Guyana Chronicle E-paper 8-17-2019

SATURDAY 17th August, 2019

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‘Utterly false’

No.105732

…Guyana condemns Russia for military base accusation …calls on Moscow to retract statement immediately 03 PAGE

Top city officials face sanctions …over money found in Chief Constable’s car

‘You’ve done well’ …President commends GDF troops’ preparedness to defend Guyana’s sovereignty SEE STORY ON PAGE 2►

See page 15

Brazil confirms 6,925 Haitians arrived via Lethem border 10 PAGE

-Min. Felix again dispels opposition’s claim on birth certificates, work permits

Three new primary schools for Region Seven

PAGE

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Paratroopers jumping from a GDF Skyvan during 'Exercise Greenheart' Friday morning. The end of the military exercise was witnessed by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President David Granger; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, and several other top officials (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

‘You’ve done well’

…President commends GDF troops’ preparedness to defend Guyana’s sovereignty …says Force is rebuilding and re-equipping at ‘Exercise Green Heart’

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Guyana, President David Granger on Friday observed the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Field Tactical Exercise ‘Exercise Green Heart’ at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, Tacama, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten).

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo also observed the exercise. President Granger, in congratulating the 951 troops on the completion of a successful exercise, said the GDF has been rebuilding its strength over the last four years. “You have been able to re-equip the Force and when we speak of re-equipment we mean with a soldier in mind, that everything you need, everything you eat, everything you wear, has been given careful attention by the Chief of Staff and his principal staff,” President Granger said, while expressing satisfaction that ranks of both the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana People’s Militia participated in the Exercise which started on August 6, 2019.

The President said the Force has been re-equipped to cater to its needs and the needs of soldiers. “The rebuilding is continuing; the re-equipping is continuing.

You have a wider range of vehicles now, additional aircraft,” he said noting that with additional training and aircraft, the Force is in an even better position to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity.

REBUILDING THE FORCE With the restructuring of the GDF, the Commander-in-Chief said several aspects of the Force has been strengthened and pointed specifically to the Intelligence Corps and Medical Corps.

“We are also reforming the course so it is not only about a rebuilding or re-equipping or restructuring…in addition to the training you are receiving here, you’d be training in values and standards and I was happy to see in ‘Exercise Green Heart’ elements of the GDF paying attention to the surveillance in this East Berbice-Corentyne Region by meeting, engaging with civilians who live in this Region,” he said.

The President said the exercise has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Defence Force while disclosing that the Defence Board, the governing body of the Force is satisfied that the Force is on the right path to improving its competence to defend Guyana’s sovereignty. “We are pleased with your performance; I congratulate you,” the Head of State said.

Every year since 2015, members of the GDF have been participating in Field Tactical Exercises and a number of other training programmes. “Soldiers, this is an important part of your military experience and military service. This year, we have included members of the Guyana Police Force because in accordance with

the requirements of Operation Armadillo, soldiers and police have to operate in the border and hinterland

able to perform your functions. You’d become flabby as an army; you’d become incompetent so what you do

President David Granger being briefed during the execution of the Field Tactical Exercise ‘EXERCISE GREENHEART’. — at Tacama, Upper Demerara-Berbice

regions together. But you the members of the GDF, in particular, are very important to this country. The people of Guyana look to you to defend this country. They look to you to deter aggression against this country. So, this annual Field Tactical Exercise is a very important part of your career and you can look forward year after year to being here,” the President said after witnessing the live simulation activity.

President Granger reminded that it is important for members of the GDF to be familiar with the country’s land mass as they have to be able to operate in all forms of terrain. “Without training you would never be

here today is essential and normal and in no way should it [be] regarded as something extraordinary. Every year you should be able to look forward to your Ironweed or Green Heart,” the President said.

President Granger referenced the influx of Venezuelan migrants to Guyana during this year and noted that the Force has had to strengthen its deployment along the country’s borders.

“So, you cannot be in Camp Stephenson alone or Camp Ayanganna alone, you have to be able to operate in the field in any weather, in any terrain and every year,” he said while reminding that Monday, the 50th anniversary

of the defence of the New River will be observed.

“It was from this camp, from this air field at Tacama that hundreds of troops took over to go to the battle zone.

We were able to do so effectively and efficiently and successfully and right now have been able to retain every square kilometre of this territory because of the Guyana Defence Force. I applaud the Guyana Defence Force and I thank you very much,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

The President told members of the GDF that without consistent training, vigilance or the demonstration of competence, the Force would not be able to guarantee territorial integrity and security.

He called on the troops to be proud of the achievements of those officers who served in the past but also look to the future and their capabilities so that Guyana’s territorial sovereignty is protected.

Exercise Green Heart, the second of its kind since 2015, culminated just after the break of dawn and saw soldiers attacking enemy positions at the Tacama airstrip.

Gunshots rang out across the battle field just off the Airstrip, while grenades were tossed from various directions, and smokescreens were released to assist the troops with their attack. Leading up to this morning’s final attack, the troops participated in patrols, as well as para-trooping while being occupying defensive positions in the jungle for ten days. In the end, the

troops emerged victorious, demonstrating that they were ready to defend Guyana sovereignty.

CLOSE-COUNTRY JUNGLE Lieutenant Colonel Raul Jerrick, Operations and Training Director, said the exercise was held to test the preparedness of the troops to conduct operations in a close-country or jungle environment. Additionally, Lt. Colonel Jerrick said the Exercise also aimed at identifying deficiencies which could be corrected to ensure optimal competency.

A total of 951 GDF troops, inclusive of 189 Reservists, engaged in ‘Exercise Green Heart’ between Mara Settlement and Tacama waterfront, in the Upper Berbice River.

Thirty ranks of the Guyana Police Force are also involved in the Exercise while approximately 115 ranks from the Guyana People’s Militia participated. Medical outreaches were also conducted in the communities in the area. Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of State Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Mr. Basil Williams S.C.; Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leslie James; and Mr. Bruce Lovell also observed the exercise.

Reg. 5 students get first ‘David G’ school bags -gov’t ensuring every child is in school THE excitement was palpable on Friday, when Minister of Social Protection, Honourable Amna Ally, distributed the first set of branded ‘David G’ book bags to scores of children in Mahaica-Berbice, Region Five.

Many children flocked the compound at the Number Five Primary School where they all received their back packs. Complementing the back packs were books, pen-

cils, sharpeners, rulers and geometry sets; ensuring the children are fully equipped for the new school term.

A quantity of sport equipment was also handed over.

According to Minister Ally, the distribution is in keeping with His Excellency, President David Granger’s wish for every youth to receive an adequate education.

“The Coalition Government takes everyone into consideration. President Da-

vid Granger’s vision is for all to have a good education.

Because of that, we have decided to put together this back to school packages and have started this process of distributing to our children.”

Minister Ally happily related to DPI. The Social Protection Minister added, “as far as possible we aim to distribute to as many children as we can”.

Other regions are expect-

One of the 'David G' back packs with stationery supplies

ed to benefit from the government’s back to school drive.

This back-to-school drive is in keeping with the President’s highly successful Five Bs initiative which began in 2015, and continues across the country. It provides free boats, buses, bicycles, breakfast and books intended to increase school-attendance which, in turn, will lead improved attendance which translates into better-educated students. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

‘Utterly false’

THE Government of Guyana on Friday deemed “utterly false” and “baseless” a statement made by a Russian diplomat that Venezuelans are being trained here at a military base to launch destabilisation activities in the Bolivarian Republic.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it notes with concern a statement made by the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation, M. V. Zakharova, during a briefing on August 15, 2019 on the sidelines of the International Youth Forum Eurasia Global in the Russian city of Orenburg.

The spokesperson stated that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was “completing the construction of a military base on one of the islands at

the mouth of the Essekibo (sic) River under a plausible pretext – supposedly to stop the smuggling of weapons and drugs.”

She went on to say, “there have already arrived several dozen so-called ‘Refugees’ from Venezuela to undergo training as part of reconnaissance and sabotage groups and then to be dispatched to Venezuelan territory in order to destabilise the situation and carry out appropriate actions – from extremist to terrorist.”

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the pronouncement by the Russian official “is especially unfortunate given that relations between Guyana and Russia have always been based on mutual respect, trust and friendship.” The government called on Moscow to with-

draw the statement.

The government said it reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

It said Guyana has always been resolute in its advocacy for several principles of international law including, in particular, the sovereign equality of states. “Guyana therefore categorically rejects any suggestion that it would allow its sovereign territory to be used in a manner inconsistent with its neighbourly and peaceful relations with Venezuela,” the statement read.

In addition, it was noted that in respect of the controversy arising from Venezuela’s contention that the 1899 Arbitral Award establishing the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela

…Guyana condemns Russia for military base accusation …calls on Moscow to retract statement immediately

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings

is “null and void”, Guyana remains fully committed to the January 30, 2018 decision of the United Nations Secretary-General, pursuant to his authority under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, to choose the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the means for

the peaceful settlement of the controversy.

In an effort to bring an end to the age-old border controversy, on January 30, 2018 the United Nations UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in keeping with the 1966 Geneva Agreement, announced that the International Court of Justice would be the means to be used for the solution of the controversy.

On March 29, 2018, then Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, filed Guyana’s application with the ICJ. Venezuela’s most recent action – the refusal to file a Counter-Memorial (CM) on the court’s jurisdiction

by April 18, in defiance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), – was the latest in a series of counterproductive moves by the western neighbour.

The ICJ had requested the CM after Guyana submitted arguments in November of last year, contending that the ICJ has jurisdiction to hear and rule on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that fixed the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The ICJ requested the CM, so that the court could hear both sides, but Venezuela refused to tell its side.

The recent refusal by Venezuela to submit the CM to the ICJ had prompted Guyana to request that the ICJ go ahead with the case. The court should now rule on whether it has jurisdiction, and, if it does, it should hear and determine the substantive issue of Venezuela’s claim to our land.

GCAA turns sod for $1.2B headquarters THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA), on Friday, turned the sod at the site where it will construct its $1.2B headquarters.

At the Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) site, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Jaipaul Sharma; Chairman of GCAA Board of Directors, Lt. Col (Ret'd) Lawrence London and GCAA Director-General Egbert Field were among the officials that participated in the simple but significant sod turning ceremony.

While noting that the sod turning ceremony has been in the pipeline for several years, Minister Patterson, in his address, said the country’s aviation sector is on the verge of experiencing a vast shift.

“The construction of this building comes at a time where Guyana's Aviation Sector is expected to catapult into dimensions we have nev-

Minister of Public Infrastructure , David Patterson (left); GCAA Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel (Re’td),Egbert Field and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure , Jaipaul Sharma (right) turn of the sod on the spot where the new GCAA headquarters will be built

er seen in Guyana and there is no better way to prepare for such dynamics than to construct a state of the art building; that will be built to specifications with techno-

logically-advanced features,” the Public Infrastructure Minister told those present.

He pointed out that already, the preliminary works of clearing and cleaning of vegetation have been completed. “The contract for a Geo-Tech survey has been awarded through my ministry's Tender Board, the engineering and architectural design proposals were evaluated and is currently with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) awaiting approval,” he detailed.

Minister Patterson also used the opportunity to congratulate the Board of Directors and team at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority for embarking on the mega project.

An artist’s impression of the new GCAA headquarters

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 17, 2019

PM CELEBRATES RAKSHA BANDHAN

Prime Minister of Guyana the Honourable Moses Nagamootoo on Thursday celebrated Raksha Bandhan with Sister Jyotsna Patel from the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre at his Official Residence.

The Prime Minister thanked

the sisters of the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre and noted that the occasion symbolises the potential to promote social cohesion, and a greater understanding of how other groups celebrate brotherhood and sisterhood.

Sister Jyotsna Patel, who is

visiting Guyana from the United States, explained that the tying of the Rakhi (scared thread) on the wrist not only represents a sisterly and brotherly connection, but the bond of love which each person should have for the other. Mrs. Sita Narine and Mr. Stanley Singh of the Braham Kumaris, also attended the event.

The Sonia Noel foundation to host blood drive today THE Sonia Noel foundation in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service will be hosting a blood drive today at the Nexus Hub Inc. at South Ruimveldt Gardens from 10:00hrs to 15:00hrs.

Every three seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion that includes adults and children for various reasons – due to health disorders, surgeries and even as a result of accidents.

“I have hosted blood drives and donated before but this year I am more passionate about it because I am more intentional about every second of my life since the death of my brother. The feeling is priceless when saving a human life! I think we need to be more caring, loving and compassionate about people because we need each other. Our contribution to humanity can be significant by the small things we do,” Noel said in the lead up to the blood drive.

Noel, in encouraging persons to donate blood, said when donating, potential donors’ personal health and fitness will be considered before the donation is made.

17 August, 2019 - 05:30hrs ~ 07:00hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 17, 2019

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Jagdeo trying to create confusion to get power at all cost - PNCR EXECUTIVE member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Aubrey Norton says the latest statements by Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, that government has been illegal since March 21, 2019 is just another tactic by the former president to gain power.

After continuously calling for elections by September 18 and establishing that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) would consider the government illegal after that date, Jagdeo on Thursday, reneged on that position, now contending that the government has been illegal since March 21, a period when the validity of a no confidence motion against the government was still being deliberated upon in the court. “We have already established that the government is not illegal and we’ve already established that to read [Article 106] section 6 without section 7 is really not to deal with the law properly,” Norton said, as he responded to questions during the PNCR weekly press conference at Congress Place on Friday.

“The Opposition leader is in a place where he hopes to get power at all cost, the government is clearly operating legally. The Elections Commission has jurisdiction over when elections are called and the minute the GECOM says to the President that we are prepared and ready and there

will be a credible list there will be elections.”

Jagdeo, he says, is hoping to get power through confusing the populace.

“A lot of the coverage [Jagdeo is getting] is aimed at getting political power through creating confusion, and we will do everything to ensure that, that doesn’t happen,” Norton said. “I don’t know what message is getting over and to whom, what I do know is that the government has served Guyana well we have restored decency, integrity, and Guyana is on the right path and will continue on that path. In politics people take sides, to him the message might be getting through, but when we travel the length and breadth of this country people overwhelmingly endorse David Granger and the present government.

They see this government as a ray of hope.”

Jagdeo’s latest statement came after the ruling, on Wednesday, by the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, that the ongoing House-to-House Registration being undertaken by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is within the confines of the Constitution, and is therefore legal.

Jagdeo and the PPP have been calling for the cancellation of House to House Registration, which began on July 20 and is scheduled to conclude on October 20. The party con-

PNCR Executive, Aubrey Norton (Adrian Narine photo)

tends that elections must be held by September 18, even though House to House Registration is necessary in order to compile a new Official List of Electors for elections to be held, as the last list expired in April, 2019.

Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, had brought before the High Court a case challenging the constitutionality of House-to-House Registration. Ram, through his attorney Anil Nandlall, had argued that in addition to the national exercise being unconstitutional, it clashes with the Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution and the judgment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Justice George-Wiltshire ruled that the Constitution

and the Laws of Guyana provide for the conduct of House-to-House Registration as a form of verification – a position that was argued by the Attorney-General and the attorneys who represented the Chief Elections Officer – Senior Counsel Neil Boston and Roysdale Forde. She also confirmed that the court cannot fix a date for elections in Guyana. PPP has since said that it will not contest the decision of the court.

The PNCR in a statement said it welcomed the decision confirming that Houseto-House Registration is legal and that the PPP calls for it to be cancelled is an “attempt to mislead people of Guyana”.

“This decision is in keeping with the CCJ ruling that it is not within the court’s remit to identify a date for elections.

It should also be noted that the Chief Justice reaffirmed the CCJ ruling that election matters fall within the juris-

diction of the President and the GECOM. It seems logical therefore that GECOM has the authority to compile a New Register of Registrants (NRR) in keeping with the law. The PPP attempts therefore to suggest that the House-to-House Registration is useless…it is just another ploy,” Norton read from the party statement.

“House-to-House registration is a legal process which permits the people of Guyana to register. It will ensure that there is a new credible list that will result in credible elections.

The PNCR wishes to urge all Guyanese to operate with the law by registering. We wish especially to urge the youth of Guyana to register. It is the youth of Guyana, among others, who are benefiting from the decisions of the Granger led APNU+AFC government.”

Jagdeo is contending that his party will not recognise decisions made by the government after December 21, when

a no confidence motion against government was voted on in parliament. The constitution says that elections are to be held 90 days after the passage of the no confidence motion, at that time putting the date at March 21.

Government, however, challenged the passage of the motion in court. While it was upheld in the High Court in a ruling in January, the decision was reversed in March by the Court of Appeal, and it wasn’t until June 18 that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the final court of appeal, ruled that the motion was validly passed. In April the CCJ had noted that until it reversed the March decision of the Court of Appeal of Guyana that the motion of no-confidence was not validly passed, the status of the government was unaffected by the result of the vote on the motion of no-confidence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 17, 2019

Youth, training and job creation G OVERNMENT’S commitment to youth, and its programmes and initiatives aimed at educating and empowering young people is appropriate and timely, and should be saluted.

After all, a trained, educated, and qualified young person is more likely to obtain a satisfying, stable, secure, and well-paying job.

President David Granger recognises the importance of having good jobs.

His Excellency is clearly aware that the future of any society is heavily dependent on the actions of its young people. In the case of Guyana, with its geographically, politically, ethnically, and culturally diverse circumstances, government has a duty to ensure that all the country’s youth, across all regions, have equitable opportunities to contribute to the development of their

communities, regions, and ultimately the nation. And the APNU+AFC administration is evidently taking action to ensure that Guyana’s youth are equipped to obtain good jobs, so as to provide for themselves and their families, enjoy good lives, contribute positively to their communities, and, ultimately, help develop their country, even as they prepare to take up the mantle of leadership in the future.

One of the significant initiatives launched by the Coalition administration is the National Youth Corps (NYC). The NYC’s core objective is to give Guyanese who may have dropped out of school a second chance to have a good life.

The idea of a National Youth Corps was first made a reality shortly after Guyana gained its independence; the first NYC was launched on January 1, 1968 by the government of

the day. That original programme lasted seven years, during which time some 1,200 young Guyanese were trained in various areas. The current initiative, though similar to the original one, has been tailored to suit the country’s present realities, and reflects the administration’s commitment to equitable, acrossthe-board, personal, regional, and national development.

The APNU+AFC’s youth programmes and various undertakings are not haphazard, ad hoc, or slapdash as they were under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), if they had any such programmes at all. Instead, the government’s approaches and interventions are guided by its National Youth Policy, which is a comprehensive plan for the development of Guyana’s young people.

Government’s approach to

youth education includes an increase in the number of scholarships being made available to youth at all levels; investing in improving the public education system, which will make quality education available to all Guyanese, whether rich or not; expanding the Youth Innovative Project, geared towards creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and business expansion; innovative approaches towards education based on scientific research; the establishment and continued expansion of Night School aimed at giving dropouts a second chance at an education; taking action to reduce crime, to make the streets safer for students; the continued expansion of the president’s 5Bs programme intended to increase school attendance in hinterland communities; and the list goes on. Clearly, government’s approach, which integrates educa-

tion with job creation initiatives, demonstrates that the ultimate objective of the administration is the provision of fulfilling employment to all. In other words, it is all about jobs, particularly for Guyana’s youth, regardless of where they live.

Guyanese are fortunate to have an honest leader who can be trusted to deliver what he promised. It is fortuitous that Guyana now can depend on the honest leadership of a president who tells the truth, and who can be depended upon to ensure that Guyana’s young people never again have to feel hopeless and weak. Instead, under the current leadership, one expects that Guyana’s youth may look forward to a bright, prosperous, and productive future.

Put nation above partisan interest --resolution lies in Article 106(7)

Dear Editor,

A

CTING Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire on Wednesday ruled on the matters of a Fixed Date Application for Election and stopping the house-to-house registration exercise.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) notes the utterances that these matters will not be further litigated, even though it is the right of the parties involved to so do. As of now, we must move forward. The nation has lost valuable time in seeing the Government and Opposition come together in charting a way forward from the June 16 ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and its orders of

July 12. It is unfortunate our political leaders are unable to break the gridlock of their non-cooperation to seek parliamentary resolution.

Election will be held, but it will not be held outside of context. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is a constitutional independent body. First and foremost, it is to hold credible election. Having a no–confidence vote that speaks to an election also means that all other factors can come into play, including exigencies known and unknown, which the framers of the Constitution took into consideration.

GTUC calls on the Government to reconvene Parliament in keeping with Article 106(7) and allow for both sides to vote on an agreed ex-

tension of time for elections to be held. It is not lost on society, given the no-confidence vote, that there may be apprehension in securing the needed two-thirds majority of all the elected members in the House. This is where the negotiation skills of both parties will be tested in putting the national interest above partisan political interest.

This nation should also disabuse itself of the thinking that an election date can be called without the approval of the National Assembly as per Article 106(7). Failure to respect this can result in litigation. The Government and Opposition must arrive at a position of agreement that will work for the society.

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo is called on

to put partisan politics aside and acknowledge the truth as told by him in 2006, and allow GECOM to work, which will help to determine the timeframe for election.

The CCJ upheld the Guyana Constitution, even as those elected and sworn to uphold same continue to ignore that resolution lies in Article 106 (7), coming together and working out a way forward. The GTUC has been on record from day one, and remains unwavering, in calling for such an approach.

The Opposition’s preference for ‘street justice’ (showdown) instead of judicial justice has delayed resolution.

Street protests in the absence of pursuing legal parliamentary resolution will not bring about results consistent with

the courts’ rulings.

Likewise, the Government has to be mindful that silence and non-engagement can give perception and lead to an understanding that they, too, are unwilling to engage and uphold its areas of responsibilities. The real picture might more be that in navigating uncharted waters, the government also did not give the needed leadership.

GTUC notes with concern the preponderance of ‘alternative facts’ (lies) on the courts’ decisions. These intended, no doubt, to keep this nation polarised and divided. Those engaged in such conduct are driving a wedge in society, and preventing the nation from coming together in one of its most vulnerable periods to resolve issues in an

orderly and lawful manner.

The propagation of such behaviour must not find comfort or support amongst us.

The tendency to hold this nation ransom to political partisanship has to stop. Government, Opposition, civil society and all stakeholders must come together on these matters of national import.

We must insist Government and Opposition return to the National Assembly, sit down and work out the modalities of how to best govern in this environment. All are involved in ensuring this period of our history is being navigated with truth and integrity.

Regards, Guyana Trades Union Congress

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 17, 2019

Three new primary schools for Reg. 7 BY the end of this year, three villages of the Upper Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region will benefit from the construction of a primary school, as the government aims to boost access to education in hinterland communities.

On Friday, a contract, valued in excess of $25M, was signed in the office of the Regional Executive Officer (REO), between the Government of Guyana and K & P Project Management, for the construction of a primary school at Iterinbang, which is located on the Upper-Cuyuni River, close to the Guyana-Venezuela border. Mobilisation to the construction site has already begun.

The contracts for these projects were facilitated by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board(NPTAB), through the Regional Administration of Region Seven.

Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford, told the Guyana Chronicle that this new school is an absolute necessity, and it is heartening that they

have all that is needed to provide the school to the children in the community.

Bradford explained that the children in Iterinbang went to San Marten Primary School in Venezuela, since there is no school in their village. However, at the advent of the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, the school was closed down, and the children of Iterinbang were without schooling. As such, this contract was urgently needed so that the children can have access to foundation education.

He also said that the people of the village, upon hearing that they will be getting a primary school, assembled and they themselves mobilised and cleared the area that was identified for the construction.

The school is expected to be completed before the end of the year, however, Bradford said that they are not waiting completion to begin classes.

“A good Samaritan, Azim Baksh, has a

structure up for sale is the same area and he has offered us part of the building to start a school for the children. So we will now fly across furniture from Waramadong, and in the new term, we should be able to start classes, so the children can start getting their foundation,” he explained.

Currently, they are trying to source teachers Bradford said. Due to the fact that there no teachers’ quarters in that part of the region, they are unable to send teachers from the Coastland.

However, they are trying to source teachers from right in the village, with the necessary qualifications.

As it relates to secondary schooling, Bradford said that the region provides flight, uniforms, food, and everything needed for the children to attend the Waramadong Secondary School, and they reside at the school’s dormitory.

Another contract for the construction of a school at Kako Village in the Upper-Mazaruni

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was earlier awarded to K & P Project Management. To date, construction of the facility is 30 per cent completed. At completion, the cost will run close to $29M. At Imbaimadai, construction of another primary school is 40 per cent completed. The contract for this project was awarded to J’s General Store and Construction, to the tune of more than $25M. The estimated time of completion for all three projects is four months.

Imbaidamai is a traditional mining community adjoining Amerindian lands, while Kako is a community of the Akawaio Indigenous Nation, consisting of some 700 residents. Iterinbang is also a mining community adjoining Amerindian lands, and has seen an influx of immigrants fleeing the economic crisis in Venezuela.

Additionally, Bradford revealed that one school in Paruima and one in Kamarang, are soon to be commissioned.

Freddie’s predictions way off Dear Editor,

F

REDERICK Kissoon’s prediction that President David Granger and the Coalition Government will lose the upcoming elections is not new. He has said this on numerous occasions in the past. His most recent utterances were in his KN column on Monday, August 12, 2019, captioned: “I believe Johnson, Trump and Granger will lose”.

I am responding to him, conscious that unlike him, I am not a political freelancer. I, therefore, believe it is not prudent at this time for me to offer my thinking on the Coalition’s road to victory. Instead, I will be limiting my response to addressing the weaknesses that are inherent in his analysis that

lead to his conclusion.

Kissoon’s analysis, to my mind, is very simplistic. The following are some areas of weaknesses, which I perceive are in his analysis: 1) He has based his analysis on the premise that the AFC brought 7% of the votes the Coalition received in the 2015 general and regional elections, and that those votes came from the Indian communities. According to Kissoon, the numbers for the AFC meant that only Indians supported the AFC. Such a proposition, I believe, is erroneous. In his column, Kissoon claimed that the AFC is now dead, and will not bring any votes to the Coalition at the upcoming elections.

This is most unlikely. There is a real possibility that AFC, at the forthcoming elections, will

retain some of their support at the expense of the PPPC. 2) While conceding that the PNCR will maintain its support in its African constituencies, Kissoon’s analysis assumes that the PNCR will be contesting outside the Coalition, and is incapable of making inroads in other areas of the country.

3) As far as Kissoon is concerned, there is no APNU faction that is capable (particularly at this time), of influencing voters in the upcoming elections. He is contending that the smaller parties, WPA, JFA, GAP and the NFA, neither in their individual capacities nor collectively, bring votes to the equation. He, therefore, sees them as being irrelevant.

4) In his dismissal of the smaller parties in the APNU, and his declaration that the

AFC is of no consequence, Kissoon is subtly trying to reduce the elections to the old twohorse struggle; that is, a fight between the PNC and the PPP, when in fact it is the Coalition vs the PPP. 5) He is also denying the synergy factor as it relates to the APNU+AFC coalition, and voters preference for Coalition politics as against one-party politics.

6) Inherent in his reasoning is the contention that the Coalition Government’s four years in office will in no way contribute to its maintaining its 2015 support, or expanding that support when the elections are called.

6) Kissoon calculates that the PPPC will regain 100% of the Indian votes lost to the AFC and the Coalition in 2015. His analysis gives the PPPC all the

Indian votes that will be cast in the elections. He sees no demographic changes in the voting pattern in that community which can negatively affect that party.

7) In his assessment of the situation, he is convinced that neither the Justice and Liberty Party (JLP) of Shuman or Ralph Ramkarran’s A New and United Guyana (ANUG) will make it to the polls, and are therefore not worthy to be considered as having any impact on the elections.

8) By inflating the AFC Indian votes in 2015, Kissoon gave the PPPC some percentage advantages that he knows it does not have. By doing that, he has mistakenly assumed that he is best placed to create the impression that the task of the Coalition is more difficult

than it is, and justifies his prediction of the Coalition losing the elections.

9) The above, in my opinion, is sufficient to challenge Kissoon’s prediction that President David Granger and the APNU+AFC coalition will lose the elections. My judgement is the Coalition will prevail come elections.

In closing, it will be remiss of me not to acknowledge that Freddie Kissoon, on this occasion, demonstrated some degree of maturity when he conceded that he may be wrong that Granger will not win the elections.

Regards, Tacuma Ogunseye

Credit for decrease in suicides must go to NGOs Dear Editor,

S

OME media houses in Guyana continue to propagate the WHO suicide ‘stat’ of 2012, which placed Guyana at Number One in the world with a rate of 44.2, in spite of the fact that that figure is incorrect. TCV's

investigation had revealed the actual rate was 32.15. So we challenge the media to investigate and either confirm or disprove our findings. Sources would include Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and WHO. Secondly, while we do agree that the suicide rate has decreased, we disagree with

any attempts by the government to claim total credit. Significant credit must go to entities that receive no funding or support from the government (The Caribbean Voice; Guyana Foundation; the Counseling Centre at Corriverton; Golden Om Dharmic Youth and others))

but that do the largest amount of counseling, including grief counseling in Guyana as well as more outreach, sensitization, training and ‘info’ dissemination than government and its associates.

