Guyana Chronicle E-paper 9-18-2019

WEDNESDAY 18th September, 2019

ELECTIONS TIMEFRAME TODAY No.105764

… Alexander sees possible date in January, March latest

Favourable 08 outlook

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… IMF projects 4.4 per cent growth for Guyana

–– says medium-term prospects are very favourable with oil production

‘Your job 21 is secure’ PAGE

… Guyanese teachers in The Bahamas assured of jobs

US court orders extradition of 16 Marcus Bisram PAGE

Guyana seeks 05 closer ties with Chile PAGE

President David Granger and Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Patricio Becker, share a toast in celebration of Chile’s 209th Independence Anniversary at a ceremony held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Gov’t to develop response policy for overseas natural disaster … says repatriation efforts for Hurricane Dorian survivors being streamlined

MINISTER of Citizenship, Winston Felix, on Tuesday, announced that government will be developing a National Policy which will outline a coordinated approach for assisting Guyanese based in Caribbean territories prone to natural disasters.

The draft policy would be developed through a collaborative approach with government and non-governmental organisations.

The announcement comes even as Guyanese living in the Bahamas grapple with the damages done by Hurricane Dorian – a Category Five Storm.

The citizenship minister made the announcement on Monday moments after chairing a meeting held with aircraft owners and operations and various government entities to streamline efforts to facilitate the return of Guyanese from the hurricane ravaged-country.

The minister also received

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix (centre) at a natural disaster coordination meeting on Monday. Also in the photo are, from left, a representative of A. Mazaharally & Sons Limited; Brian Tiwari of JAGS Aviation; Captain Gerry Gouveia of Roraima Air Services; Technical Officer, Ministry of Citizenship, Jermaine Grant; and representatives of the Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs. feedback on the proposed of this exercise, we should since the directive was isdraft policy. develop a policy to respond sued.

“This meeting has guid- to the needs of Guyanese Minister Felix said the ed us to a path of seeking outside of Guyana,” he told 2017 response to Hurrifurther guidance on best the Public Information and cane Irma which affected practices in chartering the Press Service (PIPS) Unit the islands of Antigua response that we need, of the Ministry of the Pres- and Barbuda; Turks and which at the end of the day idency.

Caicos and St. Maarten, seeks to ensure that the inThe stakeholders’ meet- has created a “template terest of Guyanese is attend- ing was held based on a by which future disasters ed to in circumstances of Cabinet directive handed of whatever magnitude disasters and any misfortune down last week. Monday can be responded to, with which may befall them out- was the second time the particular steps to be taken side of Guyana. At the end group of stakeholders met along the way.”

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; Captain Gerry Gouveia of Roraima Air Services; Brian Tiwari of JAGS Aviation and representatives from Trans Guyana Airways, A. Mazaharally and Sons Limited, Air Services Limited, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Civil Defence Commission and the Ministry of Citizenship, were among those present at the meeting.

In relation to the situation in The Bahamas, Minister Felix said that there is an option available to address the repatriation of the 23 Guyanese, who have expressed their desire to return to Guyana. He pointed out that this number can change as there is another 108 persons, who have yet to indicate what their desire is.

“So, work goes on and the Guyanese public will be kept informed as decisions are taken,” the Minster said.

He said too that the meeting discussed approaching Caribbean Airlines for humanitarian assistance to bring home the affected Guyanese in The Bahamas.

“This was done because it was observed that the range of aircrafts in Guyana would not take them to The Bahamas without them having to stop for refuelling on a couple of occasions.

Then, there is another option, where government can be invited to subsidise the cost of the aircraft bringing returning Guyanese… and the third is the employment of the [GDF] skyvan to assist in the return of Guyanese from The Bahamas,” Minister Felix explained.

It was suggested that government deploy a point person possible from CDC to The Bahamas to work along with the Guyana Honorary Consul, to assess the needs of Guyanese prior to the decision to repatriate them.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

ELECTIONS TIMEFRAME TODAY … Alexander sees possible date in January, March latest … opposition says will provide its own timetable

By Lisa Hamilton

THE final work programme of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) which would lay out a timeline for when new General and Regional Elections can be held is expected to be presented to the President today, should things go as planned.

Tuesday’s statutory meeting at the commission resulted in two commissioners being appointed with responsibility of hammering out timelines for final approval by the commission today. Government-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander told the media that, from his perspective, the timeframe is not likely to place elections this year.

“We are hoping, by tomorrow [today], to be able to finalise the elections work programme and to be able to communicate to the President a prospective time,” he said.

When questioned further, he gave his opinion: “It may spill over into next year. I’m still in the position that the outer time -- in the question of soonest is March [2020] and the inner time seems to be early in the new year.”

On the other hand, opposition-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj is hoping to present a timeline of his own to the commission today for the holding of elections this year.

He told the media that he is “optimistic” that the same will be adopted. The opposition has been vocal about a Claims and Objections exercise to be held once the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) is extracted from the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) and published.

However, Alexander maintains that it is “highly infeasible” for the current list to now be cleansed and elections held in 2019.

“Anything which can be done to make that possible is unacceptable in the first instance and even if those things are done, when one looks at the statutory requirements and administrative requirements in terms of time, December is still, as I said previously, a tall call,” he said.

The only means possible by which Alexander sees the timeline being shrunk further to some degree

other things which we will engage in,” the commissioner said.

He also noted that all of the commission’s equipment is being utilised by teams which are working three shifts. Regarding merging, he added: “What we envisage is a comparison of the information in one data set and another data set, so that we arrive at a third, single data set.”

As these matters unfold, the commission has stated that it is moving swiftly President David Granger would be if some foreign entity were to make the printing of Guyana’s ballot papers a matter of national emergency, given the country’s interest in having elections at the soonest possible time. Guyana’s ballot papers are procured from external sources, so time has to be set aside for this process.

When it comes to the delivery of the ballot papers, Alexander noted that to fast track this by merely two days would cost the commission an additional US$250,000 or some GYD$52,165,000.

ENCODING OF DATA Meanwhile, at the meeting, the seven-member commission also discussed the encoding of data garnered from the recently ended houseto-house registration exercise. Gunraj believes that this process is taking much too long.

“The timeline that was presented to us for encoding by the commission was the 15th of September for a conclusion. As you know, we are at the 17th of September today and the secretariat is now saying that they require at least three weeks,” he contended.

Alexander told the media that around 200,000 names have been encoded thus far. However, he pointed out that this process will stay clear of the “critical path” towards elections, as it will run parallel to the other activities in GECOM’s work programme.

“There are some reviews which are taking place and the way in which we are looking at things, encoding may not necessarily be on the critical path. Encoding may become a part of a parallel process as with

against 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

Chairperson of GECOM Justice Claudette Singh with the training of polling day staff countrywide. Thus far, training of polling day staff has been completed in several regions.

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Warde told the newspaper that in South Georgetown at 20 locations, 1,185 participants have been trained; on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) at 20 locations 1,201 were trained; on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and in Region Five at 21 locations, 1,596 were trained; in Region Six at 25 locations 1,940 were trained and at 25 locations between Regions One, Two and 10, 2,030 were trained.

The commission must now conduct training in the hinterland and in other parts of Georgetown with all training expected to be completed by October.

GECOM’S RESPONSIBILITY President David Granger on Monday maintained that it is the exclusive responsibility of GECOM to conduct General and Regional Elections here under the constitution and this responsibility is safeguarded

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 [sic] of the Commission and administered the Oath of Office to her on 29th July 2019.”

The President said he has full confidence in the chairperson’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 Chairperson of the Commission Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh and her commissioners on separate occasions to ascertain GECOM’s readiness

Government-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander 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 malpractices.

“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

Opposition-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj to conduct early elections.

During those meetings, both sides were assured that the commission is doing everything to facilitate early elections free of corrupt practices.

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.

STATUTORY GUIDELINES Last week, an electoral expert told the 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 action after September 18, 2019, if a 2019 date for elections is not set.

But the electoral expert said that 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 Representation of the People Act. The electoral expert made it clear that neither Justice Singh nor her commission can 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 by which the elections commission must abide, as outlined in the Representation of the People Act. According to Section Nine of the Representation of the People Act, the Notice of the date for submission of the list of Candidates (Nominations Day) cannot be done later than 32 days before elections.

Additionally, the act states that candidates must be informed of defects in the list of candidates not later than 30 days before the elections 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 Wednesday, September 18, 2019

‘The Oil and Gas city’ … M&CC unveils ambitious plans to transform Georgetown

WITH the advent of the oil and gas industry, the city of Georgetown must be transformed to cater for the development and expansions needed to facilitate its multiplicity of operations as well as the spin-off industries.

Through the Greater Georgetown Development Plan and the establishment of a National Capital Planning Committee, the Capital City will, in the near future, boasts the technological, infrastructural, industrial and environmental advancements needed for international oil

and gas operations.

This is according to Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore, at a press conference on Tuesday. The committee, of which he is member, is spearheading the 20/40 development plan and is tasked with reporting progress to the council and residents of Georgetown.

He said planning is currently in the embryonic stage and consultations are ongoing with partnering agencies such as the Ministry of Communities, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). “With the advent of oil

and gas, which we know will bring a lot of other industrial components to this development, we will have to pick up speed and be able to fill the gap so that we will be able to move as fast as the oil and gas is getting close to us,” he said.

The document speaks of goals, objectives, strategies, amongst other things, that will directly address the issues affecting residents presently, such as garbage collection, land allocation for industrial and residential zones and infrastructural development. The agriculture

and manufacturing industries have also been included and consideration is being given to population management such as housing and road networking. Tremendous focus will also be given to the River Front Development Strategy.

Mentore stressed that with Central Government setting the example of PRIORITISING national development, it is the City Council’s mandate to speed up with its plans and play its role in transforming Georgetown. “While the Central Government has its plans,

the Local Government has its plans also. We must be able to match and marry how we will be able to deal with national development at a local government level,” he said.

With a zestful team in place, he assured residents that Georgetown will not be left behind, as the rest of Guyana moves ahead for betterment with the APNU/ AFC Coalition.

Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Mr Alfred Mentore

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Guyana seeks closer ties with Chile … President Granger identifies petroleum, mining as areas for cooperation

THE Government of Chile is serious about negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with all member countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), including Guyana, and hopes that the proposal made for such is “duly considered”.

This was embedded in the message of Ambassador of Chile to Guyana, His Excellency Patricio Becker at the celebration of the 209th Independence Anniversary of Chile on Tuesday at the Marriott Hotel.

The pitch for the Free Trade Agreement was first made in 2018 at the CARICOM Heads of State and Government Summit 2018.

He relayed the existing interest to President David Granger at the event on behalf of Chilean President, His Excellency Miguel Juan Sebastián Piñera Echenique.

Also attending were First Lady, Sandra Granger; Speaker of the National Assembly Barton Scotland; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; Former President, Samuel Hinds; members of the government; members of the diplomatic corps; private sector representatives and other special invited guests.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, President David Granger highlighted that Guyana is interested in part-

nering with the Republic of Chile in the areas of petroleum, mining, disaster management and the environment as the two countries continue over 40 years of diplomatic ties.

STRONG TIES On September 18, Chileans celebrate ‘fiestas patrias’ which consists two-three days of celebration in in commemoration of the proclamation of the First Governing Body of 1810 which marked the beginning of the Chilean Independence process.

Guyana and Chile, situated on the continent of South America, have shared good

President David Granger (third left) shares a toast with Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Patricio Becker (second left); First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (fourth left) and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings (Delano Williams photo)

relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties on July 22, 1971.

President Granger noted that, in the past, the two states have successfully collaborated in the fields of diplomacy, language-training, geochemical and geological mapping, immigration, port security and transportation.

Just recently, on July 6, 2018, the Statement of Intent on Cooperation in Energy and Mining and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the ‘Andres Bello’ Diplomatic Academy of Chile and the Foreign Service Institute of Guyana as commitment to greater cooperation for mutual benefit. As noted by the Head of State, relations between Guyana and Chile have also been strengthened by high-level exchanges between the respective Presidents at the 19th Summit of the Rio Group Summit held in Georgetown in 2007; the 23rd Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community held in Suriname in 2012; the 1st Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) held in Chile in 2013 and the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Gov-

President David Granger and Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Patricio Becker share a toast (Delano Williams photo) ernment of the Caribbean Community held Jamaica in 2018.

SHARED ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Moving forward, President Granger said that more opportunities are available for partnerships and these must be pursued as the two continental countries share common concerns.

“Guyana looks forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Chile, especially in the mining and petroleum sectors, disaster management and environmental protection,” he began, adding later: “The raging wildfires in the Amazon and the devastating effects of hurricanes in the Caribbean highlight the urgent

need for intensified continental cooperation on environmental catastrophe.” He congratulated the Chilean Government on its hosting of the 25th Session of the Conference of Parties of the COP [Conference of Parties] 25 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Santiago in December 2019.

