SEE INSIDE
No. 105161
SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018
Price: $140
(VAT Inclusive)
Sugar workers moving on …eager for severance, seeking ways to invest
Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes shows off her dancing skills in the presence of young masqueraders from Ann’s Grove during an engagement in the East Coast Demerara community on Saturday (Adrian Narine photo) See story on page 4
Page 3
House approves members for ERC Page 9
Markets wide open for Corentyne farmers …as non-traditional Page 16
crops take root
Three nabbed in cocaine bust at Soesdyke Page 11
Exxon to drill new well Page 17
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
Temper expectations of oil revenues - Lucas By Ariana Gordon GUYANESE need to temper their expectations of the emerging oil and gas sector despite the fact that the country stands to earn significant revenues from the new commodity. Economist Rawle Lucas in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle recently explained that Guyana, being an open economy, is highly dependent on trade for its income and the goods and services consumed. What that means, in essence, is that without international trade, Guyana would have much difficulty surviving. Guyana depends heavily on the exports of primarily primary commodities, so the addition of oil to the equation would mean the addition of an additional primary product to the country’s exports. This, he said, does not really change Guyana’s export profile. Lucas said, too, that because Guyana is unlikely to get into downstream operations of oil production in a hurry, “it means that all oil will do for us, at least in
the immediate future, is add or expand our production structure.” A GAP-FILLER But, even as oil expands our production structure, it would be playing two roles, the economist said. One is the role of a gap-filler, and the other that of adding to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Explaining what he means by gap-filler, Lucas said he’s speaking in the context of the transformation occurring in the agriculture sector, bearing in mind that sugar is no longer operating at the level it used to years ago, and as such, Guyana will lose income, GDP from the lower sugar output. What it also means, he said, is that the country will be losing foreign reserves from lower sugar exports, but with the advent of oil, some of that slack would be picked up. “So, our GDP situation should at least be stabilised where oil is concerned. But in my view, it is likely to expand it simply because oil may be an additional commodity that we are selling,”
Lucas said, adding that a substantial part of Guyana’s imports is made up of fuel and lubricants, which, more or less, is oil. He said given that Guyana is unlikely to be involved in downstream operations such as refining etcetera, it means that Guyana would have to import refined oil. “The amount we import, or the way it is reflected in our balance of payments,” he said, “largely depends upon how the agreement with respect to domestic oil demand is handled in the contract with Exxon. “Whatever is our share of the revenue, some of that will have to go to compensate for the refined product that we would have to import.” DEMAND AND SUPPLY That aside, he made it clear that not all of the oil revenues would be immediately available to Guyana, since oil, being a primary commodity, means it is dependent on demand and supply. “It means that the price we get for oil will move up and down like any other commodity. Assuming that
prices are significantly buoyant, then clearly our revenues will increase, to the extent that it falls, our revenues will decline,” he stated, while noting that unless there could be some control over the cost of production, then expectations from oil should not be too inflated. “No doubt we will get additional revenues, because we are adding an additional product to our export basket,” Lucas said, adding: “But still, prices as we saw a few years ago can fall significantly, and therefore undermine production and the revenues that are generated from that.” As it relates to adding to the GDP, Lucas said what one needs to remember is that oil is a new item in the country’s basket, or production structure, so it therefore stands to reason that it will do so. But the burning question now is: What will the revenue derived from production be used for? And his response was: “It is likely that oil revenues can increase rapidly. And since we are not investing any of that revenue in downstream activities, it means it will essentially remain as cash in our hands. “A large infusion of cash without a commensurate increase in goods and services will lead to inflation.”
