Guyana Chronicle E-paper 8-28-2019

WEDNESDAY 28th August, 2019

No.105743

GET 18 New REGISTERED PAGE

–– PM urges Guyanese

–– welcomes GECOM’s decision to use data from H2H exercise

deadline for H2H registration

PAGE

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… more than 300,000 fresh names to merge with database … longer period to be set for claims and objections

‘Eco’ commences drilling 02 in Orinduik Block PAGE

PPP concedes voters list 18 contaminated … says merger of new data with PAGE

NRR will ‘further contaminate’ it

On Tuesday the third batch of the Ministry of Natural Resources – Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) Apprenticeship Programme,– travelled, by plane, to Aurora Gold Mines, one of the largest gold mines in Guyana and the world, located in the north-west Mazaruni Region. The group of 21 makes this year’s batch the largest since it began three years ago. During the AGM tour, the apprentices got a chance to view some of the largest mines in the country and much of the large machinery used during operations. They also had an opportunity to see the first underground tunnel currently being explored by AGM. The youths viewed from the entrance of the tunnel without venturing in too deep

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

‘Eco’ commences drilling in Orinduik Block

WEEKS after its partner, Tullow Guyana, discovered oil at Jethro-One well in the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana, Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Ltd. has commenced drilling of the Joe prospect in the same location.

The oil and gas company made the announcement on Tuesday, explaining that JoeOne was spud at 14:45hrs on August 25, 2019 using the Stena Forth drillship, which previously drilled the successful Jethro well. Eco and its partners on the Orinduik Block, Tullow Guyana B.V. – operator of 60 per cent of the Working Interest (“WI”), and Total E&P Guyana B.V. (25 per cent WI), estimate the well will take approximately three weeks to drill.

The Joe prospect is a Tertiary feature on the northern part of the Orinduik Block in approximately 700 metres

of water and is estimated

by Gustavson Associates to hold 148.3mmboe of gross unrisked prospective oil resources (P50), the company explained.

Joe is the second of Eco’s two-well drill programme in Guyana for this year and the company is fully funded for a further six potential explorations, appraisal or development wells on the Orinduik Block.

Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder, Colin Kinley, is satisfied with this most recent development. “We are very pleased to have spudded on Sunday our second exploration well on Orinduik.

After the discovery made on Jethro in the Lower Tertiary, which greatly de-risked that age section throughout the block, we are now moving to an upper tertiary target in the Joe prospect where we are

Stena Forth drillship targeting over 100mmboe. If a further discovery is made, it will further enhance the value of the block with this shallower play,” Kilney said.

He noted that he estimated the chance of success for Joe is the same as Jethro, although it is a completely different play. “We are confident in our 3D interpretation as we were ahead of the Jethro-One discovery. We look forward to continued success in our exploration efforts as we move forward to define the plays available to us in all the various geological ages and to develop this block,” Kilney further added.

Earlier this month, Tullow Guyana – a subsidiary of UK-based oil company Tullow Oil plc, encountered well over 100 million barrels of recoverable at Jethro-One well in the Orinduik Block, and Eco from all indication is projecting an even greater success.

Eco Atlantic has interests in Guyana and Namibia where significant oil discoveries have been made. In Guyana, Eco Guyana holds a 15 per cent working interest alongside Total and Tullow Oil in the 1,800km2 Orinduik Block in shallow to deep water.

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, has said that the discovery in the Orinduik Block adds to the further de-risking of the deep and ultra-deep

zone, noting that it offers significant potential for the diversification of Guyana’s hydrocarbon production base.

“The Department of Energy (DoE) is encouraged by the prolific rate of discovery in the CRG and will continue to work assiduously and conscientiously to extract optimum value from these resources for all the peoples of our country,” Dr. Bynoe had assured the nation.

Dr. Bynoe said the new discovery demonstrates the vastness of the country’s natural resources, and assured that all Guyanese stand to benefit significantly from the oil discoveries.

According to a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed between the Government of Guyana, Tullow Guyana B.V and Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc., the country could benefit from as much as 60 per cent in oil profit, including a one per cent royalty once the explorations are successful and the companies start pumping for oil in the Orinduik Block.

The Orinduik Block is adjacent to ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block, on which thirteen discoveries have been announced and over six billion barrels of oil equivalent recoverable resources are estimated.

First oil production is expected from the deep-water Liza Field in 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

New deadline for H2H registration … more than 300,000 fresh names to merge with database … longer period to be set for claims and objections

By Navendra Seoraj

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has shortened the houseto-house registration exercise, which will allow for a longer period of claims and will merge the over 300,000 fresh registrants with the existing National Register of Registrants (NRR) database.

Chairperson of GECOM, Retired Justice, Claudette

will be taken into consideration for further compilation of the voters’ list. “I think what is important is that the house-to-house information will not be discarded…that information will be integral to the process…the process is still unfolding and it is still a work in progress,” said Alexander in an invited comment following the meeting on Tuesday.

There were, however, contrasting views from

Government-appointed Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, speaking with members of the media following the meeting on Tuesday (Adrian Narine photo) Singh, decided to cut short the process to August 31, 2019 after hearing arguments from both government-appointed GECOM commissioners and People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-appointed commissioners during a statutory meeting on Tuesday.

In immediate reactions following the meeting, commissioners from both sides shared mixed views about the decision to merge data garnered from the houseto-house registration process with the NRR. Government-appointed GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, said data garnered so far, from the national registration exercise, is integral to the preparation for elections.

“It is a process and well the process will go on…all the information garnered

PPP-appointed commissioners who opposed the idea of merging the house-to-house data with the NRR. PPP-appointed commissioner, Sase Gunraj, said the information garnered from the national registration process is unverified data and as a consequence should not be used. He, however, left it to GECOM’s secretariat to come up with a method regarding the use of the data. “Any merging or verification of the data by using house-to-house is wrong, it will take a long time and it will contaminate the NRR… we are very unhappy about it,” said PPP-appointed commissioner, Robeson Benn.

Benn believes that the use of the house-to-house registration information is another ploy to delay the holding of elections. Despite

the contrasting views on the use of the data, GECOM in a press release stated that data garnered from the registration exercise “must” be merged with the existing NRR. According to GECOM, the data will be merged because the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire had ruled that the house-tohouse registration exercise, which commenced on July 20, 2019, is not unlawful

to conclude on August 31, 2019. Approximately 297,126 persons have been registered to date in the house-to-house registration exercise.

EXTENSIVE CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS Meanwhile, GECOM said it has an obligation to produce a credible OLE in the first instance and ultimately credible elections within the shortest possible

PPP-appointed GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj (Adrian Narine photo) and is constitutional.

In the August 14 High Court judgment, the acting chief justice ruled that the ongoing house-to-house registration, being undertaken

by GECOM, is within the confines of the Constitution, and is therefore legal.

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 both the government and GECOM. The countrywide house-to-house exercise was conducted in keeping with a decision of the commission on February 19, 2019 and in accordance with Order No. 25 of 2019 dated June 11, 2019.

The exercise was scheduled to end on October 20, but, according to GECOM, Order 25 of 2019 published in the Official Gazette should be amended for the exercise

time.

In that regard, the commission will move to an extensive Claims and Objections Exercise (C&O) before extracting the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

“The commission will continue to further deliberate on other matters of importance for the holding of General and Regional Elections within the shortest possible time and the secretariat will continue to implement a number of operations activities, in particular, training of polling-day staff and procurement of non-sensitive materials,” said GECOM. When asked about his thoughts on the C&O, Alexander said: “it obviously is not the perfect method that we have been working towards and it is also not the abandonment that others have been working towards.”

On previous occasions, Alexander had argued

strongly that one of the ideal ways of cleaning the OLE was through house-to-house registration. House-to-house registration was established as a new registration exercise and all eligible persons were asked to register even if they were previously registered. It was reported that upon conclusion of the exercise, a new National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB), which is reflective of the current Guyanese population, will be created.

Subsequently, the OLE will be extracted for the purpose of conducting General and Regional Elections.

Although the house-tohouse process was validated by the acting chief justice, she had ruled that it would be unlawful or unconstitutional to remove the names of persons who are already on the List of Registrants and who were not, or have not been, or are not registered in the current exercise with a consequence of non-inclusion on the list of electors.

Justice George-Wiltshire had explained that persons could only be removed from the list if they are deceased or disqualified pursuant to Article 159. In that judgment, she also ruled that residency, in the case of Guyanese, was not a requirement under the laws.

CJ ERRED

GECOM Commissioner, Retired Justice Claudette Singh Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, however, argued that the acting chief justice erred when she ruled that it would be unconstitutional to remove persons from the National Register of Registrants if they fail to register during this cycle of house-tohouse registration.

He laid out 16 grounds as he appealed, in part, the judgment on house-to-house registration. A date for that case has not been set.

The issue of holding elections and a number of legal challenges in the local courts and at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) were triggered by the passage of a no-confidence motion against the government which was tabled by the Parliamentary Opposition and passed in the National Assembly, on December 21, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Cathay Pacific warns of ‘zero tolerance’ supports the upholding of the Basic Law and all the rights and freedoms afforded by it,” the statement said.

The protests in the Asian financial hub have also posed the biggest challenge for Communist Party rulers in Beijing since President Xi Jinping took power in 2012.

Authorities in Beijing have sent a clear warning that forceful intervention is possible to subdue the violence.

Unrest escalated in midJune over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial in Communist Party-controlled courts.

It has since evolved into calls for greater democracy under the “one country, two

– for protests outside its premises HONG KONG (Reuters) Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific Airways warned against what it described as an illegal protest planned

outside its facilities on Wednesday and that it had zero tolerance for “violent activities” and any staff who took part.

Cathay has been caught in the crosswinds between authorities in Beijing and anti-government protesters who have staged sometimes violent demonstrations since June that have grown to pose the city’s biggest challenge since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

The carrier said in a statement late on Tuesday police had banned a planned protest around its Cathay City headquarters on Lantau island, next to Hong Kong’s international airport, on Wednesday evening, making it illegal.

“Cathay Pacific wishes to emphasize that it fully

Wed., August 28, 2019

systems” formula enshrined in the Basic Law under which Hong Kong has been administered since the return from British to Chinese rule.

Cathay became the biggest corporate casualty of the protests after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who support, the demonstrations. Wednesday’s planned rally, aimed at protesting against recent staff dismissals, has since been moved to the central financial district by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, which cited safety concerns if it was held outside Cathay City.

Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s embattled leader, has not ruled out the possibility her administration could invoke emergency powers to quell the protests. She said in a news briefing on Tuesday that violence was becoming more serious but was confident the government could handle the crisis itself.

Imposing the Emergency Regulations Ordinance

would give Lam wide-ranging powers - from changing laws, authorizing arrests, detentions and deportations, to censoring the media - according to legislation on the government’s website.

Hong Kong billionaire Michael Kadoorie, the chairman of power company CLP Holdings and Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited, urged a peaceful resolution to the crisis in a full-page newspaper advertisement published in the South China Morning Post newspaper on Wednesday.

Kadoorie quoted his late father as saying that Hong Kong was always going to develop as a neutral point of contact between two different ideologies and two different systems of government and said the city could not leave its young people in despair.

“It is the responsibility of all of us to rebuild trust in the community and create hope for the younger generation,” Kadoorie said.

03:00hrs. - 04:30hrs.

14:30hrs. - 16:00hrs.

Saturday 24, August 2019

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03, 05, 06, 12, 25

3, 2, 6

4, 0, 8

01, 08, 11, 13, 14

23, August, 2019

01 03 10 14 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

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Dominica sends home workers as – Barbados survives, ‘Dorian’ approaches virtually unscathed ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Dominica has taken a “precautionary” action and sent its public sector workers home “immediately’ as the island prepares for the passage of Tropical Storm Dorian later on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in a broadcast said “while we do not believe that there is any major threat or any threat to the country…for us the safety of our citizens is always paramount.”

Dominica was hit by Hurricane Maria in 2017, resulting in the deaths of more than 30 people and millions of dollars (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) in damages to its infrastructure.

Skerrit said that he was calling also on the private sector to follow the lead of the government and send home their workers “because we do not want a situation where any persons or groups of individuals are unable to make it home because of rivers overflowing their banks, or possibly landslides”.

“So this is just a precautionary action which the Cabinet has taken. So we urge people to drive home safely, and to be very cautious as you travel along the roadways, taking into consideration the possibilities of fallen rocks, mud slides and also swollen rivers.”

He said he wanted citizens to continue monitoring the official channels of information on the storm “and I pray that the God Lord will guide us through this afternoon and this evening.”

He reiterated that the government is aware of the vulnerabilities “of some parts of the country and we felt it necessary to take this precautionary decision.”

The Miami-based National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said that heavy rains and gusty winds were still affecting the northern Windward Islands and Southern Leeward Islands.

But in its latest bulletin, the NHC said that Dorian was now 60 miles westnorth-west of St. Lucia, with maximum winds of 50 miles per hour.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Puerto Rico and

the Dominican Republic, from Isla Saona to Samana, while a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Martinique, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to Samana.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Dominica, Saba and St. Eustatius.

The NHC said that Dorian is moving towards the west-north-west near 13mph, and this motion is expected to continue through Tuesday night, followed by a turn towards the northwest on Wednesday.

“On the forecast track, the centre of Dorian will move across the eastern and northeastern Caribbean Sea during the next few days, passing near or south of Puerto Rico on Wednesday, move near or over eastern Hispaniola Wednesday night, and move north of Hispaniola on Thursday.

“On Thursday night and Friday, the center of Dorian is forecast to move near the Turks and Caicos and southeastern Bahamas,” the NHC said, adding that slow strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.

“Dorian is forecast to be near hurricane strength when it moves close to Puerto Rico and eastern Hispaniola,” it added.

Meanwhile, in Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Tuesday gave the all-clear for the re-opening of the island as a slightly weakened Dorian made its way through the Lesser Antilles on Monday night.

“I would like to say how blessed we are, but I would like us, as we give thanks, to also hope that our brothers and sisters in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia, who are currently now experiencing the conditions of this tropical storm, are kept safe; that there be minimal damage as with the case with Barbados,” Mottley told a news conference, flanked by her Cabinet ministers and members of the security forces and other emergency officials.

She told Barbadians that they should recognise “there will be other countries in the region that may be affected by this storm.

“What I will say to Barbadians, and I said it on

Sunday, that this is early in the (Hurricane) season, and we have to be conscious that we are not yet at November 30, which is the end of Hurricane Season.

Indeed, we still have three full months to go,” she said, adding: “If ever there was a dryrun in preparing ourselves, this could effectively be considered the dry-run, as some may even say by the absence of the volume of rain we had. But in addition to that, it allowed us to mobilise and to focus on some areas, and I am satisfied that that initial work done on Sunday made a significant difference to our state of readiness.”

Acting Tourism Minister Kirk Humphrey said that the island’s lone international airport, The Grantley Adamas International Airport, would re-open at 7.00 (am) local time), and that there were no immediate reports of any damage to the tourism infrastructure.

Barbados relies heavily on the sector for its foreign exchange and revenue.

Mottley said that while Barbados was grateful for the storm information from various official quarters, the island should now consider significantly improving its ability to get its own information.

“In a very real sense, we need to improve how we plan for these events, from the point of view that we wait now for the National Hurricane Centre to be able to send a hurricane plane, hunter, into the system.

“The ones that went into this system went for research purposes of their own, and therefore the data that we expect to come was not there. We are satisfied that we reached the point where we have to take responsibility for our own affairs.

“In a very real sense, this is our new normal in a world of climate change; this is something that we are going to have to get accustomed to, because the intensity of storms and the regularity of storms and hurricanes will significantly be increased, and therefore we have to be able to get more accurate data.