In a toast to the health of President of Chile, he also reminisced on his State visit to the country in October 2016. According to Ambassador Becker, “… on that occasion, the signing of a Visa Exemption Agreement for ordinary passport holders and an Air Transport Agreement See page 11

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Hurricane Dorian and Caribbean vulnerability AS Guyana welcomes home her nationals from The Bahamas who have been displaced by Hurricane Dorian, it is a good time to reflect on the vulnerability of our Caribbean to natural disasters. Coming on the heels of a similar devastation of Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico two years ago

by Hurricane Maria, this destruction of The Bahamas must be a wake-up call for a Region that has come to regard hurricanes as part of its reality. While small states around the world have had to grapple with the vulnerabilities that come with small size and populations, our Region has had to confront the added challenge of its vulnerability to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

The first big lesson for The Bahamas and the Carib-

bean is the human suffering.

The loss in human terms is staggering for the small islands that were directly hit.

As we write this editorial, the death toll of 50 is expected to rise as more than 1,000 persons are still unaccounted for. Entire neighbourhoods in the affected islands have been virtually flattened with preliminary reports of over 1400 houses destroyed. It means that homelessness has become the order with thousands of residents living in tents.

This harrowing tale has become familiar to the Caribbean. One remembers the “tent cities” in Haiti that remained in place long after the earthquake that battered that country a decade ago. As is evident in the case of The Bahamas, while all social classes suffer in these tragedies, it is the poor who are worst affected. The neighbourhoods that suffer the most in The

Bahamas were those inhabited by Haitian migrants who lived in substandard housing.

So, there is a linkage between poverty and vulnerability to natural disasters.

The second lesson is that the outcomes of these disasters are regional. Although a single island may be directly affected, given the intra-regional migration and settlement patterns, other countries in the Region are drawn into the post-disaster efforts. Often, countries have to bear the cost of evacuating their nationals while committing resources to the affected island; this scenario has been in full flow in the aftermath of Dorian’s hit on The Bahamas.

A third lesson to be drawn in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian is the clear and present danger of global warming. It is clear that the oceans are getting warmer and this in turn is causing an increase in the ferociousness

of hurricanes. When one considers that the Caribbean is not the origination of this man-made malady, then the larger question of the linkage between economic vulnerability and vulnerability to natural disasters comes to the fore.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutierrez puts it in clear perspective: “It is clear that this acceleration is very much linked to human activity, triggering climate change and of course The Bahamas are not contributing much to climate change...So this solidarity is absolutely essential, and the international community needs to be able to express it very strongly.”

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, was also on target as she makes the case on behalf of the Caribbean.

As she argues “We are on the frontline of the consequences of climate change, but we

don’t cause it…And the vulnerability that attaches therefore to us is a matter we’re trying to get the international community to deal with consistently…People say the words and hear you, but they don’t follow through so that I have every confidence. Now that the last few years are beginning to show others that frontline states, whether it’s an island in the Caribbean or states in the U.S. or cities, all of us who are continuously being affected have to recognise that this doesn’t happen out of the blue.”

The big question, then, that flows from the prime minister’s comments, is whether Caribbean countries, poor as the countries are, should be expected to bear the costs of disaster preparedness and the rescue and rebuilding efforts on their own. In the first place, these countries are more vulnerable precisely because of

their economic status—they cannot afford the cost associated with proper disaster preparedness. It is high time that the more economically developed countries bear their fair share of the responsibilities for this global crisis.

This view is shared by the United Nations Secretary-General : “We need to stop climate change, we need to make sure that we reverse the present trend when climate change is running faster than we are, and second, that countries like The Bahamas that do not contribute to climate change -- but are in the first line of the devastating impacts of climate change -- deserve international support, to be able to fully respond to the humanitarian emergency, but also for the reconstruction and the building resilience of the communities on the islands.”

Need for attitudinal metamorphosis among youths Dear Editor

PERMIT me to share a situation which was brought to my attention recently, thus prompting me to write some thoughts regarding the apparent necessity for an attitudinal metamorphosis within our nation’s younger labour grouping. But before I do so I wish to make a few germane points to add flavour to the revelation.

Among my biggest challenges during the economic crises of the late 70s early 80s, was an inability to meet the expectation of relatives and friends with accessing adequate food items; I disappointed big time by often failing to meet expectations. Fast forward to 2018/ 2019 wherein once again occupying a presumed position of influence, I am proving inadequate at delivering job opportunities to the many who have approached me for such assistance on behalf of themselves or others.

This led me to think long and hard about what could be done differently and better, to generally help the situation. I would be the

first to admit our unemployment rate is unacceptable for a country endowed with much natural resources, high literacy and minimal natural disasters. However, I am of the view that many, particularly those who did not attain basic scholastic qualifications, behave more as choosers instead of settling to take what is available, continue studying or master a skill while on a journey to achieve what they want. I know of several such persons who turn up their noses at jobs such as customer service representatives in newly established supermarkets, eateries, malls, fast food outlets etc., yet many of us travel overseas and enthusiastically embrace such forms of employment as a stepping stone to higher heights, while qualifying themselves.

And regarding those graduating from our university, I think the Minister of Finance recently aptly summed it up by pointing to the overwhelming percentage of those graduating from the social sciences faculty, while there are only so many jobs available in the public sector to absorb the associated skillset. I am

therefore suggesting that it is desirable for a planned refocused proclivity aimed at the “Ancient Mariner albatross” dropping into the ocean, motivated by the societal benefits of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), along with Fine Arts.

It is hard to find a professional, reliable and honest plumber or electrician in many parts.

The work ethic, especially among young Guyanese men, must be revolutionised to prevent foreigners from Brazil, Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba and others massively displacing them on projects and other worksites. There are many stories of those disciplined workers from overseas applying themselves diligently, even residing on site to lessen the cost of security to employers; and to boot, they are able to send money back home to family members.

And now editor, to the situation I alluded to at the beginning of this letter. I understand that at a certain medical institution, many Indian nationals closed their employment contract, resigned and travelled to the UK for greener pastures. This occurrence is nothing

new in Guyana. For decades, Chinese nationals have also used Guyana as a stepping stone to the USA via the restaurant business, never to set foot on these shores again; there is, however, a difference with some of the skilled medical personnel. Having done the math after a few months in the UK, some have concluded it is more profitable to work and live in Guyana, because there is more available money to send back home and are therefore trying to come back. Resignations within the institution therefore are being withdrawn.

So perhaps an NGO or coalition of NGOs may consider partnering with government to help stimulate the desirable ethos among those about to enter the world of work and those who need to adjust their approach to grab opportunities to prosper in this beautiful land. The youth corps seems primed to play a key role in such an effort.

Yours faithfully Derrick Cummings

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

OP-ED

Gender equality has never been so close but still far from being a reality

By Patricia Scotland Commonwealth Secretary-General THIS month the Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting will assemble in Nairobi, Kenya. It has taken place regularly since 1985, to take stock of the current status of gender equality in our member countries, and to share perspectives and experience of how progress on this important Commonwealth priority can be achieved more swiftly. Recommendations and decisions made by ministers responsible for women’s affairs and gender will go forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting being convened in Rwanda next year.

The past century has witnessed the greatest advances for gender equality in human history. From New Zealand becoming the first self-governing country in 1893 to allow women to vote in parliamentary elections to Sri Lanka electing the world’s first female Prime Minister in 1960, the gender gap has never narrowed so quickly, but there is still much ground to be gained.

In order to assess and accelerate progress, considerable efforts are now made by multilateral organisations to measure progress against indicators linked to gender equality and women’s empowerment. So we know, for instance, that in the Commonwealth a girl is as likely to attend primary school as a boy, and in some countries more so. In the parliaments of 13 Commonwealth countries, 30 per cent or more of members are women. Women everywhere can now expect to outlive men.

Yet against this progress, underlying systemic inequality remains persistent and widespread.

In politics, only one in five parliamentarians is a woman. In education, of every ten girls only seven attend secondary school. In the workplace, the law in 32 countries does not mandate equal remuneration for work of equal value. In social life, 19 countries do not have legislation prohibiting early marriage.

That is accordingly to research undertaken by the Commonwealth Secretariat in preparation for the Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting in Kenya. This research offers a snapshot of progress towards gender equality within and across the Commonwealth in four priority areas: women in leadership, women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls, and gender and climate change.

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP Commonwealth countries collectively have declared that their ambition is to ensure 30 per cent of the political sphere is made up of women. This is a step on the way to achieving gender parity. Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world to have achieved gender parity, with over 55 per cent of seats occupied by women in both of its houses parliament.

In 13 Commonwealth member countries, 30 per cent or more of members of parliament are women. The countries of our Caribbean and Americas region have an average of almost 25 per cent female parliamentarians, which is relatively high compared to other Commonwealth regions.

Ten Commonwealth countries have achieved the target of 30 per cent or more women ministers, and Canada leads with over

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women are already underrepresented.

Through mutual support and cooperation – and particularly through our regular Women Affairs Ministers Meetings – the member countries of the Commonwealth continue to put in place laws, policies, plans and programmes to address gender inequality and women’s empowerment. These contribute to the fulfilment of commitments made by heads of government in accordance with the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter, and of other international declarations and mechanisms including the Beijing Platform for Action.

It is clear that for gender equality to become a reality, responsibility for action has to be mainstreamed across the political sphere, public and private sectors, and civil society.

This approach is a key tenet of the Beijing

Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General

50 per cent.

WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT Although gender gaps in enrolment and achievement in education have narrowed, this has not yet translated satisfactorily into women’s equal participation in the formal labour force, or the elimination of the gender pay gap once women are in the workforce.

The pan-Commonwealth average for female labour force participation is 56.30 per cent, which means that only just over 1 in 2 of women work in the formal sector. Rwanda, at 86 per cent, has the highest percentage of women’s participation in the labour force.

Our analysis shows a disjunction in the transition from primary to secondary schools for girls, largely due to factors such as the cost of education, child marriage or labour, and violence against girls. The highest female enrolment in secondary schools is in Canada with 100 per cent. Twenty of our member countries do not have legislation on sexual harassment in employment, while 23 do not have criminal penalties or civil remedies for sexual harassment in the workplace.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS Prevalence of violence against women and girls remains high throughout the world, despite advances in women’s economic status, leadership and agency.

Of our 53 Commonwealth member countries, 47 have laws against domestic violence; 20 have legislation that explicitly criminalises marital rape; 40 have legislation against sexual harassment; and 9 have legislation that offers broad protections for LGBTI people.

GENDER AND CLIMATE CHANGE Despite being high on the international agenda since the UN Conference on Environment and Development in 1992, the issue of gender and climate change has still not achieved its due recognition.

Our Commonwealth studies show that a higher proportion of women are found in employment that is vulnerable to climate change, and that at least 80 per cent of green jobs globally are expected to be in the secondary sectors such as construction, manufacturing and energy production – industries where

Platform for Action, and as we approach the 25th anniversary of that declaration, there is a special opportunity to focus on the contributions it can make towards national policy-making, budgeting, planning and service delivery. In order to realise the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, it is important for us to continue to working together multilaterally, and to invest more resources and effort towards ending the inequalities between women and men.

Our Women Affairs Ministers Meeting is a fine example of such multilateral collaboration in action - and indeed the Commonwealth shines as a beacon for what can be achieved through the mutual support and encouragement of international cooperation conducted on a basis of inclusiveness and equality.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Favourable outlook

…IMF projects 4.4 per cent growth for Guyana

– says medium-term prospects are very favourable with oil production

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its final assessment of Guyana projecting the economy to grow 4.4 per cent in 2019 and pointed out that the medium-term prospects are very favourable with oil production on schedule to begin in early 2020.

However, the bank noted that current account deficit is estimated to rise to 22.7 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the back of higher imports related to oil production, which will be largely financed by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the petroleum sector.

Nevertheless, IMF said the commencement of oil production in 2020 will substantially improve Guyana’s medium-and long-term outlook. “The oil sector is projected to grow rapidly, accounting for around 40 per cent of GDP by 2024 and supporting additional fiscal spending annually of

6.5 per cent of non-oil GDP on average over the medium term, which will help meet critical social and infrastructure needs. Public debt and the external current account deficit are projected to decline steadily following the onset of oil production,” the bank said in its latest report on Guyana.

It welcomed Guyana’s broad?based economic expansion in recent years underpinned by prudent macroeconomic policies.

While the bank’s directors said the medium?term outlook is favourable, they highlighted that the commencement of the oil production presents both opportunities and challenges. The directors emphasised that to ensure the effective use of windfall revenues, policies should focus on reducing macroeconomic vulnerabilities, addressing structural weaknesses, boosting inclusive growth, and promoting intergenerational equity.

They also welcomed the authorities’ Natural Resource Fund (NRF) legislation for managing Guyana’s oil wealth and emphasised the need to complement it with a fiscal responsibility framework to avoid fiscal deficits. In addition, they commended that the NRF’s framework aims to save some of the resource income for future generations and contain the pickup in public spending.

ACT SMARTLY To meet these objectives, the directors called on the authorities to constrain the annual non-oil deficit to not exceed the expected transfer from the NRF. This rule could be phased in over the next three years to allow a smooth widening of the non-oil deficit (in relation to non-oil GDP).

The directors also agreed that monetary policy should gradually revert to a neutral stance to contain potential

inflationary pressure as public spending increases, economic growth strengthens, and credit expands.

