Guyana Chronicle E-paper 9-21-2019

SATURDAY 21st SEPTEMBER, 2019

' No.105767

‘Somebody will pay’

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…President says PPP hooliganism, vulgarity will not go unpunished --urges Port Kaituma residents to make crucial choice between the civility and thuggery

Drug lord Roger Khan returns amid tight security

SEE STORY ON PAGE 04

Parties roast ‘lawless’ PPP …PNCR sees in-house orchestration by top GMSA officials SEE STORY ON PAGE 02

Cops on high alert for PPP disruption …condemn Pegasus mayhem SEE STORY ON PAGE 5

President David Granger being garlanded as he received a rousing welcome to Port Kaituma on Friday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Parties roast ‘lawless’ PPP …PNCR sees in-house orchestration by top GMSA officials

By Lisa Hamilton POLITICAL parties in Guyana have condemned the “lawless” manner in which members and supporters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) protested on Thursday, during which they endangered the life of the President and two government ministers.

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has called on the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) to condemn the acts foisted against the President at the Pegasus Hotel that day, while the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), non-aligned with the coalition, urged that the country not fall into “chaos and legal disobedience.”

Following the announcement of a February 2020 timeline for elections by Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Thursday, members of the PPP led by Opposition

Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and PPP presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, stormed the Pegasus Hotel where the President was expected to be.

The President was expected to give the feature address at the annual GMSA Business Luncheon, which was expected to be attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and others. However, a large group of protestors, transported in numerous outof-town buses by their party heads, blocked the entrance to the hotel, prior to the function’s commencement.

The behaviour they displayed as protestors called for “elections now” has since been denounced by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and numerous concerned members of society as unlike a peaceful protest.

NOTHING PEACEFUL At one point, at the pro-

test site, the vehicle carrying Minister Cummings was restricted entry into the venue

by PPP supporters, who were being encouraged by Jagdeo and Ali to restrict entrance to the building and to ‘behave as they please’. “There is no ministers,” Ali shouted to his supporters who, bolstered by his comments, echoed similar sentiments amongst themselves, “I recognise no title!

And no President!” as they

slammed their hands on the outside of the vehicle.

Although the police took to the location of the commotion, protestors shouted amongst themselves that they would “turn over de vehicle” with the minster inside. Just before this occurred, a group of aggressive male protestors, after refusing Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, entry by foot at the main entrance, trailed Central Executive Member, (ret’d) Rear Admiral Gary Best (Samuel Maughn photos)

AFC Executives (L-R) Dominic Gaskin, Khemraj Ramjattan and Cathy Hughes

behind him as he sought to take the exit in. They were led by former PPP Information Liaison Officer, Kwame McCoy, who has a history of mob-like behaviour and has over the years faced prosecution for throwing faeces on activist Freddie Kissoon and also assaulting activist Mark Benschop.

McCoy and another adult

male led a group of protestors to bully their way past the police barricade set up and trailed Minister Patterson, putting their placards in his way as the police sought to prevent the materials from coming in contact with the minster. They yelled at the top of their voices using terms such as “dogs”, while one male protestor, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, barefooted at the time, behaved so terribly that he was later seen throwing himself down at the feet of the police who did not harm him. Meanwhile, the PPP party leaders, Ali and Jagdeo, did nothing to regulate the actions.

Speaking at a PNCR Press Conference on Friday, Central Executive Member,

(ret’d) Rear Admiral Gary Best, in prepared statement of the party, relayed that the actions of PPP protestors outside of the hotel are reminiscent of a dark past in Guyana. “…Irfaan Ali and his PPP want to drag Guyana back to the dark days of the past…it is a true sign of progress that under this administration, no protestor has been harmed during our four years in office. We have protested as the PNCR and APNU and was faced water cannons, unidentified officers dressed in police uniforms shooting into crowds in Linden and shooting at protesters indiscriminately. This is the progress people voted for, and a clear sign of change,” he said.

STRANGE COINCIDENCE Added to this, the PNCR stated that it has reason to believe that high-ranking persons within the GMSA are responsible of “orchestrating” the in-house protest against the President. Even though the protest was ongoing outside, the President’s security used the tactic of distraction to get the President into the building. They sent what appeared to be the President’s vehicle and escort near to the entrance gate of Pegasus where the bulk of the TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

‘Somebody will pay’ …President says PPP hooliganism, vulgarity will not go unpunished --urges Port Kaituma residents to make crucial choice between the civility and thuggery

By Vanessa Braithwaite President David Granger has warned that “somebody will pay” for holding hostage Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings during what many described as a lawless PPP protest outside of the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday, deeming the behaviour of that party a display of hooliganism and assuring that his administration will take every lawful measure to guarantee the safety of Ministers of Government and to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country.

At the time he was addressing the opening session of a government outreach in Port Kaituma on Friday where officers of a number of government ministries and their respective agencies have traveled to deliver public service to citizens there.

Earlier in the day in a separate statement from his office, the Guyanese Leader said the Ministry of the Presidency had taken note of the “hooliganism and thuggery displayed by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its supporters and associates, on Thursday, September 19 2019, outside and inside the Pegasus Hotel, where President David Granger was the guest speaker at the annual Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s business luncheon.”

“The lawlessness exhibited is not akin to a democratic political protest, but rather was a display of gross disrespect for the President, his Office, the Government and the occasion that was being held at the time. Peaceful and civilised protest action is common in any democracy, but it becomes a sign of worry when a Presidential Candidate and a former President, who is a constitutional office holder, seek to incite violence against the sitting Head of State and Ministers of the Government, during the execution of their official duties,” the ministry said in the statement.

According to the ministry the events of Thursday, go against this country’s Social Cohesion agenda and

serve as a reminder that we have to safeguard our democracy. “Holding the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings hostage in her vehicle for over half an hour and blocking the smooth ingress of Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson, all while hurling threatening and foul remarks,

leader said those responsible for ‘hooliganism’ and ‘vulgarian’ behaviour on Thursday, both in and out of the Pegasus hotel will have to pay for it. In reflecting on the unfortunate series of events the day prior, President Granger said he accepted the invitation by the Guyana Manufacturing and Ser-

President Granger singing along 'Let us Corporate' with students of the Port Kaituma Secondary School

President David Granger addressing residents of the Matarkai Sub-Region

are entirely unacceptable and should also be condemned by all right-thinking Guyanese.

The President assures all Guyanese that every lawful measure will be taken to guarantee the safety of Ministers of Government and to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country.”

The ministry added that the Opposition’s undemocratic behaviour and its continuous threats to peace and stability, has no place in this society and will not be tolerated. “The President is committed to holding credible elections in the earliest time possible, in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution and based on the guidance given by the Guyana Elections Commission,” the statement ended.

The PPP in recent years have displayed crass behaviour with great regularity.

Back in 2017 November its MPs disrupted the speech of President Granger in the National Assembly and only recently in March this year its Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo urged citizens to chase out government ministers from their communities.

SOMEBODY WILL PAY Addressing hundreds at the outreach the Guyanese

vices Association (GMSA), because he believes that manufacturers and business persons are important to the economy of this nation. The PPP used this as the perfect opportunity to display a behaviour, which he said, happened three years ago in the National Assembly. "The People's Progressive Party organised a demonstration and my minister of foreign affairs going to that meeting, they tried to turn the car over.

That is hooliganism and some body will pay for that.

You can't put hooligans to run this country. You have to put people with culture," he said to loud applause.

He urged the residents and by extension all Guyanese, to make a crucial choice, between those who without shame, displayed vulgarity and those who act I n a civilised manner. "I call it vulgar, vulgarian behaviour, these people do not deserve to run a government of a civilised country... so my brothers and sisters you have a choice to make, choose between the decent, courteous and civilised people and the hooligans," he said.

The aim of the PPP's protest was to send a message TURN TO PAGE

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A section of the crowd at the 'Government Comes to You' outreach at the Port Kaituma Ground

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Drug lord Roger Khan returns amid tight security

By Navendra Seoraj UNDER heavy police guard, convicted drug lord Shaheed “Roger” Khan returned to Guyana and was whisked away from the tarmac of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to police headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Khan, who spent over eight years in a US detention facility, arrived in Guyana on Friday, minutes before midnight on an American Airlines flight from Miami.

The notorious drug lord was quickly taken away through a south-western gate of the CJIA, in the presence of heavily-armed police.

Along the way to George-

town, the GPF had organised two road blocks – one at Grove and another at Providence – to ensure that traffic was kept at bay from the white police vehicle which was carrying Khan to Eve Leary.

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the GPF’s Major Crimes Division, Eve Leary, Khan was already taken in for processing. Khan’s attorney, Glen Hanoman, was outside of the division awaiting word on when he would be able to speak to his client.

The attorney said he was not privy to any information and would be updated after meeting with his client.

Sources said Khan is expected to be held for questioning over the next few days.

Convicted Drug Lord Shaheed “Roger” Khan

On 15 June, 2006, Khan was arrested in Paramaribo with three of his bodyguards in a sting operation that Suriname police said netted more than 200 kilograms of cocaine – the biggest cocaine haul in Suriname of that year.

Instead of being deported to Guyana, then Minister of Justice of Suriname, Chan Santokhi, ordered that Khan be flown to Trinidad. Upon arrival at the airport of Trinidad, Khan was handed over to immigration authorities

who then handed him over to US officials.

Less than 24 hours after being expelled from Suriname, Khan was arraigned at the Brooklyn Federal Court in New York City on June 30 2006 on a charge of “conspiring to import cocaine” and was ordered to be detained at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn.

Khan, who was jailed in October 2009 for up to 15 years, asked the US court earlier this year to release him early, based on new regulations.

Khan was sentenced to a total of 40 years’ imprisonment on three separate charges by US Judge, Dora

Irizarry, in 2009, after she accepted the plea bargain agreement he had reached with prosecutors.

However, two of the sentences, 10 years for an illegal firearm possession, and 15 years for witness tampering, ran concurrently with the other 15-year jail term.

In addition to the jail time, Roger Khan had to undergo supervised release for five years although according to the judge, he is to be deported. Khan was also accused of executing competitors in the drug trade.

Khan was considered to TURN TO PAGE

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The police vehicle which hurriedly transported convicted Drug Lord Shaheed “Roger” Khan from the CJIA to Eve Leary (Delano Williams photo)

One of the two road blocks on Wednesday (Delano Williams photo) Saturday, September 21, 2019 - 10:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Cops on high alert for PPP disruption …condemn Pegasus mayhem

The Guyana Police Force said it is on high alert for planned disruption by the People’s Progressive Party Civic and has condemned the vulgar protest actions outside of the Pegasus Hotel

on Thursday.

In a statement the police said they have noted with utmost concern the protest demonstrations Thursday outside and inside of the Pegasus Hotel, during the Annual Busi-

ness Luncheon of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) which saw the peaceful conduct of the activity being interrupted.

“While the Police Force respects the rights of all citizens

to protest and has no objection to persons conducting peaceful protest, such acts will not be condoned.” According to the police when protests degenerate into a series of unlawful acts infringing on the rights of other citizens and putting the protection of life and the safety of property at risk, the Guyana Police Force will as a conse-

E-Networks debunks claims by GTT -- says approval was granted for subsea cable THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has expressed concerns regarding E-Networks laying a subsea cable which it claims the company did not have approval to do and could jeopardise its services.

GTT in a press release stated that it is very concerned that E-Networks is laying the subsea fibre allegedly with complete disregard for necessary approvals and international protocols.

