shield’, described as the “lungs of the earth” and the “greenhouse of the world” is a global resource because of the environmental services it provides. The Guiana Shield is vital to global water security because it contains 15 percent of the world’s freshwater resources.

“I invite you to consider the tremendous economic prospects that exist in harnessing and marketing this resource which will in time become even more precious that oil. Just think of investments in international pipelines and tankers taking water to areas on our planet that would have no supply of their own.”

TOURISM Touching on the area of tourism, Harmon alluded to Guyana recently making impressive strides in the international tourist marketplace when it won the ‘Best of Ecotourism Award’, ahead of all ecotourism destinations worldwide.

“This award was a category in the annual sustainable destinations top 100 awards which feature the finest destinations selected by a panel of experts who reviewed sustainability success stories submitted by destinations worldwide,” the director told the audience, which included some of the top business executives of twin-island republic.

Guyana also won the ‘#1 Sustainable Tourism Destination award’ in June this year at the 9th Edition of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) Achievement awards for the country’s impressive sustainable tourism practices and community-led tourism framework. “These achievements have made Guyana one of the top eco-tourist destinations in the world and have laid the foundation for investments in eco-tourist facilities and businesses to satisfy this demand in a market that is projected to be a significant percentage of the 260,000 tourists who will visit Guyana by the year 2025,” Harmon told the gathering.

POLITICAL STABILITY He said there can be no doubt that the future of Guyana

Director-General in the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon addresses the forum

is bright and the potential for investment great, however all of this is premised on political stability, international best practices in governance and a safe and business-friendly conditions with government providing an enabling environment for business to flourish and grow. “Our government has spent the last four years working assiduously to provide that enabling environment. The record will show that we have made tremendous progress in removing the stigma of our country being a ‘pariah state; a ‘narco state’ and the reputation of being the most corrupt nation in the Caribbean, to a position of respect and honour in the world’s community of nations.

A position that Guyana enjoyed prior to 1992,” Harmon told the audience.

Earlier in his speech Harmon hailed what he described as the excellent relations that have existed between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago dating back to over forty years and more particularly to the recent enhanced relations between our two countries, brought about the meeting of President Granger, and Dr, Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of T&T. held in Georgetown on September 19, 2018. At that meeting the leaders committed to their “… Support and desire for enhanced cooperation between the two and agreed that it was time to move beyond signing agreements and to work towards a plan of action that will be measured by deliverables.

The discussions between President Granger and Dr Rowley also emphasised the importance of the unity and viability of Caricom as being necessary for continued cooperation and collaboration between member states and providing the framework for the development of all Caribbean states. “These commitments have all served to place Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on a ‘good footing’ to

reap economic benefits through cooperation, joint ventures and direct investment in both our countries,” Mr. Harmon told the forum.

OIL AND GAS Turning his attention to Guyana’s new found wealth, Harmon told the forum there is the vast potential for collaboration and investment in the energy sector since Guyana is on the cusp of being and oil and gas nation with the expected production of ‘first oil’ in the first quarter of 2020.

He said the framework for this collaboration and investment is provided by the Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation that was signed

by President Granger and Dr

Rowley back in September.

That MoU establishes the process through which Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago would work together to promote “… joint projects through the hydrocarbon value chain” and sets out eleven areas of cooperation including: technical assistance; the exchange of information; training and capacity building; joint projects in the construction of plants and infrastructure relating to transportation, storage and supply; health, safety and environmental matters; and local content.

“All of these areas provide excellent opportunities for investment by members of the T&T oil and gas sector many of whom possess vast experience in all of the outlined areas, either directly or through joint ventures to benefit from our local content provisions,” Harmon said. However, he noted that while the oil and gas sector will provide the resources for the rapid transformation of Guyana’s economy, the vision and policy for the sustainable development of the country is based on the establishment of a ‘Green economy’ and the implementation of a Green State Development Strategy.

This strategy aims at guiding Guyana’s economic and socio-cultural development by diversifying the economy, reducing dependence on traditional sectors, creating new sustainable income and investment opportunities and establishing

a sustainable low-carbon environment.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo, in his address, noted that Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are practically family and have had a close bond over many years. Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that historically, Trinidadians have led the way in investing in Guyana and noted that there is already a solid group of Trinidadian core investors in Guyana’s economy. Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Energy, Hon. Franklin Khan, who spoke at the event, praised the coalition government for the heavy emphasis on human development, particularly investment in educating young people. “I want to compliment the Guyana Government for focusing on your human resources and educating the young people,” he said. Khan noted the impressive oil finds in Guyana’s deep waters and the phenomenal rate of discoveries, saying that it was at an unprecedented rate.

He said that Guyana has the highest per capita reserves in the world, higher that even Saudi Arabia.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

Understanding Energy

Exploration continues on Stabroek Block MORE than 30 possible sites for future drilling have been identified on the offshore Stabroek oil block where 13 discoveries have already been made. That is driving demand for more drilling rigs, according to ExxonMobil, operator of the block and leader of the oil-drilling consortium operating in deep waters offshore.

Four drilling rigs will be operating in the area by the end of the year, including two designated for new exploration and two for developing current finds. Since 2015, the consortium has found an estimated 5.5 billion barrels of oil-equivalent in the area.

All of these are “ultra-deep water” finds, meaning drilling has to occur in more than 1500 metres of water. The most recent find, Yellowtail-1, is the fifth in a small cluster of five large discoveries called the Turbot area.

It is also important to note

that until this year, there were only two drillships operating on the block—one devoted to drilling new exploration wells and one working on preparing existing discoveries for production. Now, with four total drillships, the rate of discoveries could accelerate.

Drillships are a major cost factor in the early stages of oil development. They often cost hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars per day to rent. Oil exploration and production companies do not normally own their own drillships—they contract specialised companies such as Stena and Noble to bring their own ships in and drill the wells. Reports have also highlighted that the heavy use of automation technology on the latest deep-sea wells, which makes it both cheaper and safer to drill.

Four drillships are also a strong vote of confidence for any region and likely shows that the oil-producing

consortium is investing in developing Guyana’s offshore territory for the long term.

But Guyana’s potential as an oil region is just beginning.

Development is proceeding on the Liza Phase 1 project and is slated to begin soon on the Liza phase 2 and Payara developments.

Exxon has already committed to funding Liza Phase 2 and a final investment decision on Payara is expected later

this year, according to Reuters. The floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) Liza Destiny is currently en route to Guyana from Singapore and should arrive by September to begin production in 2020.

By the mid-2020s, there could be as many as five of these ships producing oil on the Stabroek Block—pushing Guyana ahead of Mexico and potentially even Venezuela

in terms of daily production.

These discoveries, as we’ve noted in previous Understanding Energy columns, form a nearly unprecedented series of wins that surprised many in the industry, since they took place on a block that was considered extremely high risk up until very recently. Shell Oil actually sold their offshore stake in 2014 after years of unsuccessful exploration in Guyana. The company sold it for a token $1 and wrote it off as a lost cause.

Thirteen discoveries later, our offshore region is one of the hottest prospects in the oil industry.

However, Guyana is still considered a “frontier” region—a regularly misunderstood industry term that refers specifically to a country that has never commercially produced oil. “Frontier,” despite the claims of some commenters here, is not about a country’s level of development and has nothing to do

with physical geography.

Frontier status is a standard explanation of risk in the industry. A country or region does not even need to be new to production to be considered frontier. Suriname, for example, has a history of oil production onshore.

Yet Suriname’s deep-water region still represents frontier exploration and, despite recent activity and proximity to Guyana, has not yet been successful.

Discoveries to date have been enough to convince other companies that Guyana has enormous potential. Companies from the UK and Canada are also launching exploration programmes on other blocks adjacent to the Stabroek Block. Tullow Oil started a drilling programme on the Orinduik Block in June with one drillship, the Stena Forth, which drilled a test well at the Jethro-1 site and is expected to drill another prospect within weeks.

The custodians of the state apparatus invariably enjoy the advantage HAROLD Lasswell defined politics as ‘Who gets what when and how’. Max Weber once remarked, ‘Politics is a strong and slow boring of boards’. Idealists balk at this zero-sum approach to politics, but there is no denying the aforementioned sentiments reflect what obtains in reality.

Realpolitik has it he who controls the state apparatus enjoys an advantage that compels those outside of the corridors of power to be more willing to compromise.

In 2001, Justice Claudette Singh vitiated the 1997 elections; President Bharrat Jagdeo declared it was business as usual; the PPP did not budge from power. The political opposition was forced to engage in protest action which was hijacked by rogue

elements and political saboteurs who were sent by government agents. After much upheaval, this sordid episode in our nation’s history ended with the signing of the Saint Lucia Statement which was brokered by Caricom. This agreement formed the basis for the Herdmanston Accord. This agreement which brought peace came into being due to much political risk and sacrifice by the leader of the opposition, Desmond Hoyte. Evidence suggests that he faced serious backlash from his party and was even called a ‘sellout’ by his comrades who claimed that they had no clue he was even going to St. Lucia. Mr. Hoyte was well read, an ardent bibliophile, I am sure he considered that it would be folly to hold to steadfast positions to uproot the firmament of those

who held the reigns over the state apparatus.

In 1992, using the Carter-Price formula, Cheddi Jagan submitted to then President, Desmond Hoyte, six names: David Yankana, Jules DeCambra, Brynmor (Bryn) Pollard, Rudy Collins, Joey King and Ronald Luckhoo. This list was definitely within the orbit of consensualism; it reflected the mindset of a thinking opposition leader who recognized the necessity of proposing names that can find favour with him and the President; it was an acceptance of the political reality that you will not win in a game of grandstanding with the state. In 1997, then Opposition Leader, Desmond Hoyte, provided a list of six names for selection as Chairman of GECOM.

The six names were: Doodnauth Singh, Edward Hopkinson, Justice James Patterson, Rudolph Harper, Charles Liburd and Randolph Kirton. From this list of six, the then President found Doodnauth Singh not unacceptable. It has to be noted, putting Doodnauth Singh on the list was fraught with much political risk and sacrifice; the party’s leadership and rank and file were dead set against this candidate but the opposition leader accepted the advantage enjoyed by the custodians of the state apparatus and maybe this guided his decision. In 2001, Opposition Leader Hugh Desmond Hoyte submitted another list which consisted of Major General Joseph Singh, Justice Rudolph Harper, Dennis Craig, David Granger, Gem Fletcher and Harold Davis.