“If you notice, by the

time the hurricane is coming close to the United States, they can give you all kinds of data… We are not a developed country in that sense,

but we believe working with our partner countries in the region, especially in the eastern and southern Caribbean, we are going to need to find ways of

being able to commission for our own selves,” she said, adding that it was important for the region to be able to have such information.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Working together ANY casual observer looking in on Guyana may be inclined to think that the intolerance its citizens harbour towards each other, more particularly among some within the leadership of society across the spectrum, is born of an irreversible and deep-seated hatred.

Yet, this could not be further from the truth; and dare it be said that in spite of historical conflicts, the evolution of this society, more particularly in the 20th Century, has seen development influenced in significant measure by our diversity.

Our history shows diverse groups: Race, class, rural/ urban/hinterland, religion,

descendants of the enslaver, enslaved and indentured, all coming together as a common force to achieve our independence. A major benefit of diversity is that each group has its own unique characteristics, accompanied by perspective and strengths, which, when combined, can make the strong stronger and offset weaknesses. Those were the characteristics that held this society together in the years of resistance to the yoke of colonial bondage.

Unfortunately, it has become a fad of late to point fingers at the other for the state of affairs the country is in, or decline to accept the thoughts or input of another because it

did not originate from you or your group, which deprives society of the benefit of diverse inputs. None has the monopoly on knowledge, and to believe otherwise is synonymous with having one’s head in the proverbial, cloud and losing sight of the big picture. Had the zero-sum approach taken to ‘the other’ in dealing with the nation’s affairs not been so debilitating to the people, this attitude would have been laughable.

In other societies, where leaders, including those running for office and elected, tout the ability or commitment to work across the aisle as testimony to embracing diversity and being inclusive, it is to

this society’s benefit should we work to make this a part of our lexicon and action.

The people continue to hold out hope that, should their leaders work together, irrespective of differences, it would improve security and standards of living across the board. A feature that distinguishes Guyanese is that almost all are descendants of groups that were marginalised and discriminated against. It would be reasonable to assume that coming from shared common experiences of subjugation, notwithstanding the degree of severity inflicted on different groups, such is enough for us to be respectful of the other

and tap into the resources, talents and skills of all.

Contrary to the held view that working with others, including rival or opponent, constitutes weakness, it requires strength of character to acknowledge one does not know it all and cannot do it all, and diversity aids in reaching or accessing a wider pool of thought, talents and skills.

Where diversity is encouraged and seen as an important element in the country’s mosaic, it not only creates a sense of belonging, but stability and desire to want to give of one’s best, given vested input and interest. Looking around in society, the signs for inclusion and respect for one’s unique history and ability are clear. That the wealth of this country not only lies within its bosom but in all the people who

are equal stakeholders, all deserve to play their part.

Though tempting it may be to settle past scores, perceived or real, or wanting to see the other fail, this zero-sum or intolerant approach to our fellow Man is more reminiscent of the era when we were not free.

Our collective well-being is intertwined, not separate.

We are six peoples; some will say more. Our diverse historical experiences, cultures, identities, talents, skills and interest are meant to blossom like a garden, where each plant, though different, lends to nature’s beauty, serves its unique purpose, and plays a role in protecting the ecosystem.

The human species is no different. Guyanese must therefore seek to protect, deepen and strengthen our diversity, which is vital to our development.

Certainly not his kind of ‘righteousness’ Dear Editor, I REFER to “Juan Edghill blasts “compromised’’ civil society and religious groups for silence on early elections” – News Source, August 22, 2019.

Since Edghill has mentioned civil society as his target for criticism, one wonders which civil society he means. Because of this, a distinction must be made.

To the point: Civil society, in its original form, is known to be an independent body of organisations that are representative of both civic and social bodies on various social interests. In other words, their role is to offer constructive views on aspects of national life, often working with government for a betterment of society.

But in Guyana, it is quite different; for the civil society that we have always read about is mostly PPP/C-affil-

iated, vested interests, and trenchantly anti-government.

In fact, this group has been unashamedly part of the PPP/C–led movement that supported the treacherous NCM. This can be deduced from its many public statements/actions which stand as testimony. If there is a genuine civil society, as there should be, it is a very small collective that would have become sidelined by the imposters who boarded the anti-government train since 2015, but who have been part and parcel of the unfair and divisive politics of this country, beginning just after 1992.

I believe it is the former to which this supposed man of the cloth – is he still? may be referring, as “compromised’’.

But this brings one to Edghill’s wild talk about this ‘civil society’ being “compromised” because of

“receiving national awards”, which have caused them not to be able to say “wrong is wrong” and “right is right’’, while they “hide behind their curtains and peep out”. Has he ever confronted his party about their wrongdoings?

First of all, Edghill must know that it is a policy of this government to recognise and honour those citizens who have made sterling contributions to Guyana’s development, and that such is being done without any hint of patronage, party loyalty/support, or asking anything from them in return, except that they continue to serve their country in the same manner that would have caused them to be honoured. Period.

Edghill, as a senior PPP/C spokesperson should tell the nation why, for over a decade, the then PPP/C government abandoned this constitutionally prescribed order, only re-instituting this

dispensation when Bharrat Jagdeo was about to demit office. One recalls the over 100 recipients in 2011; an interesting ‘put-together’, most of whom were not convincing as to their merit.

Secondly, and as a reminder to Edghill, this government supports freedom of expression, even from those who have been grossly unfair and disrespectful to its administration. In fact, even those persons who support the latter are open in their criticisms, even published in the state-owned media.

And one can point to a wellknown private sector consultant, a recent recipient of a national award, who recently was in the news.

But, here again, Edghill must be reminded as to the clamup, and fear among PPP/C supporters who dare not attempt to publicly castigate or question their party leaders openly. They are the ones

who are known to be fearful to make any public criticism against their party lest they suffer community victimisation/party vindictive retaliation. Thus, for Edghill’s information, of which he is very much aware, they are the ones who have “to hide behind their curtains and peep out”; they are the ones forced to accept the dictatorial decisions of their party, without dare.

Thirdly, for this man, a supposed disciple of God, who has been aligned with a political party that has committed so many atrocities against this nation, boldly carrying its banner through the years; openly delivering lies and misinformation on its behalf in the public domain, and even acclaiming that if ‘’God had come down, he would support the PPP/C government”, is now calling upon devotees and worshippers to emerge from “our

temples”, “our mosques and our mandirs”, accusing them of offering “whispers”. What is most laughable is his claim to be ‘speaking as a man of God’, with the aim that “righteousness must come back to this nation”.

But why only now is Edghill speaking of the “return of righteousness” to this country? One will agree that although such a spiritual quality is needed each and every day in the daily life of every country, one must inquire why he, as God’s high priest, did not see fit to seek such vital input, for all of the twenty-three years of PPP/C rule of Guyana?

Surely, Edghill continues to treat his God in a convenient manner which, he should know, has very serious consequences for those guilty of such deliberate spiritual infraction.

TURN TO PAGE 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Op-Ed

By Margaret Burke THE APNU-AFC coalition came to office four years ago as a government. This was a major general election, even as they took office as the APNU+AFC coalition for the first time. Even prior to being in office, this government held high on their agenda the security of the nation’s people; security against criminal activities internally, as well as security against criminal activities from external forces, primarily at the borders.

However, crime is an issue that cuts across all races. Generally, people want to be able to walk the streets freely and safely; have their children go to and from school without having to worry, and live in communities that are free from unusual activities that make them feel threatened.

The fact is that safe communities create safe countries, which would in turn serve to fashion the kind of atmosphere that stimulates people, especially young people to want to learn and achieve. Subsequently, acquiring real and meaningful jobs– entrepreneurship, also other forms of employment. In such spaces, businesses have the confidence to invest, and by and large people feel more comfortable to spend.

Retooling the Guyana Police Force since taking office, the ‘Coalition’ government has made great progress in tackling corruption and law-breaking. One of the major factors was the reforming of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the entire security sector to ensure safer communities. The country is finally moving in the right direction.

Violent crimes have dropped by 30-plus per cent, including murder, armed robbery and rape. Under this government, the GPF has been given the resources and tools to tackle crime and make the streets safer. In addition, advisers from foreign police forces assisted in updating and modernising police training courses.

At the same time $1.7 billion was spent on the construction, refurbishment and renovation of 12 police stations across the country. This will ensure that there are improved services to citizens and increase crime prevention capabilities. A total of 28 others have been identified for further upgrade work. The Emergency Response System was rehabilitated and expanded to an additional 52 stations. Also, the new emergency 911 call system has enhanced the Force’s timely response to crimes, particularly domestic violence and public disorder.

CRIME RATE DROPPED The Community Police Group (CPG) has now grown to a total membership of 4,255 active members. This is from a total of 210 groups across Regions Two and 10. Training was undertaken in conjunction with other ministries such as the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ministry of Social Services and Guyana Police Force. The training focused on areas of anger management and conflict resolution, trafficking in persons, suicide prevention, gathering evidence, lodging of exhibits and giving evidence.

The introduction of the special taskforces and other initiatives has also helped to reduce serious crime from 3,688 incidents in 2014 to 2,681 incidents in 2018 – a fall of 27.3 per cent. This included a 25 per cent drop in: murders from 149 to 111; a three

7

The security

accomplishments were good

per cent reported rapes from 252 rapes to 244; and a 16 per cent drop in burglary from 212 to 177. Breaking and entering saw a 37 per cent drop from 1472 to 926. But while this was happening there was also a successful Gun Amnesty Programme undertaken.

The National Anti-Narcotics Authority (NANA) was established and charged with managing the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit.

In 2017 alone, over 672 kg of cocaine, 65,000 kg of cannabis and 1.6 kg of heroin have been seized as part of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan. By 2018, a further 171 kg of cocaine, 543 kg of cannabis, 532 g of ecstasy and 304g of heroin was also seized.

CANU received more resources to tackle narcotics crime, including the expansion of facilities, new equipment and vehicles, allowing new units to be established at locations in Berbice and Essequibo, with others set to open at Lethem and Parika later this year.

TRAINING AND RECOGNITION Guyana participated in the International Cocaine Route Programme (CRP) to help curb drug trafficking. The joint effort included collaboration with countries in West Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Further, the US Government facilitated around 100 training activities for the GPF, CANU and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on gang prevention and intervention, dealing with prison riots, and also provided a course on intelligence gathering and democracy.

Interpol and UK Government gave guidance on tackling migrant smuggling and human trafficking. While advanced training for the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) investigators was undertaken to increase the fight against financial crimes. UK and US foreign consultants were used to ensure SOCU were trained to a high standard.

Under APNU+AFC, Guyana has received international recognition for its work to combat trafficking in people. The country has been elevated to Tier 1 country status, the highest compliance ranking, by the US State Department, after being been placed in the Tier 2 ‘watch list’ under the previous government.

Additionally, the APNU+AFC’s rapid progress on countering corruption has been recognised internationally, with Guyana highlighted as one of the four biggest improvers on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Guyana has seen a 27.5 per cent improvement in its ranking from this respected organisation, rising from 29 to 37 since 2015.

GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS Residents across seven constituencies in East Berbice-Corentyne are no longer afraid to venture out at night, thanks to new street lights. Added to that, as part of a US$17.8M ($3.7B) grant from Japan, 7,000 LED street lamps have been installed along major roads and highways and a further 2,000 in communities across Guyana to ensure better lit roads for better safety and security.

The State Asset Recovery Act was passed, in keeping with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), despite obstruction from the Opposition. Ad-

ditionally, there was the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission to monitor and review all the government’s sourcing of goods, services and execution of works done in a transparent, cost-competitive and fair manner.

The government also passed the Protected Disclosures (Whistleblower) Bill to combat corruption by encouraging and facilitating disclosures of improper conduct in the public and private sectors. An amended and strengthened Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, significantly enhancing the legislative framework for combatting corruption was also passed.

After more than a decade of inactivity under the previous government the APNU+AFC appointed the Integrity Commission, which has begun work promoting accountability and good governance. The US Embassy has also trained members of the Guyana’s independent Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to help tackle financial crime.

APNU+AFC’s rapid

progress on countering corruption has been recognised internationally, with Guyana highlighted as one of the four biggest improvers on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

Guyana has seen a 27.5 per cent improvement in its ranking from this respected organisation, rising from 29 to 37 since 2015. These are all significant progress made over the past four years and with added time much more will be done.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

PPP’s motive for rushed elections is highly questionable Dear Editor, JADGEO has a proclivity to do and say things that are many times outrageous, meritless and very questionable.

It is of utmost importance to mention as many times as possible, to remind the citizenry that “Jagdeo’s cabal” cannot be trusted with political power ever in this country again. Their untrustworthy conduct as leaders cannot be matched or compared to any organisation in Guyana since gaining independence as a country.

This cabal was known to be associated with the most notorious figure my generation and this country has ever seen. In our local vernacular, most young people would say, “the character did it like he was doing it for TV”, and it is the PPP directors who facilitated those scenes. And now they are trying relentlessly to disassociate themselves from the man; the man who they knew was wanted in the United States, and was allowed to do a lot of work for the cabal. He also helped many of their cronies and close associates; they even awarded huge plots of Government land in Farm to this known associate who they are now trying desperately to distance themselves from,

to build an entire housing scheme, while more than 25000 applicants were waiting on house lots.

This is one example that tells you that the State was run by the Mafia cabal and not by decent, caring and trustworthy politicians. “Jaggie’s legacy” will forever be tainted with the blood of 400 men who were allegedly slaughtered by a ‘Phantom Gang’, and criminal elements who were associated with the then Police Force headed by a known character, who placed a full-page advertisement in the newspaper in 2006, which stated that he “helped the PPP government to fight crime” under the evil and wicked ‘cabal’ administration. Wouldn’t you agree that only a friend would do what they thought was best to help a friend with a situation they are in?

“Jaggie”, who is not the Presidential Candidate of Jagdeo’s PPP has bewitched and dangled the supporters of this now toothless failed relic of a PPP like a stringed collection of puppets and “yes men”, including the “jaganites” who don’t possess the testicular fortitude to challenge his many irrational and pathological thoughts and actions. He has unequivocally taken once again a “chase-them-out” stance on

the GECOM enumerators.

He has reiterated this call to his supporters, who sadly, like blind sheep going to be slaughtered, foregoing their constitutional rights to be registered to be added to the voters list, and in documented cases chased away enumerators and in some cases even let their dogs out on them.

We must ask ourselves, why is the Opposition Leader, whose political party credits itself as the party which brought back democracy to Guyana, which is a lie, is so fearful, to the point that he is against credible registration for credible elections? Is it because most of their supporters, whose names are on this “expired list”, now live in Queens New York, Canada and other countries around the world? It is because they know they will lose with a much greater margin with a clean list; a list they will not get to manipulate? Are they afraid a new list will also provide new identification cards, which will prohibit them from using those they allegedly have in extremely large quantities?

Mr. Malcolm Harripaul, who was deeply associated with the PPP, has identified several alarming irregularities regarding the voting and

election processes of 2011 and 2015, and therefore we must give GECOM an opportunity to correct these issues. The purchasing of voter ID cards; polling places located at the homes of PPP supporters; a PPP-controlled GECOM; PPP phantom voting and ballot box tampering are just a few of the grave irregularities that Harripaul highlighted about the 2011 and 2015 elections. Might these answer some of the questions as to why Jagdeo wants us to use a voters list that is expired, and to have elections without proper preparation?

All right-thinking Guyanese must embrace and understand the registration process is the best guarantee of credible elections.

All right-thinking Guyanese must reject Jagdeo’s call to lawlessness, and the use of an expired voters list, even though the courts have ruled and made their positions very pellucid.

His motives for having elections in the shortest possible time should also be examined. Roger Khan’s release from prison is a scary fact for Jagdeo and his cronies. Jagdeo knows that Roger Khan will give evidence in the probe of many unknown murders, including the over 400 slaughtered men that

were killed extra-judicial style. I dare to say that Roger Khan, who made a plea bargain in the US to take off 25 years from a possible 40year sentence will do what is best for him in Guyana.