In 2018, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications stated definitively that E-Networks did not have permission to land or lay a subsea cable.

“To date, as far as it is publicly known, such a license has not been issued by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, and by extension, the Government of Guyana. The EPA has also stated that E-Networks is conducting its activities, landing the cable, using an expired environmental and construction

permit,” GTT Chief Executive officer Justin Nedd claimed.

He continued: “We have attempted to reach out to E-Networks to facilitate the construction in accordance with international protocols, as this reckless activity and disregard for established protocol threatens the security and integrity of our SGSCS subsea cable. As the only reliable method of international connectivity into Guyana, any damage to the SGSCS will threaten the Internet connectivity of the entire country.”

Nedd said he hopes that the observance of sound rule of law, as well as acceptable and ethical business practices will be upheld within the country’s telecommunications sector by both existing and potential players in the market.

“GTT remains committed to continuing to build resilient connectivity to improve life experiences in Guyana and by unlocking innovation.

GTT Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd

GT&T will not overlook any action that can disrupt service delivery to its customers,” the CEO stated.

Meanwhile, E-Networks in a response called the allegation false and libelous.

“As a point of fact, E-Networks has never been without a valid EPA permit in relation to our project from May 1, 2018 to present. We are also in possession of all necessary approvals in relation to this project for its intended purpose. In regard

to the international protocols Mr. Nedd claims that we are breaching. He is well aware of the previous communications with GTT in relation to this project, in which we have proven that we are operating well within these recommendations,” E-Networks said in a statement.

Moreover, E-Networks stated “we have had to enlighten GTT through the exchange of several pieces of correspondence of the correct and proper interpretation of the international protocols and standards.

E-Networks wishes to state in no uncertain terms that we find GTT’s statement to be intentionally erroneous, deliberately misleading and libelous. We will take any and all necessary measures, including legal action against GTT and Mr Nedd, in order to protect our good name.”

quence take the appropriate action in response.

“The Guyana Police Force is the Primary Law Enforcement Agency responsible for public safety, the maintenance of Law and Order, the protection of life and property and remains resolutely committed to its motto of ‘Service and Pro-

tection’. The Force’s membership throughout the ten (10) Administrative Regions is on high alert and will endeavour to prevent and respond whenever necessary to any such reoccurrence and warns that anyone found in breach of the Law will be dealt with in a condign manner.”

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Drug lord Roger Khan ...

be the country’s most powerful drug trafficker.

He was said to have close ties to the then, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, with the late exHome Affairs Minister, Ronald Gajraj, acting as conduit for a “Phantom Squad”. The squad was accused to murdering several criminals, competitors, and others.

Although the PPP government had sought to distance itself from Khan, the drug-trafficker had stated publicly in an advertisement in local newspapers that he had been fighting crime on behalf of the Bharrat Jagdeo-led government.

Khan had also implicated former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, in his escapades, and documents bearing the then minister’s signature authorising the purchase of a

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sophisticated wire-tapping device were produced in U.S. courts during Khan’s trial.

President David Granger has referred to the Roger Khan-era as the “Troubles”; a period presided over by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration. The President said it was the “darkest hour” that was characterised by drug-driven chaos and bloodshed. Jagdeo was President of Guyana from August 11, 1999 to December 3, 2011, during which there were three massacres: Lusignan, where 11 people were killed; Bartica, where another 12 were killed; and Lindo Creek, where seven miners were slaughtered. Besides, there were countless extra-judicial killings – with some activists estimating that around 400 Afro Guyanese males were gunned down.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Lack of civility

PROBABLY few Guyanese, if any, did not pay attention to United States 2016 presidential elections.

If persons did not directly follow events, they would have been indirectly informed by others. One of the most memorable soundbites of the campaign was in First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention.

In apparent response to the verbal attacks President Barack Obama was facing, she told the world that the family’s coping mechanism is built around the motto: “When they go low, we go high.” This statement became an international hit and probably one of the most profound in defining acceptable political behaviour. The Obamas left the White House with the president’s job approval rating at 53 per cent, having won the 2012 election with 51 percent of the votes.

Thursday’s crass behaviour of the opposition in and outside of the Pegasus Hotel was by any standards the lowest of human behaviour. Video footage of presidential hopeful Irfaan Ali blocking the path of a minister’s vehicle and summoning his followers to “do as they please, since there was no government and no minister,” reveals the true nature of some of our leaders of today.

It can only be hoped that there would be appreciation for the fact that being an opposition leader or MP does not mean one has to be crass, disrespectful of the other, show no regard for authority, or engage in the abuse of authority and privilege. Were our children behaving in like manner as those MPs and supporters of the opposition they would have been punished, and deservedly so. In this media age, adults should remember that when they behave like rascals they are not only failing themselves, but their

children, family and society.

In the midst of the mob on Thursday was also a Pentecostal ‘Bishop’ Juan Edghill who no doubt must have read the scriptures which speak about obeying authorities and the general biblical guide of civility and good manners. The less-than-desirable behaviour from him not for the first time; one would recall his defiance of the Speaker’s order for him to take his seat and he was later suspended for misconduct. Being in opposition does not mean the party or its members have to oppose for the sake of opposing. Being in the government does not mean that the group or its members have to ignore the voice of the opposition. Being on either side of the House does not grant licence to be unbecoming.

When persons holding offices of esteem behave undignified, their decisions and actions impact children, including theirs, in deciphering right and wrong

behaviours. In this school or university of life, this creates confusion in the minds.

Some will emulate and others reject, setting in train clashes of influences, re-defining new ‘norms’ and ‘ethics,’ invariably contributing to lowering standards in society by making unacceptable behaviour, acceptable. Of concern too is the seeming or determined behaviour of being unable to separate ‘not liking’ the leaders to respecting their offices and right to discharge their responsibilities.

Public and influential office holders play very significant roles in society and it would help should they reflect on their importance and live up to society’s expectations of them. They are not only there to serve the public good, but to also be role models for others.

And where civility is losing its pre-eminence in society, our children suffer, given that they can only be what they learn, see and are exposed to.

GMSA apologises to President over PPP crass behaviour

Dear Editor,

IN respect of the above-mentioned topic, and with direct reference to your involvement as our guest speaker at the said event , our executive board wishes to express its sincerest apology to you for the distressing public display of bad manners exhibited, with the obvious intention of disrupting our luncheon.

Our association prides itself as a responsible member of the private sector with a mandate to interact with the government of the day, irrespective of party allegiance, in enhancing a necessary partnership towards the process of social and economic development.

We fully accept the concept of public protest within a democratic context, but cannot condone protestors using the confines of

private property to voice their concerns in such a boisterous and unruly manner.

The political opposition was informed that they would be invited to air their views at our next luncheon which is due shortly, hence we view their behaviour yesterday as an outright affront to our belief in fairness, impartiality and openness to all opinions in our society.

Excellency, we wish to thank you for

remaining steadfast in your intention to speak to the business community on relevant policies and strategies of your government, actual and proposed, and to assure you that your speech was well received by our audience.

Regards Clinton Williams President, GMSA

ERC urges swift resolution to political impasse THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has its genesis in the Herdmanston Accord which was signed on January 17, 1998 by the then President Mrs Janet Jagan of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and Mr Hugh Desmond Hoyte, then Leader of the Opposition and the People’s National Congress.

The ERC has a constitutional and national responsibility to promote cooperation, arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution between all bodies concerned in order to secure ethnic harmony and peace. The ERC’s integral role encompasses intervention to mitigate social tension derived from political impasse, which if unre-

solved, will impact negatively on ethnic harmony and peace.

Since the tabling of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018, the commission has not been unaware of the ensuing political impasse and how Guyanese have seemingly become more divided along political lines. Despite rulings at various levels of our judicial system, the impasse seems no closer to being resolved and, as is evident from some public utterances and through social media, tensions have unfortunately been exacerbated from all sides. The commission remains encouraged by the response and the peaceful conduct of recently held elections and wishes to once again commend all involved.

However, it would be remiss if the commission did not state how concerned it is over the ongoing political impasse.

The commission respects the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as safeguarded in the constitution. The ERC therefore urges patience as GECOM executes its mandate to arrive at a date for elections. In the interim, the social fabric of the society will undoubtedly be severely tested, more so along political lines. The ERC, not unaware of this challenge, urges the relevant authorities to work assiduously to have elections within the shortest possible time in keeping with the Constitution and the rule of law.

Guided by the history of the political

climate that engulfs our electoral process and period, the commission reiterates the need for a collective effort of all to place Guyana first and to ensure that hate speech, racial and other forms of incitement have no place in our public discourse. Despite our right to disagree, disagreement is not a reason for hostility and division.

The ERC therefore appeals to our people to remain calm and resolute and calls on our fellow Guyanese to embrace peaceful, harmonious and good relations in this testing period.

Regards Ethnic Relations Commission

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

GTUC calls on diplomatic community to join Guyanese in upholding rule of law not trampling same Dear Editor, THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) in the strongest possible term expresses concern about the out-of-order statement issued today by the United States, United Kingdom and European Union as to when an election can be held following the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) ruling on 18th June, 2019, that the 21st December 2018 no-confidence vote was validly passed. Nowhere in the Judgement handed down by the CCJ on 12th July, pertaining to the 18th June ruling, was the timeline set as September 18th. Nor did the 14th August ruling by acting Chief Justice (CJ) Roxane George-Wiltshire SC set a date as no later than September 18th.

In fact, when 18th September was proposed by the Opposition’s representative to the CCJ our own media -- Stabroek News on the 13th July -- noted the court “declined” the request (Refer to “CCJ dubs gov’t ‘caretaker’ but elections date a no-go”). Acting CJ on 14th August ruled the High Court cannot rule that elections must be held by September 18th 2019, which is a reiteration of the CCJ’s ruling. GTUC invites members of the identified diplomatic community to have an objective re-reading of these rulings.

It is erroneous to advise Guyanese and the world that “by surpassing September 18, the Government is currently in breach of the Constitution following its failure to adhere to the decisions of the Caribbean Court of

Justice (CCJ) on 18 June and its subsequent orders.” This view is not only unfortunate but erroneous, risking the consequence of impugning the erstwhile reputation of the CCJ and the esteemed justices who presided over the case. This is treading on dangerous waters. This nation must have an election consistent with Article 106(7) of the Guyana Constitution. Litigation by the parties on the validity of the no-confidence vote was not settled until June by Guyana’s court of last resort, the CCJ. Whether it could be argued that either or both parties used the court system as a delaying tactic is beside the point, for both have exercised the constitutional right to legal justice. This act must be heralded as a progressive step by Guyana to resolve differences in a lawful and orderly manner.

In the exercise of the right, the minimum timeframe within which an election could have been held, i.e. by 22nd March 2019, which is “within three months” was overtaken. This now kicks in the next proviso “or such longer period.” The realisation of this requires not only GECOM stating its readiness as to when an election could be held, but also activation of the said proviso of “by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the national assembly so determine....” Both the CCJ and acting CJ have ruled there must be compliance with the extant article.

President David Granger cannot issue a date for election outside of the National Assembly granting the authority to do so, since

the three months period has lapsed. Where the Guyana Elections Commission on Wednesday announced its timeline as to its readiness for General and Regional Elections, Government and Opposition must commence engagement not only on an election date, but also on matters of day-to-day governance. The GTUC is not unmindful of support/ solidarity with regard to governance as Guyanese navigate the new terrain (no-confidence era) what we reject, in the strongest possible terms, is support for violating the Constitution and Laws of Guyana and disrespecting the independence and rulings of our judicature. We expect the representative of these countries-notwithstanding their current internal political turmoil--to also respect us--notwithstanding ours -- to seek orderly and lawful means in resolving differences. Likewise, as citizens of their countries expect no less, Guyanese are no less deserving.