Thirdly, recently British High Commissioner Greg

Quinn called for the decriminalization of attempted suicide. It is well known that a Bill to this effect was placed in parliament some years ago.

Supported in debate by both government and opposition, it was voted against by the government because they did not want the opposition to be

given credit. A suggestion by TCV for a bipartisan committee to prepare and take another Bill to parliament went nowhere.

Regards, The Caribbean Voice

M&CC concerned about display of food at city markets Dear Editor,

T

HE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown have expressed concern at how food is being displayed for sale at the various markets in the City.

It has been observed that some vendors are displaying

foods below the 2 feet standard height that is required. The Council has served notices on several vendors who operate in the vicinity of Bourda, Stabroek Markets, and their immediate environs, to put themselves in order.

The notice states: Please note that it has been brought to our attention that there are some

unhealthy practices regarding the display, handling, and sale of fruits, food vegetables, etc., at various Municipal markets. It is prohibited for persons (Vendors/ Tenants) to be selling any good/ foods articles by placing or storing them on the ground; it is not safe for human consumption, according to the Public Health laws, under “MODE

OF TRADE IN AND SALE OF PROVISIONS FOR FOOD OF MAN “By-laws, Citation two (2), which states that, “All articles of food exposed in a manner set forth in the by-laws shall be kept at a height of not less than two (2) feet from the sidewalk, pavement or ground above which they are placed.”

This practice is unaccept-

able, and as such you are given notice of seven (7) days from this date, August 9, 2019 to correct or adjust your tables, pallets etc., failing which you will not be permitted to sell thereafter.

Also, time and again, vendors have been warned about this unhygienic and unhealthy practice.

The Council is looking

forward to the full cooperation of all vendors and tenants. As the Council seeks to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Georgetown.

Regards, Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

CARIFESTA XIV is a platform for emerging Caribbean talent

- says CARICOM Secretary-General Photos and stories by Vishani Ragobeer CARIFESTA XIV will provide opportunities for new and emerging Caribbean

talent and persons will be able to showcase their skills and tap into international markets.

This is according to Secretary-General of the Ca-

ribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque who was at the time making remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA)

The Guyanese delegation 'crossing the stage' at the Queen's Park Savannah in Trinidad, as part of the opening ceremony for CARIFESTA XIV

Trinidadian Dancers perform a piece for the crowd at the Savannah grand stand

Renowned Young Trinidadian Artiste, Nailah Blackman excited the crowd with her "Iron Love" performance

XIV, at the Queen's Park Savannah in Trinidad.

Since its creation in 1972, when it was crafted by Former Guyanese President LFS Burnham, CARIFESTA has been a space for Caribbean people to showcase their creative skills and talents. In Guyana, like in many Caribbean countries, the creative sector is not a major driver of economic growth.

But according to LaRocque, “A vibrant, productive creative sector would only redound to the benefit of the social and economic stability of our region.”

Already, he acknowledged, the Caribbean culture – which involves the creative sector – has garnered international reputation. Caribbean music, in particular, is one sector which has risen to international acclaim.

As such, he opined that it is imperative for governments in the Region to tap into the creative sector. Furthermore, he reminded the audience of the clear commitment made by the CARICOM Heads of Government in February 2016 to identify the cultural assets of the Caribbean and subsequently support these to facilitate job creation, growth and even youth engagement. And CARIFESTA, he noted, presents an opportunity to do just that.

“An integral element of this event is the creation of opportunities for new and emerging artistes to break into international markets,” he said. The CARICOM Secretary General also stressed the theme CARIFESTA XIV: "Connect, Share, Invest."

Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Community Development, Culture and Arts,

Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly also highlighted that this year's CARIFESTA indeed focuses on providing opportunities for new and upcoming creative persons in the sector.

She mentioned that there are a host of opportunities for learning and knowledge transfer. The festival encompasses a section known as the “Journey Around Myself”, where persons have the opportunity to learn from creative experts across the Caribbean through workshops and symposia.

At this opening ceremony, all the participating countries were allowed to "Cross the Stage" in true Trinidadian Carnival fashion, and the delegations were treated to a spectacular cultural show.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 17, 2019

Guyana energises the crowd at CARIFESTA XIV

CARIFESTA XIV got underway with its ‘Parade of Nations’ where a kaleidoscope of culture from the participating delegations surrounded Trinidad’s famous and expansive Queen’s Park Savannah on Friday.

The Caribbean Festival of Arts, or CARIFESTA as it is better known, is a biennial festival which is being held in Trinidad and Tobago this year from August 16 to 25, 2019.

On Friday, delegations from the 20 participating nations assembled on the streets surrounding the Savannah, outfitted in their national wear. The delegates marched around the Savannah, before ending their individual processions inside the venue. At the grand stage, each country sought to showcase some of their dance and music traditions.

The Trinidadians came with their steel-pan, masqueraders on stilts and dancers. The Surinamese showed-up with vibrant examples of their culture; and the Jamaicans, naturally, brought their ‘hype’. But the Guyanese delegation was definitely a showstopper.

The South Americans arrived at the starting point a short while after most of the other delegations assembled but this was due to some minor organisational challenges.

When they started marching around the Savannah, the colorful delegation – which illustrated the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Guyana – seemingly hid its passion. However, a few minutes later, their carefully tailored plan to stun the eager onlookers was let loose.

Perhaps indicative of Guyana’s rich history, the Indigenous members of the delegation led the troupe with their dazzling performances of the Mari-Mari dance.

At about halfway around the Savannah, the African and Indian drums began beating at the right tempo to energise the dancers in traditional Indo-Guyanese apparel. Not wanting to be left out of the mix, the other delegations – the actors, writers, singers and even administrative personnel – began belting Guyanese folk songs down the road.

The slow pace of the delegations at the helm of the parade forced Guyana’s to a standstill at one point. This created the chanting of a popular folklore hit.

The more than 100-strong delegation suddenly began chanting “there’s a brown girl in the ring, tra la la la” and the song reverberated through the streets of T&T. When the crowd thought Guyana could not have made more of a “scene” dancers of the National Dance Company joined the Guyana delegation and brought with them an unmatched level of energy, which re-energised the other delegations. As the rest of the delegations were tiring out as they made their way into the Savannah, there Guyana was, coming with full force and in all her glory.

Not to mention, most of the spectators congregated towards the end of the parade route, which resulted in unending cheers for the South American-Caribbean nation.

By now, you’d expect that Guyana would just calm down and cruise into the Savannah for the opening ceremony but that was not the case.

The masqueraders in the delegation alongside masquerader-for-the-day and Director of Sports,

9

The Guyanese delegation brought a “cook-up” of culture to the Parade of Nations which ushered in CARIFESTA XIV, in Trinidad and Tobago

A member of Guyana’s Drama delegation all made up for the parade of the nations

Guyana’s National Dance Company re-energised the troupe as they made their way into the Queen’s Park Savannah for the Opening ceremony of CARIFESTA XIV

The National Dance Company brought their ‘A game’ with an energy-filled performance on the streets of Trinidad

Dancers from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton keeps the Golden Arrowhead flying high as he leads the Guyana delegation

Christopher Jones, decided to enlighten spectators on the ‘correct way’ of collecting tips thrown at them.

Finally, they made their way into the Savannah to the Grand stand. At this point, delegates were being directed to their seats in preparation for the official opening ceremony.

But with excess energy and fuel in the tank, Team Guyana saw it fit to entertain those in the stands with their cacophony of sounds and ‘cook-up’ of culture. When they finally made their way to their seats, they collected high fives from some members of the other countries.

Only then did the troupe settle.

A young girl from the Trinidadian delegation showcasing her skills on the stilts

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, joins in an ad-hoc game of Brown Girl in the ring as the Guyanese delegation made their way towards the Savannah Grand Stand

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

Brazil confirms 6,925 Haitians arrived via Lethem border –Min. Felix again dispels opposition’s claim on birth certificates, work permits

BETWEEN January and July this year, 6,925 Haitians entered Brazil via the border at Lethem, a number which corroborates government’s statements that the French-speaking nationals are capitalising on the free movement of people within the Region.

The figure effectively puts to the rest arguments contained in articles published by local private newspapers, including the Guyana Times and the Kaieteur News, that the CARICOM nationals are being trafficked or smuggled here. Government had noted that of the total 8,476 who entered Guyana via the Cheddi Jagan international Airport (CJIA) during the seven-month period, 1,170 had otherwise departed.

On Friday, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, again condemned claims of illegalities regarding Haitian travellers to Guyana. The data, Minister Felix said, corroborates records which indicate that the Haitians arriving in Guyana are capitalising on the free movement of people within the Region to travel to Guyana and to other states.

Minister Felix expressed the hope that the data garnered from the Brazilian authorities will put an end to the “scurrilous allegations” being peddled in the public domain, including the Opposition PPP which alleged that the Haitians were being brought to

Guyana to pad the voters’ list.

Public commentator Kit Nascimento had stated in the letter columns of the Stabroek News that “the Haitian arrivals are carefully organised with obvious official government support. Their arrival has coincided with a highly suspect house-to-house registration exercise with questionable legal authority and disputed justification.” Felix rubbished Nascimento’s claims deeming them deeply offensive and baseless.

“I think that statement was made out of clear eye pass and disrespect… and I would like Mr. Nascimento to know that, because he has nothing to prove what he has said there.

He is talking about obvious official government support.

Show me who the member of government who supports registering Haitians to vote in this election is. I think it would be just decent for the gentleman to apologise for such a statement,” Minister Felix said as he called out Nascimento on his remarks.

The Minister said the numbers obtained from both the Department of Citizenship and the Brazilian authorities confirm that the Haitians are passing through these countries on their way to a final destination.

According to the statement , Brazil’s immigration records show that 6,925 Haitians arrived in that country and, except for 129, the ma-

jority left.

Addressing the disparity in the figures between the Haitians’ departure from Guyana and the arrival figure recorded in Brazil, Minister Felix explained that some of the travellers would have departed Guyana without reporting to local immigration officers, although there are opportunities for doing so, but on arrival in Brazil, they would have presented themselves to the immigration authorities.

“The opposition elements had provided figures of quite a different sort. They claimed that 8,602 Haitians arrived in Guyana and only 13 departed.

I leave the public to make their own judgments on these figures,” Minister Felix said.

Minister Felix recalled that he made a full disclosure to the Parliamentary sub-committee on Foreign Relations after being summoned before it in July 2018, where he had provided an explanation on the movement of the Haitians.

“In 2019, now that we are in an election cycle, the opposition is at it again and they are going back to the very issues which we discussed in the Foreign Relations sub-committee – with added features. They are still claiming that there are large numbers of Haitian arrivals.

They have not fact-checked anything I said previously, but they have come up with their own misleading information which has no basis in fact or

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix

in truth,” Minister Felix said.

In her television programmer, “Matters of Public Importance”, hosted on July 9, 2019, opposition spokeswomen, Gail Teixeira, alleged that members of the government and other actors are using Haitians travelling to Guyana “to pad the Voters’ List”. Teixeira also alleged that Minister Felix and the government are involved in smuggling and trafficking Haitians and Cubans for profit.

Minister Felix again denied these assertions and called on the opposition to produce the evidence to support their allegations or to desist from making these spurious claims.

“So far they haven’t produced anything of substance

to substantiate what they have been claiming, but they have just thrown it out there and left it like that for others to pick up and run with it. Our figures are standing in our favour in the eyes of right-thinking people in Guyana,” Minister Felix asserted.

He reminded too that the APNU+AFC Government has a good track record when it comes to tackling TIP, compared with the Peoples Progressive Party’s (PPP) during their 23 years in office.

So far, for 2019, 13 persons have been charged with TIP-related offences and none of these cases involved a Haitian, either as a victim or a perpetrator.

Minister Felix reiterated that the opposition’s claim that Haitians will be used to bloat the voters’ List has no merit, adding that they can provide scrutineers during the registration exercise to ensure accountability.

“GECOM has done its public communication role by advertising the requirements for registration. The political parties…provide scrutineers to function as watchdogs on the registration process. If the PPP/C has not taken up their role as scrutineers that is a matter for them but we have done so, and I am confident that with the level of scrutineering taking place, that foreigners; be its Haitians, Cubans or whoever, cannot be registered because the require-

ments have been stated in the media and foreigners either need to be registered as citizens of Guyana or naturalised, both [of which] require years of residency,” he said.

On Friday, Minister Felix also dispelled claims by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, that the immigrants are obtaining work permits and birth certificates.

These allegations are completely baseless, the minister said, explaining that the processes for obtaining same at the General Register Office (GRO) has been toughened up to prevent fraud.

“We have hardened the process to falsify birth certificates and so much scrutiny is put into the issuing of a birth certificate. So, what was possibly happening during his tenure cannot happen now.

We run a tight ship, observing features of security which are essential to ensure due regularity takes place. I urge all Guyanese to make use of the facts presented and to ignore opposition falsities on this issue,” he said.

A group of young Haitian nationals had condemned the articles which the private newspapers published regarding their trips here. The CARICOM nationals also noted that the xenophobic nature of the articles also threatened their safety.

WPA renews call for PPP to extend time for election

By Navendra Seoraj THE Working People’s Alliance (WPA), on Friday, renewed calls for the Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – to return to the National Assembly, and together with government, extend the period for the conduct of elections, now that the High Court has confirmed that the three month constitutional timeframe has expired, and an extension is required.

“The WPA calls on the PPP to acknowledge that the game is over, that its attempt at railroading the judicial process has been defeated,” WPA member, Ali Majeed, said during a press confidence.

Majeed said the WPA has always felt that the recent move to the court was nothing short of legal and constitutional gymnastics aimed at the larger PPP agenda or frustrating credible elections.

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, however, ruled that the ongoing

house-to-house registration, being undertaken by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), is within the confines of the Constitution, and is therefore legal.

The Acting Chief Justice, on Wednesday, delivered her judgment in a case challenging the constitutionality of house-to-house registration brought before the High Court

by Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram. This ruling is hopefully the final blow against the PPP’s effort to get the court unnecessarily entangled in the country’s politics, said Majeed, adding that the political opposition must now return to the National Assembly and facilitate the desired extension.

The December 21, 2018 no-confidence motion triggered the need for early elections, however, the matter was tied up in a legal battle, which ended on June 18, 2019 when the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that the motion was validly passed, by which time, the stipulated threemonth timeframe had expired.

Article 106 (7) of the constitution states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the elections.”