I refer to letter in the Kaieteur News of December 30, 2018: “Between the period of 2002 and 2006, 784 Guyanese were murdered, an average of 157 murders per year… How can we forget this period of absolute State-sponsored lawlessness, terrorism and extra-judicial killings that took place under the PPP? I have concluded that the PPP is a Mafia parading as a Political party,” Joseph Singh (Ph.DBA).

ExxonMobil has made 13 oil finds thus far, and on Monday, August 12, UKbased Tullow Oil announced it had made “a significant and high-value oil discovery” off the coast of Guyana.

This country is on the verge of tremendous prosperity, which is projected to be similar to that of the United Arab Emirates, whose GDP in 2018 was US$414B, and other Middle Eastern oil giants. This is a level of prosperity like we have never seen before. To quote Rystad Energy exploration analyst, Palzor Shenga, “After dominating the list of major offshore discoveries in 2018, Guyana has extended its winning streak. With multiple prospects identified, Tullow and its partners could easily be sitting on a

multi-billion-barrel block.”

(Oilnow.gy).

Jagdeo is desperate, and with every new oil find, his craving for power and his desperation intensifies. Jagdeo’s tricks and tactics are not new; many of the petty crimes where poor people in poor neighbourhoods are being robbed by young men with high-powered weapons make no sense to independent thinkers. These crimes are similar to the burning of canefields that was done in the 70s and 80s.

He attacks the agencies that are investigating him; he race-baits, and it is a downright racist tactic and should be rebuked by all our citizens. Guyanese, and especially our youths, we couldn’t trust Jagdeo when the country’s economy was a mere pittance and was struggling, while he and his cronies ate steaks and lived like high-rollers, untouchables, how can we now trust him with billions of United States Dollars of our money? He attempts to dominate the media, and continues to diminish his choice by hogging all the attention in the public domain. He himself doesn’t have confidence in his own choice for president, so he keeps him behind the media scene. So why should you?

Regards, Jermaine Figueira Member of Parliament Region Ten.

Nicolette Henry demonstrates good leadership at MoE Dear Editor,

taken some amount of ‘stick’ in some sections of society PLEASE allow me some for things that are pointless space to register my views rehashing in light of this naon the recently-announced tion’s riding on a high after results of the CSEC and the CSEC and CAPE results.

CAPE 2019 examinations.

Editor, love her or hate Not only has Guyana reg- her, Nicolette Henry, from istered the highest overall the inception of taking up the pass rate (73 %)in the region, reins at that Ministry after Dr. but locally as well, the results Rupert Roopnaraine left, set have broken new frontiers. about transforming the eduBut Editor, these results cation sector. And she said it were not brought about by will pay off in the long-term chance, or as we will say in and that her government our local parlance, a ‘fluke’, wanted to lessen the disparbut by what I believe is good ity in education between the leadership by the Education coast and the hinterland.

Minister, Nicolette Henry.

There is clear evidence, This is the same lady that has Editor, that what the MoE

is doing is bringing to bear notable fruit. Not that it is a bad thing, but on many occasions, you have the top CSEC performer coming from Georgetown. This year it’s Riana Toney from Region Two. This, to me, shows that emphasis on education is on the same level nationally.

Editor, more evidence of this is brought to bear with St. Ignatius Secondary School student in Region Nine, Amisha Ramdin was placed among the country’s top performers.

If my memory serves me correctly, this has never happened, or it is now happening after a long hiatus, a student

from a hinterland school placing among the nation’s top students.

Editor, I recall one of the first decisions of her tenure Henry took was to establish teacher training centres in all the regions. She felt that, in time, with more trained teachers in the classroom, better results will be had, and the educational outcomes will justify this. And I believe the CSEC and the CAPE results demonstrate this, and we cannot forget CAPE results overall is recorded at 93 per cent.

In addition, Editor, it cannot be by chance that Guyana

has performed better than many Caribbean countries at this years’ CSEC examination in more than ten subject areas.

Editor, the Education Sector has a far way to go in order to be aligned with what obtains globally. However, on the current path, and with the current leadership at the MoE, I believe President Granger should retain Henry at this ministry, as it is clear she likes it there.

Finally Editor, in spite of the investment made in the Education Sector, much more resources have to be expended to really revolutio-

nise it; greater emphasis has to be placed on ICT as a tool to drive the development and modernisation of this sector.

It has to be done; we are living in a transformative time, and the only thing constant is change. And as a country, it is imperative that we embrace this change for the greater good.

Congratulations to the teachers; those hard-working children; the officials at the Ministry of Education, and Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry.

Regards, Elizabeth Williams

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

9

Straight PPP playing ‘lagoo bagoo politics’ with Irfaan Ali Up with

Mark Benschop

IT IS approaching 03:30am, Tuesday, Aug 27, – the day after the PPP’s Presidential Candidate and former Minister of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali returned to court to face 19 serious criminal charges.

As I begin to write this article, I am almost certain that the late President of Guyana, General Secretary and co-Founder/Leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan, is rolling with pain and heartburn in his grave to see what his party has deteriorated to.

Despite his lack of political vision for Guyana, allegations of condoning canefields being burnt, various forms of political sabotages in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, coupled with his misguided belief that Communism was the correct political recipe for the only English-speaking country in South America, the Dear Comrade Leader of the PPP was not known to be corrupt; nor did he use his position as President to amass any form of wealth from taxpayers.

In fact, having met him for the first time in 1992, during the elections campaign (when I was a young reporter at the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), I was indeed convinced that the well-loved political giant had lost most of his sharp claws, and appeared com-

fortable to just prove a point that he could rule the country before being called up yonder. No, he didn’t convince me that he was quite prepared to lead the country, since he appeared to have no attractive policies that resonated with most young people, other than the usual political soundbites, and talking about the “28 years of PNC rule” and “the Burnham dictatorship Constitution”.

Interestingly, it is the very “Burnham dictatorship Constitution” he enjoyed up until his death at the Walter Reid Medical Center in the United States of America.

One thing for certain, and that is, even with his political shortcomings, President Jagan was quite a downto-earth person. And, from 1992 up until his death, I can safely say that we shared a very warm and professional relationship, even though he knew that I didn’t subscribe to his brand of politics. In the very near future, I do promise to return to the subject of Dr. Jagan and his brand of politics, including my many radio and newspaper interviews with him, as he struggled to respond to questions such as the death of Monica Reece, his government’s plans for the Guyana Electricity Corporation (now GPL), the unjustified removal of workers from GBC, and political witch-hunting of PNC civil servants, and the removal

of all diplomats, except Dr. Rudy Insanally and Sir Shridat Ramphal, for obvious reasons.

WANTED TO PROVE HIMSELF Yes, even with his shortcomings, and being ill-advised on numerous subjects, I do believe that President Jagan wanted to prove himself as a strong leader for Guyana.

However, this was cut short after he fell ill at State House, and died shortly after, leaving the PPP government in total chaos. Within hours, the party shattered from the lack of leadership from then to now.

Thus, the story goes, Jagan died; and so did the PPP. This is the exact sentiment I whispered at his graveside when some friends and I were on the Corentyne and decided to stop by Babu Jaan, out of curiosity, to see what his tomb looked like. And I seized the opportunity to finally say farewell, and thank him for his years of service to Guyana. And I sincerely meant it, from the bottom of my heart. And now, I wish to explain why the PPP has been reduced to playing ‘Lagoo Bagoo politics’ (the term is defined as no good, wishy-washy, etc.), as has become even more evident with the selection of Mr. Irfaan Ali as the Party’s Presidential Candidate. Surely, it is widely known that Irfaan is the worse of the bunch.

Nevertheless, his handler set the card just like an expert three-card trickster, in order to ensure that the result is exactly what it was meant to produce, which is, according to the public’s perception, a puppet. Let us not be fooled.

Irfaan does not have the support of most members of his party, including many within the higher echelons. And by extension, his support from young people and non-PPP supporters is far from reaching double digits. In other words, Mr. Ali is considered, in colloquial terms, ‘damaged goods’, in the eyes of majority of Guyanese. Guyanese people’s utter dislike of Irfaan has very little to do with his arrogance and pomposity during his years as a minister of the government. However, the main reasons for viewing him as the weakest candidate ever in the history of the PPP (followed by Donald Ramotar) is that he is being judged for his inability to connect to a wide cross-section of the populace; his very low vocal cords; extremely low IQ level; lack of understanding of the issues; Canada’s refusal to allow him into the country; 19 criminal charges, and his refusal to set the record straight on his ‘college degrees’ by simply revealing his transcripts.

A BIG BLUFF In other words, the man/ woman in the street sees him

as a bluff. With regards to the issue of his being ‘blocked’ from entering Canada, even though he has had a valid visa in the past, is sufficient reason to question his candidacy. Why? It’s very simple: Anyone would conclude that the Canadians didn’t block him from entering the country as a result of his facing 19 criminal charges. After all, in the court of law, he or anyone else is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, what is so unique about this embarrassing situation with him and the Canadians, is that Irfaan has thus far refused to inform the public as to the real reason why, when he turned up at the airport, he was not allowed to pass through immigration, by virtue of being blacklisted from entering the country. Yes, this is not something that should be taken lightly; especially, from someone who is seeking to become President of Guyana. The other issue has to do with his refusal to prove that his university degrees are legitimate, and to release his transcripts.

Surely, this should not be so difficult for anyone who has nothing to hide. And, under these circumstances, Mr. Ali has demonstrated a lack of credibility, trustworthiness and immediate disqualification on the grounds of zig zagging on this important issue.

Finally, let’s turn our

attention to his 19 criminal charges. These charges are not traffic offences; they are very serious, and if found guilty, he would eventually be sent to prison for many years. The criminal charges stem from allegations of a $174M illegal Pradoville land sale, which his lawyer has made several unsuccessful attempts, through the High Court, followed by the Appeals Court, to have the case stayed. But, due possibly to strong evidence on the matter, Mr. Ali has been ordered to face the music in front of the Hon. Chief Magistrate. And despite the legal gymnastics of his lawyers, justice will eventually prevail. Again, that’s yet another reason why Guyanese should not take any chances on voting for someone like Irfaan, who could possibly be declared constitutionally unfit to run for President of Guyana, if he’s found guilty.

But, the verdict of John/ Jane Public is already out in that regard, as Guyanese are reluctant to allow someone such as Mr. Ali to wiggle his way into the Presidency. In fact, the masses has rejected his candidacy, and the PPP’s ‘Lagoo Bagoo’ style of politics. In my next article, I will address the issue of Charrandass and why his questionable no-confidence vote does not qualify him to be anything close to a hero.

I was properly appointed Certainly not his...

Dear Editor,

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force in September of 2007, after serving the Force for over 27 n years, and A LETTER written by one Gordon Daniels and pub- discharged my duties in accordance with the Defence Act lished on August 25, 2019 by the Guyana Chronicle without fair or favour, affection or ill will, for a period of under the caption “It was Jagdeo who damaged and six years.I was the third Chief of Staff to be appointed demoralised the GDF”, stated, inter alia, “Mr Jagdeo by the then Commander in Chief. The appointment ought not to forget that Gary Best and Mark Phillips of a Chief of Staff is done by the Commander in Chief colluded with him to have those four colonels removed in consultation with the Defence Board. In the cirfrom the (sic) Force”. cumstances of the reputational harm already done, it I consider this a vile and spurious attack on my char- is only fitting and professional for the Guyana Chronacter, since the statement is totally false. I was appointed icle to retract the letter and offer an apology, since I believe that the action by the Chronicle represents EDITOR’S NOTE: The Guyana Chronicle regrets an oversight on the part of those responsible for the editing. referencing Mr. Best’s name in the letter without

verifying the facts. For that we sincerely apologise to him for any damage the letter might have caused.

Regards, Gary A R Best Rear Admiral

Fourthly, by a long way, Edghill cannot FROM PAGE 6 be serious, for certainly God does not look upon, salvation, by those who daily continue to desecrate his ecclesiastical office, by propagating a political doctrine which is wholly disreputable; politically divisive; filled with distortions, and aims to disseminate falsehoods, and creating disunity. Emphatically, his political actions have nothing to do with ‘’righteousness’’, but the eand vile will of his political masters.

How can Edghill now claim to be a conveyor of ‘’righteousness”, when he continues to be associated with unrighteousness, carrying out its daily deceptive dictates, this time demanding that civil society, the genuine collective, that understand the laws of our country, especially the constitutional responsibility of GECOM, being the sole determinant when there will be national and regional elections, demand national and regional elections?

Regards, Carla Mendonca

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

GECOM should have continued H2H registration –– Dr David Hinds

POLITICAL Scientist, Dr. David Hinds, said the unilateral decision taken by Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh to prematurely end House-to-House Registration has the potential to disenfranchise Guyanese who are eligible to vote but have not been registered.

“I am puzzled by the abrupt termination of the Houseto-House Registration as it could potentially disenfranchise those new voters who have not yet registered,” Dr. Hinds told Guyana Chronicle in an interview on Monday, hours after the decision was made.

In making the announcement, GECOM said after considerable deliberations at the level of the Commission on the pending General and Regional Elections, Justice Singh took a decision to stop House to House Registration with effect from August 31, and merge the data garnered from that registration exercise with the existing National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB). In this regard, the Commission will move to an extensive Claims and Objections Exercise (C&O) before extracting the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

Dr. Hinds said from a first glance it would appear that the GECOM Chair is ‘marrying’ two aspects of Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire’s August 14 ruling.

“By accepting the data from the House to House Registration she affirms its legality as ruled by the CJ. And by not throwing out the current data, she appears to be taking note of the part of the ruling that prohibits the removal of overseas voters from the list of registrants. In so doing, she has given the political sides part of what they want,” the political scientist reasoned.

He said, however, that it would also appear, at first glance, that the Opposition -– the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) got less, in that, it was hoping that the data from the House-to-House Registration would have been scrapped.

Instead, more than 300,000 registrants would be added to the National Register as a result of the registration exercise.

However, he said the decision poses the risk of disenfranchising Guyanese. “I can’t think of any other mechanism to get them on the list. She should have at least granted them little bit more time to wrap up the registration exercise,” he

told this newspaper.

According to Dr. Hinds, parts of Justice Singh’s decision could have future implications.

“The fact that the government has appealed the second part of the CJ’s ruling could further complicate this aspect of the GECOM’s chair decision. Does this approach minimise the chance for a credible list which the PPP fears? The big question is whether this hybrid approach is adequate enough to thwart the PPP’s effort to manipulate the tainted list,” the political scientist reasoned.

He, however said that critical questions must be answered before the period of the “extensive Claims and Objections exercise” commences. “How extensive would this exercise be in terms of the time that would be allotted? Would it consume the rest of the time that was allotted by GECOM for the Houseto-House registration? The answer to these and other related questions would have to be clarified,” he told this newspaper.

“I am not sure that a short Claims and Objections exercise would allow for a surgical cleaning of the rest of the list that is not corrected by the HTH registration. So the issue has to be the length of time allowed for the Claims and Objections,” he added.

Nonetheless, Dr. Hinds said GECOM Chair’s decision to go this route may have been influenced by the acting Chief Justice’s recommendation to explore multiple ways of arriving at a credible list. “My initial reaction is that some of the names that should not be on the list could well slip through the cracks,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PPP/C in a statement complained bitterly as it launched a vicious attack on GECOM. Though claiming that it welcomes the decision to discontinue House-to-House Registration, the PPP lashed out at the Elections Commission, accusing it of misleading the public. “…The PPP notes several misleading positions that were communicated to the Guyanese people via a press statement issued by GECOM – positions that seem intent on confusing the Guyanese electorate. First, the headline of the press statement – ‘Data garnered from House-to-House Registration will be merged with existing National Register of Registrants Database’ – leaves more unanswered questions. What data exactly is being merged with the National Register of Registrants? Is it the entire 270,000-plus persons that GECOM claimed to have registered, including persons who were re-registered? If it is only

the new registrants, why embark on this process, which will take several months to be completed, when it could easily be done in a Claims and Objections period,” PPP said.