Further, the implied threat that the current situation “also hinders [the US, UK & EU] ability to support Guyana’s development needs” is most unfortunate given the premise upon which such position has been arrived at. Gut feeling, propaganda and/or influence-peddling that the election should be held

by September 18th without an act of the National Assembly or GECOM’s advising as to its readiness are not only reckless but unjust, coming from the Western world where ‘lesser’ countries such as ours have been socialised to look up to as the bastion of democracy. If these bodies must take a side it bodes well for

nationhood and worldwide comity for such to be consistent with the Rule of Law. The Rule of Law must prevail in the West equally as it must in this small resource-rich South American nation called Guyana. Both the interim/caretaker President and interim/ caretaker Leader of the Opposition must engage on a way forward, including returning to the National Assembly and putting systems in place how government will function in this period until an election is held and a new government is elected, or the incumbent re-elected.

The leader of the opposition forms part of the executive as per the Constitution (Chapter X). Ipso facto, if the government has caretaker/interim status, likewise is the status of the said office and its holder; good sense must prevail. Any political and constitutional act, inaction or uncertainty they must be held to account in equal measure. We must hold the feet of both to the fire to give meaning to Article 106, which the court upheld.

The GTUC invites our Western partners to join with the workers of Guyana in calling on both Government and Opposition to respect the ruling of the judiciary and the Constitution as expressed. Guyana and Guyanese now more than ever need this type of solidarity, for interest on rights and the Rule of Law we would like to think are not mutually exclusive, but intertwined .

Regards Guyana Trades Union Congress

CGID rejects statements by Western diplomats

Dear Editor,

THE Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) rejects the statement by the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union that Guyana’s APNU+AFC coalition government is in breach of the Guyana constitution, because elections were not held by September 18, 2019. This is an arbitrary date fixed by the political opposition PPP. It has no basis in law.

CGID condemns this blatant breach of Guyana’s sovereignty by the US, UK and EU, as well as deplores their nefarious interference in Guyana’s internal affairs. We also strongly denounce their apparent coordination with the opposition, which can potentially engender political instability and undermine our

democracy. This display of prejudice by the missions will diminish the respect and trust the Guyanese people repose in these foreign governments.

The assertion that the Government of Guyana is in breach of the constitution is false, irresponsible and baseless. CGID therefore challenges the missions to cite the authority they used as the basis for their misguided and provocative statement, which is contemptuous of the Guyanese people and political process.

It is grossly hypocritical for missions of the United States and the United Kingdom particularly, to presume to lecture the Guyana government and people about constitutional compliance when their individual governments are currently being challenged in court for violating their na-

tions’ constitutions. In fact, on September 11, 2019, the Scottish Appeal Court – the Inner House of the Court of Sessions-- ruled that suspension of the British Parliament by the British government is unconstitutional.

Such a matter demands the attention of the British Government and its representatives who now seek to collude and cast aspersions with respect to a matter that has been fully ventilated in Guyana’s highest courts. Thus, we urge these parties to get their own houses in order.

CGID reiterates that the matters in connection with the December 21, 2018 no-confidence motion were fully ventilated at the Guyana Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, as well the Caribbean Court of Justice. At no time has any court cited or sanctioned any constitutional violation by

the APNU+AFC coalition government.

Consequently, it is remarkable that these missions have seemingly embraced an invention of the political opposition.

Guyana’s political and electoral processes and national destiny shall be determined solely by the people of Guyana and not foreign governments. CGID therefore calls on the U.S., British and EU Missions to cease interfering in Guyana’s internal affairs; respect Guyana’s sovereignty and maintain neutrality with regard to Guyana’s politics.

Regards Rickford Burke Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

AMCHAM says supports diplomats’ statement Dear Editor, THE American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AMCHAM Guyana) supports the joint statement from the Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch; United Kingdom High Commissioner to Guyana,

H.E Greg Quinn and the European Union Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Ambassador Fernando Ponz Canto, in calling for the President of Guyana to immediately set an elections date in full compliance with Guyana’s constitution. The chamber notes that prolonged periods of uncertainty can have dire consequences

on business and investor confidence in Guyana, especially foreign investment.

Guyana’s reputable standing within the international community will be tested if democratic principles give way to partisan politics.

The chamber, therefore, calls upon the President to abide by the

Constitution of Guyana and the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to set an elections date immediately Regards American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AMCHAM Guyana)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Thursday’s performance at the Pegasus reminded me of the mongrels in my neighbour’s yard Dear Editor, I WAS present in Parliament, in 2017, when PPP MPs behaved in an extremely atrocious manner in an attempt to interfere with the address being made by His Excellency the President David Granger.

The President, stoic-like, majestically ignored the bleating and desk-thumping of these PPP rabble rousers. On Thursday we witnessed at the Pegasus, a replay of this unnecessary banality; the likes of Irfaan Ali, Kwame McCoy, Bishop (sic) Juan Edghill and others executed what I interpret to be the beating of war drums.

A manifestation similar to what these PPP leaders have been preaching in themselves throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

I cannot speak for the leader of the party and

President of the Co-operative Republic, but I can speak for myself and many others who are disgusted by the hype, propaganda and distortion of the facts, all designed to mislead and create mayhem.

The first President of the United States, George Washington, at Mount Vernon, said ‘to be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.’

Those of us who lived through the turbulent 60s and the recent 23 years of PPP rule would know of the horrors and folly of violence and disunity. Many of us have put aside our battle armour and dream for peace and prosperity. But if the PPP hierarchy feels that a return to the battlefield is an option, they must be reminded that they don’t and never had the capacity to wage a successful war campaign. Thursday’s

performance at the Pegasus reminded me of the mongrels in my neighbour’s yard in Charlestown who terrorised everyone by barking and jumping on the fences, but when faced with the canine warriors in our yard, soon retreated with their tails between their legs.

Guyanese of every generation want peace and they must now break their silence and condemn the PPP for this latest adventure. We seem unable to learn from human history. It is this month, in 1939, that with similar arrogance being displayed by the Freedom House ladies and gentlemen that, without thinking of the consequences, Adolph Hitler and the Nazis invaded Poland.

The disturbing efforts for peace and progress that triggered the disastrous European civil war, which emerged as World War II. They cannot

win, but the country will be the losers by another round of disunity, pain and dislocation. I write this because, many youngsters, may not have knowledge and memories of the Maginot lines along the East Coast. Machine guns in rice bags that haunted and hurt our country, compliments of the PPP. To the presidential candidate of the PPP and others, I say, let us work for peace and let’s talk as civilised people so that we can bequeath to our children and their children a country that is free, peaceful and prosperous.

That we can all enjoy prosperity that beckons as we continue the efforts being made after May 2015.

Regards Hamilton Green

That ugly sight at Pegasus and the diplomats’ statement Dear Editor, I WRITE today to comment on two issues, namely, the now infamous Pegasus Hotel protest and the unsolicited comments by the Western diplomats.

I do wish to comment on the Pegasus Hotel incident first. First and foremost, freedom of peaceful protest is one of the pillars of a democracy. No one should ever feel that their lives or limbs are at risk as a result of protestors; neither should the protestors feel that their lives or limbs are at risk while protesting. Having said that, I do need to highlight the fact that the protest at Pegasus was far from peaceful.

Mr Editor, Guyana should be going to the polls in the first quarter of 2020. I would wish it be an election based on issues and not race.

As a result, it is imperative during this period before elections, that we compare and contrast the two major parties with a view to providing the electorate with the tools required to make an informed choice when casting their ballots.

In the 1990s the PPP introduced tuition fees at UG. Students at UG, including myself started a peaceful protest. We were greeted by massive guns, batons and teargas. One of the

iconic pictures was an unarmed, bespectacled and bloodied Craig Sylvester on the front page of the dailies. Many more students were injured on campus. The then President Dr Cheddi Jagan was surprised at the force meted out to us and invited four representatives to State House to meet with him. Despite my welcome of Dr Jagan’s intervention, this use of excessive force occurred under his watch as leader of the PPP. My mind now goes to Linden. Too painful to say much. Three young men lost their lives.

Water cannon, big guns, teargas and batons greeted the protestors. Again under the PPP. The teenager who showed Jagdeo his middle finger was harassed and prosecuted. Again under the PPP. Attorney-at-Law James Bond’s entire body was perforated with rubber bullets for protesting. And they are many other examples.

Under this government the PPP has had many protests culminating in that ugly sight at Pegasus. What is remarkable is that they are all alive despite provocation by the protestors.

What is different? It is an APNU+AFC government. The government that respects the peoples’ right to peaceful protest. This is important to consider when casting your ballot.

I now turn to the UK and U.S. Ambassadors

infamous statement. Both Mr Quinn and Mrs. Lynch are guests of the Guyana government.

As guests of the government they are expected not to meddle in the internal affairs of the host.

That’s an international standard. Let’s say for the sake of argument that they have a right to meddle. The Bible states that one should take the lumber out of one’s eye before you take the spec out of the eye of another. I say this because both Britain and America have bigger issues than what Guyana is dealing with and President David Granger has not instructed any of his ambassadors to meddle. Let’s look at Mr Quinn’s country.

Shall we look at Mr Trump? Do you remember Mr Mueller? Sure you do. He investigated Mr Trump’s possible collusion with the Russians and many of Trump’s close allies were jailed. Mr Mueller concluded that Trump may have obstructed justice on multiple occasions, but Trump was not charged because the investigators abided by Department Of Justice opinion that a sitting president cannot stand trial. What about Mr Trump’s income tax that he is fighting tooth and nail to keep secret.

Have you heard of Sir Kim Darroch? No you have not. He was the British ambassador to

America. At least up until July of this year. Part of the responsibilities of ambassadors is to provide their native country an honest assessment of the host country. This is done via encrypted cables. As a result, Sir Kim did just that until a media outlet in the UK got hold of these cables and published them. Donald Trump saw them and was not happy that Sir Kim provided the British Government an honest assessment of his dysfunctional administration. He hurled a collection of undiplomatic and personal insults at Sir Kim and called our prime minister a fool among other insults. The result is that Sir Kim had to resign. Sir Kim was not meddling. He was merely doing his job of providing an honest but secretive assessment.

My point is that both Britain and America have a history of meddling in other countries’ internal affairs, but would become livid if it is to happen to them.

or Britain to await sanction from the UN Security Council. One simply needs to cast his/ her mind back to when Tony Blair (former UK Prime Minister) and George Bush (former U.S. President) invaded Iraq without the permission of the Security Council and have now left that entire region completely destabilised.

More than any other form of intervention, it is imperative that the diplomatic community continues to play an observer’s role to our internal politics. Issuing such a highly political declaration only serves to deepen the divisions in our country and further add to the very uncertainty which they claim is undermining our institutions and affecting the economy. If ABE wishes to comment on matters such as crime, health and security (as they well do), then it is justifiable, because such issues are in the national interest and largely agreed upon as opposed to being partisan or taking a particular side on a divisive matter.

If we allow a foreign power the prerogative to bark orders on our sovereign state by saying that we must “set an election immediately,” then where does it end? We will be dangerously setting the precedent for them to make a

declaration of any nature. Neither God nor any sovereign state’s constitution confers such a power on the USA, the EU or the UK. I say to the missions, that the manifest destiny is manifestly fiction. I refuse to allow some foreign power the ability to unilaterally make such declarations and impose on our sovereignty.