Major General Joseph Singh was selected. In all of the cases mentioned, it lays bare the funda-

mental point being made here: those outside of power are always forced to blink first, you are not going pry the incumbent out their chair operating outside of power, only if you are willing to wage revolution.

In Simon Sebag Montefiore’s ‘The Court of the Red Tsar’, he describes how Joseph Stalin presents the indomitable case of the power of the state apparatus, it is instructive: ‘You think Kamenev may not confess?” Stalin asked Mironov

‘I don’t know’ replied Mironov Stalin asked: “Do you know how much our state weighs with all the factories, machines, the army with all the armaments and the navy?”

“Nobody can know that Joseph Vissarionovich; it is the realm of astronomical figures’ Mironov replied.

“Well, and can one man withstand the pressure of that astronomical weight?”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

140 cops complete capacity-building exercise ONE-HUNDRED-ANDFORTY ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) recently completed capacity-building training courses geared at improving their professionalism on the job.

Participants for the various training exercises were drawn from the seven divisional branches across the country.

At the closing ceremony held at the GPF Officers’ Training Centre, Assistant Commissioner and Force Training Officer, Clifton Hicken, described the graduates as the future of the force.

The assistant commissioner said the capacity-building exercise would ensure the officers bring a higher level of professionalism to their job.

“It is necessary as the environment demands a change in attitude, we identify courses that are necessary to develop capacity within the Guyana Police Force… therefore when we are building capacity as the Guyana Police Force, it is not per section or division, we are doing it across the spectrum,” the

Assistant Commissioner and Force Training Officer, Clifton Hicken [third from left] with other senior officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the graduates from the training course

assistant commissioner said.

With the skills and knowledge garnered from the various training courses, the assistant commissioner said

the focus will be on building bridges with members of the public. However, for that to be achieved, it was highlighted that the capacity-building

programmes would have to be ongoing.

“For us to achieve our objective as an organisation, these courses will have to

be continuous. We are anticipating that by the end of the year, we see evidence of this new phenomenon in other divisions and branches

resulting in positive interactions between members of the public and officers of the Force, stemming from this type of training,” he said.

106 sought treatment for drug abuse – NANA report SOME 106 persons sought treatment for problematic drug use disorders in 2018 at the Phoenix Recovery Project and the Salvation Army Men’s Social Centre, the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) has reported.

The agency in its Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN) Report 2019, said data for 2018 indicates that the most abused licit drug is alcohol while the most abused illicit drugs are crack, cocaine and marijuana.

Of the overall total, 44 persons were admitted for cocaine use and its derivatives (41 per cent), 39 for marijuana abuse (37 per cent), 20 for the problematic use of alcohol (19 per cent) and two per cent for tobacco and one person who indicated cross addiction but did not specify a substance.

Last year, 99 males and seven females were enrolled into a treatment facility.

Given that the Phoenix Recovery Project is the only treatment that provides services to females with a 10-bed capacity, females are in the minority of persons that have

been receiving treatment for problematic drug use disorders.

However, looking at the number of females who access the facility annually, there is a clear indication that there is a demand for treatment services for women.

Looking at the characteristics of persons who sought treatment in 2018, it was observed that these persons were between the ages of 17-65 years old with a heavy concentration between the ages of 20-49 years old.

Further analysis indicated that most persons

(37) were between the ages of 11-15 years old when they first began using drugs and alcohol.

Of those in treatment, nine persons (eight per cent) had completed their tertiary studies, while 38 persons (36 per cent) completed their secondary education. The remainder had some secondary education or lower.

An assessment of the employment status of persons in treatment revealed that 59 persons were classified as working/self-employed while 24 were unemployed (23 per cent).

Four persons indicated

that they were working and studying.

In assessing the source of referral to treatment, it was revealed that the 84 persons (79 per cent) were encouraged to seek treatment for their problematic substance use by their family and friends, while 13 persons (12 per cent) voluntarily enrolled themselves into a treatment programme.

REFERRAL Moreover, three persons (three per cent) were referred by a healthcare provider and two were referred through the justice system.

One person in treatment was encouraged to seek treatment through the school system. The report noted that understanding a person’s motivation to enter treatment or their support system is essential in developing that person’s treatment regime and for preparing them for reintegration into society.

In assessing the drug using patterns of persons in treatment for the period, the statistics highlighted that 25 per cent of the problematic substance users were misusing a single drug compared to 75 per cent of those who were misusing multiple drugs.

Further analysis indicated that 52 persons enrolled into the treatment programme for 2018 were previously enrolled into another treatment programme with only 24 of those persons completing the programme.

Persons were also asked about their mental health history at which it was revealed that 36 persons were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.

Additionally, the report noted that persons were screened for any contagious diseases and it was revealed that of the 106 persons in treatment for the period, 66

were tested for a contagious disease.

Out of these 66 persons, eight tested positive for one of the following: HIV and other STDs, Hepatitis B and C, and Tuberculosis (TB) of which only two persons are receiving treatment for TB. The high percentage of those individuals who use multiple substances and had a co-occurring psychiatric disorder makes it difficult to administer effective treatment to properly meet their needs and may lead to persons either not completing the treatment programme or being at risk of a relapse.

During the reporting period, the level of interaction between persons in treatment and the criminal justice system was also assessed.

It was revealed that of the 106 persons in treatment, 56 (53 per cent) were arrested at least once in their lifetime. Of these 56 persons, 34 persons were arrested within the last year and 10 of those persons were arrested two or more times during that period.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

Hundreds test out new ‘Coily’ hair app

HUNDREDS of patrons congregated at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Saturday to test out the newly developed ‘Coily’ mobile application which is geared at helping the natural hair community.

Primary App Developer of the app and Co-Founder of STEM Guyana, Asha Christian, related that this mobile was developed to help the ‘curly-haired’ in finding the right hair products that would work for their style and texture. Furthermore, she indicated that the application would also allow local businesses to market their services and products in this field.

“The app is great because now people will be able to know the different type of products manufactured, be it local or international, and it’s nice that

we could get everything in one place,” said Salon Owner, Leisa Gibson.

Gibson also noted that natural hair products made from coconut oil are manufactured and sold at her salon. With the app, however, she believes that she can market her products to a wider market. “It’s like a local Amazon that you could get payments from and everything, so it is excellent,” she said.

Similarly, Kimberly Sparman, who also makes hair products from local items, also shared that she believes the app is one which can revolutionise shopping for hair products in Guyana.

“Once you know your hair texture, you would be able to find products suited for you and get information on what would work best for you,”

Leisa Gibson

A local beauty and hair services business exhibiting the services offered

Sparman noted. “It makes it easier.”

Moreover, the young girl noted that app could eliminate the tedious explaining process when marketing items.

Instead, she said it is a ‘onestop-shop’ where persons can almost instantly find items that match their hair textures.

“Especially if you’re in an outer region area in Guyana,

or not around someone that knows about hair, you can simply get all the information you need,” she added.

Aside from the vendors, the app was also praised by young persons looking for an easier way to get the right products. The Guyana Chronicle spoke to two young girls, Bryanna McDavid and Ra-

chael Mohanram, who had just downloaded the app and were testing it out for themselves.

“The app was a good idea because finding your hair type and products for your hair, especially natural hair, is very difficult sometimes,” McDavid said. The young girl also noted that the app was easy to navigate.

Mohanram, on the other hand, said that it was just “fascinating” navigating through the app and being confronted by applicable information.

At Saturday’s event, Christian related that persons would have been able to provide their feedback on the app so that the creative team would be able to make any necessary adjustments to improve the app.

Gov’t pushes ahead with Mother of Good Hope accident budget preparation

Five years later…

victim seeks justice

By Alva Solomon IT has been almost five years since her son was fatally struck down by a taxi driver and while justice appears to be eluding Beverly Roberts, the man who allegedly killed her son is back on the road behind the wheel of his taxi.

The woman’s son, Renel Roberts, who was five-yearsold at the time was killed when he and his grandfather were mowed down while they were waiting to cross the road at Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, on the morning of August 24, 2014.

Jageshwar Ragoobar, the hire-car driver of Lot 84 Aurora, Essequibo Coast who was 28 at the time appeared in the Charity Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce a week later and was not required to plead to the charge; the charge stated that on August 24, 2014 at Good Hope, as a result of dangerous driving, he caused the death of Renel Roberts.

According to the police, around 10:30hrs on August 24, 2014, young Roberts, who was a pupil of the Good Hope Nursery School, was proceeding north on the western side of the Good Hope Public Road on his pedal cycle accompanied by his grandfather who was on a separate pedal cycle.

There was an excavator working on a trench on the western side of the road. The boy dismounted his cycle and was pushing it around the excavator when hire car HC

Deceased: Renel Roberts

3530 driven by Ragoobar, which was proceeding north, collided with the child.

The child sustained injuries and was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital.

He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The man was granted bail

by Magistrate Scarce in the sum of $250,000 and since his first appearance the matter appeared to have been swept under the carpet with claims by the police that they are still awaiting advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), almost five years later.

The child’s mother said that she knew the task of seeking justice for the loss of her son would have been an uphill one from the inception.

She said that for three months after the incident, the mystery surrounding the whereabouts of the file on her son’s case deepened. She said that the

Beverly Roberts and her daughter

magistrate subsequently stated that four months seemed too long for the file not to be returned and he even questioned why there was a delay at the time.

She said Magistrate Scarce had asked during the subsequent hearings if any relative of the deceased was in court and she made her presence known; at that time she indicated to the magistrate that on November 5 that year (2014) she had checked with the DPP’s Chambers and it was revealed that the file was indeed returned to Essequibo two days earlier.

Roberts said that the traffic chief was also contacted and he confirmed that the file was returned to Essequibo.

The accused was found guilty in April 2015 and was sentenced to 52 months in prison.

However, in May 2015, he was seen walking the road by the family of the victim.

The child's mother said she later found out that he appealed the matter and the

Court of Appeal was awaiting the file to be sent from the Suddie Magistrate's Court.

She said checks with the latter revealed that they are preparing to send the file to the Court of Appeal, some four years now.

She said she was later told that the courts have been awaiting a statement from Magistrate Scarce; however, he seemed disinterested in the case. Meanwhile, the accused remains a free man.

She said that something appeared “fishy” in the case since her father, who was the main witness in the case, was present in court at each hearing. She said too that she could not understand why the file was taking so much time to be returned to Essequibo, although she suspected that the suspect was being aided by a relative who was a very senior police official.

“This breaks my heart all over again,” Roberts said, as she shared photos of her son when he was alive. She said he would have been 10 years old this year and many days, his 14-year-old sister cries for him.