Over the medium-term, developing the infrastructure for greater exchange rate flexibility within the monetary policy framework would help sustain healthy economic growth while maintaining price stability and facilitating adjustment to oil price and other external shocks, the IMF said.

The bank’s directors noted the continued progress in strengthening transparency and governance and encouraged sustained efforts to implement the recommendations of the 2019 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Report, which would promote effective and transparent management of the oil wealth.

Further, they supported strengthening anti-corruption frameworks, including by facilitating the work of the Integrity Commission, to

improve governance, support investor confidence and promote growth.

At the same time, addressing institutional capacity weaknesses would enable decisive implementation of policy actions to further strengthen governance.

Directors noted that it is important to further improve the quality, efficiency, and transparency of public financial management. They recommended addressing the shortcomings identified by the 2017 Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA) and expenditure review before public investment is significantly scaled?up with oil revenues.

They recommended an asset quality review to assess the credit quality of banks with high non-performing loans; welcomed the progress made in implementing the 2016 FSAP recommendations and encouraged completing the remaining ones.

The bank noted that author-

‘What rain can’t full, dew can’t full’ Dear Editor WE are all aware of the perennial saying, especially as expressed in that good old Guyanese creolese language style, that “wha rain can’t full, dew can’t full.”

This is so true of so many human beings with regard to having the opportunity to do so many things, but squandered the opportunity to do so when they could have; and only rushing to have whatever should have been done, when the urgency comes upon them. But it also applies to political parties as well; governments in office, that would have been given a mandate to govern, with the implicit understanding that it is an opportunity to deliver programmes for the benefit and welfare of citizens.

As is so well recorded, many of these governments have often failed to deliver on their promises for a better life. This would have caused them the political judgement of the people – becoming

relegated to the opposition benches, from where memories conveniently returned, and grandiose promises, that are inherently deceptive and hollow in their ring, begin to be shouted from the roof tops.

This fits the current panic and desperate mode which continues to drive the PPP/C to all sorts of fake promises, which they have no intention of fulfilling, for they are only seen as sop thrown to inspire some form of confidence in a party which for 23 years failed this nation in improving living standards for a better life. Supporting these deceptive promises have been PPP/C billboards, appearing along some sections of the coastland.

Two of these sops are interesting for the trenchant disregard and disrespectful profiling which the party continues to hold for the nation’s young, particularly for a section of our population that such a promise is believed intended; and the ‘promise’ of free education.

First of all, it is the classic

known PPP/C characteristic of disregarding the law, to suit its political ends – promising to shunt aside the 2.00am curfew on partying and nightlife revelry, re-introduced by the APNU+AFC administration when it took office. To be precise, it is a law that had lapsed in its application during the PPP/C regime, with all the excess consequences of noise nuisance; drunkenness, road fatalities, murders, and violence in all forms being the spin-offs from partying late that became a significant fact of life in Guyana.

Second, this has to be seen, as appealing to the young, on the presumption that this category loves to fete until the wee hours. That may be so, and explains perhaps one of the reasons for protecting them, even senior adults, against the tendency to overdo, by enforcing the statutory time- line.

However, much has changed for our young segments since 2015, given the numerous and exciting op-

portunities for change and self-development which now exist. More than ever before, vocational and entrepreneurial training, apprenticeships, internships and scholarships are being made available to young people for advancing their careers, to be able to earn; and they are taking up these newly made available avenues. The fact that a reported 4000 students have been enrolled at the University of Guyana, for semesters beginning as of this month, sends the clear message that young Guyanese are filled with more hope for a better, brighter tomorrow, and are therefore more constructive and purposeful of their time, and life’s future destination, and are therefore not the everyday and all-night-long party goers as such an insulting promise from the PPP/C seems to suggest.

Thirdly, no longer is there every fortnight visit to Georgetown, of dancehall bands that were brought here by some known friends/ cronies of the PPP/C, which

served as a method of stereotyping, with the insulting bread-and-circus plot that it will “keep them quiet.”

That was the order during the period of this country’s socio-political life, when many of our young lived in despair, and may have seemed to welcome such costly sport, as escape from despair and hopelessness.

Fourthly, for the record, and particularly the convenient of memories – free education from nursery to university is a right enshrined in Guyana’s constitution, and was introduced by the visionary late President Forbes Burnham. It benefitted so many thousands of Guyanese, including many who today are among his and PNC party critics. Thus, it is not a social right /innovation that is promised to be introduced for the first time by the PPP/C opposition. The irony of this ‘promise’ by the PPP/C party is that it was that government that brought this constitutional right to an end, not long after returning to government

ities’ progress in strengthening the AML/CFT framework and called for further efforts in this regard. “[The] directors encouraged the authorities to use the opportunity presented by oil revenues to undertake structural reforms to support economic diversification, tackle skilled labor shortages, and achieve inclusive and equitable growth. Priority should be given to address infrastructure bottlenecks and upgrade the education system. In addition, promoting more flexible working arrangements could help increase female labor participation. Directors underscored the importance of improving the business environment and enhancing competitiveness.

They also recommended putting more efforts into developing climate?resilient infrastructure networks,” the report concluded.

in 1992.

It further explains why for many years many law students suffered severe economic privation at the Hugh Wooding Law School, because of the cessation of payment that Guyana should have contributed to the upkeep of the law school; an arrangement which member countries signed on to since the establishment of the Council of Legal Education. This is in addition to the scores who could not complete their legal certificate studies because of their inability to meet the astronomical tuition and living expenses fees. This has now been restored by President David Granger’s administration, which has not so long ago announced the restoration of free education, to be funded by oil and gas.

There is no better promise made to a nation, particularly to its younger category, than credible, meaningful and beneficial programmes which offer genuine opportunities for realising their dreams, and changing their lives for the better.

Regards Mark Dacosta

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Court awards judgement against KN –– to determine amount, other matters

JUSTICE Fidela Corbin-Lincoln has awarded judgement in default to privately-owned Kaieteur News newspaper and its Editor-in-Chief, Adam Harris, who are before the court on a $45M lawsuit levelled against them by Senior Counsel Rajendra Nath Poonai for the defamation of his character.

The Senior Counsel took the National Media and Publishing Company Limited, the printers of Kaieteur News, its publisher Glenn Lall and its Editor-in-Chief, Adam Harris, to the High Court for an article which was carried on Thursday, May 23, 2019 edition of the newspaper with the front-page headline “Attorney convicted of fraud in Canada, appointed Senior Counsel.”

The article reported that Poonai had been convicted of fraud in Canada. However, on May 24, 2019, the Kaieteur News issued an apology with the headline “Wrong Poonai accused of fraud, Kaieteur News apologises unreservedly” “It is not often that one finds two men with the same name and both of them being lawyers and are almost the same age” the apology stated.

Poonai is being represented by attorneys-at-law, Robin Stoby SC, Rafiq Khan SC, Stephen Fraser SC, Sohan Poonai, Naresh Poonai, Glenn Hanoman, and Everton Singh-Lammy.

In August, since no defence was filed by Kaieteur News and its editor-in-chief, the Judge awarded judgement in

default of defence, in an amount to be determined by the Court.

The Judge ordered that Kaieteur News and its editor-in-chief, Adam Harris, be restrained, whether by themselves or their servants and/or agents from posting, printing, publishing, sharing, reproducing or otherwise recreating and disseminating the headline and article “Attorney convicted of fraud in Canada, appointed Senior Counsel” and any offending words, sentencing, phrase and statements or similar words defamatory to Poonai.

Additionally, an order was made of the article to be removed from the Kaieteur News website and its online e-paper.

Poonai is expected to file all the witnesses’ statements in the form of affida-

Water dredge in Kuyuwini River not in operation –– Min. Natural Resources says steps being taken to remove equipment DISPELLING the allegation that a water dredge in the Kuyuwini River will soon go into mining operation, Ministry of Natural Resources said the equipment called the ‘dragga’ has not been in operation, and active steps are being taken to remove it from the location.

Last week, South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) contended that the water dredge remains a threat to the Parabara Village in the South Rupununi, and should have been long removed given orders issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

On Tuesday, the Natural Resources Ministry, in an attempt to offer clarity on the matter, disclosed that on September 10, a meeting between the operator and GGMC resulted in an agreement to ship fuel into the area so as to activate the machine for removal.

“The fuel supply which was temporarily stored at Couradinau was lost to a mysterious fire. Another shipment has since been mobilised,” the ministry said.

Failure to remove the water dredge within a specified timeframe will result in the GGMC seizing control of the machine. “Should this not be done in the

agreed time, the GGMC will employ its own expertise and resources and effect removal of the structure,” the ministry warned.

Putting the matter into perspective, it explained that upon learning of the machine in the area, it launched an investigation along with the GGMC. That investigation resulted in an ‘Order to Remove’ being issued in June, 2019.

“A follow up visit was made in late August. During the visit Mining Engineer, Donnell Perry, and Mines Officer, Nial Gravesande, observed one river dredge parked on the left side of the Kuyuwini River. There were no signs of disturbance of the river banks or turbid water and the dredge showed no signs of being worked recently. On the part of the GGMC and the ministry, there is evidence from pictures of the dredge and the observance that the dredge has not operated,” the Natural Resources Ministry detailed.

It was keen on pointing out that at the time, there was no fuel present and insufficient skilled manpower to effect immediate removal of the dredge from the location.

It was on that basis that an agreement was reached to have fuel shipped into the area to operationalise the ‘dragga’ for its removal.

vits upon which he intends to rely for the assessment of damages for submission

by September 20, 2019.

However, the assessment of damages hearing is fixed for October 10, 2019.

Poonai is seeking $30 million for the libellous publication and exemplary and aggravated damages in excess of $15M. Poonai is also hoping to be awarded the $45M at a rate of 6% per annum from the date of filing to the date of judgement and thereafter at a rate of 4% per annum from the date of judgement until fully paid.

“As a result of the said headline and article and its dissemination, online and offline, by the Defendants,

the Claimant’s personal and legal reputation and standing have been irreparably and severely damaged, lowered in the estimation of right-thinking members of society and the Claimant has suffered and continues to suffer financial injury, constant distress, humiliation, embarrassment, indignity, pain and suffering,” Poonai said in his court documents.

Vishnu Rajendra “Joey” Poonai, was the person who was found guilty of the offences in Canada and subsequently disbarred in Canada.

“This person has no professional relationship, close personal relationship or any association

Attorney-at-law Rajendra Nath Poonai, SC. with the Claimant, his law practice or otherwise in Guyana or elsewhere and it is common knowledge or knowledge which can easily be obtained that the Claimant and Vishnu Rajendra “Joey” Poonai are two separate and distinct persons” the claimant said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

STEM Team receives $1M ahead of Dubai trip

MEMBERS of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) team, on Tuesday, received a cheque to the tune of $1M to assist with travelling expenses to Dubai in October. Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Annette Ferguson, presented the cheque to the team, which will be representing Guyana in a robotics competition in Dubai.

This is the first collaboration between STEM Guyana and the Ministry of Communities’ Green Generation Guyana (3G) Programme. At the simple handing over cer-

emony at the Ministry’s Fort Street, Kingston Office, Minister Ferguson said she was pleased with the level of collaboration between the 3G programme and STEM Guyana.

Minister Ferguson said the donation forms part of government’s commitment to invest in the development of young people, particularly in the areas of education and technology.

Co-Founder of STEM Guyana, Karen Abrams, expressed appreciation to the ministry for the financial donation. She noted that STEM Guyana has 50 clubs spread across the

Manager of STEM Guyana, Ima Christian, showing off project two called ‘Biomedical Prosthesis’

Members of STEM Guyana showcasing one of the Robotic projects called ‘Particle Separator.’

eight administrative regions in the country.

Adding her voice, STEM Guyana Manager, Ima Christian, said the team is actively preparing for the competition and is thankful for the donation which will enable it to respect Guyana on the international stage.

Zooming in on the 3G Programme, Minister Ferguson said the Ministry of Communities has been working with students from across the country in the area of environmental protection. She explained that the 3G Programme is helping students to understand their roles and responsibilities with to caring for the environment.

“I am grateful to see young people taking

up the mantle to be a part of the government’s agenda, in association with the green economy, and this launch will show you Government’s committment, not only to the programme but also to young people,” the minister said.

Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Communities, Jaigobin Jaisingh, noted that poor solid waste management remains a major problem, not only in Guyana, but across the world.

The Guyanese Government, he added, has been spending billions of dollars to improve the management of solid waste in the country.

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Annette Ferguson, presenting the cheque to the STEM Guyana team ( Photos by Delano Williams)

Grove resident remanded for armed robbery in the interior A 31-year-old resident of Grove, East Bank Demerara, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, on two counts of armed robbery.

Marlon Carter appeared at the Georgetown magistrates’ court and denied that, on August 24, 2019, at Black Sand Back dam, Five Star, in the North West District, armed with a handgun, he robbed Kumar Nandkumar of 58.3 pennyweights of raw gold.

Police Prosecutor Mansfield noted that, on the date in question, Carter was drinking at a nearby shop, when he saw the virtual complainant who had just collected his salary from his boss.

Carter then approached the virtual complainant and hit the man several times to the head with the said handgun and stole the said raw gold. He then made good his escape.