It is also important to note that ABE have violated the precious constitutional principle of judicial independence. It appears that they are only willing to respect this principle within their own countries. Judicial independence is the principle that the courts should not be subject to improper influence from other arms of the state or from private or partisan interests; by declaring that the government is unconstitutional ( i.e. sharing a partisan position on an internal political conflict), I fear that the ABE as part of the diplomatic community (a highly respected and influential body) have prejudiced the judges of our high court, who are currently considering a case brought by Anil Nandlall regarding the government’s position(to be heard on September 30th). Whether expressly or through an implicit bias, our judges will now be forced to consider the intervention of ABE

in their ruling.

Anil Nandlall taking his case to the court under the rule of law and in a spirit of a constitutional democracy is a prime example of how our institutions remain fully functional. This is contrary to the claim of the ABE that our institutions have been “undermined.” Unlike the United Kingdom who has failed to respect the democratic vote of the people of Britain to deliver Brexit for nearly three years now, our democracy is operational.

Our Parliament is open for business, unlike Westminster, which is currently prorogued with the improper purpose of avoiding parliamentary scrutiny to secure a ‘No Deal’ Brexit without the input of the people’s democratically elected representatives. Granny does always say, “Why watch the speck in yuh fren eye, when you got a log in your own?”

The bottom line is that regardless of whether it is A – B – C or E, they must all learn to respect the sovereignty of a real G.

Regards Dr Mark Devonish MBBS MSc Med. Ed MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

The general rule must be one of non-interference Dear Editor, REGARDLESS of your position on an early election, Guyanese must construct a united front against the gross intervention of the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Those of us who welcome the declaration of ABE (America, Britain & Europe) because it is well in our favour, must not allow our bias to blind us from what is truly a coercive intervention on our sovereignty and a blatant attempt to influence the outcome of an internal political conflict.

Consider for a moment if ABE had made a declaration that no elections should be held; that certainly would have angered those of you who now welcome their intervention. For this reason, the nature of their intervention, whether it is for or against elections, should not matter to Guyanese. The general rule must be one of NON-INTERFERENCE, unless the UN Security Council, for security or humanitarian reasons, collectively decides that intervention is necessary. Unfortunately, we know that historically it is not even characteristic of America

Yours faithfully, Othniel Lewis Citizen of Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Port Kaituma residents satisfied -- concerns addressed during gov't outreach

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE majority of residents from the Matarkai sub-region in Region One, who sought assistance from the government agencies that were present at the Port Kaituma Community Ground, left satisfied, after engaging ministers and officials present at the various booths, on Friday.

This edition of 'Government Comes to You' is the first in Region One and residents expressed appreciation to the government, for not only taking the initiative to the township of Mabaruma but to the sub-region district, saving them thousands of dollars in transportation.

A 'Government Comes to You' is expected to be rolled into Mabaruma within the next few weeks.

Residents journeyed from several villages in the sub-region such as Sebai, Arakaka, Baramita and Matthew's Ridge, among others, to Port Kaituma, to benefit from the mobile government initiative, which brings government services to the people, thus saving them the trouble of journeying to Georgetown. The government ministries and agencies that were present on Friday were the Ministry of the Presidency and its various departments including Department of Citizenry and Department of Sport; Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Social Protection and its departments including the Department of Labour and Department of Social Services; Ministry of Natural Resources; Ministry of Communities and its Central Housing and Planning Authority; the Guyana Revenue Authority; and the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, among others.

The ministers, who were present at the event include Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sidney Allicock; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix; Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Annette Ferguson; Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valarie Garrido-Lowe.

After the formal part of the event, where President David Granger gave the feature address, residents did

President David Granger presenting the cheque to Toshao of Sebai, Raymond James, to purchase an engine for the community's school boat

A senior officer of the Department of Citizenship presenting resident Madine Dolaveira with her son's birth certificate

Clarence Rodrigues presented with his wheelchair and transfer bench

not delay in getting to the respective booths of interest.

The Department of Citizenship booth however, was the most crowded. Scores of persons converged there in hopes to receive their birth certificates and to sort out other citizenry issues. These include Venezuelans.

Ministry of Citizenship, Winston Felix, did not disappoint and had in his possession, hundreds of birth certificates which he was able to present to the anxiously waiting residents.

HAPPY Madine Dolaveira was able to uplift her son's birth certificate and did so in sheer smiles. She said, "I am very happy to receive this

birth certificate within two weeks, it saved me from going to Georgetown. I saved a lot of money... I feel the rest of residents should be really proud and happy too because from Kaituma to Georgetown is very, very expensive and I'm very proud of the minister," she said.

Over at the social services booths, many young mothers were seen approaching the booth seeking public assistance for their children. These women shared genuine stories of why they needed the monthly financial backing and the courteous and willing staff, facilitated the process required for public assistance.

One of the mothers, who visited with her young baby,

President Granger ceremonially commissioning the ambulance to be used by the Port Kaituma Hospital

A section of the crowded Ministry of Citizenship booth

told this publication that her husband, who was a pork knocker, died six months ago and since then it has been hard on her. She could not even afford to journey to Georgetown to visit the ministry's office and now that the mobile office came to Port Kaituma, she could not have been more pleased.

The Social Protection's booth also made available its Trafficking in Person services, which is a sore issue in the Barima-Waini Region. Many residents were informed on how they can identify and assist TIP victims.

The Ministry of Public Health's booth not only focused on listening to people's concerns and providing solutions, but made available a wide range of medication and other medical equipment of which many residents stood in long queues to receive. In its effort to further change people's lives, the ministry donated wheel chairs and transfer benches to the incapacitated.

Clarence Rodrigues received a wheelchair and a transfer bench to assist him with his mobility. He was elated.

“I feel happy about it, because right now I don't have money to buy nothing.

I'm thankful for it. I thank

A mother being processed for public assistance by an official at the Department of Social Services

the government because I would be able to move, move around the house and do something for myself.”

Both of Rodrigues' legs were amputated in February of 2016, as a result of diabetes.

GENEROUS GESTURE While the outreach allowed for the residents to receive individual assistance, the wider community benefitted from a donation of an ambulance to the Government of Guyana by the International Import and Supplies Limited. Company representative, Crystal Rose, said the emergency medical service vehicle will be utilised by the Port Kaituma Hospital for the residents of the sub-region district.

“In the last four years, our company has executed several infrastructural projects within this region and as part of our mandate we fully embrace our corporate social responsibility. We recognise the need for an ambulance to assist the medical personnel in the region, in the continuation of sufficient healthcare and as such we are very happy to entrust this ambulance in your care,” she said. The ambulance was commissioned by President Granger and Minister Volda Lawrence. An ATV and boat

engine was also donated to the region's health sector by the government for its improvement in services.

For the education sector, President Granger donated a cheque to purchase a boat engine to the toshao of Sebai, Raymond James. The engine will serve a school boat that is currently being constructed for the students in the community. This is part of the President's Public Education Transportation Services.

In its entirety, the event was deemed a success.

Residents applauded the government for the initiative, which shows that it cares for citizens both in the hinterland and on the coastland. Lovern Peters, resident of Mattew's Ridge said, “We are very happy for this, as the President said, we are not bush, we matter because we thought they would have taken it to Mabaruma alone and to get there is money. But is right close to us. They even provided free transportation from Matthew's Ridge to Port Kaituma, for those who wanted to come across, this is history in this sub-region,” she said.

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‘You’re Number One’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

…President Granger promises massive transformation for Region One …talks up development in communities in last four years

By Vanessa Braithwaite "People call it Region Number One, but I call it the number one region.

It should be number one in mining, number one in agriculture, number one in eco-tourism, so this is my message to you today, do not believe that you are bush, do not believe that

you are in the backdam, believe that like every other Guyanese, you have a say in this great country," President David Granger told hujndreds at a government outreach in Port Kaituma in the Barima-Waini Region on Friday.

He asked the Barima-Waini residents to look around them and gain cog-

nisance of the developments happening in their communities within the last four years.

For the first time, Port Kaituma benefited from concrete roads and other infrastructural development, in addition to better services and the upgrading of the quality of amenities coming to their homes, such as clearer water.

These areas of development

Prime Minister, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones donate a quantity of sport gear to the Port Kaituma community

School children were on hand for the outreach

Several residents from all the villages across Region One attended the outreach

Another section of the gathering at the outreach

were only made possible through APNU-AFC Policy for Regional Development that was embarked on, with the formation of the four new towns in the hinterland district. The Barima-Waini

Region is now manned by the township of Mabaruma.

As a result of this, development is being trickled down in sub-region district and citizens from the outlying communities and villages are

also benefiting.

President Granger assured the residents that the oil wealth will propel extensive development in Region One, which will be on top of the list for massive transformation.

One of the sectors that will receive tremendous attention is the education sector, as the Head of State believes that the country is in safer hands with an educated population. The Coalition Government is preparing to launch the Decade of Development, which will commence in 2020 and education will be on the list of priorities.

"Education is the gateway to equality and this is one of our big priorities during this Decade of Development, when you are educated.... what matters is that you are a citizen, you have the knowledge and the skills and the talent to transform your lives and the lives of your family and also your country."

The coalition's plan to provide free university education to qualified students will also be realised in 2020, the President promised. In Region One, he said, schools will be upgraded and expanded, the Public Education Transportation Service will benefit more communities and other aspects of the Five Bs will be extended to the length and breadth of Barima-Waini.

Other developmental plans for the region, outlined

by President Granger, is the establishment of a radio station in Port Kaituma through the Public Broadcasting Service and the upgrading of the TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Lady Lois Ramphal, wife of Sir Shridath passes away The Government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana extend deepest condolences to Sir Shridath Ramphal on the passing of his beloved wife, Lady Lois Ramphal.

Lady Ramphal was a pillar of strength throughout their 70 years of marriage. Her constant companionship, unfailing support and keen interest undoubtedly contributed in

no small measure to the successful fulfillment of her husband’s pivotal role in national, regional and international endeavours.

The Government and people of Guyana express the hope that their many thoughts and prayers will sustain Sir Shridath, their children and grandchildren and the extended Ramphal family over this difficult period of their loss.

‘You’re Number ...

Port Kaituma airstrip. President Granger's address came after he received a hearty welcome into Port Kaituma. Scores of residents lined the streets in coalition colours, waving the Golden Arrow Head in the spirit of patriotism. Many held up placards welcoming him and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, to their community. While some PPP protesters attempted to disrupt the event with chants of the President being illegal, their voices were drowned by the screams and celebratory applause by those who packed the Community Ground in support of the event. After realising they were overpowered, the small group of protestors

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quickly left the venue.

Present at the event were several ministers of government and officials, who engaged residents at their respective booths as part of the mobile government initiative. These include Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix; Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Annette Ferguson; and Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott.

Parties roast ... protesters gathered while the President entered with other escorts through the building’s exit.

However, shortly after the President began his address, a group of PPP loyalists, led by PPP Members of Parliament, Juan Edghill and Nigel Dharamlall, stood up at a table at the back of the room to protest with placards disrupting the flow of the event. When high-ranking police officials arrived, including ‘A’ Division Commander, Marlon Chapman, the table of men and women sought to defend the disruption of the luncheon as a “right” because they were

a part of those who “paid to attend”.