money into the bank so as to control circulation. According to Lucas, if circulation is rapid, people are going to spend; and if they are spending faster than production, then inflation will occur. Another area to pay close attention to, he says, is the foreign exchange earnings and the exchange rate. As he explained, with exchange being based on open-market operations, the demand for goods and services produced by Guyana will also have an important influence here. And what this means, in essence, is that the more people demand Guyanese currency, then the higher the value of the currency, which means that local currency in the future is likely to appreciate against the U.S. dollar. “For that to happen, it means Guyana has to be producing goods and services that people want to buy abroad,” Lucas said. And he is confident that there will be significant growth in direct investment in the economy; and this optimism is founded on the discovery of gas here. He said that Guyana is likely to derive some benefit, as instead of importing gas or burning it, the gas that is available to Guyana would aid in reducing the cost of production significantly. “As a consequence,” he said, “producing in Guyana could become very competitive, which means, therefore, you are likely to see more and more manufacturing operations being established in Guyana, because of the access to cheap energy. “What that means is that other parts of our economy will become very important, particularly agriculture; some aspects of mining, and some aspects of our industrial raw materials like bauxite… because most of these, or all, serve as inputs into our production process.”
INFLATION CONTROL In the circumstance, he said, it is critical for the government to focus on controlling inflation, and one such means to do so is the creation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). The SWF is a means of taking some of the money out of the economy and placing it into savings. In this regard, Central Bank can, if there is too much money circulating, use open-market mechanisms or otherwise to control the situation. Central Bank, as a matter of fact, would need to persuade persons to put their
VIABLE EXPORT MARKET However, that will only happen if Guyana has the export market to support such production, because Lucas believes part of the country’s problem now is that the internal market is too small to support the economy. Said he: “The ways in which oil and gas would help us would be through access to cheaper energy, which will make it possible for the more enterprising among us to invest in agro-processing, manufacturing. The indirect spinoff of the industry would also be reflected in
Economist, Rawle Lucas
the construction sector; and this is where infrastructural development becomes very important.” In that case, he pointed to the need for housing for companies such as ExxonMobil, as they are likely to remain in Guyana for the long haul; as much as 40 years, and would be in need of permanent facilities to operate their businesses and to live. But, there’s a catch. “Nobody is going to go and invest in an area that doesn’t have infrastructure,” Lucas said. “Either Exxon would put in its own infrastructure, as was the case with the bauxite industry and sugar industry... “So now what you have is more than one party with an interest in infrastructural development, not only the government.” Notwithstanding that the beneficiaries would be limited, as it is likely to be those participating as direct employees or other stakeholders in the oil industry. As a result, of the aforementioned, it is expected that there would be an increase in private investment in other areas such as health and education, though this does not mean greater access for Guyana, but greater competition instead. “Because not all of us would be able to afford to send our kids to those schools. The government itself would have to maintain a high level of investment in education; the same thing in health care,” Lucas noted. The government, he said, has to be conscious of the limitations that are associated with the aforementioned. “A lot of this does not take place in a vacuum; Guyana is highly dependent on trade, and the trading environment, therefore, becomes very important to what we can do; the extent to which our focus is influenced by the mercantilist view of trade or the liberalist view of trade could also be an influence.” MERCANTILISM VS LIBERALISM Lucas made it clear that he is unaware of the government’s thinking on this matter or what they are likely to do in the future, but said the mercantilist view has its advantages and disadvantages. The mercantilist view speaks directly to whether there is a trade surplus, which is good; or a trade deficit, which is bad. While it may not be the most appropriate way to look at situations, if the focus is on increasing foreign exchange
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