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

Carter also denied that, on September 10, 2019, at Powis Landing, Five Star Back dam in the North West District,

armed with a handgun, he attempted to rob Zamal Poliah.

Police Prosecutor Mansfield noted that, on the day in question, the virtual complainant and three others were heading back to their camp in an all-terrain vehicle (A.T.V) along the Powis road, when the accused, who was armed with a handgun, attacked them. The accused hit the virtual complainant to the head with the said gun and demanded that the man hand over the gold he had in his possession.

When the virtual complainant refused to comply with his demands, the accused poured gasoline on the man and attempted to burn him. The virtual complainant then lounged at the accused and a scuffle ensued between the men.

The accused was disarmed during the said scuffle and taken to the Port Kaituma police station. A Beretta 9mm hand gun and matching rounds were retrieved and the accused was charged.

Magistrate McLennan remanded Carter to prison and transferred the matter to the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrates’ court until November 4, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Guyanese in NY, Washington updated on state of affairs

THE Guyanese diaspora in Washington DC, Queens, Bronx, New Jersey and Brooklyn were on Sunday updated about Guyana’s progress towards oil production, new General and Regional Elections and a safer country.

At an event hosted by supporters of the Alliance For Change (AFC)-USA Chapter, Vice-president and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, was greeted by numerous persons at the Richi Rich Palace in Richmond Hill and the Woodbine Hall in Brooklyn.

At Richmond Hill, a full house of supporters was told of the coalition’s progress thus far and its plans to do even more in its next term in office. A release to the media stated: “Specifically, the minister brought us up to date on the status of election preparedness in the aftermath of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling. Minister Ramjattan, in great detail, explained the steps that the coalition took in approaching the CCJ court leading up to where we are now.”

Ramjattan also answered questions about the royalty in ExxonMobil’s contract, prof-

Guyana seeks closer...

From page 5 was achieved.

These agreements are progressive construction of common initiatives that clearly reflect the political will of Chile and Guyana in exploring a relationship and increased facilitation of tourism and development of business and investment.”

In his remarks to the audience, the Ambassador expressed his privilege to host the event noting that the President’s State visit in 2016 allowed the two countries to boost their relationship by identifying key areas of corporation. He too noted areas of collaboration shared between the two countries such as scholarships offered to CARICOM by the Chilean Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AGCID) and Spanish Language Teaching programmes for the Guyana Foreign Service.

He expressed his country’s desire to contribute in the future to the improvement of democracy; the establishment of public policies for economic and social development and the challenge of climate change. “I would like to point out that we are certain and confident that Guyana has a great future with the development of the oil and gas industry; the exploration and exploitation of a growing mining industry as well as the development of the timber industry which also allows the progress of the communities that inhabit the interior of this country…I would like to offer a toast for the prosperous future of this beautiful country, its authorities and its citizens.,” Becker said.

At the event, attendees were treated to the taste of Chilean wine with the help of wine distributors: Demerara Distillers Limited and King’s Jewellery World.

Vice-president and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, meets with supporters it-sharing percentages and what the coming of oil could mean for Guyana.

“The meeting crowd of about 65 members and supporters were happy to hear about the Smart Cities Initiative where cameras were deployed in strategic areas around the country in order to deter and solve crime. Minister Ramjattan explained that crime statistics were going down as a result of the training and other initiatives being employed by his ministry with the support of the international community,” the release added.

During the event, a muster of some 15 supporters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) sought to disrupt the meeting by intimidating the attending guests but were kept in line by the New York City Police

Department.

At the following cultural affair and variety show at the Woodbine Hall, Minister Ramjattan was enthusiastically supported by some 250 guests. “The minister, wife Seeta and entourage were welcomed with great hospitality and Minister Ramjattan was able to address the crowd of eager guests,” the release indicated.

“The AFC has once again demonstrated the multicultural character of its party, as we are able to embrace Guyanese of all ethnicities and in all locations, unlike the PPP who can only attract its traditional supporters.

Whether Guyanese reside in Queens or Brooklyn, New Jersey or Washington, we do not reject them because of their ethnicity.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

PPP backbencher, Dharamlall chastised by NY Consulate

THE Guyana Consulate in New York has condemned the attempts by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP), Nigel Dharamlall, to “create mischief and division” amongst the Guyanese diaspora.

On Sunday, the PPP backbencher posted a photo on his Facebook page of

two female adults, one of which he claimed was the President’s “appointee at the Guyana Consulate in New York”, showing middle finger to a group of protestors.

The protestors were gathered at Richi Rich Palace on Atlantic Avenue in Richmond Hill at an event hosted by members and supporters of the Alliance

For Change (AFC)-USA Chapter. They displayed placards which demanded “elections now” and holding the government at fault even though the country’s laws state that only the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has the right to determine a timeline for new elections.

The protestors were

primarily members of the Association for Concerned Guyanese (ACG), a group which has been accused of being a “tool” for the PPP. The Guyana Times, which also carried news of the protest, showed that some protestors were even blaming Guyana’s Attorney General for the holding of elections. “Why are they dragging their foot? What is the Attorney General (Basil Williams) doing?” the newspaper quoted a passionate protester as stating.

In a notice on Tuesday, the Consulate stated: “The Consulate General of the

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP), Nigel Dharamlall, being escorted out of court during a recent matter Cooperative Republic of Guyana in New York wishes to advise the public that the post below which has been circulating on social media platforms is completely false and designed to create mischief and division. None of the individuals in the picture below are employed by the Guyana Consulate New York. The Guyana Consulate in New York serves all Guyanese.

The Consulate General demands that this post be withdrawn immediately.”

While the notice from the Consulate was made public on Monday, when this newspaper examined the Facebook page of Dharamlall, the post was still blatantly present.

This is not the first time Dharamlall has been accused of mischief as, in May of this year, he attempted to use an unsigned letter he posted on his Facebook page to accuse Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Charles Fung-a-Fatt of poor relationship with his staff.

The post made by Dharamlall on Sunday

Thieves visit temple twice in two weeks THIEVES have stolen one gallon of paint, groceries and a cellphone from a Hare Krishna Temple minibus at Mainstay, Essequibo Coast, Region Two on Monday.

Raman (only name given), a temple official, told the Guyana Chronicle that this is the second time in three weeks the religious place of worship has been

robbed.

In the first robbery, the bandits stole some $50,000 worth in groceries from the temple. They returned again on Monday but found the temple secured and turned their attention to the caretaker’s minibus which contained the items.

Members of the temple are calling on the police to be valiant in the area.

The Mainstay temple that was robbed on Monday

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Major road project completed in East Ruimveldt Market

A MAJOR road project inside the East Ruimveldt Market, said to be the only drive- through market in the Caribbean, has recently been completed and Constituency Councillor Trichria Richards is lauding government’s commitment to progress.

“I refuse to take any credit for this,” Richards told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, adding: “Although I have been getting a lot of credit, this project shows that the local government system is working and it attests to government’s commitment to progress.”

According to Richards, the project $39.5M included the road project with revetment. The main entrance to the market was paved and the four inner lanes were also done. A gate is in the process of being installed, along with a welcome sign.

Residents, though, have raised concerns about the durability of the roads and a decision was subsequently taken for speed humps to be installed. A height barrier was also agreed to keep certain heavy-duty vehicles from entering the market.

The councillor explained that since the state of the roads was priority, this year’s government subvention was used to complete that project. In next year’s allocation, other projects such as the roofing and painting of stalls will be done.

Meanwhile, vendors had complained in the past that the deplorable state of the roads in the market was preventing customers, especially those with vehicles, from going to the shops nearby.

The rehabilitative works, according to Richards, needed to include the sanitary blocks, revenue office, constabulary build-

to vehicular traffic.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan had paid a visit late last year to the constituency to look at drainage issues affecting the area.

There, Councillor Richards requested financial help for upgrading the market and the ministry subsequently wrote the City Council asking that part of the subvention be allocated to works there.

Councillor Trichria Richards ing and the construction of a gate and fence. The gate and fence are needed to tighten security at the market, and to allow opening and closing at specified times.

Describing it as the only drive-through market in the Caribbean, Richards had told this publication that the roads inside the market were being done in partnership with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

The market houses more than 50 vendors, but many of the stalls were empty because drivers hesitated to use the roads.

The East Ruimveldt Market, located on Vlissengen Road and the East Ruimveldt Front Road, was built by the City Council in 1978. The market at one time housed approximately 200 vending stalls, three public restrooms and a City Constabulary office; it was said to have been attracting 2,000 customers daily.

In 2016, repairs to the main entrance of the market commenced, which allowed for easier access

The road project inside the market was recently completed

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UNICEF reviews Guyana’s progress under joint strategy programme

GUYANA’S progress under the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Joint Country Programmer was gauged on Tuesday when UNICEF conducted its Strategic Moment Reflection (SMR) at the Guyana Marriott.

UNICEF Joint Country Programme Cycle 20172021 is intended to assist Guyana in meeting its development goals for children and adolescents through legislation and services in alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the

no child left behind policy.

In her address, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, said that the review allowed for an adequate and strategic analysis of achievements, gaps and the approaches needed to progressively achieve the established targets. “This Strategic Moment of Reflection (SMR) is, therefore, a welcome initiative opportunity that will allow the assessment of the changing operational environment and its impact on programming. It is an opportunity to gauge results achieved (2017-

2019), good practices, lessons learned, UNICEF’s positioning, the value added as a partner as well as necessary programme adjustments – relating to outputs, resource allocation, geographical areas of intervention, human capacity and programme management,” the foreign affairs minister said.

Guyana’s participation in the SMR programme, Minister Cummings said, is an indication of its commitment to transparency and a willingness to better aligned with national, regional and global pri-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, delivering her address during UNICEF’s Strategic Moment Reflection (SMR) at the Guyana Marriott orities, particularly as it relates to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The joint programme has contributed to the progressive realisation of the rights of women and chil-

dren in Guyana, in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

“I am pleased, on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, to acknowledge the consistent advocacy and support of UNICEF in this area.

Guyana, therefore, considers the Guyana-UNICEF partnership to be of an increasing continued relevance and importance as it complements Guyana’s national development focus,” the foreign affairs minister said.

Since its establishment, UNICEF has been placing tremendous emphasis on improving children’s welfare through a life-cyclebased approach. Particular focus has been placed on early childhood development and adolescence.

UNICEF and Guyana signed its first five-year programme in 1994, and since then, the fund has been a significant player in the move to advance children’s wellbeing across the length and breadth of Guyana.

Minister Cummings said the 2017-2021 Country Programme is intended to contribute significantly to Guyana’s national policies by extending services for basic education, the right to clean water and sanitation, and making early childhood, care and development priorities through its lifelong learning service.

“Our strategic partnership has generated fruitful results. The Government of Guyana is pleased with the achievements made and remains committed to the protection and provision of a good life for all Guyanese,” she posited.

At this stage, Minister Cummings said it is important for the implementation of the Country Programme to remain aligned with the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) – a 20-

year plan that provides an overarching medium-term roadmap for the cohesive, integrated and systematic development throughout the country.

Guyana’s report on the SDGs presented at the high-level Political Forum at the United Nations (UN) last July is also a critical at this point, she added.

“The report makes clear that important health and educational outcomes vary based on geographical location and that deliberate and sustained efforts will be required to ensure equity is achieved throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. This geographical challenge is one that has also come to notice in other international reports,” the foreign affairs minister explained.

It was noted that while the government is putting systems in place to ensure children are provided with equal opportunities, collaborative support from partners such as UNICEF is key.

Minister Cummings also used the platform to express Guyana’s gratitude to UNICEF for its unwavering support, particularly in the expansion of the juvenile justice system. On Monday, a new specialised Sexual Offences Court was opened for the first time in Essequibo.

Scanning the environment, prioritised and strategic visioning, revisiting strategies and modalities, were among the main areas of focus during Tuesday’s meeting.

The SMR contemplates the development of a Strategic Intent Memo which includes; a strategic vision to inform the next two (2) years of the implementation of the Country Programme based on the understanding of the environment and the planning scenario; identification of key priorities and elements to inform the overarching theory of change; and to identify key enablers of programme effectiveness and efficiency.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

15

GPF participates in suicide-prevention observance

RANKS of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have benefited from a recent lecture in observance of ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ held at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Eve Leary, Georgetown.

“Suicide is not an option” were the words of Bonita Montaque, founder of the United Bridge Builders Mission Inc (UBBM). Montaque spoke about suicide and how members of the force can play their part in helping to prevent it.

UBBM is a non-governmental organisation on a mission to minimise hunger, poverty and the spread of HIV/AIDS. It pays special attention on prevention of discrimination

and violence against women and youth and suicide in Guyana.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed on September 10 every year, with a focus on galvanising action to prevent suicides.

Suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for persons of all ages. It is responsible for over 800,000 deaths, which equates to one suicide every 40 seconds.

Attending the forum were officers and other ranks of the Tactical Services Unit and approximately 100 policemen and women in training at the Felix Austin Police College, Eve Leary.

Bonita Montaque joined ranks of the GPF in releasing balloons in the TSU compound in observance of ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

US court orders extradition of Marcus Bisram THE US Court of Appeal for the Second Circuit, has ordered overseas-based Guyanese, Marcus Bisram, be extradited to Guyana.