Roberts, who works with the Department of Public Information (DPI), said she plans to seek an audience with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams on the matter. ”That is my only hope,” she said, as she noted that the court system often makes life difficult for the relatives of victims of road accidents.

THE government is still advancing preparations for Budget 2020 and while it will not be able to present it in Parliament, with its eyes set on winning the coming elections it will “hit the ground running.”

This is according to Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, who also advised on Friday that all acts towards the same are in keeping with proper governance of a country.

Back in June 2019, when People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP), Juan Edghill condemned commencement of preparation for the budget, Jordan had responded that it is foolhardy for the opposition to suggest that the country move forward without financial provision.

“The government is acting within the law. There is nothing in any law that says the government cannot prepare a budget,” he had stated.

“The budget continues irrespective of [the] political situation in Guyana.

The idea here is that if the current government forms the next government, it’s that government’s budget.

If another [party] forms the government, then they can throw the whole budget out and start a new one or they can amend as they see fit. But there’s nothing stopping the budget process.”

Then, on Thursday, President Granger provided further clarity to representatives of the religious community and civil society, stating that the government will not produce a new budget but will not engage in actions which meet the criteria laid down

for an interim administration.

On Friday, Jordan said that plans are being put in place for the budget which could be changed by which ever party wins the coming elections.

“We will not have the capacity to present the budget, as such, but the preparation is being done. Once we win the elections, we hit the ground running,” Jordan said, explaining further: “We ourselves can adjust that budget as the winning government. We don’t have to take everything that is there because, depending on the margin of victory, the composition of government may change. We many get a full fledged Ministry of Energy, whereas now it’s a department. So, whereas now we’re preparing the budget now, we’re preparing the budget with a Department of Energy under the Ministry of the Presidency.”

Jordan said that contrary to the opposition which seeks to paint the budget preparation period as “illegal, they know better and did the same prior to the change of government in 2015.

“To end all the noise and so on, in the last elections when the present government won, there was a substantially prepared budget there and we used that, otherwise we would not have been able to present a budget,” he said.

“Sometimes the noise that you hear, I advise you to go and talk to the experts because, in this season, much of what you hear it would [have] been different had it not been this season. And everything is spun to give a political slant to it.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

AG examining opposition’s requests THE opposition leader’s requests for Cabinet to resign, the National Assembly to be dissolved and the proclamation of a date for General and Regional Elections are being examined by Attorney General Basil Williams.

“I would like to assure you that your requests are being examined by the attorney general in light of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the rulings of the Caribbean Court of Justice,” President David Granger said in a July 26, 2019 correspondence to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

The President’s letter is in response to a letter sent by the opposition leader on July 20, 2019. In that letter, Jagdeo asked the President to issue a proclamation dissolving the 11th Parliament and fix a date for the next General and Regional Elections. The elections, Jagdeo said, must not be held beyond September 18, 2019. The opposition

leader also called for the resignation of the President and Cabinet, on the basis that a no-confidence motion was successfully passed against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

However, President Granger has long indicated that he will proclaim a date for elections when the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) advises him that it is in a state of readiness to facilitate credible, free and fair elections.

During a recent Public Interest Television Programme, President Granger said the government, through the National Assembly, has financially equipped GECOM to prepare for elections; however, a date cannot be set until the elections commission indicates that it is capable of conducting credible elections.

GECOM, through its attorney Stanley Marcus, had informed the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that it could only

Attorney General Basil Williams

facilitate credible elections after December 25, 2019, when house-to-house registration is completed. GECOM has said that it cannot conduct elections on an expired List of Electors’, and house-tohouse registration has become necessary to produce a new and credible list. That countrywide exercise commenced

on Saturday.

“At this stage, only the elections commission has the authority to run elections, not the Executive, not the National Assembly, not the President; and I am going to abide by whatever decisions the elections commission takes with regard to the preparation of the list. I will abide by the advice of the elections commission on when to call elections. Right now it is only the elections commission that could determine the time and the form of elections, and I am prepared to abide by their decisions,” President Granger had said.

His position is one which was taken by Jagdeo when he was serving as President of Guyana in 2006. In an address to the nation, the then President had said: “The law says that GECOM shall define the form of verification of the list or may decide on verification and will decide on what form it will take. Not the PPP, not the PNC, not any party,

GECOM. That’s a constitutional body, independent just like the courts.”

In giving an overview of government’s posture in the current political construct, President Granger said he and his government have been fully compliant with the rulings and consequential orders of the CCJ. He said though the term interim government is not defined in the Constitution of Guyana, the government has accepted that position in keeping with the CCJ’s orders.

“There is nothing in the Constitution which defines interim status, but in the jurisdictions which adhere to the Westminster system, if you want to call it that, in Canada, Australia and other countries, we have consulted with the laws, and interim government means that we do not for example pass a budget, we obviously got to keep government running, the routine functions of government; I cannot

undertake state visits and sign agreements with foreign countries, we have to limit our expenditure, we have to ensure that we don’t embark on any controversial projects, so there are about half of a dozen or more conventions with which we have to comply to ensure that the government restrains expenditure, restrains its actions,” he explained.

He added: “It doesn’t mean that the government is out of office; it doesn’t mean that the government ceases to function. There cannot be a void; you cannot have a country that is ungoverned.” The President maintained that everything he has done thus far is within the confines of the Constitution and the decisions of the CCJ.

60 children graduate from UG reading programme

The graduates and sponsors on Friday

OVER 60 children of the Sophia/Cummings Lodge area graduated from the 14th annual ‘Reading is Fun’ programme hosted by the ‘University of Guyana Library’ in collaboration with Courts Guyana Inc. The programme, which concluded with a graduation ceremony on Friday, commenced on July 8, 2019, and would have exposed the children to three weeks of reading

activities for three days in each week.

The students were engaged in learning vocabulary, spelling, poetry writing, reading for enjoyment and appreciation, comprehension, short stories and storytelling, among others.

Giving an overview of the programme, University of Guyana Librarian, Tammy Hopkinson, stated that the children were placed in groups according to their ages, and

were evaluated by their teachers to determine their abilities to read and cope with the outline of the curriculum for their specific levels. The children that were considered “weak” were placed in a remedial class that catered to their needs.

“Based on the final assessment received from the remedial class, the students would have improved and were able to read more effectively at the end of the programme,” she

announced.

“Encourage your child to at least read one hour per day.

Have them become members of the National Library or a community library and buy more reading materials instead of video games,” Hopkinson urged. Chief Executive Officer, Courts Guyana Inc., Clyde De Haas, was on hand to share prizes and certificates. Top NGSA students 2019, Dave Chowtie and Ethan Bianchini,

also gave words of inspiration to the graduating students.

Hopkinson explained that “though Courts is primarily in the business of furnishing our homes and making them look beautiful, they are also in the business of educating young minds.”

She indicated that the company donated a total of $513,859 to the programme, which was used to provide snacks, teaching materials,

stationery, and special prices for participants.

The programme was facilitated by persons drawn from the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Education and Humanities, and staff of the ‘University of Guyana Library’. The ‘University of Guyana Library’ hopes to continue the programme with the assistance of its proud sponsor, Courts Guyana Inc.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

Guyhoc Park mechanic killed in home invasion TWO armed bandits killed a Guyhoc Park, East La Penitence, Georgetown mechanic Saturday morning after a home invasion.

Dead is Reginald Otelo Atherley, 44, called “Reggie” or “Diesel Boss” of Lot ‘G’ 26 Sammon Street, Guyoc Park. He was allegedly shot twice to the chest with a .32 revolver and died in his home.

Atherley, a father of five, lived with his reputed wife, Roxanne Crawford, and their

nine-year-old daughter in a one-storey flat concrete house.

Reports indicate that the bandits visited the house around 04:10hrs on Saturday morning.

The bandits allegedly gained access to the house after one of them removed multiple louvre windows and entered the building. That bandit reportedly found the keys to the front door which he opened for his accomplices.

Dead: Reginald Atherley called “Reggie” or “Diesel Boss”

The man’s wife was allegedly confronted by two of the bandits, who were both armed with handguns, in her bedroom.

She raised an alarm which awakened her husband. The man instinctively rushed toward the bandits and was shot multiple times.

After the shooting, the bandits fled the home, making good their escape on foot.

Neighbours and public-spirited citizens assisted with carrying the mechanic to the Georgetown Public

Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police visited the scene and found several .32 spent shells and one live .32 round.

Meanwhile, Atherley’s mother, who was traumatised at the sight of her son’s lifeless body, said she could not comprehend why someone would want to kill her son since he had troubles with no one.

The woman said she was asleep in the front house and was awakened by the sound

of gunshots.

“Is over a dozen shots, I thought it was a neighbour being robbed but then I hear was my daughter-in-law screaming that my son get shoot; by the time I reach, he was already dead,” she said.

She continued: “This doesn’t look like a robbery, they didn’t even ask for anything, they just killed him.”

Residents said the mechanic was operating his shop for the past three years.

53 graduate from skills training programmes

FIFTY-three persons from Mashabo, the Essequibo Coast and the Island of Wakenaam have graduated from a series of skill training programmes conducted by the Guyana Foundation’s Sunrise Centre at Zorg-en-Vulght.

The graduates were taught cosmetology, catering and fabric design/tye dying.

At the simple yet memorable graduation held at the Sunrise Centre, Region Two, on Thursday, manager of the facility, Meenawattie (only name given), said management was happy to offer the programmes to Region Two and Region Three communities.

She said it was the first time the Guyana Foundation administered three skill training programmes in the remote areas.

Giving an overview of the programmes, Meenawattie said the fabric design programme commenced in February 2019 in Mashabo and was facilitated by Abeloa Garraway. The cosmetologist programme was conducted

by Jem Britton and the Catering classes were done on

the Island of Wakenaam by Glynis Streete.

The manager also reported that each group gave back meaningfully to their community and remarked that the cosmetology class offered free manicure, pedicure and facial on Mother’s Day. Items from the cooking classes were also donated to the Arthurville Primary School.

“From these skill training programmes, every participant has gained knowledge and a skill that can impact their lives positively. This is the 4th batch of participants for the Sunrise Centre and we are proud,” Meenawattie said.

Delivering the charge to the graduating class was District Regional Education Officer (Secondary) Deodat Singh, who encouraged the participants to put the skills gained to practical use.

“Use this skill improvement to enhance and elevate your life, be creative and compassionate, this is an opportunity to extend you skills,” Singh said.