Enough coaxing from the police to avoid public confrontation saw the rowdy group eventually leaving the room and the President continued his speech. The PNCR has called on the GMSA and its members to condemn the “act of clear and present danger by some of its members” and has urged businesses and citizens across Guyana to do the same.

Meanwhile, the LJP on Thursday, stated, “Lenox Shuman, Leader and Presidential Candidate of the Liberty Justice Party is ap-

pealing to the Guyanese nation for calm after witnessing the scenes outside of the GECOM office and the Pegasus Hotel today.”

FIGURING OUT THE BALANCE In contrast, following the protest, Jagdeo held a press conference to declare that the protests were “peaceful” and that he will call on his supporters to continue the protests until the President names a date for new elections.

On the other hand, many supporters of the government were displeased that the police force didn’t do

‘Somebody will ...

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to President Granger that he and his government are illegal and that he should call elections now.

FOLLOWING CONSTITUTION SCRUPULOUSLY President Granger told the residents that he has been following the Constitution scrupulously, for the last nine months and is in no way in breach of the law.

On the basis of a no-confidence motion, Article 106 (7) of the Constitution specifically states that the Government remains in office and the National Assembly may pass a resolution to extend the time for elections beyond the three-month period within which elections are required to be held.

“Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution, support-

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ed by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

The aforementioned Article is clear that there must be continuity in Government and there are no legal barriers restricting the Government from exercising its functions, the President said, pointing out that the President remains President until another President is sworn in In addition, Article 62 of the Constitution of Guyana states that “Elections shall be independently supervised by the Election [s] Commission in accordance with the provisions of Article 162.”

The Constitution of Guyana states unequivocally that GECOM is an independent, autonomous body responsible for the hosting of free, fair and credible elections.

The Constitution outlined that the Executive arm of

the Government cannot hold general and regional elections and the President must act on the advice of the independent agency, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

It was mere minutes before the PPP's unruly protest, that GECOM's Chairman Ret'd Justice Claudette Singh, advised President Granger that the Commission will be able to conduct credible elections by the end of February 2020.

President Granger said he has to discuss the matter with his Cabinet before pronouncing on a date. "I will discuss this with my Cabinet and I will respond to her, but we will have elections very soon and you will have to make a choice," he reiterated. The President insisted that he is not afraid of calling elections and would have held two Local Government Elections (LGE) since in office.

the police force and commend the police force for its tolerance yesterday but that does not mean a Presidential candidate [of the PPP] should really be in the face of the police and try to block vehicles. I think that was stretching the opportunity to protest too far,” he said.

Meanwhile the WPA and AFC stated they respect the rights to protest only “within the confines of the law”. The PNCR

has assured that the party will work to ensure that citizens are able to protest but that the President, ministers of government and citizens are protected during such acts. It has also called on citizens on social media platforms to be cautious of rising tensions through hateful and insightful comments amongst each other.

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more to prevent the PPP protesters from acting in the manner they did; however, Best explained considerations at hand. “We’re balancing between police action and citizen’s ability to protest. So, now that the police have allowed the citizens to protest unhindered it appears as though the Guyana Police Force did not act in a professional manner.

[But] the party would like to come down on the side of

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Need for maintenance work on the Berbice river bridge

MINISTER of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, in an interview on Friday, stated the government’s current position as it relates to the Maintenance works to be conducted on the Berbice River Bridge.

According to Patterson, although the ministry has allotted some $120 Million for the maintenance work to be completed on the bridge, the work is still at a stand still awaiting some further cooperation from the Berbice River Bridge Company Inc. (BRBCI).

He explained that while the maintenance work on the pontoons is somewhat complex, the ministry has suggested a system to ensure that the pontoons can be maintained in a way that would be well within the resources the BRBCI has at its disposal.

“There are 39 pontoons under the Berbice bridge and to replace a pontoon what you have to do is jack it up, jack up the bridge, put in a replacement pontoon, take out the defective one, carry it to a yard, weld it, service

it, bring it back and put in the original and take out the replacement and that is exactly what we have budgeted for because we can’t take off all 39 pontoons one time. We reckon that you can only do 6 per year and then obviously you do the other 6 the following year, until you get to all of them, that’s how it’s done at the harbour bridge. With the demerara harbour bridge you can’t do all in the same year so it’s a continuous approach, and that’s what we have advised the BRBCI,” said Patterson.

He further related that the BRBCI had made a public statement that it had a jackup barge and a replacement barge to aid in the maintenance process, but has since indicated that its jack-up Barge is currently inoperable.

Patterson further stated that the BRBCI has written to him to state that they have interpreted his statement to say the government will stand the entire cost relating to the servicing and repairs to the pontoons, which would now include the use of the demerara harbor bridge’s jack-up barge. He stated that the berbice river bridge had provided him with quotations on the cost for transporting the pontoons to be repaired and that the budget he had

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

made was calculated around the quotations provided.

He lastly went on to say that the pontoons have been in operation for over 12 years without being serviced and maintained and is adamant that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is making ev-

ery effort to ensure that the maintenance work is carried out in an expeditious manner, while utilizing the resources it has for this project. “….. but my records show that since 2006 those pontoons have been there and are yet to be serviced, so the short answer to the question is that it’s a continuous process just like the demerara harbor bridge.

You do 6 or if you can get 7 per year, until you finish all 39 and then you start the process all over again, because it is a continuous cycle, and we going to work to ensure we get it completed,” stated Patterson.

Top Cop says legislative changes necessary for piracy fight COMMISSIONER of Police Mr Leslie James, whilst testifying at the Commission of Inquiry into the deadly piracy attack which left several Guyanese fishermen dead in Suriname waters in 2018, noted that, while piracy is on the decline, as there were no reports for 2019, there is need for aerial surveillance coupled with "fit for the purpose vessels" to assist in effectively monitoring of fishers on the high seas.

Further, James, who also heads the Piracy Task Force, suggested that some amendment must be made to the various Acts, to make it compulsory for fishing vessels to have GPS tracking and communication devices.

"It was observed that fisher folk will have engines and parts exchanged... there must be some amendment (to the law), with the required penalty,” he emphasized in response to questions by the COI Secretary, Attorney at law, Darren Wade, at the Skeldon Estate Training Centre, Corentyne, where hearings are being held.

Responding to the question, 'what drives the act of piracy’, the Commissioner replied, 'It’s the catch, the engine… in most occasions the vessels will be found floating... all cases report missing engines. When fisher folk do better by getting a catch, there is jealously against another, which may result in conflict. There was a general observation that there was some level of conflict among parties on the high seas. The piracy attack is usually among people who

Crime Chief Michael Kingston

are known to each other, because they will call names.

They will resort to the use of masks. Masking suggest they are known...” he said.

“The whole fisher folk arrangement seems very ad hoc, to say the least. Notwithstanding there is the Fishery Act, which the fisher folk are required to conform to by way of licence…As chairman of the Piracy Committee, we should have some level of enforcement.... a multi-agency approach ...the single agency approach is not bearing fruit ...It needs to be enacted in the law and not just into practice," he said.

Meanwhile, Crime Chief, Michael Kingston, stated that three persons are being charged with the deadly piracy attack, but lamented the fact that following his visit to neighbouring Suriname, during April and May 2018, it took four to five days to ascertain the true identity of the slain fishermen as they were referred by their aliases and not their proper names.

"In addition to fishing vessels having adequate

equipment to sail back to shore in times of distress, there is need for fisher folk to report to a central authority before they leave for sea....”

Kingston stated Confirming that Guyana has a working relationship with its eastern neighbour, Kingston expressed concern about the timeframe utilised to garner basic information which could have been avoided if there was a logging arrangement.

Another witness, Gairy Baird, Head of the Legal and Inspectorate Unit, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture said, initially that there were 165 vessels at Number 66 fishing complex; however just 43 are licenced while at Number 43 complex there are 25 vessels with 10 being licenced to fish.

"There are many vessels which are not registered.... we plan an enforcement exercise...There are 14 persons in the department with four for licensing and registration, which are not sufficient,” said Baird.

The COI is being held as a result of an order made

by President David Granger.

The Commissioner is slated to conduct public hearings and present findings and recommendations, concerning the circumstances surrounding the violent criminal acts of the hijacking of Guyanese-owned motor vessels and the deaths of Guyanese nationals on or about April 27, 2018.

The pirates had attacked and chopped 20 Guyanese fishermen who were in four fishing vessels in Suriname waters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Minister Cummings to lead Guyana delegation to UNGA …Guyana to renew commitment to climate change goals Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings, is leading a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Secretary, the Honourable Carl B. Greenidge, to the General Debate of the seventy-fourth session of the United Nations General Assembly scheduled to be held at the organisation’s New York Headquarters during next week.

She will join Monarchs, Heads of State and Government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 193 United Nations Member States from 23 to 30 September as they focus on, among other areas, issues of climate change and the impact of global warming, engage in High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development (FfD) to unlock resources for implementation of sustainable development goals, and convene the first ever High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage to secure commitments from Governments to ensure that everyone has access to health care.

According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs release, Dr. Cummings is expected

to address the global body on Saturday 28 September under the theme of the General Debate, “Galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion.”

She will also deliver remarks at a number of forums, such as the High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage and meetings of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Guyana’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Nations, His Excellency Rudolph Michael Ten-Pow, has expressed that, “As Guyana stands poised for transformational changes with the emergence of its new oil and gas sector, our message throughout the week will be engagement with the international community in a multilateral effort to address the grave challenges it faces as well as respect for the institutions that underpin the international architecture established under the United Nations Charter for the maintenance of peace and security at the regional and

international levels.”

In that light, during the week, in their deliberations, the Guyanese delegation will place strong focus on education, health, financing for development, climate change and the environment, gender equality, and the empowerment of women. Additionally, they will participate in a number of high-level meetings convened by the Commonwealth, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), OIC, NAM, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to discuss and explore matters of common interest, and engage in bilateral encounters with countries from the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and South America and other friendly States.

Further, in keeping with the Green State Development Strategy, Guyana will be renewing its commitment at the Climate Action Summit to sustainably manage its forest cover as its national contribution to global efforts to combat the harmful effect of greenhouse gases.

The Government of Guyana views its participation in this session of United

AFC urges PPP to go back to parliament to extend life of government …says diplomats’ statement unfortunate THE Alliance For Change (AFC) said that the position of the U.S., UK and EU is unfortunate since the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in its consequential orders did not state that elections must be held on or before September, 18, 2019, but instead it must be held at the earliest opportunity once stakeholders are ready.

This is according to Leader of the AFC Khemraj Ramjattan during a press conference on Friday at the AFC Headquarters, Railway Embankment, Kitty.

“We respect the diplomats’ desire and right to express their opinion on the issue, we noted that Canada has stayed away from signing on, we also note that the opposition is utilising this joint statement to up the ante of protest,” Ramjattan said.

He said that the joint statement did not say anything about the coalition government being “illegal.”

“The U.S., UK and European Union will remain extremely cordial friends of the AFC and the coalition government,” he said.

Ramjattan said the only way to resolve the issue is

Leader of the AFC Khemraj Ramjattan

to “call elections as soon as possible,” and the AFC welcomes the GECOM Chair’s announcement that credible election can be delivered by the end of February, 2020.

“It will also welcome an announcement of President David Granger on a date for general and regional elections,” he said.

The party, he said, is of the view that all constitutional requirements have been adhered to by the President and Government of Guyana thus far. He called on the opposition PPP to ensure formal constitutionality and to support a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly as is required by article 106:7

to extend government’s life, since an election timeframe has been set.