Bisram, a dual citizen in the US, currently faces a charge of murder in Guyana for an incident which occurred on the night of October 31, 2016.

He is accused of ordering the fatal beating of Faiyaz Narinedatt, a young father of two.

Bisram had been fighting extradition to Guyana in the US.

Recently, the appeal court in the US took a final decision to deny a petition for a re-hearing of his appeal arguments and a motion to stay the mandate.

In July 2019, Bisram lost his appeal to an order of an extradition made by a district court in New York.

The court in New York had upheld that the US had signed an extradition treaty with the UK on December 22, 1931. The treaty remained in effect even after Guyana obtained its Independence.

The necessary documentation and other filings will have to be done before Bisram is handed over to local law enforcement. It is unclear at this point as to how soon Bisram could arrive in Guyana.

Bisram was charged in absentia for the murder of Faiyaz Narinedatt on October 31, 2016.

On February 14, 2017, following an investigation into Narinedatt’s death, Guyana submitted a formal request to the US Department of State for Bisram’s

extradition to face a charge of murder, after he had fled to the US. However, on October 12, 2017, a judge in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York issued a Certificate of Extraditability, certifying to the Secretary of State that there was probable cause to believe that Bisram committed the charged murder and authorising the secretary’s extradition of Bisram to Guyana.

But, on November 17, 2017, Bisram filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus

in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, challenging the Certificate of Extraditability.

On October 31, 2018, following several extensions, the district court denied Bisram’s petition, concurring in the magistrate judge’s determination that there was “reasonable ground” to believe that Bisram committed the murder as charged.

Then Bisram, through his attorneys, appealed the district court’s denial of his habeas petition on the grounds that the evidence presented to the extradition court failed to establish a reasonable

Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt ground to believe that Bisram committed the charged murder, especially in light of a witness’s subsequent alleged recantation of his original statement to police and that Bisram received

Marcus Bisram constitutionally ineffective assistance of counsel during the extradition and habeas proceedings.

However, the US court differed: “We agree with all three reasons the district court gave for declining to issue a writ of habeas corpus to Bisram on the basis of (a witness’) alleged recantation. At a minimum, we cannot say that the district court erred in concluding that the evidence submitted by Guyana surpassed the minimal threshold of ‘any evidence warranting the finding that there was a reasonable ground to believe the accused guilty’”.

It added: “We have considered all of Bisram’s remaining arguments and find them to be without merit.

Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the district court”.

Enterprise man to be charged with brother’s death A MAN accused of fatally stabbing his brother on Monday at their Lot 471 Charlotte Street, Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home, is expected to be charged this week with murder.

Dead is Satnarine Jattan, 47, called “Dalip”. He was a painter for the past 20 years.

Based on statements received by police, his brother Javin Jattan, 45, who is a mason, is expected to be charged with murder.

Enquiries disclosed that Satnarine and Javin are brothers who lived with their 69 yearold mother, Dassie Samaroo.

According 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.

Dead: Satnarine Jattan called “Dalip”

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-coloured 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.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Joint Services Scheme residents want paved roadways

RESIDENTS of the Joint Services Scheme, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, are calling on the Public Infrastructure Ministry to pave the roadways, especially the area surrounding the Guyana Defence Force veterans’ home.

According to residents, for several years the roadways have been in a deplorable condition and because they area was not handed over to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) persons, through self-help, maintained the area.

“We all pooled our monies together and brought builders waste to fill the pot holes and build up the roads; this place is in a better position because of this, but we need paved roadways in here,” one woman from Cuyuni Street, Lamaha Springs, said.

She continued: “Even the director of prisons live through here and he has been assisting all he can in maintain the street where we live.”

Another resident said persons from North Sophia are making bridges and entering the community, resulting in many robberies.

Meanwhile, Cabinet had recently approved much-needed upgrades to the road network within Region Four, as indicated in the table.

Roads Cost Contractor Road Network, (South Entrance) South Ruimveldt $25,963,000 K.P Thomas & Sons Contracting Tukeit Drive, South Ruimveldt $21,881,000 K.P Thomas & Sons Contracting William Street, Kitty $17,030,000 Y. Bhola Construction Critchtlow Ave $18,013,000 Eron Lall Civil Engineering Aubrey Barker Road Rehab $19,237,000 Y. Bhola Construction Eleazar Street, Durban Backlands $18,312,000 K.P Jagdeo General Contractor Titus Street, Agricola $11,924,000 Chung’s Global Enterprise Maraburea Street, Meadowbrook Gardens $22,321,000 Chung’s Global Enterprise Meadow Brook Access Road $14,725,000 Puran Brothers Inc. Front Road, West Ruimveldt $69,083,400 H. Nauth & Sons Agricola Main Access (Brutus Street) $48,696,570 Guyamerica Inc. Essequibo Street, Lamaha Springs $37,057,800 Chung’s Global Enterprise

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Cuyuni Street, Lamaha Springs, North Ruimveldt where residents filled the roadways with builders waste but its deterioration has been ongoing. This road is also an entrance and exit to the veteran’s home

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

ICT hubs to be used as training centre 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 well-paid 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.”

GTT makes it easy to help those in The Bahamas THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has set up two systems to allow the public to contribute to hurricane relief efforts in The Bahamas.

“A donation of $50GYD will be received once a person texts #GTTHELP to 620-HELP (620-4357); multiple texts can be sent by one individual. Also, donations can be sent free of charge through GTT’s Mobile Money Guyana App (MMG) to merchant code 06014; the minimum amount which can be sent through this medium is $100GYD,” explained Jasmin Harris, GTT’s Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager.

Harris said the GTT is hopeful that persons will utilise the simple way of giving to alleviate the hardship faced by those who have been affected by Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas.

“GTT appreciates that we are part of a wider Caribbean – and that when our regional neighbours need help, we must do what we can, with what we have, to offer assistance,” said Justin Nedd, GTT’s CEO. Hurricane Dorian, which has been dubbed the second strongest Atlantic storm on record, battered the northern Bahamas with massive waves, torrential rains and sustained winds. The massive devastation includes the destruction of homes and vehicles; the electrical infrastructure, too, remains crippled in Dorian’s wake.

Last Sunday, the first set of Guyanese returned home from The Bahamas. “Individuals can continue to send their donations until September month-end.

Monies received from the public will be presented to the Civil Defence Commission to assist those in The Bahamas along the path of recovery,” GTT said in a statement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Delegates of Miss Indigenous Heritage 2019 pageant meet President

PRESIDENT David Granger on Tuesday received a courtesy call from delegates of the Miss Indigenous Heritage 2019 pageant at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs; Mr. Sydney Allicock; Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton were among the Government ministers present during the courtesy call.

The delegates are: *Ms. Esther Marlowe of Santa Cruz, Barima-Waini (Region One), *Ms.Shauna Fredericks of St. Deny’s Mission, Tapakuma Lake, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), *Ms. Natalia Patterson of Santa Mission, Essequibo

President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other ministers met with the delegates of the Miss Indigenous Heritage 2019 pageant at the Ministry of the Presidency Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), *Ms. AnnMera Simon of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four), *Ms. Rosetta Freder-

icks of Moraikobai Village, Mahaica- Berbice (Region Five), *Ms. Varshnie Herman of Orealla, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six), *Ms. Jeline DaSilva

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, on Monday received the delegates of the Miss Heritage Pageant

Cutlass bandits rob Tuschen resident

CUTLASS-WIELDING bandits robbed a Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) resident on Monday night while she was walking on the public road, heading home, a few minutes to the midnight hour.

Reports indicate that the 42-year-old woman was confronted by two bandits, one of whom stopped directly in front of her brandishing a cutlass and demanding that she hands over her cell phone and handbag.

The woman refused to hand over her valuables and a tug-of war started with the bandits. However, during the struggle, she was overpowered and the bandits took away her handbag and fled the scene on foot.

Her handbag reported contained two expensive cell phones and a small amount of cash.

She subsequently raised an alarm and residents responded but the bandits had already made good their escape.

of Karrau Creek, CuyuniMazaruni (Region Seven), *Ms. Katie Williams of Tuseneng, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), *Ms. Luana Allicock of Surama Village, Upper Takutu - Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) *Ms. Shevon Williams of Great Falls, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten).

The delegates also met separately with Prime Minister Nagamootoo and his wife Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, on Monday at their official residence on Main Street, Georgetown. Prime Minister encouraged the delegates to continue to showcase their unique culture and also reflected on the history of our fist people. The dele-

gates explained that this is the year of Indigenous Languages, their platforms surround them showcasing their languages. Mrs Sita Nagamootoo also gave some pointers to the delegates on pageantry etiquette.

The delegates were presented with tokens from both Prime Minister and Mrs Nagamootoo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

PM holds talks with Carter Center, Finnish ambassador

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo recently held separate talks with representatives of the Carter Center and the newly-accredited Finland Ambassador to Guyana.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who is also Leader of Government in the National Assembly, met the four-member Carter Center team, who are here on a week-long consultation with stakeholders in Guyana. The group is

headed by Brett Lacy, the Center’s Associate Director.

The team met with President David Granger on Monday.

Before then, they held talks with Attorney General, Hon. Basil Williams, and Opposition Leader, Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo engaged the Carter Center on a wide range of issues relating to the electoral process and constitutional reform in Guyana.

He re-affirmed the gov-

Prime Minister Nagamootoo and representatives of the Carter Center

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Finland Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Pertti Ikone

ernment’s commitment to credible elections whenever the elections commission is ready to conduct these.

Also at the meeting were Mrs. Anne Marlborough, the center’s lawyer on electoral laws; Nicolas Yorr, Carlos Valauzula, and Mrs. Deeann Ali, Personal Assistant to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister described the meeting as cordial and very fruitful.

Meanwhile, on the same

day, Prime Minister Nagamootoo met His Excellency Pertti Ikone, the newly-accredited Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Guyana. The career diplomat, who was Ambassador to Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, was a former Deputy Need of Mission in Caracas, Venezuela.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo briefed the Finnish Envoy on institutional arrangements for the oil

industry, including the Natural Resources Fund and the Guyana Green State Development Strategy, for beneficial use of revenues.

We also explained measures being taken in the field of sustainable development of natural resources and policies regarding agro-industrial investment.

Ambassador Ikonen shared with the prime minister experiences of Finland in social welfare policies,

and the latest advances in the manufacturing industry. He expressed interest by Finland and financial investors in promoting joint ventures in Guyana, and look forward to future active collaboration between our countries.

The ambassador and the prime minister were joined by Businessman Mr. Peter Abdool, and Mrs. Deeann Ali, Personal Assistant to the Prime Minister, respectively.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

‘Your job is secure’

THE Bahamian Ministry of Education has assured the Consulate that Guyanese teachers resident in the Hurricane-ravaged islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama will be assigned to schools in other parts of the country.

The Honorary Guyanese Consul in The Bahamas, Jairam Mangra, met with the Bahamian Minister of Education, Jeffery Lloyd, on Monday afternoon at the Education Ministry located in Nassau City, New Providence, Bahamas.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, the Honorary Consul said, during the meeting, the Bahamian Education Minister indicated that the jobs of affected Guyanese teachers, within the government system,

Bahamian Minister of Education Jeffery Lloyd (Eyewitness News Photo) are secured.

“Those teachers who had to be evacuated to Nassau will be reallocated, deployed in Nassau and other islands as the need arises,” he explained.

He noted that there are teachers from the affected islands, who were already stationed at schools in Nassau City, New Providence, and will continue to work as per norm.

“A lot of them who have been evacuated to Nassau and are currently here, some of them had already been allocated to schools in Nassau, and others are in the process of being allocated here in Nassau and with the option of going to other islands,” the Honorary Consul further detailed.

He noted that those who have not been assigned to schools, at the moment, have been reporting to the Bahamian Education Ministry. The Education Ministry in The Bahamas has given the ‘green light’ for the issuance of salary advances to those affected.

“They will receive an advance on their salary once they apply, and that’s important because at least they will have some funds to take care of their needs,” he said.

Added to that, Mangra said the Education Ministry will be providing accommodation and added finance to teachers who would be re-assigned to far-flung islands. “If they send

them to the far flung islands, places like Acklins, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, if they send them there, then usually housing is provided and they get what is called a hardship allowance, which is an addition to their pay,” he explained.

The Honorary Consul noted too that Guyanese teachers who are attached to the Catholic Board of Education, within the private education system, are also being re-assigned.

“Two of the teachers reached out to me and indicated that their jobs are secured but now they will have to decide whether they are going home or not,” he said. A family of five, including two teachers, has already returned home.

The Guyanese Consulate in The Bahamas has been in contact with approximately 30 Guyanese teachers, who were resident in Grand Bahama and Abaco at the time of Hurricane Dorian, however, Mangra told this newspaper that there is an even larger number affected.

“A number of these teachers have not registered with the consulate, and I am now learning about them and their whereabouts.”