It also accused the Commission of distorting the ruling of acting Chief Justice. In its statement GECOM said: “Based on the ruling of the Chief Justice on 14th August 2019 that House-to-House Registration is not unlawful and is constitutional, the data garnered from that registration exercise must be merged with the existing National Register of Registrants Database,” but PPP said not clear directive was given.

“This is an attempt to distort the ruling of the High Court.

Nowhere in the ruling of the Chief Justice did she direct any such merger of data garnered from the house-to-house registration with the National Register of Registrants,” it contended.

Like Dr. Hinds, the PPP said there are many unanswered questions on extensive Claim and Objections Exercise proposed by GECOM. “The author of the GECOM press statement seems clearly confused on the process that must be followed to arrive at an Official List of Electors – saying that there will be Claims and Objections Exercise before a Preliminary List of Electors is produced. In accordance with practice and law, Claims and Objections must be preceded by the publication of a Preliminary List of Electors,” it said.

However, the Elections Commission subsequently clarified that “a credible Preliminary List of Electors (PLE)” will be compiled before the commencement of an extensive Claims and Objections (C&O) exercise.

The PPP, nonetheless, is maintaining that the planned merger of data from the national registration exercise with the National Register will not improve the quality or ‘credibility’ of the database. According to the PPP, the merger will contaminate further contaminate the National Register of Registrants and cause further delays in the holding of Elections.

“The Party urges GECOM to move decisively by immediately launching a Claims and Objections exercise, which will allow those who are not on the National Register of Registrants and are eligible to be properly registered,” the PPP said.

GECOM’s decision to cut short House-to-House Registration, for which almost $3B budgeted, is an attempt to facilitate early elections and to bring into full effect the consequences of the December 21 No-Confidence Motion.

ExxonMobil Guyana technicians to begin advanced training W I T H ‘ f i r s t o i l’ o n the horizon and Liza Destiny fast approaching Guyana’s waters, ExxonMobil Guyana continues to ‘ramp-up’ training of Guyanese nationals for technical positions in the oil and gas sector.

The first batch of local operations and maintenance (O&M) technicians recruited by ExxonMobil Guyana to work on the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel are about to embark on an Advanced Systems Training at the Cape Brenton University in Canada.

This was announced

by the oil giant via a press release on Monday.

According to the statement, over the last several months, the 24 technicians were exposed to basic systems training in four disciplines; electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and operations with the next 12 months focusing on discipline-specific training in each craft.

ExxonMobil noted the technicians’ optimism about their ongoing training in Canada and are excited to return home at the end of their exercise in 2020.

It was noted that following another year of training in Canada, on-

the-job training will continue on the FPSO. The company’s development model for operations and maintenance employees is designed for trainees to advance from Technician I to III over time.

The release stated that “the intent is to enhance their capacity to such a level that they can replace an experienced international worker”.

One of the key elements of the company’s local content strategy is the employment and training of nationals as “it is part of a multi-tiered approach which also includes supplier development and strategic com-

O&M Technicians being briefed before going to Canada munity investments”.

ExxonMobil highlighted that it aims to develop a “diverse and skilled workforce that can meaningful-

ly contribute to our Guyana operations while being part of a global pool of talent capable of meeting our future business needs

wherever we operate”.

Another batch of approximately 50 technicians will be recruited early 2020. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Cops called in as Food and Drug Dept clamps down on substandard medication in city

THE Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) unearthed a number of substandard and falsified (SF) medications at nine (9) pharmacies in the city of Georgetown during a recent operation. The Guyana Police Force has been called in to assist with the investigation.

In a statement on Tuesday, GA-FDD said it launched an investigation on August 22 after receiving a complaint that an unknown individual was either clandestinely manufacturing and/ or importing SF medication

boxes of a medication labelled ‘chanca piedra phosmovite’ with a manufacturer’s address stated only as Mainland Labs in Canada. That medication according to the label reportedly treats gall and kidney stones, clean the liver and the urinary tract.

Twenty-eight boxes of a product named ‘Fungabort’ were also found with the same manufacturer named. That ‘medication’ claims to be effective in the treatment of nail fungus. In addition, 23 boxes of Phosferine were also seized and removed from premises,

The substandard and falsified (SF) medications found at nine pharmacies in Georgetown for sale into the locate market. According to GA-FDD, its inspectors visited 16 pharmacies in Georgetown and outlying areas during the period August 22 to 23, 2019 and nine of the pharmacies were engaging in the sale of SF medication.

The Food and Drug watchdog said inspectors unearthed a total of 17

since the stated address “Phosferine Health Care Co., Toronto Canada” could not have been established by the Food and Drug Department.

GA-FDD said efforts to verify the stated address on the labels of the other two products were also unsuccessful. It said that all the items were seized and removed from

the premises.

“In an effort to locate the wholesaler / distributor, none of the pharmacies visited was able to furnish receipts or other documentation as proof of purchase to Inspectors.

This is a clear breach of the Consumer Affairs Act Section 18: 1-3. It is also a breach of the Food and Drug’s Act, Part VI, chapter 21 section (c & d) which speaks to adequate record keeping for traceability purposes particularly for the sale of medication for patient use,” the Food and Drug Department said.

It was noted that the average retail cost for the chanca piedra phosmovite, Fungabort and Phosferine were found to be G$3500, G$ 1000 and G$3000 respectively.

“The Department is advising all pharmacies to, with immediately effect, desist from the practice of purchasing and retailing medication to be used by patients from walk-in-salesmen (suitcase traders) who refuse to provide invoices or adequate receipt or other records for traceability purposes. Inspectors will continue to seize and detain items with inaccurate addresses and where the identity of the wholesaler / distributor is unknown,” GA-FDD urged.

The Food and Drug Department has given the Guyana Police Force a detailed report to assist with the investigation.

It is hoped that those responsible will be arrested.

“This we believe will ultimately ensure that, only safe and efficacious medications are released for sale on our local market,” it said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in November, 2017 that SF medication distributed in low and middle income countries accounts for 10 per cent or 1 in 10 of all medication distributed, and cost these countries in excess of USD 30 million annually. The cost to the local

economy and the percentage of SF medication are currently unknown.

“The GA-FDD has been able to embark upon these activities due to increased resources and personnel (Inspectors) facilitated by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH),”

it said, adding that it is currently in a substantial position to aggressively implement measures to protect consumers from the associated dangers of SF medications.

Details of the department’s exercise will be shared with members

(Inspectors) at its upcoming Food Safety and Control Committee Meeting, who will be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that pharmacies in other regions outside of Georgetown are free of the identified SF medications.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

PPP supporters not in favour of Ali –– opinion poll finds

By Gabriella Chapman A POLL conducted by the Turkeyen Research and Polling Institute (TRPI) has found that People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali is not well favoured by his party support base going into the General and Regional

Elections.

At a presentation of the preliminary results of the poll on Monday, Trinidadian political analyst, Dr. Kirk Meighoo said one of the objectives of the survey was to determine popular support for presidential contenders and parties.

“This survey also looked at popular support for poten-

tial presidential candidates: Irfaan Ali, Anil Nandlall, Frank Anthony, Vindya Persaud, Gail Teixeira, Ralph Ramkarran, Lenox Shuman, among others, matched up against President David Granger. It was somewhat similar to how polls test support for match-up against Donald Trump in the US for the 2020 elections. The Guyana poll examined which political figure has the best shot at unseating

the incumbent, and which forces have a better prospect at government formation,” Meighoo said.

And based on the pollsters findings, it is believed that Irfaan Ali as presidential candidate will do an injustice to the PPP. “A significant amount is critical of the choice; the decision to appoint Irfaan Ali as presidential candidate,” Meighoo said, adding: “They rejected him

unanimously, and what is notable is that Mr. Ali is rebuffed even by most PPP supporters who appear to prefer the former AttorneyGeneral, Anil Nandlall, and to a lesser extent, Dr. Frank Anthony, in some areas.”

He went on to say, “Mr. Ali’s support is low, even in his hometown, on the West Coast and surrounding areas, while Nandlall corners almost all the support on the Corentyne, and is split with Dr. Anthony elsewhere. This shows national dissatisfaction with the Opposition.”

Noting that the implications of this decision are clear, Dr. Meighoo said as he read from the report: “But it is up to the PPP… Indeed, the polling results seem to suggest that President Granger will have his easiest battle against Ali, and his toughest against Anthony and Nandlall. In this sense, one of the implications that may come from our final findings is that it may actually be in the APNU+AFC’s favour to call elections quickly, with Ali as the PPP’s Presidential nominee.”

He, however, noted that that it is not possible to give final conclusions at this stage, since data is still being analysed.

CRISIS “There is a political crisis in the country stemming from the no-confidence motion, and the government has not dissolved Parliament and called elections.

So the government has been making its decisions, and the Opposition has been making its decisions. And as far as I’m aware, there hasn’t been a proper measure of popular opinion on this. Who agrees, who doesn’t, who is satisfied with what is going on, who isn’t satisfied, and the levels to which they are satisfied or not,” Meighoo said.

He noted that the poll is a national poll, since surveyors were spread across the 10 administrative regions, with the aim being to give every voice a chance to be heard.

“We used a purposeful sampling frame to get person’s rating on the performance of the government, and if elections should be held by September 18, 2019 and so on. It is important in a democracy that the people’s views are taken into account. This is to ensure

PPP Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali that popular opinion can be taken into account by decision makers, so they have some gauge to know that whether what they’re doing is of national acceptance. We don’t yet really know what the country as a whole thinks, and this is the only way we can find out. So it really is for better democratic governance,” Meighoo posited.

He said that after the research is complete, a meeting will be held with the government and Opposition to give a report on their findings.

Meighoo said TRPI is a non-partisan, non-political organisation with no relationship to any political outfit. It comprises of academics, journalists, teachers, and professionals, and was founded in 1990 by Professor Dr. Baytoram Ramharack, a Guyanese-born, American-trained political scientist and educator, who teaches in New York.

“The polling organisation conducted its first opinion poll in Guyana in 1991, and several annual surveys thereafter, all of which were published in the mass media. Findings of its polls and a description of the experience in conducting polls in Guyana were also published in academic journals and books.

Polling is a science. It is a methodology used in the social sciences (political science and sociology in particular) to study complex political and social attitudes of a society and the beliefs that people hold on varied subjects including about their political leaders and parties. Such a tool has been increasingly accepted by all democratic nations though not very widely used in Guyana,” he told reporters.

Opinion polls, he further noted, provide a very good database for research purposes.

They also inform parties of the views of their supporters or the nation, and they serve as a guide for political parties to choose the best candidates to enhance their prospects at an election.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Spectrum fees will be paid directly to GNBA from January 2020 –– as the authority signs MoU with the Guyana Telecommunications Agency

SPECTRUM fees will be paid directly to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) from January 2020.

The new payment system will be enforced as a result of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GNBA and the Guyana Telecommunications Agency.

In the past, broadcasters had to pay spectrum fees to the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) and pay broadcast fees to the GNBA, a process which was burdensome. “We promised to examine that dichotomous situation to simplify the payment of fees. I am pleased to announce that both spectrum fees and broadcast licences fees will be payable to the GNBA and the issuance of

a broadcast licence will be proof of payment of spectrum fees as well,” said Chairman of the GNBA, Leslie Sobers during his remarks at GNBA’s fourth engagement with owners of broadcasting agencies at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, on Tuesday.

Sobers reiterated that several complaints were received from the broadcasters who said the process was burdensome. “We wanted to do things simpler, faster, better with the intention of making life easy for you the stakeholders out there,” said the GNBA chairman.

Director of the Guyana Telecommunications Agency, Andre Griffith also agreed that the signing of the MoU was part of an effort to simplify the services offered

by both the GNBA and the telecommunications agency.

The MoU, he said, is part of the telecommunications agency’s process of reform.

The agency has started a reform programme which is aimed at service simplification. “We want to do things simpler, faster and better with the intention of making life easy for the stakeholders,” said Griffith.

He said through the new agreement, the fees will be paid to the GNBA, but will remain payable to the telecommunications agency.

This means that the GNBA will remit the difference to the agency. Griffith believes that the interagency process between the two entities will be highly impactful and beneficial to stakeholders.

CH&PA puts ‘greedy’ applicants on notice THE Central Hosing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is focusing specifically on Guyanese who have not yet received a house lot.

The huge demand for house lots has been noticed by the managers and Chief Executive Officer of the CH&PA. They are asking that persons who have already received a house lot desist from trying to gain another.

A recent study by the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN Habitat) had highlighted that, in the next four to five years, some 4,000 persons per year will be looking to acquire a house lot.

The agency, in its latest quest, is looking to concentrate fully on applications from persons who are in dire need of house lots to accommodate their families.

Over 25,000 active applications for house lots are recorded to date and, as a result, the CH&PA is working to clear that backlog soonest.

Lands will be developed at Bartica, Amelia’s Ward, Wisroc, Kwakwani, Met-en-meer zorg, La Bonne Intention, Vigilance, Mon Repos, Experiment and Ordnance for allocation.

The allocation of lots will be addressed in a systematic way with emphasis placed on applications that were made before 2015.

According to Saul, stern action will be taken against persons who breach the agency’s “one house lot per person rule”.

He pointed out that there were cases where persons who were property owners had been allocated lots. In such cases the lots would be re-possessed.

However, the CH&PA is working along with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission and the Deeds Registry to track persons who own house lots. and are seeking another from the agency.

The agency will also launch its Adequate Urban and Accessibility Programme which will see the construction of 50 core homes as well as the disbursement of 300 home improvement subsidies.

Eligible applicants will benefit once they are within the areas of Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank of Demerara; Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank and La Bonnie Intention (LBI) located on East Coast of Demerara.

In an interview on the Department of Public Information (DPI)-produced programme ‘One on one,’ Donell Bess-Bascom, the CH&PA Senior Community Development Officer, noted that the agency was moving ahead smoothly with its work.

She noted that the agency is preparing individual profile and report of each applicant who applied under the project, along with recommendations for the applicant to be selected to benefit from the project based on the criteria laid out.

Bascom also made clear that persons will be prioritised based on the urgency of their need.

Chairman of the GNBA Board, Leslie Sobers, and Director of the Guyana Telecommunications Agency, Andre Griffith, sign the MoU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

New school for Eteringbang students soon

THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Cuyuni Mazaruni (Region Seven) is working assiduously to ensure the children of Eteringbang are provided with a space for schooling from this September.

This was confirmed by Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford, who, on Tuesday, told the Guyana Chronicle that a team from the RDC and contractors are travelling to the village on Thursday, to

assess the area and see what can be done for September.

He said the contract was awarded to K & P Project Management to the tune of $25M, to construct the primary school. However, it is not possible for the school to be completed by September.

“The contractors are now mobilising the site and the materials needed for construction. This is a very difficult task and lengthy process because in the hinterland, it

is harder to access materials; hence, almost everything needed will have to be taken in by plane.

“And that includes the wood and everything because there is no sawmill there. So to take materials there alone, will take up time,” Bradford explained.

Despite the various challenges, he said the contractors have a timeframe to work with, to complete the school, and that is before year-end.

In the interim, the RDC is working on a building that is made available to the students for the time being.

“We don’t want the children to wait until the school is completed, to start having access to schooling. We want them to start from this new school term, and not have them lapsing and out of school. So we are going in to Eteringbang Thursday, trying hard to get it done.

We have to take in furniture

and everything to set up this space,” Bradford said.

In addition to that, the Regional Education Department was tasked with providing the uniforms, books, backpacks and everything the children needed to return to school from September.

Eteringbang is located on the Upper-Cuyuni River, close to the Guyana-Venezuela border, and Bradford explained that the children in Eteringbang 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 and the children of Eteringbang were without schooling As such, this contract was urgently needed so that the children can have access to foundation education.

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

However, they are trying to source persons in the village, who have the necessary qualifications.

As it relates to secondary schooling, Bradford said

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 was earlier awarded to K&P Project Management. To date, construction of the facility is 30 per cent complete. 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.

