Guyana Chronicle E -paper 4-28-2019

28th April, 2019

‘We’ll win the next elections’ No.105621

–– President tells PNC/R General Council –– details achievements of coalition since taking office 03 PAGE

No more 09 blackouts Hosororo hydropower PAGE

US remains a 05 friend of Guyana PAGE

–– Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

project for June commissioning 12 PAGE

–– gov’t comissions 5.4 MW power plant in Essequibo

–– another 1.5MW to be added in near future

Technician at the Anna Regina Power Plant, Cynteena Mcleanan stands in front of the generator set commissioned at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two on Saturday (DPI photo)

US$50M written off

by Kuwait to fund social projects 02 PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 28, 2019

Crime, corruption decline under coalition government – PNCR chairperson CRIME and corruption in Guyana have been on the decline for the past four years, chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence, said as she lauded the work of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

PNCR forms a major part of the APNU. On Saturday, when it hosted its first General Council Meeting for 2019 at the party’s headquarters, Congress Place, Sophia, Lawrence, in the presence of leader of the PNCR, President David Granger, said the government has made major strides in addressing crime and corruption – two social ills that had ravaged the country under the past People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government.

“We have worked effectively for the past four years to reduce crime and corruption. In this period, extra-judicial killings have vanished, the sale of illegal drugs is

being addressed; health care, education and social services have significantly improved and we have dealt congenially with the public. We have been honest, reliable and efficient and have willingly worked the long hours needed to advance the economy, develop and move the country forward and improve the lives of the masses,” she said.

Last January, Guyana was listed by Transparency International as one of 20 countries that have significantly improved its rating in the fight against corruption in the past seven years.

“In the last seven years, only 20 countries significantly improved their CPI scores. These include Estonia, Senegal, Guyana and Côte D’Ivoire,” the 2018 Corruption Perception Index report stated. Guyana now stands with a score of 37 and is ranked at 93 out of the 180 countries.

Last year Guyana scored 38 points and was ranked at 91, while in 2017

PNCR Chairman Volda Lawrence it scored 34. In 2015 when the coalition government took office, Guyana was ranked at 119 with a score of 29 while in 2014, 2013 and 2012 it scored 30, 27 and 28 respectively, which placed it in the category of corrupt countries.

SPREAD THE WORD Lawrence called on all the party leaders and groups to inform their con-

stituents of the progress of the government, the value of its policies and their positive impact on the various communities across the country.

The PNCR chairman, who chaired the General Council, reminded the council that within days of President Granger’s return from Cuba, he addressed the nation and reiterated the government’s respect for the Constitution.

“The Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is the country’s supreme law… your government is committed to upholding the Constitution unreservedly,” Lawrence said as she quoted President Granger.

That statement, she pointed out, was followed by the resignation of Members of Parliament (MPs) with dual citizenship; the reassignment of four ministers and the announcement four new Members of Parliament.

The chairman congrat-

PNCR General Secretary Amna Ally ulated the new MPs and thanked the former Ministers for their service to Guyana.

“Comrades, we must not forget their many significant contributions and hard work provided as ministers of the David Granger government.

We do thank them and look forward to working with them, be it in other areas,” she told those seated in Congress Place.

In her report to the Gen-

eral Council, Party General Secretary (GS), Amna Ally brought the council up-to-date on the state of the party and the work of the party’s secretariat over the last quarter. She noted that the period under review was a very active one for the PNCR and reminded members that the year ahead was going to be extremely active as the Party prepares for the General and Regional Elections. The general secretary assured the council that the party was ready for elections at any time.

General Secretary of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Joseph Harmon, briefed the General Council on the coalition’s preparations for the upcoming General and Regional Elections. Harmon warned that these elections were not going to be a ‘cake-walk’ and urged members to continue mobilising and organising at the group, district and regional level to ensure victory.

US$50M written off by Kuwait to fund social projects THE US$50.7M debt settlement between Kuwait and Guyana will be used to fund social projects and solidify bilateral relations between the two countries.

The bilateral Debt Settlement Agreement was signed by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, on March 18, 2019, with the State of Kuwait, through the Kuwait Investment Authority, to cancel US$50.7M of Guyana’s debt to that country.

According to the agreement, obtained recently by this publication, the principal amount owed is US$9,940,500 of which US$8,000,000 is to be repaid in equal annual installments over four years beginning in May 2019. The residual sum of US$1.940, 500 will be paid under a debt swap agreement.

“The total interest outstanding is US$67,652,240.90, of which 75 per cent or US$50,739,255.67 would be used for development of social projects, with the remaining 25 per cent treated, in part, by way of a debt swap arrangement and the balance repaid in cash under Article 2.6,” Article 2.5 of the agreement read.

The subsequent article, article 2.6, detailed that of that 25 per cent, US$12,180,838.48 would be covered in the debt swap arrangement while

the remaining US$4,732,246.74 would be repaid in cash over five years at an interest rate of one per cent, effective from May 2024, subsequent to the repayment of the principal amount of US$8M. The agreement, which came after an ardent negotiation process, paves the way for greater co-operation and the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, had said that the debt settlement came about as a result of renewed efforts by his ministry to engage Guyana’s non-Paris Club bilateral creditors in negotiating debt relief that is acceptable and sustainable.

Guyana’s debt to Kuwait originated from a Loan Deposit, contracted in 1975, from the Central Bank of Kuwait for Kuwaiti Dinars 3M (US$10.3 million at that time), for balance of payments support to the Bank of Guyana. The debt accumulated massive arrears over the past four (4) decades, at high market interest rates.

As at December 31, 2017, the debt to Kuwait had grown to US$77,592,840.90, comprising principal arrears of US$9,940,500 and interest arrears of US$67,652,340.90.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

'We'll win the next elections'

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-- President tells PNC/R General Council

-- details achievements of coalition since taking office THE A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition will win the next General and Regional Elections, President David Granger declared, stating that his government’s track record will act in its favour.

Delivering the keynote address at the Peoples’ National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) General Council Meeting at Congress Place on Saturday, President Granger, the party leader, said the PNC/R, a major player in the coalition, remains a vibrant force.

“We are strong, the PNC is strong and the Coalition (APNU+AFC) will win the elections!” he said as he looks ahead to General and Regional Elections.

The party leader outlined six vices and six virtues of campaigning and warned against fragmentation, racialisation, stigmatisation, ignorance, indolence and arrogance.

Referring to racialisation, President Granger said that the PNC/R has always been and is still a multi-racial party. He said that racialisation had damaged the political fabric of the country. “The programme of the PNC is a programme for all

Leader of the PNC/R and President of Guyana, David Granger

Peoples’ National Congress Reform (PNC/R) General Council Meeting at Congress

Guyanese wherever they are.

Race must not be used as an electoral factor,” the PNC/R leader said Reminding the PNC/R of its strength, President Granger said the party remains strong in and out of season, noting that since December 21, 2018, the Coalition Government has adhered to and acted in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana. “We have respected the legislative branch… we have respected the judicial branch. The executive branch has continued to function.” Granger said, while adding that “there is no such thing in the Constitution as a ‘care-taker’ government, there is the government and government continues to function.”

Before the Court of Ap-

peal declared that the Vote of No-Confidence was invalid, the Opposition had called for the government to act as a care-taker of the country until elections, but the government had remained resolute in its position that the No-Confidence Motion was invalid and the Constitution does not cater for a care-taker government.

Last Friday, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland reaffirmed that government remains in power without any limitation. He noted that the Caribbean Court of Justice, having been approached, will make a final determination on the validity of the vote of No-Confidence and will give directives on the way forward.

TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGES President Granger said since the APNU+AFC coalition took office in May, 2015, there have been transformational changes in the infrastructure, education, health, agriculture and local government sectors, among other sectors. With first oil months away, the oil and gas sector has been taking shape.

Looking ahead, President Granger said ‘There is no need for people to be poor in Guyana; there is no need for people to be hungry.”

The leader said that his vision for Guyana post-2020 is for it to be a country where there are better education, fuller employment, greater equality, greater empowerment – through local governance, better infrastructure

and public utilities, better health care delivery and infrastructure and public services delivered to all regions.

Over the past four years, Local Government Elections (LGE) were held twice under the coalition government while four new capital towns were declared following major infrastructural developments in those areas. The increase in salaries, wages and pensions, the drilling of wells in the Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo Region, the supply of potable water to communities previously deprived, and the construction of a new East Bank Berbice road are among the accomplishments of the APNU+AFC Government.

Additionally, buses, boats and bicycles were provided to enable students to get to and from school while the regional broadcasting system was developed, resulting in new radio stations in Bartica, Lethem, Aishalton, Oreal-

la, Mahdia and Mabaruma.

The government has also been actively decentralising public services by setting up Information Communication and Technology (ICT) hubs and the Guyana Youth Corp.

President Granger said: “We (the coalition has) improved the quality of life for the bulk of our population.”

President Granger also used the opportunity to thank members for their prayers and support over the past six months.

Reports for the last quarter were presented to General Council by representatives of the National Congress of Women (NCW), Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM), Georgetown District of the PNC/R and the 10 administrative regions.

The General Council is the second highest decision-making forum of the PNC/R and meets once every quarter.

Youths using art to influence positive change

By Vishani Ragobeer YOUNG people from Guyana and Canada are joining hands and tapping the arts to spotlight social-justice issues in Guyana, in an attempt to chart a positive path for fellow youths to follow.

In recent times, there were a few threats of violence and cyber-bullying in local academic institutions that drew national attention.

At the height of these events, was the unfortunate shooting of ‘Nations’ Principal, Dr Brian O’Toole, following violent threats made to the school.

“To be honest, the incident has galvanised the school because what we’re

trying to do now is move on the dialogue from moaning and complaining, which is what we wallow in, in Guyana; and now what we’re doing is developing this Youth Can Move the World programme,” Dr O’Toole told the Guyana Chronicle in a recent interview.

“It’s not just giving big lectures to people because everyone is fed up of that. Instead, this looks to art, music and drama to communicate these messages,” he said further, while nothing that about 20 students of the ‘Nations’ Sixth Form college have joined with nine students from the Nancy Campbell Academy in Canada.

This programme was started almost two decades

Principal of ‘Nations,’ Dr Brian O’Toole (right); Principal of Nancy Campbell, Gordon Naylor (second left), alongside teacher at Nancy Campbell, Roya Sadeghi (left); ‘Nations’ student, Steffie Sinclair (third left); Nancy Campbell student, Rovin Agahzadeh (third right) and ‘Nations’ representative, Louisa Mancey

ago, and targeted youths in all 10 administrative regions.

In more recent times, students of the ‘Nations’ Sixth

Form have made community service an integral part of their academic experience, and then, they collaborated

with Nancy Campbell to use the arts to spotlight social-justice issues in various communities in Guyana.

“It’s to really start a conversation on important social-justice issues,” Principal of Nancy Campbell, Gordon Naylor shared.

He also indicated: “We use arts-training workshops as a means of addressing social-justice issues. Whatever the youth are thinking that the issue is, we put it into a dance/ drama thing and when they [the students] perform, those youth would in turn go and have conversations on those matters.”

This, he said, has been a mechanism of social transformation that the young people of Nancy Campbell

have found to be effective.

Furthermore, this project involves young people becoming “animators” and sharing what they know with other young people, which create a positive domino effect of social change.

“It’s a different model of development… It’s not just a handout project,” Naylor posited.

Through this programme, the students find ways of dancing and dramatising issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, cyber-bullying, inter alia.

“I think it’s the most effective way of having people talk about these issues... It’s really hard TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

Youths using art to influence ... because nobody ever talks about it, so when we do dances it always touches their hearts,” accompanying teacher of the academy, Roya Sadeghi shared.

According to her, the performances not only show that young people are willing to engage in these otherwise uncomfortable conversations, but it also illustrates the potential of the young people who are willing to learn and make differences in their home community.

GREAT POTENTIAL “The response from the students really shows the power, the thought and wisdom of the youth and how much potential they have to make a difference in their communities,” she said.

At ‘Nations,’ one student who ‘sticks out’ in this programme is Khalika Felix, a sixth former. Evidently passionate about the programme, she shared that every Saturday the older students would engage with the younger students in a way that fosters a mentorship system of some sort- that aims to build positive relationships.

As part of the engagements, the group will be going to paint the walls at the Convalescent Home, just as a small way of giving back to their community and fostering that added sense of camaraderie.

Member of the ‘Nation’s’ Student Council, Steffie Sinclair, was another who is intent on using the programme to make a difference in her

◄ From page 3

Principals Dr Brian O’Toole, Gordon Naylor and students of the Nancy Campbell Academy meet with Canada’s High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee

school, and the wider community.

“I feel these are issues that are not just present in ‘Nations,’ but are in other schools and instead of waiting for them to be another outburst, or [for] there to be another incident, we should try to do more preventative measures instead of trying to cure something,” she said.

“For me, it’s more about helping my fellow students and paving the way for stu-

dents to come, so that they don’t feel alone or that they have to start from scratch.”

“This whole idea of the empowerment of the youth is that they are very capable and they are very wise, and I think the adult community has to move to the side to guide,” Naylor also said.

And on the Nancy Campbell side, student Rovin Agahzadeh noted that the aim for them is that when they leave Guyana, the conversa-

tion on social justice would be kept going.

“The main takeaway that we want from these trips is that once we leave here is that it’s not done, but it continues to happen… that people here can be dependent and take care of themselves,” he said.

Dr. O’Toole also noted that the support for the programme has been overwhelming, including that received from Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George

Norton.

On Sunday at 15:00hrs, the school will have a meeting with the students, parents and other stakeholders to chart just how the programme will unfold over the coming months and possibly, years. It is expected that new ideas and innovative solutions will arise, as the students will actually show what it is that they are setting out to do.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

US ambassador reaffirms commitment to partnering with Guyana THE United States has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Guyana with a view to helping the country realise its potential both at home and in the Region and enhance good governance, transparency and accountability.

New US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, gave the assurance at a welcome reception which was hosted at her Cummings Lodge residence on Friday

afternoon.

The ambassador, who assumed the post seven weeks ago, said too, the US will continue to partner with Guyana on the security front. On this note, the US envoy made mention of a US-Guyana security collaboration that made history last week. The two countries had worked together on a highly-successful extradition of alleged murderer, Troy Thomas, the first extradition to the US in

well over a decade.

Among the distinguished audience were her husband, Kevin; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and wife, Sita Nagamootoo; Attorney General, Basil Williams and other government ministers; Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Deputy Chief of Mission, Terry Steers-Gonzalez; Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; representatives of US Ambassador Lynch greets Prime Minister Nagamootoo as her husband Kevin looks on

A section of the guests at Ambassador Lynch’s reception party

non-governmental organisations (NGOs); members of the US business community; young entrepreneurs of `Brand Youth’; US Embassy staffers and other invited guests.

According to Ambassador Lynch, while she has met with almost everyone who was present at the function, she said she realised that there is still much more that she needs to learn about the

“land of many waters.”

She evoked much laughter as she recalled being in the National Park over the Easter weekend and “learned about flying a kite,” adding, “I must thank the children in Georgetown for holding back their laughter as I attempted to follow their instructions in all that is involved with this critical diplomatic skill – a lot is in the wrist action, as it turns out!” She promised

to do much better next year.

Ambassador Lynch spoke too, of participating in another of this country’s cultural festivities, Phagwah, and “proudly wearing pink streaks in my hair” for a very long time, until the Indian High Commissioner, Venkatachalam Mahalingam and Mrs. Mahalingam, “very kindly, and diplomatically” offered their assistance in TURN TO PAGE

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Bandits terrorise East Canje family

A DOMESTIC worker jumped through a window and onto a shed before scaling a nearby fence to raise an alarm after bandits attacked her employer at 08:50hrs on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred at Andrew Singh’s Grocery at Lot 21, East Canfield, Canje, Berbice, when three armed bandits pounced on the shop owner’s wife and three grandchildren. One of the bandits posed as a customer.