That aside, the Bahamian Education Ministry has been making provisions for hundreds of displaced students from Abaco and Grand Bahama. At the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium, hundreds

The Honorary Guyanese Consul in The Bahamas, Jairam Mangra of students ages four to 19 registered for schools in New Providence. The registration process will run until mid-October. Approximately 10,000 students are expected to register, the ministry said.

In general, Mangra said the Consulate, with support from individuals and organisation such as the Red Cross, has been providing aid to affected Guyanese in the affected islands. “Relief is now becoming available to those who have remained on the islands. Now the ones in New Providence can also access relief,” he noted.

The Government of Guyana has pledged approximately $41.6M (US$200,000) in donation to The Bahamas, as the Bahamian Government shifts its focus to recovery, stabilisa-

… Guyanese teachers in The Bahamas assured of jobs

… displaced children to be re-assigned to other schools tion and restoration days after Hurricane Dorian wreaked havoc in 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. Assistance, through

the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), is also being provided to Guyanese on the ground.

To date, the Category Five Storm, which hit The Bahamas on September 1, has left 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.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Economic Watch: China remains strong magnet for foreign investment BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- China’s latest foreign direct investment (FDI) data have testified the country’s stronger appeal to foreign investors who have shown widespread optimism in a fast-growing market.

In the January-August period, FDI expanded 6.9 percent year on year to 604 billion yuan (about 85.36 billion U.S. dollars). FDI inflow grew 3.2 percent year on year to 89.26 billion dollars, data from the Ministry

of Commerce showed.

These gains were hardearned given the global FDI flows had declined for three consecutive years.

In 2018, global FDI went down 13 percent, and developed countries saw a record low FDI inflow since 2004, according to the World Investment Report 2019 published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

The circumstances did not dampen foreign investors’ enthusiasm in

increasing investment China. A total of 27,704 new foreign-funded enterprises were established in the first eight months of this year.

China bucked the trend of the global FDI slide with a huge consumer market that is highly attractive to the world’s major multinationals, said Shen Jianguang, a chief economist with JD Digits.

“Another factor is that the country has kept reducing restrictions and limits on foreign investment’s

access to a wide range of sectors,” Shen said, noting that China’s opening-up keeps gaining momentum.

According to a new survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai on 333 U.S. firms, respondents reported an improving regulatory environment in China and that the country’s operational environment for foreign companies showed significant signs of progress.

Over 59 percent of respondents said increasing

consumption will be the top factor to benefit their industry in the next three to five years.

Another survey released earlier this year by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in South China showed that 46 percent of the 240 respondents consider China as the top destination in their global investment plans, while 24 percent consider China as their second to third priority.

The reinvestment in China in 2019 is expected to rise by a whopping 37.9 percent, reaching 19.4 billion U.S. dollars among all membership enterprises of AmCham South China as the consumer market evolves in China, said Har-

ley Seyedin, president of AmCham South China.

“U.S. companies in China continue to grow and tend to be profitable. We certainly don’t want to fall behind because there’s friction going on,” said Seyedin in an interview with Xinhua.

The country’s continued opening-up has also attracted investors from a wider range of countries.

Foreign investment from the Republic of Korea surged 45.3 percent year on year in the first eight months, while FDI from the countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative maintained steady growth of 6.3 percent, according to the Commerce Ministry.

Hong Kong residents voice China sees 105 mln tourists during Mid-Autumn Festival holiday support for police, national unity

(Tourists pose for photos at Shangxiahang traditional block in Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province, Sept. 15, 2019. Fujian Province received over 5 million visitors during the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan))

HBEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- A total of 105 million Chinese tourists traveled around the country during this year’s three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday which started last Friday, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said.

The figure represented a 7.6-percent increase compared with the holiday last year, the ministry said.

Domestic tourism revenue generated during the period totaled 47.28 billion yuan (around 6.7 billion U.S. dollars), up 8.7 percent year on year, according to ministry figures. Many events that promote family values, patriotism and traditional Chinese culture were held across China during the holiday, the ministry noted.

Among them was the Shanghai Tourism Festival opening cere-

mony on Saturday evening, which featured 32 performance groups from 19 countries and regions and attracted some 300,000 spectators.

Night-time sightseeing is the highlight of the Mid-Autumn Festival, with Xi’an, Chongqing, Xiamen and Chengdu ranking among the most popular places for sightseeing at night, according to the ministry.

Light shows were staged at ancient towns including Zhouzhuang in east China’s Jiangsu Province and Wuzhen in the neighboring Zhejiang Province to showcase the towns’ classic elegance at night during the holiday, the ministry noted.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is typically marked by family reunions, enjoying sights of the full moon and eating mooncakes, among other traditions.

HONG KONG, Sept. 14 Ms. Chiu said that her (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of daughter was among the proHong Kong residents gathtesters. “I want to let them ered at the Amoy Plaza in know, as a mother, that vioKowloon on last Saturday lence is bad.” despite a heat wave, who Ms. Yeung said that the sang China’s national anprotests, which have lasted for them to show their support three months, tore apart the to a teacher beaten by prosociety. “The protests sowed testers for singing that song discord between friends, coldays ago. leagues, classmates and even The rally started at about family members,” she said.

3:00 p.m. local time when the “Some friends stopped speakresidents waved China’s naing to each other, and coltional flag and sang together, leagues poured vitriol to one before chanting “Police, keep another.” She hoped that after it up!” the event, the government On the evening of last of the Hong Kong Special Wednesday, a primary school Administrative Region could teacher surnamed Lee walked (Residents gather at the Amoy Plaza in reflect on education. “Many into the Amoy Plaza with Kowloon, who sing China’s national an- young people lack the knowlthree kids. Disagreeing with them to show their support to a teacher edge of Chinese history and beaten by protesters for singing that song the protesters, he sang the days ago, in Hong Kong, south China, especially the Hong Kong Chinese national anthem. Sept. 14, 2019. (Xinhua/Lu Ye)) history,” she said. “They know The infuriated black-clad men little about the Chinese main38-year-old Mr. Tuan. “Violence punched him in the face, and land. So it is very easy for them his mobile phone was taken away. of the protesters have seriously to believe in rumors.”

In the Amoy Plaza on last affected our normal life, and we Her view was shared by retiree Saturday afternoon some residents cannot continue keeping silent.”

Cheung Ming-wai. “The negative During the gathering, protest- information was exaggerated, so held banners saying “you will never sing alone.” Yeung Man ers dressed in black and wear- that many of the young people told Xinhua that her neighbor’s ing face masks appeared outside could hardly see the good side,” kid was in Lee’s class and she the plaza. They shouted abusive she said. She condemned the ricame voluntarily with nine others words at the residents, who re- oters for bringing chaos and fear in the neighborhood to the rally. sponded “we don’t have to wear to local residents. When violence “I would like to show my support masks.” finally erupted on Saturday afAbout five minutes later, ternoon around the Amoy Plaza, to Lee, as well as the Hong Kong police,” she said. “I would also police officers were called to many stores on the street closed. like to make our voices heard that the scene. Residents at the rally “They blocked traffic, forced we as Hong Kong residents want cheered while waving their na- subway to stop, and damaged national unity and ‘one country, tional flags. Some participants un- infrastructure of our city,” folded a banner that read “no time Cheung said. “I am afraid. two systems’.”

“Maybe I didn’t have the cour- to waste for us to protect Hong When they protested, we have to age like Lee in the past, but this Kong; residents and police should stay indoor. When will this come time I decide to stand out,” said a join hands to work together.” to an end?”

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Klopp rues wasteful Liverpool, after title defence begins with Napoli defeat

By Alasdair Mackenzie

NAPLES, Italy (Reuters) - Juergen Klopp was frustrated by Liverpool’s poor finishing after his side began their Champions League title defence with a 2-0 defeat away to Napoli, who scored two late goals at the Stadio San Paolo

yesterday.

Dries Mertens scored from the penalty spot with eight minutes remaining after Andy Robertson tripped Jose Callejon inside the box and Napoli substitute Fernando Llorente added a second in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt.

Klopp’s side became the first competition winners to lose the opening game of their Champions League defence since AC Milan were defeated by Ajax Amsterdam in 1994 and the German was concerned by his players’ wastefulness.

“It should hurt because

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there were opportunities for us,” he told BT Sport.

“It was an open game with a lot of counterattacks, but we didn’t finish them off and that is a problem. In the second half it was a wild game, they were running and we were running.”

Klopp was also unhappy about the penalty awarded to the home side after Robertson was adjudged to have fouled Callejon. “I don’t think it’s a penalty,” he said.

“What can I say, for me, it is clear and obvious no penalty. He jumps before any contact, we can’t change that.”

Napoli’s Hirving Lozano headed in from close range early on but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside, before Sadio Mane forced home keeper Alex Meret into a save and Roberto Firmino flashed a header wide before the break.

Liverpool keeper Adrian denied Mertens with a superb reaction stop early in the second half before Meret dived to direct Mohamed Salah’s effort wide.

But the late double from

Mertens and Llorente secured the three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who also beat Liverpool at home at the same stage last season.

“We worked hard to defend and attack as a unit, because at times football means adapting to situations and I think we did it well,” Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia.

“We felt confident on the second goal, it was near the end and we were a goal up.

You can press high at times, not at others; it’s about maintaining your identity and also being able to do everything. I liked our quality, but also how we played ugly when we needed to.” In the other Group E game, Salzburg made an impressive start with a 6-2 victory at home to Genk.

Erling Haaland scored a first-half hat-trick for the Austrian champions, becoming the third youngest player to net a Champions League treble at the age of 19 years and 58 days, behind Raul (18y 113d) and Wayne Rooney (18y 340d).

FROM BACK PAGE

BM Soat supports Tewari for WIFBSC 2019 BM Soat Auto Sales has come to the rescue of young rifleman Roberto Tewari who is preparing for the 2019 edition of the West Indies FullBore Shooting championships (WIFBSC).

Roberto, an active member of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) is one of several individual members who will head to Trinidad for the 2019 edition later this year. And the company, which has supported him in the past believes that the support is necessary if athletes are to develop and hone their skills.

Managing Director Rameez Mohamed who is also the president of Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) where Roberto volunteers his time during events was more than happy to give the support. “Roberto has been a close associate of our company for many years, always volunteering his help around motor racing and now that he has taken up a career in rifle shooting, we are basically returning the favour in the form of whatever assistance he requires and his journey continues.”

Mohamed added, “He came to us and informed us about his new barrel that he had recently acquired and asked if we would be willing to mount some new sights on this barrel for him and we were happy to oblige.” Last year the company played a crucial part in ensuring his participation in the 150th anniversary championships of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association held in Ottawa, Canada.

Tewari, who was thankful for the response stated, “It’s great to know that there are still corporate entities that are willing to lend their support to sportsmen and women locally.” Tewari’s plan is to be a part of the Team Guyana who will participate in the team segment of the competition.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

BCB/STAG Beer 50-overs first division cricket

Four teams record opening-round victories THE 2019 Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) first division season finally got underway after a long four-month rainy season with the Board hosting

the opening round of the 50-Overs first division tournament.

Eleven teams participated in the tournament which is being sponsored by Ansa

McAl under its STAG Beer brand.

The Port Mourant and Albion Community Centre match was postponed at the request of the former team

while Tucber Park drew the bye. Rose Hall Town Thunderbolt Flour (RHTTF), Upper Corentyne, Blairmont Community Centre and Young Warriors recorded

Isaiah Thorne

victories to start the season on a high.

Zone B: RHTTF defeated Rose Hall Canje by 47 runs at the Canje ground with a fair-size crowd in attendance.

Batting first after winning the toss, RHTTF made 233 all out in 47 overs with Sylus Tyndall 36, Kevin Sinclair 33, Junior Sinclair 30, Jason Sinclair 25 and captain Eon Hooper 25 being the principal scorers. West Indies Under-15 pacer Isaiah Thorne bowled well to claim his maiden five-wicket haul, 5 for 44, while R. Vankenic took 2 for 35.

Rose Hall Canje, in reply, were bowled out for 186 in 44.2 overs with L. Davis 34, J. Henry 21, B. Ramsarran 24 and Ameer Rahaman all batting well. Former senior national Eon Hooper 3 for 33 and national Under-19 Junior Sinclair 3 for 35 bowled well for RHTTF. West Berbice lost to Blairmont Community Centre by 4 wickets at the Bush Lot ground. West Berbice 156 all out in 36.5 overs with Carlton Nurse 32. Adrian Dutchin 25 being the leading scorers. . National Youth player Nigel Deodat 5 for 30 and off-spinner Shabeer Baksh 2 for 28 were the best bowlers for Blairmont.

Needing to score at just above three runs per over to register an opening victory, Blairmont Community Centre cruised to 160 for 6 from 33.3 overs. Former national Youth player Javed Karim batted well to top-score with 51 and received support from Marvin Prashad 30 and

Seon Glasgow 15 not out.

Young Warriors Cricket Club arrested Police Sports Club by 140 runs at the Cumberland ground. Young Warriors CC 230 all out in 34.5 overs. Linden Austin 55, Trevlon Stanislaus 33, Kassim Khan 31, Suresh Dhanai 21. Police Sports Club 90 all out in 17.3 overs.

Grisean Grant 30; Devindra Ramoutar 5 for 46 (7 overs), Trevlon Stanislaus 2 for 13.