One of the best graduating student, Anmalitia Hinds, said the knowledge

A section of the gathering at the graduation on Thursday

she gained has definitely changed her life. She said her cooking skills have tremendously improved and she will be looking at starting a pastry shop on the Island of Wakenaam. She thanked the Guyana Foundation’s Sunrise

Centre, especially founde, Supriya Singh-Bodden, for the opportunity provided to her.

The Sunrise Centre, a non-governmental and non-profit organisation, was established in 2015.

‘No dilly... and playing for time, is unfair to him because they may be people within the coalition who would want to do that but not Mr. Granger,” Dr. Hinds reasoned.

According to Dr. Hinds, the President, and the majority of his government are interested in arriving at consensus not only in the appointment of the GECOM Chair, but the holding of elections. In light of the pronouncements of the Elections Commission, the government had signalled its willingness to extend the period for the conduct of elections in accordance

with the Constitution but the opposition, has indicated that it will not return to the house to extend the time by a two-third majority.

“A lot of people in government have accepted that we have to come to a compromise, (but) it is Mr. Jagdeo who is pushing back against compromising,” Dr. Hinds posited.

“Mr. Jagdeo wants to obey the court when the court says things that he likes and when the court says something that he doesn’t like, he wants to say no court could let me…Mr. Jagdeo is defying the court, and we

have to make this clear, because they are saying it is Granger that is defying the court, NO, it is Mr. Jagdeo who is defying the court,” the WPA executive said.

He said, the CCJ, in handing down its ruling on the no-confidence motion ruled that only the President, the National Assembly, and implicitly GECOM, can set timelines and a date for elections.

The President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, in handing down those consequential orders on July 12, said the court lacks the power to set

The centre opened its doors to the people of Region Two in an effort to help improve the lives of the less fortunate in the various communities. Some of the activities of the centre include skill training programmes, after

school programmes, counselling, mental health presentations, summer classes, sensitisation programmes through community outreaches, community projects and kids Christmas social.

FROM PAGE 5

a timeline or day for the holding of elections, explaining that the Constitution places that power in the ‘hands’ of the President, the National Assembly, and indirectly GECOM. In ‘rejecting’ the submission of the opposition leader, the court said it simply cannot issue coercive orders or detailed directives dictating how the President and the National Assembly should act.

“It is not, for example, the role of the court to establish a date on or by which the elections must be held, or to lay down timelines and deadlines that, in principle, are the pre-

serve of political actors guided by constitutional imperatives.

The court must assume that these bodies and personages will exercise their responsibilities with integrity and in keeping with the unambiguous provisions of the Constitution, bearing in mind that the no-confidence motion was validly passed as long ago as 21 December 2018,” Justice Saunders explained.

Dr. Hinds said the opposition leader and the PPP’s demand for elections to be held within three months of the June 18 decision of the CCJ is in

contradiction with the orders of the court and smack disrespect for the court. He reminded that GECOM is an independent constitutional player, and decisions must be respected.

It is expected that with the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) Singh on Monday as Chair of GECOM, the secretariat would be given clear directives on the way forward, and the President would be further advised on the Elections Commission’s state of readiness for credible elections.

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Lindeners get grants to expand businesses …as Linden Exhibition and Trade Fair officially opens

FIVE Lindeners are now financially empowered to expand their small businesses with grants from the Small Business Bureau (SBB).

Presentation of these grants took the spotlight at the official opening ceremony of the Linden Exposition and Trade Fair 2019 at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre on Friday afternoon. Presenting the grants was Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, who expressed how pleased he was that Linden was the first town to receive grants since he took office at the Ministry of Business.

Rajkumar urged the beneficiaries to use the money for the purpose intended, that is, to expand their small businesses. “The grant is for a specific purpose, what you would have put in your business plan; this is not free money, this is money from the taxpayers, this is money that we have to account for,” Rajkumar said, adding that the SBB will keenly monitor the businesses that benefited.

He encouraged the recipients to keep pushing to reach the pinnacle of success in their various businesses so that they can emerge into large companies.

“I believe in the saying that small businesses can grow into large companies, so it is my feeling that if we encourage you, with the proper training and guidance, with due diligence and hard work, you too can become a business that we can be proud of…it takes hard work and dedication,” the Minister said.

In 2018, the APNUAFC Government disbursed $100M in loans and grants through SBB and a similar amount was allocated for 2019. Chief Executive Officer of SBB, Dr. Lowell Porter, said many businesses in Linden were developed from either loans or grants, from SBB. While giving anecdotes of persons who were persistent and got through with financing and today are enjoying flourishing businesses around Guyana, he encouraged Lindeners to utilise the SBB help desk at the Linden Mayor and Town Council to commence the process of applying.

The businesses that received grants include an ice cream parlour, an electronic store, a snackette and a furniture workshop. Recipient Jellon Farral will be using his grant to expand his electronic shop. He repairs electronic devices and sells accessories for these devices. “I am very happy that I received the

grant and it will help me to develop it better,” he said.

Farral hopes that one day his business will be at the same level as those that were exhibiting their products and services at the exhibition.

Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will be the next region to benefit from grant distribution.

Scores of businesses and large companies from Linden and across the country opened booths at the exhibition, which will run for three days.

In his remarks, President of the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD), Victor Fernandes, stressed that the aim of the exhibition is to showcase what Lindeners are capable of, in relation to adding value to products through agro-processing and manufacturing. Many of these businesses are not even known to fellow Lindeners, more so, Guyanese, he posited. “How many of us are aware of pleasurable flavours that is right here is Linden, producing some of the best relishes and seasoning, how many of us know about Chanzar with a wide array of spices made right here in Linden and then you have De Souza producing over 30 different soap, producing right here,” he asked. Local businesses can also use the exposition to network with other established competition so as to receive the needed tips on how to up their standards in terms of quality and packaging of the products.

Improvement in this regard is needed for Linden businesses to really flap their wings; more so as the country prepares for the oil and gas industry, he said. “Many of us, if we do not rise to the occasion with new innovations and technologies that come with oil and gas, we would be lost, overwhelmed by it. Many instances we admit the economic benefits that come with that type of industry. Businesses must learn and learn quickly to be innovative and be up for the challenge of economic transformation that is to come,” Fernandes said.

The Minister of Business also touched on this industry and articulated that deliberate actions need to be taken, and entrepreneurs need to actively change their thinking to benefit from the spin-offs of the oil industry. His government, he said, will continue to support the diversification of Linden’s economy as the glory days of bauxite are long gone.

Linden Enterprise Net-

work, Business Development Officer, Dominic Henry urged businesses to take advantage of the monies at LEN since the funds are ripe and ready to be borrowed.

The Linden Exposition and Trade Fair was organised by Linden Chamber, and will bring the curtain down for Linden Business Week 2019 which was held under the theme ‘New Horizons, New Opportunities in 2019.’

Minister of Business Haimraj Rajkumar presenting a SBB grant to Lindener, Jemaine Crawford

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Oil money should be ‘put to work for Guyana’ -- Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh says, opines ‘oil contract’ with Exxon is ‘good’

By Vishani Ragobeer THE revenue that Guyana earns from its developing oil and gas industry should be used in such a manner that it will reap long-term benefits for Guyana, according to overseas-based Guyanese, Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh.

Dr. Dyal Singh has been living in Midland, Texas for a number of decades, where there is large amounts of oil-drilling done. Over the years, he has garnered much knowledge of the oil and gas field since he has been involved in both the oil ‘booms and busts’ in that region.

At a talk organised by the Guyana Annual Editorial Board, on Friday at the Moray House, Dr. Tulsi related that he has been meticulously following the developments in Guyana’s oil and gas industry.

“From my perspective from afar, this has to be an exciting time for Guyanese,” he said, later adding, “You have about 30 years to put in place a country that your descendants will be proud to call Guyana – my native land.”

For Dr. Dyal Singh, Guyana should use the money to invest in infrastructure across all sectors; a new and reliable electrical grid which integrates “green power generation” from hydro, solar and wind sources; new water distribution mains and distrib-

utors; technology and polarisation of the alluvial coast for agricultural expansion.

Contrary to popular belief, according to Dr. Dyal Singh, Guyana is not “late to the party” with its recent oil finds, even as the world moves toward renewable forms of energy.

“Oil and gas will provide most of the world’s energy needs for another 20 to 30

A section of the gathering at the oil and gas talk held at the Moray House on Thursday

years,” he said, noting that it is expected that Guyana will reach its “peak” of oil production by 2027, which is about seven years from now.

For Guyana to effectively use the revenues on those areas, Dr Dyal noted that the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) known as the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) in Guyana is instrumental.

“Like Norway, don't touch the SWF until oil and gas revenue drops to half from the peak and then restrict annual drawdowns to about four per cent of the fund balance,” he suggested. In so doing, he said Guyana will essentially be reinvesting its saved profits to reap further benefits.

OIL CONTRACT

Dr. Dyal also commented on the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), and its two other partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC/NEXEN. “Overall, I think it's a good contract. I’m happy about it, [though] I’m not satisfied for Guyana’s sake, but it is a reasonable contract,” Dr. Dyal said, speaking about the contract which was renegotiated by the incumbent Government in Guyana.

This contract saw Guyana receive an $18M signing bonus and the country is set to receive two per cent in royalties and 50 per cent of the profits when oil production begins in 2020.

Comparatively, in the Permian Basin found in the Gulf of Mexico, where Dr. Dyal resides and where the oil is found on the mainland instead of offshore, the signing bonus is currently US$230 per acre for companies interested in drilling for oil.

The Stabroek Block is about 26,800 square kilometres, or 6622424.2 acres in size, and cognisant of that, he opined that the signing bonus is “extremely low”.

In the Permian Basin, about 15 per cent to as much as 28 per cent is paid in royalties to landowners by the oil-drilling companies. When compared to Guyana’s two per cent royalties, Dr. Dyal

Overseas-based Guyanese, Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh

opined that the amount Guyana is receiving is also low.

However, Singh hastened to add: “That [two per cent] royalty is mitigated by something we (in the Permian Basin) don't have... we don't get a share of the profits.”

As aforementioned, the PSA stipulates that the Government of Guyana will garner 50 per cent of the profits derived from the oil. That is, 50 per cent of the estimated 5.5 billion oil-equivalent barrels, which includes about 700 million commercially recoverable barrels of oil only.

This, according to Dr. Dyal, is a ‘plus’ for Guyana.

Guyana also receives US$1M in rental fees from ExxonMobil, as part of this contract.