Speaking to the reporters, the woman Yoshindra Singh related that a customer came to the shop and asked for 10 lbs of chicken feed and as she was preparing to weigh the feed, the person asked for a bottle of water.

As she turned towards the

freezer for the water, she felt someone behind her.

The woman, who was hoarse from screaming, recalled as she turned to see who it was, but she was pushed to the ground. It was then she realised that the person behind her was the person who pretended to be a customer. He tied a piece of cloth to cover his face.

“He ask where all the money and gold deh and same time wan next one come in and start tumble up the shop,” a still traumatised Singh related.

While this was happening, a third bandit was outside keeping watch on the three grandchildren who were in a hammock. He subsequently tried to gain entry to the family’s car but it was

any headway and had limited time, decided to question the grandchildren and threaten to shoot them if they did not tell them where the money is. Fearing for their lives, the children pointed to a bucket in the shop where money and phone cards are kept.

The men carted away over $120,000 in cash and

The business place that was robbed by bandits on Saturday morning

locked.

The men in the shop, unsatisfied with what they have collected, dragged Singh to the upper flat of the house and demanded more money and gold, but she told them she did not have any.

A female domestic worker, who saw the men, jumped through a window and onto a shed and then over a fence, into a neighbour’s yard where she raised an alarm.

The men, after realising that they were not making

approximately $35,000 in phone cards from the bucket and another $60,000 from the apron of Singh, who was still lying on the floor before making good their escape.

When police arrived, they were nowhere to be seen. Police have launched an investigation into the matter.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

A good life for our children THE issue of exploitation of children is one which is obviously of great concern to the APNU+AFC administration. This fact is not surprising, given President David Granger’s observation that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. As such, His Excellency has repeatedly emphasised that young Guyanese must be given every opportunity to succeed.

They must have access to education, be given opportunities to satisfying and gainful employment, and, ultimately, have the chance to live rewarding, productive, and happy lives. Unfortunately, though, too many of Guyana’s children are being robbed of their childhood because of poverty, cultural issues, or other matters; too many Guyanese children are forced into the labour market.

The APNU+AFC administration has, to its credit, taken a stand to end the practice; the coalition has, admirably, vowed to ensure that children have the opportunity to enjoy childhood.

Child labour is the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially or morally harmful to the child. Child

Labour is against international law.

Additionally, almost every country worldwide prohibits children from having to work. That fact is a result of the universal recognition that children are entitled to enjoy their childhood. They have a right to have the opportunity to obtain an education, engage in play, and otherwise do the things that children do; they should not be forced to work in order to get a meal or have shelter.

Child labour is a major problem.

In developing countries; about one quarter of all children are forced to work. That alarming statistic is even more pronounced in some of the world’s poorest countries, where some half of the children must work in order to get a meal in the day or shelter for the night. Clearly, this is an unacceptable reality, and we must work, at all levels, to put an end to it.

Guyana is one of the developing countries that are plagued by the problem. According to a United Nations children’s Fund (UNICEF) 2016 report, the total child labour prevalence in Guyana for children 5 to 7 years old is 18.3 per cent.

Fortuitously, though, since June 2015 when the APNU+AFC coalition was elected to office, Guyana has had a government that is com-

mitted to facilitating and fostering the conditions for all Guyanese, including children, to enjoy a ‘good life.’ Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr. Keith Scott, makes clear that the Government of Guyana has a zero-tolerance policy pertaining to any form of child exploitation.

Minister Scott said that, children in Guyana are experiencing some of the worst forms of child labour based upon the need for survival for not only themselves, but also for their families. The minister said that the Government of Guyana, in its pursuit to eradicate child labour by 2025, has implemented a policy that will note the enacting of various relevant laws. Adults who prey on the vulnerabilities of children are the ones who cause this problem.

The policy was developed with the thought of youth and youth empowerment in mind.

Minister Scott elaborated that the objective of the policy is to provide the nation with skilled youths in a wide variety of disciplines, which will allow them to take their rightful places in our economic ventures.

The minister said too, that additionally, the policy seeks to address the most vulnerable areas that are affected by child labour in terms

of not just child-victims, but also adult-perpetrators. He explained that child labour often occurs because of poverty, lack of compulsory education, and the repression of workers’ rights. Therefore, in order to combat this ill, a multifaceted approach is required to effectively address the causes of the issue. Obviously, child labour may result in a myriad of social deficits.

Children are exposed to accidents and injuries at the workplace; sexual abuse and exploitation of girls is also prevalent among child workers; this can often result in many economic and social issues.

The sexual exploitation of young girls due to child labour often causes unplanned pregnancies, risky abortions, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), alcoholism and other social problems.

Further, the lack of schooling for many of these young children that are subjected to unjust labour perpetuates poverty and dependency. The ministry’s policy, in hopes of eradicating child labour by 2025, is anticipating a reduction in the many issues that are often brought on with the ill.

The minister conveyed that the policy implemented is one that will assess and combat the issue of child labour. The policy is expected to

target the employment of children younger than the age of compulsory school completion. Families will also be targeted in the ministry’s policy to eliminate child labour by 2025.

Government is taking the matter seriously. Just yesterday, April 27, the administration launched Guyana’s National Policy on Child Labour and National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). The intertwined policies were announced at the Marriott Hotel and the initiatives will push Guyana towards the elimination of child labour and will promote and improve the quality of life and safety of all workers.

Guyana’s government has committed itself to the elimination of child labour by 2025, in accordance with target 8.7 of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All Guyanese will certainly agree that children deserve the opportunity to enjoy their childhood. They too, are entitled to a good life.

They must be given the chance to become educated, so that they can have fulfilling lives. They must be allowed to simply be children. As adults, we are obligated to ensuring that our children are happy.

The President knows best Dear Editor, IT is said, there is really no bad situation or should I say, it depends on how that situation is viewed and looked at from different vantage points.

The President's illness and the now famous no-confidence motion in itself have provided many opportunities and chances for the His Excellency, government representatives and supporters

of both the coalition and the PPP/C party to do some serious introspection and evaluations in many respects.

His Excellency, when he was faced with this medical condition and having to rest, recover, think about his own mortality, his legacy as arguably the most honourable and decent president to sit at the highest level of leadership, was afforded the rarest of opportunities, to evaluate the people/comrades around him and the team of ministers,

members of parliament and all representatives of government hence local, regional, national and the various ministries and departments to help him build a new Guyana.

The question is, has he done so?

I want to strongly believe he has and the most recent changes are indications of that; and I want to believe more will come in the nearest future. The President is a master chess player and he

knows what he is doing.

Mr. Editor, some may want to disagree with me and they are welcome to do so, but the now famous no-confidence motion was a blessing in disguise. What the plotters and schemers of this motion expected, did not happen as planned.

This NC motion has literally awoken the government and its supporters.

Some of our leaders who were asleep at the wheel are now awake, those who were

invisible are now visible.

Supporters of the government who were bitterly complaining have seen the nature of the beast the "PPP/C" and the lengths they would go to acquire power, no matter the cost, no matter the consequences. This no-confidence motion has awakened a consciousness in our support base. All who were saying they are not going and vote are now saying "we cannot allow this "wicked PPP" to get back into power.

Those who believed the government were only the President, ministers and MPS now have a different understanding.

Those chief executive officers, board of directors, regional executive officers, general managers, all who were deserving of a promotion and got it under this government, must understand they have a solemn duty and responsibility to help support TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

PPP distances self from Datadin's 'frivolous' CCJ application Dear Editor ON Friday (26th April, 2019), the Kaieteur News at page 30, under the caption “CCJ dismisses application to block sitting of Nat’l Assembly,” the following passage constituted the opening paragraphs of the article: “The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) yesterday dismissed applications by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram and former Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud to block today’s sitting of the National Assembly.

“The application, filed

by Attorneys Anil Nandlall and Sanjeev Datadin, sought an order of the Court to block the parliamentary sitting until the outcome of the appeals before the CCJ on the no-confidence matter.”

Bharrat Jagdeo and his Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall, neither filed nor associated themselves with the application, which is the subject of the said article.

Yours faithfully, Mohabir Anil Nandlall MP, Attorney-at-Law

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The President ...

this President and his government from local, regional and the executive to achieve a new Guyana, where all can have a good life in a safe, clean and progressive land.

Mr. Editor, the supporters of the PPP/C have also benefitted from this betrayal motion. They have seen how the legacy of Cheddi Jagan and his party is being destroyed at every press conference by the leader of the opposition. Those supporters of the PPP/C in Guyana and the diaspora now know its Jadgeo's way or no way. He plotted to get who he wanted as the presidential candidate despite the majority of their party’s supporters wishes.

He is not the presidential candidate, but he is the one on a press parade, he is on a weekly campaign for attention to remain relevant like his partner Charandass Persaud, who with his Facebook postings attracts a few likes and comments.

The opposition leader continually makes his pres-

idential candidate lesser and more irrelevant by hugging all the media space. Why is he hiding his choice of a presidential candidate?

The PPP/C supporters know that the Granger administration is one for all Guyanese. Development is happening in all communities local, regional, urban and rural, irrespective of who they voted for. I am persuaded that many who voted for the PPP in 2015 will support this coalition at the polls whenever it is called.

I maintain, Guyana under the David Granger-led coalition government is better equipped to continue serving this nation for the benefit of all Guyanese.

We must never allow ourselves to forget that most evil, wicked and corrupt PPP administration.

Forward ever, backward never Jermaine Figueira Member of Parliament Region 10

Occupational health and safety crucial to transforming Guyana Dear Editor, WORLD Safety Day on April 28, 2019, provides a useful reminder for Guyana to re-examine its occupational, health and safety (OHS) needs and chart a course for building a national agenda. This agenda must set the tone for all industries, including oil companies, to maintain an effective OHS programme. In my previous article, Safety Culture in an Oil and Gas Economy-What’s at Stake? (Guyana Chronicle, March 17, 2019), I stated the value of a positive safety culture in creating a safe environment and driving productivity upwards. In this article, I will delve a little bit more into the critical OHS elements that would support the transformation of Guyana’s overall development.

The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) promotion of World Safety Day in 2019 gives focus to OHS under the theme, "Safety and Health at the heart of the Future of Work: Building on 100 years of experience." As such, Guyana's observance of this milestone presents a timely opportunity for government , as well as various stakeholders in Guyana’s business and labour environment to promote safety and health as a core value across all existing settings.

It’s also an opportunity to give focus to strengthening the national OHS framework to address possible risks, likely concerns and needs surrounding a rapidly emerging oil-and-gas economy and other spill-off occupations. This means taking into account the implementation of health and safety standards that will shape this new environment into a 'safety-first culture'.

RECOGNISE SAFETY RISKS Recent statistical reports on Guyana state that of the 560 work-related employee incidents that occurred in 2018, a total of 22 resulted in fatalities. In a culture of safety, every work-related injury, illness, and fatality is one too many. Every occurrence must immediately trigger a professional investigation aimed at: 1) identifying root causes; and 2) recommending measures to eliminate or proactively control safety hazards and risks that can result in a recurrence of similar incidents. Without a proactive approach to reducing risks and implementing safety controls alongside Guyana's anticipated industrial growth, there is a potential for OHS incidents to increase.

This reinforces the point that

risk-recognition is a critical part of the OHS programme at a national and organisational level. Aside from recognising these risks, the importance of managing risk factors and building engagements for transforming human behaviours for a positive safety culture cannot be over-emphasised or taken for granted. To effectively achieve this, it will be necessary to commit to the investment of resources, and time to build and institutionalise a culture of safety across the nation. Proper risk management calls for a structured approach based on an understanding of the unfolding economy and its impact on safety and health. For example, we can expect that as Guyana’s economy continues to experience growth, there will be advances in various technological applications.

While such advances will bring welcomed efficiency and modernisation, these will also come with new forms of safety and health risks that would require the application of robust oversight measures.

BUILD AWARENESS In an emerging oil-and-gas economy, it is likely that employment numbers will substantially increase, as investors come into Guyana influencing job-creation and downstream industries. Therefore, legislation for workplace safety will need to be strengthened as necessary. Further, the overall regulatory framework, including operational safety standards and codes of practice, must be backed by enforcement capacity .

The ILO has pushed for better workplace safety standards and rights for ensuring safe and healthy work environments. Hence, building awareness amongst employers and employees to not only understand workplace hazards, but to perform work safely, would be a strategic action for improving safety performance. We are reminded by ILO standards, that workplace injuries, fatalities and associated diseases are not an acceptable component of any job. These are highly preventable and therefore risks for such occurrences should be constantly assessed and addressed with a view to eliminate casual factors. In this regard, the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda should be foremost in the minds of all stakeholders.

PROMOTE CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

As we observe World Safety Day, this is an opportunity for all Guyanese to understand the importance of safety and health to their personal well-being, and of others who also stand to be directly or indirectly impacted by unsafe working conditions. We therefore need to promote a better understanding of OHS issues, including the direct and indirect benefits to individual, stakeholders and the wider society. This should form a part of the national OHS agenda that sends a strong message that safety is of paramount importance.

Further, encouraging the integration of international best practices, including safety management system standards, would promote continual improvement and accountability in safety across business operations. The ultimate goal would be for business to embrace the safety agenda and build a sustainable OHS programme at the organisational level.

It is therefore a good opportunity for employers and government to review their capacity at both the organisational and national levels, respectively.

Moreover, it would be requisite that policy makers and decision makers examine what improvements and capacity strengthening are necessary to create a vibrant and proactive local OHS profile. Areas including, but not limited to, staffing-capacity, technical competency, industrial-hygiene monitoring, and performance measurement would be essential to meeting the growing demands of industrial occupations. Specifically, this national OHS profile should be capable of transforming Guyana into a society reputed for its embrace of a culture of safety to better boost and make more effective our current development drive.

Altogether, these efforts will require that the various stakeholders get on board to continuously support and promote safety and health as a core value for all Guyanese to unite around in our pursuit of national development.

Regards David A. Olton CSP, CPEA

OUR HEALTH, OUR WEALTH 8

BETWEEN Friday and yesterday, I was present at five events that hold great significance for me, our government and our people.

In these two days, I commissioned three new roads in the rural village of Perth, Mahaicony; three new power plants at Anna Regina, on the Essequibo Coast; launched Health Expo, 2019; saw the purging of the National Assembly of seven MPs with dual citizens; and attended a reception to welcome the new American Ambassador.

BLAST OF ENERGY I was not sure that I could write My Turn for today’s edition, but I came back from Essequibo all fired up by the blast of energy from the 5.4 MW station that means, in the words of a policewoman who read her poem at the event, “no more blackouts.”

I publicly thanked Minister David Patterson for delivering on his promise that he would end the electricity woes of the people on the Essequibo Coast. I noted that “Cinderella” (by which Essequibo had been known) was given not one, but three bright, shining and dazzling “shoes” in the form of three power plants at the Anna Regina location.

The revolution under our coalition government of providing electricity services has already witnessed a new power station at Canefield, Berbice. The solar farm in Mabaruma, in the north-west district, has given hope that remote communities could get renewable supplies of clean energy. Soon, the Bartica mining town will add solar power to its electricity grid.

In the past four years, under our new government, electricity services nationwide have received a boost, though in peak periods we experience periodical but not sustained blackouts. Supplies have been stabilised, for which the embattled Guyana Power and Light deserves credit.

HEALTHY RELATIONS On Friday evening, new American Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, cut through the diplomatic language at her Cummings Lodge yard to share her delight at being

in Guyana. She announced that she is committed to promoting healthy relations between her country and Guyana, and to boosting the prosperity of our peoples.

When she introduced her husband as Kevin, whom I was seeing for the first time, my mind raced back some 50 years ago, when I had met a Kevin Lynch in Guyana. I was a teacher in West Berbice, and the burly Kevin introduced himself as a Peace Corps volunteer during a session with strong Guyana rum and unfiltered Lighthouse cigarettes.

