Guyana Chronicle E-paper 9-17-2019

TUESDAY 17th SEPTEMBER, 2019

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Double No.105763

oil strike

Exxon, Tullow in new discoveries in offshore Guyana

…Gov't recommits to ensuring all Guyanese benefit from resources SEE STORY ON PAGE 02

President David Granger

GECOM must be allowed to do its work ---President restates GECOM’s solely responsible for the conduct of polls SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Double oil strike

…Govt recommits to ensuring all Guyanese benefit from resources Exxon, Tullow in new discoveries offshore Guyana TWO separate oil finds offshore Guyana were announced on Monday by Tullow Oil plc’s (Tullow) and ExxonMobil which both stated that the finds of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs bode well for the future of Guyana.

The first was announced at 02:00 hours by Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe who informed that the Joe-1 exploration well has successfully opened a new Upper Tertiary oil play in the Guyana basin.

The Joe-1 find marks the second such for Tullow in the Orinduik block, having announced its first discovery at the Jethro-1 well in August, the announcements less than six weeks apart. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil copped its 14th discovery in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana at the Tripletail-1 well in the Turbot area, with the announcement coming from the Department at around 08:00 hours. The discovery adds to the previously announced estimated recoverable resource of more than 6 billion oil-equivalent barrels on the Stabroek Block.

BACK-TO-BACK Speaking to Tullow’s earlier announcement, Dr. Bynoe said: “The Co-operative Republic of Guyana continues to be encouraged by the prolific rate of discovery in our country. Every Guyanese can be assured that the Government will continue to work conscientiously to pursue the most effective and efficient marketing strategies of Guyana’s crude entitlement to transform our

Tullow’s Stena Forth drillship

ExxonMobil’s Country Manager Rod Henson

economy and to implement sustainable development programmes from which all Guyanese can benefit.”

A recent Competent Persons Report on the block, prior to the discoveries on the Jethro and Joe wells, estimates that there is a gross 3,982 million Barrels of oil equivalent on the Orinduik Block. The Joe-1 exploration well was drilled by the Stena Forth drillship to a final depth of 2,175 meters in approximately 780 meters of water.

It encountered 52 feet (16 meters) of continuous thick sandstone which further proves the presence of recoverable oil resources. Tullow (Operator), along with its partners Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. and Total, will now conduct a detailed evaluation of the data from the Joe-1 discovery alongside data from the Jethro-1 discovery.

They await the outcome of the Carapa well to determine the optimal follow-on exploration and appraisal programme. The non-oper-

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe (Delano Williams photo)

ated Carapa-1 well on the Kanuku licence is scheduled to commence drilling in late September with the Rowan EXL II jack-up rig and will test the Cretaceous oil play with results expected in the fourth quarter of 2019.

In a release from Tullow, Exploration Director, Angus McCoss commented on Monday: “I am very pleased that we have made back-toback discoveries in Guyana and successfully opened a new, shallower play in the Upper Tertiary age of the Guyana basin with our second well. The Joe-1 discovery and its surrounding prospects represent another area of significant potential in the Orinduik Block and we are greatly looking forward to the next phase of the programme as we continue to unlock the multi-billion-barrel potential of this acreage.”

Likewise, Eco’s Co-Founder, Colin Kinley shared similar sentiments, stating: “It has greatly increased our chance of suc-

cess on our upcoming drilling targets and significantly de-risks other resource not previously considered in our interpretation.” Tullow has a 60 per cent stake in the Orinduik Block; Total holds 25 per cent with the remaining 15 per cent being held by Eco. A LONG STREAK Meanwhile, ExxonMobil’s 14th discovery in the Tripletail-1 encountered approximately 33 meters of a high-quality oil bearing sandstone reservoir.

The well was drilled in 2,003 meters of water and is located approximately 3 miles northeast of the Longtail discovery. A release from the company informed that, upon completion of operations at Tripletail, the Noble Tom Madden drillship will next drill the Uaru-1 well, located approximately 6 miles

Teen accused of robbery remanded

A TEEN who is well known to the court, appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs on Monday, September 16, 2019, at the Georgetown magistrates’ court, to answer to a robbery charge.

18-year-old Chris Pollard, of David Street Kitty, Georgetown, admitted that, on September 13, 2019, at Camp Street, Georgetown, in the company of two others, he robbed Sachin Narine of a Samsung Galaxy

cellphone, valued at $45,000.

Police Prosecutor stated that, on the day in question, around 17:30 hours, the virtual complainant was walking along Camp Street, having a conversation on his cellular phone, when he felt someone snatch the phone from him. The virtual complainant then turned around and saw the defendant and two others.

The defendant then threatened the virtual complainant saying “don’t do nothing before we do

something.” The men then turned around and ran away. An alarm was raised by the virtual complainant and two officers on patrol were able to apprehend one of the accused.

Pollard currently has five pending matters of similar nature at the Georgetown magistrates’ court and two at the Providence Magistrates’ Court. Magistrate remanded the young man to prison and adjourned to October 7,2019.

east of the Liza field.

However, hot on the agenda are the plans on track to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day at Liza Phase 1 development, utilizing the Liza Destiny FPSO. “This discovery is another indication that Guyana’s future is bright. But we can only secure that future through stronger collaboration, an improved legislative environment, and a cohesiveness that is most necessary at this time than at any time in our country’s history. The Department of Energy, along with its partner institutions, will continue to work assiduously and efficiently to ensure that we extract the best value from these resources for our nation and people,” Dr. Bynoe said in another release.

ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited

(EEPGL) is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block; Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

Speaking on the sidelines of an oil and gas conference later that day, ExxonMobil’s Country Manager Rod Henson hailed the discovery as “more good news for Guyana”. Even while highlighting the government’s pleasure with the discovery, Dr. Bynoe reminded: “Guyana’s future is bright but more importantly, the time is ripe for all Guyanese to focus on how they want to see their oil revenues spent and invested.”

The two oil finds announced on Monday brings the total of 16 oil finds in Guyana.

Venezuelan teen killed in Tabatinga A teenager was killed on Sunday at Tabatinga Central Rupununi.

Dead is Alberto Inima, 16, a Venezuelan national of Tabatinga Central Rupununi Police confirmed that they are investigating an alleged murder in the area committed on the teen.

Initial investigations revealed that the teen and the suspect were at a

shop, when an argument ensued and they subsequently left.

However, Alberto Inima was found with wounds about his body in Tabatinga Creek . He was taken to Lethem Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police arrested a suspect who is in custody assisting with this investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

GECOM must be allowed to do its work ---President restates GECOM’s solely responsible for the conduct of polls ---says constitution safeguards body from political interference PRESIDENT David Granger, on Monday, maintained that it is the exclusive responsibility of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to conduct General and Regional Elections here under the constitution and this responsibility is safeguarded from political interference.

“The Elections Commission has exclusive and explicit responsibility for the conduct of general and regional elections in accordance with the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (at Article 62).

The Constitution (at Article 162 (1) I) states, further, that: ‘…The Elections Commission shall have such functions connected with or relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections…,’” the Head of State said in an address to the nation, shortly after his meeting with the Carter Center at State House.

He was keen on noting that the Elections Commission is insulated from political influence, instruction or interference, and its independence is safeguarded by the Constitution. “The independence of the Commission and the integrity of the electoral process are essential to ensuring elections which express the will of the electorate,” President Granger explained.

As long indicated, the Head of State said he remains committed to providing governmental assistance

to GECOM to ensure that the much-anticipated elections are not contaminated by mismanagement or malpractice.

“The Elections Commission has a constitutional obligation, therefore, to ensure that everything necessary would be done to deliver credible elections. It is the Commission’s task to ensure that adequate resources are acquired; personnel are employed; the Official List of Electors which enfranchises all eligible voters is published; administrative mechanisms to ensure efficient polling and the counting and tabulation of results are implemented; and that the laws of Guyana are enforced,” the President detailed.

His Government, he iterated, will provide assistance to the Commission to enable it to conduct credible elections at the earliest time possible. “My position remains unaltered,” he told the nation.

The Head of State added: “I have acted expeditiously throughout the year to ensure that credible general and regional elections are held.

I consulted the Elections Commission on two occasions. I consulted the Leader of the Opposition on three occasions to select a new Chairman of the Elections Commission in accordance with the Constitution (at Article 161 (1)). I appointed Justice Claudette Singh, SC, CCH, as Chairman of the Commission and adminis-

President David Granger

tered the Oath of Office to her on 29th July 2019.”

The President has full confidence in the Chairman’s independence, integrity and impartiality and her intention and ability to perform the functions of her office in the best interest of the Guyanese people.

Last week, teams from the Government and the Opposition met with the Chairman of the Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh and her Commissioners on separate occasions to ascertain GECOM’s readiness to conduct early elections.

During those meetings, both sides were assured that the Commission is doing everything to facilitate early elections free of any corrupted

practice. Amid increasing pressure from the Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) - for elections to be held now, President Granger, in his address to the nation, said the Commission should be allowed to do its work.

“The Elections Commission must be allowed to continue the task of preparing for the forthcoming general and regional elections. The Commission has an obligation to assure the public that it is ready to conduct credible elections and to advise the President of its readiness to do so. I could then dissolve Parliament and issue a proclamation appointing a date on which elections could be held in accordance with the

Neighbours partner for oil spill readiness GUYANA is working along with Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname for the development of a Technical Working Group and other agreements for a clear plan of action on oil spill readiness.

This was relayed by Senior Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Donnette Streete on Monday at the Enhancing Offshore E&P Regional Capacity: Operational and Environmental Safeguards Conference. “We are in the process of setting up a Technical Working Group with the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and…we expect to come to an agreement about oil spill response preparedness and so on with the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” she stated.

At the time she was speaking on the topic of international protocols and

Senior Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Donnette Streete (Delano Williams photo)

Regional Cooperation.

She also stated that such efforts, in relation to Trinidad and Tobago, have been made easier through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Energy Sector Cooperation signed between the two countries in September 2018.

Article 2 F of the MOU states: “The Parties may cooperate in the following areas…the development of policies, plans and protocols relating to health, safety and the environment and the establishment of procedures to prevent and respond to operational accidents which may result in damage, environmental impacts and personal injury…” The signing came following a State visit of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley.

Meanwhile, hoping to replicate Guyana’s success, Suriname, despite setbacks at the Kolibri Well on Block 53 in 2017 and the Popokai Well on its 1.44 million-acre Block 58 in 2015, it will spud another well next month, the Apache, on Block 58. Streete stated: “We have begun discussions with the Republic of Suri-

name. Even though an oil spill in Guyana is not likely to affect the Republic of Suriname, Suriname also is involved in offshore drilling and so we have begun those discussions and we expect that whatever initiatives we come up with would be reciprocal in nature even if we’re requested to provide assistance that we could or we could request assistance from them.”

On September 4, 2019, Guyana’s National Oil Spill Response Contingency Plan was reported to be 90 per cent complete.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has already begun procuring oil spill response equipment while volunteers are being trained to respond in the unlikely event of an oil spill on or offshore.

Constitution,” he said.

The Head of State noted that it would be reckless and irresponsible, on his part, to appoint a date for elections without the Commission’s advice and assurance that it would be ready to conduct elections on such a date.

“I call on all Guyanese to have confidence in the Elections Commission. I am ready to be guided by the Chairman’s assessment of the Commission’s preparedness to conduct elections. I urge everyone to uphold the Constitution and respect the judgment of our independent institutions and the people who have been appointed to manage them. I look forward to the Commission’s recommendation to conduct credible elections at the earliest time possible,” President Granger urged the nation.

Last week, an electoral expert told Guyana Chronicle that the Elections Commission must comply with the statutory guidelines outlined in the Representation of People Act, and warned that, to do the contrary, would be to breach the Constitution and the Laws of Guyana.

GECOM’s Secretariat has proposed a March 2020 election timeline but the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has rejected such a proposal. He has threatened widespread protest actions after September 18, 2019 if a 2019 date for elections is not set.

But the electoral expert said Jagdeo and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) have adopted an irrational position. It was explained that the Elections Commission,

as advised by the Secretariat must act in conformity with the Constitution of Guyana, the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act of 2000 and the Representation of People Act. The electoral expert made it clear that Justice Singh nor her Commission cannot set a timeframe for elections independent of the Secretariat, and in total defiance of the Constitution and the Representation of People Act which have set out clear guidelines.

There are approximately 35 statutory guidelines that the Elections Commission must abide as outlined in the Representation of the People Act. According to Section 9 of the Representation of the People Act, the Notice of the date for submission of the list of Candidates (Nominations Day) cannot be not be done no later than 32 days before Elections. Added to the act states that candidates must be informed of defects in the list of candidates not later than 30 days before the election, and by the 29th day before the election is held, corrections must be submitted. Those are just three of the 35 statutory guidelines established under the act.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 17, 2019

Oil prices soar after attacks on Saudi facilities (BBC) Oil prices ended nearly 15% higher on Monday, with the Brent benchmark seeing its biggest jump in about 30 years. The rise came after two attacks on Saudi Arabian facilities on Saturday knocked out about 5% of global supply.

Brent crude initially surged 20% at the start of trading, but eased back to end at $69 a barrel, up 14.6%.