Eteringbang is also a mining community adjoining Amerindian lands, and has seen an influx of immigrants fleeing the economic crisis in Venezuela.

Efforts to educate Guyanese on oil and gas sector being stepped up – Dr. Bynoe

A COMMUNICATION specialist/firm is being sought by the Department of Energy (DoE), to ‘ramp-up’ the messaging about Guyana’s oil and gas sector, Director of the unit, Dr. Mark Bynoe has said.

He cited the apparent lack of knowledge particularly amongst the average citizen about the multibillion-dollar sector during a recent interview on an NCN Voice of Guyana radio programme. Acknowledgement was made of the “good support” from the Ministry of the Presidency’s Press and Publicity Unit and the Department of Public Information (DPI) by Dr. Bynoe who opined a need to enhance his department’s communication strategy, “to really seek to educate Guyanese as to what oil and gas mean”.

According to the director, his department has taken the initiative to increase consultations. To this end, when it comes to educating Guyanese in terms of oil and gas the Department of Energy will be engaging in more consultative outreaches, television and radio programmes, youth internships and expanding its social media presence.

Given the impending “first oil”, Dr. Bynoe stated that “we cannot sit on our hands and say “Let’s wait until 2020. There are things that have to be done now even as we move other pieces into place.”

Dr. Bynoe, an Environment and Resource Economist and former head of the Project Development and Management Unit of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) was appointed by the coalition government to head its Department of Energy from August 1, 2018.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

PUC to open office in Linden

THE Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will, in early October, open the doors to a new office in Linden Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), as it seeks to decentralise the services it offers to the public.

According chairperson, Ms. Della Britton, over the last seven months the commission has embarked on an aggressive campaign, and judging from the responses received from the Linden area, it was determined

that there is need for an office to be established. The commission, in addition to its routine work, is currently addressing the issue of staffing for the new office.

Meanwhile, the commission is in the process of conducting a feasibility study in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), with the aim of opening an office there as well.

At the Linden office, as obtained at the headquarters in the city, staff

GWI’s intensifies hinterland water programme two state-of-the-art drill rigs to be deployed EFFORTS are being intensified to ensure that, as far as possible, hinterland communities benefit from potable water supplies.

This was one of several issues disclosed by Managing Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard Van-West Charles during a Department of Public Information (DPI), ‘One on One’ interview.

This comes as the Coalition Government pushes to reduce inequalities between the coast and hinterland communities. Dr, Van-West Charles added that, as a signatory to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the agency is at the forefront of ensuring that Goal Number 6 is realised, “which speaks of equitable access to potable water. This corresponds to the mission of GWI, and it is in line with the strategic plan of the company.”

The GWI head explained that an analysis was done, which led to the establishment of the Hinterland Department. “On a firm footing late last year, we did a proper diagnosis of the situation, and we went through more than 35 villages. So far, we are clear in terms of the populations’ access and where there are issues.”

These issues, such as water access were compounded by climate change effects, particularly from 2017.

A recent collaboration with the Brazilian military engineers resulted in the digging of eight wells and saw new technologies shared with local counterparts.

Dr. Van-West Charles noted that previously, hinterland wells were dug by hand, to an average depth of 50 feet.

“With the new technology, we have been able to go through the rocks, with the new appropriate type of rig, and we can find larger amounts of water with fewer challenges than we have on the coast.”

One benefit to the hinterland’s aquifers is that water is mostly free of heavy metals and other contaminants, so it is less challenging to treat. Getting the water to communities is occasionally challenging, the Managing Director said, due to the terrain and distances of some homes. However, he noted this is negated by the fact that most communities live in clusters. “We use special modelling to ensure the gradients are right, and the pressure that we want to get it, to where we want to get it is correct.” Two state-of-the-art drill rigs – one for the coast and the other for the hinterland, will be in place by year-end.

“Because of a climate change project with UNDP, GWI and the Government of Japan, we are acquiring equipment which will permit us to do exactly what the Brazilian Army did,” the GWI’s Managing Director explained. (DPI)

will receive complaints from residents and businesses, about services provided by utility companies operating within the region and seek to provide a path for legal recourse.

The commission, which was established by the Public Utilities Commission Act No 26 0f 1990, regulates, investigates and enforces the provisions of the PUC Act and makes rules for the quality and standards of service to be maintained by

the public utility.

In this regard, the commission is also empowered to initiate and conduct investigations into the operations and standards of service provided by any utility; ensures that the public utilities provide adequate, efficient, non-discriminatory and safe services to the public and ensures that just rates are proposed, demanded and received by any public utility.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Survey of Queenstown ancestral lands completed SIGNIGICANT progress has been made with regards to a promise made by the government to residents of Queenstown Village, Essequibo Coast, to address the issue of ancestral lands.

The ownership of lands at Calabash Lake, near Queenstown on the Essequibo Coast, which reportedly was included in the Amerindian reserves, is being contested by residents of Queenstown community.

It is the belief of the residents that the tract of land being claimed was included in the parcel that was bought by freed African slaves.

On Monday, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) Trevor Benn, when reached for an update, confirmed that a survey of the lands has recently been completed, a report was compiled and that the GL&SC is working along with the residents to bring some closure to the issue.

It was Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, who at a community meeting with the residents of the community, in response to a query by Cornel Beaton, a resident, had given the assurance that the government would soon be making a decision on how to distribute ancestral lands to residents.

Beaton, speaking on behalf of the residents of the community, related the case of some 500 acres of land over the high bridge, which the residents are desirous to extend and use to create a housing scheme.

Harmon told the residents that the issue was about ownership and to whom should the tract of lands be handed over. “We have to decide who do we hand the land to…do you hand it to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) or a community…it is an issue of ownership,” he said.

President David Granger had, in March 2017, established a CoI under the Commission of Inquiry Act, to examine and make recommendations to resolve all issues, and uncertainties surrounding the claims of Amerindian land titling, the individual, joint or communal ownership of lands acquired by freed Africans and any matters relating to land titling in Guyana.

Making the claim then before the CoI, Cornel had avowed that, “There was evidence that our ancestors had demarcated the boundaries of this land, as it was a part of the agreement in the terms of purchase.

However, sir, there has been an unprecedented act of usurping of ancestral lands and cover-up. We say this because when the Amerindian boundaries were drawn, this stretch of land was included in the area of reservation. and we have been asked by persons in authority to withhold information and evidence on their acquisition of this land.”

He also told the commission that Queenstown had been sold to 15 freed Africans for $15, and explained that the agreement took the form of an absolute grant.

He said that while he had not observed any Amerindians occupying the space, persons had been logging in the area, but could not say whether the activity was legal or illegal.

Harmon further explained that lands not transported and titled currently belong to the state but, it should be returned to the community. He noted that the direction, in which they (government) choose to go, is outlined in a report which was compiled after the completion of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into ancestral lands. Over 500 recommendations were included in the report.

Government would love to return the land to the community but it is the residents that would have to decide how to disburse it. “I would love to see you have it…you are the heirs to the land,” he said, as he urged members of the Queenstown community to come together and determine in their own way how best to address the matter.

He maintained that the government wants the land to be moved from the state to the community.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Venezuelan ‘sentenced’ to three weeks of community work ON Tuesday, August 27, 2019, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly ordered a thirty-eight-year-old Venezuelan National to complete three weeks of community service.

Olani Gonzales of Henry Street, Werk-en-Rust, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to her.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on August 24, 2019, at Regent Street, Georgetown, she stole two bottles of deodorant along with other items valued at $5,049, property of Bounty Supermarket.

The particulars of the matter stated that, on the day in question, Gonzales entered the supermarket around 10:00 hours, and the security on duty saw Gonzales acting suspiciously. The security approached her when he saw her putting some items into a plastic bag.

The security then asked her for the bill for the items, and Gonzales refused and attempted to exit the store.

The security stopped her and she refused to show the bill. The unpaid items were found in her possession after a search.

The police were called in and Gonzales was arrested and later charged.

Magistrate Daly ordered Gonzales to complete three weeks of community service, at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court every Monday from 09:00 hours for one hour and told her that, if she failed to comply with the order, she would be sentenced to two weeks’ imprisonment.

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Kwakwani workers club taking shape

THE kwakwani workers club renovation is on-going and is expected to be completed very soon.

When completed, the facility will create a space for residents of kwakwani to engage in recreational activities.

This is in keeping with a promise made to the community by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

The Minister of Natural Resources had visited the Region 10 community in September last year to inspect the club, during which he met with managing staff of the facility and was given a tour.

It was agreed then, that works to be done would include the changing of the floorboards, fixture to the roof, windows, doors, and pavilion.

Min. Trotman, during his last meeting in March with the residents said, “I would say a promise that I

would help the community to refurbish the Workers Club… it’s a building that is old but it is near and dear to them and I’m keeping that commitment, this project will commence soon”.

He said this project will

cost more than $10M. Resident of Kwakwani Edgar Mendonca told the Guyana Chronicle that, “the Minister of Natural Resource Raphael Trotman, had promised many years

ago to refurbish the club when he had a meeting in 2011, and it’s coming to reality now that he had bought all the materials and asked me to overlook this project” Mendonca added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

GET REGISTERED ––PM urges Guyanese

–– welcomes GECOM’s decision to use data from H2H exercise PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo is urging unregistered Guyanese 14 years and older to get registered within the next four days as he welcomed the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’S) decision to include the data from the house-to-house registration exercise in the National Register of Registrants Database.

At its statutory meeting on Tuesday, the Elections Commission took a decision to shorten the period initially designated for the conduct of house-to-house registration.

As such, the exercise, which commenced on July 20, 2019, will come to a close on August 31 instead of October 20, 2019. According to the Elections Commission, it will then move to ensure that all arrangements for the publication

of a credible Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) are in place before the commencement of an extensive Claims and Objections (C&O) exercise.

Weighing on this new development as Guyana prepares for early General and Regional Elections, Prime Minister Nagamootooo said all unregistered Guyanese, who have reached the eligibility requirements, should ensure they are registered as he rubbished the notion that house-to-house registration has been ‘halted.’

“It is clear to me that the registration process has not come to a stop, it has not been halted, there are still four days remaining and I would urge everyone 14 years and above to step forward in this window of opportunity to register,” the Prime Minister told Guyana Chronicle in an interview

hours after GECOM made the announcement on Tuesday.

Though the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition had preferred the generation of a new National Register of Registrants through the process of house-to-house registration, from which the Official List of Electors would have been extracted, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the national registration exercise is not the only means of arriving at a credible Official List of Electors.

“House-to-House Registration was a method but it was not the only method by which you could have an authentic, credible list. It was not the only method,” the Prime Minister told this newspaper, noting that based on GECOM’s decision an

extensive Claims and Objections exercise would be carried out in its quest to generate a credible list.

With more than 300,000 Guyanese already registered in this ongoing cycle of registration, Prime Minister Nagamootoo believes that the inclusion of that data into the National Register of Registrants Database would aid in the compilation of a credible Official List of Electors.

“Now that you have over 300,000 fresh registrants on the register, it means that you have over 300,000 authentic names, you don’t have to worry that you have 300,000 phantoms.

You have credible names of people who are alive, and who are resident in Guyana and that makes the process credible,” PM Nagamootoo said.

He added: “This registration, house-to-house method has

added credibility to the process of national registration because you couldn’t invent names and you can’t bring people out of the graveyard or those who have migrated permanently and place them on a list and feel that you are safe and that that is an authentic list.”

He also used the opportunity to applaud the Elections Commission for embarking on the process of house-tohouse registration, reiterating that it lends to an authentic and credible List of Electors.

However, he noted that GECOM has not yet disclosed the timeframe for the conduct of the Claims and Objections Exercise. He said too that clarity is needed on the method that would be used to extract the names of eligible voters from the National Register.

Noting that early election is an important element of a dem-

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo ocratic process, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said the decision taken by GECOM is intended to facilitate General and Regional Elections at the soonest possible time in accordance with the Constitution and the decisions of the courts. Early elections in Guyana are required as a result of a No-Confidence Motion that was passed in the National Assembly last December.

President David Granger, in upholding the decisions of the Court, has repeatedly said the he will proclaim a date for the conduct of General and Regional Elections once GECOM indicates that it is prepared to facilitate credible elections. The President has not received such an advice to date.

PPP concedes voters list contaminated … says merger of new data with NRR will ‘further contaminate’ it

MONTHS after denying that the voters’ list was bloated the Peoples Progressive Party on Tuesday acknowledged that the list was contaminated and said that any merger of the data gathered from the ongoing house-to-house registration will further contaminate it.

In a statement reacting to the Guyana Elections Commission announcement that it was shortening the period for house-to-house registration, the PPP complained bitterly as it launched a vicious attack on GECOM. Though claiming that it welcomes the decision to discontinue House-to-House Registration, the PPP lashed out at the Elections Commission, accusing it of misleading the public. “…The PPP notes several misleading positions that were communicated to the Guyanese people via a press statement issued by GECOM – positions that seem intent on confusing the Guyanese electorate. First, the headline of the press statement – ‘Data garnered

from House-to-House Registration will be merged with existing National Register of Registrants Database’ – leaves more unanswered questions. What data exactly is being merged with the National Register of Registrants? Is it the entire 270,000-plus persons that GECOM claimed to have registered, including persons who were re-registered? If it is only the new registrants, why embark on this process, which will take several months to be completed, when it could easily be done in a Claims and Objections period,” PPP said.

It also accused the Commission of distorting the ruling of acting Chief Justice. In its statement GECOM said: “Based on the ruling of the Chief Justice on 14th August 2019 that House-to-House Registration is not unlawful and is constitutional, the data garnered from that registration exercise must be merged with the existing National Register of Registrants Database,” but PPP said not clear

“We reiterate the position of the PPP, which is that the planned merger of data from the house-to-house registration will not improve the quality or ‘credibility’ of the database – rather it will further contaminate the National Register of Registrants and cause further delays in the holding of Elections,”PPP says directive was given.

“This is an attempt to distort the ruling of the High Court. Nowhere in the ruling of the Chief Justice did she direct any such merger of data garnered from the house-to-house registration with the National Register of Registrants,” it contended.

“The author of the GECOM press statement seems clearly confused on the process that must be followed to arrive at an Official List of Electors – saying that there will be Claims and Objections Exercise before a Preliminary List of Electors is produced. In accor-

dance with practice and law, Claims and Objections must be preceded by the publication of a Preliminary List of Electors,” it said.

However, the Elections Commission subsequently clarified that “a credible Preliminary List of Electors (PLE)” will be compiled before the commencement of an extensive Claims and Objections (C&O) exercise.

The PPP, nonetheless, is maintaining that the planned merger of data from the national registration exercise with the National Register will not improve the quality or ‘credibility’ of the data-

base. According to the PPP, the merger will contaminate further contaminate the National Register of Registrants and cause further delays in the holding of Elections.

“The Party urges GECOM to move decisively by immediately launching a Claims and Objections exercise, which will allow those who are not on the National Register of Registrants and are eligible to be properly registered,” the PPP said. GECOM’s decision to cut short Houseto-House Registration, for which almost $3B budgeted, is an attempt to facilitate early elections and to bring into full effect the consequences of the December 21 No-Confidence Motion.

Government has argued that the voters’ list was bloated and recently one of the main parties in the coalition, People National Congress Reform (PNC/R) said a voters list would be subject to “massive voter fraud” without house-to-house registration, and charged that the People’s Progressive Party

Civic (PPP/C) was “living in fear” of a clean list and credible elections. The current list is said to contain the names of thousands of Guyanese who are either deceased or have migrated, while also disenfranchising younger Guyanese who would have since attained the age of 18 years, and are eligible to vote at elections, since the last list was compiled in 2012.

“Irfaan Ali and the PPP want to force an election on a list that is not only expired, but also is bloated, with as many as 200,000 names of people who are not eligible. This makes the list susceptible to massive voter fraud. The list the PPP is insisting that we use blocks thousands of young Guyanese the opportunity to vote.