Though cognisant of the need for an extension, the opposition is maintaining that it will not return to the House.

“Refusal to go to the parliament and extend the time will further tarnish that party’s image and render it unfit to lead Guyana. We also urge the PPP’s enablers in the Private Sector Commission and other Civil Society Organisations to recognise that the tide has swung against them and turn a new page for the sake of national harmony,” said Majeed.

Executive Member of the WPA, Dr. David Hinds said if the PPP refuses to extend the

time, government will stay in office by default.

He believes that Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo is not concerned about political stability in Guyana.

“Jagdeo is being a political bully, who is trying to bully the courts, bully the government and bully half of the population… the WPA looks dimly on that,” Hinds lamented, while further contending that Jagdeo has no respect for the rule-of-law.

Jagdeo, he said, wants to hide behind the rule-of-law in order to achieve his agenda of going to an election with a tainted list of electors.

Hinds said, “It is the list that he (Jagdeo) is concerned about, and the WPA feels very strongly that the kind of attitude he has needs to be rejected, and despite what they say about us, we have a big voice and we will use our big voice to push back against Jagdeo.”

Going forward, despite the actions of the opposition, the WPA urged GECOM to deliberate on the court’s rec-

ommendations and proceed with preparations for elections in a timely manner.

He noted that GECOM has space to work, since the court does not have the constitutional right to interfere with the process by which an election date is determined as outlined by the CCJ. The WPA believes that cleaning the list through the house-to-house process and preparing for elections are important things to consider in moving forward.

“If nothing else is wrong with that list, you have 20,000 ID cards which are in the possession of GECOM and we do not know who those people are…we think houseto-house registration gives a better chance but the CJ says GECOM should look at additional means,” said Dr. Hinds.

DECEMBER ELECTIONS He believes that if GECOM sticks to its timeline of three months (July to October) and finishes house-tohouse registration in October,

elections could be held in December.

“We in the WPA think if you go into next year then you are inviting yourself to the charge which they have been trying to put on the coalition but it has not been sticking, the charge of delaying tactics,” said Dr. Hinds.

Already, more than 230,000 persons have been registered through the houseto-house registration exercise.

However, GECOM is currently awaiting the High Court’s written judgment to decide whether the exercise should continue.

“The question on the way forward, in some regards, was not determined…in the main because we are still not recipients of the written decision from the judge,” said Government-appointed GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, following the first meeting of the commission with their newly-appointed GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice, Claudette Singh on Thursday.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

Indigenous stakeholders launch Amerindian Land Titling Project - after securing US$1.6M grant

Woman charged for larceny granted bail

A 26-year-old woman, on a simple larceny charge, was, on Friday, August 16, 2019, released on $20,000 bail by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Anisa Robert, a resident of Sophia was charged for stealing $60,000 from Candace Stroke. The unrepresented woman pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Leron Daly adjourned the matter until August 30, 2019.

Act 2006, and various issues related to land management plans and continued land talks with the government by the Wapichan communities of southern Guyana.

The three components are complementary and mutually-reinforcing as it involves the implementation of land titling with indig-

NTC and the SRDC. A planning and inception meeting was held on August 9, 2019 at the Regency Suites Hotel where the partners discussed the project objectives, components, schedules and the responsibilities of each partner. Such meetings are expected to continue throughout the life of the project. believe that We believe that this project is this“We project is an iman important step in allowing portant step in alIndigenous Peoples to take lowing Indigenous to take the the lead in the initiatives Peoples lead in the initiatives related to land titling and related to land titling and related processrelated processes' APA said.

– APA es,”Government on the other hand has been addressing the enous communities while issue of land demarcation working to support govern- in Indigenous communities ment in the development and through the Amerindian implementation of policies Land Titling Project. that recognise and protect Minister of State, Dawn rights as Indigenous people. Hastings-Williams had said To this end, a Memo- that since the current govrandum of Understanding ernment took control of the (MoU) was signed between project in 2015, some 13 the APA and MoIPA detail- hinterland communities have ing the respective commit- been demarcated. ment and roles in the impleShe had also noted that mentation of this project. the Guyana Lands and SurThe scope for closing veys Commission (GLSC) the gaps and learning quick is preparing to commence lessons from past titling and discussions with the occudemarcation efforts and fa- pants of reserve lands along cilitating an indigenous-led waterfront areas in various land titling approach in col- regions on a way forward. laboration with government, “The GLSC has been is a key aspect of the project. able to identify 29 owners Additionally, the proj- who we’re starting to have ect will be monitored by a discussions with them to see Project Coordination Board how best we can [address comprising the APA, MIPA, the issues],” Minister Hast-

'

THE Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), along with three of its partners, has embarked on a twoyear project geared at promoting the demarcation and titling of indigenous lands in Guyana, as well as the revision of the Amerindian Act. According to a press statement from the APA, the association has partnered with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MoIPA), the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) and the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC)/ South Central People’s Development Association (SCPDA) to execute the project.

The project entitled ‘Securing and enhancing Indigenous land tenure in Guyana’ will be executed using a US$1.6M grant from the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility. The project runs from July 2019 to July 2021.

The Tenure Facility, as it is better known, is an international, multi-stakeholder financial mechanism that focuses on securing land and forest rights for Indigenous people and local communities following the current laws and guidelines of the country in which the project is being implemented.

The APA is the holder of the project which began in mid-July. The project has three components that focus on demarcation and titling of Indigenous lands, the revision of the Amerindian

Brothers charged with assault TWO brothers, accused of assaulting each other during a fight, were, on Friday, August 16, 2019, arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charges.

It is alleged that Dwayne on August 14, 2019, at Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown, assaulted his brother. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $10,000. The matter was adjourned until September 9, 2019.

Meanwhile, Mark confessed to assaulting Dwayne to cause actual bodily harm on the same date in question.

He was fined $25,000.

Man charged for possession of drugs granted bail A 23-year-old man was, on Friday, August 16, 2019, released on $30,000 bail by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly on a drug possession charge.

James Murphy of Broad Street, Charlestown, denied that on August 14, 2019, on Lombard Street he had 12 grams of cannabis in his possession.

Magistrate Daly released Murphy on $30,000 bail and adjourned the matter until August 30, 2019.

ings-Williams said recently.

She continued: “Some of them are legal owners, they have their documents [such as transport] but everywhere else they tend to go [in land use] a little bit further than what was their legal title.

So, we are looking at that process to see how best we can find solutions.”

The Amerindian Land Titling Project which commenced in 2013 sought to

help Indigenous people to secure their lands and natural resources with a view towards sustainable social and economic development.

Under the Guyana REDD + Investment Fund (GRIF), the government in 2013 signed a US$10.7M document for the implementation of the Amerindian Land Titling and Demarcation project, which concluded in 2016. In 2017, an

extension was sought and a further $165M was earmarked for the advancing of the remaining identified areas for land titling.

It is expected that titling and demarcation will strengthen land tenure security and the expansion of the asset base of Amerindians, thus enabling improved long term planning for their future development.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

Intelligence, co-operation discussed between Guyana, Brazil military THE 23rd Regional Meeting of Military Exchange between Guyana and Brazil was held in Boa Vista from August 13-14, 2019. The hosting of this meeting is rotated between the two countries each year.

According to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), during the meeting, critical

discussions focused on issues regarding intelligence and co-operation between the two militaries, with a view to enabling a bi-lateral approach to finding and implementing various solutions pertinent to the safety and security of both countries.

Guyana's delegation comprised Head of Delegation

and Commandant of the Guyana People’s Militia, Colonel Paul Arthur; Commanding Officer Second Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Denzil Carmichael; Major Dominic Shepherd, Lieutenant Rawl Lord, Major Meer Khan (Interpreter), Captain Eon Cameron (Interpreter), and Lieutenant

One of the meetings that was held between the Guyanese and Brazilian military confab.

Winette Smart.

The Brazilian delegation was led by Commandant of the 1ª Bda Inf Sl, Gen Bda Márcio Bessa Campos, and included lieutenant colonel Fábio Linhares Marques da Cruz, Maj Marcelo da Conceição Ferreira, Major Marcos Eduardo Oliveira de Paula, and Major Roderik Yamashita (interpreter).

Diplomatic relations be-

tween Guyana and Brazil date back to 1968 when the establishment of an Embassy of the Republic of Brazil in Georgetown was announced.

Over the ensuing decades, the relationship between the two nations has strengthened significantly and resulted in the GDF benefiting from training and logistics support from the Brazilian military.

Most recently, in 2018, nine wells were drilled in the Deep-South Rupununi, through the collaboration of the GDF and their Brazilian counterparts.

Guyana and the GDF continue to recognise, respect and appreciate the support of the Government and people of Brazil.

‘Trini’ who faked own kidnapping to know fate in October COME October 4, 2019, Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore is expected to make her ruling in the case against 34-year-old Trinidad national, Sawak Maraj, who is on trial for faking his own kidnapping here, two years ago.

Maraj, who is currently out on $1M bail, was charged for giving the police false information and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Particulars of the case alleged that, on October 27, 2017, in Georgetown, Maraj knowingly gave false information to the police, stating that he had been kidnapped, and that his abductors had demanded US$700,000 for his release.

It is further alleged that, on the same day, while at the Madewini Resort on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Maraj conspired with two other persons to obtain the ransom money.

According to the police, Maraj arrived in Guyana on October 27, 2017, claiming to have come for a job interview.

He was picked up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by two other Trinidadians who had arrived in the country earlier that week.

Later that same day, Maraj’s relatives in Trinidad, reportedly received a call from

Sawak Maraj

an unknown person, claiming to have kidnapped Maraj shortly after his arrival here and demanding that a ransom be paid for his release.

The man’s family was also sent a photograph showing him clad only in his underwear and socks, and one of his alleged abductors holding a cutlass to his neck.

After being contacted by the man’s family in Trinidad, local police and agents from the Force’s Major Crimes Unit immediately sprang into action.

The first thing they did was to review footage from the surveillance camera at the airport, which showed Maraj warmly embracing his two so-called abductors, who turned out to

be the said two ‘Trinis’ who’d picked him up at the airport, before boarding a taxi without incident.

Aided by the surveillance tapes, the investigators were able to track down the taxi driver who transported the men from the airport, and traced the call that was made to demand the ransom. It was that call that gave away the location from where the call was made.

Armed with such vital information, the agents then hurried to the location, and there they found Maraj, the supposedly kidnapped victim, in an apartment, relaxing and sipping on beverages.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

$375.3M expended on housing in first half of 2019 - 100 LED street lamps to be installed

IN the first half of 2019, the government expended $375.3M of the $1.7B allocated to the housing sector, according to the 2019 MidYear Report published by the Ministry of Finance.

According to the report, of the $780M budgeted for consolidation efforts in housing schemes across the coun-

households will benefit from the distribution of 300 home improvement subsidies to the value of $170M, and the construction of 50 core homes from a total of 113.

The disbursements are anticipated to commence after applications are evaluated and beneficiaries selected for the 2019 cycle.

ance, Prospect, Providence (115), Parcel 123 Providence, Section C Block X Golden Grove, Section A Block X Great Diamond, Mon Repos, Lowlands, Enmore, Experiment, Culvert City and Tabatinga. It is expected that an additional 459 house lots will be allocated in the second half of the year.

try, approximate $90M was expended as of June 2019.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) commenced road upgrades in 12 areas in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six, totalling nine kilometres.

These road projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2019, and will benefit approximately 2,000 persons in each housing area.

Additionally, of the $750M budgeted for the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, the sum of $126.1M was expended in the first half of 2019.

During the six-month period, works commenced on the upgrading of roads in Sophia, with seven kilometres expected to be upgraded by the end of 2019.

In the second half of the year, a total of 350 Sophia

According to the report, Sophia will also benefit from the construction of approximately 2.1 kilometres of sidewalks, in the second half of the year while the upgrade to schemes across the country is expected to increase the occupancy of these areas.

However, the report said there still remains a backlog of housing applications that is being urgently addressed.

During the first half of 2019 CH&PA distributed a total of 541 house lots in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Nine – 54.1 per cent of the target for 2019, the report stated. The house lots were distributed in areas such as Onderneeming, Onderneeming Phase II, Onderneeming Phase III, Recht Door Zee, Zeelugt (Phase I), Eccles, Providence Gardens, Plot B Herstelling, Persever-

Additionally, CH&PA is expected to develop 4,000 new house lots in 12 areas, with distribution expected in 2020.

In 2019, the sum of $170M was allocated for housing and roof replacement subsidies in hinterland areas, of which $144M was spent in the first half.

The 2019 mid-year report stated that of the 112 subsidies for new houses targeted in 2019, 35 were completed

by June. The remainder is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year, with materials already procured.

With regard to roof replacement subsidies, 16 of the 27 households targeted for this year benefitted from this intervention in the first half.

In the first half of 2019, the sale of 21 housing units

Man fined for threatening behaviour and granted bail for threatening language charge ON Friday August 16, 2019, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court a 27-year-old was charged with threatening behaviour and threatening language.

Patrick Dundas of Rasville appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly and

pleaded guilty to one of the charges.

Particulars of the two charges stated that, on 29 July, 2019 at High street, Georgetown, he used threatening language towards Adrian Brandt.

The second charge stated that, on the same day, and

at the same place, Dundas used threatening behaviour towards Adrian Brandt.

Magistrate Daly fined Dundas $10,000 on the first charge and granted him bail of $10,000 bail on the second. The case was adjourned until September 9, 2019.

was exempted from VAT, as a result of the Budget 2018 measure that excluded houses sold for less than $6.5M from this tax. In 2018, 13 housing unit sales were exempted from VAT, as a result of this measure.

Meanwhile, it is expected that 100 Light Emitting Diodes (LED) street lamps will be installed in several housing areas, in the second half of the year, to improve night

time visibility and security.

These areas include: La Parfaite Harmonie, Cacique Road, Little to Great Diamond, Enmore/Haslington, Tract A Coldingen, Section D Non Pareil, Block 15A/15B Bladen/Vigilance, Belfield, Hope/Dochfour, Strathspey, Belle West, Tuschen, Zeelugt, Ordnance Fortlands, Kilcoy Chesney, Burma, Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc 1B.

The report noted that rehabilitative works are also expected to commence, in the second half of the year, on recreational facilities at Prospect and Amelia’s Ward, allowing for the hosting of community events, including sporting activities, towards the promotion of cohesive communities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 17, 2019

$7.7 B spent to advance agriculture – Finance Minister

APPROXIMATELY $7.7B has been injected into the Agriculture Sector for 2019, as the government takes critical steps at fostering an enabling environment for development.

The $7.7B represents 45 per cent of the $17.1B allocated to the Agriculture Sector this year.