US oil prices finished up 14.7%, the biggest jump

Wednesday September 11, 2019

since 2008. Prices fell back after President Donald Trump vowed to release US reserves. The strike, which the US blames on Iran, has sparked fears of increased risk to energy supplies in the region. However, prices remain below Brent’s 12-month high of $86.29 a barrel seen last October, when West Texas Intermediate also climbed to more than $76 a barrel.

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The drone attacks on plants in the heartland of Saudi Arabia’s oil industry hit the world’s biggest petroleumprocessing facility as well as a nearby oil field, both of which are operated by energy giant Aramco. Together they account for about 50% of Saudi Arabia’s oil output, or 5% of daily global oil production. It could take weeks before the facilities are fully back on line.

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Aneeka Gupta, commodities strategist at the fund manager Wisdom Tree, said that higher oil prices would not have an immediate impact on consumers as they “could take a bit of time of feed through”. However, she says that if the outage lasts for more than six weeks, oil prices could hit “north of” $75 a barrel. Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group and a former energy adviser in George W. Bush’s administration, told the BBC: “I think it’s going to last. As long as the United States and Saudi Arabia on one hand and Iran on the other remain in this escalatory conflict then we’re going to build in a risk premium because it’s getting very serious.” Saudi oil attacks: US says intelligence shows Iran involved

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed that Tehran was behind the attacks. Iran accused the US of “deceit.”

Later, Mr Trump said in a tweet the US knew who the culprit was and was “locked and loaded” but waiting to hear from the Saudis about how they wanted to proceed.

What will be the impact on oil supplies? The Saudis have provided little detail about the attacks, apart from saying there were no casualties, but have given a few more indications about oil production. Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said some of the fall in production would be made up by tapping huge storage facilities. The kingdom is the world’s biggest oil exporter, shipping more than seven million barrels daily. Saudi stocks stood at 188 million barrels

in June, according to official data. “Saudi authorities have claimed to control the fires, but this falls far short of extinguishing them,” said Abhishek Kumar, head of analytics at Interfax Energy in London. “The damage to facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais appears to be extensive, and it may be weeks before oil supplies are normalised.” However, Jeffery Halley, senior market analyst at Oanda, said the disruption would not affect crude supplies in the near-term. “There’s enough capacity in storage to meet the shortfall in the short-term.” Will petrol prices rise? Drivers will not immediately see an increase at the pump, according to international energy policy expert Prof Nick Butler.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 17, 2019

Mexico missing students: Anger at suspects’ release (BBC) The parents of 43 Mexican students who disappeared from the town of Iguala in 2014 have condemned an order to release 24 suspects in the case.

A judge ordered that 24 local police officers arrested in connection with the students’ disappearance should be freed immediately.

The judge said they had been tortured while in custody and should go free.

A Mexican government official accused the judge of using “questionable criteria” to reach his decision.

The judge’s decision came just days after another key suspect in the case was released.

Gildardo Lopez Astudillo was suspected of being the gang leader who ordered the killing of the students.

He too was released after it was found that he had been tortured.

What is the case about?

The case dates back to 26 September 2014 when 43 students from a teacher training college in the town of Ayotzinapa in Guerrero state disappeared after attending a protest in the nearby town of Iguala.

They were part of a larger group and, as they were travelling back from Iguala to Ayotzinapa, they were confronted by municipal police, who opened fire on the buses

they were travelling in.

The officers maintained they had done so because the buses had been hijacked, while the surviving students said the drivers had agreed to give them a lift.

During the clash, five people - two of them students - were shot dead. The body of a third student was found mutilated near the scene of the clash the next morning.

Forty-three of the students vanished after the clash. An official government report said they had been seized by the municipal police officers who handed them over to a local drugs gang.

The report concluded that the drugs gang had killed the 43, burned their bodies and dumped the ashes in a local stream.

However, independent investigators have described the official investigation as “deeply flawed” and human rights groups say some of those arrested were tortured to make them confess.

On Saturday, the attorney general’s office said it would investigate officials who had handled the investigation so that the officials “who had failed in their duties” could be held accountable.

What did the judge order?

Judge Samuel Ventura ordered the immediate release of 23 men and one woman

- all of them police officers in Iguala and nearby towns - accused of organised crime and forced disappearance.

He said that the suspects had been tortured to force them into confessing and there was insufficient evidence to continue to hold them.

However, eight of the suspects still have other cases pending and will remain in custody.

What was the reaction?

Deputy Secretary of Human Rights Alejandro Encinas said the order to release the 24 police officers was an “affront to the victims” which “made a mockery of justice” in Mexico.

He said that of 142 people detained in connection with the case, only 65 remained in custody.

Melitón Ortega, the father of one of the missing students, said the judge’s decision was a blow to the parents and that it constituted a setback in their efforts to investigate what had happened on the night of the students’ disappearance.

“Those freed have very valuable information that will now not come to light.

We’re not advancing as we’d like to, it’s all going very slowly but we’re going to keep the pressure up,” Mr Ortega said.

Relatives of the students say the ruling is a setback

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 17, 2019

Unleashing our potential GUYANA must take her pride of place among resources-rich nations. Should our resources be exploited in a sustainable manner, they would not only ensure the people’s self-sufficiency, but make the nation a formidable competitor in external markets.

Our unexploited potential gives rise to the nagging question, ‘Why Guyana is not further along the developmental continuum?’ The answer varies and it is not unusual to see responsibility placed at the feet of polarising politics, the absence of visionary and nationalistic leaders and competitive disadvantages of small-state societies.

It is true that in earlier years of independence, Guyanese produced many things. This country had a thriving, though young, manufacturing sector. Innovations were encouraged, facilitated, and allowed.

Today this sector is a mere shadow of its earlier self. Though the truism ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ can be brought to bear in explaining indigenous efforts at survival during the period of economic downturn, it is equally true that the nation had at independence embarked on an aggressive self-sufficiency programme.

Today, Guyanese have cultivated an unhealthy reliance on imported products they once produced and are capable of

producing. The severity of this situation is seen with the importation of items such as matches, coconut water, cane juice, and plantain chips. Guyana, an Amerindian word meaning ‘land of many waters,’ sees scarce foreign exchange diverted to the importation of bottled water-- spring, artesian and flavoured.

Here exists a situation that should be revisited as a matter of national priority and developmental planning. Local production not only makes use of indigenous resources, but can see foreign exchange diverted to critical areas, even as employment and economic opportunities are created, redounding to growth and development for citizens and country. Guyana’s membership in several regional and international trade agreements and organisations should see efforts aimed at exploiting such access.

The ability to access products not made in Guyana does not remove the necessity for self-sufficiency. Where products such as food threatens a nation’s security, as in instances of creating dependency on others, unnecessary utilisation of foreign exchange, reduction in employment and economic opportunities, such stifle the process of development and empowerment.

President David Granger, in his 26th August, 2016 address to the People’s

National Congress Reform Delegates Congress, referred to the party retaining the socialist ideology as espoused by its Founder-Leader, Forbes Burnham. It is to the people’s intellectual growth that this concept be looked at through holistic and objective lens. A tendency to view this ideology through a repressive prism retards and hinders growth and development, personal and national. Socialism was the driving force and major player behind the unleashing of the self-sufficiency potential of Guyanese in the post-independence period.

Guyana emerged from a colonial society, where the merchant class was few and primarily within the ranks of the coloniser, inequities and unemployment high, public infrastructures limited or practically non-existent, and a dependence on foreign products. Given Government’s primary responsibility to function in the interest of its people, including addressing society’s ills, that socialism was chosen as its major pillar for development was not an unusual feature in societies transitioning from colonialism to independence. And whereas aspects of socialism may not have worked to the liking of all, there is no denying the holistic benefits of its programmes. This is evident in construction of roads and bridges; establishment of public education,

social security, universal health care, soft loans for home ownership, expansion of the agricultural infrastructures and subsidising farmers, to name some.

If a country in its different phases of evolution chooses to push one ideology or model over others, it does not have to abandon any that worked to the benefit of its people. Developed societies in Europe, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are not without socialist policies and programmes and of much more expansive nature than ours.

It may be fitting as policy-makers zero in on the importance of sustainable development, to examine the possibility of creating the enabling environment to harness and unleash the people’s potential. Such can factor in incentives through accessible and affordable lending, specialised training, research and development, concessions, and synergies among and between stakeholders in our tri-sectoral economy. It ought not to be lost sight of that an empowered people are more inclined to want to stay and participate in the nation’s growth and development, given its intrinsic link to theirs.

Wherever there is corruption it must be exposed Dear Editor AROUND 10:00hrs on Wednesday September 4 last, while relaxing alone under my bottom house in the vicinity of Suddie old road in Region Two, the driver and owner of a private mini bus who is well known to me as a family friend unexpectedly drove into my yard up to the gate.

All of a sudden his wife who was with him along with several members of an overseas based family returning to their Golden Fleece home disembarked from the vehicle and all of them were invited to come in having provided seating accommodation. The driver did not come in as he drove out back in the direction

of Supenaam and while conversing it was revealed that on his way he was stopped on the Riverstown Pubic Road by a traffic rank who instructed him to ‘put off’ all the occupants in the vehicle and return to reach him.

Having complied with the order and out of curiosity on his return I asked him what really played out, with his response being that the rank demanded from him $10,000 so as not to be prosecute for a licence breach.

The driver made it known that he paid over the money for fear of harassment but from my personal opinion while it was good for the rank to gain financially from a corrupt transaction it was bad for the State losing revenue which is all time vitally im-

portant for the development of the country.

From my understanding, the driver did not offer the rank a bribe to forego prosecution but he was forced to do so and as such he should be exonerated to face a charge as well as provided by law.

With the driver being so busy to continue his journey, I took it on my own to make an official complaint about the rank’s malfeasance at the Suddie Station where my report was not entertained with the reason given that a matter of this kind cannot be dealt with at this station. I was advised to go at the Anna Regina Station and in so doing was sent back to reach the Subordinate Officer in charge of the

Suddie Station.

The pushing around was really unbearable and I stayed on at Anna Regina for several hours before meeting the female Divisional Commander from whom a better reception could have been given.

She launched an immediate investigation much to my satisfaction. It is unfortunate that corruption continues to be a cancerous epidemic within the Force but while it cannot be eradicated, it can well be exposed.

Regards Baliram Persaud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 17, 2019

My objections to this facility being sited in my neighbourhood is driven by sound technical consideration

Dear Editor

The NALCO Champion episode has exposed several glaring structural deficiencies in the decision making apparatus in Guyana.

John Fernandes claims to have been provided with authority to construct this facility based on a letter issued by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) in 2014.

The CHPA was created by the Housing Act Chapter 36:20 and is provided with various responsibilities under the Town and Country Planning Act Chapter 20.01. Section 7(1) of Chapter 20.01 mandates “The Central Authority may by resolution decide (a) to prepare a scheme with respect to any land within the area specified in the resolution or, (b) to adopt with or without variations, a scheme proposed by all or any of the owners of such land or (c) to adopt with or without variation, any scheme forwarded to the

Central Authority under Section 6.” Chapter 20.01, however, also requires “Notice of the resolution shall be published within the prescribed time in the Gazette and a local newspaper at least once in each of two successive weeks”.

This mandate precludes the CHPA from granting any change in land use status to John Fernandes Limited without notification to all affected parties. Numerous requests to both CHPA and/or John Fernandes Limited have provided no verification of the publication of any such resolution in the Gazette or any local newspaper. This is a structural deficiency which must be addressed for future development.

NALCO Champion claim, supported by Go-Invest, the Ministry of Finance and CHPA, that all chemicals to be stored at the facility are benign.

These chemicals include Benzene, a non-threshold chemical substance.

Go-Invest, the Ministry of Finance and CHPA collectively have no expertise

to evaluate the consequences of threshold or nonthreshold chemicals on health and the environment.

These entities and the Environmental Protection Agency are strongly advised to consult research conducted by my former co-worker at Woodward Clyde Consultants, Professor Jeff Evans of Bucknell University and Dr David Daniel of the University of Texas on the permeation of clays by organic chemicals.

Further confirmation of threats to the environment is demonstrated by the work of Professor Pinder of Princeton University who documented the contamination of aquifers in Connecticut by organic pollutants discharged to groundwater in Long Island in his book Subsurface Hydrology. Further, the clays in Guyana’s coastal plain are montmorillonitic and have a negative charge.

Substitution of lower valence Sodium Ions by higher valence cations ions will further increase

the permeability of these clays. The permeation of clays by chemicals stored at Nalco Champion facility can threaten groundwater resources in the vicinity of any of their developments.

Claims of lost investments occasioned by Nalco Champion move to Trinidad fail to factor the consequences of the environmental costs of development.

Go-Invest, the Ministry of Finance and CHPA are advised to read the Asian Development Bank publication “Economic Valuation of Environmental Impacts”. Consultation of that document will confirm that projects should only proceed if the environmental benefits are greater than the environmental costs. Despite of claims of “lost investment” by Go-Invest, the Ministry of Finance and CHPA, none of these entities have qualified the environmental cost and/ or benefits of this project. Guyanese should be reminded of the elevated mercury levels in employees of GGMC created by

similar considerations in the past.

I suspect that Go-Invest, the Ministry of Finance and CHPA were similarly concerned with lost investment and paid absolutely no attention to the environmental consequences of their action.