“If that was all out in the open, I think the negativity would not be as bad as it has become,” Dr. Dyal Singh posited, noting that it is his belief that many Guyanese have been made to believe that Guyana will not benefit from the massive oil finds.

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Increased convictions for sex crimes …Chancellor, DPP attribute success to Sexual Offences Court

By Vishani Ragoobeer

CONVICTION rates of persons indicted for sexual offences have increased with establishment of the Sexual Offences Court, according to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar AliHack and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag.), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

In the June 2019 Assizes for Demerara alone, Ali-Hack related that there are 177 cases for sexual offences, out of a list of 301 cases. Of those 177 sexual offence cases, 126 are for children, either sexual activity (no penetration) or rape (penetration).

The Sexual Offences Act of 2010 stated that a sexual offence is any sexual violation on an individual that includes rape, and any other form of sexual assault, such as touching or causing the complainant to touch a third party in a sexual way. In 2017, the DPP noted that the sexual offence cases, on average, comprised about 55 per cent of the cases listed.

In 2018 it was an average of 60 per cent of the cases listed; and in 2019 an average 55 per cent of the cases to be heard.

For these cases however, the DPP noted that there were varying conviction rates which have been increasing over the years.

For 2017, there was an average 10 per cent conviction rate; for 2017, there was an average 25 per cent conviction rate and in 2018, there was an average of 60 per cent conviction rate,” she highlighted.

And so far, for 2019, there has been a 32 per cent conviction rate for Demerara; a 12.5 per cent for Berbice; and 0 per cent conviction rate for Essequibo.

“We were able to move from a two per cent conviction rate in Demerara, in 2016, and 27 per cent (conviction rate) in 2017, to a whopping a 62.2 per cent in 2018 with the advent of the Sexual Offences court,” the DPP highlighted.

Ali-Hack also noted that since the sexual offences legislation was passed, there has been a large increase in the number of cases being reported to the police, investigated by the police and prosecuted.

Section 44 of the Seuxual Offences Act provides for the establishment of a Sexual Offences Court. In October 2017, the first such court was established in Georgetown.

In April of this year, another was established in Berbice, and there should be the establishment of yet another Sexual Offences Court at Suddie, on the Essequibo Coast.

According to Chancellor

of the Judiciary (ag.) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, this specialised court is equipped with the necessary measures to protect the affected person from the accused persons, or from other persons in court; it comprises a special-measures room; and even waiting room facilities for the victim to be comfortable when giving evidence.

“The aim of the sexual offences court is to ensure that it is conducive to victims,” she said at a forum on sexual violence held on Thursday night. The chancellor also highlighted that the system has integrated a committal system, whereby the witness would not have to give statements twice, thus preventing re-victimisation and experiencing the trauma again.

“Committal is done based on the statements that the witness would have provided to the police and this would tend to reduce and eliminate secondary trauma to victims and improve the case cycle time and the outcome of the case,” she said. “With those services, the benefits we can boast of are: faster disposal rates of the cases, from the time the case is reported to the time of trial or disposition; increase in the amount of cases heard; increased conviction rates and specialised services for the victim.”

Previously, the chancellor had made known that since November, 2017 to March, 2019, there have been 53 sexual offence cases tried in the Georgetown Sexual Offences Court. Of the 53 cases tried, there have been 33 convictions and 20 acquittals.

The offences for which trials were conducted include seven rape cases, 21 cases related to the rape of a child under 16-years-old, 15 cases of sexual activity with a family member and one carnal knowledge case. And from the total of 53 cases, 41 were females and three males.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN As related by Cummings-Edwards, these courts have adopted a “rights-based” approach to providing justice to the victims. This is particularly important since a majority of the victims are vulnerable persons, i.e. women and children.

In fact, at the same forum, Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency Anne Green noted that the number of reported cases for child sexual abuse for 2018 was 980.

Green highlighted that in 2014, Child Advocacy ‘One Stop’ centres were launched,

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards

Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack

aiming to work with law enforcement and other key governmental stakeholders and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to conduct interviews and make key decisions about investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child-abuse cases.

“The concept of the centres is to have the child victims come only once to a special room and provide the necessary evidence for an investigation team… who have the opportunity to conduct an

appropriate interrogation of the child and perform psychological and forensic assessments on the spot, and follow up with the child and family,” she explained.

The reason for this is because sexual violence can have a long-lasting impact on the victims, leaving them traumatised for much of their lives. It is for this reason that these cases must be given specialised and due diligence.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:30 hrs Winter Watch 09:10 hrs Tripod 09:45 hrs Seattle Force 10:20 hrs Sell High 10:55 hrs Tuscan Light

English Racing Tips Uttoxeter 09:00 hrs Rococo Style 09:30 hrs What Will Be 10:00 hrs Pingshou 10:35 hrs Court Duty 11:10 hrs Sirobbie 11:45 hrs Purple King 12:20 hrs Pena Dora

Five CPL matches confirmed for Guyana … Tickets go on sale from tomorrow

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE suspense is over! Five Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games have been confirmed for the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. This is according to a release from CPL OPCO Guyana Inc., yesterday.

While Chronicle Sport cannot confirm if the Host Venue Agreement was signed, this publication understands that Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton met with officials from the Guyana Amazon Warriors management team and CPL sometime last week, to iron out the way forward with respect to Guyana being a venue for the upcoming CPL

tournament.

Guyana had not been listed as one of the seven venues to host the seventh edition when the official schedule was released, despite being one of the largest supporting crowds in the past.

As is customary, venue agreements are mandatory by each host country, and according to the release, matches will be played on September 5, 7 and 8, and October 3 and 4 at the national stadium.

Amazon Warriors will play their first match at Providence on September 5 against St Lucia Stars from 18:00hrs, St Kitts Patriots on September 7 from 20:00hrs, Barbados Tridents on September 8 from

17:00hrs, Jamaica Tallawahs on October 3 from 18:00hrs and defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders on October 4 from 20:00hrs.

Meanwhile, the release further indicated that the eagerly awaited sale of tickets for the 2019 Hero CPL will commence tomorrow at the new CPL Guyana Office at 238 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown.

Tickets for this year’s CPL matches cost the following: Red and Green Stands ($5 000), Orange Stand ($3 000) and Grass Mound ($2 000).

Tickets can be purchased from 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs on weekdays and from 09:00hrs to 13:00hrs on Saturdays.

Peru bask in dream start to Pan Am Games .. take gold in both men’s and women’s marathon

Pontefract 09:20 hrs Pop Dancer 09:50 hrs King And Queen 10:20 hrs Railport Dolly 10:55 hrs Khafoo Shememi 11:30 hrs Tricky Dicky 12:05 hrs Joyful Mission 12:40 hrs Super Julius

By Steve Keating LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Peru got the Pan Am Games off to a dream start yesterday, taking gold in both the men’s and women’s marathon to leave an astonished nation in an unfamiliar spot - top of the medal table ahead of the mighty United States.

The powerhouse U.S. rank first on the Pan Am all-time medal table so it was little surprise that normal service resumed quickly with the Americans later leap-frogging the hosts.

Few Peruvians, though, could have imagined a start that provided more fireworks than a spectacular opening ceremony even if it did come with a bit of controversy.

The U.S. collected the first gold medal of the Games when Alex Lee beat Hugo Del Castillo in the men’s taekwondo poomsae final.

However, Peru did not have to wait long to celebrate their first success when just over an hour later Gladys Tejeda claimed a rousing but controversial win in the women’s marathon.

While huge crowds lined the Lima streets to

cheer on Tejeda, others were far less enthused by the result by the Peruvian marathoner who was the winner at the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games but was stripped of her title after a positive drug test.

None of that mattered, however, for the thousands of flag-waving supporters who lined the route as Tejeda powered home in a Games record time of two hours 30 minutes 55 seconds, ahead of fading American Bethany Sachtleben and Colombian Anjie Orjuela Soche.

“This is everything I have dreamed of for four years,” said Tejeda, who received her medal from Peru’s President Martin Vizcarra. “This is so exciting for me because it is the first time I have won in front of all the Peruvian people. They were so loud.

“In Toronto because of negligence I lost my medal but here in Peru it is different because it’s my home and I was very prepared.”

Tejeda, 33, was banned for six months after the 2015 race for testing positive for the banned diuretic furosemide.

While Peru was still celebrating Tejeda’s victory Christian Pacheco

completed a marathon sweep for the host country, storming across the finish line carrying a Peruvian flag on his back ahead of the Mexican duo of Jose Luis Marin Santana and Juan Pacheco.

“We are local here and no one can beat us,” said Pacheco. “This is our home.

“I knew the race was mine from the start. It was in my head at the beginning that I was going to win.

“I visualised victory on these streets from the moment I arrived in Lima two weeks ago.”

Hosting their first Games, Peru have never made much of an impression on the Pan Am medal table.

They enjoyed their best ever Games four years ago in Toronto, winning three gold medals, and almost matched that total in the opening hours yesterday.

The release further stated that there have been numerous enquiries regarding the sale of tickets for the Guyana CPL games. With this in mind, fans and cricket enthusiasts are advised to make early purchases so as to avoid the rush as we get closer to match days.

Last season, Trinbago Knight Riders, captained by Dwayne Bravo, became the first team to win back-toback titles in the CPL. They managed to beat Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final at Brian Lara Stadium by eight wickets to lift the championship.

The seventh edition of the tournament bowls off on September 4.

ExxonMobil U-14 schools football tournament 2019

Cummings Lodge, Carmel to face off in male final … Rain hampers female final CUMMINGS Lodge will play Carmel in the final of the 2019 ExxonMobil U-14 schools football tournament after semi-final action yesterday.

Playing the first match of the day at the Ministry of Education ground in Carifesta Avenue, Cummings Lodge steamrolled Queenstown, 9-0.

Helmet-tricks from Shiloh Admas (6th, 20th, 33rd and 44th) and Jitzak Martinez (16th, 18th, 22nd and 39th), accompanied by a lone strike from Antwan Samuels in the 15th minute, led the demolition of the Queenstown.

The second game was a close contest between Carmel and Dolphin with the eventual winners taking the lead in the 10th minute through Shem James.

And like clockwork, when Dolphin levelled the game in the 33rd with Dwayne James, Ian Daniele in the same minute restored the lead, sending his team to the final.

In the Girls’ third place playoff, Charlestown thrashed Tucville 5-0. Donna Lowe, (2nd, 10th and 24th), Carletta Ross (6th and 11th) and Daniele Smith (30th) were the scorers.

But before the female final the ultimate game of the afternoon - could be played, the rains came and flooded the venue.