According to the Finance Ministry’s 2019 Mid-Year Report, in the first half of 2019, progress continued towards the

expansion and diversification of the agricultural sector with particular focus on non-traditional agricultural produce and value-added production.

The report stated that the key interventions during the half year included an updated food safety and security legislation; improved infrastructure for non-traditional and traditional agricultural production; development of new value

chains and value-added industries in agro-processing for rice, sugar, non-traditional crops and livestock; and, building human resource and institutional capacities in the areas earmarked for development across the sector.

Additionally, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been working with the private sector to address taxation and procedural issues that

have been hindering the operations of agro-processors.

“The design of a new laboratory facility for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards will be completed in November, and, once constructed, will allow the Bureau to better support the certification of agro-processors, among others, to international standards,” the report stated.

It also noted that cooperation continued with the Islamic Development Bank to advance a reverse linkage programme for meat products which will see improved genetics being made available, as well as training in genetic management.

Further, initiatives to improve livestock breeds have resulted in more meat per animal, better quality meat, and bigger and heavier offspring.

In the review period, the artificial insemination process produced 561 off-

spring of cows (344) and pigs (217).

With respect to the new state-of the-art abattoir, slated for Onverwagt, design works are scheduled to commence during the second half of 2019.

As it relates to the dairy value chain, negotiations are currently on-going for the scope of a feasibility study that will examine how the quality and quantity of milk produced can be improved.

Further, the report underscored that the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) continued to develop other livestock produce. As such, the production of the black giant poultry expanded in all regions, and this is expected to contribute significantly to food and nutrition security in coastal and hinterland communities.

In addition, it was stated that the genetically-driven improvements to duck farming aims to resuscitate and build resilience in the industry, after the devastation of a disease outbreak earlier this year.

Further, personnel of the GLDA were trained to strengthen the services offered to small ruminant producers, and the authority is also working closely with Brazilian investors in the Intermediate Savannah to increase the production of corn and soya beans for livestock feed production.

In was noted too the Food Safety Bill was passed in the National Assembly in April. The updated regulations for general food safety, abattoirs, meat, milk, poultry inspections and grading of eggs, fruits and vegetables are being drafted to pave the way for improved standards of agricultural products destined for local and international markets.

The Ministry of Agriculture has since commenced preparation for the establishment of the Food Safety Authority, which will have regulatory oversight.

Importantly, the 2019 midyear report stated that works on the national agricultural census, a critical activity to guide the sector, has commenced.

Currently, negotiations, to obtain the technical support required for the execution of the census, is on-going and preliminary works, including completion of the methodology design and questionnaire for the pilot survey, have begun.

Men suspected of trafficking cocaine released on bail

Amit Kumar, Deopaul Gordeen and Mohammed Insham

THREE men, who had spent almost a month on remand for trafficking cocaine, were Friday, August 16, 2019, released on $500,000 bail each, by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

On July 26, 2019, Deopaul Gordeen, a 48-year-old fisherman of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; Mohammed Insham, a 47-year-old electrician of Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo; and Amid Kumar, a 41-year-old machine operator of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, made their first court appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard that, on July 23, 2019, at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), the trio had 2.264 kilogrammes (equivalent to 4.991 pounds) of cocaine in their possession, for the purpose of trafficking.

The men pleaded not guilty and were remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to

the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

On Friday, when the matter was called, the men’s attorney, Siand Dhurjon made an application for bail, which was granted by the Magistrate.

The Magistrate adjourned the matter until November 15, 2019, for the commencement of trial.

According to reports, on July 23, 2019, the three men were nabbed by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks, who were conducting a surveillance exercise in Parika.

The ranks allegedly observed Gordeen handing over a bulky bag to Insham, who then handed same over to Kumar. Kumar then placed it into a motor car and the defendants left the location.

The ranks intercepted the car which was driven by Insham. The motor car was searched and two brick-like objects, suspected to be cocaine, were found in a lunch bag.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 17, 2019

15

Top city officials face sanctions …over money found in Chief Constable’s car

By Tamica Garnett DISCIPLINARY action has been recommended against the acting Town Clerk, Sharon Harry-Munroe; acting City Treasurer, John Douglas; the Clerk of Markets, Sherlock Lovell, among others over the bag of cash belonging to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) that was found inside a vehicle assigned to Chief Constable, Andrew Foo. Other City Hall officials to be disciplined include a sergeant of the City Constabulary who was the last person to handle the bag before it was discovered, and revenue collection clerks, who are said to have handed the money over to the sergeant involved.

According to reports, the money was supposed to have been deposited at a bank on June 20, 2019, by the Escort Unit of the City Constabulary however it was on July 16 that a City constable, who was cleaning the vehicle, discovered the sealed bank deposit bag under the driver’s seat. Following the discovery of the cash, an investigation was launched by the Local Government Commission (LGC). LGC Chairman Mortimer Mingo, on Tuesday confirmed that the report has been completed and sent to the Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine.

“We have just concluded that investigation, and we have dispatched our findings to the mayor,” Mingo informed. “We are asking for a number of persons to be disciplined, eight of them. The town clerk acting, the sergeant, the constable who was driving the vehicle, the revenue collector II, the revenue collector III, the clerk of markets, the money is what they collected from the market, which they put in the bag and was then supposed to be deposited at the bank.”

Mingo said the officials cited will now have to answer to why disciplinary action should not be taken against them. “Since we did the investigation we must now put the charges to the persons and give them a chance to answer, and say why charges should not be laid against them,” Mingo said.

This adds to the continued list of things for which disciplinary action is being advised against the acting Town Clerk. Harry-Munroe was sent on administrative leave beginning last week, pending an investigation into her handling of financial documents requested by the Audit Office for a forensic audit at City Hall. This came in addition to disciplinary action advised against her in recommendations emanating out of a report from a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of City Hall that was held last year.

It was late last month that Mayor Narine revealed that he was informed that the money was being kept in the vehicle, PVV 1405, for quite some time. Narine could not say how much money was in the bag, but noted that the bag contained a ‘lock’ or M&CC seal, which was what confirmed that it belonged to the council.

Actions have not been advised against Foo, for this matter, as he is said to not have been involved in the handling of the money, and the vehicle was being used by the sergeant to transport the money. Foo, however, has other matters pending before the LGC, after disciplinary action was also recommended against him in the CoI report. It was Foo who reported the matter to the acting Town Clerk, Sharon Harry-Munroe, when it was brought to his attention that the money was discovered in the vehicle. The vehicle is one issued

City Treasurer, John Douglas

Town Clerk (ag), Sharon Harry-Munroe

by MCC. “What we have found is that basically there was a breach of a number of the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) starting from the revenue collector. There was a sergeant who collected the money bag and put it in his pocket and they went to the bank but they never deposited it in the night deposit bag,” Mingo noted.

“The city treasurer is being disciplined because the bag is coming from his office, he is supposed to know that this bag is missing, he’s supposed to flag that he didn’t see that bag number coming back in, a report is supposed to come on what really happened.”

Though the sergeant collected the money to deposit, he is not authorised to collect or handle the money. “They provide escort, the sergeant is supposed to escort them to the bank. It should be the revenue collector or clerk [who should be handling the money], but in this case it is the sergeant who collected the money bag, given it by the clerk, and he decided to pick it up and put it inside his pocket and he didn’t deposit it. This money after a couple weeks was suddenly found under the seat in the vehicle that is being used by the Chief Constable,” Mingo explained.

The explanation of why the sergeant did not deposit the money, or return it after not being able to deposit it remains what sketchy. “They are claiming the bag may have fallen out in the vehicle.

But there are a number of stories. When it was finally brought to the open and reported to the Chief Constable, the chief constable immediately reported it to the town clerk. The town clerk did not report it to the mayor immediately, but the chief constable out of an abundance of caution reported it to the mayor, that’s how the mayor knew. The mayor then asked the town clerk if she knew,” Mingo explained.

Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Mortimer Mingo

Chief Constable Andrew Foo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 17, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

Elevators at Peters Hall overpass operational

Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Jaipaul Sharma, commissioned the elevators at the Peters Hall overpass (DPI photo)

COMMUTERS utilising the overpass located at the busy Peter’s Hall intersection, in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), can now choose to either walk or use the elevators.

The facility, one installed at each end of the walkway, was commissioned by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Minister within the MoPI, Jaipaul Sharma, during a simple commissioning ceremony on Friday.

Similar pedestrian overpasses at Houston, Eccles, Providence and Diamond have also been outfitted with elevators and while pedestrians use the walkway, the elevators have not yet been put into use.

Commuters can enter either of the facility on the east or west for a ride up, which will then allow them to walk the gangway to reach the other end or down to be taken to the lower level that leads to the highway.

Each elevator can carry a weight load of 400 kilograms and a maximum of five persons. The lifts, are available for use by the public from 06:00 hours to 14:00 hours and from 14:00 hours to 22:00 hours daily, and will be manned by an operator at each end, who will work on a shift system basis. In case of a power failure, there is a stand-by generator that will automatically switch over.

Additionally, the operator at each side is outfitted with a radio set, to summon help in case of an emergency.

A precautionary recorded announcement `Door Closing, Floor One’ is heard as the door of each elevator closes and the lift is about to ascend or descend. Likewise, `Door Opening’ is heard when it stops.

Those tasked to undertake the job as operators are Christopher Tsoi, 22; Cassandra Texeira, 28; Lisa Bobb, 27;

This child was in fits of fear as her family took a decision to ride the elevator.

(Adrian Narine photo)

are some people who are still critical of the facility.

The pedestrian overpass projects are part of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s continued efforts to improve road safety countrywide, as in addition to being safe, they are well-lit and a convenient facility for pedestrians, to cross the busy four-lane EBD PubControl Panel of the newly-commissioned elevators at the Peters Hall overpass (DPI photo)

Rajesh Singh 27, and Tishan Dodson, 27, all of whom are elated at being the first such employees to begin serving the public.

Singh, a former employee of Wales Estates and an auto electrician with certification from the GuySuCo Training Centre, Port Mourant, Corentyne, said he was excited to be part of the development to modern times. He noted that some of the persons he encountered since the facility began working, expressed fear of being stuck in the elevator if there is a power failure of falling through the floor.

Tsoi expressed his joy at being able to deal with people of different ethnicities and ages, as he persuades them to use the facility, while Dodson said it is a privilege for him to help the elderly pedestrians.

The elevators would be a great convenience to everyone, particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities, who previously had found great difficulty in climbing up the lengthy stairways and were forced to risk their lives crossing the busy four-lane thoroughfare. So too would people with young children in tow, pedestrians with heavy loads, and school children.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the Peter’s Hall location around 15:00 hours on Friday, it was obvious that persons were still unaware that the elevators were functional, but the lift operators on

either side took great pride in welcoming and encouraging persons to utilise the lifts.

Some persons though, refused apparently out of fear of the unknown.

Nevertheless, the excitement and relief was evident on the faces of those utlising the lifts. Siblings Brian and Nicola Armstrong of Grove, EBD, who had minutes ago exited the lift on the western side and walked the gangway seemed unaware that the one on the eastern end was also operating and were about the walk down the stairway on the eastern side, when they were invited by the operator to ride the elevator instead.

Excited too, were a family, but not a little girl, who tugged at a woman’s hand screaming “No, mammy nah go in there”, while holding on for dear life on her mother’s hand.

Marlon Williams, 40, who vends fruits in the vicinity of the overpass, said he is overjoyed that the elevator is now in operation. “I am particularly happy for the big people, some of them because they used to struggle to climb the stairs, they had no choice than to risk their lives to cross the roadway, which at times can be risky.”

He expressed his disappointment in not having a video grab on his phone of a dog that had climbed the stairs and walked across the gangway and down the stairs on the other side, while there

Siblings Brian and Nicola Armstrong of Grove Village, East Bank, Demerara, were among commuters who used the facility (Adrian Narine photo)

lic Road and thereby reduce accidents.

The elevators were manufactured by Cibes Lift Group AB, of Gävle Sweden, and supplied by the Caribbean, RBP Lifts Limited in Trinidad, the authorised distributors who also installed them with RM Engineering monitoring the process.

The overhead walkways at Providence and Diamond were reportedly built by S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies, while the construction of the overpasses at Houston, Peter’s Hall and Eccles were constructed by B & J Civil Works.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

Scenes from 'EXERCISE GREENHEART'

Photos by Ministry of the Presidency

President David Granger addressing the troops participating in 'EXERCISE GREENHEART' at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama, Upper Demerara-Berbice

Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana People's Militia participated in 'EXERCISE GREENHEART' at Tacama, Upper Demerara-Berbice.

President David Granger being briefed during the execution of the Field Tactical Exercise ‘EXERCISE GREENHEART’ at Tacama, Upper Demerara-Berbice

President Granger inspecting one of the recently acquired Army Skyvans

President David Granger (pictured centre) witnessing the final attack phase of 'EXERCISE GREENHEART' Prime Minister, Mr. Moses Nagamotoo; Minister of State, Ms. Dawn Hastings-Williams (pictured first and second from right); Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Basil Williams, S. C., (second and third from left); Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leslie James (first left) and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Patrick West.(in the foreground) also witnessed the exercise at Tacama, Upper Demerara-Berbice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 17, 2019

19

Min. Cummings distributes school bags, sports gear in Indigenous communities RESIDENTS of Kamwatta (Region One) received a quantity of personal effects and sports gear, last Thursday, when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, visited the community.

Minister Cummings was at the time visiting Mabaruma and its surrounding communities, to meet and interact with residents. Kamwatta’s Toshoa, Mr. Maurice Henry, expressed delight at the minister’s visit, especially since it was the first time that a government minister visited the area.

“We have always wanted a Minister of the Government to come into our community to see how we live and to address the many challenges we face as a community. We the residents of Kamwatta are very pleased that the Honourable Minister took the time out of her busy schedule to come to visit us to get a firsthand look at our community and to meet us the residents”, Toshoa Henry said.

Some of the following major issues were raised by the residents: the need for the school to be rehabilitated with emphasis on its solar

power system and the need for a bus to collect children who attend secondary schools over 5 miles away from the community. Kamwatta residents also pointed out that they would like to see their main bridge completed and the main roadway properly fixed. That the Government should show an interest in the development of sports within their community was another request made by the residents of Kamwatta.

Regional Executive Officer, Colonel (Retired) Randy Storm, told residents that he intends to place greater emphasis on the community of Kamwatta as he aims to address the issues raised by its residents. The REO also told the residents gathered that a medical outreach will be held within their community to address the immediate public health issues affecting the residents of that community.

“Before the end of August, a medical outreach for the residents of Kamwatta will be scheduled and organized.