To date no analysis has been conducted to examine the environmental costs of that operation.

Those consequences will extend over the life of GGMC employees and can be transferred to their children and grandchildren. My objections to this facility being sited in my neighborhood is driven by sound technical considerations, some of which are herein identified. Trinidad and Tobago has an industrial park in Pt Lisas, zoned for these developments. Go-Invest, the Ministry of Finance and CHPA should work along with the Department of Energy and the EPA to develop a similar park for these facilities in Guyana. Further, all development, as demonstrated by the mercury

contamination issues at GGMC, do not necessarily create added quality of life. Nalco Champions are welcome in Guyana, however, the facility and other likely to create similar impacts should be sited in areas where threat to human health and the environment can be effectively managed.

In closing, I refer you to New Castle County, Delaware. The landfill, created by the county, is now a superfund site and pollutants from the landfill have contaminated a sole source aquifer.

The landfill was created with the best of intentions. We face similar outcomes in Guyana if we fail to understand the complex interaction between development and environmental consequences. Lamentations about lost revenue is confirmation of Go-Invest, the Ministry of Finance and CHPA failure to comprehend this relationship.

Regards Charles Ceres

The mayor must not be intimidated in the execution of his duties

Dear Editor,

THE situation at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council is a sad one. It’s extremely sad when we have seen the issues facing the city, know the problem, but refuse to fix these. One of the major issues facing City Hall is the extent of long-standing agents who are responsible for what “Georgetowners” have faced in the past, but continue to hold their positions as if there aren’t systems set up to save citizens from failures, especially those as gross as what we have seen by this municipality since the PPP government.

Editor, Chief Constable Andrew Foo is not the only failed officer that the councillors should investigate, but also all those who have failed in the execution of their duties. I could not help noticing two of the youngest councillors calling the vote against Foo unjust. I am not surprised, since we are aware that a former mayor, who is still very bitter about being replaced by the

young breath of fresh air who is Pandit Ubraj Narine, is spreading influence to have her party members not give him their support.

After all, some things that could have been done before the young mayor does not tolerate. It must however be noted that the NCM against Foo came from a party colleague of the young critics and several more of their colleagues made up the 19 persons vote that called for Foo’s removal. This man has been chief constable forever and outside of official events, I have never seen this man making random visits to locations for which he is responsible. When last have ranks been trained, or drilled? His constant claim is lack of resources. Is it a lack of resources that saw the failure of the chief for years to renew licences for the council’s firearms? No, it was his laissez-faire and complacent attitude to his job which caused this and this is the attitude of several other officers. They have become comfortable with the negative reviews and criticisms of the council’s failures.

And to add insult to injury, they have learnt to make themselves and those close to them very comfortable with the city’s resources while citizens ache.

Mayor Narine I have seen so far is pressing to improve the council. He is doing a wonderful job but there are agents against him. Certain councillors are colluding with officers to continue to plunder the council.

When President Granger placed Mayor Narine in that office he knew exactly what he was doing. And I implore him to speak out against the tag teaming that is taking place against him by the long-standing councillors who want to control the council. The mayor must not be intimidated in the execution of his duties and more investigations should be held against failed officers.

Regards Nazeema Mohamed

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

$17.4 M Sexual Offences Court Opens at Suddie SEXUAL offences cases will now receive special attention, with the commissioning of the third Sexual Offences Court at Essequibo’s High Court, located at Suddie, Region Two. The G$17.4 million modern courtrooms are equipped with audio-visual devices which will better assist witnesses during testimony. The project was funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the British High Commission to Guyana.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, said that the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana, is happy to partner with the British High Commission and UNICEF in making the project a success. Justice Cummings – Edwards, while addressing a large gathering of Lawyers, Judges, regional officials, policemen and women of G Division and school children, said that the Sexual Offences Court in Region Two is the third of its kind established in Guyana. The Chancellor

of the Judiciary said that all the counties of Guyana, now have a Sexual Offence Court and urged those who are sexually assaulted to break their silence, and speak out.

Justice Cummings-Edwards said it was her desire to see sexual offences cases given priority in the judicial system in Guyana. “I hope that more victims will come forward, the victim’s rights will be respected and their privacy will be protected, victims no longer will be re-traumatized by giving evidence in court,” Justice Cummings-Edward said.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, in her address, said the new facility is expected to provide protection for victims of sexual offences. Minister Ally said the establishment of the Third Sexual Offences Court, is in keeping with the Government of Guyana’s promise to provide justice for the poor and marginalized citizen.

The minister added that the specialized court system will restore faith to victims and renew their confidence in society.

that according to statistics received from the Director of Public Prosecution, Essequibo has 38 sexual offences matters, with only 20 solved.

Eighteen cases will be dealt with in the October session.

Ms Fouet said the space provided, will help the abused victims to heal in the process.

She therefore called on major stakeholders to continue to work to provide a safe environment for children.

Attorney at Law from the Essequibo Bar, Lachmi Dindyal, lauded the efforts of major stakeholders for the establishment of the court. Dindyal who is a local lawyer, said that he hopes that the court will remain functional.

He said that the establishment of the court will provide a friendlier environment for The Cutting of the ribbon of the Sexual Offences Court at Suddie, Region Two. In the those who are abused. photo is L-R Minister Amna Ally, Deputy British High Commission Ray Davidson and The formal opening was UNICEF Rep Ms Fouet. chaired by Madame Justice Deputy British High court. He urged parents to safety and confidence for Roxane George, CCH, SC, Commissioner to Guyana, pay attention to their chil- survivors.

Chief Justice (ag). The Ray Davidson, remarked that dren and their behaviours UNICEF Resident Rep- function was graced by the British High Commission and to identify early signs of resentative to Guyana and Regional Executive Officer was happy to partner with abuse. He said the new facil- Suriname, Ms. Sylvia Fouet (REO), Denis Jaikarran the Guyana Supreme Court ity will provide protection said the facility will make and Regional Vice Chairof Judicature to help in the for victims of sexual offences the courtroom more com- person, Nandranie Coonfurnishing of the specialized and will restore the sense of fortable for victims. She said jah.

Man kills brother in drunken brawl

Satnarine Jattan called “Dalip”

A DRUNKEN argument between two brothers, on Monday, led to one being killed at their Lot 471 Charlotte Street, Enterprise East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

Dead is 47-year-old Satnarine Jattan called “Dalip” a painter, of Lot 471 Charlotte Street, Enterprise ECD. His brother, Javin Jattan, 45, who is a mason also lives at the same address.

Enquiries disclosed that Satnarine and Javin are brothers who lived with their 69 year-old mother Dassie Samaroo. Accord-

ing to Dasie Samaroo at about 10:00hrs on Monday her two sons began drinking vodka under their wooden house.

At approximately, 15:30hrs she heard them arguing over who bought the rum and whose turn it was to purchase. “I shouted on them telling them to stop that, and about five minutes after I checked on them, I saw Satnarine at the bathroom area in the yard lying and bleeding from his abdomen and he was not answering when I talked to him,” she said.

The woman said she panicked but threw some water on her son to revive him but there was no response. Her other son then left the yard without saying anything.

Shortly after an alarm was raised and police were contacted.

Upon arrival of the police, Satnarine’s body was covered in a grey jersey and a multi-colored short pants. The body was escorted to the CC Nicholson Hospital at Nabaclis, ECD where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty. The body is currently at the Jerrick’s Funeral Parlour awaiting autopsy.

The mother of four sons and three daughters explained that her sons are not known to fight or get themselves into any trouble and it was a shock to discover what happened. She said her two sons were not married and fathered no children.

‘I will act decisively on advice from GECOM’ – President Granger tells Carter Center

PRESIDENT David Granger, in a meeting with the Carter Center, iterated his support for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as it prepares for General and Regional Elections.

A team of officials from the Carter Center, led by its Associate Director Brett Lacy, is currently in Guyana meeting with key stakeholders as the country prepares for early election, which was triggered by the December 2018 No-Confidence Motion against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for President David Granger (centre, right) meets with representatives of the Change (APNU+AFC) Govern- Carter Center at State House. Also present were Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams. The Carment.

On Monday, President Grang- ter Centre was represented by Brett Lacy, Associate Director of Democraer received a courtesy call from cy Programmes; Mr. Carlos Valenzuela, Senior Advisor and International the Carter Center representatives Electoral Expert; Anne Marlborough, Legal Analyst and Nicholas Jahr, Political Adviser. at State House. During that meetof Public Health, Volda Lawrence; status of preparations for elections ing, the Head of State assured the officials that he will act decisively and Minister of State, Dawn Hast- following the CJJ ruling and conseon receiving advice from the Guyana ings-Williams. The Carter Centre quential orders,” Ellison explained.

She noted that the team’s goal Elections Commission (GECOM) was represented by Brett Lacy, the as to its readiness to conduct Gener- Associate Director of Democracy is to listen. The team consists of Programmes; Carlos Valenzuela, Associate Director Brett Lacy al and Regional Elections.

The Carter Center representa- Senior Advisor and International (USA); Senior Advisor and Electives over the last week have met Electoral Expert; Anne Marlbor- toral Expert, Carlos Valenzuela with Prime Minister Moses Nag- ough, Legal Analyst; and Nicholas (Colombia); Legal Analyst, Anne Marlborough (Ireland); and Politamootoo; Attorney General and Jahr, Political Adviser.

On Monday, Soyia Ellison, Car- ical Analyst Nicholas Jahr (USA).

Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC; Leader of the Oppo- ter Center’s communication offi- Ellison made it clear that the team sition, Bharrat Jagdeo; and the Chair cial, told Guyana Chronicle that the will not be offering its position at and Commissioners of the Elections team arrived in Guyana last week. this moment, emphasizing that at “The team is conducting meetings this time, it is the members’ inCommission.

On Monday, President Grang- with relevant stakeholders to better tention to continue to listen and er was accompanied by Minister understand current events and the learn.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Gov’t pledges $41.6M to help Bahamas …approximately 23 more Guyanese to return home

THE A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government will be donating approximately $41.6M to The Bahamas, as the Government of that stormwrecked island shifts its focus to recovery, stabilisation and restoration some 16 days after Hurricane Dorian ripped through the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama.

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, made the announcement on Sunday night during a telethon on the National Communications Network (NCN). “As a government we have committed to donate US$200,000 towards assisting the needs of our brothers and sisters,” Minister Hastings-Williams disclosed.

The Government, she said, has been working through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to mobilise support for the country that was hit by the Category Five Storm on September 1, leaving approximately 50 persons dead and more than 1,300 missing. Approximately 70,000 persons, including Guyanese, have been severely affected as a result of the storm, primarily those that reside in the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama.

Shortly after the telethon, the State Minister proceeded to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) where she along with the Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; and the CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig welcomed home 35year Orin Grimmond, his wife and three children from the hurricane-ravaged Bahamas.

Minister Hastings-Williams said the Government is in talks with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to facilitate the return of other Guyanese. Approximately 23 other Guyanese nationals have indicated their willing-

ness to return to Guyana.

“We have also gotten requests for the replacement of documents because you know these documents are very, very important. Our brothers and sisters there, they lost their birth certificates, their passports, and their CSME certificates and so through the Ministry of Citizenship, they have put mechanisms in place to see how we can assist our Guyanese brothers and sisters,” she added.

To date, approximately 108 affected Guyanese living in The Bahamas have reached out to the CDC for assistance in various forms. At the CJIA on Sunday night, Colonel Craig told reporters that a Whatsapp group, which was established after the storm, has been helpful in connecting the CDC with those affected.

Through that mechanism, approximately 100 Guyanese have directly and indirectly reached out to the commission. It was also through that contact group that Grimmond and his family indicated their desire to return to Guyana after their horrifying experience in the Bahamas.

“There are a total of 28 persons that have indicated their interest to return; this is the first five out of the 28 and we are now working out arrangements for the remainder of persons to travel, to return to Guyana,” the CDC Director-General explained.

He noted that the Private Sector has been working hand-in-hand with the Government to facilitate the return of Guyanese, and to provide support to both Guyanese and Bahamians in the Bahamas. The State Minister had also applauded the efforts of the private sector and non-governmental organisations for their unwavering support in this time of crisis.

“We care a lot. I really admire our Private Sector Commission, and those non-governmental organisations that responded very willingly and very quickly to such disasters

that we experienced,” Minister Hastings-Williams said.

Over in the Bahamas, the Guyanese Consulate has been working feverishly to ensure that all Guyanese on the hurricane-ravaged island are accounted for, and provided with the best possible care.

On Monday, the Honorary Consul for Guyana, Jairam Mangra told Guyana Chronicle more and more Guyanese in other parts of The Bahamas are reaching out to assist those in the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama. “I am getting more assistance from my fellow Guyanese now, and we are to provide better assistance and relief to our compatriots,” he said.

The Honorary Consul noted that, through the Consulate, they are accumulating food, water and other critical items to assist those who have evacuated from the Abaco Islands to New Providence, and those remaining in Grand Bahama. Through his office, Mangra has been able to transport those critical items to the affected wherever they may be. Accommodation, he noted however, remains a problem.

