Guyana Chronicle E-paper 7-30-2019

TUESDAY 30th July, 2019

' No.105714

‘GECOM is

…President says the electoral body’s independence must be maintained

no plaything’ Qatar Petroleum enters Guyana’s oil market

…credits earlier groundwork for swift appointment of new chair SEE STORY ON PAGE 03 ► President David Granger presenting Justice Claudette Singh S.C, CCH with her letter of appointment as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

(Adrian Narine photo)

--purchases share in Total

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11

‘Please recuse yourself’ 09 PAGE

…GECOM wants CJ to withdraw from Ram’s registration challenge case

Final draft of Local Content Policy completed-Dr. Bynoe SEE STORY ON PAGE 07 ►

Justice Singh sworn in

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16

…urges end to walkouts, to be guided by laws, constitution

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

AG asks court to strike out Ram’s challenge to voter registration …says application is an abuse of the court process

By Svetlana Marshall ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, on Monday, filed proceedings in the High Court to block the legal challenge mounted by Christopher Ram against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in light of its decision to proceed with House-to-House Registration.

Ram, through his attorney Anil Nandlall, filed a Fixed Date Application (FDA) on July 22, challenging the constitutionality of the on-going House-to-House Registration, on the grounds that it is in violation of Article 106 (6) and Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, and the letter and spirit of the Judgment and Consequential Orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the consolidated appeals. Ultimately, he wants the Court to rule that the national registration exercise is illegal and of no effect.

But the Attorney General, in a Notice of Application filed on Monday, asked the Court not to exercise its jurisdiction to hear or grant the Orders sought in the FDA. Alternatively, he has asked for an order striking out the FDA on the grounds that it is an abuse of the process of the Court.

In his justifications, the Attorney General explained that Ram was party to the consolidated appeals heard in the Trinidad-based CCJ – Guyana’s final appellate court – for which all the matters relative to the No-Confidence Motion, Election, and GECOM’s ability to hold election were addressed. In particular, among the orders sought from the CCJ, was one intended to have the official list of electors, which was produced pursuant to Order 15 of 2018 with the qualifying date of October, 2018, used in the pending elections. “…All parties in the consolidated appeals in the CCJ

made extensive written arguments and tendered evidence before the Court. GECOM was permitted by the CCJ to put evidence before the Court about the House-toHouse Registration. On 1st May, 2019, GECOM, a party in these proceedings put evidence before the CCJ on the issue of House-toHouse registration through an affidavit filed by the then Chairman Justice James Patterson,” the Attorney General pointed out.

He said the CCJ had carefully considered the unchallenged evidence of then Chairman of GECOM including the fact that a decision was taken by the Commission over 10 years ago that house-to-house registration was necessary for ensuring compliance with the Commission’s mandate under Article 162 of the Constitution.

eral said it was on that basis selves from the Commisthat the National Assembly sion’s statutory meetings. made financial provisions “…The Secretariat had for GECOM to carry out the advised that it was now imnationwide exercise. possible to compile an elecRecords, he said, also toral list with a qualifying show that by a decision of date as at 30th April, 2019 for the Elections Commission use from 1st May to 31st Octaken on February 19, 2019 tober, 2019 so that the Comduring a Statutory Meeting, mission could only anchor the then Chairman Justice its list with a qualifying date (Ret’d) James Patterson ad- as 31st October, 2019 which vised President David Grang- could only be used from 1st er on February 21 that credible '…Since the date for holding elections could elections has passed, it is not be held by now strictly within the remit March 21, 2019 and province of the Nationand that, based al Assembly to extend the on a 2014 detime for the Holding of Gencision, the eral and Regional Elections Commission based on the language of would require Article106 (7) and it is not approximatefor the Court to address ly six months such matters,' from the time

of notification, ––Basil Williams to prepare for

Flashback: Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall speaks to reporters on the corridors of

the High Court one day after his client Christopher Ram filed legal proceedings challenging the constitutionality of the ongoing House-to-House Registration. Standing behind Nandlall, Ram could be seen paying keen attention. (Adrian Narine Photos)

It was noted too that on July 24, 2018, the Commission unanimously decided that House-to-House Registration should be held in 2019 in preparation of the next General and Regional Elections, which were originally due in 2020. The Attorney Gen-

credible elections.

In March, the Chairman reported to the President that the Elections Commission was handicapped in taking pivotal formal decisions on the conduct of elections because certain Commissioners began withdrawing them-

November, 2019; and that the Commission would be in a position to hold an election by late November, 2019 if it received the additional funding requested,” Minister Williams said as he summarised a letter sent to the President by the then GECOM Chair-

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

man.

The Attorney General has drawn the conclusion that the issues raised in Ram’s FDA are of no significant constitutional importance, and have been fully ventilated at the CCJ. The court, he argued, did not accede to the orders sought. In ruling on the matter, the CCJ said: “Article 106 of the Constitution invests in the President and the National Assembly (and implicitly in GECOM), responsibilities that impact on the precise timing of the elections which must be held. It would not therefore be right for the Court, by the issuance of coercive orders or detailed directives, to presume to instruct these bodies on how they must act and thereby pre-empt the performance by them of their constitutional responsibilities. 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 preserve 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.”

From its ruling, Minister Williams said, the court clearly understands the sacred and sacrosanct doctrine of separation of powers which underpin the country’s constitutional democracy. He also drew the High Court’s attention to the provisions within the Constitution that allow for the period for the conduct of elections to be extended. “…Since the date for holding elections has passed, it is now strictly within the remit and province of the National Assembly to extend the time for the Holding of General and Regional Elections based on the language of Article106 (7) and it is not for the Court to address such matters,” Williams told the court in his application.

The High Court has thus far refused to grant a conservatory order, sought by Ram, to halt the data gathering process.

The Elections Commission commenced Houseto-House Registration on Saturday July 20, 2019, and has recorded personal data of over 50,000 persons to date. The national registration is expected to conclude in October, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

‘GECOM is no plaything’ …President says the electoral body’s independence must be maintained …credits earlier groundwork for swift appointment of new chair

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger, on Monday, swore in Justice Claudette Singh S.C, CCH as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), bringing an end to weeks of tussle between the opposition and the government.

The distinguished legal luminary represents the first woman to be appointed to that high office. Ahead of her first meeting with the commission President wants the nation to know that the Elections Commission is no “plaything,” and its independence must be respected.

Moments after Justice Singh took the Oath of Office in the Rupununi Room of the Ministry of the Presidency, the Head of State, in his address, said Article 62 of the Constitution of Guyana, has mandated the independence of the Elections Commission and clearly outlines its responsibility, that is, to independently supervise elections in accordance with the provisions of Article 162.

According to Article 162 (1), GECOM shall exercise general direction and supervision over the registration of electors and the administrative conduct of all elections of members of the National Assembly; and shall issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament on the part of persons exercising powers or performing duties connected with or relating to the matters aforesaid.

“These are exacting duties and responsibilities. Free, fair, credible and timely elections are essential elements of a democratic state. The Elections Commission is not a plaything. Its independence is a condition for engendering confidence and ensuring public trust in the electoral system and for the efficient execution of elections,” President Granger said.

Justice Singh’s appointment comes less than two months after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) invalidated the appointment of Jus-

“Justice Singh is such a person. She was called to the Bar in London in 1973 and admitted to the Bar in Guyana in 1976.

She served as the Deputy Solicitor General and as a Puisne Judge and a Justice of Appeal. She led the way for the Modernisation of the Justice Reform Project during her tenure at the Attorney General’s Chambers,” ––President Granger

President David Granger and Justice Claudette Singh (centre) flanked by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (right) and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo on the left at the Ministry of the Presidency.

President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo share a toast with Justice Claudette Singh and Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire. (Photos by Adrian Narine)

tice (Ret’d) James Patterson on the basis that the process was flawed. In the eyes of the CCJ, the Chairman of the Elections Commission ought not to be appointed unilaterally, and it therefore challenged the President and the Opposition Leader to arrive at a consensual list of nominees before an appointment is made.

President Granger said he initiated that process with the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the interpretation of the CCJ. After more than a month of extensive deliberations and compromise which ended with the generation of a

list of six nominees “not unacceptable” to the President, the Opposition Leader officially submitted his list on July 26, 2019, from which, Justice Singh was chosen.

“The appointment of Justice Claudette Singh means that the Elections Commission has a Chairman again after a hiatus of a bit more than a month. It is now properly constituted and can continue to prepare for the conduct of free, fair, timely and credible elections. It fulfills the Caribbean Court of Justice’s ruling, in relation to Article 161(2),” the President said.

He was keen on pointing out that Justice Singh satisfies the criteria prescribed in the Constitution for the

appointment of a Chairman of the Elections Commission.

According to Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, “…the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held the office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge…”

“Justice Singh is such a person. She was called to the Bar in London in 1973 and admitted to the Bar in Guyana in 1976. She served as the Deputy Solicitor General and as a Puisne Judge and a Justice of Appeal. She led the way for the Modernisation of the Justice Reform Project during her tenure at the Attorney General’s Chambers,” President Granger said while adding that the newly appointed Chair brings years of legal experience as a jurist and as a practitioner of the law to her appointment.

“She is respected widely for her integrity, impartiality and independence,” he added, and at the same time, thanked her for accepting the appointment. The Head of State is confident that Justice Singh will discharge her duties in accordance with her oath of office, the Constitution and election laws. “I wish her every success during her tenure as Chairman of the Elections Commission. I thank the Leader of the Opposition for swiftly coming to a successful conclusion of the process for the selection of a Chairman of the Elections Commission in accordance with the Constitution and

the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice,” President Granger said.

Renewing his commitment, the President said the State stands ready to provide necessary assistance to the Commission to enable it to conduct elections in the shortest time possible.

At the time, he was not only addressing Justice Singh but representatives of Government, the Opposition, the Judiciary, the Elections Commission, and the Diplomatic Community. Those officials included: Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon; Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo; Chief Justice, Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire; Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Dean of the Corps in Guyana, His Excellency Lineu Pupo De Paula; the Chief-of-Staff, TURN TO PAGE 11 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

Brazil prison riot kills 52, many decapitated, as rival gangs clash SAO PAULO/RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A bloody clash between two prison gangs on Monday left at least 52 inmates dead, 16 of them decapitated, in the northern state of Para, the latest deadly prison clash this year as Brazil’s far-right government struggles to control the country’s jails.

State authorities said the riot began around 7 a.m. in a prison in the city of Altamira, and involved rival gangs.

Prisoners belonging to the Comando Classe A gang set fire to a cell containing inmates who belonged to the Comando Vermelho, or

Red Command, gang, Para’s state government said in a statement. Two guards were taken hostage but later released.

“It was a targeted act,” state prison director Jarbas Vasconcelos said in the statement, adding there was no prior intelligence that suggested an attack would take place. “The aim was to show that it was a settling of accounts between the two gangs.”

Videos circulating online showed inmates celebrating as they kicked decapitated heads across the floor. Reuters was unable to independently verify

the footage. Elected on a tough-on-crime message, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has benefited from a sharp drop in homicides this year. Nonetheless, endemic prison violence has been a stubborn public security challenge in one of the world’s most violent countries. In May, at least 55 inmates died during an attack in a lockup in the northern state of Amazonas.

In 2017, weeks of violence in Amazonas resulted in 150 prison deaths as local gangs backed by Brazil’s two largest drug factions went to war.

Brazil’s justice minis-

try said in a statement that it was working with Para state authorities to identify those behind the latest attack, adding it had opened up space in Brazil’s federal prison system where those gang leaders would be sent.

Brazil’s incarcerated population has surged eightfold in three decades to around 750,000 inmates, the world’s third-highest tally.

Prison gangs, originally formed to protect inmates and advocate for better conditions, have come to wield vast power that reaches far beyond prison walls. They have been linked to bank heists, drug trafficking and

gun-running, with jailed kingpins presiding over empires via smuggled cellphones.

In the violent northeast, prison gangs have grown powerful moving cocaine from Colombia and Peru along the Amazon’s waterways to the Atlantic coast, where it heads to Africa and Europe. Murderous disputes often arise as they clash over territorial control. The Red Command gang hails from Rio de Janeiro, but has expanded deep into the north and northeast of Brazil as it seeks to diversify its income stream. That expansion has often led to confrontations with the First Capital Command, headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest and most powerful gang.

The Comando Classe A gang is a relatively small

gang, little known outside Para. Its high-profile attack against the powerful Red Command could give it a nationwide reputation.

Bolsonaro’s government has proposed moving powerful incarcerated drug lords to federal lockups, and building more prisons at the state level.

However, with the vast majority of prisons run by Brazil’s overstretched state governments, Bolsonaro is limited on what he can achieve from Brasilia. In February, Justice Minister Sergio Moro unveiled his signature crime-fighting bill, including proposals to toughen prison sentences and isolate gang leaders in maximum-security lockups.

That bill, however, has struggled in Congress, with the government prioritizing its pension reform bill.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

IMF says economic activity in Latin America and the Caribbean remains “sluggish” WASHINGTON, Jul 29, CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Monday said that while economic prospects are improving in the Caribbean, they are doing so “with substantial variation across countries”.

“Growth in tourism-dependent economies is expected to strengthen to around two per cent in 2019-20, supported by still strong United States growth, the main market for tourism in the region, and continued reconstruction from the 2017 hurricanes,” said .Alejandro Werner, Director of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department.

Werner, outlining the Regional Economic Outlook Update for Latin America and the

Caribbean, said economic activity in Latin America and the Caribbean remains sluggish and that real gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 0.6 per cent in 2019, the slowest rate since 2016, before rising to 2.3 per cent in 2020.

He said the weak momentum reflects negative surprises in the first half of 2019, elevated domestic policy uncertainty in some large economies, heightened US-China trade tensions, and somewhat lower global growth. With regards to the Caribbean, the IMF official told reporters that “economic prospects are generally improving, but with substantial variation across countries”.

He said with improved energy production and higher

commodity prices, commodity exporting countries are expected to see some modest recovery in growth, except in Guyana, where the start of oil production in 2020 will provide a substantial boost to growth. “More generally, regional growth continues to be impeded by lingering structural problems including high public debt, poor access to finance, high unemployment and vulnerability to commodity and climate-related shocks,” he said.

Werner said sluggish activity in Latin America and the Caribbean in the first half of this year largely reflects temporary factors, including adverse weather conditions that reduced mining output in Chile and agricultural output

in Paraguay. He said weaker global growth and lingering US-China trade tensions have also hurt the Latin America region through their impact on commodity prices and exports.

The IMF official said risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside, including from a further escalation of US-China trade tensions, a slowdown in major economies, and tighter global financial conditions.

“The main domestic risks include a further rise in policy uncertainty, reversal of reforms, and natural disasters. Although portfolio flows were strong early this year, they declined in May-June and could decline further if downside risks were to materialize. “Given weak growth prospects and signifi-

cant downside risks, economic policies will need to strike a balance between supporting growth and rebuilding buffers.”