Upper Corentyne easily defeated Skeldon by 115 runs at the No. 69 Vikings ground.

Upper Corentyne were 252 for 8 from 40 overs after pitch preparation moisture affected the start of play R. Chatterpaul 57, Devindra Budhoo 20, V. Gooniah 21 and S. Embrack 73. Bowling for Skeldon, Wayne Garnett, Sherain Murray and Zukeel Gordon claimed two wickets apiece. Skeldon were bowled out for 137 in 30 overs as Murray returned with the bat to score 37 while Devindra Budhoo 3 for 18, R. Chatterpaul 2 for 15 and L. Roopchand 2 for 15 bowled well for Upper Corentyne.

BCB president Hilbert Foster visited three of the venues and expressed disappointment that several of the teams were attired in different uniforms. Foster stated that first division cricket was the highest level of competition in Berbice and as such, a high level of standard must be maintained at all times. He urgeed all Clubs to get their house in order or face disciplinary actions from the BCB.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Iran’s female fans find soccer buzz in cafes and malls

By Tuqa Khalid DUBAI (Reuters) - On match days Iran’s young female soccer fans cram Tehran’s shopping centres and cafes, their faces painted with the Iranian flag and beaming with excitement, as they follow their national team on giant television screens alongside male fans.

Iranian women have been banned from men’s soccer matches at football stadiums in the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but that has done nothing to dampen their determination to enjoy it.

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

The death this month of a female fan who set herself on fire in protest at her arrest for attending a match has drawn international attention to women’s exclusion.

Iran is also under pressure from soccer’s governing body FIFA on Iran to change its stance.Following a match in a busy cafe, Iranian fan Somayyeh Rajabpour said “watching like this is more exciting.”

Another female fan, Mahsa Alipour said “All the people love it. They love soccer a lot. For me personally, although I may not know much about soccer, I am so excited by the games.”

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s chief of staff said last week that women would be allowed into stadiums if foul language in chants and sporadic violence was curbed.

“We don’t see a problem with women attending if the atmosphere in stadiums is convenient ... but with so much foul language among fans and violence, this is not advisable,” Mahmoud Vaezi told state television.

Government spokesman Ali Rabiei told a news conference, “We believe that women can enter stadiums, but I am sure you agree that a portion of society is worried about their presence.”

FIFA officials are expected to visit Iran today, as part of preparations for Iran’s World Cup qualifying games, the semi-official news agency YJC reported.

Government spokesman Ali Rabiei told a news conference, “We believe that women can enter stadiums, but I am sure you agree that a portion of society is worried about their presence.” He said women would be present at Iran’s game with Cambodia. “Their presence will increase step by step.”

The move is seen as a first step towards opening national games to women. Vaezi said the sports minister would contact leaders of supporter groups to “improve the atmosphere from a moral standpoint” and special areas for women would be set up in stadiums.

Sahar Khodayari, dubbed ‘Blue Girl’ after her favourite team’s colours, died in hospital just over a week ago after setting herself alight outside a court where she feared being jailed for six months. She had tried to attend a match disguised as a man.

“They do not let us inside the stadiums. But we were so good like this today, inside the shopping centre,” said Atieh, who was among a group of men and women watching a soccer game at a cafe in Tehran. “Men did not say anything improper at all, and we were all together, all fine, watching the match.”

A female architect, who did not give her name, said however that she objected to women at football stadiums, “because of the cultural problems we have, not just in grounds but even in our normal urban atmosphere.”

35

Iranian football fans watch a match at a cafe in Tehran. (Reuters photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Country stands behind Stokes over row with The Sun - ECB ENGLAND cricketer Ben Stokes has the support of “the whole sport and the country” after criticising The Sun over a story it ran about his family, a leading cricket chief says.

Tom Harrison, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), added he was “disgusted and appalled” by the newspaper’s actions.

Stokes has called yesterday’s front-page story “utterly disgusting”.

But The Sun has defended its journalism.

It pointed out it had received the cooperation of a family member and said the events described were “a matter of public record” and “the subject of extensive front-page publicity in New Zealand at the time”.

The story prompted a statement from Stokes, the England and Durham all-rounder. The 28-year-old said it was the “lowest form of journalism” which dealt

with “deeply personal and traumatic events” that affected his New Zealand-based family more than 30 years ago.

Stokes was born in New Zealand and moved to Cumbria with his family aged 12.

He won the Cricket World Cup with England this summer then made an unlikely 135 not out in the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley last month to keep England in contention in the series.

His comments on the story drew support from various figures in the sport and public life, and team-mates including England captain Joe Root.

“We, like the wider sporting world, are disgusted and appalled at the actions taken in revealing the tragic events from Ben’s past,” Harrison said in the ECB’s statement.

“We are saddened that an intrusion of this magnitude was deemed necessary in order to sell newspapers or

Ben Stokes said he was ‘disgusted and appalled’ by The Sun’s story.

secure clicks. Ben’s exploits at Lord’s and Headingley cemented his place in cricket history this summer - we are sure the whole sport, and the country, stand behind him in support.’’

Ben Stokes’ statement in full Today the Sun has seen fit to publish extremely painful, sensitive and personal details concerning events in the private lives of my family, going back more than 31 years.

It is hard to find words that adequately describe such low and despicable behaviour, disguised as journalism. I cannot conceive of anything more immoral, heartless or contemptuous to the feelings and circumstances of my family.

For more than three decades, my family has worked hard to deal with the private trauma inevitably associated with these events and has taken great care to keep private what were deeply personal and traumatic events.

On Saturday the Sun sent a ‘reporter’ to my parents’ home in New Zealand to question them, out of the blue, on this incredibly upsetting topic. If that wasn’t bad enough, the Sun thinks it is acceptable to sensationalise our personal tragedy for their front page.

To use my name as an excuse to shatter the privacy and private lives of - in particular - my parents, is utterly disgusting. I am aware that my public profile brings with it consequences for me that I accept entirely.

But I will not allow my

public profile to be used as an excuse to invade the rights of my parents, my wife, my children or other family members. They are entitled to a private life of their own.

The decision to publish these details has grave and lifelong consequences for my mum in particular.

This is the lowest form of journalism, focussed only on chasing sales with absolutely no regard for the devastation caused to lives as a consequence. It is totally out of order.

The article also contains serious inaccuracies which have compounded the damage caused. We need to take a serious look at how we allow our press to behave.

WHAT DID THE SUN SAY? A spokesperson for the Sun said: “The Sun has the utmost sympathy for Ben Stokes and his mother but it is only right to point out the story was told with the cooperation of a family member who supplied details, provided photographs and posed for pictures.

“The tragedy is also a matter of public record and was the subject of extensive front page publicity in New Zealand at the time.

“The Sun has huge admiration for Ben Stokes and we were delighted to celebrate his sporting heroics this summer. He was contacted prior to publication and at no stage did he or his representatives ask us not to publish the story.” (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

37

OSCL 2019 season climaxes Saturday

… Mercenary, Rems renew rivalry

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – The Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 2019 season climaxes on Saturday at the Ashtonbee playing fields with the Division One and Two playoffs championships finals.

With defending champions Sunshine opting out of the league, a new Division One champion will be crowned when archrivals Mercenary and Rems clash in what is expected to be a riveting contest.

Division Two champions Carr Tec, who swept both the regular season and division playoffs championship titles in 2018, will be aiming for a similar feat when they collide with Good Success.

Both Mercenary and Carr Tec are already assured of the regular season (20 overs) titles in their respective divisions and are eager to add the playoffs championships to their collections.

Mercenary were runaway winners in the regular season, tallying 63 points with their nearest rivals being with Rebels with 45 points, while Caribbean Sensation/ Better Hope ended with 43, Rems 37 and GT Bannas 16.

After drawing a bye in the first round of the playoffs, Mercenary turned back the challenge of GT Bannas in Sunday’s semi-finals while

Rems whipped Caribbean Sensation/Better Hope in the first round before advancing to the final by virtue of a bye, Carr Tec finished Division Two (Conference B) with 72 points while Good Success topped Conference A with 57 points and secured their spot in the final with a tense victory over last year’s finalists Wakenaam after rain intervened in the semi-final contest. Carr Tec, on the other hand, made light work of Leguan Warriors.

Apart from taking top honours in the regular season, Mercenary were also crowned the Paul & Son 15-over winners, defeating Rems in a pulsating final off the final delivery of the game. They, however, failed to reach the final of the Caribbean Sensation-sponsored 10/10 tournament which saw Rems emerge as champions with an easy win over GT Bannas. With both Mercenary and Rems sharing the two knockout titles, Saturday’s encounter therefore takes on added significance.

Boasting several of the players who were part of Softball Cricket Canada, winners of the Open category at the recently-concluded Toronto Cup 3, Mercenary will be led by Loaknauth Ramsuchit and includes the likes of Munniram Karran, Satrohan ‘Blade’ Balkarran and Aftab ‘Maxie’ Shamsu-

Naveed Ali

deen, Avinash Sookdeo and Rabindra Diaram.

Skippered by Richard Dias, who incidentally was part of Softball Cricket Canada, Rems are not to be outdone as they too possess players of quality.

Chien Gittens has been a great addition to their lineup and along with the Deosarans, Surujpaul and Krishna plus Ian Baldeo, they are capable of blunting any attack on a given day.

The bowling will depend heavily on Yoodhanlall Sukhlall, Pradeep ‘Polo’ Singh, Gittens, Gopaulchand Beharry and Narendra Madholall. Carr Tec, whose batting is built around the consistent and seasoned campaigner in Rovendra Mandolall, by far the leading

Persaud making an early impression in Canada’s Elite 50-overs League FORMER national Under-19 wicketkeeper/batsman Nathan Persaud is now plying his trade in Canada. In his debut season for Apollo Cricket Club, Persaud is already having a dream start with his team leading in the points standing and securing a semi-final spot in the competition.

In a recent interview with Chronicle Sport, Persaud disclosed that “my experience has been a challenging one, including adopting to the weather conditions and competing among international players as well”. The elegant left-hander has accumulated over 300 runs in 8 innings so far including an unbeaten 120 recently in the keenly contested tournament. In addition, the 23-year-old from Bush Lot on the Essequibo Coast boasted of being the most impressive wicketkeeper in the league with

the most dismissals.

The season will conclude at the end of September and Persaud is confident that he will continue to play a leading role in his team’s quest for the coveted title. He also mentioned his desire to return and stake his claim for a place in the national senior side since he acknowledged ‘my expectation is to play for Guyana at the senior level and I’m working extremely hard, including on my fitness so as to achieve my long-term goals”.

Persaud also plays for Bacchus Bulls in Essequibo. He has since expressed thanks to the members of the club for their continued support as well as former national fast bowler Trevon Garraway, whose input has been instrumental in his playing in North America. (Elroy Stephney)

Aftab Shamsudeen

Richard Dias

Rovendra Mandolall

scorer in the league with 528 runs, including a top score of 123, were aiming for a clean sweep of the Division Two titles. They were jolted, though, by Enmore in the 10/10 final but rebounded to win the 15-over final versus the same opponents.

Other key players in Carr

Tec’s lineup include Avinash Singh, Rakesh Dyal, Shazam Baksh, Terry Mathura, Suresh Persaud and Rawl Scott who missed Sunday’s semi-final.

Good Success are, however, unfazed with Carr Tec’s reputation and have been quietly dispatching

teams on their way to the playoffs final. Sheik Parsram has been outstanding with both bat and ball while Abdool Azeez, former Guyana youth player Harrienarine Chattergoon and Naveed Ali have played major roles during their fine season.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

FROM BACK PAGE

Superb Brathwaite vaults Patriots to Super Over win to end TKR’s winning run

CARLOS Brathwaite was the all-round hero in a stunning St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Super Over victory as Trinbago Knight Riders’ winning start to the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) came to an end in the most dramatic possible way.

Brathwaite first made 64 from 30 balls to get the Patriots’ pursuit of the Knight Riders’ 216/4 back on track after they slumped to 80/4.

When the scores ended level after 20 overs each, Brathwaite then smacked two sixes and a four to take the Patriots to 18/0 from their Super Over before bowling six nerveless deliveries as TKR mustered only 5/1 in reply. In regulation time, Lendl Simmons had continued his run of fine form with a 45-ball 90 that set the Knight Riders on their way to another big total.

But another explosive contribution from Evin Lewis at the top of the order and Brathwaite’s spectacular intervention got the Patriots

within striking range.

Veteran all-rounder Rayad Emrit then flayed an unbeaten 21 from 11 balls with two Hero Maximums and, most importantly, a four sliced down to thirdman from the final ball of the innings to bring the scores level and send the match into the first Super Over of the 2019 Hero CPL. A required rate that had approached 15 at one stage had been brought right down to 62 runs from the last 30 balls by Brathwaite before Ali Khan made what seemed the telling contribution with the wickets of Brathwaite and Fabian Allen to end with 2/27 from four overs on a night when bowlers generally took a pounding.

None more so than James Neesham, who bowled the fateful final over of the regular match and conceded a record-breaking 68 from his four overs in all. And on his 29th birthday.