“Communication on the islands has improved. People on the islands are now able to communicate with me and I am able to communicate with them, that’s one of the good things; and I am getting the supplies, and like I said, more Guyanese resident here in New Providence are coming forward and offering all sorts of assistance for those who are in need,” he told this newspaper.

Mangra noted too a number of Guyanese living in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other parts of the world have reached out to the Consulate to provide assistance, however, they have been advised to make those contributions through their embassies and consulates. He said it is important for everyone to work in unison and one accord.

Community service for abusive vendor A 27-year-old market vendor was ‘sentenced’ to four weeks of community service, by Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs, at the Georgetown magistrates' court, for using abusive language.

The charge stated that, on September 13, 2019, Basir Khan used abusive language to Rudy Fredricks, on Alexander Street

Kitty, Georgetown.

Police prosecutor noted that the two were acquainted with each other and, on the day in question, the virtual complainant was walking along Alexander Street, when the defendant called him by his name 'Rudy' and proceeded to make lewd comments about his (the virtual complainant’s) mother.

Khan admitted to the charge saying, “He tell me bout me mother first, so I tell he back.”

The matter was reported to the police and khan was later arrested and charged.

Khan is to report to the Kitty police station every Tuesday for a period of four weeks for community service.

Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams

CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig

Guyanese Honorary Consul in The Bahamas, Jairam Mangra

However, the Honorary Consul underscored the importance of having Guyanese living in The Bahamas, register with the Consulate, noting that only then can he know of their whereabouts and offer much needed assistance.

“Many of them, these

Guyanese, are not registered with the Consulate, and I did not know that they existed until this catastrophe happened, that is important. I be pleading and asking Guyanese to register with the Consulate.

A lot of those who have been directly affected have not

registered with the Consulate and I did not know of their existence,” he explained.

The Honorary Consul has been in constant contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 17, 2019

Nalco Champion moves to TT …as Guyana insists on strict environmental compliance

EXECUTIVE Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams said it is unfortunate that Nalco Champion is no longer pursuing its plans to establish a chemical warehouse here.

The international oil and gas company had applied for ‘Environmental Authorisation’ from the EPA for the operation of a chemical warehouse facility at John Fernandes Ltd. Inland Terminal at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and for the transportation of chemicals from the Inland Terminal to John Fernandes Water Street Port. The chemicals would have then been transferred to the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)

EPA Executive Director, Dr. Vincent Adams

vessel offshore Guyana but Nalco Champion on Friday informed EPA that it would no-longer establish the facility here due to the ‘restrictive’ measures that were imposed.

With residents up in arms against the establishment of the chemical warehouse at Industrial Site, the company had applied for the location of the fa-

cility to be changed from Industrial Site to John Fernandes’ Water Street.

But when EPA indicated a 12-month permit would be granted in the interim, Nalco Champion rejected the offer. “We bent over backwards, issuing an interim permit for them to operate under three conditions. They came back on Friday and said those conditions were too restrictive, so they can’t operate,” Dr. Adams told reporters on Monday on the sideline of an oil and gas forum at the Guyana Marriott.

Dr. Adams explained that EPA told Nalco Champion that it was prepared to grant an interim permit for a period of 12 months once mitigation measures were in place. The company was also required to collaborate with the Guyana Fire Service to ensure

that emergency response mechanisms were in place in the event of a fire.

Lastly, an Environmental Impact Assessment was required. “They came back and told us that those were too restrictive.

I don’t think they are, they are reasonable and it’s a minimum expectation but they made their decision and I have no control over that…This agency works in the interest of the people of this nation, and they work in the interest of their country,” the EPA Director said. The EPA had worked with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the Guyana Fire Service among other agencies to facilitate the company.

Attempts to contact the officials from the company here, proved futile but in defending Nalco Cham-

pion’s proposal, its Global Business Development Manager Mike Knippers had said that though it was described as a warehouse, the proposed facility is really a modernised shed where chemicals will be transferred from one chemical tank to another for transfer to the FPSO vessels offshore Guyana.

At a consultative meeting at Houston Secondary School, he assured the residents, that, if approval was granted, the operations would have little or no impact on the environment or residents within neighbouring communities of the facility.

“There will be no blending; there will be no reactions; no permanent storage tanks; no buried chemicals; and no vapour clouds, no emissions coming out of that facility,” Knippers told the res-

idents.

“Nalco Champion, an Ecolab company, provides safe, sustainable chemistry programmes and services to the upstream and midstream oil and gas industry, refineries and petrochemical operations in more than 170 countries around the world. Through onsite problem solving and the application of innovative technologies, we maximize production, optimize water use and overcome complex challenges in the world’s toughest energy frontiers,” the company had said.

But the explanations given, from all indication, were of no satisfaction to the residents particularly those from Houston Garden, who live in close proximity to the first site proposed at Industrial site.

Removing export barriers …Guyana, TT in move to break down barriers to trade in agro products GUYANA and Trinidad and Tobago are working to break down the existing barriers to the export of agricultural products from Guyana to the twin island following concerns raised by local exporters.

A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guyana, on Monday, stated that bilateral talks on market access issues were recently held between technical experts from the two countries.

The meeting, held at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago, saw the discussion of challenges in exporting fresh agricultural products; the trans-shipment of honey; the ban on the export of poultry meat from Guyana; trade in equine and the revision of the Trinidad and Tobago/Guyana Fresh Agricultural Produce and Forest Products Trade Protocol (2009).

Regarding honey, the non-conformity of Trinidad and Tobago’s legislation governing the importation of honey has been a long-standing issue raised even at the 36th meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in 2013. The twin island republic had initially restricted the importation of honey from Grenada and other Caribbean countries due to concerns about being affected by the American Foul Brood (AFB) disease.

Trinidad and Tobago’s honey, bees and bee products are guided by the island’s age-old Food and Drug Act of 1960 and Beekeeping and Bee products Act of 1935.

Both of these, however, are not in keeping with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) as highlighted by COTED and has led to the total prohibition of honey from other countries to the island. In 2012, a portion of Grenada’s honey was confiscated, while a U.S.$3,000 fine was imposed on Guyanese company Laparkan in 2015 for coming within one mile of the island’s shores.

COTED has since stipulated that Trinidad and Tobago’s legislation be amended to provide for the trade in honey from its fellow member states, but by that body’s 42nd meeting, these conditions had not changed.

Meanwhile, in May 2019, Trinidad and Tobago issued an advisory banning the importation of poultry, raw and cooked, from entering into the island from Guyana. Trinidad’s Minister of Agriculture, Clarence Rambharat had explained that the ban was instituted as Guyana had advised of the existence of Duck virus hepatitis in a part of the country.

The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) had cause then to express its disappointment with the step taken by the island even as it assured the public that unconfirmed presence of the Duck Hepati-

tis Virus was contained and restricted to six duck farms on the coast of Guyana.

“Following the meeting, both countries have agreed to find resolutions to the issues discussed,” the release stated. The Guyanese delegation was led by High Commissioner of Guyana to Trinidad and Tobago, Bishwaishwar Ramsaroop-Maraj and included senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago delegation was led by Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator Avinash Singh and was supported by senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs. The Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) also participated in this Meeting as a third party, in its capacity as the regional Agency mandated to deal with Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) matters.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

EPA says meeting regulatory requirements in oil sector

EVEN with its limited resources, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, believes that the agency has been meeting its regulatory requirements in Guyana’s oil sector.

In less than five years, there have been 16 oil discoveries offshore Guyana with operators involved forging ahead with plans to drill even more wells. With oil being new to Guyana, the country is quickly working to put legislation and regulatory bodies in place ahead of ‘first oil’ expected in early 2020.

The EPA has been gearing

up the establishment of an Oil and Gas Unit which will include highly skilled petroleum engineers, petroleum managers and other technical staff who will assist in the overseeing of the environmental activities in the sector. The EPA has also received assistance from the World Bank which has helped in providing experts to develop the oil and gas unit.

At an oil and gas conference on Monday, Dr. Adams told the media that while the agency is not ideally where it wants to be in regards to preparedness, it has successfully kept up with its mandate and is working assiduously

towards greater development.

“I’m not going to stand here and lie to you and tell you that we’ve got everything in place…we have a Unit that is not in place yet but it is ready to be put in place, to oversee, and it’s going to be dedicated to the oil and gas industry,” the EPA director said. “We’re not perfect, meaning that we’re not exactly where we should be in a few years. It’s not anything unusual; it’s a new sector to use but we’re doing everything that we can. The EPA is getting maximum support from the Government and the President of the country and we’re staffing up and putting

Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams

everything into place to be able to improve with time.

But, right now, we’re doing

what I think is necessary and adequate in terms of protecting the environment.”

The EPA is under the umbrella of the Department of Environment, Ministry of Presidency and was legally established by the Environmental Protection Act in 1996.

Earlier in the year, the Agency approved the environmental permit for ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) on its Liza Phase 2 project.

Meanwhile, just on August 27, 2019, it received the EEPGL’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

on the Payara Development Project. Adams stated: “We’re in the stage where we’re issuing permits for drilling, exploration, etcetera and, of course, we’re getting into Liza production very soon. So, we’re on track,” he begun. “Would we want to get to the point where we’re doing 24/7 monitoring which would be ideal? Yes, but obviously, we’re not there yet but we’ve got all the capabilities in place through our permitting process and our monitoring and their reporting systems. So, I’m comfortable and not concerned.”

Lindener fined, to do community work for possession of a small amount of cannabis

A 20-year-old Linden man appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs, on Monday, September 16, 2019, at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court to answer to a narcotic charge.

Adrian Webster denied that, on September 12, 2019, at Cansas City Wismar, Linden, he had in his possession two grams of cannabis.

Police prosecutor noted that, on the day in question, at approximately 11:30 hours, ranks from the Wismar and McKenzie police stations were on mobile patrol, when they received information and proceeded to the defendant’s address.

Upon their arrival, the defendant was outside of his yard. The ranks proceeded to conduct a search and a transparent zip lock

GTT laying second cable to boost services on East Bank Demerara THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) is working to reduce downtime in all of its services for residents on the East Bank of Demerara, with the construction of a secondary fiber cable in the New Hope to Timehri area.

“This redundant fiber cable will serve as a backup in cases where the main fiber is affected due to damage or vandalism. In cases of emergency, this cable can switch over from the main fiber cable and all the services will be stable. It will be a permanent measure to ensure that service is uninterrupted in this area,” GTT Engineer, Lindon Rutherford explained in a release on Monday.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of next week while the GTT construction team is also engaged in ‘loop shortening’ in the vicinity.

The company explained that loop shortening improves the quality of DSL internet by reducing the distance between the Central Office and the Subscriber which allows copper phone lines to manage high speed Internet.

“Subsequent to the loop shortening we will put up cabinets that will enhance all services in the East Bank Demerara, Linden and Interior

GTT team working on a vandalised cable

locations,” Rutherford added.

The move forms a part of GTT’s mission to leverage connectivity to every home to foster a better quality of life for all Guyanese, at home and in the Diaspora, and to facilitate

economic prosperity for Guyana. “This is what GTT is aiming to accomplish with this specific project, aimed at continuous and uninterrupted service delivery,” the release stated

bag, which contained a quantity of leaves, stems and seeds, was found in his left pants pocket.

The defendant was then taken to the Wismar police station where he was charged.

However, when asked about the drugs, Webster told the court that he was asthmatic and used cannabis in the past, as a remedy for his illness.

Community service and fine for man with cannabis ON Monday, September 16, 2019 a linden man appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court, to answer to a possession of narcotic charge.

29-year-old Yuriel Lewis of South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, admitted that, on September 16, 2019, he had in his possession three grams of cannabis.

Police prosecutor stated that, on the day in question, ranks of the McKenzie police station were on patrol in the vicinity of South Wismar, Linden, when they received information and proceeded to the defendant’s residence.

A search was conducted and two transparent zip lock bags were found in the defendant’s left front pants pocket, which contained leaves, stems and seeds believed to be cannabis.

When Lewis was asked about the said cannabis, he told the court “yes the weed is me own; I does use it to relax.”

Lewis was fined $12,000 fine and ordered to report weekly to the Wismar police station for community service and counseling for a period of six weeks.

Magistrate Isaacs ordered the young man to see a doctor for his illness and to desist using illegal drugs.

Webster was placed on a $10,000 fine and is to report weekly to the Wismar police station for community service and counseling for a period of six weeks.

No fake Magnum Persons have been taking to their social media making posts about what they say is a fake Magnum Tonic Wine that has been in circulation for some time.

Consumers of the popular drink have noticed some slight difference with the bottling of the product and have made their observances known.

Sole distributor of Magnum Tonic Wine, ANSA McAL Trading Limited, through a press release, wishes to inform the general public that there is no fake Magnum Tonic Wine in circulation, and is calling on consumers of the product to refrain from spreading any further alarm.

Owner and exclusive manufacturer of Magnum Tonic Wine and the Mag-

num Tonic Wine brand, J. Wray & Nephew Limited, categorically denies the recent social media reports that there are counterfeit Magnum Tonic Wines in circulation.

J. Wray & Nephew Limited, in a press statement explained, “The Magnum Tonic Wine brand currently utilizes two bottles since 2010 in the packaging of the much loved product.