He said regarding policies, fiscal consolidation remains a priority in many countries in the region given high public debt levels. “This will likely lower growth, but its contractionary effects can be mitigated by protecting public investment and well-targeted social expenditures, while raising revenue and cutting non-priority expenditure. “In light of lower global growth and an easing bias across major advanced economy central banks, monetary policy can remain supportive of growth in the region, especially given well-anchored inflation expectations, negative output

gaps, and generally subdued inflationary pressures in most countries. But efforts should continue to monitor corporate and household leverage to safeguard financial stability.”

Werner said beyond policies to support a cyclical recovery, structural reforms remain an imperative and need to be accelerated to boost potential growth.

“Such reforms should include opening the economies further to trade and foreign direct investment, an easing of regulations in product and labour markets, enhancing competition, and improving the quality of human and physical capital,” he noted.

Jamaican pastor pleads guilty to impregnating 12-year-old child KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jul 29, CMC – A 56-year-old pastor will be sentenced on October 18 after he pleaded guilty Monday to having sex on several occasions with a 12-year-old child more than three years ago.

The Gleaner newspaper reported that Pastor Kenneth Blake had for the past two years

denied having sex with the child, who gave birth to a boy on November 30, 2017.

He has pleaded guilty to grievous sexual assault, having sex with a person under 16 years old and sexual touching when he appeared in the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston. In addition, the pastor of the Harvest Temple

Apostolic Church had been charged with rape and forcible abduction, but those charges have since been withdrawn.

Blake was arrested and charged in August 2017 by detectives assigned to the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse and the charges were filed against him after the child gave inves-

tigators a detailed statement in which she complained that Blake had sex with her at his when she was 12 years old.

She said that the first sexual encounter occurred in 2015, when the pastor gave her older sister money to go downtown and “buy some things” . She said after the encounter, the pastor began giving her gifts

to keep quiet about their sexual encounters.

But when she became pregnant in August 2017 she confessed to her mother, but Blake denied the accusations, even after two DNA tests found that there was a 99.9 per cent chance he could not be excluded as the father.

The second test was done at

a private institution chosen

by Blake after he complained that the first test, conducted at the Government Forensic Laboratory, was “tainted”.

He told the court then that the accusations were part of an extortion attempt by the child’s mother.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Attainment of freedom

THERE is the religious refrain in the African community, that gained global attention during the 19501960s African-American Civil Rights Movement, with words to the effect “Free at last, free at last/ I thank God I’m free at last.”

Religion has been a mainstay and important part of Africans’ lives, given that it offers hope, rallies the communities, and the proverbial guiding light out of the tunnel. Optimism has shaped and stayed the course, however bleak, in struggles against slavery, for civil, economic and political rights, overcoming challenges, and seeking attainment.

Chattel slavery, as declared by the United Nations, is the most inhumane act perpetrated in man’s history. The

quantifying of this inhumanity in real dollars will never be truly known, for truthfully, there can be no monetary value put to human lives, the tens of millions who suffered and were deprived, lest it reduces and condemns the affected to property status, a status they bravely fought against.

International apologies for this heinous crime against humanity and efforts at creating some form of societal justice, through reparation programmes to address the created structures of economic disadvantages, though a step in the right direction, can never fully compensate.

Locally, where the Government of Guyana had committed a Commission of Inquiry to address African/ancestral lands, with the aim of bringing about formal regularisa-

tion is a plus, more so that these lands were acquired through personal sweat and direct financial payments.

The toppling of the system of slavery marked a progressive step in human development. And even as the quest for full freedom remains worthy of pursuit, the recognition that others did not have to live and suffer through identical circumstances and conditions, paying homage to those who fought against it brings out the humanity in all. The acceptance of inequality anywhere, regardless of who suffered or are suffering, poses a threat to equality everywhere.

When Guyanese on Thursday, irrespective of race, marked the attainment of emancipation for the ancestors of our African

brothers and sisters, such also marked the nation’s collective attainment of recognising the equality of all.

Guyana has the unpleasant distinction of being built on various systems of inequality and where as a people we stand in support of each other’s struggles and achievements bode well for our comity. Such camaraderie not only signalled to forces, internal and external, unwavering commitment to not return to bondage, but our capacity to unite in the face of adversity, historical or present.

The various points of freedom attained in this country, be it a plantation society, colony or independent nation, should not be discounted or disregarded, but zealously protected and defended. This anniversary

of emancipation finds Guyanese moulder of their destiny, an achievement paved through long, bitter, tireless and rewarding struggles.

And though some have been gained and some not, in all instances they fortified the unrelenting spirit to succeed.

The attainment of successes must not find among us contentment or resignation, for to be either risks the chance of complacency and erosion of the gains made. A land of six peoples, where our ancestors toiled and aspired for its freedom, where they have left off, either through age, infirmity or death, their descendants must continue. The world today, though societies and people have made great strides, is not without complexities that pose challenges to preserving the

freedoms gained and the quest for world-wide comity. Where there exist, wars and other forms of inhumanity and deprivations, they threaten well-fought for and earned freedoms.

Free at last, free at last, to the religious or not, is not only a refrain applicable in moments of adversity, but is also fuel in pursuit of attainments. Accordingly, the lyrics in the ‘Song of the Republic,’ which pays homage to Guyana’s ultimate political freedom, must ensure “We’ll forge a nation’s mighty soul, construct a nation’s frame, freedom our everlasting goal, courage and truth our aim, unyielding in our quest for peace like ancient heroes brave, to strive and strive and never cease with strength beyond the slave.”

The current house-to-house registration would create a new and more accurate voters’ list

Dear Editor

There are some sayings that has lived on for generations, centuries because of the profound truth they possess. One such saying was posited by the Greek Philosopher Plato who said “wise men speak because they have something to say, while fools speak because they have to say something”. This statement which was made around 400 BC has proven to be correct in relation to the Opposition Leader who tries desperately to dominate the local media, constantly throwing his hullabaloo ‘hissy fits’ when

he cannot have his way to influence or manipulate constitutional bodies with his view or understanding of the constitution. After the Consequential Orders were delivered by the CCJ, July 12, 2019, it was made very pellucid that the responsibility for setting the elections date was not in the jurisdiction of the CCJ and moreover “any lower courts”. The constitutional responsibility for setting the date of elections lies solely with the His Excellency, President David Granger after being advised by GECOM on its readiness.

It is widely known that

the list of electors or the voters list had been expired since April 30, 2019. A list that was riddled with gross inaccuracies that does not reflect Guyana’s present reality.

Hence, the need for house to house registration.

The current and ongoing house to house registration exercise would create a new and more accurate voters list as many people have migrated, many have departed this life, thus they should be off of the voters list and many persons from fourteen years of age must be registered especially those persons eligible to vote from the age of eighteen years. If a person’s

name is not on the voters list, this would make them ineligible to vote. Every right thinking Guyanese should support this just and fair position, that every Guyanese especially the youth, our young Guyanese, must be given their constitutional right to be registered and afforded an opportunity to participate in the most important and historic elections since our political independence as a nation that’s on the heels of significant wealth.

Young people, you should no longer have a hands off approach and don’t care attitude when it comes to elections and politics.

You are the largest voting demographic in this country and your voices must be heard, you much have a say in how this country is governed and by who if not you yourself. “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors” (Plato the ancient Greek philosopher eloquently stated 400 BC). Let’s take off the lens of racism, tradition & political affiliation. Let’s loose ourselves of voter apathy and get involved. I am speaking to young people today, our Guyanese youth. This is not the time to be sitting on the fence and being passive about

what involves your life. Your future is at stake and you must be aware of the many devices of the PPP cabal, some members of the PSC, foreign voices locally and in the diaspora (social media) that are trying to disenfranchise you and steal your right to participate in a free and fair election.

In 1992, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the PPP demanded House to House registration.

In 1997, Janet Jagan and the PPP demanded House to House registration. In 2001, Jagdeo and the PPP demanded TURN TO PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

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Final draft of Local Content Policy completed- Dr. Bynoe

DIRECTOR of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, has said that the final draft of the Local Content Policy has been completed and will be presented to the Private Sector and other stakeholders in about two weeks’ time.

The Energy Director made this announcement, during a press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday. Dr. Bynoe said in order to ensure that Guyana’s hydrocarbon resources continue to be managed in an effective and transparent manner, the Department is also currently setting up a local content compliance unit that will be mandated not only to validate the information is that is being provided by the companies within the industry, but to receive any

potential concerns Guyanese contractors or supplies may have.

“The Department continues to seek to ensure that… the sector is managed in an effective and efficient manner and will spare no effort in ensuring that Guyanese are able to optimise the value from these resources,” Dr. Bynoe said.

The Energy Director noted that while reporting from companies is dynamic, the Department is taking steps to ensure that more comprehensive frequent reports are provided so that a thorough analysis can be made to ensure that persons across all the regions are benefiting.

While there are no immediate plans to publicise these reports, he said, once there are no legal barriers prevent-

ing same, Department would have no difficulty in releasing the reports.

Meanwhile, there are currently more than 1,100 Guyanese working with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), representing about 50 per cent of the work force in the industry. Additionally, the EEPGL is working with the Council for Technical Vocational Education and Training (C-TVET) to implement two pilot projects aimed at building capacity within the technical institutions. Since 2015, the EEGPL and its sub-contractors have spent over $119M on Guyanese contractors and service-providers.

In this vein, the Department has hired a Commercial Specialist and a Crude Lifting

and Marketing Specialist to build capacity and aid in the advancement of its mandate. While both posts are expected to be filled within three weeks, Dr. Bynoe said the Department continues to examine ways to source the relevant expertise using the established tender process through the National Procurement Tender Administration Board as well as receiving approval from the Cabinet.

Legislative framework Meanwhile, the tender for an international oil and gas law firm is in its final stages of selection and is expected to be awarded during the early part of the fourth quarter of this year. “The consultant law firm will then commence consultation across institutions and the preparation of draft laws and regulations

per submittal to the National Assembly. This is one of the deliverables under the World Bank Finance Guyana Petroleum Resource Governance Director of the Department and Management Project,” of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, Dr. Bynoe said. keen on is striking the balPSA ance because the current With regard to the Pro- best practice PSA if we are duction Sharing Agree- to implement that Guyana ment (PSA), Dr. Bynoe will get everything but it said the Department now also must be attractive for has a revised best practice investors to invest, So it is PSA template and it is de- how you strike that deal termined to ensure that balance so it is not a since there is balance as “there it’s an art and so that’s are certain elements of the what we are aiming for basins [Guyana’s three ex- going forward.” In keeping ploration zones: the deep, with this, Dr. Bynoe said ultra-deep and shallow con- the Department continues tinental shelf] that have to set a framework in place now been de-risked so that for the effective manageallows Guyana to increase ment of the country’s hyits negotiating position”. drocarbon resources even The Energy Director fur- as it prepares for first oil. ther noted that “we are (Ministry of the Presidency)

The current house-to-house registration...

FROM PAGE 6

House to House Registration. In 2006, Jagdeo and the PPP demanded House to House registration. In 2011, Ramotar and the PPP demanded House to House registration. In 2015, the PPP had no problem with House to House registration. The PPP must explain why they formerly insisted on house to house registration but are now demanding that the government use an expired and bloated list to conduct General elections.

Tell the Guyanese people that you are the ones who are afraid of elections, that you are afraid of registration, you are petrified of clean and credible list of electors and more over a free and fair election. Tell us what we already know.

The PPP has allegedly grown accustomed to flouting the law and they are now encouraging others to join them by refusing to be registered which is against the law. House-to-house registration will best result in a credible list, to be used in the upcoming elections. The current list is not only bloated with names of persons now deceased, but also includes Guyanese who have migrated for extensive periods.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said to u. house-to-house registration.

Government-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, during a radio programme last Tuesday, confirmed that the expired

Voters’ List is bloated. He said a vast number of persons, on the list, are either dead or have migrated and the President has also confirmed this.

Article 42 of the Constitution provides entitlement for citizens of Guyana to be so registered. Section 6(4)(b) of the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 clearly denotes that it is the responsibility of eligible persons to apply for registration. The seriousness of this responsibility is underscored by the imposition of criminal penalties for noncompliance.

The Guyana Youth Social Movement stated that, “Acting to try and stop house-tohouse registration is a clear and direct attempt to use illegitimate means to block young people from voting”.

Guyana will be coming into significant blessings and economic prosperity from 2020, Guyana is set to receive some US$300M annually in oil proceeds immediately post 2020 and the money derived from the proceeds of oil will increase post cost recovery and continue to be paid to Guyana. The PPP Cabal is tainted by corruption and a system where only a few people that Jagdeo favoured prospered.

Young people, ask yourselves - who do you trust with your money? You’ve seen who prospered under the PPP and you’ve seen that everyone is now on a level playing field with the APNUAFC government.

Scholarships are no longer discriminatory distribution, crime are being solved, young people eighteen years old can now have a house lot, career young professionals can now purchase automobiles paying far less taxes, greater access to government resources, grants, improved infrastructure, independent judiciary, freedom of the press, greater respect of our women and senior citizens, etc.

The alleged PPPC Prime Minister aspirant, Former Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips has labelled the house-to-house registration as “unconstitutional…To conduct House to House Registration is a violation of our Constitution, and is contrary to the CCJ ruling and its Consequential Order” ( https://demerarawaves.com/2019/07/21/ fmr-ary-chief-says-house-tohouse-registration-violatesconstitution/) This former Lindener has reminded me of the words

of the famous emancipator Harriet Tubman – “ I freed a thousand slaves and I could have freed a thousand more, only if they knew that they were slaves”.

Infer what you may, This retired Brigadier was notably quiet, vocally silence, when 400 African Guyanese men were killed in cold blood, extrajudicial style under the cabal he now pose with to show how photogenic he is , his deafening silence when the champion Ronald Waddell, Afro-Guyanese political activist who openly criticized the PPP administration was killed “mysteriously”, his silence continued when the champion Mark Benschop, social and political activist and talk-show host was incarcerated by a trumped up treason charge as he was constantly harassed by the PPP Cabal, when rampant gold and drug smuggling was at its apex in this country he swore to defend and protect.

When Ambassadors were being ‘cussed out’ ‘Sitira gyal style’ on their own properties

and while notorious characters were recording people’s conversation and in much boldness manner claimed to helped the PPP administration, the then government with their crime fighting endeavors, where were you Mr. Phillips, Prime Minister hopeful?

But now you have suddenly become a fake knight, a crusader with a selfish cause.

You are now vocal and using your supposed voice in a vain attempt to take away the rights of young Guyanese to whom the future of this nation/country belongs. You should be ashamed of yourself as our ancestors are. Per-

haps you’ve now raised your voice to position yourself to partake in what you and the PPP hope will be a bacchanal of feasting on the wealth that you think will accrue to our beautiful country post 2020.