I learned that Kevin had served as a marine in Vietnam, though he later became an active anti-war campaigner, as I had been in those years. Many years later, he and his wife Beatrice, then a judge in a New York court, came to our daughter’s wedding. We became life-long friends and comrades, until Kevin’s death on March 8, last.

For me, it is sheer coincidence that I met the spouse of the new Ambassador, and for a while, I was disoriented for words when I heard his name.

Though there is no relationship between him and the Kevin I have known, it was enough for me for renewal of the bonds between Guyana and America, and the interaction between Guyanese and Irish culture that my Tamil ancestors had shared, and that I recognised in my relationship with Kevin Lynch.

REAL WEALTH At the launch of Health Expo 2019, I noted that our health is our real wealth.

I reflected on my own medical challenges a year ago, and welcomed the laudable services that have been rolled out by the Ministry of Public Health in the 10 administrative regions. Health Education and Basic Health Screening have featured at the government’s outreaches, in services such as: Blood Pressure Testing; Blood Glucose Monitoring; Dental inspection; Eye Care hints; Mental Health advice; Testing (HIV), and Counselling in Men’s’ Health; Women’s’ Health and Nutrition & Health Lifestyles/ Choices.

The Public Health Ministry has embarked on a “We are at your Door Initiative.” Doctors have been reaching out to employees at

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 28, 2019

the various ministries. This exercise helps to sensitise employees about their health, and to get early diagnosis and treatment, before life-threatening tragedies strike.

In the past four years, public health has been among the major priorities of our government. This can be seen from the annual increase in budgetary allocations to this sector, from $23.2 billion in 2015 to $35.9 billion in 2019.

POWER WITHOUT LIMITATION On Friday also, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, reaffirmed that the government remains in power without limitation, when he addressed the House during its first sitting since the Court of Appeal overturned the decision of the High Court, and ruled that the vote of no-confidence was invalid.

The opposition boycotted the sitting and, when asked for my comment, I said to the media: the opposition has miscalculated.

Treachery is not a political virtue.

It must have been a miscalculation to feel that an absolute majority of all the elected members of parliament was 33, and not

34. It was a miscalculation that the elected national government could be removed by the singular vote of a person who has sworn allegiance to a foreign power, while swearing falsely to be loyal to Guyana. The imposter was replaced, and his fake vote should go with him.

The Speaker declared that as a result of the ruling of the Guyana Court of Appeal, the government has been returned to the same position of authority which it possessed before the no-confidence motion, and continues to exercise its authority to govern the country without limitation.

The Speaker did, however, affirm that one of the effects of the findings of the court is that persons who hold dual citizenship cannot lawfully occupy a seat in the National Assembly. He then announced that seven Members of Parliament - four ministers and three members of the opposition, who held dual citizenship - have resigned from the National Assembly.

These events clearly show renewed health in Guyana’s socio-political and diplomatic life. It is our real wealth that in our dealings at home and in our relations with friends, all is well. April 28, 2019

Gun, ammo found in home … young man arrested, father being sought

DETECTIVES are hunting a man after they conducted a search at his home and found a quantity of ammunition and a firearm for which they believe he does not have a licence to carry.

As a consequence of the search, the police have since arrested the man’s 20-yearold son who was at home at the time of the search and who directed them to his father’s room where one live round was found. The other live rounds, along with the firearm, were said to be found in a compartment in a truck which was parked in front of the family’s home, according to police sources.

This newspaper heard that the police were on an earlier operation and visited the location after they received information that the man, who owns the house, was in possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.

Arrested in the second operation was 20-year-old Tiree Barry, a labourer who

The gun and ammo found resides at lot 832 Dazzell Housing Scheme, Paradise, East Coast Demerara with his father. The young man was at home alone when the police arrived at the location to carry out their search.

They reportedly requested the whereabouts of his father and they were told that the man was not around.

However, detectives were allowed to enter the house after they requested permission from the young man.

They also asked to be shown the father’s room and that was done. One live round was found in a chest

of drawer.

“A further search was conducted on truck, GWW 1304, which is said to be the property of the young man’s father. It was during that search that the detectives discovered, concealed in a compartment of the truck behind the driver’s seat, one .45 Smith and Wesson Sig Sauer P250 Pistol with its serial number intact,” one police source indicated to this publication.

The 20-year-old was placed into custody while the police are said to be hunting the father.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

No more blackouts

9

–– gov't comissions 5.4 MW power plant in Essequibo

–– another 1.5MW to be added in near future

Minister of Business Hemraj Rajkumar says the new plant will benefit the business community significantly

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo commissioned a $1.8B power station at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two on Saturday.

The commissioning of the 5.4 megawatt state-ofthe-art plant was witnessed by Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, and newly-appointed Min-

ister of Business, Haimraj Bernard Rajkumar.

The prime minister said government has constructed several state-of-the-art power stations countrywide to improve power supply and with the new station, residents can expect a reliable power supply.

Minister Patterson said the plant is equipped with

Prime Minister, Mosses Nagamottoo, addresses the Anna Regina gathering

three generating sets that will meet the power demand of the entire Essequibo Coast.

The plant began operations since last December but was commissioned months after because according to Minister Patterson, he wanted to ensure the facility is fully functional.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo helps a child cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the power plant at Anna Regina

"We didn't want rush to open the plant and then everything wasn’t completed; we had to ensure we are handing over a functional generating set," the minister said.

He also noted that there are works to be done on the transmissions but assured Essequibians that there will be no more power outages.

Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, speaks at the commissioning

He recalled last June, the coalition’s Region Three representative, Haimraj Rajkumar, now minister of business, called him to complain about blackout woes in the region.

At the time, the Public Infrastructure Ministry had found a temporary solution for the problem but now, Patterson said the

problem has been rectified.

Minister Rajkumar said the plant is another testimony to the government's commitment to improving services on the Essequibo Coast, pointing out that it will significantly benefit the business community.

The spanking state-of-the-art power plant that was commissioned on the Essequibo Coast on Saturday

US ambassador reaffirms commitment ... having the streaks removed.

Commenting on the Guyanese cultural events, Ambassador Lynch said the delicious food and drinks she has experienced, binds the country in the most special ways, adding that she has happily enjoyed delicacies such as seven curry, channa, mammee fruit and “the

most refreshing coconut water in the world.”

“As part of that bond, it is clear that all of Guyana wants to be part of the tremendous opportunities that await this country in the very near future,” she remarked, adding that she is just as committed to Guyana’s success as everyone else.

As Ambassador Lynch thanked all of Guyana and those who made the occasion a success, including the Embassy and residential staff, Cara Loge that prepared the delicacies and DCM Steers-Gonzalez, she said that she and her husband have been received throughout her time here by many Guyanese. These include

vendors at Bourda Market, shopkeepers in Corriverton, children in the National Park and some young entrepreneurs who she met at the Band Youth 40 Entrepreneurial Awards Ceremony on Thursday night, all of who have been extraordinarily warm and kind and made her feel at home.

FROM PAGE 5

Prime Minister Nagamootoo, in officially welcoming Ambassador Lynch and her husband to Guyana, said he has noted that already, she has begun to blend well into the Guyanese society. He wished her the well as she settles down and enjoys this beautiful land of Guyana.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 28, 2019

Safety and health at the workplace must be the priority of all employers and employees By: Dr Karen Cummings (Minister within the Ministry of Public Health) TODAY Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing “World Day for Safety and Health at Work.”

This year, the theme chosen to commemorate this day is: “Safety and Health and the Future of Work.” According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), this year’s theme is inspired by the centennial anniversary of the organisation as it reflects on 100 years of work in improving occupational safety and health within the workplace and looks towards the future in continuing its efforts through major changes such as technology, demographics, sustainable development, including climate change and changes in work organisation.

Safety and health at work is an imperative for all involved.

A safe and healthy workplace is conducive to a safe and healthy workforce, which has a direct impact on productivity and profitability.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN SAFETY AND WELLNESS There is a critical connection between safety and wellness.

However, there is the tendency of some organisations to treat them as separate initiatives. The separation of safety programmes from wellness programmes in the workplace should not be the reality. Some tend to argue that because these two fields approach their objectives from different assumptions, priorities and methods, this coordination may pose a significant challenge. However, within the workplace, wellness and safety go hand-in-hand. A safe worker not only is an employee who follows the safety rules for compliance, but one who is healthy, safe, and attentive.

Health and wellness do more than improve the general well-being and morale of a company’s employees; it also could lead to a more productive workplace, where a safer work environment can result in the prevention of injuries and lost man hours.

ESTABLISHING SAFE WORK SPACES In the workplace, health and safety regulations are paramount to the well-being of the employee and the employer.

Many hazards are present in today’s work environment, and it is the primary responsibility of employers to keep their employees safe at all times.

Employees themselves must function in a safe and responsible manner at work.

Health and safety procedures in the workplace help to greatly reduce illnesses and injuries among employees. These procedures can help both employees and employers understand the potential hazards in the work environment. Training in health and safety procedures is important and effective,

as it educates employees on proper workplace procedures, practices, and behaviours to prevent possible injuries and illnesses or contamination from improper actions and poor hygiene. Paying for work-related injuries and illnesses can negatively affect the bottom line of any business, which is a big reason why implementation of health and safety procedures is absolutely necessary.

Potential hazards are present in almost every work environment. Equipment, chemicals, certain behaviours and activities, and even furniture can potentially cause injury or harm to workers. Health hazards can range from contamination of food due to unsafe handling or preparation practices, to an infectious disease outbreak caused by improper hygiene and personal care.

If a business deals with certain dangerous chemicals or gases, there is always the risk of improper handling, maintenance, or storage, which could lead to dangerous exposure for workers.

In these cases, it is strongly advised that ALL workers must follow specific, hazardous- material handling guidelines.

SIMPLE WAYS TO REMAIN SAFE AT WORK This column cannot provide adequate space to comprehensively explore the many ways employers can create safe work spaces for their employees.

However, we will attempt a cursory glance at some very basic steps that can be followed to ensure that employees function in a safe and healthy work environment.

ELIMINATE POTENTIAL HAZARDS Keep the workplace free of recognised physical and chemical hazards and make sure it is in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety standards, rules, and regulations.

Through constant education and internal communication within the workplace, these strategies can serve to remind employees about proper body mechanics, forklift safety, necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as identify ways they can avoid slips, trips, and falls.

Employees must be properly trained to identify and report potential problems and safety violations and take immediate steps to have those issues resolved.

MAKE SURE ALL WORKERS ARE PROPERLY TRAINED It cannot be overemphasised that organisations and businesses must provide all their workers with safety training, using language they can easily understand.

This training should be given to all new workers as part of their induction process, with refresher courses offered to (or required) for existing workers or when workers change jobs (within the same company).

ENSURE WORKERS HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT

Employees must have use of safe tools and equipment at all times.

These equipment and tools must also be properly maintained.

Workplace signage is an effective tool for reinforcing injury prevention. If Personal Protective Equipment are required for a particular job, then employees MUST be provided them as well as wear them at ALL times.

PROVIDE VISUAL SAFETY AIDS AND MESSAGES Use colour codes, posters, labels and/ or signs to warn employees of potential hazards.

Additionally, place Occupational Health and Safety posters in all work and recreational areas – and use additional signage to reinforce safety information.

Simple ways to prevent the spread of infections and viruses in the workplace.

There are some very simple but effective measures a person can take to prevent the spread of infections and viruses in the workplace. Here are a few guidelines that you should follow: * Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. This is according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. * Stay home if you are sick (so you do not spread the illness to other people). * Use a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand. Turn away from other people. * Use single-use tissues. Dispose of the tissue immediately and appropriately after use. * Wash your hands after coughing,

sneezing or using tissues. * If working with children, have them play with hard-surface toys that can be easily cleaned. * Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth (viruses can transfer from your hands and into the body). * Do not share cups, glasses, dishes or cutlery.

Workplaces can help by doing the following: * Having an infection control plan. * Providing clean hand-washing facilities. * Offering alcohol-based hand sanitizers when regular facilities are not available. * Providing disinfectant sprays for cleaning door knobs, handles and other hand-held devices. * Providing boxes of tissues and encouraging their use. * Reminding staff not to share cups, glasses, dishes and cutlery. Be sure dishes are washed in soap and water after use. * Removing magazines and papers from waiting areas or common rooms (such as tea rooms and kitchens). * Making sure ventilation systems are working properly.

Preserve your health and well-being at all times. Be sure to know all the occupational health and safety procedures of your respective workplaces and follow them carefully. Workplaces of the future will change as a result of the onward march of modernity. However, safety and health at work will evolve with time and must be practised with the same strict adherence.

Safety and health at the workplace must be the priority of all employers and employees.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 28, 2019

Mahendra Phagwah to participate in US youth summit

By Nafeeza Yahya

MAHENDRA Phagwah of Number Two Village, East Canje, Berbice, is the lone Guyanese among 50 youths worldwide who will participate in a youth training initiative at New York University (NYU) from July 23 to August 1 this year.

The training will be facilitated by MCW Global through its Young Leaders Access Programme (YLPA). MCW Global is a non-profit organisation that assists communities around the world to achieve greater levels of education, improved health and increased economic security by addressing pressing needs affecting communities worldwide.

This they hope to achieve by empowering current leaders and preparing youths to become the leaders of tomorrow. Phagwah was selected to become one of those persons in the hope that he can make a difference in his community.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the young man said he is elated to be chosen

and will use the knowledge acquired to tackle social issues, more particularly, school dropout. Phagwah himself was once a school dropout.

The YLAP programme is conducted in three phases.

It begins with an intensive summer retreat that facilitates youth leadership development and how to implement a project from beginning to end.

The participants will receive mentorship from some of the most distinguished leaders at NYU, Champlain College and MCW Alumni to help transform their issue into a plan.

In the second phase: Vision Planning (Project development), the young leaders will develop and implement their plan into one that can become a global model through the assistance of the mentors. They can then apply for start-up funding from the organisation to implement their project.

The third phase of the project is known as Alumni Mentorship and Ongoing Support and here is where the projects of the young lead-

ers will be monitored and supported, both remotely or with quarterly meetings/visits by their mentors from the summer retreat.

To be eligible, the 22-yearold had to be shortlisted through several rounds of questions and assessments to determine whether the issue he wished to tackle was worthy over the thousands submitted worldwide.

Phagwah told the Guyana Chronicle that, given his personal story and struggles of not allowing poverty to stop him from acquiring an education, despite having to drop out to earn, he was encouraged by many apply for the programme.

INSPIRATIONAL His story was seen an inspirational one and provided hope for others who experienced similar issues.

“After the story was highlighted, a lot of persons began sending me the link to the programme and encouraged me to apply. I was able to use that to show them from my personal

Mahendra Phagwah and his sister with their parents experiences and the many that reached out to me, how much poverty is preventing some from getting an education.

This is submitted in addition to the results from the surveys and questionnaires I had people complete,” he related.

Phagwah expressed gratitude to all who helped him along the way. He is eagerly

looking forward to the retreat and returning home more knowledgeable and equipped to make a difference in his community and across Guyana.

“Apart from guidance that I will be receiving, the YLAP graduates will have opportunity to turn their vision into concrete projects by applying

to the MCW Alumni Ventures Fund, which provides a year of start-up funding and mentorship to recipients. I firmly believe that much more will be done to tackle this issue. It is close to me as I was a former high school dropout and I know that there are many out there that weren’t as lucky as I am to have another chance at an education, and therefore, I wish to be their voice too. This is something I have a deep burning desire for, since it is close to home,” he told the Guyana Chronicle.

The young man, who is part of several groups and clubs, spends most of his spare time volunteering and giving back to his community.

His parents are mute and deaf which made it difficult for them to earn and support him throughout his high school life. He was forced to drop out to earn. He persevered and never gave up on his passion for an education and eventually received a scholarship from the MMP Foundation for Excellence and made the most of the opportunity, passing his CSEC examinations with flying colours.