Both bottles are identical, except for the embossing on the bottle which includes the numbers at the bottom. One bottle has no numbers at the bottom and the other has visible numbers that can be felt by touch. The liquid contained in both bottles are absolutely the same.”

Essequibo resident accused of robbery remanded A 23-year-old resident of Essequibo was arraigned before Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs on Monday, September 16, 2019, at the Georgetown magistrates’ court, for break and entry.

Inbal Sheobalis denied that, on September 13, 2019, he broke and entered the shop of Marcello Jeffery and stole 30 bottles of five-year-old

El Dorado rum, 10 packs of Bristol Cigarettes, one case of excel energy drink, 20 bottles of banks beer, one case of I-cee drink and $10,000 cash, the total value being $51,200.

Bail was refused and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrates’ court on September 18, 2019.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

STERLING Products Limited has recorded a profit after tax of $49.9 million for the period ending June 30, 2019 compared to $43.9 million for the same period last year.

This was according to the company in its interim financial report for 2019.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sterling Products Limited, Dr. Leslie Chin, in the chairman’s report, said the recorded profit after tax represents an increase of 13.6 per cent or $6 million.

The financial statement showed that the company is growing consistently. On that note, Dr. Chin said turnover increased by 12.9 per cent over the corresponding peri-

cation of the soap plant and commissioning of a new plant to improve production of edible fats.

Sterling had also commissioned a new plant and a cold room for ice cream production. The company continued to improve its operation in 1974 by acquiring a versator to improve the quality and quantity of detergent produced. It also later acquired the machinery for packaging margarine in tub containers.

In 1998, the Beharry Group of Companies acquired a majority shareholding in the company. The company’s share capital increased to 20,000,000 ordinary shares in 2000 for the facilitating of its planned

Sterling records $49.9 million profit after tax at mid-year od and profit before tax was $71.3 million.

Expenses for the period was $473.1 million compared to $432.9 million for the same period last year. This, Chin said, was due to increases in employment costs, fleet refurbishment and selling and distribution expenses.

The company’s energy cost has also increased by $21.4 million when compared to the same period last year. The increase was due mainly to constant price increase during the period.

According to the company’s website, Sterling Products Limited was incorporated as a Public Limited Liability Company on October 15, 1954, with an authorised

share capital of 200,000 ordinary shares with a par value of $10.

It commenced operations with the production of margarine, lard, ghee and soap.

The company began exporting Golden Cream Margarine to Dominica in November 1957.

It embarked on revitalising operations by modifi-

Guyana, Brazil discuss combatting narcotics trafficking THE Guyana Police Force concluded its fourth meeting of Guyana/Brazil Joint Commission on Police Co-operation and Working Groups on Drugs.

The high level meeting was recently hosted at the Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road and lasted for two days.

During the course of the meet-

ing, there were consultations among Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, representatives of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the delegation from Brazil headed by Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Brazil, Mr.

Paulo Silos and team.

Guyana-Brazil relations, as noted by President Granger, are founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty on the borders and international law, and the maintenance of international peace and security.

(Seated from left to right) Brian Eastman -Senior Superintendent; Charles Fung-a-Fat -Legal Officer – Ministry of Legal Affairs; Paul Williams, Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’; Nigel Hoppie Commissioner of Police (ag); Paulo Silos -Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Brazil; Ms. Charlene Phoenix -Director of the Americas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kurleigh Simon Senior Superintendent flanked by other officials standing.

rebuilding programme.

Businesses are projected to do even better going forward, especially with budding oil and gas industry on the horizon for Guyana.

Guyana had been listed as the fastest growing economy in the world, with a projected growth rate of 16.3 per cent from 2018-2021.

According to the NASDAQ Stock Market, Guyana’s economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $3.63 billion, a growth rate of 4.1 per cent in 2018 and 4.6 per cent in 2019, is expected to further grow by 33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

LGC awaiting written High Court ruling on Royston King THE Local Government Commission (LGC) is awaiting the written High Court ruling on the dismissal of the former Town Clerk, Royston King, before it makes a decision on the way forward.

“We have not received the written judgement so we have not discussed the matter as yet,” said Chairman of the LGC, Mortimer Mingo, in an invited comment, on Monday.

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) was deemed unlawful and void by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Demerara High Court.

Former Town Clerk, Royston King, had challenged the Local Government Commission (LGC) on his “wrongful dismissal.”

In January 2019, King was served with a dismissal letter by the LGC after he did not respond verbally, or in writing, to the charges laid against him, having appeared before the body on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

He was dismissed by the LGC following recommendations from the CoI. Based on the inquiry’s recommendations, King was charged with gross misconduct, abuse of office, recklessness, dishonesty, conspiracy, and misappropriation of funds at the municipality.

However, in February 2019, King moved to the High Court to challenge his dismissal.

On Friday, Justice Morris-Ramlall, during her ruling, said the LGC unlawfully delegated its investigatory powers to

the CoI, which was not part of the LGC or attached to it.

Additionally, the LGC disinvested itself from the CoI when it transferred the investigation and unlawfully delegated its powers.

By doing this, the LCG committed an error of law and the decisions made by the CoI must be squashed. Thus, the setting up of the CoI, the investigation, findings and recommendations were deemed void and unlawful.

When asked about how the commission is going to treat with the ruling, Mingo said: “We are seeing different things…we need to get the written judgement then the commission will meet and decide on a way forward.”

The LGC had ordered the CoI into operations of the M&CC last year September, after having received numerous complaints against the municipality, several of which focused directly on the actions of King. King was sent on administrative leave from September 21 to facilitate investigations.

The CoI held public hearings from September 24 to November 2, 2018, and a report was submitted on November 30. Justice (ret’d) Cecil Kennard presided as the chairman and sole commissioner of the CoI. The report contained some 31 recommendations, including the call for a forensic audit, criminal charges and disciplinary action against King, as well as against seven other officers of City Hall for various infractions ranging from dereliction of duty and incompetence to conspiracy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Stakeholders get down to brass tacks …as conference zeroes in on safety in oil and gas sector ALL accidents are avoidable and the importance of safety in the oil and gas industry must never be bargained with.

This was the message of Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Vincent Adams on Monday to scores of stakeholders in the oil and gas industry in Guyana. At the time, he was speaking at the Marriott Hotel at an Operational and Environmental Safeguards Conference on Enhancing Offshore Exploration and Production (E&P) Regional Capacity.

The two-day conference was organised by Hunt Petty LP, in collaboration with the EPA, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC); the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). The conference aims to expand dialogue among stakeholders on the best operating practices which protect the environment of the common territorial waters of the Caribbean.

A SAFETY CULTURE Addressing the audience, Adams said that the reality is that while every company states that safety is their number one priority, this is not always reflective in their daily actions. He stated that the core attributes on how companies operate must include safety as a culture; “stop-work” authority for every worker who sees the risk of danger; high ethical standards; capacity building for employees; paying attention to the ‘human factor’ of workers and more.

He also advised contractors that procedures often help to maintain safety and operators must be involved in preparing these procedures and encouraging employees to stick to it. “The major accidents are not caused by anything that’s complicated or sophisticated. It’s by just those simple deviation from what’s in the procedures,” Adams said.

He stated that while the probability may me low for an accident to occur, the consequence will be high which is why preventative measures or risk management remains key.

Added to this, the EPA Director stressed that Guyana, though guided by international standards for

Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Vincent Adams (Delano Williams photo)

safety, needs to establish its own local standards based on what fits the county’s unique situation. “We are in the process of very, very aggressively working toward getting to that point when we will have developed our local standards,” he assured.

MODEREN STRATEGIES NEEDED Also addressing the audience was Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe who told the gathering that even while Guyana’s oil and gas industry is on an upward trajectory, stakeholders must not lose sight of the importance of safety and how the environment and its inhabitants can be affected.

The Energy Director stat-

ed that an oil spill in Guyana can even have Regional implications and oil and gas companies and the countries in which they operate are therefore faced with the challenge of meeting the world’s energy demands while minimizing risks. In this regard, Dr. Bynoe stated that a risk management approach with modern strategies must be adopted by companies.

During the conference, specific analysis of oil-spill related agreements is being placed on Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

Other themes which will also be examined include technology and best practices for preventing, containing and mitigating spill-related risks; governmental cooperative agreements for responding to an oil spill in the Region and capacity development for civil society infrastructure, public resources and education. Stakeholders will also discuss capacity enhancement through Regional cooperation; Guyana and the Caribbean; deep-water source control; risk management of collateral activities; enhancing the capacity of human resources and more.

Scores of stakeholders in the oil and gas industry turn out to the Operational and Environmental Safeguards Conference on Enhancing Offshore Exploration and Production (E&P) Regional Capacity at the Marriott Hotel (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

First Lady urges women to use home management skills to make money

First Lady, Mrs, Sandra Granger (seated centre), Mayor of New Amsterdam, Her Worship, Winifred Heywood (seated fourth from right), Member of Parliament, Ms. Donna Mathoo (seated third from right), Member of Parliament, Mrs. Barbara Pilgrim (seated first, left), Regional Executive Officer, East – Berbice Corentyne (Region 6), Mrs. Kim Williams-Stephen (seated third from left) and Facilitator of the Self- Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, Mr. Yohann Sanjay Pooran (fourth from left), among special guests and some of the participants in the workshop

FIRST LADY, Mrs. Sandra Granger, on Monday, said that, in the absence of academic qualifications, women can use the skills they acquire in the management of their homes to make money.

Mrs. Granger was at the time delivering remarks at the opening of her one-week

Self- Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, being held at the Regional board room, New Amsterdam, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six). “I have heard too many women talk about the fact that their partners will tell them, they don’t bring anything in the house, so they have no value, but I am say-

ing that you are managing that household, you’re a counsellor to the children and the husband, you’re a big financial executive in the place…I want to urge women, particularly our younger women, those who might not have the academic qualifications, you have skills,” Mrs. Granger told the 51

participants.

She emphasised that women contribute significantly to their homes as managers, which calls for a range of skills. Those skills, she said, could easily be used to make money, especially if they obtain a certificate as proof. The First Lady impressed upon the participants, who were predominantly female, that the workshop will help them to develop their money-making skills. She said that once participants fulfilled the requirements of the workshop and attended dutifully, they will obtain the skills necessary to operate a

business.

While reminding that everyone is excited about oil and gas, Mrs. Granger emphasized that persons working in that industry have to eat and skilled women can take advantage of this. “They require services, and what you have to do is to get yourself in there in a niche market with quality products and this is where the Small Business Bureau… and micro-finance [organisations can help you] so that you package and market whatever you produce in the best way possible,” she said.

Member of Parliament,

Mrs. Barbara Pilgrim and Mayor of New Amsterdam, Her Worship, Winifred Heywood, both extended gratitude to the First Lady for holding the workshop in New Amsterdam. They both also encouraged the participants to capitalise on the opportunity to learn.

Member of Parliament, Ms. Donna Mathoo and Regional Executive Officer, East – Berbice Corentyne (Region 6), Kim Williams-Stephen also attended the workshop.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 17, 2019

Umana Yana came alive with cakes and colourful fabric Over the weekend, businesses within the Cake and Décor Industry were able to showcase their talents, while being a part of Guyana’s inaugural Cake and Décor Exhibition, which was hosted by Kingdom Designs Inc.at the Umana Yana. The two-day event which ended on Sunday, aimed at giving bakers and decorators the opportunity to showcase and market their businesses, and was also a challenge for decorators to “open their minds to create more,” according to Chief Executive Officer of Kingdom Designs Inc., Germaine Broomes. He said that the event which was a vision from God, was also the first of its kind to be held in Guyana and the Caribbean. Broomes said that he got the idea of hosting the event some four years ago, but was afraid that persons may not gravitate towards it, since it was “something new.” The event was planned, organized and executed by Broomes, along with three other persons, and has been deemed a success,

Expo every year but for him (Broomes) to have the Cake and Décor Expo, it’s a little switch and it is giving everybody a chance to come out and showcase what they have and putting themselves out there,” she stated. Helwig pointed out that she participated in the event because she loves to take advantage of every opportunity that would help her business to grow. Helwig Kingdom Designs’ showcase

Broomes said. “I feel good about the support from everyone,” noted Broomes who is also inviting businesses to start thinking creative as they prepare to take part in next year’s Cake and Décor Exhibition.

“So in 2020 come out and sell your services, show people that Guyana can do cakes and decorate just like people do in the USA and London,’ he added.

Patricia Helwig is owner of Despat’s Creation and was also one of the sixteen businesses that took part in the event this year. Helwig championed the initiative and even compared it to the

Patricia Helwig, Owner of Despat’s Creation shows off her designs

From Left to Right: Chief Executive Officer of Wilo’s Fabric Jillian James and Designer, Loretta Adams at Wilo’s fabric display

Wedding Expo which has been hosted in Guyana for over 10 years. “I think it’s a great initiative because we always have the Wedding

Designed by COTECH Services

Another display at the Cake and Décor Exhibition

creates bridal accessories, African head wraps, floral craft, and dolls, amongst others and can be contacted on 227-0646 or 645-7758.

Chief Executive Officer of Wilo’s Fabric, Jillian James, stated that Kingdom Designs has taken decoration to a next level “and I am very proud of this initiative.” At the event, James displayed her fabrics which she

says play an integral role in decoration. “Fabric is important, it is not only to make clothing, but fabric is very essential when it comes to decoration. It can take a simple room and transform it into something magical,” James said.