That will not happen “comrade” for not only the “Bishop” is praying, true believers in and out of Guyana are, for the return of the David Granger Administration.

Happy Emancipation to all Guyanese home and abroad.

Regards Jermaine Figueira Member of Parliament Region Ten.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Bartica Mayor focused on creating opportunities for youths CREATING opportunities within the municipality for youths and working on the beautification of the municipality are the two main focus for the town of Bartica, according to Mayor Gifford Marshal.

Speaking on the sidelines of the National Conference of Local Democratic Organs (NCLDO) last week, Marshall said given that youths in the area do not have as many opportunities as those on the coastland, the municipality is taking it upon itself to bridge that gap. “We want to continue to work with our youths to provide opportunities for them to develop themselves,” Marshall said.

The event saw the feature address being delivered by President David Granger, who, during his speech, urged the municipalities and other

The Bartica Boardwalk that was commissioned in 2018 as part of the beautification of the township

LDOs present to do more for the youths in their respective areas.

Marshall noted that one way of addressing the issue of disparity is exploring ways

to get young people to the programmes.

“We do not have a tertiary level institution in Bartica, as a result, it is difficult for young people to advance.

So through scholarships programmes and other initiatives we’re hoping to have our young people improve themselves,” Marshall noted.

Improved awareness of

scholarship opportunities was an issue that was also brought up earlier this year, in June when the government held a ministerial outreach in Bartica and visited several outlying communities.

Marshall pointed out that much work is also on the books for further enhancement of the appearance of the town. Bartica, like the nine other municipalities across the country, received an $18 million subvention from central government in the 2019 national budget to carry out works in the township “We’re focusing heavily for the next couple of months on the beautification of the town, so in the coming weeks, you will see some major transformation where our roads are concerned. Sidewalks, also, will be constructed and we should re-start our

Bartica Mayor, Gifford Marshall

tree-planting programmes.

We started that a few years ago but we had some problems due to the animals on the street. We’ve fixed that so we’re working on a massive beautification programme for the municipality now,” Marshall shared.

Since becoming a town in 2016, Bartica has put major focus on developing on its name as a local tourism spot, taking several steps towards the beautification of the town including the commissioning of the first boardwalk in Guyana at the Golden Beach, in 2018.

Russian envoy, Banks DIH Pomeroon canal being cleared after decades as discuss business opportunities NDIA continues nationwide canal clearing exercise – Hackney Village farmers breathe a sigh of relief Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry and Minister of Finance, Hon. Winston Jordan enjoying some Pomeroon Coconut Water

SCORES of farmers in the lower Pomeroon will breathe a sigh of relief as the National Drainage and Irrigation Agency (NDIA) will soon conduct a canal clearing exercise in the Moruka/Phoenix Park Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

The announcement came during a community meeting in Hackney on Sunday hosted

by Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry and Finance Minister, Hon. Winston Jordan.

The clearing of the canal comes on the heels of a recent visit by the chief engineer of NDIA. The visit was to get a first-hand glimpse of the work that was needed on several canals in villages along the Pomeroon River.

Begining next week, NDIA will be clearing Hackney’s main drainage canal in the village, along with two other drainage canals and an access canal in the Pomeroon.

One lifelong resident of Hackney told the Department

of Public Information (DPI) that she has never seen the canal cleared for more than 40 years; her entire lifespan.

Mainly an agricultural community, Hackney is located 11 miles from Charity on the Essequibo Coast and a 25-minute boat ride from the Charity Stelling The clearing of the Hackney canal and other canals in the community will provide efficient drainage to the farming community.

NDIA has been embarking on nationwide canal clearing exercise and has also visited Friendship and Akawini, both communities along the Pomeroon River.

(DPI)

AMBASSADOR of the Russian Federation to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz, last Friday, visited Banks DIH Limited Thirst Park, Corporate Head Office where he discussed opportunities of mutual benefit.

The visit was facilitated

by Chairman/Managing Director of Banks DIH, Clifford

B. Reis, C.C.H. Ambassador Kurmaz was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Kurmaz and Third Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Kornilov.

Following a working lunch attended by the company’s Operations Director, Michael Pereira; Human Re-

sources Director, Andrew Carto and Engineering Services Director, Shabir Hussain, the visiting delegation was taken on a guided tour.

They visited the Rum Factory and Soft Drink Plant, escorted by Reis and Plant Executives Gregory Garraway and Wendell Ellis.

Three accused in murder of ‘Fabulous’ appear at Providence Court

By Dillon Goring THE trio who were accused of the February 4, 2018 murder of the America Street money changer, Shawn Nurse, called ‘Fabulous’, continued at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on Monday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman Kerwin Dos Santos and George Hope, both 24-yearsold of Freeman Street, La Penitence and Kacey Heyliger, 25, of Shell Road Kitty were initially charged separately but those were withdrawn and a joint charge instituted.

At Monday’s hearing, two witnesses testified about their recollection of what happened on that fateful day.

The witnesses were cross-examined by both Attorney at law, Ms. Collette Marks, who is representing the number one accused Kerwin De Santos, and Police Prosecutor, Shellon Daniels.

The Court heard from Dr. Boodram, who testified that he had seen medical records of Kerwin De Santos, who had been examined by him.

The matter was adjourned to August 8.

On February 4, 2018, Shawn Nurse called ‘Fabulous’ was killed while plying

Shawn Nurse

his trade on America Street in Georgetown.

“Fabulous”, who hailed from Apartment 33 Shopping Plaza, South Ruimveldt, was shot during a struggle with a lone gunman who attempted to relieve him of a large sum of local and foreign currency.

Fabulous was also relieved of several pieces of jewellery.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

‘Please recuse yourself’ …GECOM wants CJ to withdraw from Ram’s registration challenge case …cites alleged prejudicial statement in press release THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has asked the High Court to have its Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire recuse herself from the House-to-House Registration case brought against the elections body by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram. On Monday, the Elections Commission, the thirdnamed respondent in the matter, filed a Notice of Application in the High Court.

It is seeking a declaration pursuant, to Part 9.01 of the Civil Procedure Rules, for the Chief Justice to recuse herself from further hearing the application brought by Ram. In laying its grounds, the Elections Commission contended that Justice George-Wiltshire, in a statement issued after Ram’s case was heard, showed a likelihood of a bias. A part of the statement issued by the Supreme Court of Judicature on July 24, 2019 stated: “The High Court also confirmed that the Chief Justice (ag) stated that the consequential orders of the Caribbean Court

of Justice (CCJ) indicate that elections should be held by September 18, 2019 or such longer period as the National Assembly determines.”

GECOM’s Attorney, Stanley Marcus, in the Notice of Application seen by Guyana Chronicle, said a perusal of the judgment of the consequential orders made by the CCJ, would reveal that there was no indication that elections should be held by September 18, 2019 or such longer period as the National Assembly determines.

“The said press release of the Honourable Chief Justice raises the likelihood of bias on her part and a pre-determination of the issues raised by the applicant Christopher Ram in his application,” Marcus stated on behalf of his client.

Additionally, the Elections Commission noted that the President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, in delivering the consequential orders on July 12, clearly stated that the timing for elections should be determined by the President, the National Assembly and indirectly GECOM.

Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne-George-Wiltshire

“Article 106 of the Constitution invests in the President and the National Assembly (and implicitly in GECOM), responsibilities that impact on the precise timing of the elections which must be held.

It would not therefore be right for the Court, by the issuance of coercive orders or detailed directives, to presume to instruct these bodies on how they must act and thereby pre-empt the performance by them of their constitutional responsibilities. It is not, for example, the role of the Court to establish a date on or by which the elections

Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus

must be held, or lay down timelines and deadlines that, in principle, are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional imperatives,” Marcus pointed out while quoting a section of the ruling of the court.

He noted that one of the reliefs currently being sought is similar to one sought at the level of the CCJ in the consolidated No-Confidence Motion cases. Ram had told the CCJ, that in an effort to facilitate early election, it should order that the President issue a proclamation setting a date for election no later than Sep-

tember 18, 2019.

GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, who is also a respondent in the case brought by Ram, provided an Affidavit in support of the Application. In that affidavit he said: “I have seen nothing in the judgment of the Caribbean Court of Justice delivered on the 12th July, 2019, in particular the excerpts therefrom reproduced in the third respondent’s application herein, which show that the Caribbean Court of Justice indicated that elections should be held on or before 18th September 2019.”

However, Anil Nandlall, the attorney representing Christopher Ram, while indicating that he will address the merits and or demerits of the Notice of Application filed by GECOM in Court, questioned Marcus’ authority to represent the Elections Commission.

“I have consulted with at least three commissioners of GECOM and have been advised that a) GECOM has not met since 11th June, 2019; b) Mr. James Patterson officially demitted office

on 24TH June 2019; and c) the new Chairman is yet to Commission a meeting with the Commissioners. In the circumstances, I feel compelled to ask, who retained and authorised Mr. Stanley Marcus to file this application? It certainly cannot be GECOM,” Nandlall said in a statement on Monday.

Noting that these are fresh proceedings, Nandlall said one cannot argue that the same authority, by which Marcus appeared before the CCJ, continues to apply. He noted too that when the Chief Justice heard Ram’s case Senior Counsel Neil Boston informed the Court that, in association with Rex McKay SC. and Roysdale Forde, he was representing the Chief Elections Officer and the Commissioner of National Registration, Keith Lowenfield and no one appeared for the Elections Commission. “GECOM should publicly state its position on this matter, earliest,” Nandlall urged. The case is expected to be heard today in the High Court at 17:00hrs.

Mahaicony sea breach sealed …further works ongoing to stablilise structure

THE government is contented that the 125 metres beach of earthen dam at Danzigt, Mahaicony, has been fixed to the point where rice and cattle farmers in the area can continue their livelihood.

Following a visit to Mahaicony on Monday, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, told the Guyana Chronicle that works to further stabilise the fix are ongoing. “The breach at Danzigt is sealed; 70 to 75 per cent is completed. We cannot totally complete the work to 100 per cent because of the rainy season,” he explained. “[But] I am satisfied that the Danzigt area is in a decent situation that the farmers can rest assured that the issue is fixed.”

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma (Giovannie Gajie, DPI)

Due to heavy rainfalls and raging waters earlier in July, embankments at Broomhall, Danzigt and Prospect, in Mahaicony, were breached. Most notable

The breach at Danzigt now partially fixed (Giovannie Gajie, DPI)

was the Danzigt embankment breach which serves as a barrier to the Bellamy Canal from the Atlantic Ocean.

Nonetheless, from the

beginning, several farmers have been collaborating with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority

(NDIA) and other agencies to remedy the situation.

Speaking of some of the challenges experienced along the way, Sharma told the

Farmer, Bernard Baker

Guyana Chronicle that one of the main hindrances to a speedy fix was the now TURN TO PAGE 11 ►

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

Drug Treatment Court to be established this year - Stakeholders’ training commences - Approved offences in process of being finalised THE Drug Treatment Court is expected to be established in the last quarter of 2019, at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, and the pilot project will be an adult treatment court utilizing a post-adjudicating model.

This is according to acting Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, during her address at the opening ceremony of the Drug Treatment Court training, held on Monday, at the Pegasus Hotel.

“The location of the court which will be in the Georgetown’s magistrate court building will permit easier access to resources and personnel, including stakeholders such as the police, social services, health and drug treatment providers to facilitate the efficient operation of the court,” the Chief Justice said.

Justice George Wiltshire said the goals of the drug treatment court are to: promote public safety and the wellbeing of society; provide treatment and support for eligible substance abusers and drug dependent offenders; provide alternatives to incarceration and reduce the cost of prison.

She noted that it will be an adult treatment court utilizing a post-adjudicating model which means that the defendant must have pleaded guilty, or found guilty of an approved offence, in order to be eligible to participate in the treatment programme that

the court will facilitate as an alternative to incarceration.

The Chief Justice (ag) said the Drug Treatment Court is an important aspect of the national drug strategy master plan and the approved offences are in the process of being finalized.

She said that the focus will be on non-violent and summary offences and will represent diversion as a response to criminal activity and defendants who are amenable to such.

Underscoring that the reasons for having such a court are multi-dimensional, the Chief Justice said that research and evidence indicate that there has been, and continues to be a growing number of persons who interface with the criminal justice system in Guyana on account of being substance abusers.

She said that the substances of choice are cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and, to a lesser extent, ecstasy. “ M a n y o f t h e s e d efendants have committed non-violent offences to which the usual response of incarceration is not the most beneficial. International and regional experience have demonstrated that treatment of substance abusers is a better response than imprisonment,” the Chief Justice noted.

This response, the Judge said has been implemented in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas and Barbados.

Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George Wiltshire

NANA Director, Major General (ret'd), Michael Atherly

Stakeholders at the opening ceremony of the Drug Treatment Court training held at the Pegasus Hotel. (Delano Williams Photo)

“These territories have shown that drug treatment courts provide a holistic response to rehabilitation and needs of non-violent of-

fenders in particular who are drug abusers, and our courts will follow the same model, will allow the collaboration of a team of persons to support the offender in his or her rehabilitation,” the Chief Justice said This team, she said, will consist of: a Magistrate, State Counsel, Police Prosecutor, police officer, social service or probation officer, Defence counsel, substance abuse treatment provider and any other person the team may require to ensure that the offender stays the course of the contract he/she voluntarily agrees to in order to successfully graduate.

The sentences for those who successfully complete their treatment programme, the Chief Justice said, would be significantly reduced or vary and imprisonment would not be imposed.

“Drug treatment courts are therefore problem- solving courts, and are a part of a concerted effort, in judicial systems, to see substance abusers who have contact

with the law, and therefore with the court as persons who are in need of a more caring and supportive environment and court experience,” Justice George Wiltshire said.

She said the drug court follows the establishment of the Family Courts, Sexual Offences Court and the Children’s Court as specialize courts that focus on serving the needs of the individual who interacts with the court.

Meanwhile, National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) Director, Major General (ret'd), Michael Atherly said that the international organisations gave assistance to several countries that have made improvements in substance abuse treatment efforts.

The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), he said, has supported the establishment of several drug treatment courts across the hemisphere.

He said some of the main issues affecting society are: trafficking in cocaine, cannabis cultivation, alcohol

and drug abuse and violent crimes.

These issues, altogether, constitute the most single instrument of crime leading to public fear in society.

“Over and above that however, our existing situation in our prison system has made the drug treatment court quite attractive to Guyana. This workshop signals another important phase in cooperation and collaboration between OAS, CICAD and Guyana and it is intended to support the implementation of alternatives to incarceration, a programme derived from CICAD hemispheric drug strategy and with adjustments make up a part of our own national drug policy master plan,” Atherly said.