Lewis set about spoiling the birthday celebrations with a boundary blitz in Neesham’s first, taking 30

runs from an over which, thanks to a wide, cost 31 in all.

It included three sixes down the ground as well as three fours and took the Patriots rattling along to 59/1 after the fourth over, Devon Thomas having fallen to Anderson Phillip early.

But the Knight Riders aren’t champions for nothing. They immediately put the squeeze on the Patriots and conceded only 17 runs – while picking up the key wickets of Laurie Evans and Lewis – in the next four overs to take a firm grip of the game once more.

Both men, like Thomas, fell to Phillip, whose tactic of bowling wide to Lewis was a smart one that brought big rewards from a sliced drive that carried out to Kieron Pollard on the cover boundary. That was Pollard’s 49th Hero CPL catch and a pretty straightforward one.

His 50th came in the very next over and was anything but, a sensational leap and one-handed grab to pluck the ball out of the sky just inside

the boundary to remove Mohammad Hafeez.

At 80/4, the Knight Riders appeared well set for victory but Brathwaite had other ideas. His second ball disappeared into the stands and he dealt chiefly in boundaries from then on, bringing up his half-century in just 22 balls and keeping the required rate in check.

That proved so important in allowing Emrit’s late flurry to take the match into the tie-breaker where the Patriots were comfortable winners. Ali Khan, so impressive in his four regular overs, couldn’t quite nail his yorkers in the Super Over and with Brathwaite in this kind of mood it proved oh so costly. The first ball was smoked back past the bowler for six, with another following over square-leg three balls later. The final ball was again hit back past the bowler with interest for a one-bounce four.The Knight Riders never got close in reply, Darren Bravo edging the second ball behind having made no contact with

the first. By the time Pollard dispatched ball five to the boundary the game was up.

Way, way earlier in the night, Simmons had made his third successive half-century, after scores of 63 and 86 in his last two outings against St Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs, which was also enough to take him clear of Chris Gayle at the top of the 2019 Hero CPL run charts.

His quick-fire partnership of 49 in just four overs with Mark Deyal set the ball rolling. Deyal was the initial aggressor, clearing the ropes twice in nine balls before miscuing a Brathwaite full-toss to midon to depart for 21.Colin Munro hit Brathwaite for a six and a four in the final over of the Power Play but was generally content to play second fiddle to Simmons, who was in electric form.

He brought up his 50 in just the seventh over of the innings, uppercutting Emrit over the third-man boundary for his second six and really cut loose from there.

Four more Hero

Maximums followed in the space of eight balls from Hafeez and Alzarri Joseph but, just when it appeared certain a Hero CPL century was his, Simmons was undone. Surprised by a well-directed bouncer from Sheldon Cottrell, Simmons attempted to bail out of a pull shot but couldn’t do so in time and managed only to sky the ball to point 10 runs short of three-figures.

The Patriots were then able to drag things back nicely despite Pollard’s arrival in the middle. After conceding 136 in the first 11 overs, the Patriots gave up just 20 in the next four.

Munro and Pollard were dismissed in quick succession, with momentum restored to the innings as Bravo and Neesham sent the total soaring past 200 with an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 40 in the last three overs. Neesham hit four fours in his 13-ball 22*, while Bravo – who has hit more sixes than fours in his Hero CPL career – stayed true to form with two big Hero Maximums in his unbeaten 24 from 12.

It would prove not quite enough, though, as World Cup runner-up Neesham suffered more Super Over disappointment. (CPL)

New Zealand more Windies lose again to surrender focussed on Springboks than T20 series to Aussie Women BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Weak batting again crippled West Indies Women as they slumped to a nine-wicket defeat in the second Twenty20 International and to yet another series defeat to Australia Women here Monday night.

Sent in at Kensington

Oval under lights following a rain delay, the hosts could gather only a paltry 97 for nine off their 20 overs with opener Britney Cooper top-scoring with 39.

In reply, opener Alyssa Healy continued her heavy scoring with an unbeaten 58 off 43 balls as the Auss-

ies swept to victory with 33 balls to spare.

The visitors, who won the opening T20 International by six wickets last Saturday at the same venue, will now chase their second straight clean sweep in the final match carded for today.

Australia also swept the preceding three-match one-day series staged in CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Antigua.

(Wednesday September 18, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Cooper gave West Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Indies a decent start, providing most of the early CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: energy in a 30-run, opening stand off 33 balls with 225-6158) Kyshona Knight (6).

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: While Cooper struck six fours and a six in a 1. Fawad Ahmed (Zouks) 33-ball knock, Knight was not as fluent and her 2. 11 times 12-ball stay at the crease Today’s Quiz: ended in the sixth over when she skied fast bowl1. Who is the first wicketkeeper to effect a er Delissa Kimmince to stumping in a CPL game? cover.

Her dismissal proved 2. Who is the first man to be dismissed for a the trigger for a Windgolden duck in CPL 2019? ies collapse as they lost Answers in tomorrow’s issue another six wickets for

17 runs to find themselves tottering on 64 for seven in the 14th over.

Captain Stafanie Taylor (6) looked to be building a strong second-wicket stand with Cooper but perished in the ninth over, lofting 20-year-old leg-spinner Georgia Wareham to mid-on. Cooper and Natasha McLean (0) were both tragically run-out in the 11th over and West Indies needed a 23-run eighth-wicket stand between Chinelle Henry (21 not out) and Shabika Gajnabi (11) to get up to their eventual total. In reply, the Aussies hardly broke a sweat as Healy powered the uncomplicated run chase with an innings containing 10 fours.

She dominated a 44run, opening stand with Beth Mooney (8) before combining with captain Meg Lanning, who made 22 not out, to post another 54 in an unbroken second-wicket stand.

rugby World Cup for now

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - New Zealand are focussing all their energy on the World Cup rugby opener against South Africa on Saturday with coaches happy to have their most challenging match of the pool stages first up.

The two old rivals, who have won the World Cup five times between them, meet in Yokohama to kick-start the tournament and lay down a marker for the weeks to come.

With Italy, Namibia and Canada the other teams in Pool B, regardless of Saturday’s result New Zealand and South Africa would expect to qualify for the quarter-finals.

It means All Blacks, who are chasing a third consecutive World Cup, will be holding nothing back on Saturday.

“We’re actually not thinking too far ahead in this tournament right now because this weekend is a pretty big weekend, isn’t it?” assistant coach Ian Foster said yesterday. “And it’s kind of made it really good for us as coaches because we can just put all our energy into that first game.

“Whichever way it goes then I guess we can sort out the plan that we follow after that.”

South Africa come into the tournament having only lost once in their last seven matches, including a draw with New Zealand in July. The Springboks were victorious when the two sides met in Wellington this time last year. That means New Zealand are wary of the threat posed by coach Rassie Erasmus’ team and are looking at the match more as a standalone contest than a World Cup tone-setter.

“We’re at a heightened state always when we play South Africa,” said Foster. “I know the World Cup is big but I guess our focus has been on this game for a while.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 18, 2019

39

England must call time on Anderson/ Broad partnership - Vaughan LONDON, England (Reuters) - The days of James Anderson and Stuart Broad spearheading England’s fast bowling attack are over, according to former captain Michael Vaughan.

The pair have taken more than 1 000 Test wickets between them with Anderson’s 575 a world record for a pace bowler.

The 37-year-old Anderson, however, managed only four overs in this year’s drawn Ashes series after aggravating a calf injury.

Broad, 33, excelled despite the absence of his usual partner and took 23 wickets at an average of under 27.

After more than a decade in which they have been used in tandem, Vaughan suggests playing one or the other is the way forward for England.

“I don’t think it is right both of them play

now,” Vaughan told BBC Radio 5. “It might be that Broad plays one series and Anderson plays one series.

“They are not going to like it, but they are at that stage of their careers where England are going to have to manage the combination very smartly.”

Vaughan also believes that England’s sole focus now must be in trying to regain the Ashes in Australia in two years’ time after drawing the recent series 2-2.

“I want to see a disciplined way of playing and the World Cup is in the bag now,” Vaughan said.

“The most important thing going forward is the Ashes in two years. It is the Test team that needs a real focus over two and a half years of real dedication and structure.”

James Anderson (right) and Stuart Broad are the most prolific opening bowling partnership in Test history.

India want ‘phenomenal’ Tallawahs hopeful Andre Russell can return Pant to match daredevil batting with discipline for Warriors clash

India’s Rishabh Pant in action. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)

Andre Russell suffered ane injury in the match against St. Lucia Zooks

THE Jamaica Tallawahs are hopeful that Andre Russell will be able to return to the team in time for tonight’s clash with the unbeaten Guyana Amazon Warriors at Sabina Park.

In the 14th over their match against the St Lucia Zouks last week Wednesday, Russell failed to pull a short ball from Hardus Viljoen and was hit.

The ball struck Russell’s helmet near the right ear and he collapsed in a heap before he was stretchered off and taken to the hospital where scans showed there was no significant damage other than a haematoma.

He missed subsequent matches against Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents but Ronnie Sarwan, Tallawahs’ assistant coach, said the signs are there that Russell could return to action today.

“We hope so. The good thing about it is that he has been going through his testing and everything seems to be okay at this point. We just have to wait and see what happens today and tomorrow,” Sarwan said while addressing media at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston yesterday morning.

Sarwan believes having Russell back would help

the Tallawahs put their best team on the field against an in-form Warriors side who have won their four games so far. He said the arrival of Jade Dernbach and Afghanistan leg-spinner Zahir Khan and with Russell back, Tallawahs will be able to build on the momentum of their first win of the season on Sunday.

“Jade and Khan have put us in a position that makes us much more balanced from when we started the tournament, so once we have young Springer ready and Russell ready to go we have our best eleven,” Sarwan said. (Sportsmax)

NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - India’s newly appointed batting coach Vikram Rathour has joined head coach Ravi Shastri in demanding more discipline from exciting stumper-batsman Rishabh Pant.

Pant’s six-hitting ability makes him a limited-overs asset, but Shastri in a recent interview said the 21-yearold’s penchant for throwing away his wicket has occasionally let the team down.

The Delhi player is perceived as Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s natural successor in limited-overs cricket when the former captain eventually hangs up his gloves, but Rathour insisted Pant must improve his shot selection.

“Rishabh is a phenomenal player, no doubt about that,” Rathour told reporters

in Mohali ahead of the second Twenty20 International against South Africa today.

“Of course he needs to sort out his game-plan a little more. He needs to bring in a little bit of discipline to his cricket.” With next year’s Twenty20 World Cup in mind, Rathour extended the message to all young members of the side that fearless cricket did not mean reckless cricket. “What the team management is asking from them is fearless cricket - having clear game-plans and playing with intent, backing your strengths. At the same time, you cannot be careless,” the former India opener said.

“I’m sure they are smart enough to understand that.”

India will also play three Tests against South Africa next month, when limited-overs stalwart Rohit

Sharma may reinvent himself as a Test opener.

Rohit smashed a record five centuries at this year’s 50-overs World Cup, but the white-ball stalwart has managed only 27 sporadic Test appearances.

Rathour said 32-year-old Rohit has the game to succeed across formats, which would be a massive boost for the side. “He has done so well as an opener in white ball cricket, so I don’t see any reason why he can’t do well in red ball cricket as well, provided we provide him enough opportunities,” Rathour said.

“If he comes good, it will be a huge asset for the team. Somebody of his experience, the kind of cricket he plays, if he plays at the top of the order, it will be a huge thing.”

Superb Brathwaite vaults Patriots to Super Over win to end TKR’s winning run

Carlos Braithwaite celebrates after Patriots amazing win last night at Warner Park.

See Page 38

BM Soat supports Tewari for WIFBSC 2019

Felix in USA squad for world

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Allyson Felix is named to her ninth consecutive U.S. team for the World Championships. ( AFP)

BM Soat representative Devika Sukhu hands over the company’s sponsorship to rifleman Roberto Tewari.

championships

SIX-TIME Olympic champion Allyson Felix has been selected in the USA team for the World Athletics Championships for a record ninth consecutive time.

Felix, 33, only returned to competitive racing at the Great North City Games last week, just 10 months after giving birth to her first child by emergency caesarean.

She has been named in the 4x400m relay squad. Doha hosts the championships, which run from September 27 to October 6. The 141-member U.S. team features eight world champions, including sprinter Justin Gatlin.

Gatlin, 37, pulled up clutching his hamstring following a 100m race in Zagreb on September 3, but later said it was not serious. The controversial athlete, who has twice served a doping ban, won

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gold in the 100m at the championships in London in 2017, and was booed throughout his medal ceremony.

Gatlin’s fellow sprinters, including world silver medallist Christian Coleman and 200m Diamond League champion Noah Lyles are selected, as is women’s 400m hurdles world record holder Dalilah Muhammad.

Also among those set to compete in Qatar are Olympic triple jump champion Christian Taylor along with longer jumper Jeff Henderson, middle distance runner Matthew Centrowitz and shotput thrower Ryan Crouser, who all won gold at Rio 2016.

Phyllis Francis (400m), Kori Carter (400m hurdles), Emma Coburn (3000m steeplechase) and Brittney Reese (long jump) will all defend the titles they won in 2017. (BBC Sport) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2019