This is a dishonest list that can lead to a dishonest outcome, and this is why the PPP is so desperate to use it,” charged Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, as he read a press statement by the PNCR at a recent news conference.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Hong Kong protests turn violent, several policemen injured

HONG KONG, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Protests turned violent in Tsuen Wan, in the western New Territories of Hong Kong, on Sunday as radical protesters hurled petrol bombs at police officers and brutally assaulted them.

Several police officers were injured after they were attacked by rioters while they were on duty in Tsuen Wan. Hong Kong’s Commissioner of Police Lo Wai-chung visited the injured officers in Princess Margaret Hospital on Sunday night.

Lo expressed strong anger and condemnation against the reckless, violent and unlawful acts and said the police force will strive to investigate all violent acts that have caused serious, even life-threatening injuries to the police officers. Sunday’s marches took place in Tsuen Wan and neighboring areas.

After the marches ended, violent protesters deviated from their routes to attack police officers.

Some radical protesters hurled bricks and petrol bombs at police officers outside Yeung Uk Road Market in Tsuen Wan. They also aimed strong light beams at the officers and setting up barricades to confront the police.

Masked protesters, armed with poles and hats, escalated their violence in the afternoon

and evening. They blocked various roads in Tsuen Wan, paralyzing traffic in the vicinity.

Having given repeated warnings to the protesters in vain, anti-riot officers fired tear gas and used minimum force to disperse them.

Some demonstrators also took down the national flag at the Kwai Chung Sports Ground, where the rally took place, and

China Focus: BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- An international study has found that China is on track to meet its carbon emissions goals up to one decade early.

China, one of the first countries to sign the Paris Agreement on climate change, has pledged to halt the rise in carbon dioxide emissions by around 2030.

Researchers from China’s Nanjing University, Tsinghua University, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Harvard University in the U.S. examined carbon dioxide emissions from 50 Chinese cities from 2000 to 2016 and found a close relationship between per capita emissions and per capita gross domestic product (GDP).

The 50 Chinese cities account for about 35 percent of China’s total carbon emissions

trampled on it, challenging the authority of the country and breaching the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said in a statement.

The illegal and violent acts are appalling and they are pushing Hong Kong to a very dangerous edge. The government strongly condemns the violence, it said.

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At the site, the police repeatedly unfurled signs for the demonstrators to leave, but demonstrators ignored the warning of the police. A police commander at the scene ordered to deploy at least two specialized crowd management vehicles, commonly known as the “water cannon vehicles”, to disperse the crowd. At around 7:30 p.m., many masked demonstrators who had been dispersed gathered again in Yi Pei Square of Tsuen Wan, holding iron bars, wooden sticks and bricks. They smashed doors and windows of several shops and broke some closed-circuit televisions.

About half an hour later, several anti-riot police officers arrived at the scene where shops were vandalized, and were immediately surrounded and assaulted brutally by a large group of masked radicals holding long metal rods.

With only small shields for defense, the police officers tumbled backward along the Sha Tsui Road, with the violent protesters chasing after them. In face of the extremely dangerous situation, a police officer fired a warning shot into the sky.

Superintendent Leung Kwok-wing of the New Territories South Regional Crime Headquarters said the police fired the shot as his life was in danger.

Study says China may hit carbon emissions goal early

and 51 percent of the country’s GDP. According to Wang Haikun with Nanjing University, the leading author of the research, although diverse trajectories of carbon dioxide emissions are seen across the cities, the relationship between emissions and GDP follows the Environmental Kuznets Curve.

The curve means that as economic development growth occurs, the environment will worsen until a certain point where the country reaches a specific average income.

Then money is invested back into the environment, and the ecosystem is restored.

The study found that carbon emissions peak for most Chinese cities when GDP reaches about 21,000 U.S. dollars per person.

They then used a computer model to simulate the peak of carbon emissions based on China’s historical emissions and the data on future population size and economic development level from the World Bank.

According to the study published as the cover article in the latest online monthly journal Nature Sustainability, the carbon emissions in China should peak between 2021 and 2025, about five to ten years ahead of the Paris target.

The researchers said that cities are the frontline for global climate change action, and there is clear evidence that progress has been made in the Chinese cities.

It reflects China’s great efforts in mitigating climate change, said Wang.

The study also pointed out that different

types of Chinese cities face different challenges in their carbon emissions reduction timetables.

Cities like Beijing, Xi’an and Hangzhou should focus on upgrading their infrastructure facilities to improve energy efficiency while emerging cities like Xiong’an New Area have the opportunity to leapfrog the period of carbon-intensive growth.

Among the National Determined Contribution that China proposes to achieve by 2030 as part of its Paris Agreement pledge, China has committed to reducing its carbon intensity 60 to 65 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, peaking its carbon emissions by 2030, increasing non-fossil-fuel energy to 20 percent of its energy mix, and expanding forested land.

China voices firm opposition to G7 statement on HKSAR BEIJING - China on Tuesday voiced strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to “random accusations” and “irresponsible remarks” on Hong Kong affairs in a statement from the Group of Seven (G7) summit.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the remarks at a daily press briefing.

The G7 reportedly reaffirmed the existence and the importance of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong and called for avoiding violence in a joint statement issued Monday at the end of a G7 summit held in Biarritz, France. “As we have emphasized on many

occasions, Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs, and no foreign governments, organizations or individuals have the right to intervene,” said Geng, when responding to a query about China’s comment on the statement from the G7 summit.

The demonstrations and violent protests have been running in Hong Kong for more than two months, and Hong Kong’s rule of law, social order, economy and wellbeing of the people, as well as its international image have been severely impacted as a result, Geng said.

“No one cares more about Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability than Chinese people, including residents of Hong Kong,” Geng

said. “(Those) are our own affairs, we will handle them well. G7 members should not poke their noses into others’ business with ill-harbored intentions and conspiracies.”

On the aforementioned Joint Declaration between China and Britain, Geng said its

ultimate goal and core content were to make sure China would take back Hong Kong in 1997 and the government of the People’s Republic of China would resume its exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong with effect from July 1, 1997.

“Since Hong Kong returned to the motherland in 1997, the Chinese government has exercised jurisdiction over Hong Kong according to the Constitution and the Basic Law,” he said. “Based on international law and basic norms governing international relations, no other country or organization is entitled to meddle in Hong Kong affairs under the pretext of the Joint Declaration.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Linden taxi driver guilty of Reg. 3 residents urged rape to be sentenced soon to shun PPP protest

COME September 27, 2019, Morris Johnson, a 41-year-old taxi driver from Linden, will be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for raping a young woman in 2017.

In July 2019, Johnson was found guilty by a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court. Justice Brassington Reynolds, who is presiding over the matter, had ordered a probation report for Johnson.

Johnson was convicted for engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 between August 12, 2017 and August 13, 2017, at Linden.

Johnson was represented by attorney-at-law Ronald Burch-Smith, while the state was represented by prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Seeta Bishundial.

The matter came up on Monday for sentencing but the probation officer was not present in court due to her being sick.

As a result, the matter was adjourned to September 27, 2019 when Johnson is

Morris Johnson expected to be sentenced.

Reports are that the child, who attended an event with three of her friends, caught a taxi referred to as ‘$100 car’ or ‘shortdrop car’ at Co-op Crescent, Mackenzie, around 22:00hrs in an effort to get to her home in Linden.

However, upon reaching her home, the taxi driver passed the stop where the child and her friends were expected to get out.

The three friends who were seated in the back

seat reportedly forced their way out of the car, leaving behind the victim, who was sitting in the front passenger seat and was wearing the seat belt.

After her friends had taken their leave, the child was then taken to a ‘back road’ area at Lower Kara Kara by the taxi driver, where she was forced out of the vehicle and sexually assaulted.

When he was done, the suspect then dropped the victim off at the Kara Kara Bridge, Linden where she was left to walk home.

The victim’s relatives, who were said to have been looking for her after the friends with whom she had shared the taxi alerted them as to what had happened, took her to the police station and subsequently to the Linden Hospital for a medical examination.

The results of the medical examination proved that the victim had indeed been sexually assaulted and Johnson was later arrested and charged.

CITIZENS are being urged to shun a planned protest by the opposition today to disrupt a government outreach slated for several areas in the Essequibo Islands West Demerara Region.

Central Executive Member of the People’s National Congress Reform, Ganesh Mahipaul, told the Guyana Chronicle that the opposition had been mobilising protesters to disrupt the planned meetings. He identified a religious leader of Leonora as one of the key figures.

“They had a meeting on Monday night at the PPP office in Leonora and the plan is to disrupt the outreaches,” Mahipaul who is also the Regional Information Officer of Region Three related.

He said the government has already alerted the police and will be vigilant against any acts of disruption. The opposition has been protesting at almost every government outreach. “They are paying people to protest, the plan is to bring in people

Ganesh Mahipaul, Information Officer of Region Three into the region to disrupt the meetings,” Mahipaul told the Guyana Chronicle.

He said it is instructive that despite its claim of being a popular party, the PPP has to rely on people outside of the region to protest for them. “Imagine they have to bring in people to protest and that is because Guyanese realise they (PPP) cannot offer them anything than death squads, chaos and confusion.” “So I am urging all citizens of Region Three

to come out in your numbers and take advantage of the government services that will be on offer. Come and meet your leaders and don’t be fooled by the PPP.” As one of the coordinators of the outreach, Mahipaul said they have put all systems in place.

He said, too, that they received information that, as part of the protest, the PPP will be planting persons in the group dressed in the coalition colours. “These persons will be there to stir up trouble and prevent persons from accessing the services that will be on offer at the outreach,” Mahipaul said. Mahipaul described the alleged plan by the PPP as undemocratic. “This is what that party is known for over the years.

People are now seeing it.” Government has reiterated that the outreaches are part of its programme to decentralise public services and the empowerment of local authorities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

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Sick woman calls on gov’t to investigate Amazon Security over missing NIS contributions

By Naomi Marshall A security guard, who has been hospitalised for the past four months, is calling on the Social Protection Ministry to launch an investigation into the operations of Amazon Security and Investigation Services, after countless checks revealed that though the company deducted sums of monies from her salaries, it did not pay her contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Angela Jacobis of Wismar, Linden, told this newspaper that she worked with the Amazon Security Services from July 2014, up until April 2019, when she fell ill and was admitted to the Linden Hospital Complex.

During the period April to August 2019, Jacobis underwent two surgeries on her right foot which resulted in her being unable to walk without assistance.

She stated that after falling ill, she visited NIS Linden Branch to obtain her sickness benefits. However, she was told that she did not meet the required contributions to receive benefits since contributions were not made on her behalf since 2016.

“The woman at NIS said they cannot pay me because he (security service representative) is not paying them,” she pointed out.

According to Jacobis, during the five years she worked with the security service, money was deducted every month from her salary which she thought was being paid to NIS. “There are times in the month they take out my pay slip $4000, $3000, $7000, $6000, $10,000,” she explained.

“Right now, I did two surgeries on my right-side foot and I cannot work and I was depending wholly and solely on the NIS because he promised me when I got to the job, he said, “Ms. Jacobis, I’ll make certain I pay your NIS,” and when I go, that’s not what he is doing,” she remarked.

“Right now, it is affecting me because I don’t have no support and I was expecting something,” the 54-year-old lamented.

This newspaper spoke with a representative of the Amazon Security Service,

Angela Jacobis Jermaine Forrester, and was told that the company is working to address the situation.

Last month, NIS had issued the names of several security firms, as well as of other companies, that owed tens of millions of dollars in payments, of which Amazon Security and Investigation Services was listed.

Recently, it was announced by Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, in an interview on INSIGHT, VOG 102.5FM, that the Ministry of Social Protection, Department of Labour, is aggressively pursuing cases of labour breaches by private employers to ensure they remain in compliance with labour laws.

Ally noted that currently, there are over 50 employers before the courts for being negligent in various labour offences. In addition to being prosecuted, other legal ramifications these errant employers can face include the withdrawal of their operating licences.

The minister stressed that the private security sector is one of the recalcitrant sectors as it relates to salary payments being below the $42,400 (government’s minimum wage is $64,200.00) threshold and non-payment of workers National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions.

“We are seeking to ensure that in all respects, they comply with the law; it is not going unnoticed and it is not a question of being harsh.

We are saying that this is a requirement and they must face the requirement,” Ally said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

EPA building capacity gradually

–– Executive Director

FOUR years after the Ministry of Finance

conducted an audit of the Environmental Pro-

tection Agency (EPA) and found that 262 staff members were needed, the agency still remains at the same capacity.

Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams, said permits have doubled since 2015 from 585 to over 1,000 while compliance monitoring went up eight times from 74 to 606 and the complaints quadrupled from 164 to 624.

According to Dr. Adams, the Ministry of Finance had done an audit of the agency and found that 262 staff members were required to satisfy the workload of the agency.

At the time of the audit, the agency had 100 staff and since then it has been running at the same level, even though the workload has increased significantly.

“Yet here again we remain at about 100 staff while the work is going up…this is why the agency can slip and cannot meet certain needs,” said Dr. Adams during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Operations have, however, picked up said Dr. Adams, adding that the agency hired about 20 persons since the start of 2019.

Even though the EPA is not up to capacity in terms of skills, he believes that the agency has young staff members who are enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile.

“One of the things we have started doing is exposing them to a lot of training. They are going to a lot of international conferences to rub shoulders with the experts throughout the world and build that network,” said Dr. Adams, adding that the workers are also joining international associations to build their network.

The training, he said, is being offered to workers so that the agency itself can be elevated to a world class level, especially at a time when the EPA is going to be dealing with world class operations in the oil and gas sector.

Aside from the human resource aspect, the

EPA Executive Director, Dr. Vincent Adams agency has been acquiring equipment to ensure that it can go offshore to measure concentrations of contaminants in the water and air.

“Although we are improving, a lot of places still remained inaccessible, especially in the interior because we did not have a whole lot of vehicles,” said Dr. Adams, adding that this year alone, the agency purchased six new vehicles.

In addition, as part of further efforts to improve accessibility and reach people, the agency constructed two new offices in Essequibo and Berbice.

The agency had opened a new office in Whim and is in the process of opening up new offices in Linden and Anna Regina.

Dr. Adams said in preparing the agency’s budget for next year, he has made provisions for the agency to go out and utilise the new offices.

“The whole thing is to reach people rather than having people to be inconvenienced…the intent is to serve the public,” said the executive director.

He said the entire agency is being reorganised because it was not organised properly in the past. With all the work that is going on, Dr. Adams termed this year as a discovery year and said that real transformation will happen in 2020.

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Sixteen records tumble at GAPL Raw Nationals

A WHOPPING 16 records fell on Sunday at the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation’s (GAPLF) RAW Nationals 2019 which was held at the St Stanislaus auditorium.

When the dust had settled, Esther Maycock had copped the Open Class Best Female Lifter and Open Classic Best Female Lifter titles while Vijai Rahim was adjudged the Best Lifter in the Male Open Classic.

Competing in the 84+ kg Women’s Open Raw category, Maycock squatted 135kg, benchpressed 70kg and deadlifted 157.5kg for a total of 362.5kg.

Coming in second, behind Maycock, was Shelly Ann Gomes. She competed in the 63kg Women’s Open Raw class and had a squat of 90kg, benchpress of 47.5kg and a deadlift of 125kg for a total of 262.5kg Meanwhile, in the 74kg Men’s Open Raw, Rahim had a monstrous 222.5kg squat, a 127.5kg Benchpress and a whopping 302.5kg deadlift all for a

total of 652.5kg. In that same category Jamal Bentley squatted 160.0kg, bench-pressed 120.0kg and deadlifted 207.5kg for his total of 487.5kg which landed him in second place.