He said that the drug treatment court model was established out of the need to solve the frequent and persistent problem that drug-related cases create for court systems and prisons.

As such, he said that the drug court system is seen as a court that deals specifically with offenders who have committed offences under the influence of drugs.

“It offers a substitute for jail and in our particular case, a seriously overcrowded jail,” he said.

He said that “the role of the police is likely to change from one whose only interest is in prosecuting an offender to the full extent of the law, to one that takes on the added dimension of assisting an offender to embark on a life- changing experience,” the NANA Director said.

As such, Atherly said this will involve a change in mindset of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) that enable them to recognise the long-term benefits of recommending an offender to participate in the drug rehabilitation programme.

Atherly said drug treatment courts embrace the idea of the court being used as a soothing and curing tool that is used to aid the accused instead of punishing them.

He said the court will be less costly and a more effective system that will promote public safety while reducing crime and violence in society.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

Qatar Petroleum enters Guyana’s oil market --purchases share in Total QATAR Petroleum, a stateowned public corporation responsible for the oil and gas industry in Qatar, has entered into an agreement with Total for a share of exploration and production rights in two blocks offshore Guyana.

Under the agreement signed on Monday, Qatar Petroleum will hold 40 per cent of Total’s existing 25 per cent participating interest in the Orinduik block and 40 per cent of Total’s existing 25 per cent participating interest in the neighboring Kanuku block.

Also in the Orinduik

block, Tullow Oil [the operator] holds a 60 per cent participating interest and EcoAtlantic holds a 15 per cent interest.

In the Kanuku block Repsol [the operator] holds a 37.5 per cent participating interest and Tullow Oil, a 37.5 per cent interest.

According to reports on Qatar Petroleum’s site, the agreement is subject to customary regulatory approvals by the government of Guyana.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and Chief Executive Of-

ficer (CEO) of Qatar Petroleum, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi stated: “We are pleased to expand our global exploration footprint into Guyana together with our valuable, long-term partner, Total, in these offshore blocks in this prospective basin.”

He added: “We hope that the exploration efforts are successful. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners and the government of Guyana for their collaboration in this effort, and we look forward to working together in these blocks.”

In January 2018, when President David Granger

Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Qatar Petroleum, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi (Offshore Engineer Magazine photo)

Harmon leads the way!

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon is encouraging Guyanese to ignore the calls by the Opposition and get registered. On Monday Harmon ensured that he was on hand to receive Guyana Elections Commission staff who are currently conducting house-to-house registration. He is pictured here during the registration process.

Mahaicony sea breach... non-existent dam which made the transportation of materials difficult.

The current contractors are utitlising barges to reach the area to off load materials such as sand, mud, and boulders. Sharma stated that is has been a challenge to procure contractors who were brave enough to use their excavators near the treacherous waters.

“It is a dangerous work. A lot of contractors refused because they fear their equipment would go overboard and sink,” he stated.

The ministry also had to build a costly timber bridge to aid in the transportation of the materials to fix the dam.

He stated that the ministry’s teams and other agencies like the NDIA and Sea and River Defence Department are monitoring the rest of the shoreline as some amount of erosion is still taking place.

One farmer, Bernard Bak-

er, who has cultivated 45 acres rice on his portion of land in Danzigt, told the Guyana Chronicle that he was thankful for the efforts of the government to remedy the situation.

Meanwhile, Minister Sharma acknowledged that, from the beginning, the government had engaged the rice farmers, loaning them two long boom excavators to reinforce the dams around their rice fields to serve as secondary barriers to the sea.

Proprietor of 65 acres of land in the location, Romeo Machado, had told this newspaper earlier in July that he was pleased that the reinforcement was done free of cost as this would have cost farmers an additional “fortune”.

Sharma said: “They’re very happy and thankful.

Even as I went there this morning, a farmer asked if we could clean the canal for

them so more fresh water [can] come into the trench to the lands.”

Some 2000 tons of boulders were delivered to vulnerable sections at the areas for placement along the sea dam.

Another 1000 tons of boulders were delivered at the breached section at Danzigt to keep the intense Atlantic at bay while a tender was opened for the supply of 2,500 tons more.

The ministry also opened tender for the construction of 350 metres of riprap structure between Prospect and Broomhall to add to the construction of 325 metres of riprap structure which previously commenced.

The total length of construction between Prospect and Broomhall is 675 metres or over 1,200 feet of works.

Minister Sharma stated that the ministry is taking on a more proactive approach to managing such natural disas-

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ters in Guyana.

“We’re using drone technology to map the area almost every month so we get a report from the Sea and River Defence team [which indicates, for example] we monitor here and they had about half a mile of mangroves which is now reducing and we can see the gradual [process] of how it is deteriorating and how erosion is taking place.

This is so we can actually say that by the next six months, if we don’t do anything, we will have a breach; this is the kind of proactive work we’re doing,” he said.

Even with this, he added that the ministry cannot predict the intensity of the waves and how much damage they will cause as the effects of global warming seem to grow more and more destructive each year.

Sharma stated: “The intensity of these waves is unbe-

had welcomed Mohammed Ahmad Al Hayki as Qatar’s non-resident Ambassador to Guyana, he had urged the State to invest in Guyana’s petroleum sector.

“Guyana is also to become, in the near future, a petroleum producing State…

Guyana invites Qatar to examine ways of investing in the development of our emerging petroleum sector,” the President Granger told the Ambassador.

The Orinduik block is located 120 km offshore Guyana and has a total area of about 1,800 square kilometers, with water depths ranging from 70 to 1,400 meters. This year, two wells are to be drilled in the block by the Stena Forth drillship

which arrived in Guyana in June.

The drillship is expected to spud the Jethro Lobe prospect and the Joe prospect— located nearby — right after.

Meanwhile, just nearby is the Kanuku block which is located 100 km offshore Guyana and has a total area of about 5,200 square kilometers, with water depths ranging from 70 to 800 meters. Repsol, a Spanish oil company, is expected to drill in the block this year.

Recently, Qatar Petroleum also signed an agreement to enter three exploration blocks in Kenya.

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‘GECOM is...

Brigadier Patrick West; and Commissioner of Police, Leslie James; and Justice (Ret’d) Cecil Kennard. The six Commissioners of the Elections Commission – Vincent Alexander, Desmond Trotman, Charles Corbin, Bibi Shadick, Robeson Benn and Sase Gunraj – were also present.

EARLIER GROUNDWORK On the sideline of the swearing ceremony, President Granger, while ruling out that there was an impasse on the appointment of the GECOM Chair, said what Guyanese, and world at large witnessed was the execution of a deliberate process. During that process, the two sides, he said, worked assiduously to achieve the desired outcome. “What you saw on the 26th July was only possible because of lievable; they remove earthen embankment that is 15 feet high, they cut it,” The ministry was able to step into action either way because it budgeted for such calamity. One of the recommendations coming out of another proprietor of 65 acres of land in the location, Romeo Machado, was that the Ministry uses sheet piles as a permanent fix.

“They got to get sheet pile, plant it down and, if possible, you will get some boulders at the back to break the current of the water and the steel pile is going to prevent

the groundwork that had been put in by the working groups. So I would say that it was a logical outcome from all of the work that both sides have been doing….,” the Head of State told reporters. The President said he looks forward to widening the areas of cooperation in coming weeks and months with the Leader of the Opposition.

The Opposition Leader, in the presence of President Granger, said “it is a happy day for all of Guyana not just for one side or the other. He too expressed optimism about future engagements with the Head of State. “The President and I spoke about this, and we hope that we can take the same spirit we had, the spirit of collaboration on this appointment, to other matters,” Jagdeo said. the water from coming over.

That is the only alternative and that is a lot of money,” he told the newspaper earlier in July.

Minister Sharma agreed on Monday that sheet piles are a good idea but stated that the machinery needed to drive the sheet piles into the ground needs a dam to operate on and presently none exists.

“Yes, the sheet piling is a good suggestion but it has to be done in dry weather and we have to budget for it and it will be possible,” he said.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

Youth Parliament 2019 launched

FROM August 8th to 17th, over 300 young people from across Guyana will be given the opportunity to get a parliamentarian experience at the fifth annual Youth Parliament.

Speaking at the media launch of the 2019 Youth Parliament in the second committee room of the Parliament Building, Public Relations Officer, Yannick December said that the Parliament office is filled with pride to be hosting youth parliament.

He noted that it is in consonance with the parliament office’s continuing effort to sensitise the citizens on Parliament and its functions, and to mould future leaders.

“In addition to its sensitization role, this activity will boost the students’ morale and develop and hone their debating and leadership skills. And this is in keeping with the Youth Parliament’s motto, ‘Our generation, Our voice. Inspire, Encourage,’ December said.

He shared with the mem-

Youth Parliament 2019 committee

bers of the media that Youth Parliament started in 2014 during the tenure of Raphael Trotman who was the Minister of Natural Resources at that time, functioning as the speaker of the National Assembly.

“There was a great desire to establish a permanent body

to enable youth to express their opinions on matters of national importance… Now the committee comprises of staff of the Parliament office, and was formed to plan and execute the hosting of Youth Parliament,” December said.

The participants for Youth Parliament will be

between 14 and 17 years of age and will be chosen by the Ministry of Education, through the departments in the various regions. However, only 35 representatives will be catered for from each region.

Additionally, from last year, the committee made the decision to incorporate University of Guyana students as well. This will continue this year, December disclosed, and 37 students from Turkeyen and Tain Campuses, will be attending. There will also be two from the New

Opportunity Corps.

Also speaking at the launch was the Public Relations Assistant, Nadeila Allen, who explained what the week of activities with the young people will entail.

She said that there will be several topics for motion, divided among the Secondary School students and the Tertiary level students.

The use of sovereign wealth fund, migration policy, youth participation in governance, amendment of Article 155 1 (A) of the Constitution of the Cooperative

Republic of Guyana, will be tackled by the University students.

The younger students will focus on the banning of single use plastics, copyright law, discipline in school, and curbing substance abuse.

Allen said that during the week they will partake in a series of activities including introduction and interaction, functions of parliament; session on leadership which will be conducted by the CEO of the Rights of the Child Commission; roles of members of parliament; parliamentary etiquette and decorum; parliamentary procedures and practices; introduction to motions and discussions; introduction to the mentors, drafting speeches, the art of public speaking, and many more.

One component that has been added, she highlighted, is that they have widened the youth mentorship aspect. Past participants are now serving as mentors for the students so that they can have more guidance on how they are expected to function.

The out-of-town students will also be taken on tours around Georgetown during the course of that time, Allen shared.

Family still searching for answers into murder of 75-year-old THE family members of Triumph resident, Somaria Sookdeo, are still awaiting answers as to why the 75-year-old woman was murdered in her home in March, 2016.

In March of 2016, Sookdeo, who was also called Elsie, was found dead in her Triumph home at around 04:40 hours. About two hours before this time, it was reported that she called her son-in-law, Krishna Sookdeo, and told him that bandits were trying to break into the house. She lived alone.

A post-mortem examination (PME) subsequently conducted revealed that the woman died as a result of blunt trauma to the head and strangulation.

“When she was murdered, lots of detectives came to the house; they found a weapon which they believed she was hit with and they spoke with some neighbours but nobody knew anything,” Sookdeo’s granddaughter, Indira Persaud told this newspaper recently.

Persaud however related that no one was ever

Somaria Sookdeo

arrested, or, to her knowledge, ever suspected for the murder of the woman. The results of the PME were the last bit of information the family received about the murder of Elsie, and Persaud contended that interest in the case has faded.

“It wasn't a robbery, the police said it wasn't a robbery,” Persaud said, adding that everything in the house was “intact”. In fact, according to reports, a bag with $200,000 was found lying next to the woman’s body.

As such, Persaud said that the intention of the perpetrators was to kill the woman. She however doesn’t know why they

would want to do that, since she affirmed the woman was liked by persons in the area and was an avid church-goer.

Cognisant of this, Persaud highlighted that the family is still searching for answers so that they may have some bit of clarity and justice.

Earlier this year, the granddaughter paid a visit to the detectives who were investigating the matter in order to see what efforts are being made to bring the perpetrators to justice. The investigator she spoke to indicated that he would be looking into “cold cases” and promised to make contact with the family. Indira said, however, that he has not made any contact with the family and he no longer responds to her when she tries to contact him.

“I don’t know if my family would have any justice. I just want any justice and to know why they did it,” Persaid said, emotionally.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

World Bank pledges support to Guyana’s AML fight

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, S.C, M.P (fifth right) along with members of the AML/CFT National Coordination Committee and the visiting World Bank team

REPRESENTATIVES of the World Bank have committed to supporting the strengthening of Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime.

At a meeting hosted at the Ministry of Legal Affairs on Monday, members of the AML/CFT National Coordination Committee and a visiting World Bank team discussed the methods of technical and advisory

support which can be used to achieve this.

Key on the agenda was technical assistance to conduct critical updates to Guyana’s ML/TF National Risk Assessment (NRA). According to a release from the Ministry, Financial Sector Specialist at the World Bank, Gulliaume Herve Mathey explained that an updated NRA would be necessary as the World Bank has improved the tool used in Guyana’s last NRA conducted during

2016-2017.

This was supported by his team member, Financial Sector Specialist, of the Financial Stability and Integrity Unit., Matei Dohotaru. As such, Guyana must conduct another NRA to reassess all the threats and vulnerabilities that may exist at a national and/ or sectoral level.

Added to this, as Guyana prepares for first oil come early 2020, several new risk factors will have to be considered. “The World

Bank has developed a guide for countries conducting their ML/TF risk assessment.

This guide is in the form of a methodological risk assessment tool. It is an Excel-based model that enables countries to identify the main drivers of their ML/TF risks,” the Ministry stated.

“The tool will assist Guyana in conducting a self-assessment of the ML/ TF risk and vulnerabilities locally. This approach is in line with the recommenda-

tions of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). FATF Recommendation 1 requires that countries identify, assess and understand the ML/ TF risks within their jurisdiction and then implement a risk-based action plan and apply resources to mitigate the identified risks.”

Commenting on the visit, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, S.C, M.P noted that it was timely. He stated that the AML/CFT NCC had

commenced planning for the country’s next national risk assessment which must be completed well in advance of Guyana’s next Mutual Evaluation scheduled for 2022.

The World Bank team is currently in Guyana conducting a scoping mission of the country’s AML/CFT Framework and will be meeting with several other stakeholders involved in the AML/CFT regime in Guyana.

Region Seven education, health sectors on the upswing …mayor credits decentralisation of government services GORDON Bradford, Regional Chairman for Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) says the region has seen much development in the education and health sectors over the past few years thanks to the decentralisation of government services.

As a result, there has been the deployment of resident doctors being placed in many villages and a number of new primary schools set to be commissioned shortly.