He is now working and studying as well as taking care of his sister, who is in high school.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE APRIL 28, 2019

Hosororo hydropower project for June commissioning –– Islamic Bank may fund three others

By Rabindra Rooplall

THE Hosororo hydropower project will be commissioned in June and the Islamic Development Bank will be approached to finance three additional hydro-powered projects during a visit by officials here in the coming week.

This is according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency(GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma, who pointed out that the tiny hydro was completed in Hosororo, Mabaruma, Region One, for capacity-building efforts. The structure which was available in the 1980s was rehabilitated.

“We are going to commission that facility sometime in June,” he said.

CEO of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr Mahender Sharma received US$91,108 in financing from the Government of Guyana and US$74,067 in financing from GIZ.

arrangement between the Governments of Guyana and China.

The Moco-Moco hydropower station is a run-of-theriver, diversion-type with a high-water head. It will supply power to the community of Lethem and its environs.

Severe rainstorms and a subsequent landslide on July 5, 2003, had resulted in a fractured penstock.

Government has since been actively discussing options for its restoration. Financing is needed for a geotechnical survey to inform the project design and assist in de-risking the project.

Further, the proposed Kumu Hydropower Project entails the installation of a 1.5 MW hydropower plant and construction of a transmission line.

the construction of a small reservoir on the top of the mountain plateau, so as to maintain a constant water level for operation of the plant.

According to the GEA, together with the Moco Moco hydropower station, the Kumu hydropower plant can be a strong, reliable and redundant power supplier and controller for existing and future demand.

Additionally, the proposed Ikuribisi hydropower project entails the installation of a 1 MW hydropower plant and construction of a transmission line between the plant and the Bartica Power Station.

The site is situated about 45 km south of the town

The Moco-Moco falls of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The hydropower system will be run as an energy-storage hydropower plant with a reservoir which can serve as a seasonal storage system.

The project will provide electricity from an indigenous and renewable energy source to serve the demand of Bartica. Bartica is considered the gateway to interior locations.

Bartica has been designated Guyana’s first ‘green’ town.

The ‘Green’ Bartica Plan is a Government of Guyana initiative that involves a holistic approach to sustainable economic growth in the township.

The main objectives of the plan are to create a climate-resilient economy and to estab-

lish a green pathway for the foundation of a new Guyana, which will result in reducing the overall carbon footprint in electricity, agriculture, fisheries, water, forestry, waste, manufacturing, transport, construction, tourism and other sectors.

This project forms a complementary suite of energy initiatives to support the ‘Green’ Bartica Plan.

In addition to hydropower, a 1.5 MW solar farm is being developed to displace diesel generators.

The hydropower plant will add additional capacity to the grid to meet the town’s growing demand, which currently ranges from 2 MW to 3 MW.

The Hosororo hydro site He said this week the Islamic Development Bank will be approached to finance an additional three hydro-powered sites and one of them is the Ikuribisi hydro which will power the town of Bartica.

“We want to rehabilitate the Moco-Moco hydropower station, which was defunct as a result of a landslide; and we want to look at a new site right in Region Nine on the Kanuku Mountain range, the Kumu falls, which together can serve the growing demand in Lethem,” Dr Sharma said.

In 2015, the German Government, through its German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) initiative, committed to assisting the GEA with the rehabilitation of the Hosororo Hydropower facility in Region One. The US$165,175 project

The resuscitated hydropower project featured a new design that was conceptualised by GEA engineers and a GIZ consultant, Sven Homscheid.

It entails the installation of a 20kW run-of-the-rivertype micro hydropower plant, comprising a Weir/Intake structure, Penstock and Powerhouse. .

The construction of the micro hydropower plant was completed in 2018 and works related to interconnection with the Mabaruma electric grid carried it into 2019.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e M oco-Moco hydropower project, Region Nine, was commissioned on November 22, 1999.

The hydropower station was designed and built by the Chinese through a joint

The Kumu Creek, located in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), is also part of the Amazon River System.

The creek originates from north of the Kanuku range, converging into the Takutu River which is a boundary river between Guyana and Brazil.

The Kumu site is situated 9.5 km from the Moco-Moco hydropower station.

The catchment areas of Kumu and Moco-Moco adjoin each other. The Kumu power station site is located 13 km south-east of the town of Lethem.

CONSTANT WATER LEVEL The Kumu hydropower project topographical specifications can accommodate

The Kumu falls on the Kanuku Mountain

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

‘Guyana must move away from being a commodity producer’ - Min Bulkan stresses at second annual RACE in Region Three

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan One patron supporting a group of young, local entrepreneurs who make cupcakes, at the Regional, Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE), held on Saturday at the Hydronie Playfield.

By Vishani Ragobeer MINISTER of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, has stressed that regional farmers and entrepreneurs must focus on creating value-added products, so that Guyana can move away from being just a “commodity producer.”

The minister was addressing residents of Region Three on Saturday at the second annual Regional, Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE) held in this region, under the theme: “Sustaining Region Three in a ‘Green’ Economy.” The event was held at the Hydronie Playfield.

Minister Bulkan noted that the event stemmed from the charge of President David Granger to create a regional platform for entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and boost economic activities.

“While race has been a major problem that has blighted Guyana’s development over the years, this RACE can help to break this cycle through economic empowerment,” he said and added: “RACE is not an event of fun and frolic, it is intended to put on display the region’s agricultural output, products and food-production capacity.”

He also noted, importantly, that the event is one of the many developmental programmes conceptualised by the incumbent government and held in all of the 10 administrative regions as it is expected to spur innovation and investment in diversification and production.

“We believe in the bottom-up approach to development... the small man being the real man,” he said. “This administration has, and is, advancing a development model to engender an environment at the community level to un-

leash innovation in all sectors, [and] the agricultural sector is not [an] exception.”

According to him, for years agriculture has been a major economic activity of this country, where crops were produced in mass amounts, but exported to other countries.

“Guyana must move away from being a commodity producer,” he stressed however, and noted. “We must be the one to add value to our products through agro-processing.”

And in so doing, he also opined that RACE forms an important foundation and which local communities can promote value-added products and move away from the “usual buying and selling attitude.”

Lending credence to the minister’s sentiments was one exhibitor, Janelle Cox, a representative of Ann’s Bakery.

“We’re here today, because we want to showcase local products in Guyana, that use everything locally made,” Cox said. “RACE gives us a chance to showcase that we don’t necessarily have to always import everything from overseas… to me, it’s just a good idea to showcase Guyana and what we do with our locally made products.”

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Jennifer FerreiraDougall, also shared, “This event is the hallmark of the agricultural and commercial potential of the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara.”

According to her, the event is one which allows exhibitors from the West Bank, the West Coast and the riverain communities, alongside members of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) to showcase what they have to offer to the populace.

Moreover, the REO noted that while traditional crops such as rice and sugar are important, diversification and

manufacturing-based products will be needed to form the basis of Guyana’s economy. And this event is one which encourages local producers to diversify in this manner and create products of higher quality.

As such, she underscored, “This annual event will grow bigger and better as we strive not only to be the breadbasket, but the par of the ecotourism destination.”

Janelle Cox of Ann’s Bakery

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE APRIL 28, 2019

Bill tabled to widen exceptions in communication interception

By Svetlana Marshall

THE government has turned to the National Assembly to amend the Interception of Communications Act to include five more exceptions intended to cater for Guyana’s expanding Telecommunication Sector. On Friday, Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes, presented the Interception of Communications (Amendment) Bill 2019 to the House for its first reading.

Section Three of the Interception of Communication makes it illegal for a person to intentionally intercept communication in the course of its transmission by means of a telecommunications system. A person who commits such an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5M and imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years. However, the section provides for two exceptions.

Section 3:02 states: “A person does not commit an offence under this section

if – (a) the communication is intercepted in obedience to a warrant issued by a judge under section Six; (and) (b) the communication is not intercepted in obedience to a warrant issued by a judge under section Six but on the authority of a designated officer in the case of a national emergency or in responding to a case where approval for a warrant is impracticable having regard to the urgency of the case.”

However, the exceptions do not cater to the needs of the expanding Telecommu-

nication Sector, for example: call centers. As such, the amendment tabled in the house is intended to include five more exceptions that would cater for their operations.

“The Bill seeks to provide more exceptions, including, if the person has reasonable grounds for believing that the person to whom or by whom the communication is transmitted consents to the interception, or if the communication is not a private telecommunication etc. These exceptions

can be found in most similar legislation across the region,” the explanatory memorandum states.

Among the five proposed exceptions, one caters for the interceptions done by telephone companies and call centers. For this exception, the “communication is intercepted as an ordinary incident in the course of employment in the provision of telecommunication services.”

This amendment will also provide for the interception of a communication transmitted by a private telecommunication network and is done by a person who has a right to control the operation or use of the network or the express or implied consent

Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes of the person whom or by whom the communication is transmitted.

Quranic competition set for Theatre Guild MASJID Khalifah and the Bagotville Jama will be hosting an International Quranic Competition on Saturday, June 15, at the Theatre Guild, Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

The competition will run from 13:00hrs (1:00pm) to 16:00hrs (4:00pm) pm. The first-prize winner will be awarded US$1,000 while other cash and prizes are also expected to be awarded.

Applicants are encouraged to apply through email address kurancompetition@gmail.com, or through a voicemail registration, using mobile number 610 8264.

The closing date for applications is May 31, 2019. Participants will be placed in four categories: 12yrs & Under (Last Juzz) 16yrs & Under(15 Juzz) 21 yrs & Under and the open category (no age limit) Hafiz/Al Baqarah/Al Waqiah Persons applying are also being asked to include their names, ages and gender.

Participation and admission are free.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 28, 2019

15

Department of Public Information 16

RECAP

INFOHUB RECAP - April - 26 SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28,20 2019

Nation’s health always govt’s priority – PM Nagamootoo

April 20th to 26th

@dpiguyana

New Members of Parliament sworn in

Four new Members of Parliament (MPs) on Friday afternoon, took their oath to serve in the country’s legislature during the 113th sitting of the National Assembly.

The new MPs, extracted from the APNU+AFC list, will fill the seats left vacant by former ministers of government, who voluntarily resigned from office after the High Court ruled that persons with dual citizenship could not lawfully occupy a seat in the national assembly.

The new members are; Mervin Williams, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Donna Mathoo and Reynard Ward. 

Several CPGs to be established in regions 5 & 6

Several new Community Policing Groups (CPGs) will soon be established in Regions 5 and 6. This follows the massive ‘Government comes to you’ outreaches held in those regions recently. Administrator of the CPGs, Dennis Pompey made this disclosure during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Pompey noted that two groups, each from the Corentyne and West Coast of Berbice, have made requests, adding that he has already outlined for them the procedures they need to follow in forming the groups. Community Policing Groups have, over the years, played an integral role in assisting the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to clamp down on serious crimes. This was credited largely to the continued expansion of the CPGs countrywide. 

New MPs say they are up to the challenge

New Member of Parliament and Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, who has a business background is ready for his new portfolio and to serve the people of Guyana.

Upon his arrival to the Parliament on Friday afternoon, he told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that while his new portfolio was wide, he was prepared. New MP, MP Reynard Ward comes from a farming and agricultural background. He said he was there to represent his constituents and plans to do that to the best of his ability. MP Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, who was sworn in to take up the post of Minister of Public Service, in the Ministry of the Presidency, noted that she too was ready to take on her new portfolio. MP Donna Mathoo plans to pursue issues to deal with women’s rights. The new appointments to the Nation Assembly were announced by His Excellency, President David Granger on Tuesday. 

At the launch of Health Expo 2019, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo reiterated that the issue of the nation’s health has always been a priority for the Government. During the Heath Expo, Prime Minister Nagamootoo explained that government was well aware of issues facing the public health sector, thus the reason for government placing public health as a top priority. This year he said the exposition would focus on providing the necessary knowledge to citizens about services provided at public health institutions.

He reiterated “Much of our budget is allocated to the public health sector from $23.2B in 2015 to $35.9B in 2019.” 

"Easter, the most sacred of Christian observances"

Region 9 now boasts a digital X-ray Machine which will save time and millions of dollars compared to that of the traditional X-ray practice. Procured at approximately $8M by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of the Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo, the residents of the region are expected to benefit from the equipment as well as persons who may travel from neighbouring Brazil. The million-dollar equipment, which will be installed at the Lethem Regional Hospital, is a significant improvement to X-ray services in the region. “With this unit, we are hoping to move away from some of the consumables like X-ray films and fluids pertaining to the imaging process,” explained Regional Health Officer (ag), Dr. Naail Uthman. Further, a comparison was made between the digital machine and the traditional X-ray process. “It eliminates the need for X-ray film which you would have to do the washing and other processes. There is no longer the need for a dark room which facilitates that particular process. It’s a computerised system, you go into a room, take a flash, and all of that is reflected on a computer screen. That screen can be reflected in a Ward or at a nurses’ station. Wherever you require a patient’s X-ray, you now have a number assigned to it; you type in that number, and the X-ray image comes up.”

Having such a service available in the hinterland region is a testimony of the continuous development earmarked for the region by the Coalition Government, a view expressed by Dr. Uthman.

This digital service is also available for free to the public at Guyana’s national referral hospital and only tertiary institution; the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). 

Vandalised overpasses repaired

Regatta a resounding success - Mayor Marshall

With this year’s Bartica Regatta attracting hundreds to the island, large and small business operators received a bump in their revenues.

When the Department of Public Information team caught up with Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, the business community came in for praises for its support of the annual event. "I just want to say thanks to central government and the business community for their support, Bartica Regatta 2019 is a resounding success.” The Mayor said all the activities hosted this weekend received maximum participation from the local community and visitors from across the country. 

Digital X-ray Machine at Lethem Hospital to eliminate significant expenses

President David Granger along with his daughter, Han Granger-Gaskin attended Easter Sunday service at St. Matthew's Parish church, Providence, East Bank of Demerara where he reminded the congregation that the most sacred Christian holiday is Easter. "Easter is the reason for the church. Without the passion of Christ, without the resurrection, there would be no reason for the church, no cause no justification... It is the resurrection of Christ we celebrate". President Granger expressed his appreciation to Father Ayobami Ayorinde for a wonderful service and the congregation for their payers on his speedy recovery. On April 20, the Head of State returned from the Republic of Cuba where he is undergoing treatment from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 

The security of citizens is of the highest priority for any government, and this is no different for the APNU+AFC administration. Taking into consideration the lives of the numerous pedestrians that utilise the roadways daily, the government implemented the overpass system. While still perfecting the newly implemented structure to also cater for the elderly and disabled, the safety structure for two of these overpasses was recently vandalised. According to engineers within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the glass screen of one of the elevators at the Providence (East Bank of Demerara) location was shattered. Electrical wiring connecting the surveillance cameras at the Diamond (East Bank of Demerara) location was disconnected. Other criminal acts included the theft of protective coating and destruction of earthing connection and theft of cycling and disabled person signs. Additionally, electrical and solar panel lights were stolen and corrugated electrical wiring was removed. Vandals are urged to desist from destroying the overpasses constructed by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Citizens are being encouraged to report any suspicious activities that they may witness to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) or call the Ministry’s Public Relations Department on 592-227-0799. 

Department of Public Information 17

INFOHUB RECAP - April 20 - April 26 SUNDAY CHRONICLE, 28, 2019

PM Nagamootoo supports new youth body

During an hour-long meeting on Friday last with 'Move On Guyana', Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo assured the youth organisation of the government’s support. The Prime Minister, who was performing the functions of the President at the time, told the group’s executives that the Coalition Government is committed to implementing the goals of our constitution, which include free education from nursery to university levels. The youth team was led by its President, Vishal Joseph, the current Caricom Youth Ambassador; and included Secretary, Christopher Johnson; Assistant Treasurer, Varune Mahadeo; Vice-Presidents Mary Adams and Rosco Jeffrey; and other Executives Members, Eon Bollers, Joseph Singh, Christine Simon, Elson Low, Akeem Peters, Dr. Randy Domer and Dr. John Anderson.