We will be bringing a host of medical services to you the people of Kamwatta, in an effort to have your immediate medical needs addressed. The

entire community will benefit from this initiative,” REO Storm emphasized.

Minister Cummings in her address to the residents expressed how pleased she was to be visiting Kamwatta, and being afforded the opportunity to interact with them and to listen to their concerns. She committed to following up on the issues raised in a timely manner, so that tangible solutions could be sought to mitigate the challenges faced by the residents. “Visiting Kamwatta for the first time has been a very revealing experience. I can assure you that the issues you have so candidly highlighted will be addressed with a certain degree of urgency, as we the Government of Guyana remain committed to provide solutions that can bring about significant relief to you the good people of Kamwatta,” Minister Cummings said.

While in the Region, Minister Cummings also visited the community of Whitewater where a number of personal effects, as well as schoolbags, were distributed to the children and adults present.

Minister of Foreign Affairs the Honorable Dr. Karen Cummings (Centre Back) along with Toshao Maurice Henry (Left of Minister) and some of the residents of Kamwatta

Minister of Foreign Affairs the Honourable Dr. Karen Cummings along with REO Mr. Randy Storm and some of the residents of Whitewater

Police Force assists commander who lost home in fire

Superintendent Crystal Robinson receives a cheque from acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie in the presence of other senior officers.

COMMANDER of ‘G’ Division (Essequibo Coast-Islands) Superintendent Crystal Robinson received cash and a food hamper from the Guyana Police Force, in the aftermath of a fire that destroyed her lot 154 Back Street Stewartville, West Coast Demerara home, on August 5, 2019.

Acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, handed over the items to Ms. Rob-

Minibus driver sentenced to six weeks in prison SENIOR Magistrate, Leron Daly on Friday August 16, 2019, sentenced a 41-year-old minibus driver to serve six weeks’ imprisonment, on an assault charge.

Adrian Brandt appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and accepted the charge when it was read to him.

The charge alleged that Brandt, on August 9, 2019 at Route 47 minibus park, Georgetown, unlawfully assaulted Eric Coats with a metal object, causing actual body harm.

Police Prosecutor told the court that, on the day in question, at the route 47 minibus park, Brandt walked up to Coats who is a conductor for one of the buses, ‘grabbed’ him and dealt several slaps to his face. Coats also received several lashes from a metal object.

Magistrate Leron Daly, after listening to the Prosecutor, sentenced Brandt to six weeks’ imprisonment. The father of 19, upon hearing the penalty, cried as he was escorted out of the court.

In 2018, Brandt was committed to stand trial at the High Court for alleged-

ly raping a 14-year-old girl. He was out on $300,000 bail.

It is alleged that Brandt, on October 7, 2015 at Plum Park, Sophia, engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl.

According to reports, the teen was a lone passenger in the Route 40 minibus which was driven by Brandt. He allegedly took the teen to a location at Plum Park and raped her.

inson in the Commissioner's Conference Room recently in the presence of several Senior Officers, reassuring her of the Force's commitment in supporting victims of disasters.

Ms Robinson was extremely pleased with the assistance and expressed sincere thanks to the Guyana Police Force for its support.

According to the commander she is not allowing the unfortunate situation to

get her down.

The fire destroyed three vehicles that were in a garage and her home. The commander plans to start rebuilding soon.

The house was home to five persons, with four residing in the upper flat and the other in the lower flat, but no one was at home at the time of the fire.

Man charged for larceny remanded

SENIOR Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday August 16, 2019, remanded a 35-year-old man to prison on a ‘break and enter and larceny’ charge Moni Lall, called “Sonny”, of Parika appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Particulars of the charge stated that, between August 13, 2019 and August 14, 2019, at Sussex Street, Charlestown, he broke and

entered the mechanic shop of Shawn Clarke and stole $300,000 worth in tools.

Police prosecutor objected to bail being granted to Lall on the grounds that he had no fixed place to stay and it might be difficult in getting him to show up at court on the next occasion.

Magistrate Leron Daly remanded Lall to prison until August 30, 2019.

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THE CAR UP FROM GRABS AT JAMZONE 2019

O

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

Jamzone 2019 kicks off! …a brand new car up for grabs

ne of the most anticipated August-time activity in GUYANA CHRONICLE Guyana is here again, and the first of the three days of activities kicked off last evening at the Kitty Seawall.

Jamzone 2019, after 18 successful years, is said to be coming bigger than ever before this weekend, with three exciting nights of activities to commemorate its 19th year of existence.

Hits and Jams Director, Kerwin Bollers said that Jamzone this year is going to be filled with a whole lot of excitement.

Last night, Soca Night Water Colours Beach J’ouvert went down on the Kingston Kitty Seawall, behind the St. Stanislaus Ground.

Appearances were made by Mandela, Christo, Brandon Harding and Jumo.

Tonight night is said to be the biggest event of the three days, the Dancehall Night Concert. This mega-concert is to be held at the National Park, and will feature Popcaan as the main act, while Munga and Gage will also be sharing the stage.

The beach event follows right afGAGE ter the Dancehall show-down, and is the ‘wash-down’ for the long weekPOPCAAN end of activities. This will be held at the HJ Water World in Providence MUNGA on Sunday.

The excitement gets even Saturday, August 17,better, 2019as by way of giving back to their supporters, Hits and Jams will be giving away a brand new car in a novel three-in-one-promotion. One lucky patron will be given the opportunity to win this car by entering a draw.

To enter the draw, persons have to purchase a three-in-one Jamzone season pass for $5,000, which allows access to all three of the events.

This is also a steal-of-a-deal ticket, since it amounts to $8,000 if you purchase the event tickets separately.

With the threein-one ticket, you will receive a coupon to fill GAGE out t o POPCAAN

MUNGA

GAGE POPCAAN MUNGA

enter the draw to win the car. The winner will be announced on the day of the last event.

Since its launch in 2001, the event has evolved and revolutionized the local entertainment industry, further reaping great benefits for Guyana’s tourism sector.

Some of the sponsors for this year are Liat Airline, Stag beer, Extra Beer, Royal Castle, Fast Graphics, and Demerara Distillers Limited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE

Queen Reg 2, Shequana Holder17, Saturday, August

Holder Miss African Heritage Queen Reg 2, Shequana Holder

as the chief judge. Mistress of Ceremony was Ms Wonesha Reedon.

2019 In addition to the pageant, the event was interspersed with singing, drumming and a number of other side attractions such as face painting.

crowned

M

21

queen

ISS Shequana Holder, proudly wearing the sash of Miss Queenstown, outshone six other delegates to be crowned Miss African Heritage Queen for Region Two, when the pageant was staged on August 2, 2019 at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.

The first such event to be organised by fashion designer, Fiona Coates, of Henrietta Village, the pageant was part of the region’s Emancipation 2019 activities.

Danielstown’s representative, Tonia Harris, was adjudged First Runner–up, while Tricia Montrose, Miss Richmond, picked up the second runner-up position. In third position, representing Richmond Village, was Miss Tamera Collins.

The delegates were adjudged in the areas of talent, creative wear and evening gown, with the focus being Afrocentric.

The judges for the night’s event were Diane Critchlow, The Queen Holder was Shondel Hercules, Shelon Prophet; Tiffany Holder, Tevie snapped in a photoshoot Griffith and Diane Critchlow as the chief judge. Mistress of Ceremony was Ms Wonesha Reedon.

In addition to the pageant, the event was interspersed with singing, drumming and a number of other side attractions such as face painting.

Gavin Mendonca to take ‘Folk It Up’ album to New York Gavin and ‘Chucky’

Gavin will be launching his new album at the Guyana Folk Festival in New York later this month

L

OCAL musician Gavin Mendonca will be launching the ‘Gavin and Chucky: Folk It Up’ album at the annual Guyana Folk Festival in Brooklyn, New York, fixed for August 31.

He is currently gearing up for the start of the US leg of the ‘Folk It up’ tour, which began in last January.

Gavin told ‘The Buzz’ that he will also be doing a series of gigs and ‘open mic’ nights throughout Manhattan over the next five weeks, before heading over to Orlando, Florida in September to once again grace the stage of Full Sail University with a live Folk performance and a presentation on the importance of the use of Folk culture in modern art.

Gavin and Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams, leader of the Buxton Fusion drumming group, had teamed up to record and produce a series of Folk albums for the said tour. The album features songs such as ‘Small Days’, ‘Itanami’, ‘Mahnin’ Neighba’ and

‘Gangamani’ which also features local rapper, ‘A-TayJah’.

Later this year, Gavin and ‘Chucky’ will embark on another leg of the tour, this time to the the Rupununi, here in Guyana, which will include visits and performances in villages such as Surama and Nappi, and the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival at the Manari Ranch.

Gavin will also be producing his second short film, this time at Iwokrama, with a storyline revolving around the Jaguar and Wildlife Conservation and Rainforest Preservation.

Gavin’s first short film, ‘How to Build a Tree House’, was released last year at the Timehri Film Festival, and has since been screened at multiple film festivals around the world, including in Canada and the US. This film was produced in collaboration with local filmmaker, Azikiwe ‘Ziggy’ Denheart, filmed at the Kaieteur Falls, and includes the use of the Patamona Language and Folklore. It is now available for free

Gavin’s US tour begins shortly

Gavin will be producing a second short film on the Jaguar and Wildlife Conservation and Rainforest Preservation

streaming at studioanansi.tv, an Online streaming platform for Caribbean Films.

Said Gavin at the time the film was released here, “Young Guyanese are rarely given the opportunity to at least experience the opportunity to appreciate our folk music and culture, simply because it does not have a strong presence in modern society. The aim of the ‘Folk It Up’ tour is to inject Guyanese culture back into society through live performances in every possible public space and gathering.”

Since January, Gavin and ‘Chucky’ have performed with Grammy Award winner, Joss Stone at the Theatre Guild; the KFC Link Show 34 at the National Cultural Centre; MovieTowne; the Hard Rock Café; their regular Friday ‘Folk Up Yuh Lunch’ at The Courtyard Mall on Robb St; The Linden Waterfront Festival; and the Emancipation Celebrations in the National Park.

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Linden’s ‘Blue Lake’…

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

More than just another place!

The Blue Lake at Kara Kara, Linden

T

HE Blue Lake at Kara Kara, Linden, has become a hub for entertainment activities and celebrations, owing, in part, to its natural beauty.

Opened to the public, persons wishing to organise an event here would usually get in touch with the Linden Town Council, which maintains the area.

The organisers are expected to clean up the facility after their celebrations, but even so, the Town Council asks for an advance deposit in the event that the cleaning up is not done within a certain time-frame. Once the area is cleaned in a timely fashion, though, the money is refunded.

In addition, a small cost is attached to the use of the facility.

A small cost is attached to use of the facility, and an advance deposit for clean up afterwards

The area has been attracting a lot of attention owing to its natural beauty

Authorities envision the area becoming an eco-tourism site

There are several other blue lakes in the town, which have been created through mining, but this one, located on the Mackenzie shore, to the bottom of Amelia’s Ward highway, is more popular due to easy accessibility.

Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell told the Buzz a few days ago, in an invited comment, that the onus is on residents to ensure that the area is maintained. “In our vision, it will become an eco-tourism site,” she offered.

Meanwhile, Jonas Bridal House and Events Planning Services recently conducted a family reunion event at the location, as can be seen in the following photos.

Promoting cohesiveness through entertainment THIS section of our paper is not only dubbed ‘entertainment’ to promote events happening in Guyana, but to also give recognition where it is due, particularly the young people of our country, who are making something of themselves through various forms of entertainment.

There’s no denying that creative concepts are emerging with each passing day, and ‘The Buzz’ is here to highlight them.

This week we came across a small Linden promotion group, which has been making an effort to unite their people through entertainment.

Its CEO, Ryan Singh, popularly known in the mining town as ‘Papa Dush’ told ‘The Buzz’ that he started the ‘Green Money Family’ promoting group in 2016 with four other youths.

“Now our promoting group is aimed at fostering community interaction through our events. We started off in 2016 with our first ‘All-Black’ party, which was very successful, and from that point on we had decided to make this an annual thing, since the community liked the vibe we produced. And everyone comes out and have a good time partying with each other,” Singh said.

This year, the group is celebrating their 4th Anniversary, and since they want to include not only people of Linden but the entire country, Singh said they’ve decided to dub their party this year, “Citizens In Black”.

Additionally, soon Linden will be celebrating 50 years as a town, and the event can be used to bring all citizens together to celebrate this significant milestone.

“But with a twist to rid the usual use of just black, we added a concept which would allow patrons to be more creative in their style of wear, “Hawaiian Edition”. This is the first time the event is being held outdoors, and the feedback from the patrons is incredible. The event is well anticipated, and it’s the talk of the streets,” he added.

The event is being held at the new rehabilitated Watooka Guest House back lawns and river patio on August 24. It will contain two sections: The patio where the VIP patrons will be partying, and the lawns for patrons purchasing regular tickets.

“The Watooka Guest House

has been the centre of attraction in the mining town after the rehabilitation of the Dutch-styled complex, and the manager and staff of the complex, are in full support of the event being held there,” Singh told ‘The CEO of Green Money, Ryan Singh aka Papa Dush Buzz’.

Through their events also, the young man said that places in Linden can be promoted in a way to attract people to their mining town.

In addition to his passion for promotion, and bringing his people together, Singh is a University student reading for his Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Management.

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Personality of The Week ...

Darius Kurt Austin A musician on the move

By Mya Kendall “I FEEL bigger than the president when I’m playing. Why? Because, regardless of the negatives in life, steelpan makes me forget about all of that, and you can see it when I play,” said 21-yearold Darius Austin, this week’s ‘Buzz Personality’.

He describes himself as compassionate, motivated and focused, since he has been thriving in the Guyanese music industry for many years.

Since the tender age of 12, the former Christ Church

IT’S time for the weekend again people, and it’s time to keep you in the loop with what’s ‘buzzing’ in and around Guyana.

This weekend is the ultimate summer weekend that many of us have been waiting for with Jamzone going down this weekend.

TODAY **It’s Jamzone Dancehall Night featuring the biggest Dancehall artiste Popcaan the unruly boss, Gage, Munga and many more in the National Park. Tickets: $3000 (early-bird), $4000 (general), $10,000 (stage-front) **The annual Miss Emancipation Queen Pageant is happening at the National Cultural Centre. See which of the eight beauties will walk away with this year’s crown. Tickets: $1500. **There’s a Tea Talk at Moray House on “DNA: So many genes, so little time”.