Organiers Petra Organisation has indicated that a new date will be released shortly for that game while the male final is set for August 4.

26

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

England call up Archer for Ashes opener, Stokes reinstated (REUTERS) - Speedster Jofra Archer received his maiden call-up to the England Test squad for the Ashes series opener against Australia, while all-rounder Ben Stokes was reappointed Joe Root’s deputy yesterday.

Barbados-born Archer was one of the standout performers in England’s maiden 50-overs World Cup triumph earlier this month.

The 24-year-old, who claimed 20 wickets in the

Jofra Archer

World Cup, is set to make his Test debut despite only returning to action on Friday in a T20 Blast clash for Sussex after a side strain.

The pace bowler missed England’s 143-run win over Ireland in a one-off Test at Lord’s, as did batsman Jos Buttler and Stokes, but the trio were included in the 14man squad for the Edgbaston Test beginning on August 1.

“Though it’s unusual to select a squad of 14 for a home Test, there are compelling reasons to do so here,” national selector Ed Smith said in a statement.

“Several bowlers are recovering from injuries or niggles. Some bowlers who

played in the World Cup are being monitored to assess their preparation for Test cricket.”

England’s leading wicket-taker James Anderson is making good progress in his rehabilitation from his right calf injury and is expected to be fit for the match, the cricket board said.

“The wider circumstances - a successful World Cup campaign followed so quickly by a home Ashes series - are unprecedented. It feels sensible to select an expanded squad and leave a number of bowling options open for the final team selection,” Smith added.Spinner Jack Leach misses out despite

his battling 92 in the second innings of the Ireland game that earned him the man-ofthe-match award.

Stokes takes over as vice-captain from Jos Buttler for the first time since September 2017 after being cleared of affray last year over a fight outside a nightclub which prosecutors said left two men unconscious.

Squad: Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

Australia name Bancroft in Ashes squad to face England AUSTRALIA have recalled opening batsman Cameron Bancroft to their 17-man squad for the Ashes series against England.

It is the first time Bancroft, 26, has been named in an Australia squad since a nine-month ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal.

Former captain Steve Smith and opener David Warner are set to play their first Test since year-long bans for their part in the scandal.

The first Test in the fivematch series starts on August 1 at Edgbaston.

Chairman of selectors, Trevor Hohns, told BBC Radio 5 live he had spoken to Warner, Bancroft and Smith about the hostile reception they may receive at Edgbaston.

“When it was their turn, I reiterated what to expect.

They’ll be prepared and they’ll have good support around them,” he said.

“They know what to expect. I’m sure the crowd will try to get under their skin, but it was only common sense that we included them.

“They have served their time and it would be nice if everyone could just get on with it and let them play the game.”

Tim Paine will captain Australia, with Matthew Wade recalled as back-up wicketkeeper, but Alex Carey, who impressed during the recent World Cup, misses out.

The tourists have named a very strong pace attack including Patrick Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Michael Neser, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc, while Essex seamer Peter Siddle, 34, could

Cameron Bancroft

appear in his sixth Ashes series.

Pattinson, 29, is set to make his first Test appearance since 2016 following a series of injuries.

Smith, 30, and Warner, 32, both returned to international cricket during the recent World Cup after their suspensions ended in March.

Smith remains banned from leading Australia for another year, while former vice-captain Warner will not be considered for any team leadership positions in the future.

Bancroft was caught on camera putting a piece of sandpaper down his trousers during the third Test against South Africa in March 2018 and subsequently lied that it was a piece of yellow tape.

He returned from his ban in December and was appointed captain by Durham for their County Championship and One-Day cup campaigns this season.

The Western Australian has scored 726 runs, including two centuries, at an average of 45.38 in nine Division Two matches this year and hit 93

not out in an a warm-up match between two Australia sides in Southampton on Thursday.

It will be between Bancroft and Marcus Harris to open alongside Warner, with Joe Burns having been left out.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon is the only frontline spinner selected, with all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne, who has scored 1 100 Championship runs for Glamorgan this season, providing another option with his leg-spin.

Pat Cummins and Travis Head will continue as joint vice-captains of the Test side.

“We probably do think we’ve a chance at the moment - I’m very aware of the record, of having not won a series here since 2001,” Hohns added.

“It would be something if we can pull it off.”

Australia Ashes squad: Tim Paine (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Patrick Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

Ashes schedule (all Tests start at 11:00hrs BST) AUGUST 1-5: 1st Test, Edgbaston 14-18: 2nd Test, Lord’s 22-26: 3rd Test, Headingley SEPTEMBER 4-8: 4th Test, Old Trafford 12-16: 5th Test, The Oval

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

Registration for Kennard’s Emancipation horse race meet closes today REGISTRATION for the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Grand Emancipation horse race meet closes today, and according to president of the club, Justice Cecil Kennard, no late entries will be accepted.

The meet is scheduled for next Sunday at the club’s track at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

The activity has already attracted some of the country’s top thoroughbreds to compete for millions in cash and trophies from 12:00hrs.

The annual event has been one of the country’s traditions over the years and this year’s meet is being deemed one of the biggest in recent times.

In excess of $4M in prizes will be up for grabs on

Richard Campbell (left) of Trophy Stall presents the Champion Jockey Trophy to Justice Cecil Kennard of Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club.

the seven-race card with the feature C and Lower one-

mile event having a $700 000 prize for the winner.

In the co-feature H and Lower race, West Indies-bred non-winners and Guyana-bred Open, the winning steed will take home $240 000 for its owner.

As usual, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market will sponsor the Champion Jockey trophy. According to Trophy Stall Managing Director Ramesh Sunich, the Champion Jockey Trophy known as the Neville Sunich Trophy is in memory of his late father.

Other races carded on the provisional programme are L class non-winners ($120 000), J and K Lower ($180 000), the L non-winners for 2018-2019 ($140 000), the Two-year-old Guyana-bred ($200 000), and L Open ($160 000).

The races will be run under the Rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.

To enter, contact Cecil Kennard 623-7609, Nikita Ross 662-4668, Ivan Dipnarine 331-0316, Fazal Habibulla 657-7010, Dennis Deroop 640-6396 or Campton Sancho, 691-1174.

Narine leads Montreal to victory over Winnipeg Hawks TORONTO, Canada - Sunil Narine seems bent on ensuring his short stint in this year’s Global T20 Canada will be worth the while, as he plundered a boundary-studded 59 to lead Montreal Tigers to a 24-run victory over Winnipeg Hawks when the tournament continued at the CAA Centre Brampton, Ontario on Friday.

The match, which was reduced to 12 overs because of a late start, saw Montreal Tigers reach a challenging 135 for three after being inserted by skipper Ryad Emrit. Winnipeg could muster, in reply, only 111 for five when their overs expired.

Set to leave here in another few days to join the West Indies T20 side in Florida, for their two encounters versus India, the pugnacious lefthander clobbered four fours and five sixes in a no-nonsense knock at the top of the order before he was eventually run-out.

Narine, who made his intentions clear from the outset, added 33 in 3.3 overs with fellow opener Kyle Coetzer (11), before the latter was bowled by a slow full toss from the experienced Dwayne Bravo. He failed to connect and ended up losing his middle stump.

three sixes.

An elated Montreal coach Tom Moody said the victory was a great booster for the three-week tournament while praising the efforts of man-of-the-match Narine.

(Frederick Halley)

Sunil Narine

The mystery spinner, who is returning to the West Indies setup after some two years, then found a more than useful ally in Anton Devcich (40 not out) as the two added a further 65 for the second wicket with the New Zealander’s 23-ball knock counting three fours and two sixes.

Narine’s scintillating knock ended when he set off for a suicidal single. Shaiman Anwar’s quick release caught him short of his crease. Bravo was by far the best bowler on show for Winnipeg Hawks, claiming one for 16 in his three overs.

In reply, Pakistani mercurial batsman Umar Akmal led the charge for Winnipeg Hawks with an attacking 49, but his effort proved in vain

as they were left high and dry on 111 for five after their 12 overs.

The right-handed Akmal, who smashed three fours and four sixes, went caught by Mathew Cross, top-edging a delivery from fast bowler Mohammed Naveed, signalling the end of his team’s effort as Bravo (one) also went in the same over, adjudged lbw to one that straightened up, Naveed ended with two for 26.

Veteran opener Dwayne Smith (nine) was the first to go, having his stumps knocked over by fast bowler Kyle Abbott, essaying a drive through the off-side. Spinner Nikhil Dutta accounted for JP Duminy after the South African had looked well set on 30, spanking two fours and

Western Union/ Malteenoes SC Cricket Academy set for tomorrow THE Western Union/Malteenoes Sports Club Cricket Academy has benefitted through the presentation of a cheque and a quantity of water bottles, caps and t-shirts by its title sponsor Grace Kennedy.

The Academy will run from tomorrow (July 29) to August 9, (Monday to Friday, 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs) daily and will involve males and females between the ages of 6 and 18 years.

The planned academy’s schedule will focus not only on cricket, but also on personal and educational development.

The topics of the sessions are: Etiquette Training, Public Speaking, Anti-Drug Awareness, and Interactive and Critical Thinking.

Participants will learn cricket development skills from the best coaches and former players of Guyana, including National U-17 coach Orin Bailey, former National off-spinner Gavin Nedd and female coach Sabrina Munroe.

Registration fees are as follows: Girls 6-12 years $2 000, Boys 6-12 years $3 000, Girls 12-18 $3 000 and Boys 12-18 years $4 000.

Dress Code is long track pants and white t-shirts and 70% white sneakers.

Application forms are available at Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas Lands, between 15:00hrs and 20:00hrs daily.

For further information, contact Troy Lewis on 592-613-2575.

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. donates 30 cones to mark race route

AS preparations continue for the historic hosting of the 13th edition of the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships under the auspices of the Caribbean Cycling Federation (CCF), Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has been boosted by the support of another corporate partner.

On Friday afternoon, GCF president Horace Bur-

rowes was presented with 30 cones that would be used to mark the turn back point of the race route in Bartica, which would be hosting the event from August 10 to 11 next, in association with the Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) and National Sports Commission.

Crystal Kallu, Administrative Assistant of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc., in

handing over the items to Burrowes stated that they have been very supportive of sports and the development of young people and they had no hesitation in partnering with the GCF to bring off this event - the first time Guyana would be hosting same.

“It is an absolute pleasure for Industrial Safety Supplies to be making this contribution to this championship

which we are told would be attracting about 20 nations.

The safety of the riders is of importance and therefore we trust that our contribution would go some distance in ensuring a safe and enjoyable championship for all the cyclists, male and female.”