The Records that fell are as follows: WTCLS EVENT FULLNAME KG DIVISION 120kg Total Ramzam Mohamed 610.0 Male Junior Raw 120kg Squat Ramzam Mohamed 247.5 Male Junior Raw 120kg Bench Press Ramzam Mohamed 137.5 Male Junior Raw 120kg Deadlift Jeremy Smith 302.5 Male Open Raw 59kg Total Jermy Indarjit 450.0 Male Sub-Jr Raw 59kg Deadlift Jermy Indarjit 207.5 Male Sub-Jr Raw

59kg Deadlift Navindra Tamasar 207.5 Male Open Raw 66kg Total Romario Gonsalves 602.5 Male Junior Raw 66kg Deadlift Romario Gonsalves 260 Male Junior Raw 74kg Deadlift Vijai Rahim 302.5 Male Open Raw 83kg Deadlift Hardat Tarson 270 Male Open Raw 83kg Total Hardat Tarson 640.0 Male Open Raw 93kg Total Nigil Phillips 652.5 Male Master 1 Raw 93kg Squat Nigil Phillips 262.5 Male Master 1 Raw 93kg Bench Press Nigil Phillips 142.5 Male Master 1 Raw 93kg Deadlift Nigil Phillips 247.5 Male Master 1 Raw

CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 World Cup Qualifiers squad to be selected SINCE the conclusion of the GFF-KFC U20 Tournament, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has begun a series of Talent Identification sessions in each Regional Member Association (RMA) to secure talent to participate in the CONCACAF Men’s Under- 20 World Cup Qualifiers in February 2020.

The first session was held on Sunday with players from the East Bank Football Association at the GFF Training Centre, Providence from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs.

Head coach of the National U-20 team and head in this initiative, Wayne Dover, explains the objective of the sessions, stating that they are geared “towards scouting of players for selection to the national Under-20 team, for the purpose of preparation for the CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 World Cup Qualifiers in February 2020.”

“This initiative by the Technical Department was undertaken to maximise on the talent available throughout Guyana. This will definitely give the staff and, by extension, the technical department the opportunity to make good selections since a large pool of players will be exposed to showcase their talent. I am very excited to be involved in such a project, especially since it is geared towards development,” Dover said.

Dover pointed out that the technical team for this project, coaches O’Neal Heywood, Eon De Veira and Wilson Toledo, will select 40 players from the regional ID sessions after which 25 will be shortlisted for training, scheduled to commence in September of this year. The

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final Talent ID session with the 40 selected players is scheduled for September 10 at the GFF’s National Training Centre.

Meanwhile, GFF president Wayne Forde noted that the national U-20 scouting exercise provides each player with a fair opportunity for selection to improve national team performances.

“The other critical advantage is the six months of team preparation we will embark on once the team is selected. The GFF is continually re-examining its development strategy with the aim of finding practical solutions, which will bring about improved performances of our national teams.

There is no quick fix to lifting the standard of play across a country but our latest focus on youth development is finally showing dividends,” Forde noted.

Before Sunday’s sessions, Golden Jaguars head coach, Márcio Máximo, visited the programme in an observer capacity and shared words of encouragement to the young players. He assured them it’s a new chapter in Guyana’s football and the door is open for their inclusion through hard work, commitment, and discipline.

To guide in the selection of the U-20 team the criteria are as follows: Players MUST be registered with a club that is affiliated to the RMA they are from, and the RMA MUST be in good standing with the GFF. Players who are selected to the final pool MUST walk with a valid passport and Police Clearance.

Characteristics of Players: Players MUST have good technical ability.

Players MUST be able to make good decisions during games.

Players MUST be able to adapt to tactical training.

Players MUST have a good aerobic fitness base.

Players MUST be disciplined.

Players’ attitudes: (a) Be punctual at training. (b) Listen and follow coach’s instructions. © Players MUST have an innate desire and passion for the game. (d) Players MUST be coachable (willing to learn).

The schedule for the remaining sessions is as follows: Monday August 26, 2019 – West Demerara Football Association Tuesday August 27, 2019 – East Coast Demerara Football Association Wednesday August 28, 2019 – Georgetown Football Association Thursday August 29, 2019 – GFF Elite Clubs Friday August 30, 2019 – Upper Demerara Football Association Saturday August 31 – Sunday September 1, 2019 – Bartica Football Association Monday-Tuesday September 2-3, 2019 – Berbice Football Association Wednesday-Thursday September 4-5, 2019 – Essequibo/ Pomeroon Football Association Friday September 6 – Sunday September 8, 2019 – Rupununi Football Association.

09:50 hrs Stelvio 10:20 hrs Before Noon 10:55 hrs Imperial Seal

14:45 hrs Field Exhibition

English Racing Tips Lingfield 09:00 hrs Mistress Nellie 09:30 hrs Mustadun 10:00 hrs Danglydontask 10:30 hrs More Than Likely 11:00 hrs Restless Endeavour 11:30 hrs Mr Kodi 12:00 hrs Roundabout Magic Worcester 11:45 hrs Double Court 12:15 hrs Hepijeu 12:45 hrs Crystal Gazing 13:15 hrs Jen’s Boy 13:45 hrs Humdinger 14:15 hrs Bathiva

Kermpton 12:55 hrs National Treasure 13:25 hrs Mums Hope 13:55 hrs Khabeerah 14:25 hrs Swansdown 14:55 hrs Alma Linda 15:25 hrs Blame It On Sally 15:55 hrs Victory Rose Irish Racing Tips Bellewstown 11:05 hrs Dancing On A Dream 11:35 hrs Potala Palace 12:05 hrs Tribal Path 12:35 hrs High Altitude 13:05 hrs Phase After Phase 13:35 hrs Tie A Yellowribbon 14:05 hrs Royal Aide 14:35 hrs Easter Orchid

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Prime Minister donates sports gear to Region 2 Amerindian communities

FOLLOWING a request for sports gear, several Amerindian villages were granted their wishes by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who made a timely donation of cricket bats, balls, pads and footballs.

The equipment was handed over to Mr Karan Chand who is the Prime Minister’s Region 2 Representative and Mr Naitram who is an Alliance for

Change Member and the Region’s Agriculture Coordinator.

At a simple ceremony held in the compound of the Regional Administrative building on Tuesday, Mr Karan Chand expressed delight and thanked the Prime Minister for his insight in ensuring that the Amerindian communities benefit and develop through sports.

He further stated, “The

gear will be distributed during the celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month in September and will serve to promote and expose the hidden and vastly rich talent within the various villages.”

Also expressing his appreciation was Mr Naitram who acknowledge that due to the lack of adequate sporting resources, Amerindian communities were left to suffer

Karan Chand, left, and Naitram showcase some of the sporting equipment

and without any form of recreation.

He concluded that with the donation “the youths will now have an opportunity to explore their talent and even become national and international athletes. I have seen promise in these various villages and amazingly such a donation will do wonders for the future development of sports there.” opined Naitram.

Among the communities to receive the equipment are Mashabo, Mainstay, Akawini, Karawab and Wakapoa.

Also, according to the regional officials, more equipment will be distributed to the other areas in the future.

(Elroy Stephney)

Same old story for Sharapova as Williams proves too strong

By Amy Tennery

NEW YORK, NY (Reuters) - Maria Sharapova slipped back into an all-too-familiar routine on Monday, as the Russian came up short for the 20th time in 22 matches against Serena Williams, to exit the U.S. Open in the first round.

Serena Williams

A stone-faced Sharapova was left to ponder a 6-1, 6-1 drubbing that proved once again Williams has all the answers when the pair meet on court.

“I thought she served really well. Found her spots really well. Didn’t feel like we got into too many long rallies,” said Sharapova. “I think the 1-2 punch. She won a majority of those points.”

Prior to Monday match, Williams led Sharapova 19-2 in head-to-head meetings.

They last met in the 2016 Australian Open quarter-finals where the American emerged with a 6-4, 6-1 win.

They were due to meet at last year’s French Open but Williams withdrew due to injury.

Sharapova has not taken

a set off Williams since the Miami Open in 2013.

The 32-year-old Russian, who was banned for 15 months for taking the banned drug meldonium in 2016, struggled with injuries earlier this year, including persistent shoulder problems that have plagued her in the past.

The five-time Grand Slam champion underwent a small surgical procedure for her right shoulder that caused her to miss the Miami Open.

“I missed a lot of this year with my shoulder. Just getting the routines back and being back in the draws is, you know, it’s tough to talk about after a defeat, but it’s a long road,” Sharapova said.

“It’s facing an opponent that’s at her stature is extremely difficult in the first round of a slam, coming in with the fact that I haven’t played that much.”

There is no love lost between the two, with Sharapova including Williams in her autobiography in anecdotes that the American described as “hearsay”.

“Sport is very much result-oriented. There are stories behind the results,” said Sharapova. “There are phases you have to get through in order to get to where you want to go.

“This is a very different chapter in my career. It’s not an easy road. It’s never been.”

Williams next faces fellow American Catherine McNally, after the wildcard beat Switzerland’s Timea Bacsinszky 6-4, 6-1.

Cantona to receive UEFA President’s Award (REUTERS) - Former Manchester United forward Eric Cantona will be presented the 2019 UEFA President’s Award in recognition of his playing career and commitment to charitable causes after it, European soccer’s governing body said yesterday.

The 53-year-old Frenchman will receive the award in Monaco tomorrow during the Champions League group stage draw.

“This award not only recognises his career as a player of the highest calibre, but also honours him for the person he is,” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement here.html.

“A man who refuses compromise, who stands up for his values, who speaks his mind and in particular, puts his heart and his

soul into supporting the causes he believes in.”

Cantona won four Premier League titles in five years with United in the 1990s and scored 64 goals for the Old Trafford club in 143 appearances.

The former Auxerre, Marseille, Nimes and Leeds United player won 45 caps with France and tried his hand at acting and beach soccer following his retirement in 1997.

Cantona supports the Common Goal initiative, which funds soccer charities worldwide, and contributes 1% of his annual salary to the project co-founded by United’s Juan Mata.

Former England captain David Beckham won the award in 2018.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

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Bumrah’s game sense is his most striking feature - Andy Robert

Woods undergoes knee surgery, targets October return

COULD BUMRAH HAVE FITTED INTO THE FEARSOME WEST INDIES ATTACKS OF THE PAST? Roberts suggested Bumrah’s unconventional action would have added a different dimension to the attacks he was part of.

“It’s the strangest action that I have seen on a cricket field,” he said. “I need to study that for a longer time to understand the mechanics of his action. But if he were born here back in our days, we would have had him. A freak was the only element missing in our bowling line-up. In fact, Bumrah is the only variety of bowler we had never produced. Then I don’t think even India would produce one like him again.”

Ambrose went even further in his praise.

“At times, he rekindles memories of our prime,” he said. “The pace, aggression, the hostility, the craft, the way he outclasses the batsmen, the way he out-thinks them. He could have been one of us; he’s so complete a bowler that he could have played in any era.”

KNEE ISSUE While Woods has dealt with a string of ailments this season his left knee until now had not been one of them although it has been an issue throughout his career.

He first had surgery on the knee in 1994 to remove scar tissue and again in 2002 to remove a cyst.

There was more surgery in 2008 to repair a ruptured ACL after he famously won the U.S. Open that year in a playoff over Rocco Mediate as he hobbled around Torrey Pines.

That was Woods’ last major win until this year when he triumphed at the Masters.

Woods said he expected to be fit to play in the Zozo Championship in Japan, October 24-27 followed by the Hero World Challenge he hosts from December 4 to 7.

U.S. captain for the President’s Cup, Woods could also select himself to play in the biennial event set for December 9-15 at Royal Melbourne in Australia.

He is currently one shy of Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour victories.

JASPRIT Bumrah’s 5 for 7 the least expensive five-wicket haul by an Indian in Tests helped hurry India towards a record 318-run win over West Indies in Antigua.

That five-for also helped Bumrah become the first bowler from Asia to take five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies. And beyond the numbers, he impressed two Antiguan fast-bowling greats - Andy Roberts and Curtly Ambrose - with his clarity of thought, game sense and aggression.

So impressed was Roberts that, in an interview with the Indian Express, he called Bumrah the “best Indian fast bowler I have seen”.

“In my time, it was all spin,” he said, thinking back to the India attacks of the past.

“Good ones, but they wouldn’t win you matches overseas.

India had Kapil Dev and some others, but we never thought they could produce someone as lethal as Bumrah. He’s the best Indian fast bowler I have seen.”

Roberts, part of the great pace quartets that also included Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Colin Croft and Malcolm Marshall, described how Bumrah’s unorthodox run-up and action broke the mental rhythm of batsmen as they prepared to face him.

But what made the India bowler truly special, he felt, was his game sense and thinking, which belie the fact that he only made his Test debut in January 2018, and has played only 11 games in the format.

“When a bowler is running in, you should look at the batsmen. They are settling into a mental rhythm of their

own in their mind,” Roberts said. “They are visualising the bowler, his action, the leap, the load-up, the release and things like that.

Their thought processes are conditioned in such a way that if he’s a side-on bowler, the ball will come like that, if it’s high-arm it would come in a different way. Or the longer the run-up, the quicker the ball will be. With Bumrah, the batsmen have little time to get into their mental rhythm.

most striking feature of him.

Some call it maturity. I call it game sense. There seems to be clarity in his thinking, and that automatically shows in his bowling. Some bowlers, very skilful ones, don’t develop it even 10 years after they had played the game. That’s the biggest thing for a fast bowler, to learn how to use your head.”

The game sense also impressed Ambrose, who said Bumrah’s ability to size up and

Jasprit Bumrah is swarmed by his team-mates (Getty Images)

“Look at everything else he does, he’s classical. He moves two balls into the batsmen, and the other one goes away. Then two away from him, and then one into him.

This is how we did; this is how fast bowlers have operated over the years.

But the best one knows how, where and when to bowl.

And Bumrah seems to have this awareness, which usually takes a lot of time to develop, a lot of experience. But how old is he? How many Tests has he played? He’s a quick learner, isn’t he?

“To me, it has been the

adjust his lengths according to surfaces and batsmen reminded him of his long-time new-ball partner Courtney Walsh.

“He’s good at varying his lengths, depending on the surfaces and batsmen,” Ambrose told the Indian Express.

“I saw that in the World Cup, how he adjusted (and altered) his lengths according to the conditions and batsmen. That makes life difficult for batsmen. “(In this regard), he reminds me a bit of Courtney (Walsh), a bit. He was wonderful in sizing up the length and bowling accordingly.”

Ambrose also said Bumrah’s quiet demeanour did not make him any less aggressive on the field.

“I’m not talking about body language here. I’m not talking about being hostile. Aggression is not always about what you show outwards. Some show, some don’t. It depends on the individual’s nature,” Ambrose said. “To me, it’s about how you bowl; the aggression of the delivery. And Bumrah shows a lot of it.”

Bacchus Ruff Ryders are Paul & Sons Division One Consolation winners TORONTO, Canada – Bacchus Ruff Ryders defied the odds to upstage Ramblers in last Saturday’s Paul & Sons 15-over Division Two Consolation final, played at the Littles ground, Scarborough.

The buoyant Bacchus Ruff Ryders, who have been enduring a torrid time in the regular season (20 overs), overwhelmed Ramblers by 13 runs in the hotly contested affair.

Taking first strike, Bacchus Ruff Ryders reached a challenging 102 for six in their allotted 15 overs with the experienced Uniss Yusuf hitting a top-score of 29 while Fazil Rasool supported with 24.

Bacchus Ruff Ryders were in early trouble, losing Avi Singh without scoring. However, Yusuf kept the top-order together, smashing two fours and a similar number of sixes in his fine knock. Rasool’s innings contained two sixes while Jai Singh also hit two sixes in a quick 14.

Farook Inshan, who did the early damage, finished with the impressive figures of three for 12 from his three overs while Patrick Shivrattan claimed two for 24.

In reply, Ramblers were

always behind the required run rate despite an attacking 43 from Shivrattan who failed to get adequate support from his other teammates. The only other player to reach double figures was Adam Hussain with 13. Shivrattan, who was later named MVP for the losing side, slammed three fours and two sixes.