Sugar workers moving on …eager for severance, seeking ways to invest By Nafeeza Yahya WITH the closure of the sugar estates confirmed and the anticipated payouts expected this monthend, many former employees of Guysuco who have received redundancy letters are eagerly awaiting their severance. The news that the $1.93 billion was already approved by parliament on Friday has many checking with their former superiors to see when they can go in and uplift their money, so that they can invest in something and continue to earn and live comfortable lives. While many are simply content to await the payouts to take the step into a new phase of their lives, others have already started and are soon to reap some of the benefits. Among those is Noel Douglas, 49, a former cane harvester attached to the Skeldon Estate who had been with the estate for 28 years. Douglas, a father of four with three currently in school ,disclosed that upon receiving his letter he immediately expanded his kitchen garden to a commercial scale. When the Guyana Chronicle visited him late Saturday afternoon, he was busy preparing new beds for ‘Poi callaloo’. He has tomatoes, bora, peppers and pak choi on his farm and said he is looking to add a few more crops. In anticipation of his severance, Douglas said he will continue with his farm on a large scale but intends to invest in poultry after settling some outstanding bills. He disclosed that while he is sad that the estate had to close, he is not upset and understands the nature of the business and is urging his former colleagues to be positive. “I would like to advise my other friends from the estate to have a positive mind and don’t get frustrated, there are things out there for all of us. It’s hard and will take time, but we have to keep the faith and try something. Not everybody can plant, but you have to know what will work for you,” he said. Another worker attached to Skeldon Estate Udishteer Jairam, 56, a former Bell Loader operator, who had been with the estate since
Noel Douglas
the October 1982, said he has some cattle and plans to expand his herd with his severance, but is calling on the authorities to implement stricter penalties for cattle rustling. Jairam, who lives with his wife, said he is content and happy that he will be receiving his severance, though he admitted that he is a little bit disappointed that it will be only half for now, but he sees it as a reward for his years of service. “Things could have been worse, I am thankful for the severance because I dedicated all my life to the estate and at least I will have something to put aside. I would have preferred to work some more and then retire, but it’s okay, I have some cow, goat and sheep that I am working with now,” Jairam said. Mukesh Purandai 52, and his son both worked at the estate for a combined 34 years and received their redundancy letters last year. Mukesh stated that upon receipt of the letters it took a while for him to come to grips, since the two main breadwinners of the home were jobless. However, with the severance being offered, he managed to recognise that it presents an opportunity for them to invest and earn while still working elsewhere. “Right now, five of we in the house and only my daughter working. She is a teacher. I never worked anywhere else but the estate, so when we get the letter I was worried and started to panic because I feel there like everything dead. But after I realise we will get the payout, I then start to think that we will use the money and start some business and still continue to work elsewhere. So it is not as bad as people saying, but you have to
Arjune Yashwardeo
Henry Massey
Mukesh Purandai
Udishteer Jairam
know what to do with your money or what kind of job you can do,” he said. Many workers are finding it very difficult to let go of the estates and are having a tough time finding jobs that match their skill sets. However, Henry Massey, 46, has realised that unless another company takes over the estate, “cutting cane dead’’ and has overhauled
his approach toward the job industry. “Since I get me letter, I looking for jobs and realise that what I accustom to is hard to find cause I usually home by 11 o clock and every other job is a full day, so I make up my mind and I taking any and every job that available until I find one that I am comfortable with, or until the estate open
back up. I will take the lil money and put it up for hard times, because I healthy and can work right now.” he said. Meanwhile over in Canje, Arjune Yashwardeo, 50, a former field superintendent attached to the Rose Hall Estate, said while he is happy with the severance he is hoping that another company takes over the estate in order to employ the workers in the Canje area. “ I hope some other company takes over the estate and run it better, so they can employ the people of this area because it will be tough for all of them to get jobs but nevertheless, I am happy they will be receiving a lump sum because they can use that to clear off their debts and bills and start fresh,” he said. “Some will have some even remaining as a savings, while it may not be enough for others but we have to stop looking into the past and look towards the future.” The government has been receiving a lot of criticism from the opposition and GAWU, stating they acted irresponsibly by laying off the workers. However, this was challenged by the Minister of Agriculture at an outreach in Berbice recently, when he disclosed that more than 50 percent of the workers that should have been laid off were retained by various ministries, while those that were sent off are being compensated. “To say that that government and GUYSUCO woke up one day and decided to close down the estate is a misrepresentation of facts.