President Burrowes in response, thanked Ms Kallu and Manager of Industrial Safety Supplies, Hemant

Crystal Kallu, Administrative Assistant of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc, hands over one of the cones to GCF’s Horace Burrowes in the presence of Stanton Seepersaud, Assistant Manager.

Narine, for coming on board without hesitation and promised that the cones would not only serve to ensure a well-run Junior Caribbean Championship but that the items would also help to enhance races that would be held locally.

“The GCF would like to express sincere gratitude to

you for this contribution. It is true that Guyana would be hosting thos championship for the first time in our history and we therefore want it to be the best ever in the history of the CCF. We can assure you that your partnership has taken us a step closer in achieving this objective.”

Hamilton sweeps to German pole after Ferrari falter

By Abhishek Takle HOCKENHEIM, Germany (Reuters) - Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton seized pole position for Mercedes in their 200th race at the German Grand Prix on Saturday after both Ferrari drivers were sidelined by engine problems.

The five-times world champion lapped the 4.5km Hockenheim circuit in one minute 11.767 seconds for a record-extending 87th career pole and his fourth of the season.

The Briton was comfortably quicker than Max Verstappen, who will start alongside the 34-year-old on the front row in his Red Bull.

Valtteri Bottas, 39 points beind Hamilton in the standings after 10 of 21 races, qualified third in the other Mercedes.

“Lewis, this is Toto. You never stop to amaze us,” team principal Toto Wolff, whose employers are also celebrating their 125th year in motorsport with a retro livery and team clothing, told him over the team radio.

Ferrari, who had been fastest in both Friday and Saturday practice with Charles Leclerc, could only lick their self-inflicted wounds.

It all went wrong when it mattered for the sport’s most successful and glamorous team, with home favourite Sebastian Vettel the first casualty when he failed to set a time in the opening phase.

The German, hoping for a happier homecoming than last year when he crashed out of the lead from pole, will start last after a problem with the air flow to the

Lewis Hamilton

car’s turbo.

Leclerc then failed to make it out of the pits in the final top 10 shootout due to a fuel system issue.

“It’s a difficult day for the team, I hope it will be a very positive day tomorrow,” the 21-year-old Monegasque Leclerc told reporters.

“I felt great in the car and the car felt great today and all weekend so it’s a shame it ends up like this.”

SORE THROAT Hamilton, who revealed a sore throat had left him uncertain about even taking part in qualifying, was glad to pick up the pieces.

“I don’t know really how we did it today,” declared the 34-year-old, who will be chasing his eighth win in 11 races on Sunday.

“It’s such an important race for us, it’s just incredible to celebrate this week in this way. The car’s been feeling good. If (Leclerc) had been able to complete a lap, I think it would have been close between us.”

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

Australia’s Meg Lanning hits T20 record 133 against England MEG Lanning broke her own record for the highest score in a Women’s Twenty20 international as Australia inflicted England’s biggest T20 defeat to clinch the Women’s Ashes series outright on Friday.

Captain Lanning hit 17 fours and seven sixes in her unbeaten 133 from 63 balls in Australia’s 226-3 at Chelmsford.

England were never in the hunt, making 133-9 for a record 93-run defeat.

It means Lanning’s side take an unassailable 10-2 lead on points in the multi-format Women’s Ashes series.

There are two more T20 games remaining, at Hove today and at Bristol next Wednesday, when Australia will fancy their chances of going unbeaten throughout the series, following last week’s drawn Test in Taunton.

Lanning’s innings topped her previous best of 126, which she made against Ireland in March 2014 and was then equalled by Sterre Kalis of the Netherlands against Germany last month.

The International Cricket Council’s decision last year to confer full T20 inter-

Meg Lanning needed just 63 balls to rack up her record score.

national status on all such matches between its members has rather skewed some of the record books - with an inexperienced Mali side conceding three of the four highest totals in women’s T20 cricket in the space of three days last month.

Though initially overshadowed by opener Beth Mooney, who made 54 from 33 balls in a second-wicket stand of 134, Lanning was soon unleashing her trademark cut shots, to which the increasingly ragged England

bowlers and fielders had no answer.

The 27-year-old Aussie skipper gave one chance - which was put down by Tammy Beaumont at backward point in the 14th over when she had 85 - but was otherwise ruthless.

Lanning had missed the last Ashes series Down Under after having shoulder surgery, and had averaged 36 from her five visits to the crease so far in this one, but was back to her classy best at Chelmsford.

But Australia’s final total of 226 was the second highest in a match between top-tier opposition, surpassed only

by England’s 250-3 against South Africa at Taunton last summer.

And Lanning’s innings can rightly lay claim to be one of the greatest of the modern women’s game.

(BBC Sport)

Enable romps home at Ascot to make history (REUTERS) - English horse Enable became the first to regain the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes crown at Ascot yesterday as she edged out Crystal Ocean in a thrilling battle.

The win was the 8-15 favourite’s 11th in succession, stretching back to May 2017 and including the past two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

With Frankie Dettori on board, Enable, who also won the race in 2017, saw off Crystal Ocean’s challenge in the final strides to come home a neck clear.

Dettori said: “She was brilliant. The second is a great horse but we gave the public what they came to see. They

Runner-up Crystal Ocean and winner Enable slug it out ahead of Waldgeist in third

got a fantastic horse race.”

Enable remains a strong

favourite to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Long-

champ for an unprecedented third time in October.

Vettori, Langeveldt take coaching roles with Bangladesh (REUTERS) - Bangladesh have appointed former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori as a spin bowling consultant while former South Africa paceman Charl Langeveldt will become their new pace bowling coach, the country’s cricket board said yesterday.

Vettori’s contract is until next year’s Twenty20 World Cup in Australia and the 40-year-old will be available to the team for around 100 days during their preparation.

Langeveldt, 44, takes charge as a full-time coach, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) added.

“This is a team on the rise and there is so much experience and potential,” Vettori, who will also prepare Bangladesh for the tour of India later this year and a trip to New Zealand in 2020, said in a BCB statement.

Vettori, the former leftarm spinner, has previously been head coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore and Australia’s Big Bash

Daniel Vettori

League team Brisbane Heat following his retirement in 2015.

“It’ll be a pleasure to work with ... Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and the other up-and-coming youngsters which I’m looking forward to with a lot of interest,” he added.

Langeveldt joins following a stint as Afghanistan’s bowling coach and has previously worked as South Africa’s fast bowling specialist coach and a high performance consultant with their governing body.

Cameron retains presidency of Kensington Cricket Club KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Former Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron, has vowed to transform Kensington Cricket Club - having been re-elected as president - into a first-world club “in the next couple of years”.

Cameron, who has been at the helm for 18 years, was returned unopposed as president at the club’s Annual General Meeting held at the Kensington Clubhouse.

Wavell Hinds was elected first vice-president, while David Bernard Jr is the second vice-president. Hinds has also succeeded Robert Haynes as the club’s technical director.

Haynes, who is on duty as a CWI selector, was lauded for his years of service to the club.

In expressing his delight at being returned to the top office, Cameron said he wanted “Kensington to be the place where a young and aspiring cricketer would want to be a part of.”

He said the club will also initiate activities to identify the role cricket has played in the community, show the impact all the great cricketers have had on the community, Jamaica, the West Indies and the world, as well as help re-focus the community on how it can re-engage residents to continue the path to growth

Dave Cameron was re-elected as president of the Kensington Cricket Club for the 18th straight year.

and development.

Meanwhile, Major Radcliffe Daley was elected as treasurer and KelliDawn Hamilton, assistant treasurer.

Former CWI communications boss Carole Beckford is the honorary secretary and Wayne Lewis the assistant secretary.

Brian Blair is club captain with Jamie Hay and Jamar Symester, the player representatives. Major Marlon Kennedy and Lorna Litchmore have been made Executive Members.

The club marks 140 years of existence this year.

They will celebrate the milestone on the weekend of October 11-14, 2019. There will be a church service, a brunch and cricket matches featuring its past and current players.

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

G/town Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ quarterfinals and semis set for Friday FOLLOWING a persistent downpour, which made the National Cultural Centre tarmac unsuitable for play, the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets Quarter-finals and Semi-finals will now be staged on Friday (August 2) at the same venue.

This was disclosed in an official release from the tournament coordinator Three Peat Promotions. According to the correspondence, “The torrential downpour rendered the venue unplayable which was certainly disappointing as systems were in place for a wonderful night of action.”

The release further said, “Priority was and must be given to the safety and overall health of the players. Although injuries are a by-product of the sport, we have to use every opportunity to ensure and remove any possibility of injury to the players.

“That is the most important factor of the event, because without the players there would be no event.

Despite the unfortunate incident, we envision a thrilling night of action on Friday, as the teams vie for a coveted final’s berth.”

In the opening match, Broad Street will oppose Leopold Street at 19:00hrs, with Albouystown-B taking aim at Back Circle from 19:45hrs, and Sparta Boss opposing Sophia at 20:30hrs.

The fourth quarterfinal will put defending champions Gold is Money against Tiger Bay from 21:45hrs.

The respective winners will advance to the semi-final stage. The grand final will take place on Saturday (August 3) at Jubilee Park.

Winners of the event will collect $500 000 and the championship trophy. They will also automatically seal a

Action in the group stage of the Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship at the Berlin tarmac

place in the National Championship.

The second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will cop $300 000, $200 000 and

$100 000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

Meanwhile, the National Championship which will be contested over two days

Veronica Campbell-Brown’s statue to be unveiled during Jamaica’s Heritage Week THE Government of Jamaica is to salute outstanding Jamaican and world athlete, Veronica Campbell-Brown, during Heritage Week in October, by unveiling a statue in her honour.

This was disclosed

by Sport Minister Olivia Grange, during her contribution to the 2019/20 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Grange informed that last year during Heritage Week,

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday July 28, 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)

Rohit Sharma-2,331 runs

(2)

Chris Gayle-1,627 runs

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has taken most wickets for India in all T20 Internationals to date?

(2) Who has taken most wickets for the WI in all T20 Internationals to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Jamaican and world athlete Veronica Campbell-Brown

the statue of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was installed at Independence Park.

“She has been an amazing ambassador for our country.

She is humble, confident and respectful at all times.

We salute you Shelly-Ann,” she said.

The Minister added that the Government is also finalising arrangements for the installation of the statue of noted sprinter, Asafa Powell, later this year.