The group of young professionals stated that they are interested in promoting fresh thinking and actionable as well as implemented policies.

They commended the government for executing several youth initiatives and for being supportive of strong youth leadership in Guyana. Prime Minister Nagamootoo expressed pleasure at receiving the youth leaders and exchanging ideas with them. 

ExxonMobil contracts 4th drillship As ExxonMobil continues exploration drilling activities offshore Guyana and installation operations in preparation for first oil in less than a year, it has contracted the drillship, Noble Don Taylor.

This is according to a fleet status report from Noble Corporation which was published on April 18, 2019, and comes as the US oil giant announced its 13th oil find. The Noble Don Taylor is currently in the Gulf of Mexico working for Talos Energy.

It will be joining two of its sister vessels – the Noble Bob Douglas and the Noble Tom Madden – which are in the Stabroek Block along with the Stena Carron, bringing the drill fleet in Guyana to four. After making Exxon's thirteen discovery at Yellowtail-1, the Noble Tom Madden will begin drilling the Hammerhead-2 Well. The Noble Bob Douglas drillship is in the process of completing development drilling operations at Liza Phase 1.

ExxonMobil had previously said that there is potential for at least five floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels on the Stabroek Block producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025. 

The weather approved Easter

$400M contract to upgrade roads One of the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CH&PA) mandates is to consolidate infrastructure within existing housing schemes. On Wednesday, April 24, the agency signed a $400M contract with fifteen contractors to upgrade roads in more than five regions. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan and CH&PA's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lelon Saul were present at the signing. The contractors were called on to be committed to delivering quality products.

"We will not tolerate unnecessary variation and poor-quality work; we have a robust monitor and control mechanism. Likewise, it is expected that you will have your own monitoring and control mechanism for the delivery of quality products,” Saul said, adding that the project will have a positive impact on the country’s economy. Minister Bulkan explained that the contracts would provide for the upgrading and consolidating of housing schemes. Among the schemes that will benefit are those in Region 3 - La Parfait Harmonie, Belle West and Zeelugt Phase Two; Region Four - Herstelling, Farm Phase one, Good Hope Phase 2, and Section D Non-Pariel; and Tabatinga, Lethem, in Region 9.The work will commence as early as next month and is expected to be completed before the end of the last quarter. Some of the contracting companies listed on the project are XL Engineering, Puran Brothers Disposal Incorporated, Eron Lall Civil Works, Bardon Construction Services, Guyamerica Construction Incorporated, among others. 

Easter Monday celebration was better than last year, with favourable conditions, many seized the opportunity to enjoy the sunny weather for kite flying at the Marriott Beachfront. Both young and old were flying kites, while some relaxed under tents and others immersed themselves in the company of their loved ones. Louise Boyer was one of these who was spotted swaying to music playing nearby while picnicking under a cool shade with her family. Many others like Boyer simply enjoyed the day out with their families. However, while some children utilised trampolines and others played games at the location, there were those who were laser-focused on raising their kites in the air. The Department of Public information (DPI) team spoke to young Ishmael who isolated himself at a spot on the shore as he was carefully kept his kite airborne. Ishmael proudly shared that it only took him one minute to host his kite into the air. This year, Ishmael appreciated kite flying much more since last year, he did not have the chance to fly his kite due to the rain. As the hours elapsed, many more people joined those who had already gathered. The day’s weather continued to favour kite flyers and picnickers. All in all, many agreed it was a better Easter this year. 

‘Welcome to the wild side!' − 2019 Rupununi Rodeo

If you enjoy the thrills of vaqueros straddling wild bulls or attempting to milk wild cows, then the Rupununi Rodeo in Lethem, Region 9 was definitely the place to be last over the Easter weekend. It is around this time that the border town of Lethem comes to life; planes landing more than usual, buses and pickup vehicles flooding in, hotels booked out and stores are filled with persons doing last minute shopping for their cowboy hats and plaid shirts. The highly anticipated event got off to a great start as cowboys and cowgirls from the Rupununi and neighbouring Brazil battled in adrenaline-pumping competitions of calf roping, cow milking, wild bull riding, saddle bronco and bareback bronco. The activity commenced at approximately 13:00hrs with Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock leading a large parade of vaqueros into the Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo ground where hundreds of local and overseas visitors gathered to witness the thrilling and exciting activities. Declaring the event open, Minister Allicock said that the Rodeo is ‘special’ for the people of the Rupununi and presents great opportunities for social cohesion since persons of all ethnicities visit the region to witness this unique event. Therefore, Minister Allicock said that the government is committed to supporting events such as this. The Rupununi Rodeo has its origin dating back in the 1960s when, before the rainy season every year, the ranching community would get together to hold a large round-up of the cattle which freely roamed between each other’s herd. This round-up was done to ensure that the cattle was safely medicated, branded and accounted for before the region drastically changed with the coming floods. After the cows were rounded up, the cowboys boasted of their skills in lassoing, bull riding or taming of horses. So, to celebrate a successful round-up, the ranchers would hold a competition where the cowboys showcased their adventurous lifestyle, inviting neighbours from Brazil and other regions across the country. It is out of this that the Rodeo was birthed, as an organised event and tourist attraction, retaining much of its spectacular wildness, adopting the slogan ‘Welcome to the wild side’. 

@dpiguyana

Refrigeration trucks to GMC, GLDA

The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) have both received critical boosts to their cold chain system in the form of two brand new refrigeration trucks compliments of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The trucks, valued at a total cost of $36M, were handed over to representatives of the respective agencies during a ceremony in the ministry’s compound where Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder presented the keys to Chief Executive Officer (ag) of the GLDA Michael Welch and General Manager of the GMC Ida Sealy-Adams.

By transporting in refrigerated condition, farmers are able to reduce physiological damage to their produce which means less produce will have physical damage and thus less produce would be refused at the end of the chain. The truck will also aid in the transportation of goods from the packaging facility to the export point for fresh produce and value-added products that are to be exported. 

Operational reg. 5 passport office by June

As the Government brought the curtains down on the Region 5 outreach on Tuesday, several Ministers visited communities along the West Coast of Berbice.

Among those, was Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix who announced to the residents of Profit-Rising Sun that residents of the East Berbice-Corentyne Region will soon be able to forgo travelling to Georgetown to uplift their passports.

This will be made possible when the Passport and Immigration Office in the Fort Ordnance, Canje, Berbice becomes fully operational.

This is in keeping with the administration’s vision of decentralising vital public services in capital and other towns. The services include Passport Offices, Birth, Death and Marriage Registration, Lands and Surveys Commission as well as the Guyana Revenue Authority among others.

The New Passport Office is awaiting commissioning once all appropriate measures and systems are put in place for its efficient operation 

18

SUNDAY CHRONICLE APRIL 28, 2019

CJIA stands by fee increases … to help recoup expenses for capital works

WHILE noting that no airline objected to the increase in fees when it was first announced in January this year, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) says that the move to up the fees recently implemented at Timehri is tied to recouping expenditure associated with capital works undertaken on the airport upgrade.

The corporation in a statement released on Saturday also noted that only regional carrier, Caribbean Airlines (CAL), is collecting the fees over the counter.

The airport also called on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to assist in the implementation process, as was the case when a similar increase was made

back in 2017.

Airlines notified in January 2019 In a statement issued through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on Saturday, the CJIAC noted that on January 25, 2019, the corporation wrote the airlines in keeping with provisions of the terms and conditions of the Air Carrier Agreements between the Airport and the airlines, informing them of proposed fee increases, effective April 1, 2019.

The corporation said that it also provided explanations for the fee increases. “CJIAC had budgeted $2Bln in capital works for 2019/2020 to improve the services offered to the passengers and its airport stakeholders. The larger terminal with passenger boarding bridges have

seen a significant increase in operational costs, inclusive of power consumption,” the airport said.

It said that the January notification satisfied the agreed terms and conditions set out in the respective Air Carrier Agreements; and it was noted that no objection was raised by any airline.

After issuing the letter of January 25, the airport said that Annaleen Lord of IATA wrote the airport in a letter dated January 29, 2019. She represented that IATA members had complained to them regarding the fees increase and requested that CJIAC share information contained in a presentation it made to the board or line ministry for the increase of fees, so that IATA could better understand the reason.

Thereafter, the airport explained, there were regular exchanges of email correspondence on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 12th and 20th February, 2019; CJIAC and IATA representatives also met on February 13, 2019, in Canada.

As it explained the timeline of events, the airport said that on February 20, 2019, IATA repeated its request that CJIAC shares the presentation it made to the board or line ministry for the increase of fees, so that they could better understand the reason and recommended that the effective date of the fee increase be postponed to allow a selling date at least three months prior to travel dates.

“CJIAC hastens to point out that no ICAO policy

Mechanic found with cocaine in hotel room

A 21-year-old mechanic from Strathspey, East Coast Demerara, was on Saturday morning whisked from the Alpha Hotel at Ogle to the Criminal Investigation Department after a quantity of cocaine pellets was found in a room he was occupying.

Detained is Akeem Dundas of Strathspey Housing Scheme. He was, at the time, a guest in room 209 of the hotel, according to police sources.

It was related that there was another occupant in the room at the time of the search but what has become of that occupant is

The cocaine pellets found in the room

unknown at this time.

Sources said that police were alerted to the presence of the occupant(s) of the room and upon visiting the location, they carried out a search and found the pellets in a bowl next to the bed.

The items were picked up and the young man was arrested and placed into custody. The items were also weighed in front of him at the Criminal Investigations Department.

The police investigations into the matter are on-going.

This is not the first time that the Alpha Hotel has been used by persons to carry out their illegal activities.

In 2016, one man was killed and three arrested after the police received information that the four were inside the hotel with a large cache of guns and drugs.

When the police arrived

Akeem Dundas at the location, they came under fire and while returning fire, they fatally shot a 51-year-old suspect from South Ruimveldt while the other three suspects were arrested.

In that case, the hotel staff became aware that something was amiss due to the number of men entering the one hotel room which caused them to call in the police.

document can override the national laws governing neither CJIAC, nor the express provisions of the Air Carrier Agreements between the Airport Corporation and respective airlines,” the airport stated.

It said too that the Air Carrier Agreements expressly provide for the airport to impose fees and for the airline to pay, on demand, or as the same otherwise fall due all applicable fees specified from time to time by the airport. “In the case of Caribbean Airlines, the airport is required by the agreement to give them two months notice of any new fee or fee increase,” the airport explained.

As regards its January notice of the increase in fees, the airport said that Caribbe-

an Airlines replied more than a month later, by letter dated February, 21st 2019, a soft copy of which was received

by CJIAC on March 1, 2019, followed by the hard copy delivered on March 4, 2019.

In that letter, the airport stated that Caribbean Airlines made a series of demands of the corporation. These included a demand for a Caribbean Duty Free Lounge, a Club Caribbean Lounge and designated customer service centres, where refreshments can be offered during delayed flights, or early-morning or late-night services.

It was noted that CAL requested that the fee implementation be delayed to July 1, 2019, a date more than five months after the See page 19

Driver dies in East Coast accident A speeding driver lost his life Friday night in an accident on the Rupert Craig Highway in the vicinity of Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Lakeram Singh called “Videsh” of Lot 36, Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Reports indicate that Singh, who worked as an office assistant at Ryan’s mining company, was driving Dead: Lakeram Singh his motorcar, PLL4706, east along the northern carriageway, allegedly at a fast pace.

According to reports, at about 23:00hrs, while negotiating a turn, Singh lost control of the motorcar and veered north into a nearby drain where the vehicle toppled several times before coming to a halt.

Also in the car was Rakesh Ramsaroop, 20, a customer service representative at Qualfon Communications.

They were picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Singh was pronounced dead on arrival.

Ramsaroop was admitted to the Accident and Emergency Ward of the hospital as police continue their investigations.

Estate worker hospitalised after hit by fire tender

AN investigation has been launched into an accident on Friday at the Albion Estate Central Field Workshop which has left a 51-year-old labourer fighting for his life.

According to information received, at approximately 06:45hrs, Ganesh Roberts, a resident of Belvedere, East

Berbice, Corentyne, was sweeping an area when a fire tender, that was reversing, slammed into him.

He was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital in an unconscious state.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, a source related that the fire truck was in the workshop when it

was collected by a driver who got into the vehicle and reversed, not knowing that Roberts was behind.

Roberts was pinned by the rear wheels of the vehicle and was seen in a bending position.

A relative related that Roberts, a father of two, is in a critical condition in the

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. He suffered injuries to the lungs and shoulders and had several broken ribs.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the driver of the truck was taken into custody but was subsequently released.

The mangled vehicle in the trench

19

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 28, 2019

State-of-the-art theatre for Mahaicony Hospital –– among several other major upgrades

By Svetlana Marshall THE Mahaicony Hospital, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), is currently undergoing major upgrades with the construction of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Region Five Regional Health Officer, Dr. Desmond Nicholson and two surgical wards to complement the recently-refurbished state-of-theart operating theatres and recovery room.

Regional Health Officer, Dr. Desmond Nicholson, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said more than $12M is being injected into the projects, which are expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter.

The projects, he said, are

progressing smoothly.

“The original surgical wards were converted to maternity wards, so now we have allocated a space and we are constructing male and female wards for surgery patients as well as the ICU,” Dr. Nicholson explained.

Once the construction is completed, the RHO assured that the operating theatres, the ICU and the surgical wards will be readily equipped, paving the way for operation before the end of the year. While staffing remains a constant problem at the health institution, Dr. Nicholson remains optimistic that with the help of the Public Health Ministry and Regional Health Services, experts such as anesthesiologists and surgical doctors would be made available.

Currently, the local doctors and nurses there are assisted heavily by a Cuban Brigade.

The RHO said because of the ongoing infrastructural projects, deliveries are not done at the hospital at the moment. All deliveries within the region are being done at the Fort Wellington Hospital.

Dr. Nicholson explained that screens are being installed within the maternity, pediatric, male, and female wards of the Mahaicony Hospital, alongside the upgrades taking place in other sections of the hospital.

“Once the screens have been put in place, we are go-

ing to be doing swabbing of those wards. I have already spoken to the microbiology (department) at GPHC to come and do the swabbing at Fort Wellington and also at Mahaicony, because we do not want to put patients

A section of the Mahaicony Hospital (Adrian Narine photo) ue to meet the demands of people.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud in those wards without them first being swabbed,” Dr. Nicholson explained.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, during a recent visit to the region, said even though sections of the Mahaicony Hospital are out of service due to the renovations currently on-going, the two hospitals – Mahaicony and Fort Wellington – and the Type Two Health Centre in Rosignol, contin-

SATISFIED According to him, most persons are satisfied with the services being provided by the hospitals and health centre.

He noted that upgrades at the Mahaicony Hospital augur well for the people within the region and will pave way for critical services to be added to those already being offered.

It was explained that the Fort Wellington Hospital offers general services including Maternal and Child Health Services. It also has a foot centre where it treats diabetic and filarial patients.

The Mahaicony Hospital has the capacity to do ultra sounds, x-rays, and laboratory investigations. Dr.

Persaud assured that upon the completion of the ICU and surgical wards, medical operations will be conducted there as well.

Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, said she is pleased with the developments at the Mahaicony Hospital and will be taking steps to upgrade further, the Fort Wellington Hospital. Based on an assessment by the Public Health Ministry, and interactions with residents, Minister Lawrence said more emphasis will be placed on Mental Health Services within the region.

Additionally, she said the ministry is working with the private sector to make available dialysis services to those kidney patients in need of such. Minister Lawrence said the high cost associated with dialysis treatment remains a

financial burden for patients and the Health Ministry is exploring the best options.