Wilo’s Fabric can be found on Robb Street, in the Big Apple Mall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Man appeals 75-year jail sentence for murder

SENTENCED to 75-years’ imprisonment for the murder of a mechanic in Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, Kenkassie Lynch has appealed the conviction and sentencing, and is claiming that his trial judge erred in law.

In May, 2019, Lynch, 24, was sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court before a mixed 12-member jury, with 15 witnesses testifying during the trial.

The indictment read that, on June 1, 2015, at Nelson Street, Mocha-Arcadia, EBD, Lynch murdered 23- year-old

Terrence Lanferman.

Justice Singh started at a base of 60 years and then added 15 years for several aggravating factors, including the use of a gun to commit the act.

Lynch also implicated a cousin of his, Sedley Liverpool, called ‘Birdman.’

Liverpool was later charged for Lanferman’s murder and is currently awaiting trial at the High Court.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the shooting stemmed from a feud between ‘Birdman’ and Lanferman, but Lynch reportedly admitted that he alone carried

Kenkassie Lynch

out the shooting.

On the day in question, Lynch allegedly returned to Mocha and met his cousin, Liverpool. Lynch then proceeded to Nelson Street in the same community, to conduct surveillance on Lanferman’s house, after which he returned to Birdman’s residence around 19:00hrs; Liverpool then allegedly gave Lynch a handgun.

The two later returned to Nelson Street on a ‘CG’ motorcycle. While Liverpool waited in a nearby street, Lynch reportedly went to Lanferman’s residence and knocked on the front door.

Lanferman opened his door and was confronted by the gunman.

Lynch’s attorney, Adrian Thompson, moved to the Appeal Court to overturn his client’s conviction and sentencing.

The attorney is claiming that the trial judge erred in law when he admitted into evidence the caution statement given by Lynch to the police.

Additionally, another ground for the appeal was the view that the trial judge failed to put Lynch’s defense adequately to the jury.

Injured man dies at Waramadong Health Center

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who visited the Waramadong Health Center, on Sunday, for a wound on his upper arm.

The man died while receiving treatment.

Dead is Doreian Brown, an unemployed man of Waramadong Village, Kamarang River, Region seven.

When contacted, po-

lice confirmed the death and noted that it occurred at approximately 19:30hrs Sunday evening.

Enquiries revealed that the man was taken to Waramadong Health Center as a result of the wound, but was left there where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police have made no arrest as investigations continue.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019 05:00hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Indigenous music festival for December PREPARATIONS are underway for the hosting of an Indigenous musical festival in December, where all the songs to be sung will be done in the nine indigenous languages. And to add more gusto to the event, not only will the Amerindian dialects be used but the rhythm and beat will be reggae, soul, calypso and Latino.

The event is among the activities planned to enhance the learning of the Amerindian languages, in this year which is designated the Year of Indigenous Languages by the United Nations (UN).

Coordinator for the Activities for the International Year of Indigenous Languages in Guyana, Ovid Williams, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle last week, noted that there are 4,000 indigenous languages globally.

However, it is due to the frequency with which they are becoming extinct that the UN made the declaration in 2017, with the intention of preserving those that exist, reviltalise those that are on the brink of extinction, and to capture the essence of indigenous languages in the promotion of traditional

knowledge, cultural beliefs, and the practices in language, culinary arts, dressing and the rights of passage of the indigenous culture.

The UN aims to raise awareness of the consequences of the endangerment of Indigenous languages across the world, with an aim to establish a link between language, development, peace and reconciliation.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, in January this year, collaborated with the University of Guyana, to officially launch International Year of Indigenous Languages, at Aishalton Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

At that event representatives of the nine Indigenous nations here, spoke in their respective dialects- Patamona, Akawaio, Wapichan, Makushi, Wai Wai , Carib Arecuna, Warraus and Arawak..

Since coming into office in 2015, the government has established radio at Aishalton, Mabaruma, Lethem, Mahdia and Orealla.

Aishalton is leading in the preservation and promotion of Indigenous languages. As already a bi-lingual

Wapichan education programme has been implemented in schools in the village, Williams reminded.

The mandate of the ministry is to help preserve the nine languages of the first nations of Guyana by creating programmes and initiatives through dictionary production, written literature and music development.

As a result, Williams has been instrumental in coordinating live broadcasts from the various regions, in art and craft with the use of tibisiri and mukru straws, beads, nibbi craft, how to make ma-ta-pees, fans, sifters and cotton hammocks and attire.

According to him, people are curious to know what art and craft have to do with languages, but he explained that in the demonstrations the names of the raw materials and the entire process is explained in various languages and also translated in English. This is to show that in Guyana all is not lost where Indigenous languages are concerned, he remarked.

Williams also disclosed that, of the nine Indigenous dialects, six are very much alive, while the lan-

guages of the Arawak, the Warraus and the Carib are on the brink of being extinct.

Other activities that have been completed or are ongoing, in the efforts to preserve the Indigenous languages include, the reprinting of dictionaries that were in existence to distribute to the various villages; the September 10, 2019 launch of the first-ever Patamona dictionary and Arekuna alphabet; reprinting of modules in the Arawak and Warraus languages and plans to create a booklet with common courtesies and salutations such as Sorry, Thank You, Good Morning, for the benefit of tourists and officials of the various ministries.

The aim is to enhance learning the language and developing a writing system so that the indigenous languages could be captured in a written form, documented and archived, he reiterated.

Williams, who, while serving as a pilot in the Guyana Defence Force, in 1984, had flown to the Indigenous Barimita community to medevac a female with a gynaecological condition. But he said, a situation arose where no medical

51 soldiers graduate in skill-at-arms, security and national policy training FIFTY-ONE soldiers recently graduated from an eight-week course which included modules such as Skill-at-Arms, Internal Security and National Policy.

Private (PTE) Delon David of the sixth Infantry Battalion (Inf Bn ) was the best graduating student of the Standard Infantryman Course 2019-01, which concluded recently at Camp Sipu, Base Camp Stephenson.

The runner-up was Private Alwin Livan, also of 6 Inf Bn. Private Shaquille Franklin was adjudged the Best Shot while the most improved student was private Jamal Allicock. They were both from the second Infantry Battalion.

During his congratulatory remarks at the graduation of the new Infantrymen, Major Courtney Mendonca of the first 1 Inf Bn, charged them to always uphold the Law and to understand their role as infantrymen.

"As young infantrymen, you have gained

basic skills and knowledge that will aid you as you begin this phase of your military development. As you prepare to serve the Guyana Defence Force and this nation, you must understand that every member of the GDF is required to operate within the law at all times. Wherever you are deployed, in whatever community across Guyana, obey the Law. The eyes of the public will be on you and everyone will be watching your conduct. You are military men who are sworn to protect this country and all of its people!" he emhpasised."

"As young military men at the beginning of your careers, it is also very important that you understand the need to maintain only appropriate relationships. It would be unlawful for you to engage in inappropriate relationships, particularly with anyone who is below the age of consent. The Law is clear on this issue, and, if you violate the law then

you will surely pay the consequences," he continued.

Major Mendonca also urged the soldiers to begin to structure their lives in a manner that will ensure that they will reap positive benefits going forward.

"As young military men some of you may have already begun building your own family units, while the rest of you may soon be on that pathway. Families will only make progress where they are headed by strong leaders. You must be the strong leaders. Manage your finances and your relations in a manner that will see positive growth and development in your future. Take care of your families and they will take care of you. Additionally, remember that you are now a part of the military family. Act responsibly at all times and make your families and your country proud," he urged.

The Skill-at-Arms, Internal Security and National Policy graduants in the company of senior officers (seated).

history was available for the patient, neither could the woman understand when he tried communicating with her in English or his dialect, Patamona.

As a result, in addition to Spanish, Portuguese and English, he is also conversant in Arekuna, Patamona, Akawaio and to some extent Makushi,.

Additionally, in 2018 he established the Kapong Miamu Inc., a translation service that caters for indigenous persons who may have legal matters but are unable to explain themselves properly in court because of the language barrier, and to help in the medical field with the translation of prescriptions.

Through his service, a 28-page document was translated in Indigenous languages for the Guyana Forestry Commission on the EU Forestry Law Enforcement Governance and Trade /Voluntary Partnership Agreement ( EUFlegt/VPA), as well a 10-page booklet on Prenatal/Post-natal Danger Signs and Symptoms for the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) in the indigenous languages, Williams disclosed.

No extension of tax exemption for ‘G’ vehicles after November 30 - GRA THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has moved to clamp down on the misuse of specific models of vehicles that are registered good vehicles and under the “G” series which allows them to be exempt from Excise taxes.

In a public notice published on Sunday, September 15, 2019, the GRA has advised importers that it will be granting no extension or tax exemption beyond November 30, 2019 deadline, for the following models: Toyota Noah and Toyota Voxy both of Model # ARZ60; Toyota Liteace Model # KR52; Toyota Grand Hiace Model # ACH; Toyota Alphard Model # MNH; Toyota Regius Model #RCH and Nissan Serana Model # TCI, to be registered in the “G” series.

According to the GRA, the directive was issued because many owners of the said models of vehicles, though registered as Goods (G) vehicles and thereby exempted from Excise taxes, utilised the vehicles for purposes unrelated to the “G” registration category.

As such, the public is being reminded that persons breaching the requirements will be subjected to fines and penalties or be required to remit the duties previously exempted.

The GRA notice further stated, that subsequent to representation made by auto dealers who had either imported the models to beat a July 01, 2019 deadline, or had some of these vehicles warehoused, the previous July 01, 2019 deadline has been extended to November 30, 2019.

The extension will enable the dealers to sell and complete registration in the `G’ goods category, along with the models of vehicles that were imported and entered prior to June 30, 2019, it added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Confessed serial rapist appeals severity of sentence A CONFESSED serial rapist, who was sentenced to serve 62-years’ imprisonment by Justice Brassington Reynolds, at the Demerara High Court, two months ago, has appealed the severity of the sentence.

Leon Jordan of Anna Catherina, West Coast, Demerara (WCD), had confessed to raping two underaged girls and a woman.

Through an attorney, he has filed an appeal at the Appeal Court, Kingston In June, Jordan had opted to plead guilty to the three charges saying, “Is better to talk the truth before you regret not talking the truth.”

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on February 2, 2012, in the county of Demerara, Jordan engaged in sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16. The child was seven years old, and Jordan was 15.

Jordan is said to be known to the victim and her family. On the day in question, while on his bicycle, he rode up to the little girl while she was on her way home from school and told her that her mother sent him to buy chicken and he would take her home when he was finished.

He then grabbed the child and forced her onto his bicy-

Leon Jordan

cle and whispered to her “If you scream I will juk you with a knife.” He then pulled her into a bushy area and raped her, while placing the knife to her neck.

Jordan left the child under a bus shed, and she made her way home and collapsed.

The child was bleeding and told her mother that Jordan had raped her.

The second charge stated that, on January 13, 2013, in the county of Demerara, Jordan engaged in sexual penetration of a child aged 14 years. He was 16 at that time.

The third offence was committed on October 25, 2016, when Jordon, then 19 years old, engaged in sexual penetration with a woman without her consent.

On the day in question, Jordan accosted the woman, dragged her into a bushy area

and forced himself on her.

The woman put up a fight, and Jordon bit off one of her eyelids and then spat it onto the ground. With blood gushing from the woman’s eye, the defendant raped her and made good his escape.

The victim was hospitalised for several days and had to undergo several rounds of corrective surgery to save her eyesight.

In court, the victim gave her impact statement and faced Jordan saying, “I screamed that day for help and no one came to my rescue but God. I saw death as I felt myself walking into my death. As I said the Lord’s Prayer I heard the defendant say to shut up.”

“I’m not a formality and my voice will not be muzzled,” the woman said as she looked at Jordan who sat

expressionless in the prisoner docks. The victim explained that Jordon raped her six months after she was married and the ordeal has left her ‘numb’.

Probation officer, Zola Cameron, told the court that the defendant’s mother described him as a “good boy”.

However, his only bad habit was associating with drug users. The probation officer explained that Jordan was attending the psychiatric clinic and he was described as “selfish and barbaric.” He expressed no remorse for his actions.

“I don’t know if you have any feelings. You are less of a human being which you ought to be,” the Judge told Jordan.

Justice Reynolds sentenced Jordon to 12 years for raping the 7-year-old girl; 15 years for raping the 14-year-old girl and 35 years for raping the woman, the sentences to run consecutively. He will have to spend 62 years behind bars, with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years.

In his appeal, Jordan is claiming that the Judge did not live up to the plea bargain and imposed a severe sentence on him.

ICT hubs to be used as training centres for Technicians of the Caribbean project INFORMATION and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs, which were established across the country, will be used for MACORP’s Technicians of the Caribbean Project.

This was made possible through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and MACORP, on Monday.

‘The Technicians for the Caribbean project’ is a free online programme for persons seeking a new and exciting career as a service technician. The project is sponsored by Caterpillar, the global leader in construction and mining equipment, and by leading Cat Dealers from the Caribbean region.