“Government has always wanted an extension since the judgement by the CCJ, but we were constantly hearing the opposition leader saying that they would not want to do it; it is timely now in view of the fact that an election timeline has been set,” Ramjattan said.

AFC Treasurer Dominic Gaskin said now an election timeframe has been set, the opposition should support the extension of the government’s life. “Why would they not want to grant a parliamentary extension and risk the country being exposed to all sorts of interpretations as to the legality of the government and all of that? Why would any responsible political party knowing the circumstances, want to place our country in such an unfavourable position by not granting the extension based now on GECOM’s earliest possible elections date?” Gaskin querried.

Nations General Assembly as a demonstration of its unwavering commitment to effectively represent Guyana’s interest internationally in efforts to preserve national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to contribute to the economic and social development of Guyanese through the use of diplomacy.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Guyanese must not suffer discrimination -- oil companies must respect labour law, says foreign secretary

By Rabindra Rooplall OIL companies have to respect Guyanese laws and treat all workers in accordance with the law, but the Department of Labour has not attracted sufficient attention and their efforts to bring in line foreign companies have been unsatisfactory.

This is according to Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, on a programme titled ‘INSIGHT’ hosted Friday on VOG 102.5FM. Recently, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) General-Secretary, Lincoln Lewis, called on the government and Opposition People’s Progressive Party

(PPP) to get foreign oil and gas companies here to respect workers’ right to join a union.

Article 147 of the Constitution which deals with protection of freedom of assembly and association, Lewis said, must be respected.

The foreign secretary said the law, as it stands, if competently implemented, will allows for employers to “toe

the line” as regards to employment practices, non-discrimination and a variety of other mechanisms.

“We have had major multinationals such as Alcoa, and during its time, was one of the world’s largest enterprises, subsequently broken down into Alcan, Dember and Guymine,” he said.

Currently, Alcoa is an

Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge

American industrial corporation. It is the world's eighth largest producer of aluminum and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Greenidge said during this period in Guyana, work was done with these companies who followed the rules.

However, the foreign secretary said having companies operate out at sea and miles away from the City creates a challenge in physically monitoring what is going one, who is employed, when are they on or off the oil rig, among other dynamics.

He said standard operating practices must be acknowledged.

“Issues that are now arising out of the petroleum sector have arisen and have not been properly attended, it is a controversial view, but it’s my assessment and I have had the privilege of dealing with some of these problems before, we have had problems with bauxite companies; forestry companies and it therefore sometimes require condign action in order to have large companies toe the line,” the foreign secretary said.

COMPLICATED Underscoring that the problems in the petroleum sector are complicated, Greenidge said the Labour Department must now equip themselves to deal with new problems.

“You have now Exxon giving out contracts to Trinidadians, Exxon giving out contracts to US companies; contracts to Caribbean companies and these companies are choosing to operate their own methods,” he said.

In giving an example, Greenidge said there are some persons in New Amsterdam, Berbice who had worked in the petroleum sec-

tor overseas and who were contacted through Exxon and had written to the authorities noting significant discrimination.

“This discrimination is really surprising given that here is an independent state, you find that a worker who is non-Guyanese is given a longer contract than the Guyanese, the terms and conditions of pay are less favourable for the Guyanese and they have appealed to us and called on us to remedy this,” the foreign secretary said.

Usually, he said the Labour Department should visit Exxon but then the oil company would say they did not actually recruit anyone who complained and reviewing contracts is not possible since they did not issue such to those employees.

“I don’t believe, since any exchange with ExxonMobil, a great deal of progress has been made in respect of harnessing the sub-contractors, and the sub-contractors with a view of ensuring that they abide by the laws of Guyana,” he said.

These laws, he said, are usually avoided while operating on high seas and Guyanese who usually complain have unorthodox contracts which prohibit them from joining unions and disclosing emoluments.

“The laws of Guyana are very clear on these matters. The laws are very clear on the Exclusive Economic Zone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is currently in the process of coordinating work of the agencies in charge of implementing these laws, has reminded all the parties that the laws in question effectively convert the rigs and anything operating on the economic shelf, TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Three Miles Secondary emerges winner -- as first round of JOF Haynes Debating Competition gets underway

Participants of the first round of the JOF Haynes debating competition, with regional and education officials

THE 2019 Joseph Oscar Fitzclarence (JOF) Haynes Memorial Debating Competition was declared open at the Three Miles Secondary School, Bartica, Region Seven, on Thursday, and that school emerged winner in the opening debate.

Soon after the official opening, students from Santa Rosa Secondary School, Region One, matched skills against their counterparts from Three Miles Secondary School on the moot “Students’ attendance at school should be made optional”.

The Three Miles Secondary School proposed the moot while Santa Rosa opposed it. After the round of fierce competition and excellent delivery on both sides, the judge had a tough time tallying to declare the winner.

While the Three Miles team seemed to have been at the disadvantage with the structure of the moot and the stance they had to take, the speakers showed no sign of intimidation and raised some mind-changing points.

Their rebuttal and arguments presented saw them defeating Santa Rosa by just one point.

In addition to winning the round, Three Miles Secondary School also secured the Best Speaker prize.

Representing the host school were Shania Straker, Georgio Chanderbhan, Shakalia Murray and Lorez Holder (stand by). The visit-

sentative from SOL Guyana Inc., which is the corporate sponsor of the national event.

It was revealed that the sponsor has committed to

The packed auditorium of Three Miles Secondary pay rapt attention to the debate

ing team included Marianna Gonsalves, Twyla Torres, Shevon Joseph and Selina LaRose (stand by). Georgio Chanderbhan was adjudged the Best Debater.

Among those present at the launching ceremony and first round of the competition were Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford; Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall; Regional Education Officer for Region Seven, Akbar Chindu, who declared the competition open; other education officials and a repre-

making a monetary award to every team advancing to the next round of competition, right up to the final.

The JOF Haynes Memorial Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition is held annually.

The competition is used to celebrate the oratorical expertise of the late JOF Haynes, who in his day, was identified as the most brilliant and eminent lawyer of his generation. The competition is now in its 31th year.

Guyanese must not ... they have to abide by the law as if they are on the land, in other words, they have no special rights out there exempting them from Guyana’s laws,” the foreign secretary said.

He said all oil companies have to respect Guyana’s laws and treat all workers in accordance with the law and the agencies responsible for their enforcement will be called upon and encouraged to abide by their mandate.

“You can’t be afraid because it’s a foreign company, by the same token you are not supposed to be terrorising companies since there are laws, the government agencies must ensure that businesses and sub-contractors abide by the law,” Greenidge said.

He said this is currently a work in progress because of the novelty of the economic zones.

“If ExxonMobil can’t

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do it in the UK or Papua New Guinea or Trinidad and Tobago or because the law prohibits it, then they must not do it here, in other words, Guyanese workers and citizens have rights, and they have to be respected,” the foreign secretary said.

He added: “You cannot discriminate against Guyanese in a territory that is Guyanese and where laws of Guyana govern them.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Scenes from the Government outreach in

Port Kaituma

President David Granger President David Granger greets students of Port Kaituma

Public Health Minister, Hon. Volda Lawrence makes a donation of a brand new wheelchair at the outreach

Left to right - President David Granger; Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally; Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence; Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Hon. Annette Ferguson

PM Moses Nagamootoo greets residents at the outreach

A resident interacts with Ministers of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock and Hon. Valerie Garrido-Lowe

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

‘PPP thuggery condemned’ …GMSA apologises to President, former mayor, NCW broadside party

By Lisa Hamilton FACED with much public backlash, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), on Friday, apologised to President David Granger for the disruptive behaviour of supporters and associates of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) at the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday, where he was the guest speaker at the GMSA’s annual business luncheon. “…with direct reference to your involvement as our guest speaker at the said event, our Executive Board wishes to express its sincerest apology to you for the distressing public display of bad manners exhibited, with the obvious intention of disrupting our Luncheon…we fully accept the concept of public protest within a democratic context, but cannot condone protestors using the confines of private property to voice their concerns in such a boisterous and unruly manner,” the association stated in release on Friday.

From outside of the hotel where PPP protesters were threatening to overturn the vehicle of a government minister with her inside, PPP Members of Parliament Juan Edghill and Nigel Dharamlall had led a group of protesters into the building to disrupt the business of the President. Several private sector representatives, who paid to attend the business luncheon, questioned the group’s inability to separate business from politics and were heard saying, “This is not a political event…why are they doing this?”

EXHIBITION OF LAWLESSNESS Meanwhile, joining the condemnation is National Congress of Women (NCW) – the women’s arm of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), who has labelled the behaviour as “an exhibition of lawlessness, disrespect, discourtesy and crudeness by people who want to run a country”. Earlier

on Friday the Ministry of the Presidency had condemned in the strongest terms the “hooliganism and thuggery” displayed by members and supporters of the PPP both in and out of the hotel.

“The lawlessness exhibited is not akin to a democratic political protest, but rather was a display of gross disrespect for the President, his Office, the government and the occasion that was being held at the time. Peaceful and civilised protest action is common in any democracy, but it becomes a sign of worry when a Presidential Candidate and a former President, who is a constitutional office holder, seek to incite violence against the sitting Head of State and ministers of the government, during the execution of their official duties,” the ministry stated, adding: “Holding the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, hostage in her vehicle for over half an hour and blocking the smooth ingress of Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson, all while hurling threating and foul remarks, are entirely unacceptable and should also be condemned by all right-thinking Guyanese. The President assures all Guyanese that every lawful measure will be taken to guarantee the safety of ministers of government and to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country. The opposition’s undemocratic behaviour and its continuous threats to peace and stability, has no place in this society and will not be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, the NCW stated on Friday: “Our President, His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, an officer and gentleman, watched the madding crowd calmly, as they displayed their hooliganism. The contrast between those fit to rule and those clearly unfit could not be more evident…in our view, the behavior of the PPP/C and its leaders could only be classified as puerile and comical at a forum where important matters were to be discussed.”

Some of the Executives of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) (Stabroek News photo)

Former Mayor Hamilton Green

THREATS TO PEACE, STABILITY The Ministry of the Presidency has cautioned that the actions – especially outside the hotel – still being justified by the leader of the opposition as “a peaceful protest” are, in true, threats to peace and stability. Prior to protesters voicing intentions to “turn over de vehicle” of Minister Cummings who was attempting to enter the venue, Ali had bolstered up his supporters shouting “there is no ministers” as they replied “I recognise no title! And no President!” slamming their hands outside the vehicle.

Even before the senior members of the PPP, Gail Teixeira, Edghill and Dharamlall deemed the protest a “civil right” on Friday afternoon, a the release from the Ministry of the Presidency had established that it brings no question to the same indicating “peaceful and civilised

PPP Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill, leads the protest inside the Pegasus Hotel during the GMSA’s business luncheon

protest action is common in any democracy”.

EXTREMELY ATROCIOUS Meanwhile, Former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, likened the behavior during the protest action as “extremely atrocious”.

“Yesterday (Thursday), we witnessed at the Pegasus, a replay of this unnecessary banality. The likes of Irfaan Ali, Kwame McCoy, Bishop (sic) Juan Edgehill and others executed what I interpret to be, the beating of war-drums,” he stated in a letter to the press on Friday.

“Thursday’s performance at the Pegasus, reminded me of the mongrels in my neighbour’s yard in Charlestown who terrorised everyone by barking and jumping on the fences but when faced with the canine warriors in our yard, soon retreated with their tails between their legs… the

President, stoic-like, majestically ignored the bleating and desk-thumping of these PPP rabble rousers.”