“I don’t think they have the number of persons in Region Five to warrant the setting up a station here. I would preferably look at Region Six. We have Region Six on our list so travelling to Region Six would be easier than travelling to Georgetown. So once we can do that, we are looking at Region Six, Region 10, Region Two and Region Three, to establish centres, but in a public–private partnership so that we could be able to ensure that our patients, if they are requiring three sessions per week, that they get those three sessions,” Minister Lawrence explained.

The Public Health Ministry has also turned to the Finance Ministry for assistance.

CJIA stands by fee ...

From page 18

January notification was made.

Not first time fees increased In its statement, the airport said that it is not the first time that there have been increases in airport fees and charges. It said that on the last occasion in 2017, IATA was able to implement the new fees in as little as six-eight weeks.

Notably, the airport stated that there was no

demand for it to provide its internal documents.

The letters and correspondence informing the airlines were sufficient for IATA to act on in the case of airport fees, whilst a copy of the legislation was requested in respect of the increased government taxes.

It was noted that on that occasion too, there was a transition period during which passengers were re-

quired to pay fees and taxes at the airport, pending IATA completing the requisite process.

“The airport does not know what agenda IATA is adopting, but it is inconsistent with the laws of Guyana, the Air Carrier Agreements and ICAO recommendations in cases where there are valid Air Carrier Agreements. It appears that IATA intends to interfere with the contractu-

al relations between CJIAC and its customer airlines, including those which are not IATA members,” the CJIA said.

The CJIAC said that it is firmly of the view that, had IATA acted with the alacrity and competence it usually displays, the fee codes could have been fully implemented by April 1, 2019. The airport’s past experiences with IATA corroborate this belief.

IATA overreaching its authority The CJIAC said that for the international body to request that it justify the increase is tantamount to overreaching its authority.

The CJIAC pointed out that the decisions of the corporation are guided by the Public Corporations Act, the CJIAC Order, relevant ICAO recommendations, and the Air Carrier Agreements between the

airport and the airlines.

“It is clear from the position taken by IATA that they are unaware of laws and agreements by which the airport is bound,” the CJIAC said.

The CJIAC said it remains committed to working with its stakeholders to provide a seamless and gratifying experience for the travelling public and hopes that IATA will also assist in this regard.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE APRIL 28, 2019

National Park gets solar-powered lights

THE Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has supervised the installation of nine integrated stand-alone solar-powered 80W Light Emitted Diode (LED) street lights at the Guyana National Park.

The project was supported by the Canadian

High Commission in Georgetown under a grant from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

At a cost of G$2.4M, the project aims to provide patrons, who access the National Park through the parking area and those who use the Tennis Court and the Children’s Play

Solar lights at night in the National Park

area, with enhanced safety and security.

Integrated solar-powered lights use renewable energy from the sun to charge the batteries within the fixture which provides a source of light at nights.

The lights are controlled by a light sensitive and timer-controlled circuit to automatically switch the lights on in the evenings and turn them off at dawn.

As part of the energy conservation features of the initiative, the technology dims the lights by 50 per cent when motion is not detected and returns to 100 per cent brightness when motion is detected.

The lights are fully powered by solar, thus avoiding the use of electricity generated by fossil fuel. Accordingly, the lights are not affected by utility failures.

The installation is in keeping with GEA’s mandate to develop and encourage the development and utilisation of sources of energy other than sources presently in use and securing more efficient utilisation of energy and sources of energy.

It is estimated that with the installation of these lights, a total of 9,855kWh of energy and 5,913kg of CO2 emissions annually will be avoided through this investment.

This translates to over

From left: Commissioner of Protected Areas Commission, Denise Fraser; Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee; and CEO of the GEA, Dr. Mahender Sharma after unveiling the project at the National Park GY$560,000 yearly in electricity costs avoided.

The simple payback on this investment is about four years.

GEA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Mahender Sharma said the agency provided technical, project preparation, supervision and implementation support towards the successful completion of the installation.

Dr. Sharma also reminded that in 2018, the National Park, with support from the British High Commission, had benefited from a grant from the UK’s Prosperity Fund for the installation of 45

solar-powered lights.

GEA’s CEO expressed sincere gratitude to the Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee and her staff for their support in making it possible to provide renewable energy and efficient lighting to the users of the National Park.

The CEO also thanked Denise Fraser, commissioner, Protected Areas Commission and the staff of the National Park for the support throughout the Project’s implementation.

“I would like to commend the Guyana Energy Agency for spearheading this initiative to illuminate

public spaces with solar-powered LED lights. It is innovative and it is the future of clean energy sources. Canada is pleased to have supported this project through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives,” Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee, said.

The GEA, in keeping with the Green State Development Strategy, will continue to implement and spearhead such projects as part of the realisation of the agency’s objective to scale-up solar power and other forms of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

21

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, APril 28, 2019

Xi opens up new horizons for high-quality B&R cooperation tween China and other B&R countries surpassed 6 trillion U.S. dollars, and China's investment in B&R countries exceeds 90 billion dollars.

Thanks to the BRI, eastern Africa has its own expressway, the Maldives has its first inter-island bridge, Belarus can produce sedans and the number of freight trains between China and Europe is on the rise. The once rusted Greek port of Piraeus has become one of the world's fastest-growing

Chinese President Xi Jinping

BEIJING, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday announced a package of proposals to advance high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at a key forum widely considered a milestone in promoting win-win cooperation.

The international community should join hands to work out a "meticulous painting" of the BRI to continuously promote its high-quality development toward a bright future, Xi said in a keynote speech at the opening of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

GLOBAL INFLUENCE About 5,000 participants from more than 150 countries and 90 international organizations attended the event. Among them were nearly 40 heads of state and government.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Chilean President Eduardo Pinera, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the opening ceremony.

The principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits should be upheld, said Xi, stressing open, green and clean approaches, as well

as goals of high-standard, livelihood-improving and sustainable development.

"The BRI will not become an exclusive club," Xi said.

Proposed by Xi in 2013, the BRI has opened up new space for world economy with better-than-expected results. In less than six years, the BRI has been extended from Asia and Europe to Africa, Americas and Oceania.

The collective action under the BRI is unprecedented in history.

"We should forge a global connectivity partnership to achieve common development and prosperity," Xi said. "As long as we work together to help each other, even if thousands of miles apart, we will certainly be able to find a mutually beneficial and win-win road."

Addressing B&R concerns, Xi announced a series of ambitious and concrete measures, including building infrastructure of high quality, sustainability, risk resilience, reasonable pricing, inclusiveness and accessibility.

China will also negotiate and sign high-standard free trade agreements with more countries and support massive personnel exchanges among B&R countries, according to Xi. "At the time of trade tensions and rising protectionism, keeping the door open for trade and investment is a stabilizer of global economy.

And this is what the BRI can exemplify," said Arancha Gonzalez, executive director

of the International Trade Center.

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said the BRI is an important manifestation of China's leadership in international affairs.

Experts believe that the number and quality of outcomes of this forum will be greater and the BRI will proceed from a new height to inject even stronger momentum into building a community with a shared future for humanity.

LEGEND OF 21ST CENTURY Since the 2008 financial crisis, the world has focused on pushing the sluggish economy into a new growth cycle, but multilateralism and the free trade system have encountered setbacks.

Since its inception, the BRI has received unprecedented strong endorsement and support. The vision has been included in documents of major international institutions, such as the UN and the G20, and covered by think tank studies of different countries and financial reports from multinational corporations.

Over the past six years, Xi has frequently promoted the BRI on various international platforms. He also visited the sites of BRI projects during his overseas visits.

So far, more than 150 countries and international organizations have signed BRI cooperation documents with China. From 2013 to 2018, the trade volume be-

container terminals.

Mahathir said the BRI is a great initiative with huge potential, which will not only help deal with the infrastructure and transport bottlenecks that are impeding the development of different countries, but also address the problem of unbalanced development among countries and promote cultural dialogue and exchanges.

PEOPLE-CENTERED The vision of making de-

velopment people-centered has run through the process of building the B&R. Xi in his keynote speech called for focusing on eradicating poverty, increasing employment and improving people's livelihoods, so that the BRI would better benefit all people and make a tangible contribution to local economic and social development while ensuring TURN TO PAGE 22 â–ş

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

Belt and Road helps Latin America to achieve UN 2030 agenda, says ECLAC official BEIJING, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) facilitates the compliance with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in Latin America, said a senior official of a UN body based in Latin America.

Mario Cimoli, deputy executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the caribbean (ECLAC), made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua.

Also as chief of the division of production, productivity and management of ECLAC, Cimoli has arrived in Beijing to participate in the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on April 25-27.

So far, 18 Latin American countries have signed the Memorandum of Understanding on jointly building the

Belt and Road cooperation with China.

"The countries in Latin America view China as a fundamental actor," he said.

"The fact that 18 Latin American countries have joined the Belt and Road Initiative means that these countries think that China is necessary and China is also aware of the importance of dialogue. It's a historical process."

In his opinion, the BRI makes "greater integration, greater multilateralism and more dialogue" possible and "does good to Latin America."

He said that both the 2030 Agenda and the BRI seek sustainable development and reduction of inequality and poverty, without contradicting with the proper model of each country.

"Given that the growth rates of Latin America will not be very high for the next few years, a rational process

Mario Cimoli, Deputy Executive Secretary of the ECLAC

of cooperation such as the Belt and Road will surely help the region and allow each country to seek and improve their model of development and growth," the ECLAC official said.

The BRI is a much more

horizontal dialogue, a platform, in that sense that it is a process that helps and allows a much more positive coexistence despite current global tensions, he said.

In the dialogue with China, Latin America can

demonstrate the importance of being an integrated area of trade, policies, and infrastructures in order to trade better with Asia, he said.

Cimoli also affirmed that the incorporation of new technologies in Latin America is a course under discussion, and dialogue with China can accelerate and improve the process.

Cimoli said his one observation of his ongoing China trip is the extensive use of electronic commerce among ordinary people.

He said when he went out to buy something, he found almost everyone use e-payments.

The way in which technologies immerge into the daily life of Chinese citizens is an example and would be a valuable contribution of China to the world and especially to Latin America, Cimoli said.

"The example of China

shows the role that a state should play to trigger the technological development.

In this dialogue with China, Latin America surely has to learn from the pragmatism of China," he said.

The ECLAC official mentioned that China invests over 2 percent of its GDP in science and technology, while the average investment of Latin American countries in the field is between 0.4 and 0.5 percent of its GDP, plus, it appears to be swaying instead of stable state policies.

"There is a lot of cooperation to be done, much experience to be shared and much a platform for dialogue like the Belt and Road Initiative could do," said Cimoli.

FROM PAGE 21

Xi opens up ...

creating a less difficult way for people in the remote Andijan region to get to the capital. In Pakistan, the once remote and quiet port of Gwadar is booming with urban construction, creating jobs that bring new hope for life. Streetlights now illuminate Myanmar's once dark streets in Kyau Pyo. China has strengthened cooperation with the UN in the areas of green development, child care, climate change, agriculture, health, disaster reduction and water resources and has worked hard to narrow the development gap.

According to the latest report of the BRF Advisory Council, the BRI and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development have many things in common with the potential to derive mutual synergy.

"We see the BRI as the most relevant project today in the world, in the context of South-South cooperation, which would contribute to fairer globalization, and fairer globalization is the best way to have a future of shared prosperity among the different nations of the world," UN chief Guterres said.

MORE OPEN CHINA The BRI has not only advanced China's opening-up and development but also created new opportunities for the development of all countries.

Xi announced a series of major reform and opening-up measures to be taken by China: broadening market access for foreign investment, strengthening international cooperation in intellectual property rights protection, increasing imports of goods and services on a larger scale, more effectively implementing international macroeconomic policy coordination, and attaching greater importance to the implementation of the opening-up policies.

China will set up a number of new free trade pilot zones, strengthen the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of foreign intellectual property owners, prohibit forced technology transfer, further reduce tariffs, avoid beggar-thy-neighbor exchange rate depreciation, establish a binding mechanism for the implementation of international agreements, and treat all enterprises and operators fairly.

He also expressed the hope that all countries in the world can create a favorable investment environment, treat Chinese enterprises, overseas students and scholars on an equal footing, and provide a fair and friendly environment for their normal international exchanges and cooperation.

"A more open China will further integrate itself into the world, and deliver greater progress and prosperity for both China and the world at large," Xi said.

Chairman of China-Italy Chamber of Commerce Davide Cucino who is attending the forum said that nobody should doubt how positive the BRI idea is, and there is a heated discussion in Europe about how to join the B&R. "Sooner or later, all countries will embrace the initiative." commercial and financial sustainability.

The practice has proven that the BRI is in line with the "strong desire of the people of all countries for a better life." China helped Uzbekistan build a tunnel in 900 days,

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, APril 28, 2019

Economic Watch‌

Private sector seeks pragmatic cooperation under BRI BEIJING, April 25 (Xinhua) -- As the number of countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues to climb, private firms around the world do not want to miss out on the opportunities.

At the ongoing Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF), scheduled from Thursday to Saturday in Beijing, global business leaders regard the forum as a golden opportunity to secure new deals or partnerships.

Unlike the first BRF two years ago, this year's forum, featuring a CEO conference and a B2B matching session that are designed specifically for the business world, has attracted enterprises from 88 countries and regions.

Arancha Gonzalez, executive director of the International Trade Center, described the special session for enterprises a "very welcomed innovation."

"Private sector participation, both Chinese and foreign, will be essential to ensure the long-term sustainability, vitality and efficiency of the Belt and Road Initiative," said Gonzalez.

More than five years after its launch, cooperation under the BRI has become increasingly pragmatic, with

a series of down-to-earth projects initiated by private companies, showing the appeal of the BRI. Le Xuan Nghia, a Vietnamese contractor, came to the forum to sign a deal worth some 1.15 billion yuan (about 170 million U.S. dollars) on three pig breeding projects with the Chinese agricultural conglomerate New Hope Group.

"Chinese companies have competitive advantages in terms of financing, technology and infrastructure construction, while Vietnam has a very promising agri-

cultural market," said Nghia, adding that the BRF has given him a global platform to connect with other companies in the industry.

The three pig farms are expected to provide Vietnam with nearly 1 million pigs annually, offering a safe food supply to the country while creating jobs for the locals, said Zhang Xiangjun, general manager of the New Hope Binh Phuoc Livestock Company.

Zhang Xin, chairman of TBEA, an energy equipment supplier that has a presence in many Belt and Road coun-

tries including Tajikistan and Pakistan, said that the BRI has offered a platform for firms of all kinds to learn from others and brainstorm new ideas.

"The BRI has encouraged many private companies in China to go onto the world stage," Zhang said.

According to data from the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, out of the top 500 private firms in China in 2017, 274 have participated in BRI projects.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the BRI should be more inclusive

and support B2B exchanges among more small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), said Gonzalez.

"The Belt and Road Initiative cannot be only for the 1 percent of big enterprises, but we also must work to make the initiative for the 99 percent of our economies -the small and medium enterprises that are the backbones of the economies along the Belt and Road," she said.

Davide Cucino, chairman of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, said that compared with larger firms, SMEs have fewer instru-

ments to participate in international projects, and that is where government-initiated platforms and events such as the BRF come in to help.

"Companies also need to let the government know about their needs. It must be a two-way communication," Cucino said.

As the first Group of Seven nation to participate in the BRI, Italy is both giving and receiving opportunities, Cucino said. "Sooner or later all countries will embrace the initiative," he said.

Belt and Road Initiative BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- New progress was made in jointly pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018, with strengthened industrial cooperation, improved infrastructure and closer ties in trade and investment, according to an official report.

The following are some key facts and figures, according to the report of the National Development and Reform Commission.

-- China vigorously pushed for international cooperation last year and has so far signed 171 cooperation

documents on the Belt and Road Initiative with more than 150 countries and international organizations.