In just 3-6 months one can achieve a Certificate of Completion and begin an exciting journey towards a possible career as a wellpaid and highly-valued service technician in the automotive, trucking or heavy equipment industry.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, who was a signatory to the MoU, said the partnership came out of a realisation that MACORP has the online learning

platform and the ministry established the facilities which could help people to access the platform.

“We have created 157 ICT hubs and there was a match because we have been ensuring that there are hubs with internet access in communities across the country…the facility will allow an individual to sit at a computer and go through a series of training modules,” said Minister Hughes.

She said almost 35 young people from Linden have expressed their interest in MACORP’s project, so the ministry will use the area as a pilot.

According to Hughes, the ICT hubs will be centres for training in STEM and other such projects like MACORP’s.

Managing Director of MACORP, Guillermo Escarraga, said the partnership is timely and will improve the skillset of Guyanese.

He said the MoU will allow persons from across the country to have access to the training programme.

“Communities will be able to reap the benefits…we will see a skillful Guyanese workforce developed to tackle the challenges ahead of us.”

Project launched to enhance climate resilience in CARIFORUM countries THE Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) in collaboration with the Intra-African, Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP) GCCA+ Programme in the Caribbean launched the Enhancing Climate Resilience project for CARIFORUM Countries, at the Radisson Aquatica Hotel in Bridgetown Barbados, on Monday.

According to a press statement CCCCC, the fouryear €12-million project is being funded by the European Union (EU) Commission and aims to strengthen the Climate Risk Management Framework in the 16 CARIFORUM member countries.

The launch precedes two days of inception meetings between project partners and representatives of beneficiary countries.

The project will assist member countries to enhance climate observational and monitoring networks, improve and climate-proof water infrastructures while building the capacity of gov-

velopment Specialist at the CCCCC, Dr. Donneil Cain said.

It will allow agencies to assess existing data collection networks, rehabilitate and install new Coral Reef Early Warning Systems (CREWS) stations and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) to improve connections and data collection.

It will also assess and implement water resources management techniques to improve water security in the Caribbean. Also, KAPs and needs assessments are

to be carried in a bid to identify and implement critical intervention actions across sectors.

The project will also create support systems to allow member states to use the data collected to increase and enhance the production and dissemination of specialised information as well as public awareness and information products.

Additionally, the CCCCC and project partners will expand training and access to the de-risking and adaptation tools

including the Caribbean Climate Online Risk and Adaptation Tool (CCORAL) to service providers and professional associations particularly those in the construction, electricity generation and water sectors; trade groups as well as community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations.

CCORAL is used by several regional governments to climate-proof development and infrastructure work.

Executive Director of the CCCCC, Dr Kenrick Leslie, addresses the opening of the Intra ACP GCCA+ EU Funded Project

ernments and private sector to integrate risk management techniques into development and planning. The project will also support the expansion of educational and outreach programmes.

“This project aims to im-

prove the region’s forecasting and predictive abilities as well as the information generating capacity concerning climate-related events strengthened and supporting better development planning,” Senior Project De-

Invited guests at the project launch

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FROM BACK PAGE

Powerlifting team arrives in Uruguay - GAPLF president lauds Government’s contribution

THIRTEEN athletes and officials arrived in Uruguay, last evening, to commence participation in the

September 17 – 22, PanAmerican/South American Powerlifting and Bench Press Equipped and Classic Championships, with the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), president Ed Caesar optimistic of the team’s success.

Runita White, Nadina Taharally, Natoya Robinson, Lisa Oudit, Bjorn Williams, Franklin Brisport-Luke, Frank Tucker, Noel Cummings and Nairanjan Singh are the athletes, while White and Taharally will double as officials, along with Colin Andrew Austin (Manager), Erwyn Smith (Coach) and

Gordon Spencer (Category 2 Referee). Kathleen Paul is the team’s Physiotherapist.

Caesar, a former national record holder and PanAmerican champion in the sport, informed that athletes selected to represent Guyana at the prestigious powerlifting event, are all capable of winning medals, since “none of them is going there for experience.”

According to the former Chief Education Officer, all the athletes surpassed the basic qualifying standard set by the GAPLF. It was also stated that the team reaching Uruguay would not have been possi-

ble without the Government of Guyana’s $3.6M sponsorship. Contributions were also received from a number of agencies and individuals.

The relevant information, in this regard, will be made public on the team’s return.

The Government’s contribution was channelled through the National Sports Commission (NSC), and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, pointed out that he was more than delighted in ensuring that the lifters were given muchneeded support in their desire to make Guyana proud during the engagement in Uruguay. (Rawle Toney) FROM BACK PAGE

Gold for GBTI GCC Spartans in Paragon Indoor Hockey Championships

GUYANA’s hockey team to the Paragon Indoor Hockey Championships recorded gold in the female U16 and U21 classes on Sunday.

The team returned home through the Eugene Correia Airport on Sunday evening medal laden and in high spirits. On the team’s return, president of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Phillip Fernandes commended the performance of both units.

“They started out a little bit tentative but each match that they played, they seemed to be more relaxed, more in control and more dominant of the games and I was very pleased with the performance.”

“The end shows the re-

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sult of winning both categories” he added, saying, “there is a nice, young junior program over here of under 14’s players who look up to these girls and the success of these girls can only encourage young girls and boys to play the game as well.”

Fernandes explained that a lot of the U16 girls made up the U21 unit, adding that there were only a few players in that unit that were above 16 years old.

He added that for their age, the girls performed creditably. Under-16 captain Sarah Klautky contended that, “as expected, our first game wasn’t our best, it was great how we all quickly adjusted and worked together and it wasn’t a situation where

only one person fought for the win, it was a whole team effort.” She added that the quality of hockey experienced there was high and that coming back home, the girls are eager to show what they have learnt.

“We are happy to represent Guyana and the youths of Guyana and especially field hockey because it’s not given much recognition because it’s something to do,” Klautky said.

Meanwhile, U21 captain Makeda Harding added, “I think we played well, we played better than we expected and it was good to play in the U21 category this year because last year we didn’t get to and this year we came out ontop.”

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24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Man. United tie ‘best in the world’ David de Gea to new deal

MANCHESTER United goalkeeper David de Gea has committed his future to the club after signing a new contract.

Spanish goalkeeper De

Gea, who joined the club in 2011, has put pen-to-paper on a new deal which will keep him at Old Trafford til 2023. The agreement also includes an option to extend

for a further year.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the 28-yearold said he was ‘honoured’ to extend his stay.

“It has been a privilege

to spend eight years at this great club and the opportunity to continue my career at Manchester United is a genuine honour,” he told the club’s website.

“Now my future is fixed, all I want is to help this team achieve what I believe we can and win trophies again,

David de Gea of Manchester United poses after signing a new contract with the club. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

together.”

In his eight years at the club, De Gea has featured 367 times and has helped the club to success in the Premier League, the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Europa League as well as winning the club’s player of the year award four times. He added: “I still feel that I have so much more to achieve at the club and I truly believe that Manchester United can build on the club’s tradition of success and reward our fans for their support. “I am committed to continue repaying the fans for all of the care that they’ve shown me during the good times and the bad.”

De Gea, who arrived in Manchester from Atletico Madrid, has long been linked to return to his homeland with Real Madrid reportedly keen to take him back to the Spanish capital.

In fact, back in 2015, a deal was in place for the stopper to join the Bernabeu club but the transfer broke

down at the last minute, reportedly due to a faulty fax machine. De Gea had recently entered the final year of his existing deal and would have been able to leave on a free at the end of the season.

However, the new contract will likely see the keeper remain at the club for the majority of the remainder of his career. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also expressed his happiness to see his number one pledge his future to the Red Devils. “I am delighted that David has committed his long-term future to the club,” he said.

“Over recent years, David has proved himself to be the best in the world and a vital part of our plans as we look to take Manchester United back to where it belongs.”

“As a player he is still hugely determined and hungry to achieve more.

We all look forward to working together to meet those ambitions over the coming years.” (Yahoo Sport.UK)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday September 17, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 1. 69 times 2. 103-Glen Phillips (Tallawah vs Patriots, 2018) Today’s Quiz: 1. Who is the first bowler to deliver a maiden over in CPL 2019?

2. How many times Andre Russell has captained the Tallawahs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

25

England must copy rivals’ to avoid breaking Jofra Archer-Swann

GRAEME Swann has warned England could break Jofra Archer if they continue to use the rapid bowler so frequently.

The World Cup-winning paceman made his Test debut at Lord’s, where he put on an exhibit of ferocious bowling - including the delivery which left Steve Smith concussed.

Archer picked up five wickets in that Test before claiming six in an innings at Leeds. After bowling 27 overs and going wicketless in the first innings at Old Trafford, he returned with a six-wicket haul at the Oval.

The reduction in his pace led to fears he was being over-used and Swann echoed those comments. The former Ashes winner told Yahoo Sport UK: “They’ve got the luxury of a world class all-rounder in Ben Stokes who can bowl 15 overs a

day.

“Your spinner, you have to get more out of your spinner, but I’m not having a go at Jack Leach. You can’t have Archer bowling the overs when a team is 3004, that’s when the spinner should be tying down one end with seamers rotating in short bursts at the other.

“In the second innings, because we’re not bowling a team out with spin, the seamers are bowling more.

There’s a game in two days’ time. If you lose the toss and bowl it’s like… he’ll snap in half.

“But he’s genuine world class. He’s an exciting player. No one could bowl the amount of overs he’s now bowling and remain 93-94 mph.”

In total, Archer was called upon to bowl 156 overs in four Tests of this Ashes series.

The strike bowler, breathtaking at his best, was called in to replace James Anderson after his first Test injury ruled him out of the series. England’s inability to bowl out Australia cheaply - they were foiled repeatedly by Smith - was one of the key reasons they entered the final Test with a series draw the best attainable result.

Looking to the future, though, Swann believes linking up Archer with Anderson - alongside Stuart Broad - provides a mouthwatering proposition. “If we could get that, get another couple more years of Jimmy out, that is a magnificent bowling attack,” he added. “Jimmy can bowl 25 overs a day at the same pace, day in, day out.

“If it swings, he doesn’t need to - he bowls ten overs and bowls a team out. You need two bowlers who can do that 20 odd overs. Broady

Prolific Smith says ‘pretty cooked’ after Ashes effort LONDON (Reuters) Run-machine Steve Smith described himself as being “pretty cooked” after his prolific bat ensured Australia will return home having retained the coveted urn after their 2-2 drawn Ashes series against England.

Smith’s tally of 774 runs from seven innings with a Bradmanesque 110-plus average in a bowler-dominated series illustrates how he single-handedly carried Australia’s run-scoring burden.

Marnus Labuschagne was the next Australian with 353, while Matthew Wade, with 337, was the only other Australian to have aggregated 200 or more.

“I have given it my all while I have been here for the last four-and-a-half months but I didn’t have much more to give today,” Smith told reporters on Sunday after England salvaged a win at The Oval to ensure the first drawn Ashes series since 1972.

“I was pretty cooked mentally and physically and I am looking forward to a couple of weeks off and

Steve Smith tallied 774 runs from seven innings in the just concluded Ashes series.

heading back for the Australian summer.”

England’s two victories in the series came in a match Smith missed after a blow to his neck and one in which he scored his only sub-50 score of the series.

Smith’s prolific run not only restored him at the top of Test batting rankings but also won over the hostile English fans, who booed him throughout the preceding World Cup and much of the Ashes series.

“It was a nice reception when I walked off, would have been nice to have a few more runs under my belt,” Smith said after his dismissal for 23 in the second innings at The Oval.

Few expected the 30-year-old to rediscover the form he had shown before being banished to the sidelines for 12 months for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

But he put to rest such fears by smashing a magnificent 144 on day one of the Edgbaston test, scoring more than half of the team total of 284 in the series opener.

“First Test is always important in an Ashes series and to pull the team out of trouble gave me the confidence to know I could slot straight back in and perform,” Smith said.

can do that as well.

“Archer definitely should not be asked to do that, yet he will be bowled into the ground and be a blunt force in two years time. “The Aussies eventually realised with Mitchell Johnson, he wasn’t a 30 overs a day man.

When he bowled ten overs a day he was blisteringly quick and a match winner. “Jofra Archer, that spell at Lord’s

when it was gloomy, it was magnificent, and they kept bowling him. You cannot do it and remain effective for long.

“Steve Harmison was the last genuine fast strike bowler we had and he ended up being used 24, 25 overs a day. It blunted his effectiveness, I hope they don’t do that to Jofra Archer.” (Yahoo Sport UK)

Jofra Archer did not seem the same in the fourth Test at Manchester, though.

(Photo by Visionhaus)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Strict rules set out for Prime Minister’s T20 Cup 3 TEAMS participating in the upcoming Prime Minister’s T20 Cup 3 will need to abide by the rules set aside by its organiers, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. Chronicle Sport was reliable informed that teams will be allow to bowl both off-break and leg break bowling, with chucking deem illegal.

Late arrival and time wasting during the game by teams, are also two other factors the organisers will deal with severely, since it is expected that the matches must be played within their stipulated time.

The GSCL Inc will also be looking at match fixing seriously since there have been instances where teams fixed games to allow another team to go through to the semifinals. This type of action will not be tolerated as there should be a level playing field for everyone and a committee will be set up to deal with these types of issues.