His “stoic-like” remark is in reference to the posture taken by President Granger when Edghill and his colleagues sought to disrupt the business function. He stood, one arm leaned on the podium with his leg crossed waiting patiently for them to quiet down as high-ranking police officials verbally coaxed and convinced them to take their protests outside.

The GMSA stated in its apology that it prides itself as a responsible member of the Private Sector with a mandate to interact with the government of the day – irrespective of party allegiance – in enhancing a necessary partnership towards the process of social and economic development. “The political opposition was informed that they would be invited to air their

views at our next Luncheon which is due shortly hence we view their behaviour yesterday as an outright affront to our belief in fairness, impartiality and openness to all opinions in our society,” the association said, adding: “Excellency, we wish to thank you for remaining steadfast in your intention to speak to the business community on relevant policies and strategies of your government, actual and proposed, and to assure you that your speech was well received by our audience.”

Even so, the President has reminded he is committed to holding credible elections in the earliest time possible, in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution and based on the guidance given by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Successful T.I.P workshop held A TOTAL of 132 women were trafficked for sexual exploitation during the first six months of 2019, according to Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan - Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons

(T.I.P) Minister Ramjattan on Friday, September 20, 2019, presented an overview of human trafficking (in Guyana) while delivering his opening remarks at the Supreme Court of Judicature and Judicial Education Insti-

tute- Guyana (JEI) workshop for T.I.P. The workshop was held at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street and saw the attendance of the Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Acting Chief Justice, Roxane

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

George; and Chief Magistrate among other Judges, Magistrates and other legal officers of the court.

According to Ramjattan, between January 2019, and June 2019, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) T.I.P Unit investigated 18 suspected cases of human trafficking and managed to rescue 132 victims, who were all females.

The Minister added that most of the women rescued were below the age of 30 and were from Venezuela, but were trafficked to Region 4 for sexual exploitation.

Against this background, in 2018, the Police TIP Unit investigated 32 suspected cases of human trafficking and managed to rescue 245 victims, who were all females. For ages, 55 % were below the age of 26 while 45% were above that age.

A total of 57 suspects were arrested for T.I.P, and 17 persons were charged for T.I.P. Minister Ramjattan disclosed that most of the victims were Venezuelans and were trafficked to Region 4 for sexual exploitation.

However, in 2017 the Police TIP Unit investigated 14 suspected cases of human trafficking and managed to rescue 50 victims, 21 being minors. The traffickers prayed on victims between the ages of 12 and18 years.

For gender 86% were female and 14% were males.

A total of 52 suspects were arrested for T.I.P which led to three convictions.

Minister Ramjattan disclosed that the majority of the victims came from Caribbean countries such as Haiti while the others came from Regions 1, 7, 8.

The victims were trafficked to Region 1, 4 and 7 for sexual exploitation.

According to Minister Ramjattan, as economic and political crisis fortunes in neighbouring Venezuela hit rock bottom, large numbers

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

of migrants from that country continue to cross over the border into Guyana, seeking greener pastures which caused a large increase in the number of trafficking victims from Venezuela “A lot of us felt that this is not happening in Guyana, It is happening and it is largely from some very smart businessmen who are doing these things,” Minister Ramjattan said as he referred to the T.I.P statistics.

The Minister explained that the “big fishes” have a large network of “small underlings” and the T.I.P task force was trying its best to catch them.

“We have to try our best to cut the profit out of the trade,” the minister said as he stressed on the importance of the surveillance of the location where the victims are trafficked, the investigation of the matter which will lead to the arrest and successful prosecution in the cases.

Come next year, Minister Ramjattan said, Action Plan 2020, the four Ps – Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership will be rolled out to reduce and halt the modern-day slavery that is T.I.P. Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, gave an overview of the combatting of the T.I.P Act 2005 with the guidelines for sentencing and related criminal offences.

The Acting Chancellor lectured on the act governing T.I.P, unlawfully withholding a person’s identification card and transporting and harbouring a person for T.I.P. She made reference to Chapter 3 which states that under a summary conviction that a person can be sentenced to three to four years imprisonment, subjected to forfeiture of property and also be ordered to pay full restitution to the victim.

However, the Acting Chancellor added, under a

conviction on indictment the person can be sentenced to no less than five years’ imprisonment or to life imprisonment along with forfeiture of property and restitution to the victim.

In the case involving a trafficked person, who did not attain the age of 18 years, five years may be added to the sentence. Additionally, if the convicted person commits a sexual assault against a trafficked person, five years may be added to the sentence.

Additionally, she explained Section 4 which governs the unlawful withholding of identification papers.

“Any person who for the purpose of trafficking in persons, and acting or purporting to act as another person's employer, manager, supervisor, contractor, employment agent, or solicitor of clients such as a pimp, knowingly procures, destroys, conceals, removes, confiscates, or possesses any passport, immigration document, or other government identification document, whether actual or purported, belonging to another person commits an offence and shall on summary conviction be fined one million dollars together with imprisonment for not more than five years.” Justice Cummings-Edwards said.

In Section 6 of the act which speaks of restitution where a defendant is convicted of T.I.P under this Act, the court shall order the defendant to pay money to the victim.

Restitution shall compensate the victim for costs of medical and psychological treatment; costs of physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation; costs of necessary transportation, temporary housing, and childcare; lost income; attorney's fees and other costs such as victim advocate fees; compensation for TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

No arrest yet Autopsy reveals in female taxi US-based chef driver murder was murdered -- friend remains in police custody

Indira Bipat

ALMOST four months after the death of female taxi driver, Indira Bipat, whose body was found in a clump of bushes at Lust-en-Rust, West Bank Demerara, the police are yet to make an arrest.

Senior Police Detective on Friday, September 20, 2019, told the Guyana Chronicle the Bipat’s murder investigation was still open and was on-going.

Bipat, 47, who died as a result of strangulation, compounded by blunt trauma to the head, on May 19, 2019, was said to be seen leaving her home after receiving a phone call.

The Toyota Axio motorcar, PXX 4114, with which she plied her trade and had purchased just six months prior to the incident is still missing Her son, Derrick Samaroo, had told this newspaper that his mother left home saying she was going out for about an hour or so, but never returned.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that while he could not say what might have led to her demise, he had the presence of mind to report her missing at the Vreeden-Hoop and La Grange Police Stations, after she did not return home after work.

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company has handed over Bipat’s telephone records to the police.

AN autopsy on US-based Guyanese, Andre Gordon, whose body was found in his Kitty, Georgetown apartment last Sunday morning, revealed that he was manually strangled.

The nude body of Gordon, 52, was discovered on the kitchen floor of the apartment. A 51-year-old friend of the slain US-based chef is in custody assisting with investigations.

Reports indicate that the friend related to police that he did indeed visit Gordon’s home but never entered, since he called out for Gordon but received no answer.

The police arrested the friend after obtaining CCTV footage in the area.

Another friend discovered Gordon’s body on the kitchen floor at 09:30 hrs on Sunday and contact was made with the police.

Security camera footage also showed Gordon and a woman, believed to be a foreign national, entering the same residence last week Friday night. The woman was seen leaving alone on Saturday morning.

Valuables were carted off from the premises. There was no sign of forced entry to the house, but a sliding door and grill door were unlocked.

Gordon reportedly arrived in Guyana on September 9 to train some local chefs and was supposed to return home last Tuesday.

Gordon worked as a chef at Four Seasons Vegetarian Restaurant on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.

Successful T.I.P ...

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emotional distress, pain and suffering; and any other losses suffered by the victim.

The State Department of the United States in its 2019 report pointed out that the Government of Guyana fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and remained at Tier 1 for demonstrating “serious and sustained efforts” in combating the issue.

According to the report, the APNU+AFC government maintained law enforcement efforts during the reporting period and to this end, the report reminded that Combating Trafficking of Persons Act of 2005 criminalized sex trafficking and labour trafficking and prescribed penalties of three years to life imprisonment.

It was noted that such penalties were sufficiently stringent during the reporting period and, with respect to sex trafficking, commensurate with those prescribed

for other serious crimes, such as rape.

It said that the Ministry of Social Protection was the lead agency responsible for coordinating trafficking efforts, overseeing the Anti-Trafficking Unit (ATU), and participating on the government’s Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons.

It said that traffickers exploit victims in forced labour in the mining, agriculture, and forestry sectors, as well as in domestic service and shops.

While both sex trafficking and forced labor occur in interior mining communities, the limited government presence in the country’s interior renders the full extent of trafficking unknown, the report said.

The report stated that the APNU+AFC government provided $3.5M (US$16,280) for the first time in direct financial assistance to victims

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who chose not to stay in a shelter. It noted that victims could receive shelter, food, training, and psychological therapy The APNU+AFC government has been working to combat TIP with the focus being placed on enacting the law to curb the practice.

Guyana fell off the watch list for TIP back in 2016. In 2017 it moved up to Tier One and the country has since mounted numerous efforts to improve its rating in this area.

A few months ago, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan had sentenced a businesswoman to 15 years’ imprisonment for trafficking two Venezuelan women for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Her sentencing was given by the courts in accordance with the Trafficking in Persons Act, a clear move that the law is taking its course here.

No arrest yet in Albouystown businesswoman’s murder IT has been four long months since bandits attacked popular Albouystown businesswoman, Nalinie Persaud, called ‘Nalo’ at her James Street residence. The police are yet to make an arrest.

Senior Police Detective on Friday, September 20, 2019, told the Guyana Chronicle the Persaud’s murder investigation was still open and was on-going.

Police said that on May 2, 2019, two of the bandits, who were armed with handguns, had attacked the 44-year-old woman and when they escaped, the

DEAD Nalinie Persaud called ‘Nalo’

businesswoman’s lifeless body was discovered with a rope, which was used to strangle her, tied around her neck.

Police confirmed that cash and jewellery were carted off

by the bandits who ransacked the premises. They gained entry by removing a board from the northern wall of the lower flat of the house.

The victim’s husband was assaulted and taken out of the bedroom into the lower flat of the premises, which housed a grocery shop, where he was bound to a chair and ducttaped.

An autopsy conducted on the body of the businesswoman revealed that she died due to compression to the neck and blunt trauma to the head.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

COURTS Pee Wee Football commences today THE 2019 edition of the COURTS Pee Wee Football tournament commences today at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue with 12 matches.

In the opening games of the day from 13:00hrs Timehri will play St Ambrose while on pitch two, St Agnes will battle Beterver-

wagting.

From 13:50hrs Uitvlugt face Ann’s Grove while Soesdyke take on F.E. Pollard.

Mocha and Tucville clash from 14:40hrs and South Riumveldt and Gen-

esis compete on pitch two, with St Pius and Mae’s meeting at 15:30hrs along with West Ruimveldt against Craig.

At 16:20hrs Marian Academy will oppose St Margaret’s on pitch one,

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday September 21, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALLBourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 2256158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

Nigel Duguid (Guyana)

(2)

Barbados Tridents

Today’s Quiz:

(1)

Who has scored most runs for Trinbago Knight Riders without hitting a half-century?

(2)

Who struck the 200th six of CPL 2019?