-- Industrial capacity cooperation made headway in 2018. Tangible results were seen in the construction of an industrial park of China and the United Arab Emirates.

China has reached agreements with more than 10 countries including France, Japan and Singapore on cooperation in third-party markets.

-- The China-Laos and China-Thailand railway projects made solid progress.

The high-speed railway from Jakarta to Bandung started construction, and the Gwadar port project in Pakistan was also pushed forward.

-- China-Europe freight trains have made more than 13,000 trips so far, with the proportion of China-bound trips up by nearly 20 percentage points in 2018. The trains connect Chinese cities with 49 cities in 15 countries.

-- Aviation connectivity improved in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, with the number of air routes up by 106 in 2018.

The current 387 air routes connect 33 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

-- The Belt and Road international science organizations alliance was established last year, which will help China build technology transfer platforms with ASEAN, South Asia, Arabian countries, Central Asia and central and eastern Europe, and facilitate joint efforts of China and eight countries including the Philippines and Indonesia to develop science parks.

-- Fruitful outcomes were

achieved during the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

-- The Digital Silk Road was steadily advanced. Memorandums of understanding on cooperation between China and 16 countries have been signed.

-- China's accumulative trade volume with Belt and Road countries surpassed 7 trillion U.S. dollars. It has built 82 overseas economic cooperation zones in Belt and Road countries, with investment exceeding 30 billion U.S. dollars. In 2018, non-fi-

nancial investment from China came in at 15.64 billion U.S. dollars, up 8.9 percent.

-- Eleven Chinese banks have set up 71 branches in 27 Belt and Road countries, and the renminbi cross-border clearing system covered 41 countries and regions.

-- China has signed cultural cooperation agreements with more than 60 Belt and Road countries, and established 17 overseas cultural centers in Belt and Road countries.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 28, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

Bottas pips Hamilton to Baku pole (REUTERS) - VALTTERI Bottas snatched pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix yesterday in an incident-packed qualifying session that saw Mercedes lock out the front row and Ferrari favourite Charles Leclerc crash out.

The Finn lapped the sixkm Baku street circuit in one minute, 40.495 seconds, just 0.059 seconds faster than team mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Sebastian Vettel, the sole Ferrari driver chasing pole after Leclerc crashed out in the second phase of qualifying, will line up in third place after his fastest lap was 0.302 seconds off Bottas’s pace.

Hamilton had been fastest after the first laps in the third and final phase but Bottas found the extra speed just when it mattered.

Hamilton’s second-fastest time gave Mercedes their third front-row lockout of the season, leaving the German marque well-placed to extend their streak of three straight one-two finishes in as many races.

Ferrari had started the session looking dominant after Leclerc had led every practice session.

However, the Monegasque - fired up after being ordered to move over for Vettel in China and denied a maiden Formula One win by engine trouble in Bahrain hit the wall. He will still start

Pole position qualifier Valtteri Bottas of Finland celebrates with second-place qualifier Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and third-place qualifier Sebastian Vettel of Germany during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit yesterday. (Photo by Mark Thompson/ Getty Images)

ninth, however.

With the session running late after two lengthy redflag delays, and with temperatures dropping and no slipstream, Vettel was unable to extract the lap time from his Ferrari.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, fastest in the second phase of qualifying, was fourth ahead of Racing Point’s Sergio Perez - the only driver to have stood on the Baku podium more than once.

Russian Daniil Kvyat was sixth for Toro Rosso ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi set the eighth-fastest time but the Italian will drop 10 places after being hit with an engine-related grid penalty.

Team mate Kimi Raikkonen

will therefore move up to eighth.

Robert Kubica brought out the first red flag, the Pole ploughing his Williams into the barriers at exactly the same spot as Leclerc in the opening phase.

That crash was the latest blow on a difficult weekend for struggling Williams with rookie George Russell striking a loose manhole cover in Friday’s practice and wrecking his car.

Several other drivers, including Vettel and Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg clipped the barriers or had close escapes at the same turn eight.

Bottas was on course for victory in Baku last year when a blown tyre three laps from the end handed it to Hamilton instead.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday April 28, 2019) South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:35 hrs Jacqueline

11:45 hrs Loughmore 12:15 hrs Teologia English Racing Tips

09:10 hrs Silva’s Bullet

Salisbury

09:45 hrs O’Reilly

09:00 hrs Good Vibes

10:20 hrs Sun And Sand

09:30 hrs Real Smooth

10:55 hrs Dawn Calling

10:00 hrs Biometric

Irish Racing Tips

10:35 hrs Mayfair Spirit

Sligo

11:05 hrs Royal Star

08:50 hrs Little Light 09:20 hrs Lethal Steps 09:50 hrs No way Jack 10:25 hrs Gipsy Lee Rose

11:40 hrs Gumball 12:10 hrs No Way Jose 12:40 hrs Purple Paddy Wetherby

10:55 hrs Soldier At War

09:15 hrs Regular

11:30 hrs Global Racing

09:45 hrs King Shamardal

12:30 hrs Farceur Du Large

10:20 hrs Fanny Logan

Navan 09:05 hrs Tango

10:50 hrs Coolagh Magic

09:35 hrs Fairy Tango

11:25 hrs Rich Cummins

10:10 hrs The Irish Rover

11:55 hrs Saisons D’Or

10:40 hrs Pink Dogwood

12:25 hrs Monsieur Piquer

11:15 hrs Capri

12:55 hrs Mr Potter

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Andre Russell (KKR) (2) Sanju Samson-102* (RR vs Sunrisers, Hyderbaad) Today’s Quiz: (1) Against which team David Warner and Jonny Bairstow scored centuries in the same innings in this season's IPL? (2) Who is the first bowler to bag two four-wicket hauls in IPL 2019?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue FROM PAGE 29

Twenty teams...

On Thursday, Superbet, one of the main sponsors of the competition, made its contribution. Other sponsors include Banks DIH, Ramps Logistics Ltd, Imperial Trading, Red Carpet Washbay, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Star Party Rentals, Xavier’s Investment, Movement Auto Sale, Precision Auto Works, W&J Entertainment, Fung-A-Fat Hatchery, Ole’s Jewellery, Seeta’s Bar, Regent Household and Electronics, Royal Real Estate, Church’s Chicken, Fireside Grill, Magic City and S&D Enterprise.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

Reifer counting on X-factor performances (CMC) – NEWLY-named West Indies head coach Floyd Reifer believes if the West Indies are to win the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in England, a lot will depend on the performances of those ‘X factors’ and the bowling department.

Speaking at the end of Windies’ training camp at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Reifer said the regional squad probably contained the largest number of game-changers out of all of the teams competing at the World Cup. Even though he acknowledged that the pitches in England are good for batters, he said he would be depending heavily on his bowlers to lead

the charge.

The West Indies have not won the World Cup in 40 years. The last time they would have lifted the coveted crown was back in 1979 when Clive Lloyd was captain.

“Looking at the pitches in England and when you see the games in the county circuit they are very high-scoring so we expect the World Cup is going to be a high-scoring one, but I think that we will win the World Cup on bowling.

“The team that bowls the best and fields the best will win the World Cup because the pitches are good for batting and the batters are expected to score runs, but I think bowling is going to win

Head coach Floyd Reifer is banking on his bowlers as well as the ‘X factors’ in the team to guide them to World Cup glory.

it for us,” Reifer, a former West Indies captain said.

Additionally, he said a very strong 15-man West Indies squad had been named with a perfect blend of expe-

Rajasthan win to keep playoff hopes alive (ESPNCricinfo) - RAJASTHAN Royals came into this match - their last at home this season - with their IPL 2019 campaign hanging by a thread, needing to win all their remaining games to be in contention for the playoffs.

But thanks to an electric outing in the field from Jaydev Unadkat, a 78-run opening stand between Ajinkya Rahane and Liam Livingstone, and a nerveless 48 not out from Sanju Samson, they were able to keep their hopes alive with a clinical seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Jaipur.

Royals weathered a bruising second consecutive fifty from Manish Pandey and overcame some scrappiness in the field, holding Sunrisers to 160 for 8 when they had reached 121 for 3 with five overs to go in their innings.

Unadkat’s efforts were key, and he took 2 for 26 to go with his three catches.

Livingstone, opening for the first time in the IPL, launched the chase with gusto, hitting three sixes in his 44 off 26 balls, and Samson then held his composure to finish the job.

Rajasthan’s win did not only keep their campaign alive, it also ensured that Chennai Super Kings are the first team guaranteed a playoff spot in the competition.

rience and youth.

“I think the team is a really, really, good team. It is a blend of experience and youth and I believe that in our history we blend experience

with youth very well and it goes a long way in terms of continuity and junior players learning from senior players.

“We have a lot of X factors in the side. Compared to all of the sides at the World Cup our side has those guys who can go out there on any given day and any given time and turn the game around. So, all in all, I think it is a very good team. The camaraderie is there and the guys are working hard at the camp,” Reifer said.

The West Indies will head off to take part in a Tri-Nations Series against hosts Ireland and Bangladesh from May 5 to 17, before turning their focus to the World Cup which bowls off on May 30.

Reifer said the just con-

cluded training camp had gone exceptionally well in preparing the team for the challenges ahead.

“I thought the training camp was very good. The guys did a lot of work and we worked on a lot of specifics. We worked a lot on bowling plans and we did a lot of work in relation to depth bowling and we did a lot of fielding. All in all, the energy levels were very high and I really thought the guys put in a big effort,” he said.

“Expectations are very high, but I’ve been handling it very well. I’m fully prepared. The 12 years at the University (of the West Indies) have prepared me really well for this occasion so I’m ready,” Reifer said.

CARIFTA swimmers humble and motivated - head coach

Sanju Samson flicks

David Warner came into this match with 295 runs in his last five innings and a chance to claim an IPL record.

Twice before has someone struck five fifties in a row - Virender Sehwag achieving the feat in 2012 with Jos Buttler matching him last year - and Warner has been in such unbeatable touch that yet more runs seemed almost a formality.

He was gifted five of them off the first ball of the innings, having tried to leave Varun Aaron but failing to withdraw his bat in time to unintentionally dab the ball behind point, where the fielder swooped and shied to add four overthrows to a quick single.

Helped by Royals’ early sloppiness in the field, with

20 extra runs coming from misfields and overthrows, Sunrisers ended the Powerplay at a reasonably healthy 51 for 1, but Warner never got going on a slowish track.

He was yet to score a boundary when he aimed a wild slash at the first ball of the 13th over, bowled by Oshane Thomas, to present a swirling chance that was snaffled by a diving Steven Smith.

Smith jarred his right elbow completing the catch, and the physio ran out to add an extra layer of strapping to his arm, but he said in the post-match presentation that it was only precautionary.

The six swimmers who represented Guyana at this year’s CARIFTA Aquatic Championships

THE national swimming team that represented us at the 2019 CARIFTA Aquatic Championships at the Barbados Aquatic Centre, returned home with a drive to prepare for next year, according to head coach/ manager of the side, Haresh Bhagwan.

“The team have returned home humble and motivated as they are all looking towards returning to Barbados next year to represent.”

Team Guyana, led by Aleka Persaud, finished with five medals. The 12-year-old

Persaud stormed to three gold and two bronze medals in the 11-12 year-old division.

She won gold in the 100m butterfly, the 100m freestyle and the 50m freestyle. She copped bronze medals in the 50m butterfly and the 200m Individual Medley.

Due to her quick times, the youngster qualified for the Caribbean and Central American Championships, scheduled to take place later this year.

Bhagwan said that “first-timers Paul and Patrice

Mahaica and Persaud have certainly stood up to the plate and proved that they have indeed earned their spots. Seaton, Noel and Jackson being the more experienced at this competition have returned humble, as the competition was much more intense than they had anticipated”.

The six swimmers battled against swimmers from 22 other nations, during the Easter holiday weekend.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

Stage set for GMR&SC Endurance round two THE stage is set for today’s second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) Endurance meet at the South Dakota Circuit.

Committee member Motitlall Deodass told Chronicle Sport that “all things are set and ready for a noon commencement of the event”.

“So far, we have about

30 registered competitors up to when I called the office a few minutes ago and I am told that there are more still registering.”

During round one, Team Wreckers’ Adrian Fernandes inched Sean Bacchus for the Overall title.

2018 Overall champion Fernandes narrowly defeated Bacchus who finished 77 laps, both in 1600cc and

overall brackets in the twohour long drive.

During round one action, the unlimited class was won

by Romeo Singh (72 laps) but Motilall Deodass (59 laps) surprisingly finished second ahead of Seejatan.

Deodass’ Motor Trend-sponsored Starlet encountered problems from the start of the race so he had to race at a decelerated pace throughout

the race.

Mohamed Ali (33 laps) was the best driver in the 2000cc class while Roshan Ali (20 laps) finished second followed by Rafeek Khan in third with 19 laps.

In the 1500cc class, Narendra Mangar (73 laps) won, followed by Richard Hamid (70) in second place and Mark Wong (69) in third.

GCC whip MSC in GCA Toucan U-15 100-ball cricket … Wins also for DCC, Bel Air RUBiS

Panthers draw first blood in GFF/KFC U-20 Independence Cup ACTION in Guyana’s first-ever national U-20 club tournament, the GFF/ KFC U-20 Independence Cup, kicked off yesterday at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, with an intense nail-biter between Timehri Panthers U-20s and Agricola Red Triangle U-20s.

Following the march past of the teams, an East Bank Football Association affair had to be decided by penalties after regulation time and extra-time could not produce a winner.

Agricola grabbed the early advantage through the boot of Randy Simon who put his side 1-0 up after just 13 minutes. In the first half no other goals were scored.

However, Tyrone Burnette would get through Agricola’s defence early in the second half and equalised for the Panthers, slotting calmly past the Agricola custodian.

With no further goals recorded in regulation time and neither side finding the net in extra time, it all went down to the wire from the penalty spot. It was the Panthers who held their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties.

That matchup was the only competitive game of the day but fans were treated to an exhibition match between a select Guyana U-17 side and Elite league team Den Amstel.

Teams from each member association across the country will play in a straight knockout tournament, with the winners from each region then coming together to compete in playoffs to decide who will be crowned national champions.

The tournament, which is sponsored by KFC, part of the Beharry Group of Companies, will continue in the coming week.

Twenty teams set for Independence Cricket Festival … Superbet on board

GCC were led by Shahid Vieira (left), Joshua Persaud-Sooklall, Vishwanauth Ram and Joash Charles.

THE Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) whipped home team Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) while there were wins for the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Bel Air RUBiS in the Georgetown Cricket Association Toucan U-15 100over cricket competition yesterday at various venues across the capital.

At the MSC ground, the visitors won the toss and inserted Malteenoes to take first strike. None of the batsmen reached double figures as the visitors’ 13-year-old bowlers Joshua Persaud-Sooklall, Joash Charles and Vishwanauth Ram accounted for eight of the wickets, which saw Malteenoes collapse for 36 in 16.2 overs.

Persaud-Sooklall led the attack with four strikes. The

off-spinner, who grabbed two wickets in his first over, finished with 4-5 from three overs. Opening bowler Charles supported with 2-11 from five overs and Ram, with 2-9 from 3.2 overs.

Wicketkeeper batsman Shahid Vieira was excellent behind the stumps as he accounted for four dismissals.

Vieira then blasted a quick unbeaten 17 runs (2x4), which helped GCC overhaul the target in 12 overs. They lost one wicket in the process.

At the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground, the home team went down to DCC. MYO batted first and scored 136 in 36.2 overs.

National U-15 cricketer Isai Thorne scored 22 (2x4, 1x6), while Nicquan Samuels (4x4) added a similar score to

led the home team’s charge.

Wavel Allen finished with 3-35 from eight overs for the visitors, while Jaden Dowlin, Kareem Caesar and Jeremiah Hoenkirk supported with two wickets each.