MVP for the winners, Jaybalack ‘Johno’ Panday, bagged three for 12, while Yusuf (one for seven), Navin Misir (one for 13) and Avi Singh (one for 19) were the other successful bowlers.

The championship finals featuring Rems and Mercenary in Division One, and Enmore and Carr Tec in Division

Two are set for Saturday, September 7 at Ashtonbee numbers two and one respectively.

Rebels have already claimed

the Division One Consolation title by virtue of GT Bannas forfeiting the game. (Frederick Halley)

Bacchus Ruff Ryders players Nirad Lall (left) and Uniss Yusuf pose with the winning trophy. Officiating umpires were Albert Ramcharran (left) and Vish Jadunauth

The victorious Bacchus Ruff Ryders team and supporters following Saturday’s win

(REUTERS) - Tiger Woods had a knee operation last week but is expected to make full recovery and hopes to be back competing in October.

The former world number one said he had an arthroscopic procedure to “repair minor cartilage damage.

Former world number one Tiger Woods

“I’m walking now and hope to resume practice in the next few weeks,” Woods said after the procedure on his left knee. “I look forward to travelling and playing in Japan in October.”

Apart from winning the Masters, his 15th major title, the 43-year-old has had a relatively subdued season with injuries hampering his preparation and performances.

Vern Cooley, the doctor who performed the knee surgery, said in a statement: “I expect Tiger to make a full recovery.

“We did what was needed and also examined the entire knee. There

were no additional problems.”

Woods withdrew from the Northern Trust Open earlier this month due to pain and stiffness in his surgically repaired back.

India celebrates Sindhu’s world badminton glory INDIAN fans are celebrating after badminton player PV Sindhu won the World Championships in Switzerland.

She defeated Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara 21-7, 21-7 on Sunday, becoming the first

PV Sindhu is one of India’s most popular sports stars

Indian to win the coveted title.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan were among those who praised her historic achievement.

Sindhu won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, and another at the Asian Games two years later.

She has become a household name in India, where cricket players have traditionally been the most popular sports stars.

Sindhu dominated the match in Basel and won the first game in just 16 minutes. Twitter was quickly filled with posts celebrating her win. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Osaka survives scare; Stokes, Marnus make Halep, Kvitova advance big rankings moves DEFENDING champion Naomi Osaka overcame a nervous start to scrape past Russian 20-year-old Anna Blinkova 6-4, 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 in the US Open first round.

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep was also taken to a third set by American Nicole Gibbs but won 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.

Alison Riske.

American Riske, ranked 11 places below the Spaniard at 36th, sealed her first win at Flushing Meadows since 2013 and will take on former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the second round.

Marnus Labuschagne (left) and Ben Stokes rewarded for their performances in the just concluded Headingley Test Simona Halep has been in three finals since last year’s US Open, winning two of them.

Naomi Osaka lost in the first round of Wimbledon this year, while she made it only to round three at the French Open

Osaka was 4-1 down in the opening set before she won five games in a row to take the lead.

In a second set riddled with errors, she saw off three set points and held match point before losing a tie-break.

The Japanese world number one, who made 50 unforced errors in the match, fought off three more break points in the decider.

She will now face Polish world number 53 Magda Linette in round two.

Romanian Halep took a fairly comfortable first set against Gibbs, ranked 135th, but despite holding off six set points, was broken for a fourth time late in the second.

But she cruised through the decider, breaking twice to ensure she avoided three successive first-round defeats in New York.

The fourth seed will face world number 116 Taylor Townsend, another American, in the second round.

There was, however, a first-round exit for two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza, who lost 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 to

MUGURUZA OUT BUT KVITOVA THROUGH “I remember not even that long ago, it was different.

You had a difference between the top players and not top players,” said Muguruza, who has suffered three first-round defeats in New York.

“Now, you feel like if you’re not 100% every day you play, you know all your opponents can play great. It’s much more equal.”

Latvia’s Ostapenko overcame Serb Aleksandra Krunic 6-3, 7-6, (7-9), while two-time Wimbledon champion and sixth seed Petra Kvitova beat fellow Czech Denisa Allertova 6-2, 6-4.

Elsewhere, Swiss 13th seed Belinda Bencic won 6-3, 6-2 against Luxembourg’s Mandy Minella, while Dutch seventh seed Kiki Bertens defeated Spaniard Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2.

And Canadian 15th seed Bianca Andreescu is through with a comfortable 6-2, 6-4 win over American 17-year-old Katie Volynets. (BBC Sport)

Vanguard crowned champions of NSC/GVF Forbes Burnham Female Volleyball Festival

Teams battling in the finals of the competition

VANGUARD Volleyball Club rebounded from a first game loss to emerge as overall champions when the curtain came down on the National Sports Commission (NSC) Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) LFS Burnham Female Volleyball Festival, which was organised by Sports Officer Allister Munroe.

After their opening loss to the Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) Volleyball Club, the Georgetown side regrouped with the help of a few

missing players and were able to stamp their authority on the competition, which was played this week at the National Gymnasium.

They got past Kakuri Warriors Volleyball Club in a tough three-game battle (25-20, 2523, 15-9).

In the grand finale, a good all-round performance from MVP Cherry Ann Fraser propelled the Georgetown side a 2-0 win against the Castrol Volleyball Club.

Victory was no easy feat as the games were close at 29-27

and 25-23.

In the third place clash, Kakuri Warriors defeated PMTC by a 2-1 margin.

All the teams received volleyballs along with their respective trophies, while the players from the top three teams received medals as well.

In an invited comment, Director of Sport Christopher Jones said that NSC will continue to support federation/association in promoting their respective sports in Guyana and as the director he will continue

to sponsor sports programme as a respect in remembering all of our past presidents of Guyana.

Jones also applauded Munroe for a job well done.

It was also confirmed that the NSC would sponsor a male volleyball competition shortly.

Munroe in his comments, appealed to the volleyball sub-associations to work with their governing body (GVF) in moving the sports forward.

He made this statement after the competition had been rescheduled twice before it was served off.

BEN Stokes’ remarkable match-winning efforts in the third Ashes Test have pushed the England all-rounder to career-best heights in the latest ICC Test rankings, while Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has climbed into the top 40 batsmen for the first time.

Stokes is now the world’s second-ranked all-rounder behind West Indian Jason Holder, having blasted an unbeaten 135 to give England a stunning turnaround victory at Headingley, while also impressing with match figures of 4-101.

The headline-grabbing hundred – instantly regarded as one of the all-time great Test innings – has also seen the left-hander rise to 13th in the batting rankings – six places ahead of his previous best of 19th, from October 2017.

A highly-impressive match double of 74 and 80 from Labuschagne has resulted in the Queenslander jumping 45 places to 37th after just seven Tests.

After a second-innings 51 against West Indies, India captain Virat Kohli retains a slender lead over Steve Smith atop the batting tree, while Kohli’s countryman Ajinkya Rahane climbed 10 spots following his match-winning double of 81 and 102.

Black Caps opener Tom Latham was rewarded for his century in the recent Test win over Sri Lanka by entry into the top 10, in eighth position, joining compatriots Kane Williamson (third) and Henry Nicholls (fifth). Just behind Nicholls is Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, who reaches a career-best sixth position after scores of 65 and 21, while England captain Joe Root’s second-innings 76 at Headingley puts him in seventh spot.

Among the bowlers, Australia’s Pat Cummins remains in top spot after taking four wickets in the third Ashes Test, with Josh Hazlewood up two places two 12th after his nine-wicket haul, and second-gamer Jofra Archer climbing to 43rd position.

A standout second-innings effort of 5-7 from India’s Jasprit Bumrah (seventh spot) catapults the right-arm quick into the top 10 for the first time, while West Indian Kemar Roach moves up three spots into eighth position.

(Cricket Network)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday, August 28, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: England won by 1 wicket Ben Stokes (ENG)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

What was the result of the second Test of the just-concluded SL/NZ series?

Who was voted Man of the Match?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 28, 2019

35

Final 16 teams confirmed for Inaugural ‘592 Street Kings’ Streetball … Sparta Boss, Gold is Money among main contenders

FOLLOWING the official launch of the inaugural edition of the ‘592 Street Kings’ streetball tournament last Monday (August 19), the final list of teams, 16 in total, has been confirmed with some of the country’s best streetball teams along with some young, exciting, up-and-coming units going head-to-head for over $600 000 in cash and prizes.

The tournament which is being sponsored by Ansa McAl’s 592 Lager Beer brand, will see some well-established teams inclusive of Albouystown-B, Tiger Bay, Gold is Money and Sparta Boss take on younger streetball outfits such as LA Ballers, Future Stars, John Street and Avocado Ballers across three nights of highly anticipated action.

The venues which have been confirmed thus far are

Berlin tarmac (Drysdale and High Streets) while the second night will be played at the Burnham Court on Carmichael and Middle Streets.

The final venue will be announced following the first two match days.

The three nights, September 7, 14 and 21, will see teams clash in a straight knockout competition with eight games on night one. The eight winners will advance to the quarter-finals on night two. The winners of the quarter-finals will then advance to the semi-finals which will be played on the same night, while the losers will be eligible for the ‘592 Shield’ section.

At the tournament, patrons will have a chance to win prizes and 592 merchandise with select purchases of 592 Beer. Also in the works is a halftime penalty shoot-out

Hamilton called up for Jamaica Test, Paul returns

Wicketkeeper/batsman Jahmar Hamilton

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jahmar Hamilton has been called up to the West Indies 13-man squad for the decisive second Test against India after Shane Dowrich was ruled out of the series with an ankle injury.

Dowrich sat out the opening Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua last week when the hosts suffered a chastening 318-run defeat inside four days, as Shai Hope stood in with the gloves.

With Dowrich now returning to Barbados to continue his recovery, Hamilton has been included in a 13-man squad announced yesterday.

The uncapped 28-year-old Leeward Islands Hurricanes gloveman has played 80 first class matches and accumulated 173 dismissals. He averages 26 with the bat and has scored six hundreds.

Hamilton featured for West Indies-A in two of the three four-day ‘Tests’ against touring India-A, scraping just 36 runs from four innings.

Meanwhile, Keemo Paul has returned to the squad after

recovering from the ankle injury that kept him out of the series-opener.

Fast bowler Miguel Cummins who replaced him has been dropped after a forgettable display in Antigua where he failed to take a single wicket in 20 insipid overs.

The two changes are the only ones to the Windies side as they go in search of a series-levelling victory starting Friday at Sabina Park.

West Indies suffered an extraordinary batting collapse on the penultimate day of the opening Test, slumping to 100 all out in pursuit of 419 for victory, to hand India their largest-ever away victory in terms of runs.

The result left the Windies without a Test win over India in 22 matches over the last 17 years.

SQUAD – Jason Holder, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Darren Bravo, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shamarh Brooks, Jahmar Hamilton, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Keemo Paul.

Representatives from some of the participating teams in the ‘592 Street Kings’ tournament at the official launch last week. (Adrian Narine photo)

between fans which could see them land a bucket of 592 Lager Beer.

The ‘592 Street Kings’ of 2019 will pocket $300 000 while the runners-up will collect $150 000. The third-place finishers will grab $100 000 while fourth-placers will receive $75 000 and the winners of the ‘592 Shield’ section will receive $50 000.

Fixtures for the tournament will be released by this weekend.

The teams that have been confirmed for the tournament are: Avocado Ballers, Sophia, Ansa McAl All-Stars, North East La Penitence, Back Circle, Albouystown-B, Tiger Bay, Leopold Street, John Street, Melanie-B, Broad Street, Alexander Village, Future Stars, LA Ballers, Gold is Money and Sparta Boss.

Gay couple ‘saved’ by Ben Stokes, now want him knighted THE couple Ben Stokes ‘saved’ in a street fight in 2018 are calling for the cricketer to be knighted following his incredible Ashes innings.

Millions of people across the country were glued to televisions and radios, eagerly following an innings that started as improbable, before becoming the inexplicable.

Two of those watching were Kai Barry and William O’Connor. The couple claim Stokes defended them during a late-night brawl in Bristol last year and now they want the all-rounder to be made a knight of the realm after his recent heroics.

Stokes ended up in court for his part in the incident but was eventually cleared of all charges. Barry and O’Connor stated throughout that they had been the victim of homophobic abuse and that Stokes had stepped in to defend them.

Barry told The Sun: “ T h e re ’s n o q u e s t i o n he should get a knighthood. He saved us, now he’s saved the Ashes. Ben risked his career for us.

He’s my hero. He’s showed immense strength of character.”

Even Prime Minister Boris Johnson weighed in.

He said: “It was one of the most extraordinary innings I’ve ever seen. I think I’ve already promised that Ben Stokes should get a Dukedom so I can’t go any higher than that.

“Clearly it’s not a mat-

ter for me but for some honours committee. I’m sure they’ll take the appropriate decision.”

It comes after Stokes rescued England from almost certain defeat with an unbeaten 135 on Sunday.

the time Australia had completed their second innings, England were set the improbable target of 359.

When Stokes came to the crease on Saturday evening it was all about survival. He scored just two

greatest innings of all-time, certainly for an Englishman.

His 135 not out means that the Test series remains alive and England still have a chance to win the Ashes this summer.

After the win Stokes

Ben Stokes and wife Clare outside Bristol Crown Court (Photo by REUTERS/Peter Nicholls)

Australia were well on their way to winning the Test match, taking a 2-0 lead in the series and retaining the Ashes. After a promising innings in the field, England had been skittled out for just 67, Joe Denly top-scoring with 12.

It was the lowest score England has posted in the Ashes in over 70 years. By

runs from 50 deliveries; exactly what was needed at the time.

Sunday began in a similar vein. He dug in and scored three runs of 73, only increasing it slightly afterwards to 51 off 152 balls. As his teammates played various cameos alongside him, he took centre stage, going on to produce arguably the

told the BBC: “Your family go through everything with you, good and bad, so it is great to be able to celebrate with them at times like this,” “I didn’t actually see Clare until late in the evening and I still had my training gear on and my England cap.

(Yahoo Sport Uk)

Nigel Philips during his record-breaking squat of 262.5kg in the Male Master 1 Raw Category on Sunday

Sixteen records tumble at GAPL Raw Nationals 31 Page

… Maycock and Rahim cop Best Lifters title

Vijai Rahim copped the best Male Lifter title on Sunday at the GAPLF Raw Nationals 2019

Iranian women allowed to watch World Cup qualifier in stadium: Official DUBAI, UAE (Reuters) - Iranian women fans will be allowed to attend a men’s soccer World Cup qualifying match in the Islamic Republic in October, the official IRNA news agency quoted a Sports Ministry official as saying, on Sunday, amid heightened pressure from FIFA. While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches in Iran, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men’s teams are playing since the Islamic revolution in 1979.

FIFA wrote to the Iranian Football Federation in June asking it to provide a timeline toward women being able to buy tickets for the qualifiers, or face consequences.

“Women can go to Tehran’s Azadi stadium to watch the match between Iran’s national team and Cambodia in October for the Qatar World Cup qualifier,” IRNA quoted deputy Sports Minister Jamshid Taghizadeh as saying.

The AFC, the Asian soccer governing body which has 47 members including Iran, said yesterday it was working to help world soccer governing body FIFA find an “amicable solution” that would allow Iranian female fans to attend future games in Iran.

“There is no legal ban for women to watch the football matches in the stadium. The activation of the infrastructure is underway,” Taghizadeh said.

Iranian female fans have long campaigned to be allowed to watch men’s soccer and occasionally a limited number of women have been allowed into the stadium.

In June, some women were detained by security forces when they went to the Azadi Stadium for a friendly against Syria. Last year, some women risked arrest by donning fake beards and wigs to attend a major game in the stadium. Their pictures and videos were posted on social media.

The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar.

CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 World Cup Qualifiers squad to be selected Page

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Wayne Dover

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019