Forensic analyst Tamika Henry will be presenting a little about DNA, how genes determine our features etc., at our next tea/talk. Tickets ($3500) available only in advance. **The Vintage Lounge presents “Brazilian and Latin Saturdays”. Enjoy food and drink specials. Music by DJ Tranquillo Santos. Doors open from 17:00hrs. **Aura Sky Lounge presents Seductive Saturdays! Doors open at 20:00hrs!

TOMORROW **Jamzone Beach Party, the event that defines the real GT Summer. Get into your coolest, summer beach outfits and head to Hits and Jams Water World for a day of ultimate fun, drinks, summer colours, music, atmosphere and a whole lot of fun. Enjoy the high-rising hookah lounge with all the best summer flavours, a body massage booth from Crème de la Crème. Over $500,000 in cash to be won in exciting beach games. Most trending event of the summer. Music by Boom FM DJs and Selector Carl, DJ Ryan from Pulse. Tickets: $2000 (more at the gate). **Get ready for one of the biggest horse racing shows in Guyana as Jumbo Jet presents “the 13th annual Guyana Cup and International Concert”, featuring Nessa Preppy, Munga Honorable, Gage, KI and the band, Peter Ramkission, Stephen Ramphal and more. It’s all going down at the Rising Turf Club. Over $20M in cash and prizes to be won. **Vault Night Club and Bar in West Coast Berbice presents, “Beat the Heat: Ultimate After-Race Party” with live performances by Ravi B, Shal Marshall, Timeka Marshall, and Mystic, alongside host DJ Akelo. Tickets: $2000, $4000 (VIP, Car pass $2000). **District Ultra Lounge presents “Soca and Bollywood Sundays” featuring Selector Andy, WR Reaz, Selector Chino. Ladies free before 21:00hrs. Bacardi drink specials all night. **Marvelous Entertainment presents Marvelous Sundayz at its new location, 592 Spot and Night Club (John and Norton Streets). Ladies free all night. Music by Stereo Sonic, Fusion and Boom DJs.

Secondary School student grabbed the chance to learn the secrets of steel pan when given the opportunity to do so by his head mistress. From then on, with the guidance of Cary Gillis, his mentor, Darius’ passion and skill with the steel pan has grown and matured into the ‘big league’.

Darius has participated in many ‘Pan’ competitions, like the Republic Bank’s Mashramani Steel Pan competition, where he placed second in the Senior Solo category, and as a part of the Parkside Steel Orchestra, sponsored by Caribbean Airlines, which placed second in the large band category.

The young pannist says he enjoys bringing Guyanese together in harmony just to hear him play, and that he feels remarkable whenever his pan and pan stick meet.

Currently, Austin plays at the Providence New Thriving Restaurant every Thursday night, and at Church’s Chicken on Camp Street every Sunday night. He also does weddings, birthdays and cocktail parties and many other events privately, in order to build and expand his portfolio.

Steel pan music is taking Guyana by storm, and Darius has no intention of being left out, as he aims to make this his full-time job, and take over the industry with his melodious tunes.

He conveyed that he sees himself rejuvenating steelpan in Guyana, training the next generation of entertainers, providing steel pan entertainment for almost every event there is, both regionally and internationally.

He’d like to encourage young pannists like himself to put God first, stay humble and to always be open to constructive criticism, and says that even though he’s a “bad-man” on the steel pan, he still has a long way to go, and will always keep pushing to improvement himself.

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Coutinho is set to join Bayern on loan

Philippe Coutinho has made 55 appearances for Brazil

(BBC) - BARCELONA attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho is set to join Bayern Munich on a season-long loan.

The Brazil international, 27, was left out of Barcelona’s squad for their La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao yesterday.

“We can confirm that there is an agreement in principle for the loan of Coutinho to Bayern,” said Barcelona club director Guillermo Amor before the match.

“We just have to finalise the deal.”

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed the two clubs and Coutinho had reached an agreement as he spoke after the Bundesliga champions’ 2-2 draw with Hertha Berlin yesterday.

“Only a few details are still to be sorted out,” he said. “We are very happy that we will bring this player to Bayern.”

Coutinho, who was in the crowd for Barcelona’s La Liga opener, joined the club from Liverpool in a £142M deal in January 2018.

Despite scoring 21 goals in 76 appearances for the Spanish giants, he has fallen short of expectations and been linked with several clubs this summer.

It is believed he was included as part of a bid by Barcelona to re-sign Neymar from Paris St-Germain, the Spanish club reportedly willing to offer 100 million euros (£92.4M) plus Coutinho for the forward.

Tottenham ended their interest in a loan deal for Coutinho earlier this month, while he was also linked with moves to Arsenal and back to Liverpool.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday, August 17, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Courtney Walsh-44 wickets (2) Clive Lloyd & Kapil Dev (Albion, 1983) TODAY’S QUIZ: How many ODI runs Shiv Chanderpaul scored?

How many ODI runs Brian Lara registered for the West Indies?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Anaconda Race 2 Miss Imperial Race 3 Game Boy Benny Race 4 Blue Gem Race 5 Devamani Race 6 Sayyaaf Race 7 Irish Mias Race 8 Fire Key Race 9 Regal Glory Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Cause For Alarm Race 2 Big BVlind Race 3 Foxxy Belle Race 4 Pioneer Of New York Race 5 Where’s The Widget Race 6 Dancing Doll Race 7 Fast Scene Race 8 Who’s Got It Race 9 Magic Spell South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:38 hrs Seventh Of June 09:13 hrs Johnny Hero 09:48 hrs Billsade 10:23 hrs Emily Jay 10:58 hrs Passion Peach

Irish Racing Tips Cork 08:25 hrs Spirit Of Sahara 09:00 hrs Tai Sing Yeh 09:35 hrs Flight Risk 10:10 hrs Sonaiyla 10:45 hrs Beck With Place 11:20 hrs Kodiqueen 11:55 hrs Delphinia 12:25 hrs Salsa English Racing Tips Newbury 08:15 hrs Murray River 08:50 hrs Juan Elcano 09:25 hrs Morando 10:00 hrs Ripp Orf 10:35 hrs Safr Voyage 11:10 hrs Adonijah 11:45 hrs Ritchie Valens 12:20 hrs Restive Ripon 08:30 hrs King’s Caper 09:05 hrs Flying Pursuit 09:40 hrs Eton College 10:15 hrs Gunmetal 10:50 hrs Anna Bunina 11:25 hrs Hortzadar 11:55 hrs Mister Chiang Newmarket 09:10 hrs Premier Power 09:45 hrs Glenn Coco 10:20 hrs Mild Illusion 10:55 hrs Dazzling Dan 11:30 hrs Lady Of Shalott 12:05 hrs Australis 12:35 hrs Mutamaasik

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Watling saves New Zealand after wobbly session (ESPNCRICINFO) - LASITH Embuldeniya did his best Rangana Herath impression on a wearing Galle track that raised puffs of dust, but BJ Watling combated his left-arm threat and put New Zealand right back into the game.

While both Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor were dismissed cheaply, playing a long way in front of their body or away from it, Watling was immovable.

He simply did his thing: played close to his body, defended stoutly, and even read some of Akila Dananjaya’s googlies out of his hand.

From 81 for 4, he rallied New Zealand to 195 for 7 and a lead of 177 at stumps on day three.

Watling is now just 35 runs away from surpassing Brendon McCullum as New Zealand’s top run-getter among wicketkeepers.

When Watling entered, Sri Lanka’s spin trio and the close-in catchers were circling around him like vultures around their prey.

And when Mitchell Santner swatted a long-hop from Embuldeniya straight into the lap of deep midwicket, New Zealand were 124 for 6 at the stroke of tea.

Sri Lanka threatened to ambush Watling and Tim Southee too with spin, but they weathered multiple bursts in a 54-run seventh-wicket partnership.

Sixer Southee made way for blocker Southee as New Zealand slowly but surely built their lead. Southee was dropped twice, but Watling’s innings was chanceless.

He did have a nervy start, though, given out lbw by umpire Richard Illingworth when he was on one.

However, a review detected a thin nick and Watling bedded in.

He wore down the spin-

ners and once Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara were swapped into the attack, Watling eased into his shot-making stride.

Kumara was cracked for back-to-back boundaries in the 71st over - a rasping straight drive followed by a less violent ramp over the cordon.

Southee’s vigil, however, had ended in the previous over when Embuldeniya tricked him with a delightful cocktail of drift, dip, and turn.

New Zealand were 25 for 3 at this point, but Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls then put on 56 for the fourth wicket in 11.2 overs to give the innings a leg-up.

Latham was the enforcer, sweeping flat and hard and even dashing down the track to launch Embuldeniya over the midwicket boundary.

However, the stand was nipped in the bud when Akila found a sharp turn to scratch Latham’s outside edge. Nicholls then jabbed

BJ Watling plays with soft hands

(Getty Images)

William Sommerville, too, displayed a tight defensive technique and earned Watling’s trust, helping swell New Zealand’s lead towards 200.

The narrative was different when Embuldeniya had nabbed both Williamson and Taylor in successive overs in a marathon spell, leaving the visitors gasping in the face of relentless pressure from the spinners.

The New Zealand captain wound up playing a long way in front of his body, yanking his bottom hand off the bat, and skewing an overhead catch to mid-on while Taylor’s panic-stricken advance down the pitch resulted in a simple catch to slip.

at Dhananjaya de Silva and similarly nicked off, but Watling saved the day for New Zealand.

In the morning, it was the other wicketkeeper-batsman, Niroshan Dickwella, who made a statement after being ignored for the World Cup and then the ODI series at home against Bangladesh.

Dickwella, on 39 overnight, finished with 61 off 109 balls, ushering Sri Lanka to an 18-run first-innings lead.

Resuming on an overnight 227 for 7, Sri Lanka added 40 to their tally in the morning session before being bowled out, with Trent Boult and Somerville taking the remain-

Italian cycling legend Gimondi dies (BBC) - ITALIAN cycling legend Felice Gimondi, one of only seven riders to have won all three Grand Tours, has died at the age of 76. He suffered a heart attack while swimming in Sicily yesterday.

d’Italia in 1967 and the Vuelta a Espana in 1968, he became the second cyclist after Jacques Anquetil to win all three Grand Tours.

“A great champion who made our sport more hu-

Felice Gimondi finished on the podium of a Grand Tour seven times beyond his five titles

After a late call-up, he won the 1965 Tour de France in his first season as a professional, at just 22 years old.

By winning the Giro

man has left us, a great man,” said the Italian cycling federation in a statement.

Gimondi won five Grand Tours in total,

claiming further Giro titles in 1969 and 1976 before retiring in 1978.

He won 14 Grand Tour stages - seven at the Tour, six at the Giro and one at the Vuelta.

He was also a prodigious classics rider, winning four ‘monument’ titles - cycling’s oldest and most prestigious one-day races - including both Paris-Roubaix and Giro di Lombardia in 1966, before a second Lombardia title in 1973 and victory in Milan-San Remo the following year.

Gimondi also won the 1973 world road championships in Barcelona, having previously claimed silver in 1971 and bronze in 1970.

Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali and Chris Froome are the other five riders to have won all three Grand Tours.

ing three wickets and ending the innings about an hour before lunch.

The new ball was available at the start of the day’s play, and New Zealand took it immediately.

Boult pushed the batsmen back with a barrage of short balls, and while Lakmal was struck flush on his right elbow, Embuldeniya copped a glanc-

ing blow on the helmet.

Two balls after being hit, Lakmal stood deep in the crease to a ball that wasn’t short enough and dragged it back onto the stumps to be dismissed for 40.

At the other end, Dickwella was more competent against the short stuff, often rolling his wrists to keep the ball down.

He moved to a rousing half-century with a dink to the leg side off Ajaz Patel, but Somerville dangled an offbreak wide outside off and had him slap a catch to Williamson at short cover.

Watling headlined New Zealand’s batting effort in their second innings before fading light forced early stumps.

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England fight back but rain ruins play (REUTERS) - ENGLAND fought back on the third day in the second Test of the Ashes yesterday, picking up three top order wickets to reduce Australia to 80-4 before rain wiped out the final two sessions at Lord’s.

The tourists, who added 50 runs to their overnight total, trail by 178 runs and they will need a significant lower order contribution today to put pressure back on England.

England’s seamers struggled at first to take

advantage of favourable bowling conditions but made the breakthrough when Jofra Archer trapped Cameron Bancroft (13) lbw with the score at 60-2.

Usman Khawaja (36) followed quickly after, edging Chris Woakes into the gloves of Jonny Bairstow and then Stuart Broad removed Travis Head (7), leg-before.

But Steve Smith, who struck two centuries in the opening Test at Edgbaston was unbeaten on 13 when

Chris Woakes removed Usman Khawaja (Getty Images)

the umpires took the players off for rain in the final over before lunch.

Persistent rain throughout the afternoon led to the day’s play finally being called off shortly before 17:30hrs local time with just 24.1 overs possible in the day.

England will hope they can remove Smith early on the fourth day and get into the Australian lower order but on a surface that suggests low scores, every outcome remains possible for the final two days.

Shastri to continue as India head coach ( R E U T E R S ) - R AV I Shastri will continue as head coach of the Indian senior men’s cricket team up to 2021 after pipping New Zealand’s Mike Hesson and Australia’s Tom Moody, the country’s cricket board (BCCI) said yesterday.

The BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising cricket great Kapil Dev, former India coach Anshuman Gaekwad and ex-women’s captain Shanta Rangaswamy, conducted interviews for the post yesterday and unanimously agreed to retain faith in Shastri until the T20 World Cup in India starting October 2021.

As well as incumbent Shastri, former India players Lalchand Rajput and Robin Singh were also short-listed candidates.

“Shastri’s presentation was about what he did in the last two years and the way forward for the Indian team,” Dev told reporters at a hotel overlooking the Arabian Sea. “The system was simple. After a meeting of almost six hours, all three of us had our markings.

We unanimously decided after accounting for all the numbers ... number one is Ravi Shastri.

“We didn’t discuss who

is giving whom how many marks. When we calculated it was a close race, the difference was small and we were amazed.”

Shastri’s next assignment will be the home series against South Africa, who will play three T20 internationals and three Tests starting next month.

The contracts of Shastri and his team were set to expire after the 50-overs World Cup but they were handed an extension until the ongoing tour of the West Indies, where Virat Kohli’s men still have to play two Tests.

Before departing for the tour of West Indies, Kohli openly backed Shastri to continue but the CAC said they had arrived at their decision without consulting the skipper.

“B ein g th e cu r r en t coach, knowing the boys well, the problems in the current team, he (Shastri) is well versed with the entire system,” Gaekwad said.

“For somebody who knows the system, who knows the players, can communicate well, he had the advantage.”