Renowned sculptor Basil Watson has been engaged by the Ministry of Culture, Gen-

der, Entertainment and Sport to design statues of four of Jamaica’s outstanding sports stars under the Jamaica 55 Legacy Programme.

The statue in honour of Campbell-Brown will be the third to be completed under the Programme.

The first statue of Usain Bolt was completed and installed last December.

The other statue of Asafa Powell is expected to be unveiled before the end of the year.(Sportsmax)

will commence on August 9 at the Pouderoyen tarmac.

15 teams will compete in the event, which will conclude on August 10 at Jubilee Park.

Currently, Gold is Money (National champions), Beacons (Bartica champions), Melanie-B (East Coast Demerara winners], Brothers United (West Demerara/East Bank Demerara winners), Trafalgar (Berbice champions) and High Rollers (Linden champions) have sealed automatic berths.

Below are the quarterfinal fixtures: Quarterfinal Matchups (1) Broad St vs. Leopold St (2) Albouystown-B vs Back Circle (3) Sparta Boss vs Sophia (4) Gold is Money vs Tiger Bay Semifinal Matchups Winner (1) vs Winner (4) Winner (2) vs Winner (3)

NRA 150th Imperial Meeting

WIFBSC captain Lennox Braithwaite moves into top 100 of Queens Final CAPTAIN of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) team to the 150th Imperial Meeting, which is taking place in the UK, Guyanese Lennox Braithwaite, has continued to be the shining light for the Caribbean.

Sponsored by Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., located at D’Uban Backlands, Braithwaite shot on Friday in the Third Stage of the Queens Final where the best at the Imperial Meet facef off.

This being the 150th competition makes Braithwaite’s achievement even more relishing, and ot is also his 8th trip to this competition popularly known as Bisley. The last time he competed at the said competition, Braithwaite also made the Queens Final.

He ended 91st in the Grand Aggregate out of a total of 200 shooters while in the St George’s competition, he narrowly missed out on the third stage which had a cut-off of 147.19;

Lennox Braithwaite as he leaves the range at the NRA 150 Imperial meeting.

Braithwaite’s score was 147.15.

Meanwhile, the Guyanese quartet of Braithwaite, Dylan Fields, Sigmund Douglas and John Fraser who are also part of the West Indies team competed as a nation in the NRA Junior Overseas Junior Kolapore Match on Friday and won gold.

They totalled 372.15v having shot 126.6v at 300, 124.3v at 500 and 122.6v at 600.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 28, 2019

Bernal all but wraps up maiden Colombian Tour de France title

By Julien Pretot VAL THORENS, France (Reuters) - Climbing phenomenon Egan Bernal was poised to become the first Colombian to win the Tour de France and the youngest race champion in 110 years when he retained the overall lead after Saturday’s 20th stage, a 59-km ride from Albertville.

The Team Ineos rider, 22, finished fourth in the stage won by 2014 champion Vicenzo Nibali, the only man to interrupt the British outfit’s reign on the Tour since 2012.

His teammate and defending champion Geraint Thomas is second overall, ahead of Dutchman Steven Kruijswijk after France’s Julian Alaphilippe cracked in the final ascent to the ski resort of Val Thorens.

Today’s final stage from Rambouillet to Paris is a largely processional ride with only the final sprint being contested.

Bernal, who claimed the yellow jersey when he was

the first at top of the Col de l’Iseran in yesterday’s truncated 19th stage, was never bothered in a stage that had been shortened due to landslides on the initial course.

“It’s incredible to think that I have won my first Tour,” he said. “I just want to get to the finish line in Paris tomorrow and after I’ll be calmer. Colombia is on the verge of winning its first Tour - I feel this is not only my triumph but the triumph of a whole country.

ADVERTISEMENT “My dad couldn’t talk at first but when he managed, he congratulated me. He was about to cry. For us, it’s a dream. We used to watch the Tour on TV and we thought it was something unreachable.

As a kid, you think ‘how cool it would be to be there one day’, but it looked so far away. Here we are and I’m very emotional.”

Three Colombians will feature in the top 10 as former podium finishers Rigoberto Uran and Nairo Quintana lie

Team INEOS rider Egan Bernal of Colombia celebrates on the podium, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey.

(REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes)

seventh and eighth overall, respectively.

Alaphilippe cracked with 14km to go in the final 33-km climb ending 2,365 metres above sea level and slipped from second to fifth overall.

Bernal is 1:11 ahead of Thomas, who was always bested by the Colombian in the mountains and never looked in a position to threaten him on his favourite

terrain.

Kruijswijk is 1:31 off the pace.

FIRST OF MANY The Dutchman’s Lotto Jumbo-Visma team set a high pace at the foot of the climb to Val Thorens and Laurens De Plus stepped up a gear to trim the peloton as the breakaway riders’ advantage melted.

Sensing the main pack

breathing down the neck of the breakaway, Nibali, looking to salvage a poor campaign with a stage win, went solo with 12.5km left.

He never looked back and held off world champion Alejandro Valverde, who took second place 10 seconds behind, with his Movistar teammate and fellow Spaniard Mikel Landa finishing third.

“It was a difficult Tour for me but I never gave up and finally I win again on this race,” said Nibali, who had no huge expectations after finishing the Giro d’Italia second overall this year.

Bernal, who will also win the white jersey for the best Under-25 rider in the race, crossed the line 17 seconds off the pace to Thomas’s accolade.

In the absence of fourtime champion and teammate Chris Froome, Bernal rose to the challenge after winning the Paris-Nice and Tour de Suisse weeklong races.

He will become the youngest rider to win the Tour de France since the end of the

‘Right process followed’ - ICC defends Dharmasena’s overthrows call

By Nagraj Gollapudi THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has come out in support of umpire Kumar Dharmasena for his controversial awarding of six overthrows, instead of five, to England in the World Cup final on July 14 at Lord’s. In their first public statement of the incident, the governing body insisted the ‘right process’ was followed.

The overthrow, which allowed England to resuscitate the chase from what had seemed a very difficult position a ball earlier when they needed nine off three deliveries - resulted in six runs after the balls skimmed off Ben Stokes’ bat to the third man boundary after he had dived to complete his second run.

Dharmasena said the decision was a collective one as he had consulted his on-field partner Marais Erasmus, a conversation

Let’s talk about six, baby: Kumar Dharmasena’s controversial decision in the final is going to be a conversation piece for a long time to come. (Getty Images)

that was audible to the rest of the match officials.

“They (on-field umpires) had to make a judgement call on the day as to whether the batsmen had crossed when the throw was released,” ICC’s general manager of cricket Geoff Allardice told ESPNcricinfo in a wide-ranging interview. “After everything that went on during that delivery, they got together over their comms system

and made their decision.

They certainly followed the right process when making the decision.”

While there is no time limit for match officials to ascertain their decisions, Allardice said the playing conditions did not allow the third umpire or match referee, both of whom had access to the TV, to intervene.

“They were aware of the law when they made the

judgment about whether the batsmen had crossed or not at the time,” he said. “The playing conditions don’t allow them to refer to such a decision to a third umpire.

The match referee cannot intervene when the umpires on the field have to make a judgement call like that.”

He also said the entire final would be “considered” by the ICC’s Cricket Committee, led by former India captain Anil Kumble.

However, the committee is not scheduled to meet until the first quarter of 2020.

Allardice also emphatically stated the importance of having a winner, when asked if there were questions raised about a shared World Cup, at the ICC Annual Conference in London last week.

“The consistent view has been that the World Cup final needs a winner and a Super Over was in the playing conditions to decide a tied Final in each of the last three World Cups

(2011, 2015 and 2019).”

COUNTDOWN CLOCK TO COMBAT SLOW OVER-RATES The Cricket Committee has also given the nod to a stop clock to combat slow over-rates in limited-overs cricket. Allardice said this will be trialled over the next nine months in select matches to judge its effectiveness.

“In a T20 innings, the clock would start at 85 minutes when the first ball is bowled, and countdown to zero. The aim is that players, umpires and fans will know that when the clock gets to zero the bowling team should have started the last over. If there is a delay or interruption in the match due to an injury or a DRS review then the umpire will push a button on a timer that adds time back onto clock.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

Second World War and the third youngest in its history.

As he crossed the line he was congratulated by his teammate and 2018 champion Thomas. Asked what words he used, Thomas replied: “I said to him, ‘Just enjoy it. Soak it all up. And don’t worry about crying, because all real men cry.’”

Team Ineos principal, Dave Brailsford, said: “It’s the most exciting Tour de France that we’ve taken part in. A lot of people may have questioned having two leaders; were we hedging our bets and whether it was going to work. It’s worked to perfection and you can’t get better than second and first.”

Frenchman Romain Bardet, who dropped out of overall contention early in the race, is set to snatch the polka dot jersey for the mountain classification and Peter Sagan is expected to win a record seventh green jersey for the points classification.

Lowest innings totals in Test cricket (REUTERS) - Following is a list of the 10 lowest scores in a single innings in test match cricket after Ireland were bowled out for 38 in a 143-run defeat by England on Friday.

26 - New Zealand v England at Auckland, March 1955 30 - South Africa v England at Port Elizabeth, Feb 1896 30 - South Africa v England at Birmingham, June 1924 35 - South Africa v England at Cape Town, April 1899 36 - South Africa v Australia at Melbourne, Feb. 1932 36 - Australia v England at Birmingham, May 1902 38 - Ireland v England at Lord’s, July 2019 42 - New Zealand v Australia in Wellington, March 1946 42 - Australia v England in Sydney, Feb 1888 42 - India v England at Lord’s, June 1974

Five CPL matches confirmed for Guyana

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… Tickets go on sale from tomorrow

FLASHBACK: Guyana Amazon Warriors got past Trinbago Knight Riders to make it to their 4th Hero CPL final in the 2018 tournament.

(Adrian Narine photo)

The Guyana leg of CPL always attracts huge support and this year is expected to be no different.

(Adrian Narine photo)

ExxonMobil U-14 schools football tournament 2019

Cummings Lodge, Carmel to face off in male final 25 PAGE

… Rain hampers female final

Peru’s Gladys Tejeda celebrates with her gold medal and fans, following the medal ceremony after the Women’s Marathon at Kennedy Park, Lima, Peru. (REUTERS/Henry Romero)

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Peru bask in dream start to Pan Am Games

.. take gold in both men’s and women’s marathon

Boys’ final of Cummings Lodge will play Carmel in the tournament. all footb ols scho U-14 il nMob the 2019 Exxo

The Girls’ third-place game in which winners Charlestown blanked Tucville 5-0

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SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2019