Bradford noted that though most persons often look to the township of Bartica when they think of development taking place in Cuyuni-Mazaruni, much development is also taking place in several other parts of the Region.

“Indeed, Bartica is moving places, lots of developments taking place, but as we always say, Bartica is not Region Seven alone, Region Seven is the second largest region in Guyana and development is all across the Region,” Bradford informed.

Bradford says that the Region is still vigorously

pursuing the decentralization to see several other essential services, which in the past were centralized in the city, being brought to the Region.

“Our vision in the Region is to take services, whether education, health infrastructure, closer to the residents and so we are achieving that bit by bit, even though we have a long way to go still,” Bradford explained.

Bradford noted that it is the decentralisation of services that has seen wider medical coverage in villages across the Region. “If you go into the Upper Mazaruni right now, you would find a doctor in almost every community and that wasn’t there before,” he pointed out.

“Our vision is to take healthcare delivery, infrastructure, sports, recreational facilities, you name it, to the people rather than have then travel long distances and pay exorbitant cost to seek these services. We are moving closer to achieving these services.

Yes, we still have a long way to go, but with that vision and with the support from

Region 7 Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford

central government, Ministry of Communities and all the other Ministries, we’re getting there,” Bradford said.

Bradford referenced a recent appeal by President David Granger for there to eventually be a top secondary school in each region, as something he would truly like to become a realisation in Cuyuni Mazaruni.

“I heard him talk about a top secondary school in each region, do you know what that would mean in terms of the development of our human resource, and young people?

At present, young people have

to leave every community that they live in and travel to the coastland to have such education. Now, with that vision, I will work towards that so we can have a top-level secondary school that can match education any part of this country, so our students must have it right in their community,” Bradford said.

New primary schools are also set to be commissioned shortly in Paruima, Kamarang and Imbamadai.

Since 2015, central government has put much focus on a decentralization strategy, taking essential services to each respective administrative region. This saw the government bringing about the return of the local government system, giving more power to citizens to have a say in the development of their respective communities.

He related that the Region’s hope is to see the developments in education and health replicated in other areas, including sports.

“He [the president] spoke

years ago about stadiums for every region. When we achieve these things we would be able to compete with others on the coastland because right now the playing field is not that level, and so when we read about selection for cricket, football, or athletics, sometimes 95 per-cent are from the coastland and our young people are not given that opportunity to showcase their potential. So I think we are headed in the right direction,” he noted.

Vendor charged with destruction of property ON Monday July 29, 2019, Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly, remanded a thirty two-year-old vendor accused of destruction of property.

Mark Sampson, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that, on July 27, 2019, at South Sophia, Georgetown, he

unlawfully and maliciously damaged two window panes valued at $14,000, and property of his ex-wife.

Police prosecutor, Christopher Morris, strongly objected to bail and told the court that Sampson was charged on several occasions.

Attorney-at-law Clyde Forde told the court that his client was nowhere

around the incident and he was trying his best to stay away from the virtual complainant.

Attorney Forde’s application for bail on Sampson’s behalf was denied.

Senior Magistrate Leron Daly remanded Sampson to prison and adjourned the matter until July 31, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

Gunman kills father of six at Seeta’s Bar A father of six who tried to part a fight at Seeta’s Bar, Station Street Kitty, Georgetown, was shot dead in the washroom by a known suspect, in the wee hours of Monday morning.

Dead is Kurt Anthony Duncan, 32, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Police later issued a wanted bulletin for 32-yearold Keon David of Sophia in relation to the murder.

He is said to be a former policeman.

Reports indicate that the bar was in the process of closing after 2:00hrs when a scuffle ensued with a female and a male who was washing the floor of the premises.

Duncan allegedly intervened and reportedly assaulted the male cleaner and during that process, the suspect who was seated near-

WANTED: Keon David

Dead: Kurt Anthony Duncan

by allegedly whipped out a firearm and shot him in the region of his chest.

He was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body is at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination.

Relatives of Duncan described him as a hardworking man whose absence will leave a tremendous void in his family’s life.

“He was a very hardworking person who loved his family; we want justice for what happened, this is not easy for us,” one relative said.

Suspects cooperating with police in Guyhoc Mechanic’s murder POLICE have questioned several suspects including employees of the mechanic who was murdered in his Guyhoc Park, East La Penitence, Georgetown home Saturday last.

Reginald Otelo Atherley, 44, called “Reggie” or “Diesel Boss” of Lot ‘G’ 26 Sammon Street, Guyoc Park, was killed, in his home, by two armed bandits.

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.

The bandits allegedly gained access to the house after one of them removed multiple louvre panes.

That bandit reportedly found the keys to the front door which he opened for his accomplice.

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

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

Dead: Reginald Atherley

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.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

House-to-house registration

Lowenfield bemoans disinformation, attacks on enumerators Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat’s push to conduct Houseto-House Registration is being met with a number of challenges, among them disinformation and attacks on enumerators by persons who are not in favour of the national exercise.

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield said dogs have been set loose on enumerators in the fields, while others have come into contact with persons who are of the opinion that the process is illegal, and they (the enumerators) will not be paid.

“The House-to-House Registration process continues as scheduled. At the moment we have exceeded approximately 50,000 registrants (but) we have had some challenges and we continue to face challenges, in operationalising the event.

These challenges include, for example, where persons are told to register is an illegal activity…; we have incidents where dogs are let out on our enumerators in the field; we have scenarios in which enumerators are told, that is

the staff working with us, that they will not be paid, and they should not participate in the process,” Lowenfield explained.

At the time, he was speaking to reporters on the sideline of the swearing in ceremony of the newly Chairman of the Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, S.C, CCH. He said the contentions are erroneous, and made it clear that House-to-House Registration is legal, and all enumerators would be paid.

The national registration exercised, he reminded, was budgeted for in the 2019 National Budget.

Asked whether the Secretariat would require more time, the CEO, in response, told reporters that all decisions relative to Houseto-House Registration and Elections would be made by the duly constituted Elections Commission. “I don’t want to go pass the first meeting of the Commission…I don’t want to go ahead of myself… the Commission shall meet, the Commission shall deliberate and the Commission will make all the necessary

decisions going forward,” he told reporters.

The Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and his party – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have

Patterson.

GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander said the Opposition does not understand the implications of calling on persons to boy-

Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission Keith Lowenfield (Adrian Narine Photo)

called on their supporters to boycott House-to-House Registration on the basis that it is illegal but Lowenfield has made it clear that the process is in keeping with a decision taken under the stewardship of former Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) James

cott House-to-House Registration. “I don’t think the people who are talking about moving away from Houseto-House understand the processes which are involved. If we are to move away from House-to-House any other process itself would require

a prep stage. And they seem not to know the time implications even if it is something else,” he told Guyana Chronicle.

Moving forward, Alexander expressed the hope that all Commissioners would uphold the standards of democratic organisations, and not stage walk outs as was the case in the recent past.

“There are standard procedures that any institution should follow and those standard procedures include engagement in the discussions, a determination which may come down to a vote and acceptance of that determination. That is what democratic process requires. People who walk out, in fact, are trying to stymie what is a democratic process by not allowing the process to proceed,” Alexander explained.

He is hoping that the Commission can get down to business as soon as the newly appointed Chair familiarises herself with the business of the Commission and its Secretariat. More than 50,000 individuals nationwide have now been registered in the house-to-house registration

exercise and are now eligible to vote in the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

These individuals are also now eligible to receive the new Identification (ID) Cards which will be distributed by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by the October 20, 2019 deadline.

While the over 1,200 teams deployed still have more ground to cover, many have also begun the process of revisiting residences where persons may not have been home at the time or may not have been in possession of their documents. Upon conclusion of this exercise, a new National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB), which is reflective of the current Guyanese population, will be created.

Subsequently, the Official List of Electors (OLE) will be extracted for the purpose of conducting General and Regional Elections.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

Justice Singh sworn in as new GECOM chair …urges end to walkouts, to be guided by laws, constitution

By Svetlana Marshall KNOWN as the ‘Iron Lady, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh S.C, CCH, the newly appointed Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), said she is prepared to “hammer-out” the issues facing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in accordance with the Constitution and Laws of Guyana, and nothing else.

A move by the Elections Secretariat to initiate Houseto-House Registration ahead of elections has resulted in major objections from the Opposition-nominated Commissioners and the Opposition, though approval came from the Commission. In fact, since the passage of the No-Confidence Motion against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government last December, the Opposition-nominated Commissioners, have walked out of several critical meetings, and in some cases boycotted it altogether, thereby crippling the work of the Commission.

Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram is currently challenging the constitutionality of the national exercise.

The Government, on the other hand, is in support of the national registration exercise. In offering its support, it has alluded to the fact that the voters’ list expired since

Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Justice Claudette Singh, S.C, CCH

April 30. It has suggested that the list, in the current state, is bloated with approximately 200,000 dead persons or those who have since migrated. As an independent voice, the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield has explained that the operationalisation of House-to-House Registration 2019 is based on the directive of the Elections Commission on February 19, 2019 and by extension Order No. 25 of 2019 dated June 11, 2019.

BY THE LAW AND CONSTITUTION Meanwhile, in an interview with reporters, shortly after receiving her Letter of Appointment, Justice Singh made it clear that she will abide by the Constitution

Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Justice Claudette Singh, S.C, CCH (centre) flanked by Commissioners of the Elections Commission. From left to right, they are: Robeson Benn, Bibi Shaddick, Charles Corbin, Sase Gunraj, Vincent Alexander and Desmond Trotman. (Adrian Narine photos)

Chairman of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh having a brief discussion with the Chief Elections officer, Keith Lowenfield

and the Laws of Guyana. “…

There is only one way, in accordance with the law, and in accordance with the Constitution, and nothing else,” Justice Singh told reporters.

Her priority is to facilitate credible elections. “I am endeavouring to have free, fair and transparent elections,” the GECOM Chair stated.

Cognizant of the challenges

ahead of her, Justice Singh recalled the days when she was called ‘The Iron Lady’ and ‘The Hanging Judge,” and made it known that she is ready to sit down with the commissioners and iron out the issues plaguing the Commission. “I am also looking forward to having a meeting with each set of commissioners, and I will have it separately – a meeting with the Government commissioners, then a meeting with the Opposition commissioners, and then I will bring all of them together…and I will speak to everybody,” Justice Singh explained while noting that she believes in inclusivity.

NO WALKOUT “I do not believe in people walking out when there is

a disagreement. I believe in sitting down and hammer-up what the problem is,” she added. In 2017, Justice Singh identified to be among nominees for the position but had turned down the offer. This time, the legal luminary said she took up the offer for the sake of her country. “The Leader of the Opposition and the President repose their confidence in me and they both thought that I was the most suitable person, and they asked me for the sake of the country, and that is why nothing else,” the retired judge explained.

It is expected that she will report for duty today, and meetings with the Commissioners and staff of the Secretariat would be held thereafter. With some 40 years of experience, Justice Singh is one of only three women to be appointed Senior Counsel in 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, 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.

Vizion Sounds supports children of Sophia A TEAM from Vizion Sounds Recording Studio and Promotion Company on Sunday concluded a two-month capacity-building and empowerment programme with the children of the Sophia Children’s Home on Dennis Street.

This is another one of their series of programmes held throughout the course of the year, at several homes and orphanages across Guyana.

Manager of Vizion Sounds Promotion, Gail Vieira, told the Guyana Chronicle that these activities are what the record company aligns itself with because they believe in giving back to the country, specifically with the vulnerable and underprivileged youths.

Building the capacity of youths, she said, is very important for their develop-

ment, especially with vulnerable children, since they are the ones most lacking guidance in their lives.

Because of that perception, the company took it upon itself to contribute in that regard. For the past two months, she said the children at the Sophia home engaged in several fun activities, all of which taught them life lessons that they can take with them throughout life.

Additionally, they have had empowerment sessions where persons came and gave motivational speeches and encouraged the children to dream and work hard to achieve their dreams.

Since the company is an entertainment one, they have had several Guyanese artistes coming through to share their stories with the children and encouraged them to strive to be good

The Vizion Sounds team with some of the Staff at the Sophia Children’s Home

always, despite their circumstances.

On Sunday, the programme closed with a grand concert, where the children were given the opportunity to showcase their talents which they were encouraged to embrace and be proud of. The children organised and acted skits that sent out powerful messages. Some of

them recited poems that they wrote to tell their stories, and others danced and sang as other ways of expressing their emotions and showcasing their skills.

After the children performed their pieces, they were entertained by two Guyanese artistes attached to Vizion Sounds, Mark Batson and Carlvin Burnett, whose

performance the children evidently enjoyed since they were up on their feet, clapping, dancing and singing along.

Some of the children shared sentiments of joy and said that they were saddened that the programme has come to an end.

However, they are thankful for all that they have

learned, and confessed to have changed some of their behaviour patterns since the programme started and they are living better with each other.

Vieira said that even though the programme at Sophia Children’s Home has ended and they are preparing to move on to another, it will not be their last time visiting the children at Sophia and contributing to their lives.

In fact, she said that because new children are coming in the homes all the time, they have to do follow up visits so as to ensure that everyone gets the encouragement and motivation that are needed in their lives.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

Batavia residents up in arms against miner …who failed to comply with Amerindian Act

Resident of Batavia, Racjol Jeffery

A mining pit which workmen of the Bartica-based mining company dug in Batavia

By Naomi Marshall GOLD mining remains an issue for the community of Batavia in the CuyuniMazaruni district and residents are calling on the government to intervene, as a Bartica-based miner fails to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to settle the land dispute.

The unresolved dispute has left the community of 500 residents in a “stagnant” state, as noted by a resident, Racjol Jeffery, since villagers can no longer take part in the community’s main income-earner-- gold mining.

This was said at an outreach held by the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Culture Youth and Sport recently in the community of Batavia.

“We are facing some challenges in Batavia. Our mining is down, we do not have access or the rights to do mining, to where we feel that as indigenous people, we have been taken advantage of by these rich merchants, these rich miners.

We are really suffering in this community, there is no employment in the village, so I would like to ask the present government to help us,” Jeffery pleaded.

Jeffery explained that due to the land dispute, the residents cannot engage in forestry activities and is puzzled as to how they, the residents, can even persist “as Amerindians.”

He added, “We are living in the area where there is a lot of forest products, we do not have the access to forest products at this moment. The forestry sector has clampdown on us, so forestry is also dead. Right now we are inactive, and how then as Amerindians we should survive? I feel that we really need help

along the life journey.”

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Toshao of Batavia, Orin Williams, stated that the Village Council would have engaged in three meetings with the miner, Rickey Ramnarine.

In September 2018, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs sent out a statement indicating that Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, met with representatives of the Batavia Village Council and GGMC to address the issue.

The ministry said villagers had collectively decided that mechanisms must be put in place to ensure operations are carried out in accordance with the villagers’ stipulations and the Amerindian Act of 2006.