Former Test all-rounder Shastri was appointed head coach in 2017, succeeding former captain Anil Kumble who stepped down after falling out with Kohli

despite a successful run in charge.

Under Shastri, who also had a previous stint as India’s team director, India won a maiden Test series in Australia earlier this year and are ranked number one in the world in the format.

They reached the semi-finals of the World Cup where they were beaten by runners-up New Zealand last month.

Moody previously coached Sri Lanka and also had stints in franchise cricket with Indian Premier League (IPL) sides Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Hesson served as head coach for the Black Caps for six years.

Former West Indies opener Simmons, who was the head coach of Afghanistan till the World Cup and also coached the Caribbean side and Ireland, dropped out of yesterday’s interview process.

The BCCI had also invited applications for the positions of batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach as well as an administrative manager - with the appointments to be made soon.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

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Call in the Big Guns!

Lara, Sarwan to assist Test batsmen (CMC) – FORMER captains Brian Lara and Ramnaresh Sarwan have been tasked with helping West Indies batsmen ahead of the opening Test against India starting here next Thursday.

Both will be involved in a preparation camp which gets underway on Friday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground and will lend their experience to the 13-man squad as they gear up for the two-Test series.

“We have some good young batsman in the team who we believe will form the future of West Indies cricket,” said director of cricket, Jimmy Adams.

“We saw some very good signs of development earlier this year in the Test matches when we played so very well to beat England and we want to see them grow and become outstanding players for the West Indies.

“We have taken the step to have Brian and ‘Ronnie’ work with these players who have demonstrated a will to learn and succeed. We know they still have the passion and love for West Indies cricket and are eager to assist and share their information with the present generation.”

The legendary Lara, 50, is West Indies’ leading run-scorer in Tests with 11 953 runs from 131 matches, with 34 hundreds.

He quit international cricket following the historic ICC World Cup in the Caribbean in 2007.

Sarwan, meanwhile, gathered 5 842 runs in 87 Test matches, including 15 centuries, with a top score of 291 against England at Bridgetown.

The 39-year-old also featured in West Indies preparation camp last April in Barbados ahead of the Tri-Nations Series in Ireland.

Following the Antigua Test, West Indies will face India in the final Test starting August 30 at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

GFF/NAMILCO U-17 Football resumes today

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF)-organised, NAMILCO U-17-sponsored, Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA)-run football championship in Linden will recommence today.

The tournament will now be played using the knockout format instead of a league tournament.

After the initial round-robin format championship began a couple weeks ago, the inclement weather in Linden forced the UDFA to postpone.

Today the matches scheduled for the tournament venue, Wisburg Secondary School ground, will see Botofago oppose Coomacka at 13:00hrs and Milerock

against Hilltop United at 15;00hrs.

To m o r r o w f r o m 13.00hrs Amelia’s Ward United will take on Topp XX and at 15.00hrs Eagles United will meet Hi Stars.

With time running out for the decision of which team will represent the Upper Demerara region at the nationwide championship, UDFA

Guyanese duo to participate in 2019 Parapan American Games

GIBRON Sarfaraz and Walter Grant-Stuart will represent Guyana at the 2019 Parapan American Games in Lima, Peru under the umbrella of the National Paralympics Committee of Guyana.

Guyana’s quota is four, consisting of two para athletes and two officials.

Apart from the two athletes, chef de mission Wilton Spencer and Linden Johnson (table tennis coach) are expected to make the voyage.

Sarfaraz will compete in para table tennis athlete and Grant-Stuart in para-cycling.

Spencer, Johnson and Sarfaraz will depart today while Grant-Stuart will follow later.

Walter Grant-Stuart is one of two Guyanese athletes who will attend the 2019 Parapan American Games in Lima, Peru

The International Paralympic Committee, Guyana Olympic Associ-

ation and National Sport Commission are the entities responsible for the venture.

3rd Urban Benjamin Memorial Road Race takes place in Essequibo tomorrow FOR the third consecutive year, the Evolution Cycling Club will be staging the Urban Benjamin Memorial Road Race tomorrow on the roadways of the Essequibo Coast in Region Two. The race will begin at 09:00hrs outside of Charity Primary School. The cyclists will head to Supenaam and return to finish at the starting-point, covering a distance of 74 miles.

Last year, Team Evolution wheelsman Christopher Griffith reigned supreme over 32 other competitors in the senior

category. He won in a time of two hours 59 minutes 53 seconds.

In the Under-45 category, Warren ‘40’ McKay beat Junior Niles; while Ian Jackson took top honours over Andrew Spencer and Amit Sankar in the Over-45 category.

In the junior category, Adelie Hodge defeated Ajay Gopilall and Ralph Seenarine while Ozia McAuly defeated Quincy Punch and Julio Melville in the Mountain Bike race.

The entrance fee is $2 000 per cyclist. Those desirous of participating in the

race but need transportation to Essequibo are asked to assemble at the National Sports Commission on Homestretch Avenue before 06:00hrs today. The bus will depart promptly at o6:30hrs and a separate vehicle will carry the bikes.

All participants will be responsible for their own accommodation and meals in Essequibo.

The return ferry will depart at 16:00hrs tomorrow and it is the responsibility of each cyclist to be ready and be on the bus for the return trip at 13:00hrs.

has set matches for weekends with next weekend being for the semifinals.

According to the UDFA in a release, if any game is deadlocked at the end of

regulation time, straight penalty kicks are to be taken. (Joe Chapman)

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Guyana Cup 2019 gallops off tomorrow

THE best of the best in horse racing will leave the blocks tomorrow in chase of glory and cash prizes when the 13th edition of the Guyana Cup horse race meet gets going.

Over $20M in cash and prizes will be up for grabs at the Rising Sun Turf Club in Rising Sun Village, West Coast Berbice.

Thousands are expected at the venue which is located just 45 minutes from the capital city, Georgetown, and with nine anticipated races on the card, turfites are sure to be busy, come race day.

It is anticipated that some 80 animals from Guyana, the Caribbean Region and North America will register for the meet, which is one of the mar-

quee events for horseracing in the region,.

Some of the top animals to be on show 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.

Apart from the foreign contingent of horses, several leading jockeys from overseas are expected to participate, which will add that international flavour to the day’s event.

The top five finishers in all 10 races would receive cash incentives, with the total prize purse being increased from $15M to $20M.

Mohamed’s Enterprise/Heineken Futsal tourney … Hard Knocks, NK Ballers to clash in final tonight

US$50 000 in cash will be handed out tomorrow.

THE DETAILS OF THE RACES AND PRIZE MONEY ARE LISTED BELOW: – C Class and Lower feature race over a distance of one mile, $2M – Three-year-old Guyana-bred, $1M – G3 and Lower, $400 000 – L3 and Lower (open to non-winners from Trinidad & Tobago), $350 000 – Two-year-old Guyana-bred ove, $300 000 – J3 and Lower over seven furlongs, $300 000 – L Class for Colts, $250 000 – L Class Filly and Mare, $250 000

THE curtain will fall on the sixth Annual New Era Entertainment/Mohamed’s Enterprise Futsal tournament tonight in the ‘mining town’ of Linden when Hard Knocks match skills with NK Ballers in the final for the grand $600 000 cash prize following Thursday’s exciting semifinal round.

The opening semifinal on Thursday evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) hard court produced 37 goals with Hard Knocks outgunning home side Dave & Celina AllStars 23-14.

The match lasted 20 minutes per half and Pernell Schultz banged in nine goals for the winners while Daniel Wilson fired home an impressive eight goals. Trenton Lashley was part of the action with a hat-trick, Colin Nelson a brace and goalkeeper Sese Norville joined in the fun as well with a penalty.

Darrel George scored four goals for the losers with supporting hat-tricks each from Benjamin Opara and Kevin

Hard Knocks

NK Ballers

Phillips.

The feature match saw NK Ballers get past High Rollers 7-5. The win was spearheaded by a hat-trick from Donovan Francis while Keon Sears assisted well with a brace to his name on the score sheet.

Jashawn Moore and Omar Brewley each bagged braces in the losing effort for High Rollers.

The winning team will

pocket $600 000, second place $250 000 and teams finishing third and fourth will take home $100 000 and $50 000 respectively.

The third-place playoff that will see High Rollers and Dave & Celina’s All Stars battle each other will kick off at 20:00hrs while the final commences at 21:00hrs.

An after-party is scheduled to take place at Times Square Lounge.

Windjammer on board with GMR&SC 1320 Heat LOCAL Hotel and Restaurant Windjammer International Cuisine and Comfort Inn has joined the sponsorship team for the upcoming International Drag race meet.

Dubbed 1320 Heat, the event is set for August 25 at the South Dakota Circuit.

During a handing-over yesterday, Windjammer’s managing director Carey Griffith told the media, “We are really happy to be back on board with motorsport.”

“We’ve sponsored circuit racing and endurance racing before and while this isn’t our first drag racing venture, we believe that this event is going to be huge,” Griffith said.

The business, in the past, has housed foreign racers that have ventured here for various events under the GMR&SC including the last international drag race.

“Why are we on board with this? We just love racing especially motorcycles

and, like I said before, we feel that it is time we show a little bit more support to racing.”

name.

Giving a brief comment, executive committee member Motilall Deodass wel-

Shannon Stevenson (left) hands over Windjammer’s sponsorship to the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s Cheryl Gonsalves

He spoke of the buildup to the international Drag Racing meet billed for later this year, indicating that the company is already putting together packages for those International competitors out of Suri-

comed back Windjammer into the fold, saying, “They are undoubtedly a huge part of racing locally.”

“We have always enjoyed a great partnership with them and this time it’s no different.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 17, 2019

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Four Trinidadians set to invade 1320 Heat Jagdeo Seecharran’s Nissan Skyline

One of the two bikes that will be in action

TRINIDADIANS are set to invade Guyana for the upcoming Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) International Drag race meet, dubbed 1320 Heat.

Sheldon Bissessar in his railcar, along with the Nissan Skyline of Jagdeo Seecharran, as well as two drag bikes (one Kawasaki and Hyabusa) is also expected.

According to GMR&SC president Rameez Mohamed, the confirmation represents a huge step for motorsport locally.

“We have been working on getting another railcar back since the last time it came. Even before the last drag race meet, we felt that it was something we could pull off again and here we are making those final steps.”

“We felt that we owed it to the Guyanese people to put on

the best show possible for our international drag race event and we thought that the railcar would be the most fitting event.”

“Now that we have completed the launch pad and the full quarter, the battle will be a lot more interesting between that car and the Godzilla GTR of Team Mohamed’s Enterprise.”

Meanwhile the team confirmed that they are “looking to make amends for the last time when they were beaten by Team Mohamed’s Goliath GTR. Andy Bissessar, who drives the car, said, “With the new launch pad the railcar should have a better traction to make it down the track and run a good time. We will be up against the New GTR which is a much faster car.”

“The railcar has about 850 HP and has a best time of 7.2

IKD Caribbean Karate Cup heads to Guyana

at 118mph,” he added.

He contended, “The preparation for the entire track will determine how fast both of these cars can go down the straight in Guyana. It is really good to see drag racing growing in Guyana with much faster cars and improvements to the track.”

Admission for the event is $2 000 for adults and $1000 for children.

Sponsors include ISG, DEL CO ICE, R. Kissoon Contracting, Deryck Jaisingh Trucking Service and Machinery Rentals, Mohamed’s Enterprise, BM Soat, Prem Electrical, E-Networks, Trans-Pacific Auto Sales, Cyril’s Taxi, Blue Spring Water, Choke Gas Station, Miracle Optical, Tropical Shipping and Hand-in-Hand.

Santos gets support from Argos Cement, National Hardware Limited

Karate action returns from August 23 to 25 at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the IKD Guyana Caribbean Karate Cup

THE Guyana Karate College (GKC) will host the IKD Guyana Caribbean Karate Cup from August 23 to 25 at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

To date, over 100 overseas athletes have confirmed their attendance.

Officials from Canada and competitors from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela are confirmed to participate.

Guyana will field approximately 100 athletes, making a total of over 200 participants.

Athletes will compete in individual events like kata, which is a choreographed pattern of movements, as well as kumite or sparring.

There will also be several team events, including

kata, kumite, along with Bunkai (formal application of kata) and Enbu (practical applications of bunkai fighting techniques) events.

Participants will compete for medals and the country with the highest gold medal count will win the coveted Caribbean Cup trophy.

Speaking about the upcoming tournament, Guyanese Shuseki Shihan (World Karate Master) Frank Woon-A-Tai, 9th Dan, M.S., head of the International Karate Daigaku (IKD) organisation with 70 regions in 50 countries worldwide said, “This will be another milestone in the history of traditional karate in Guyana and the region. Several eighth and seventh Dan Masters will be attending to support fair judging, and competition will be fierce.

“However, I respectfully

appeal to all competitors and spectators to remember that the aim of the Art of Karate is not in winning or losing, but in the development of the character of all participants.

We teach discipline and the strongest karate along with moulding good citizens in Character, Sincerity, Effort, Etiquette and the Most Important Rule - Self Control.”

Admission is $500 except for overseas delegations. Considering the above, the GKC expects the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to be packed to capacity.

The action begins at 09:00hrs on Saturday, August 23, with all kata, enbu and bunkai events while on Sunday, kumite events along with bunkai and enbu demonstrations will take place.

The opening march past ceremony will also take place on Sunday.

From left, Jose Guillermo Araujo (Marketing Rep Argos), Juan Gonzales (Head of Marketing Argos), Ramesh Persaud (president of Santos FC) and Edward Boyer (CEO of National Hardware)

ARGOS Cement, in collaboration with National Hardware Limited, has renewed its sponsorship to Santos Football Club’s Elite League Team. In the cement industry, Argos is the leader in Colombia and the fourth largest in the southeast of the United States.

The sponsorship will aid in the team’s participation in the GFF Elite League Season 6.

This relationship between Santos FC and Argos Cement has been ongoing for the past 3 years. This corporate support will greatly contribute to the advancement of the goals of the club.

Santos FC qualified for the GFF Elite League in January 2019 and ended the season ranked sixth in the ten-team tournament.

Four Trinidadians set to invade 1320 Heat Page

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Andy Bissessar’s railcar is one of four Trinidadians confirmed for the international Drag race meet, dubbed 1320 Heat

Guyana Cup 2019 Lara, Sarwan gallops off tomorrow to assist Test Call in the Big Guns!

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batsmen

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FLASHBACK Vera’s Finally (in the lead) ridden by ‘Champion Jockey’ Clifton Ross who took the marquee race of Guyana Cup 2018 Brian Charles Lara Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019