AMERICAN RACING TIPS Belmont Race 1 Gorgeous Charli Race 2 Fusi Race 3 En Wye Cee Race 4 Eagerly Race 5 Talent Scout Race 6 Aasr Race 7 Elle M’A Souri Race 8 Significant Form Race 9 Super Silver CANADIAN RACING TIPS Woodbine Race 1 Four Knights Race 2 A Song For Artie Race 3 Silent Contempt Race 4 Bossy Madam Race 5 Google It Race 6 Dad’s Missy Race 7 Owlette Race 8 English Illusion Race 9 Special Relativity ENGLISH RACING TIPS Newbury 08:10 hrs Cherokee Trail 08:45 hrs Dakota Gold 09:20 hrs Desert Encounter 09:55 hrs Pierre Lapin 10:30 hrs Forest Of Dean 11:05 hrs Raaeq 11:40 hrs Fantastic Blue 12:15 hrs Song Of The Isles

AYR 08:25 hrs Atheeb 09:00 hrs Kynren 09:40 hrs Al;karaama 10:15 hrs Orlaith 10:50 hrs Buffer Zone 11:25 hrs Another Touch 11:55 hrs Wahoo 12:30 hrs Shamad NEWMARKET 09:10 hrs Wasaayef 09:45 hrs Chatam House 10:55 hrs Land Of Oz 11:30 hrs Geranium 12:35 hrs Firmdecisions IRISH RACING TIPS Gowan Park 08:35 hrs New York Girl 09:05 hrs Arthur’s Kingdom 09:35 hrs Mia Maria 10:05 hrs Heir Of Excitement 10:40 hrs Russiin Vine 11:15 hrs Credenza 11:50 hrs Pasley 12:25 hrs Patrick Sarsfield South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:20 hrs Queen Supreme 08:55 hrs My Dream Chaser 09:30 hrs Shenanigans 10:05 hrs Before The Dawn 10:40 hrs Black Ferrari 11:20 hrs Succession

while Enterprise will take on Smith Memorial on pitch two.

St Stephen’s and J.E. Burnham will be in action, with North Ruimveldt challenging Redeemer also from 17:10hrs.

Silica Sands golf tourney on today SILICA Sands, a long-time supporter of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), will host its third annual golf tournament today, starting at 12:30hrs.

The one-day tournament is being held in recognition of the remarkable academic achievements of Kayshav and Shreveda, son and daughter of Pandit Haresh Tiwari, owner of Silica Sands.

With the Guyana Cup Open teeing off in a little over a month, LGC has set out to host some seven tournaments prior to its October 26 Open.

The tournament features Best Gross and Best Net along with first and second places in Categories A, B and C. The tournament usually attracts a full field, and this is anticipated as players warm up for the Suriname Open, set for October 4-6.

At the simple handing-over ceremony, the young Tiwaris expressed their support for the game and stated how much they and their dad enjoy the sport.

This year Shreveda, a psychology first year student joins her brother as they pursue their respective degrees of advanced studies.

Defending Guyana Open nine-time champion Avinash Persaud will demonstrate his skills, along with top contenders Guillermo Escarraga, Mahesh Shivraj, Patrick Prasad, Mike Mangal, William Walker, Pur Persaud, Richard Hanif, Max Persaud and Aleem Hussain. Female champions Joann Deo and Shanella London are also expected to be in action.

Silica Sands is a local company created 16 years ago by Tiwari. The company has a private wharf, mining areas, and the complete logistic facilities to export sand from Guyana to the world market.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Hosts Japan win Rugby World Cup opener

(BBC) - WING Kotaro Matsushima scored a hat-trick as hosts Japan got their World Cup campaign under way with a 30-10 victory against Russia.

Russia took an early lead through wing Kirill Golosnitskiy, but Matsushima replied for the hosts.

He grabbed his second to put Japan ahead just before halftime and Pieter Labuschagne broke away to add another after the break.

Matsushima then ran through to claim a four-try bonus point for his side.

Japan, in Pool A with Scotland, Ireland and Samoa, are aiming to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said before the tournament that “rugby mania” was going to captivate the nation and Japan’s comeback in front of a vociferous crowd gave the tournament an early boost.

In Shibuya, home to Tokyo’s famous crossing, there is only an occasional sign

that a World Cup is taking place just an hour away.

But travelling to the stadium, the train filled with more and more Japan shirts while every metro stop and the nearest station to the venue was awash with red and white.

Once inside the near 50 000 capacity venue, supporters watched an opening ceremony like no other in rugby - reflecting the World Cup’s first visit to Asia - and cheered it on enthusiastically at every stage.

In 2015, Japan were the first team in history to win three World Cup games and miss out on the quarterfinals and coach Jamie Joseph has made it clear that their objective is to make it out of the pool stages this time around.

But they will be competing with Ireland, Scotland and Samoa for one of the top two spots in Pool A to achieve that goal and there will be no room for any more nervous starts.

Labuschagne extended Japan’s lead early in the second half.

Hamilton, Verstappen lead Singapore practice (BBC) - MERCEDES driver Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen were in a league of their own in second practice at the Singapore Grand Prix. Hamilton set the pace, 0.184 seconds ahead of Verstappen.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was third, 0.818 secs off.

Valtteri Bottas in fourth was 1.121 secs off team-mate Hamilton.

Red Bull’s Alexander Albon was fifth, 0.986 secs slower than Verstappen, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in sixth.

The Ferrari drivers both had compromised runs when they were simulating qualifying on the ‘soft’ tyres, but the Italian cars look a long way off the form they showed when Leclerc won the last two races in Belgium and Italy.

The Ferrari’s lack of grip in the corners is proving a major handicap around the twists and turns of the Marina Bay circuit.

Four-time world champion Vettel made the latest in a series of mistakes in the last

race in Italy, and faced questions about his performance on his arrival in Singapore.

He admitted it was “not great, but not a disaster” but there is a perception that he could do with a good weekend to get his season back on track, especially as he has been in Leclerc’s shadow for most of the past seven races.

On the evidence of yesterday, the race looks to be a fight between Mercedes and Ferrari, and Hamilton and Verstappen left their team-mates for dust.

Both men were in excellent form, and they did their lap times in very different fashion Verstappen was 0.2 secs quicker in the first sector, while Hamilton made back all that and more in the final sector, a quick-fire succession of 90-degree corners.

Bottas, who crashed in first practice at one of those final-sector corners - Turn 19 - was struggling.

And so was Albon, as he found his feet on his first experience of Marina Bay and in just his third race with Red Bull.

Max Verstappen during free practice two

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

GCF to host eight-round Gaico Grand Prix chess from today THE Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will host a Fide-rated Eight-Round Swiss tournament from today at the National Resource Centre in Woodford Avenue, Georgetown.

The Gaico-sponsored event would be the first of four Grand Prix competitions this year by the new executive.

Chess players will be battling to earn points. A tally of the points will then determine one of the possible five players, who will travel to Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, for the 2020 Olympiad, billed for next August.

The first Grand Prix will be completed this month, with the first three rounds set for this weekend.

After today’s 13:00hrs start, the players will return tomorrow to battle from 09:00hrs, with the second round fixed for 15:00hrs.

According to Tournament Director Rashad Hussain several persons have registered for the event.

Late registration today prior to the start would also be accepted for an additional $200.

The 90-minute plus 30-second increments had adults pay a small fee of $500, while Under-20 players had registered for free up to Thursday’s deadline.

After this weekend, round four is scheduled to continue next Wednesday, before the last four rounds are played next weekend.

Chess players will battle over five days.

Swan register thrilling victory to bowl off Heritage Games softball competition –– Region One, Campbelltown and Laluni record tapeball wins

THE 2019 Heritage Sports softball and tapeball cricket competitions bowled off yesterday with several entertaining clashes by both male (tapeball) and female (softball) teams at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Swan, situated off the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, were able to register an exciting opening three-wicket softball win against Region Two Combined, while Region 10 and Region Three teams also claimed victories.

Meanwhile, the tapeball battle proved entertaining with Region One, Campbelltown (Region 8) and defending champions Laluni advancing.

SOFTBALL BATTLE Swan won the toss and opted to field.

They had the Region Two Combined team on the back foot early, with Shelini Hoosain delivering with the ball.

A slight recovery from the middle order, which included 13 runs from M. Singh, 19 (2X4s) from Jenissa Austin and 16 from Unisa Williams (16 3X4s) pushed the batting side to 80-9 before the overs expired.

Hoosain and Mona Adrian did the damage with the ball after grabbing three wickets each.

In reply, four wickets from R. Allen and above par fielding by her teammates

brought Region Two back into the game, but knocks by Hoosain (18 2X4s) and Temica Wilson (15 1X4, 1X6) towards the end propelled Swan to victory in the last over.

Meanwhile Region 10 females registered a two-wicket win against Region Five.

Region Five batted first and scored 76-4 from their allotted 10 overs while Region 10 replied with 77-8 from 8.2 overs.

In the other female clash, Region Three claimed an eight-wicket victory. Region Six batted first and were routed for 55-6 before Region Three reached the target (56-2) in 5.3 overs.

In the male tapeball competition, Region One batted first and scored 74-4 from their 10 overs, while Sandhills were restricted to 59-5 in reply.

Campbelltown also claimed a victory when they battled Region Five Jaguars.

The Jaguars batted first and scored 48-8, while Campbelltown replied with 49-2 from 6.2 overs.

In another clash, defending champions Laluni claimed a six-wicket win against Region Two. Region Two batted first and reached 89-6, but Laluni replied with 91-4.

The tapeball and softball competitions are set to continue today at the same venue.

Mona Adrian (left) and Shelini Hoosain bowled well for Swan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 21, 2019

Kamarang and Kako register opening wins in Heritage football REGION Seven teams Kamarang Tunnel Tigers (females) and Kako (males) registered contrasting wins to kick off the 2019 Heritage Games football competition yesterday morning at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

Kako needled Lake Mainstay 1-0, while the Tunnel Tigers gained revenge over a Region Eight Combine with a 4-0 victory.

In the male clash, 19-year-old striker Artherley Elliman converted right in front of the uprights in the 79th minute of play to seal

the victory.

In the female clash, the Tunnel Tigers, who were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Region Eight last year, were able to out muscle, out run and outperform their rivals during the game.

This year, the Region Eight side came with a number of new faces and their lack of practice together and conditioning under a sweltering sun undermined their chances.

The scoreline could have been by a wider margin if Region Eight’s keeper Sharmella Clement had not held her own

Zorina Alli (partially blocked by a teammate) delivers a right-foot shot just outside the box, which passes the outstretched hands of Region Eight’s keeper Sharmella Clement. in goal. Zulika McNaughton, who showed some nice touches up

There was a large turnout of supporters for Friday’s Heritage games front, had four of her shots blocked in the second half. The damage however, was already done, as the Region Seven female team had scored three of their four goals in the first half.

Right-winger Patsy Walker converted the opener in the 17th min-

Artherley Elliman scored Kako’s lone goal.

ute, before McNaughton via an Ellenixa Martin cross, made it 2-0 three minutes later.

Zorina Alli then made it 3-0 in the 27th minute of play via another Martin pass, which left her alone with the keeper.

Martin who did a good job in the forward posi-

tion was able to set up substitute Simone Willie, who converted well from outside of the box in the 55th minute.

The football competition, the highpoint of Heritage Games, will continue with knockout games until the finals tomorrow night.

Cricket action on Friday’s Heritage games 2019

Kamarang and Kako register opening wins in Heritage football see story on page 31

The Region Eight Combined players (light green) could not control their opponents.

Courts Pee Wee action gets going today at the Ministry of Education ground.

COURTS Pee Wee Football commences today see story on page 28

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019