The ministry said that at a village meeting held on September 21, 2018, villagers agreed that for the mining operations to continue, Ramnarine must comply with several conditions set out.

At the last meeting which was held in May 2019, the Village Council was instructed by Ramnarine to articulate and send a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to him.

However, up until Monday, July 29, 2019, the council had not received a response from the miner.

“We have set up a MoU with Mr. Ramnarine and we give it to him, it’s a draft, it’s about over a month ago and he told us that his lawyer has to check it out and he will give us a feedback.

Since then, we didn’t get no feedback from him as yet so presently there is no mining going on, it’s still on dispute, we didn’t come up with no agreement as yet, so the vil-

lage is on a hold, waiting until he decides to respond to what we agreed to here in the village.”

According to Williams, the MoU is two pages long and includes the following: the miner must train two of the youths from Batavia in the fields of mechanic, machine operation or welding; the miner must employ two youths from the community; royalties must be paid to the village council, only one excavator is allowed to work on the land when clearing land, all marketable logs must be put on a ramp identified by the village council, among giving priority to villagers of demarcated mining blocks, since it is important for them to know the mining borders of his two claims amongst others.

“They also noted that mining must be done in accordance with the agreement between miner and village; royalties must be paid, the village will determine the number of excavators allowed; in cases of emergencies, Mr. Ramnarine must be able to provide assistance to [the] village,” the statement said.

Determined to survive, Williams indicated that the community has turned to agriculture and fishing for a living. He noted that some villagers even “had to go and seek employment further up the river and out of the village. It affecting us, so the village is still waiting on the response from Mr. Ramnarine.”

The village leader explained that the residents never explored mining and it was only in 2018, residents were able to determine that there were signs of gold on the village lands. He said that he was then told that several villagers worked on a parcel

of land on the periphery of the village boundary, close to the area in question, where the parcel of land, which lies outside the village boundary, belongs to the miner. He said the villagers then crossed back into their own territory and found signs of gold in June 2018.

Reports are that the Bartica-based miner received

Toshao of Batavia, Orin Williams

word of the gold find and moved onto the land.Since then, there has been several disagreements with the residents of Batavia and the miner, and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs intervened.

Residents also called for the general manager, who they first encountered on the lands when the issue

came to light in September 2018, to be immediately replaced “because of disrespectful behaviour towards residents.”

According to the document, penalties will be instituted should Ramnarine fail to meet the conditions set out.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

Chicken shortage bites KFC’s operations WHAT appears to be a nationwide shortage of chicken is affecting the operations of popular fast food outlet, KFC and the work of chicken retailers.

The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) had received reports of a shortage of chickens on the local market last week.

In an advisory posted on its Facebook page, on Monday, KFC said that due to the current chicken shortages, some of “your favourite finger lickin’ items may be unavailable at times”.

In a subsequent post, KFC said that certain items such as chicken strips, wings and sandwiches will only be unavailable occasionally.

Guyana Chronicle visited some chicken retailers, in Bourda Market, who said that they have been receiving chicken in

limited supply, for the last two weeks.

One retailer said she usually purchases chickens from a farm on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, but of recent the farm has not been able to supply her demand. The shortage has since led to an increase in the price of chicken.

This publication spoke to some consumers, who said that the price for chicken has been raised from about $340 per pound to over $400 per pound.

Meanwhile, according to GLDA, in a post on Facebook, records show that there has been a reduction in the number of cases of hatching eggs being imported when compared to 2018.

Some farmers have also been complaining of reduced growth rates and higher mortality, which may also be attributed to the reduction of

poultry meat on the market. The major players in the sector were consulted, and assured that the situation would be rectified during the week. This is based on the hatching and growing out time for the chickens.

“They have also assured that they are able to maintain supply to their major customers,” said the GLDA. Efforts to contact Chief Executive Officer of the GLDA, Nigel Cumberbatch, for an update on the situation, proved futile.

The Guyana Chronicle also made contact with representatives of the Guyana Poultry Producers Association, who said that a press statement will be provided today.

GPOC’s customers to benefit from Customs Declaration System Guyana will be joining 32 other countries in upgrading the connectivity of the World’s Postal Service Customs Declaration System (CDS) as the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) will be adding this to the services it offers.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Deputy Postmaster General and Head of Operations, Anastasia Jesse-

my-Lynch, stated that the CDS is an initiative being undertaken at the level of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), of which Guyana is a member.

As Guyana progresses in this era of technology, the CDS will benefit the customers of the GPOC tremendously. Lynch pointed out, “GPOC has seen value in implementing this system as it supports and promotes efficiency within the

Post. It allows for the expedient processing of mail at postal administrations globally and lends to enhance networking.”

The UPU’s Postal Technology Centre created the CDS, which helps to streamline Customs clearance by allowing participating Post Offices and Customs to exchange advance data and calculate required duties and taxes.

In an attempt to boost the

GPOC’s capacity to implement the CDS, a four-day training exercise was held, last week, at the post office, by the United States Postal Service through the Universal Post Union.

The training targeted members of the Information Technology and Operational Management team of the GPOC and covered configuration and functionality within the Post Office. Also, during the training, practical exercises were done. Lynch explained that, as part of the UPU regulations, post offices are required to share information about the sender, contents and value

of the mail with the Customs authorities.

She pointed out, “This information is traditionally sent with packages using a paper form. With the CDS, it can now be done electronically. This, in turn, facilitates the reduction of time mail is kept at the post office within customs. The CDS is a tool for promoting effective and expedient communication within the Post Office.”

The Deputy also highlighted that the improved processing measures will reduce customer waiting time at the Post Office to send and receive mails.

“Customers would be able

to complete mail forms electronically for Parcels, Express Mail Service and Registered items via GPOC’s website and will be issued a code. Customers can then visit a GPOC’s outlet and provide the code to the staff. GPOC will verify that the form is filled correctly and signed by customer. The mail will be examined if necessary and then prepared for dispatch.”

The utilization of CDS with the United States Postal Service is currently being tested. However, CDS will be fully implemented and active from January 2020 on GPOC’s website.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday July 30, 2019

Major increase in projects, work in Region Two since 2015 –– REO says residents now able to see the work being done THERE has been about a “400-500 per cent” increase in development work in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) since 2015, said Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Two, Denis Jaikaran.

“Between 2015 to now there has been a 400-500 per cent increase in projects and work that would have been done,” said Jaikaran in an invited comment on Thursday.

He said people are seeing the work which is being done, as opposed to the past when they just heard about money being spent.

“Now you are hearing

money being spent and that is matching physically with the projects that are being done,” said Jaikaran.

Work in the region has been moving apace and, to date, the region has spent 55 per cent of its capital budget and about the same per cent for current expenditure.

The regional administration’s intention is to complete all current and capital projects by the end of October. Jaikaran said the region also wants to ensure that all payments are made.

Among some of the major projects to be completed is the Supenaam Water Front

REO of Region Two, Denis Jaikaran

Adhere or get shut down THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned operators of hotels, livestock rearing facilities, sand mines and other businesses to buckle down and be compliant or get closed down.

According to the EPA in a notice, which was published in the Sunday Stabroek, 18 operations could be closed down if they do not follow the requirements of the agency.

The EPA said it will be moving to close the opera-

tions for failure to adhere to the agency’s enforcement notices or uplift finalised environmental authorisations.

Most of the businesses, which were warned, are operating with an expired environmental permit, without a permit and some failed to uplift their permit or authorisation.

According to the EPA, Ashmins Fun Park; Sand and Loan Mine of Soesdyke; and Chatarpaul and Omadatt Lall’s Garment Factory of Friendship also failed to

uplift their environmental authorisation.

Companies with expired permits are B Tularam Rice Mill of Leguan; Harinaraine and Sons Rice Milling Complex of Number 67 Village Corentyne; the Urbayne Oasis Hotel of Queenstown, Essequibo; Adam’s Apartment of Norton Street; and Wilderness Lodge of Bartica.

Other companies with expired permits are Blackman and Sons Farm, which operates a swine rearing facility at Garden of Eden;

Moti’s Poultry of Garden of Eden; Modern Poultry Farm of Broomfield Village, Corentyne; Good Will Business enterprises; Connection International Sand Mining of Madewini; and Mahendra Narine Welding/ Fabrication Workshop of Airy Hall, Essequibo Coast.

Persons and entities that failed to uplift environmental

Project, which is expected to be completed at the end of this year.

“That is a masterpiece as it relates to the structure itself and for encouraging tourism,” said Jaikaran.

The second major project is the rehabilitation of the Abram Zuil Secondary School. He said the regional administration has already signed a contract for the design and rehabilitation of the school.

According to the REO, those are the two major projects, but, within the region, they are doing renovations, rehabilitation and repairs to

schools, health outposts and all Government facilities.

“This is being done to make life more comfortable in the workplace and for teachers who live in the Pomeroon and riverine areas,” he said.

As work continues, the region has started working on its 2020 budget and is looking to execute some major projects. Jaikaran said the projects will include the construction of roads, bridges and access dams for farmers.

-EPA urges operators authorisations are Shivnarine Singh of Campbellville, and Fertilizer and Storage Blending of Providence.

Meanwhile, Little Rock Hotel of New Amsterdam and Azad Taki Gas Station of Hogsty Village of Corentyne are operating without an environmental permit.

The EPA notice said that the developers have until

August 9, 2019 to uplift or renew their environmental permits.

It also reminded permit holders that it is illegal under the EPA Act and the Environmental Protection regulations to operate, construct and or conduct developmental activities without a valid environmental permit or authorisation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

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FROM BACK PAGE

‘Golden Jaguars’ unlikely to roar before CONCACAF Nations League

By Rawle Toney THE Golden Jaguars, Guyana’s senior Men’s National football team, will kick off their CONCACAF Nations League campaign on September 6 when they travel to ‘The Kingdom of The Netherlands’ territory of Aruba, however, it seems unlikely that Michael Johnson’s men will have a warm-up game before the start of their crusade.

By virtue of finishing seventh in the qualifying stages of the competition, Guyana were pitted in League B alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba and Jamaica in Group C. Following their September 6 encounter, Guyana will return home to host Jamaica on September 9, followed by a trip to Antigua and Barbuda on October 11 to finish off the first leg of the home-andaway formatted league.

Guyana will host Antigua and Barbuda on October 15, Aruba on November 15 and will travel

to Jamaica on November 18 for their second clash with the ‘Reggae Boyz’.

The home-and-away group stage of the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League will be played on FIFA match dates in September, October and November 2019, while the Final Championship will take place in 2020.

However, speaking exclusively with Chronicle Sport yesterday, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, said the high demands by the confederation has brought about a financial burden that’s not only being experienced by Guyana, but all the member associations in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU).

Forde, before diving into the Nations League, pointed out that his Federation “regrets the lost opportunity of International exposure, especially our youths,” referencing to unfortunate decision to withdraw Guyana from participating in the U23 Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifiers Group A matches

GFF shortlist ...

Commenting on the team’s performance in the first match, Joseph said that while “Pouderoyen did not come as strong as we had expected them to, we would have achieved probably 70% - 80% of what we would have wanted the team to achieve.”

Meanwhile, a 20man squad has been shortlisted and engaged from an initial 40-man roster. It includes two Goalkeepers, four Defenders, 10 Midfielders and four Forwards, with one international-based player in the form of Midfielder Joshua Kesney from Trinidad and Tobago.

The Head Coach said the six-week preparation, which has been rewarding to date, focused on the playing philosophy and style of play to be engaged in the tournament and also sought to identify the best available talent from across Guyana.

Joseph said the core group is made up of players who have participated in the 2018 CFU U-14 Boys’ Challenge Trophy. However, he

noted, only 18 will travel.

Guyana has been placed in Group E with Nicaragua, Cayman Islands and The Bahamas. Guyana will get into action on Monday, August 5 from 9:00am against Nicaragua, followed by a clash with The Bahamas on August 7 at 11:00am and will close their group play against the Cayman Islands on August 8.

According to CONCACAF, the tournament will be played in two rounds, where for the first-round group phase, the 42 participating teams have been divided into three divisions according to the Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Ranking as of 2019, ensuring sporting balance and a minimum number of four matches for each team.

Division One will be made up by the top 14 ranked Concacaf teams, as well as Slovenia and Portugal. The 16 teams have been divided into four groups of four teams each (Groups A-D).After round robin play, the four group winners and the four

in Jamaica.

According to the GFF boss, Guyana will have to find a good balance between domestic and International exposure.

Specifically to the Nations League and Guyana’s preparation, Forde reasoned that participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, more so the lead-up to the Golden Jaguars’ historic showing at the tournament, has left the GFF in ‘tight spot’ financially.

With the entire coaching staff and majority of the players coming from overseas, Forde said the travel cost for each of their six matches this year will run the GFF between $6M $8M, adding “…and we do not have a solution to those travel demands.”

Instead, the GFF will depend on the fact that the overseas-based players will be back in playing mode since their respective seasons would’ve recommenced, and locally, the players based in Guyana will benefit from a tournament which the FedFROM BACK PAGE second place finishers will advance to the quarterfinals to play for the Championship.

The third and fourth place finishers will play an additional match to determine their final position in the division.

Division Two will be made up by the next 15 best ranked CONCACAF teams and Israel. The 16 teams have been divided into four groups of four teams each (Groups E-H). After round robin play, the four group winners will advance to the semi-finals to play for the divisional championship. The second, third and fourth place finishers will play an additional match to determine their final position in the division.

Division Three will be made up by the lowest 10 ranked CONCACAF teams. The teams have been divided into two groups of five teams each (Groups I and J). After round robin play, the group winners will advance to the divisional final, while the remaining teams will play an additional match to determine their final position in the division.”

eration will be rolling out shortly.

“We (the GFF) understand the importance of honouring our obligation to all the national programmes under our care, but in this case (the Senior Men’s team) likely we will not be able to do that (provide an international friendly),” said Forde.

With CONCACAF also conducting the draw for the women’s Olympic Qualifier tournament, Forde and his Executive Committee will now be forced to add another national programme to the list of those already competing this year, more so that of the senior women’s team, the GFF’s most successful product over the last decade.

The Lady Jags has so far featured in two major CONCACAF tournament (2010 Gold Cup and 2016 Olympic Qualifier) and Forde said with all the tournaments falling one behind the other,

“those are challenges that we must confront…(but)… what’s important is that we have an obligation to all of our national teams.”

At the conclusion of the round-robin group stage, the winners of each League A group will qualify to the Final Championship, while the League B and C group winners will be promoted to League A and B for the next edition of the competition.

Additionally, the teams at the bottom of each League A and B group will be relegated to League B and C respectively.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Hurdlers, sprinters have U.S. ready for big world champs run

By Gene Cherry

DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - The United States, loaded with talented hurdlers and top men’s sprinters, will head to September’s world athletics championships with another powerhouse team.