While no entrance fee is re-

Regal Masters are defending champions in the Over-45 category.

quired for the competition, teams will be asked to make a deposit of

$60,000 as collateral for their participation in the tournament which

will be refunded after the preliminary round matches on the second

day of the competition.

The tournament is set for November 1-3, and will be contested in three categories; namely the Over 45, Over 50 and Open. The teams will be divided into two groups in each category and will play each other once after which the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

Each group will consist of eight teams.

Following the semifinals on November 2, the finals will be held on November 3 at Everest CC, commencing with the Over50 category from 10:00hrs, this will be followed by the Over-45 final from 13:30hrs, while the Open final will be played under lights from 18:00hrs.

Off-field entertainment which included cheer leaders will be provided, while live commentary will be done for the finals. Regal Masters and Speedboat are the defending champions in the Over-45 and Open categories respectively.

Bakewell launch Juniors Open tennis Championship

Some of the players expected to participate along with officials from the GLTA and Bakewell representative at the official launching.

THE Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) along with the Nasir & Nasir Company Limited recently launched the seventh edition of the Bakewell Junior Open tennis Championship.

The late CEO of Bakewell, Naeem Nasir founder of Bakewell, who was a committed supporter of junior sports development, and an avid tennis player originated the competition, which is being kept alive in his honour by his successors at Bakewell.

Bakewell representative

Jacob Nanan at the opening ceremony said that “the company is always pleased to sponsor the event to ensure its continued junior sport development and give young players opportunities to compete”.

The competition is set to run up to September 21. It features players in the Under-12, 14 and 18 categories.

Matches are scheduled to be played both at the National Racquet Centre and the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Court on weekends.

Charles plunders unbeaten century to lead Bacchus Bulls to victory A magnificent unbeaten century by national Under -17 captain Sheldon Charles engineered a comprehensive 8 wicket win for Bacchus Bulls against Tuschen Southside of East Bank Essequibo . The feature 35 overs Under -17 match was played at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance on Saturday.

After losing the toss and asked to bat first; Tuschen Southside was indebted to an

impressive half-century by Mark Mohabir who held the innings together after wickets fell around him at regular intervals . The opener batted solidly in his knock of 77 which was decorated by nine elegant fours. Along with his captain Jason Holder who made a brisk 22 (4x4), they were able to reach a challenging 201 all-out in 33 overs.

Essequibo inter-county

leg-spinner Keshew Deonarine 3-32 from 7 overs and Arian Doodnauth 3-27 from his 7 overs bowled accurately for the hosts.

In reply, Sheldon Charles took centre stage from the beginning to the end. The elegant right- hander was in sublime touch and easily a cut above his counterparts.

He played shots to all parts of the picturesque ground counting 17 majestic fours and 2 towering sixes on his

way to an unbeaten 127.

Charles teamed up with national Under- 17 selectee Azizi Christiani 37 (4x4) and the two put together an entertaining 155 run partnership that became the principal foundation for their emphatic win, reaching 203-2 in just 28 overs.

A reciprocal visit is planned for this Saturday in a series of bilateral matches between the two sides. The match was spon-

Sheldon Charles salammed an unbeaten 127 for Bacchus Bulls.l

Mark Mohabir hit 77 for Tuschen Southside..

sored by Imam Bacchus Group of Companies and

Ramballi Construction Services. (Elroy Stephney).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 17, 2019

27

GAW, TKR extend their dominance

KINGSTON and Basseterre hosted the second week of CPL 2019. New highs were reached and the competition’s traditional superpowers extended their dominance. Here’s a recap of the week gone by.

Record for highest CPL total broken three times in 72 hours Entering the week, 226 - made

by St Lucia Stars last season - was the CPL record for highest total. It was smashed twice by the end of the week’s first match.

Chris Gayle’s 22nd T20 hundred, in a 162-run stand with Chadwick Walton - a CPL record - lifted Jamaica Tallawahs to 241 on Tuesday, but St Kitts and Nevis Patriots rode on Evin Lewis’ 17-ball fifty - another CPL record - to chase it down with seven balls to spare.

Devon Thomas contributed to the Patriots win with 71 and the 37 sixes struck by the two sides were the joint-most in a T20 game.

Three days later, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) hammered 267 against Tallawahs, batting first, snatching the CPL record en

route to posting the highest total in the history of franchise cricket.

Colin Munro struck 96 in 50 balls and Lendl Simmons made 86 as Knight Riders smashed 171 runs in the final ten overs. In response, Tallawahs made a valiant 226 for 5, but suffered their fourth straight loss of the season.

There were other concerns for Tallawahs this week. Andre Russell played no part against St Lucia Zouks after retiring hurt following a blow to his helmet, and was forced to miss Tallawahs’ next game too. A win later in the week earned Tallawahs their first points, but Gayle’s side remain last on the points table. Knight Riders are unbeaten after four games, tied at the top with Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Mixed results for Patriots With four of the seven games being played at Basseterre, Patriots had the opportunity to consolidate their position in week two, but they lost half their matches.

Patriots failed to ride on the momentum of chasing down 241 on Tuesday, losing to Barbados

Lendl Simmons and Colin Munro led the way for TKR (Getty Images)

Tridents by 18 runs on Wednesday.

They were then bowled out for 121 against the unbeaten Guyana

Amazon Warriors(GAW), taking a big dent to their NRR as their opponents chased their target down with 25 balls to spare. But Patriots made up for that in the week’s last game by downing St Lucia Zouks with 31 balls to spare, courtesy another Lewis half-century. Patriots discovered fast bowler Akeem Jordan, whose four-wicket haul on CPL debut restricted Zouks to only 138.

Bowler of the week Zouks’ Fawad Ahmed, CPL 2018’s highest wicket-taker, conceded 2.75 runs per over in a match where Patriots scored at nearly 10.

Although it came in a losing cause, Flawad’s 2 for 11 was the Zouks highlight in an innings where the rest of their bowlers were ducking for cover. A legbreak that brought Laurie Evans forward before spinning across him and flattening his off-stump was a sight for sore eyes.

Fawad played a crucial role in Zouks’ first win of the season too, his 2 for 28 helping restrict Tallawahs to 170 on a flat deck.

BATSMAN OF

THE WEEK Gayle’s 116 was a close contender, but Munro’s 96 in Knight Riders’ record-smashing 267 could not be ignored. Playing his first game of the season after joining the side from international duty, Munro - CPL 2018’s highest run-scorer - picked up from where he left off last season, cracking eight sixes and six fours to finish four short of a fifth T20 ton.

Tallawahs’ left-arm wristspinner Zahir Khan was troubling Knight Riders when Munro walked in, but he started the innings with a cut through point before reverse-sweeping the bowler for six.

To negate Zahir’s googly, and take lbw out of the equation, Munro took guard beyond off stump.

Against the pacers, Munro was in his element, muscling slogs through midwicket or aiming sixes over the bowler’s head. From 22 off 19 balls at the end of ten overs, he drilled 74 runs off his next 31 deliveries to help Knight Riders post the third-highest T20 total of all time.

Tallawahs forced to ring Jordan, Lewis deliver for Patriots changes after Powell ruled out

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots’ fast bowler Akeem Jordan celebrates a wicket on Sunday against St Lucia Zouks.

(Photo courtesy CPL)

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Debutant fast bowler Akeem Jordan made an instant impact while opener Evin Lewis struck his second half-century as St Kitts and Nevis Patriots recovered from losing two games on the trot to beat St Lucia Zouks by six wickets here Sunday night.

In pursuit of a hardly challenging 139 at Warner Park, Patriots swept to only their second in of their Caribbean Premier League campaign with 31 balls remaining in the contest under

lights.

The left-handed Lewis top-scored with 65 off 30 balls while Mohammed Hafeez chipped in with 26, the pair combining in a 62-run, third wicket stand which put the hosts in sight of victory.

Zouks, sent in earlier, produced a lacklustre batting effort to finish on 138 for nine off their 20 overs, with New Zealander Colin de Grandhomme getting 30 and South African Hardus Viljoen scoring 28. The 24-yearold Jordan, in his first-ever T20 of a promising career, took apart the Zouks with four for 33 from his four overs while leg-break bowler Usama Mir (2-13) and medium pacer Rayad Emrit (2-29) provided excellent support.

With the victory, St Kitts moved into third place in the six-team standings on four points while Zouks remained fourth on two. Once Jordan removed in-form openers Andre Fletcher (1) and Rahkeem Cornwall (5) with just 14 on the board in the third over, the Zouks innings remained in turmoil throughout.

Fletcher slapped the third

ball of the evening straight to Fabien Allen at point while Cornwall slashed to Sheldon Cottrell at third man.

De Grandhomme, who faced 22 balls and belted four fours and a six, tried to revive the innings in a 26run, sixth wicket stand with captain Darren Sammy (18) but perished to a catch at deep cover in the 12th over off Mir. On the ropes at 100 for eight, Zouks benefited from the best stand of the innings when Viljoen and Obed McCoy (14 not out) put on 35 for the ninth wicket. Zouks were quickly back in the game when seamer Kesrick Williams had the dangerous Devon Thomas caught at third man for one with the score on 11 in the second over.

However, success thereafter was limited, as Lewis put on 45 for the second wicket with Englishman Laurie Evans (19) and another half-century stand with Hafeez, to erase any doubt about the outcome.

Lewis was in prime form, counting five fours and half-dozen sixes, as he raced to his 27th T20 fifty off 26 balls.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Jamaica Tallawahs will have to do without key all-rounder Rovman Powell for the rest of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after he was ruled out through injury.

The big-hitting righthander, who also bowls medium pace, limped out of last Friday’s contest against two-time reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders, after hitting a six and then collapsing while holding his rib cage.

He was subsequently diagnosed with an abdominal strain. Powell has been re-

placed by former Barbados and West Indies all-rounder, Dwayne Smith, who made a first-ball ‘duck’ on debut in Sunday’s maiden win over Barbados Tridents at Sabina Park.

Smith is one of three players called up by Tallawahs with England seamer Jade Dernbach replacing Kennar Lewis and Jermaine Blackwood covering for star all-rounder Andre Russell who was struck by a short ball from Hardus Viljoen in the fixture against St Lucia Zouks last Thursday.

Russell was cleared of serious injury but has not played since.

Tallawahs have endured a disastrous start to their campaign, losing their first four games before breaking their slump with a four-wicket win over Tridents on Sunday.

Meanwhile, both Tridents and Zouks have also been forced to make changes to their lineups.

South African Colin Ingram has joined Zouks, replacing Sri Lankan Thisara Perera who has been summoned by his national team while Tridents have brought in Australian all-rounder Dan Christian for the unavailable Asif Ali.

LIMACOL football continues this evening FOOTBALL action in the annual Limacol tournament continues at the Ministry of Education Ground Carifesta Avenue tonight.

In the first of the double headers, from 19:00, Beacons will play EastVeldt or while Buxton Stars is expected to go toe to toe with Northern Rangers.

In the latest round of matches, Camptown and Black Pearl played to a 1-1 stalemate Black Pearl took the lead of the game in the 36th with Peter Smith with

Jamal Codrington scoring in the 54th to bring things level for Camptown.

In the other game, Fruta Conquerors beat G.F.C 5-1 Nicholas McArthur’s hat trick (1st, 8th and 59th) lead the scoring with Rishun Rich (11th) and Ravon Barley (49th) each netting once.

Kelvin Moore in the 14th scored GFC’s only goal.The tournament is sponsored by Limacol and Croxly Papers.

GAPLF president Ed Caesar (first from left) and Committee Member David Gomes (first from right) with the athletes and officials prior to departure to Uruguay. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Powerlifting team arrives in Uruguay

See Page 23

– GAPLF president lauds Government’s contribution

One ticket for both CPL playoff matches CRICKET fans in Guyana will get a special treat as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) organisers have struck a deal with the Guyana government which will see the return of the playoffs here for a second straight year.

However, it will be even a more special treat, since it is confirmed that patrons can be a part of the double-header playoff matches with the purchase of one ticket.

“The purchase of one ticket will be used for both games,” The playoffs comprise two games – the eliminator between the third-placed and fourth-placed teams, and qualifier one involving the top-of-the-table side after

the preliminaries against the second-placed side.

Both matches are scheduled for October 6 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Meanwhile, the prices are yet to be confirmed locally. However, according to the CPL website, tickets are on sale on line, with US$ 12.00 for the Grass Mound; the South East - Orange Stand US$ 16.00; North West – Red US$ 27.00 and South West - Green US$ 29.00.

The two games will bring to seven the number of CPL matches staged here during the 2019 campaign after Guyana Amazon Warriors played three of their home games here at the start of the tour-

nament.

They have two remaining matches here on October 3 and 4 against Jamaica Tallawahs and two-time reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders.

The winner of qualifier one will book a direct spot in the final set for October 12 in Trinidad ans while the winner of the eliminator will face the loser of qualifier one on October 10 in Trinidad and Tobago, for a place in the final. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

Cricket fans in Guyana will see the return of the playoffs here for a second straight year.

The GBTI GCC Spartans returned home on Sunday evening after winning both the U16 and U21 female titles in the Paragon Indoor Hockey Championships

Gold for GBTI GCC Spartans in Paragon Indoor Hockey Championships See Page 23

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019