Romeo Deonarine then blasted a top score of 40, which pushed the visitors to a five-wicket win (137-5 from 38 overs). The opener scored six fours in his innings. Support came from S.. Walters, who hit five fours in an unbeaten 27, and Premkumar Permaul, who laced the boundary twice in a score of 19.

At the GNIC ground, Transport Sports Club won the toss and opted to take first strike. They looked solid as openers Ryan Latif and DeAndre Linton stroked the ball to all corners of the ground.

Latif scored a game-high

Isai Throne led MYO with 22 runs before returning to bowl seven quick overs, which resulted in a wicket.

37 (6x4) while Linton added 23 (4x4). When the 55run partnership was broken Transport fell to pieces. None of the other batsmen finished with double figures, which left the side at 100 all out in 31.5 overs.

Josh Alves led the way with 4-29 while Mohamed Juman and Nicholas Seepersaud, who did the damage late, finished with two wickets each.

Bel Air RUBiS reached the target in 25 overs. Opener Seepersaud, with three fours and a six, finished unbeaten on 43, while Omari Lallbachan, who belted four sixes and two fours, ended with a quick-fire 42.

Reaz Latif took 2-18 from six overs for TSC.

Dwight Dodson (left) collects a cheque from a Superbet Guyana representative.

AT least 20 teams will battle in the Seven-A-Side Independence Cricket Festival, which is scheduled for May 5 and 6 at the National Cultural Centre tarmac.

The tapeball competition, which is into its third year, is already expected to be the biggest with at least six teams more than 2018.

The Tran$cend Entertainment-organised, National Sports Commission-endorsed event has teams coming from Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank, West Bank and possibly one from Berbice.

Last year, the competition, which was won by Team Corruption, featured 14 teams, while in its first year it had attracted 11 teams.

Organiser Dwight Dodson said that some of the biggest names in cricket are set to battle this year, including the likes of Christopher Barnwell and Steven Jacobs.

Over $1M in cash and prizes will be up for grabs in the knockout competition, which will be played over five overs.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

Yadram joins Volcanoes for 2019/20 PCL season JUST half-a-dozen players from outside of their home territory were picked up by franchises during the 201920 Player Draft for the West Indies domestic professional season, on Friday.

Kjorn Ottley, a member of the Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners side that last November won the West Indies Super50 Cup, now sponsored by Colonial Medical Insurance, headlines the list of six players chosen during the Player Draft staged at the corporate headquarters of Cricket West Indies here.

The Trinidad & Tobago-born batsman, whose solid batting at the top of the order helped to earn the composite Marooners side their first ever regional title, was attained from the Player Pool by the Barbados Pride as one of their five draft picks.

His compatriot Tion Webster was also retained by Pride and his Marooners teammate, wicketkeeper/batsman Amir Jangoo, also from T&T, was picked up by the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, becoming the third recognised wicketkeeper/batsman on their

contracted list.

Former West Indies Under-19 captain, off-spinner Ramaal Lewis of Jamaica returns to the Guyana Jaguars, for whom he played last season.

Guyanese Bhaskar Yadram, another former Windies Under-19 graduate, was picked up by Windward Islands Volcanoes, who lost out to the Jamaica Scorpions on the choice of wicketkeeper/ batsman Denis Smith, after he was surprisingly left off their “protected player” list following a notable performance during the last Championship season.

A handful of players have returned to the franchise in their home territories after playing outside in past seasons.

Kyle Mayers returned from Volcanoes and found a place on Barbados Pride contracted list, along with fellow all-rounder Roshon Primus, who previously played for Trinidad & Tobago Red Force.

After playing in previous seasons for the Hurricanes, Nkrumah Bonner got onto

the contracted list of Jamaica Scorpions, which also includes fast-medium bowler Marquino Mindley, who played six games for Pride last season.

FRANCHISE CONTRACTED SQUAD LISTS Guyana Jaguars: Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Clinton Pestano, Leon Johnson, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer (Barbados), Romario Shepherd, Vishaul Singh; Christopher Barnwell, Tevin Imlach, Keon Joseph, Ramaal Lewis (Jamaica), Gudakesh Motie Barbados Pride: Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Miguel Cummins, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Shamar Springer, Tevyn Walcott; Dominic Drakes, Kjorn Ottley (Trinidad & Tobago), Roshon Primus, Tion Webster (Trinidad & Tobago), Kenroy Williams Leeward Island Hurricanes: Sheno Berridge, Quin-

ton Boatswain, Keacy Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Damion Jacobs (Jamaica), Jeremiah Louis, Kieran Powell, Devon Thomas; Nino Henry, Amir Jangoo (Trinidad & Tobago), Jaison Peters, Adelvin Phillip, Terence Warde Trinidad & Tobago Red Force: Bryan Charles, Joshua Da Silva, Kyle Hope (Barbados), Imran Khan, Jason Mohammed, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Denesh Ramdin, Odean Smith (Jamaica), Jeremy Solozano; Yannic Cariah, Akeal Hosein, Isaiah Rajah, Keegan Simmons, Daniel St Clair Jamaica Scorpions: Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Akim Frazer, Assad Fudadin (Guyana), Nicholson Gordon, Derval Green, Brandon King, Andre McCarthy, Paul Palmer Jr Aldaine Thomas; Dennis Bulli, Christopher Lamont, Marquino Mindley, Denis Smith (Windward Islands), Alwyn Williams Windward Islands: Sunil Ambris, Alick Athanze, Roland Cato, Kirk Edwards (Barbados), Kavem Hodge,

Ray Jordan, Shermon Lewis, Obed McCoy, Devon Smith, Josh Thomas; Kenneth Dember, Dillon Douglas, Larry Edward, Desron Maloney, Bhaskar Yadram (Guyana) ABOUT THE PLAYER DRAFT The Player Draft was organised with the goal of achieving an equitable distribution of the available player talent in the West Indies Championship and Colonial Medical Insurance West Indies Super50 Cup. Each Franchise contracts a minimum of 15 players, as follows: ● 10 players pre-selected from their home territory or from the previous season’s roster (also known as “protected players”); ● 5 players drafted from the Player Pool with a minimum of two from outside the franchise’s territory; and ● Each franchise can have one international player (i.e. non-eligible West Indian player) at its own cost The six franchises participated in the Player Draft

through a selection panel consisting of: Barbados Pride Roland Butcher – Interim Chairman of Selectors Emmerson Trotman – Head coach Guyana Jaguars Esaun Crandon – Head coach Anand Sanasie – Chief Executive Officer Jamaica Scorpions Junior Bennett – Chairman of Selectors Andrew Richardson – Head coach Leeward Islands Hurricanes Sylvester Joseph – Selector Vernon Springer Cricket Operations Manager Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Tony Gray – Chairman of Selectors Mervyn Dillon – Head coach Windward Islands Volcanoes Andre Coley – Head coach

Hamilton Green 9-a-side Inter-Ward Cup concludes May 5 … Teams urged to be at venue 15:00hrs FOLLOWING the postponement of the final on April 28 due to circumstances beyond the organisers’ control, fans can now turn their attention to the new date which is May 5 (Indian Arrival Day) for the conclusion of the Hamilton Green Cup Inter-Ward/ Village 9-a-side Knockout Football Tournament, at the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara.

Action starts at 16:00hrs with round of 16 matchups, before quarterfinals, semifinals and final are played and coordinator Lennox Arthur, the former National football

player and coach, is asking all teams to be at the venue by 15:00hrs to ensure that there is a prompt start to the day’s proceedings.

The opening salvo of round of 16 action will see Timehri vs Mahaicony, Soesdyke vs Liliendaal, Mocha vs Charlestown, Pouderoyen vs Bagotville, Goed Fortuin vs De Kinderen, Sophia vs Bourda Blues, Den Amstel Back Street vs Zeelugt and Uitvlugt vs Vreed-en-Hoop.

Teams will be battling for a chance to claim the John Fernandes $300 000 first prize and Prime Minister Trophy along with hampers

from Ricks and Sari.

The second-placed team will take away the Courtney Benn-sponsored $100 000, third $60 000 put up by Techno Mills and fourth $40 000, donated by Ready Mix along with the respective trophies.

All the trophies have been sponsored by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

Also at stake are the individual rewards for the Most Goals, who will take home a Dinette Chair from China Trading, while runners-up will be presented with a Lazy Boy chair from AH&L Kissoon, along with the Best Goalkeeper who will claim

the Minister of Natural Resources Trophy.

Among the sponsors so far are Techno Mills, Ready Mix, Sataur Gafoor, E.C Veira, BEV Enterprises, BK International, IPA, New Thriving, Ricks and Sari, E-Networks, Star Computers, NAMILCO, Cummings Electrical, National Sports Commission, Star Entertainment, Alfro Alphonso, Guyana Police Force, GuyOil, Minister of State, Prime Minister and Ministry of Legal Affairs.

Arthur expressed gratitude to all the business entities that have supported the tournament, which is being staged in recognition of the contributions of Hamilton Green, former Mayor of

Georgetown and Prime Minister of Guyana, towards the development of this country.

With the involvement of some of the country’s top players, representing their respective villages/wards, the event is playing its part in aiding Social Cohesion among the citizenry.

Among some of the players on show are Deon Alfred, Trayon Bobb, Tyrone Khan, Jamal Harvey, Sheldon Toney, Ruel Charter, Leroy Halley and Kenroy D’Aguiar.

Uitvlugt’s Trayon Bobb leads the goal-scoring category with four goals and he is followed by Bourda Blues’ Adrian Aaron, while three players are tied on two goals apiece.

Meanwhile, teams are

being reminded that four substitutions are permitted in this format which will see the games last 30 minutes broken into two 15-minute segments.

The tournament will be played in the knockout format, with winners advancing to the next round. Sudden-death penalties will be used to separate the sides in the event of a draw at the end of full time.

The no-offside rule is also in effect. All other rules will come under FIFA.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 28, 2019

Guyana to be permanent home of CPL A NEW state-of-the-art facility will be constructed on Camp Street, Georgetown, to accommodate the locally-based CPL Franchise, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and a CPL OPCO Administrative Office.

The building is expected to be the permanent home of Guyana Amazon Warriors and will also accommodate the CPL Ticketing Office, a Guyana Amazon Warriors Merchandise Outlet, a CPL OPCO Administrative Office and a Hall of Fame.

The highlight is expected to be the ‘Hall of Fame’

showcasing a history of the CPL and Guyana Amazon Warriors from the inception of the CPL in 2013 to present and will be updated on a continuous basis.

Chief Operating Officer of the CPL, Pete Russell, was full in praise for the Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise and for the support of the Guyanese public for CPL. He commented, “This is a wonderful initiative that shows how far Amazon Warriors have come in the last six years. The team have become a big part of the sporting landscape in Guyana and

Titans TTC’s first-ever ‘Player Development’ Seminar a success

Pete Russell addresses the local media at the Guyana Marriott last Thursday.

have already created their own history with a number of memorable performances over the years. For CPL, we are delighted that fans will be able to re-live some of the best CPL highlights from previous years by visiting this new facility.”

At a press conference at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown last Thursday, Russell told local journalists that Guyana Amazon Warriors will be unveiling a project within the next few days.

The project, he said, is a testimony of the success of CPL and Guyana Amazon

Warriors over the period.

The venue will also be able to accommodate parking for approximately 50 vehicles for persons who will be conducting business at the CPL OPCO Office and visiting the Hall of Fame.

The seventh edition of the exciting Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will bowl off on September 4 in Trinidad and Tobago and will run until October 12, 2019.

Trinbago Knight Riders are the defending champions.

DCB Inter-association cricket

Georgetown claim title, ECD also victorious

By Rajiv Bisnauth

ALWAYS looking to break new ground, the Titans Table Tennis Club (TTTC) yesterday held its first-ever ‘Player Development’ seminar, which targeted all athletes, 21-andunder along with parents, sports enthusiasts and stakeholders.

Presentations were done

by National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Deputy Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson.

She enlightened the attendees on the governance of sports; the role of the Sports Ministry, Sports Commission and the importance of sports as a ‘Tool for Education, Inclusion and Development”.

Dow-Richardson explained athlete development as the NSC has planned, through its proposed National Sports Policy, and their vision for the development of young athletes as well as the implementation of sports in schools throughout the nation.

Meanwhile, Troy Peters, Communications Manager at beverage giant Banks DIH Ltd, also made a presentation on Sponsorship, Promotion, Social Media and Building the profile of an athlete.

Peters, who was an experienced journalist before moving on to marketing, highlighted the fact that sponsorship is one of the biggest hurdles that sport associations baulk at, However, he explained that for sponsors to come on board there must be a feasible reason along with transparency.

Another invited speaker was Godfrey Munro, president of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), who educated the attendees on the support that they could look forward to from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and GTTA as well as grants that could be accessed by the athletes.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Titans TTC Public Relations Officer Daniel Thomas noted that the respective presentations were excellent and the turnout was great with a mixture of officials and athletes as well as parents.

At the closing of the successful seminar, Dow-Richards said she was pleased to be included and urged them to reach out to the NSC in the future for events like the ‘Player Development’ seminar.

GEORGETOWN emerged winners of the 2019 Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Inter-association Under-19 cricket tournament, after recording a 162-run victory over East Bank Demerara in the final round yesterday at the Wales Community Centre ground.

It was a complete performance from the City team as they first managed a first-innings total of 207 all out. after they were asked to bat first.

Thereafter their bowlers, led by Dequan Bamfield (4-20), put the final touches for the commanding victory.

Alphius Bookie top-scored for Georgetown with 59 while Joel Spooner contributed an even 50, and Nkosi Beaton 24. Bowling for East Bank, off-spinner Aaron Beharry and Jamal Michael collected 3-21 and 24 runs respectively. Shadrock Baicon took 2-24.

The run chase saw the East Bank batsmen fold for just 45 in 24 overs.

Only Mavindra Dindyal with 15 managed a double figure. Spinners Daniel Mootoo and Joel Spooner supported Bamfield with figures of 2-7 and 2-0 respectively.

Meanwhile, a combination of good bowling by the three-pronged East Coast Demerara spin-attack and some injudicious shot-making by the West Demerara batsmen saw the hosts whip their opponents by six wickets at the Lusignan Community Centre ground.

On a wicket which offered some

Georgetown captain collects the winners’ trophy from Richard Jodah while other team members share the moment.

spin, off-spinner Andrew Samaroo, the former national Under-17 player, was the pick of the spinners, claiming 4-25. His counterparts, leg-spinner Hemnauth Dindyal had 3-21 and off-spinner Pradesh Ballkishun 2-15.

Robin Williams, who is known for his wicket-keeping ability, took 1-2, with his medium pace.

Asked to bat first, the visiting side were hardly emphatic with the bat, with four batsmen managing double figures. They were eventually bowled out for 120 in 43.5 overs with Ryan Seecharan top-scoring with 21. Satash Basdeo made 15 while Saieed Persaud

and Joshua Rahaman contributed 13 runs apiece in a batting effort clearly lacking the ability to build partnerships.

The run chase was relatively easy, with the hosts reaching 124-4 in just 28.2 overs. Ballkishun top-scored with an attractive 52 while Samaroo made 33. Daniel Roberts collected 2-21.

Further, Chronicle Sport was informed that the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-county tournament is scheduled to commence on Tuesday. An official sponsor for the tournament is yet to be decided.

Rugby Americas North (RAN) South Zone final

This Elvin Croker photo shows the touring Guadeloupe team head and shoulders over their hosts Guyana. The tourists won 19-5 to take the Rugby Americas North (RAN) South Zone final.

Details in tomorrow’s edition.

Guadeloupe thrash Guyana 19-5

Stage set for GMR&SC Endurance round two

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In this GTRidez photo, Sean Bacchus (red car) and Adrian Fernandes battle for the lead of the Endurance Championship.

Guyana to be permanent home of CPL

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The artist’s impression of the soon-to-be-completed new state-of-the-art CPL and Guyana Amazon Warriors administrative office and Hall of Fame

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SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019