The Americans, with a number of impressive performances in their national championships, showed they could again top 30 medals in the global meeting.

None was bigger than Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad’s stunning 400 metres hurdles world record.

“It’s a strong team,” BBC analyst and former double record holder Michael Johnson told Reuters before Muhammad smashed Russian Yuliya Pechonkina’s 16-year-old record by more than a tenth of a second with her run of 52.20 seconds.

“The men’s side certainly looks much, much better (than the women). There are some really good women who are outside the U.S.,” said the former world 200 and 400 metres record hold-

er who still has the American marks in both events.

The Americans will be sending eight men who currently have yearly leading performances, and could claim sprint titles in the 100, 200 and 400 metres, win the 110m hurdles and possibly the 400m hurdles and add gold medals in pole vault, triple jump, shot put and both relays.

TOP SPRINTERS Johnson was impressed with all three sprint leaders - Christian Coleman (100m), Noah Lyles (200m) and Michael Norman (400m).

“Christian has shown himself to be a really consistent, a fantastic sprinter,” Johnson said of Coleman, the U.S. champion in the 100m and runner-up in the 200. “There doesn’t seem like to be any fluff there.

He’s all business. He would have to go into Doha as the favourite in the 100.”

Reigning world champion Justin Gatlin also could be a factor, Johnson said.

His gold medal pick in the 200 is Lyles.

Des Moines, IA, USA; Dalilah Muhammad wins the women’s 400m hurdles in a world record 52.20 during the USATF Championships at Drake Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“What he has been able to do over 100 and 200, I think he is the dominant 200m runner for sure right now,” the BBC analyst said.

“Lyles is the only American I’ve seen that I believe can surpass 19.32 (Johnson’s U.S. 200m record),” Johnson added on Twitter. “However he’s probably more appropriately focusing on 19.19 (Usain Bolt’s world record).”

In the 400, U.S. champion Fred Kerley and Norman, the year’s fastest, appear

headed for a Doha showdown, Johnson said.

“I don’t think there’s anybody else out there that can compete with them,” he said.

“Before this championships, I would have said Norman. He’s been fantastic all season.

“Then you have got Kerley, who is just coming along and reasserting himself as a consistent 43 low 44 (second) 400 metres runner.”

Slideshow (3 Images)

HURDLERS IMPRESS Gold could also be on offer for American high hurdlers Grant Holloway and Daniel Roberts. Holloway won the U.S. collegiate title and runner-up Roberts gained revenge in the U.S. championships.

Rai Benjamin also has gold medal ambitions in the 400m hurdles.

“That is certainly one of the events I am looking forward to in Doha,” said Johnson. “When you think about (Norwegian world champion) Karsten Warholm and how consistent he has been.

Then you have got Abderrahmane Samba of Qatar, and that is going to be a great race to watch.” The Americans could also reap gold in the pole vault where Sam Kendricks soared 6.06 metres at the championships for a national record.

Olympic champion Christian Taylor and silver medallist Will Claye in the triple jump and shot put gold medallist Ryan Crouser are other strong candidates for gold.

WOMEN’S HOPES The U.S. women could sweep the 400m hurdles and take more than one medal in the 100m hurdles with world record holder Keni Harrison, Nia Ali and Olympic champion Brianna McNeal.

Muhammad said on Sunday the 400m hurdles record also will be at stake on Doha with teenager Sydney McLaughlin, Ashley Spencer and world champion Kori Carter all in the chase.

World 3,000m steeplechase champion Emma Coburn, pole vaulter Sandi Morris and hammer thrower DeAnna Price also should be in the hunt for top podium spots along with world champion long jumper Brittney Reese. Before Muhammad’s record, Johnson’s surprise of the championships was not another mark but the disappointment of young U.S. sprinters.

The failure of collegiate champion Sha’Carri Richardson, who has run 10.75 in the 100, to make the team was particularly disappointing, he said.

England have to raise game for Australia series - Ashley Giles ENGLAND have to “raise their game” for a “hard and tough” Ashes series, says director of men’s cricket Ashley Giles.

England won their first men’s World Cup at Lord’s this month but were bowled out for 85 against Ireland on their return to Test cricket.

The hosts ultimately won by 143 runs but Giles said he hoped the Test had “given us a bit of a jolt”. “Against any Australian team in any form, you’ve got to raise your game,” the former England spinner said.

Australia hold the Ashes after their 4-0 victory down under in 2018-19, but England have not lost a series on home soil since 2001.

“We’ve had some criticism that we shouldn’t have played any of the guys who played in the World Cup final [against Ireland] but I

look at it the other way - it was an opportunity for them to perhaps be shocked back into Test cricket,” Giles told BBC Sport.

“There was undoubtedly a hangover, a little bit, from that World Cup win the guys were mentally and physically tired.

“It’s always concerning when you get bowled out cheaply. When you get out there, a lot of it will come down to your mental approach.” The first Test of the five-match Ashes series begins on Thursday at Edgbaston.

England’s leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson, who missed the Ireland Test with a calf injury, was one of three players who took part in an optional training session on Monday.

Anderson is expected to be fit for the Ashes opener,

while England will make a decision on Jofra Archer, who has just returned from a side strain.

Fast bowler Stuart Broad and batsman Jos Buttler were the other two players who took part in the session.

England have struggled to find a consistent top-order partnership since Andrew Strauss retired in 2012, although captain Joe Root has said he has “no concerns” about his side’s batting.

Australia have also struggled in English conditions - their recent warm-up match saw 32 wickets fall in two days - and Giles said the series was a big opportunity for batsmen on both sides.

“There’s been a lot said about both bowling attacks but maybe a couple of batters will surprise people in this series,” he said.

“When you get out there

on Thursday, a lot of it will come down to your mental approach. I know from experience it does wear you mentally and physically.

“You always want to play against an Australian team that plays this game hard and tough - that’s my experience of playing against Australia.

“It’s tough competition; there’s a lot riding on this series. Expect it to be played tough, but it’s got to be played in the right way.”

Former batsman Steve Waugh, who was captain when Australia last won the Ashes in England, said there will not be “any shrinking violets out there”.

“We are brought up to play in a positive, aggressive manner and I don’t see that being any different,” said Waugh, who is a mentor to the current Australia side.

Players will have their names on the back of their whites for the first time during the Test Championship

“This side is going to be combative because that is the Australian way - but they know they can’t cross over the line.”

WHAT IS THE WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP? The new World Test Championship begins with the first Ashes Test on Thursday. The top nine Test teams in the world are involved in the tournament, which sees 72 matches contested between August 2019 and June 2021.

Each nation will play six series in the two-year period, three home and three away. Each series counts

for 120 points. Points are on offer for every match in a series - meaning teams can still win points even after a series has been decided, giving teams more to play for in otherwise dead rubbers.

In June 2021, the top two teams will then compete in the ICC World Test Championship final, which will be held in England. “Test cricket around the world has probably become a little bit marginalised,” Giles said.

“Anything we can do to protect Test cricket, which is very important for us and should be for world cricket, is a great thing.”(BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

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Talk of rift with Rohit ‘baffling’, says Kohli MUMBAI (Reuters) - India captain Virat Kohli on Monday quashed reports of a rift with senior batsman Rohit Sharma, calling the rumours “baffling” and “ridiculous” before the team’s departure for a tour of the West Indies.

Since India’s exit in the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup this month, reports of a crack in relations between Kohli and his limited-overs deputy Rohit have dominated local media.

“Even I have heard a lot of things in the last few days.

You obviously get to hear these things from outside,” Kohli told reporters at a city hotel. “If the team environment was not good, then the way we have been playing in the last two-three years, that would not have been possible.

“I know how much the dressing room atmosphere, the trust is essential in succeeding in international cricket so if that was not there, then whatever success

too long now. Bringing personal lives into the picture, it is disrespectful after a moment.”

ICC Cricket World Cup - India v Pakistan - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - India’s Rohit Sharma celebrates his century with Virat Kohli Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo

we have achieved, would not have been possible, we would not have been at the position we are in world cricket.” Kohli’s men sit atop the world test rankings while they are second behind World Champions England in the 50-over format.

Rohit scored five centuries in the World Cup in England to top the batting charts with 648 runs and Kohli, who is the top-ranked batsman in both tests and

ODIs, said he only had respect for the 32-year-old.

“In my opinion it is baffling to be honest. It is absolutely ridiculous to read such stuff that comes out there,” he added. “We are feeding off lies, we are overlooking facts. We are turning a blind eye to all the good things that have happened and creating fantasies and scenarios in our head and we want to accept that it is the truth.

“And I have seen this for

WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP India will play three T20s, three ODIs and two tests against the West Indies with the series also marking the start of the World Test Championship for both teams.

The long-awaited Test championship, involving the nine top-ranked test nations competing in a league till April 2021, has been designed to give more meaning to test cricket.

The revamped Future Tours Programme (FTP) will see teams play three home-and-away series over a two-year cycle. The top two teams will then progress to a June 2021 final.

“It’s a great thing, we all have been looking forward to it. I feel it will give context to all the cricket we would play. It’s a great thing for

Lynn (89), Sohal (58) spur Winnipeg Hawks to second consecutive win

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada -- Half-centuries by opener Chris Lynn (89) and Sunny Sohal (58) powered Winnipeg Hawks to their second win in as many days as they defeated Toronto Nationals by three wickets in an enthralling last-ball thriller when the second edition of the Global T20 Canada entered its fifth day at the CAA Centre, Brampton, Ontario here yesterday.

Set a challenging 217 for victory after their opponents reached 216 for seven in good batting conditions on a hot and steamy Monday afternoon, Winnipeg Hawks paced their reply perfectly to overhaul the total, marking the second consecutive chase above 200.

However, what should have been a comfortable victory, was almost spoiled in the last over with Winnipeg Hawks needing four runs with five wickets intact and Chris Green entrusted with bowling it.

A single came off the first delivery, skipper Ryad Emrit (one) went caught off the next, singles were scored off the third and fourth while Hamza Tariq (three) spooned a catch to captain Yuvraj Singh at cover.

It meant they needed a single off the final delivery which saw Salman Nazar misfielding at mid-on and Win-

nipeg Hawks duly accepted the costly error.

On Sunday, Winnipeg Hawks raced to 210 for three in 15.2 overs after being set 209 for victory versus defending champions Vancouver Knights. Lynn, who missed his team’s opening game, was also in brilliant form, clobbering seven sixes and four fours in his 34-ball 74.

Lynn was at his pulverising best again yesterday, smashing 10 sixes and two fours off 48 balls on the relatively small ground, while sharing in two important partnerships.

The Australian added 48 in 5 overs with Shaiman Anwar who surprisingly was the aggressor, his 43 coming off just 21 balls with four fours and a similar number of sixes.

Once Anwar went, Lynn changed gears and in association with Sohal plundered the hapless Toronto National bowlers to all parts of the outfield and clearing it with consummate ease. The two added 117 in a mere 8.5 overs before the latter was caught by Manpreet Gony off Nazar.

Winnipeg Hawks seemed to be cruising to victory but with the departure of Dwayne Bravo (nine) and Lynn in the 18th over, the latter going via the run out route, the complexion of the game took a dramatic turn.

Earlier, Toronto Nationals were

indebted to fine knocks from opener Rodrigo Thomas (65), the hard-hitting Kieron Pollard (52) and skipper Yuvraj Singh (45).

Thomas, the Canadian national opener, played some audacious shots at the top of the order, taking a special liking for South African JP Duminy hitting the part-time off-spinner for four sixes in his second over, three coming off consecutive deliveries. His 65 included three fours and five sixes off 46 balls.

Yuvraj Singh showed glimpses of old self in his 45 (four fours and two sixes off 26 balls) while sharing a 77-run third-wicket partnership with Thomas.

Pollard sheperd the lower-order brilliantly while adding 51 with Green (11) for the seventh wicket, lashing three fours and five effortless sixes in his 52 which came off 21 balls as Toronto Nationals reached what looks like a winning total. Bravo ended with four for 39 from his four overs.

Up to press time, the second game of the double-header was in progress with Chris Gayle’s Vancouver Knights aiming to win their second game of the tournament. The defending champs opponents were Montreal Tigers.

Today (Tuesday) is a rest day. Edmonton Royals and Montreal Tigers clash in Wednesday’s lone feature.

test cricket at the moment,” Kohli added.

“Test cricket really needed a boost... It was important to have an incentive attached to test cricket in a way which the test championship presents. I’m glad that people have thought about test to

keep it relevant with the test championship.

“I think for the pure joy of playing cricket and executing your skills as a cricketer test cricket is the most important format. For me nothing comes above test cricket.”

Santner back as New Zealand name four spinners for Lanka Tests WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Mitchell Santner, who last played a Test in December 2017, returned to the longest format as one of the four frontline spinners in the New Zealand squad for next month’s two-match series in Sri Lanka.

The left-arm tweaker is a regular in the shorter forms of the game for the Black Caps - finalists in the last two 50-over World Cups - but was sidelined with a knee problem after playing his 17th Test for New Zealand, against West Indies.

He will be joined by left-armer Ajaz Patel, off-spinner Will Somerville and leg-spinner Todd Astle in New Zealand’s 15-man squad for the Sri Lanka series, which will mark the beginning of the World Test Championship for both teams.

“Playing three spinners is an option in Sri Lankan conditions and we believe this group provides the best variations and skill mix on offer,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said in a statement. “England were playing three spinners against Sri Lanka on their successful visit there last year and the slow bowlers also dominated the previous series against South Africa.”

England blanked Sri Lanka 3-0 in a three-test series on their visit to the island country last year.

Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner will be the fast bowlers for the Kane Williamson-led side while all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme would also

Mitchell Santner

provide an option with his medium pace.

The long-awaited test championship, involving the nine top-ranked test nations competing in a league till April 2021, has been designed to give more meaning to test cricket.

The revamped Future Tours Programme (FTP) will see teams play three home-and-away series over a two-year cycle. The top two teams will then progress to a June 2021 final.

“It’s good timing for us after the World Cup,” Stead said, referring to their defeat to this month’s World Cup final loss to England on boundaries after a tied Super Over amidst heart-stopping drama. “It was an incredible time for the team and the country, but we’re now excited to move forward as a group and sink our teeth into another opportunity.”

Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Jeet Raval, Will Somerville, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

13th Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships

GCF name 7-member team & 3-alternates; Five presented with cycles

THE Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has released the names of its team along with alternates for the Junior Caribbean cycling Championships set for August 10-11 in the ‘green town’ of Bartica.

At a simple yet significant gathering in the National Park on Saturday last where most of the cyclists were present along with some parents, five of them were presented with cycles

by President of the GCF, Horace Burrowes.

They also received helmets, shoes and some other items, all compliments of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) which, for the first time, donated cycles and other equipment to the local federation.

The team is as follows: Juniors – Ajay Gopilall

The Guyana team for the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships posing with GCF President Horace Burrowes (left) and Assistant Racing Secretary, Joseph Britton (right) following the presentation of cycles and other equipment on Saturday last.

and Ralph Seenarine. Juveniles – David Hicks, Mario Washington and Jerimiah

Joseph. Ladies – Clivecia Spencer and Selena Stephen.

Alternates – Steve Bhimsen,

Sherwin Sampson and Elisha Rutherford.

In handing over the items

to the cyclists, Burrowes informed them that it was as a result of the UCI that they

were able to benefit, stating that the cycles would remain the property of the GCF. “This is a great opportunity for all of you and one of historical importance as Guyana has never before hosted any Caribbean championship. You have an opportunity to ink your names in the history books by doing yourself and country proud. Discipline, sacrifice and commitment are key pillars of your journey in this sport and as long as you can positively build on those, you can conquer your opposition.”

The GCF is working on taking the entire team to Bartica this week to intensify training while still in the hunt for sponsorship.

Not present at Saturday’s activity were Gopilall and Stephen.

Dust still to settle after dramatic world swimming championships

By Peter Rutherford

al heroes born and world records smashed.

Swimmers pushed the limits of performance GWANGJU, South Korea (Reuters) - and the boundaries of sportsmanship. The If the world swimming championships scourge of doping reared its head once more. in Gwangju were just a taste of what is After winning six gold and two silto come at the 2020 Olympics, then in ver medals, it would be safe to say Caeleb the words of recently retired Australian Dressel will arrive in Tokyo with a huge tarsprinter James Magnussen — “Brace get on his back. yourselves”.

The U.S. sprint specialist became the A meet that was supposed to serve as an first swimmer to win eight medals at a single indicator of form heading into next year’s world championships, taking down Olympic Games in Tokyo, the championships deliv- great Michael Phelps’s 10-year-old 100 meered this and more. Much, much more. ters butterfly world record for good measure.

Champions were dethroned, new nationThe 22-year-old became the spearhead of the U.S. challenge in Gwangju after freestyle queen Katie Ledecky succumbed to illness CRICKET QUIZ CORNER and, after surrendering her 400 (Tuesday July 30, 2019) title to rising Australian star COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Ariarne Titmus, pulled out of Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & two more events.

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Ledecky recovered enough Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: to defend her 800 title but 225-6158) health issues notwithstanding, a growing cast of rivals will Answers to yesterday’s quiz: perhaps feel emboldened after Gwangju, where Italian Simo1. Lord’s 2009 na Quadarella emerged as a threat in the 800 and won the 2. Chris Gayle & Mahendra Singh Dhoni 1,500.

There was no shortage of Today’s Quiz: swimming storylines.

Britain’s Adam Peaty 1. Where and when did the WI first contest a proved peerless in the 100 T20 International game? breaststroke once again, completing his ‘Project 56’ by be2. Who were the captains involved? coming the first swimmer to breach 57 seconds.

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

He also won gold in the 50 and another from Britain’s sensational 4x100 medley relay win on the final night of competition.

“Looking good for next year and all ready for what comes with a bunch of four lads who are young but gathering experience,” said Peaty after the relay. “And yeah, I think we are going to smash it.”

PODIUM PROTESTS But performances in the pool were overshadowed by events on the podium as simmering anger over world governing body FINA’s handling of doping issues boiled over in spectacular fashion.

China’s Sun Yang was allowed to compete in Gwangju despite the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealing a FINA doping panel’s decision to clear the 27-year-old of wrongdoing during a random drug test last September.

Documents leaked to the media revealed the multiple world and Olympic champion questioned the credentials of the testers before members of his entourage smashed the vials containing his blood samples with a hammer. After Sun, who also served a doping suspension in 2014, won the 400 freestyle on Sunday, silver medalist Mack Horton refused to share the podium with him.

Two days later, British bronze medalist Duncan Scott would not shake Sun’s hand or pose for a group photo with him after his victory in the 200, sparking an angry, aggressive response from the Chinese swimmer on the podium.

FINA sent warning letters to all three swimmers and tweaked its code of conduct

18th FINA World Swimming Championships - Men’s 50m Freestyle Victory Nambu University Municipal Aquatics Center, Gwangju, South Korea - Gold medallist Caeleb Dressel of the U.S. stands. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina

in response to the incidents, with Executive Director Cornel Marculescu confirming athletes could be stripped of their medals for similar behavior in future.

Major sporting events rarely escape the ugly menace of doping and Gwangju was no different. Australian swimmer Shayna Jack, who withdrew from the team just before the world championships, confirmed she had tested positive for a banned substance in an out-of-competition test.

Swimming Australia (SA) came under heavy fire for concealing the news given Jack’s team mate Horton was waging a public campaign against Sun over the Chinese swimmer’s doping history.

Responding to accusations of hypocrisy and double standards, SA Chief Executive Leigh Russell said: ‘An Australian swimmer returning a positive result is both bitterly disappointing and embarrassing to our team, our sport and our country”.

Australia will hope it can restore its battered reputation before next year’s Olympics.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 30, 2019

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iBet Supreme onboard Guyana Cup 2019 ALREADY anticipated to be the biggest Guyana Cup in history, the 2019 edition, which is set for August 18 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, has gained the sponsorship of betting company-- iBet supreme.

In a statement to the media, the entity revealed “iBET is proud to sponsor this event since horse racing is an important past time in Guyana and at iBet, we’re looking for all avenues to further build the sport of horse racing in Guyana. The parent company of iBet Supreme, which is Supreme Ventures, also owns the Caymanas Park Track in Jamaica and is responsible for the resurgence of horse racing in Jamacia”.

It further read “iBET Supreme will also have our other products on display so that turfites can also enjoy them as well. As part of our promotion for this event, punters who bet on racing in the United Kingdom at our Stabroek location will win tickets when they bet over a certain amount”.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee, Nazrudeen Mohamed, noted that he is looking forward to building a bigger and better partnership with iBet Supreme.

The iBet Supreme stake race will see the horses and jockeys vying for supremacy over 1400m.

In terms of the Guyana

iBet Supreme’s Business Development Manager and Marketing Coordinator, Dustanni Barrow, hands over the sponsorship cheque to Jumbo Jet’s Gaitree Tulsidas.

Cup itself, Mohamed point-

ed out that he expects this

Botafago, Eagles United to clash in Divine Entertainment Super Cup final

Colwyn Drakes

By Joe Chapman THIRD ranked Botafago eked out a jaw-dropping sudden penalty shoot-out win over second seed, Net Rockers, while top seed Eagles United coasted past Capital FC 3-0 to earn berths in this year’s inaugural Divine Entertainment Summer Cup football championship on Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

In front of a huge crowd, it was a night of thrilling football with the first game ending locked 3-3 after open play between the Net Rockers and Botafago, with the Rockers taking the early advantage when they were handed the first goal after a reckless tackle saw defensive midfield, Deshawn Joseph, converting from the penalty spot as early as the 5th minute of play.

Then lanky Shane Luckie doubled the scoring for Net Rockers in the 13th minute after receiving a cross from the left side to make it a 2-0 advantage.

But the daring youth player, Duquan Hercules, would reduce

Duquan Hercules

that score-line with a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard box. He rocked the back of the net in the 24th minute and by the end of the first half, it was a 2-1 score.

Now the game was truly on as Botafago were able to tie things up through a goal by Trevon Archibald. This came courtesy of a ‘long-range missile’, which came in the 69th minute by the tall Hercules which was too powerful, causing the Rockers goalkeeper to spill the ball for an alert Archibald to pounce on it and tuck in the goal, making it 2-2.

As the battle was on, both teams were engaged in a tussle to gain control. Luckie would show his ability to score from outside, connecting with a free-kick for his second goal to give his Rockers side the lead in the 86th minute to the applause of their supporters.

However, Botafago were not done yet and the celebration was short-lived as two minutes later, Jamal Haynes found the back of the net from another beauty from outside that scored for Botafago in the 88th minute. At the end of reg-

ulation time,the scores would read 3-3 and extra period of play failed to separate the two teams.

Even the mandatory five penalties ended perfect 5-5 and the decider came when Botafago scored their first attempt and the reply by Net Rockers failed to score; the ball crashing into the crossbar and the goalkeeper was there to collect to save the game for Botafago to advance.

The second game was one that the number one ranked Eagles United gave an ominous display against a Capital FC side, which must be drained after playing three consecutive days due to the cramped fixture, towards concluding play for the semifinals on Sunday.

This obviously impacted on their effort and the Eagles United showed no respite for the new boys in the hood and dismantled their Capital FC rivals 3-0.

Eagles United were confident going into this game and they pressured their opponents who could not respond to the task at hand as the destructive Colwyn ‘Buck’ Drakes hurried it up with a hat-trick of goals. Drakes netted his first goal in the 28th minute and when the first half ended, it was 1-0 for the Upper Demerara champions.

That score would be doubled in the 72nd minute when Drakes scored again and then finished off the game in fine style with his third which was registered in the 80th minute against a seemingly unarmed Capital FC. The final is set for Saturday at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

year to be bigger and better than any of the previous editions with a concert to be staged after the day of racing. Thus far, eight international artistes have been confirmed along with a number of local acts.

The feature race (C Class and Lower One Mile) will see the winner pocketing $2million while the race for three-year-old Guyana-bred horses will see the winner running away with $1million.

The prize money for the races are as follows: – C Class and lower feature race over a distance of one mile for – $2million, – Three-year-old Guyana Bred – $1million – G3 and lower –

$400,000 – L3 and lower (open to non-winners from Trinidad & Tobago) – $350,000 – Two-year-old Guyana bred over – $300,000.

– J3 and lower over seven furlongs – $300,000.

– L Class for Colts – $250,000 – L Class Philly and Mare – $250,000 Some of the top horses that will clash on race day will include Just Call Me Boss, Crown the King (Jamaica), Doublin Fashion (USA), Chameli (Jamaica), Safara (Jamaica), Southern Express (T&T), Silver & Things (T&T), Sitarr (T&T), Kentucky Woman (T&T), Super Easy (T&T) and She’s a Princess.

Guyana drawn in ‘Group A’ of CONCACAF Women’s Caribbean Olympic Qualifiers

FLASH BACK! Guyana’s Brianna DeSouza (#3) in action during Guyana’s 2 – 1 win over Guatemala at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.

By Rawle Toney THE Lady Jags, Guyana’s senior women’s national football team, were drawn in Group A of the CONCACAF Caribbean Olympic Qualifiers with Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, St Kitts and Nevis and the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica, Cuba, St Lucia, Barbados and the US Virgin Islands will make up Group B, while Haiti, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Grenada and Dominica are the teams in Group C. After round-robin play, the top team from each group will advance to the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier tournament. Other details with regards to dates and venues will be announced shortly

by CONCACAF. Guyana, in 2016, was one of the CFU’s representatives at the 2016 CONCACAF Olympic Qual-

ifiers, where they were grouped with Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Canada in Houston, Texas.

It was the second time Guyana had featured at a major CONCACAF tournament following the Lady Jags participation at the 2010 CONACAF Women’s Gold Cup, and when Guyana defeated Guatemala 2 – 1 at the BBVA Compass Stadium, the result marked the first win(and the only thus far) at a major confederation tournament.

Meanwhile, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, said despite the financial challenges faced, given CONCACAF’s busy international schedule, his federation is committed to ensuring that the Lady Jags is given the resources needed for them to compete against their Caribbean Football Union (CFU) counterparts.

‘Golden Jaguars’ unlikely to roar before CONCACAF Nations League

See Page 27

FLASH BACK! Neil Danns (#16) joined by Samuel Cox (#8) after scoring against Panama at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Gavaskar calls BCCI selection committee ‘lame ducks’, over Kohli reappointment FORMER India captain and legendary Test batsman Sunil Gavaskar has hit out at the BCCI selection committee and also questioned the way captain Virat Kohli is getting to choose his team, in a column for Mid-Day. Gavaskar questioned the way the selection committee chose the team for the upcoming tour of West Indies and even called for players of better stature to be a part of the group.

“Speaking of lame ducks, the Indian selection committee appears to be one. After the reappointment, Former Indian cricket he (captain) gets invited to the meetcaptain Sunil Gavaskar. ing for his views on the selecting the (Getty Images) players for the team.

By bypassing the procedure, the message that goes out is that while the players like Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik get dropped after below expectations performance, the captain continues despite much below par expectations where the team did not even reach the finals,” the stalwart wrote, taking a clear dig at the powers that Virat Kohli currently enjoys in the system.

He also raised questions about how the committee decided to continue with Virat Kohli as the skipper of the team without even holding a meeting, which is generally the norm.

“That they selected the team for West Indies without first having a

meeting to select the captain brings up the question of whether Virat Kohli is the captain of the team at his or the selection committee’s pleasure.

To the best of our knowledge his (Kohli’s) appointment was till the World Cup. After that, it was incumbent on the selectors to meet even if it was for five minutes for his reappointment,” Gavaskar wrote in Mid-Day. Finally, he also questioned the merit of the selection committee suggesting that the current committee does not have players of stature and gets bullied by the team management.

“This is probably one of the last

selections for this committee as a new one will get appointed soon.

Hopefully that will have players of stature who will not get bullied and be able to tell the team management that their job is to play with the team chosen by the selectors,” Gavaskar wrote.

The current selection committee is headed by MSK Prasad and comprises Sarandeep Singh, Devang Gandhi, Jatin Paranjape and Gagan Khoda. The total Test experience of this committee stands at 13 matches with Prasad having played 6. Paranjape and Khoda only played ODI cricket for India. (Extracted form Hindustan Times, New Delhi).

GFF shortlist ‘20’ for August 4 – 11 CONCACAF U15 Championship THE 20-man shortlisted National U-15 Boys’ team, in its final leg of preparation for the upcoming CONCACAF Boys’ U-15 Championship at the IMG Academy, Bradenton, Florida, USA from August 4 – 11, is engaged in a series of training matches as the team seeks to represent the Golden Arrowhead with distinction.

The team played against the Pouderoyen FC U-20 team on Saturday and is scheduled to play two more matches against Santos FC today and Buxton United FC on Wednesday prior to departure on Saturday. Both matches are scheduled for 11:00hrs.

According to appointed Head Coach Bryan Joseph, there are three objectives to the matches,

which are open for public viewing.

Joseph noted that “First, we’re trying to simulate the playing times and conditions we will be faced with in Florida to see how the boys cope with the high temperature and work out how we can best utilize the players without burnout.”

“Second, we want to play against teams in which the style or method of preparation is unknown and try to impose our style of play and dominate and third, we want to play against tougher, stronger opposition…and to place the players in situations where they have to be motivated and driven to work hard as a group to compete,” Joseph said.

TURN TO PAGE 27

Guyana’s National U-15

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TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019