We have been discussing this issue since 2016 in parliament, while at the same time GUYSUCO’s management spoke to their employees,” the minister said. The minister continued that through the government’s intervention, they were able to reduce the number of employees by more than half. “I agree that 4,000 employees on the breadline are a lot, but that figure should have been close to 9,000 employees. However, the NDIA has taken on the responsibility of the drainage under GUYSUCO’s control as well as the staff. Same for the staff of the community centres -- they are now under the control of the Ministry of Communities. Dispensaries and healthcare staff are now taken care of by the Ministry of Public Health. Employees are being transferred where staff from one estate are now being employed at other estates as in the case of the workers from Rose Hall now working at Albion and Blairmont, so the government is acting responsibly,” The minister said. The position of the opposition and the unions have now shifted on Friday to that of cooperation with the administration to find solutions for the laidoff employees. This news was met with mixed views, since many felt they were betrayed by the unions into striking, whereas they could have earned more rather than being laid off. Others are happy that finally, the opposition has decided to embrace cooperation for the benefit of the workers.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
Ann’s Grove: A village on the move --with help from the gov’t, resurgence of community spirit
By Ariana Gordon DESPITE the many challenges facing the East Coast Demerara community of Ann’s Grove, the youngsters who hail from there as well as neighbouring villages are determined to make a difference. With encouragement from
Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, the residents of the community are coming together to ensure that change takes place there. The community, like many others along the coast, grapples with high incidences of school drop outs, teenage pregnancies, and unemploy-
ment, but with the assistance of Minister Broomes and the Ministry of Social Protection, things are falling into place. On Saturday, upon a return visit to the community, Minister Broomes expressed satisfaction with the progress she has observed within the community. She was greeted by young masqueraders who were eager to hear her words of encouragement. She told a gathering within the community that it is time that they take stock of their young people; encour-
age them and let them know the future is bright. Broomes urged all village leaders to speak positively to the lives of the youths, so that they’d be encouraged to step out and be successful. “This is just the beginning,” the minister declared, and called on the residents of Ann’s Grove to maintain their rich culture and not fight amongst themselves. “You must go to school!” she encouraged the mostly young people assembled before her. “The future of Ann’s Grove is bright!” she said. Present at the meeting were members of the recently founded Ann’s Grove Sisters and Brothers’ group, which, since its formation last year, has seen an increase in membership, with many more persons expressing an interest to join. The group undertakes several community projects in partnership with other
stakeholders. Such works include clean-up campaigns, fogging, the delivery of first aid, the repairing of bridges, the distribution of school items to children, and the distribution of clothing to the needy. DOING HER BIT In keeping with the thrust of the group, Pastor Roxanne Hanover is doing her bit to ensure that the youths of a depressed area within Ann’s Grove are encouraged to do better. The area at reference, Pastor Hanover told reporters, is what is loosely referred to as “Ann’s Grove Backdam”, which many feel, is oftentimes forgotten. She said that upon the behest of Minister Broomes, the community has since banded together to form another group called the Ann’s Grove Parenting Association, which already boasts over 100 parents. Those parents, she said, gather every two weeks to discuss matters relating to the young people of the community.
REMARKABLE PROGRESS Meanwhile, the Ann’s Grove Sisters and Brothers Group, through its president, Ms Unice Fortune brought members of the community abreast of the remarkable progress it has been able to make since it was formed last year. Since its formation, the group has been primarily involved in activism, and elected an executive body. To date, there are 28 females and seven males within the group. Since the break of 2018, there were 15 new members, Fortune noted. In response, Minister Broomes encouraged the group to continue the good work. “You have it within you to press the switch in your life and make it bright,” she said. “We will transform Ann’s Grove as a people, like we will transform Guyana,” she added. She also announced that she will be sponsoring the community’s masquerade band for this year’s Mashramani.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
Maintaining law and order: The deadly traffic culture A CULTURE of Law and Order is the basic element upon which civilisation is denominated. No country, society or community has ever been successful without it. Our ability to maintain strong institutions is the bedrock of good governance, economic development and wealth creation; it is an indispensable part of human existence. In Guyana over the last two decades, we have developed an insidious and pervasive culture of lawlessness, which is probably the single greatest threat to our development. No amount of oil will bring prosperity, except we are able to find ways to curb this culture. Today I focus on our traffic culture. As a normal way of life, we ride bicycles without bell and prescribed night lights; we install unapproved vehicular headlights; we routinely apply illegal tints; motorcyclists wear unapproved helmets
or none at all; minibuses routinely ply unapproved routes, blare loud obscene music, speed and overload. We fester a preponderance of unlicensed taxi drivers, all of whom charge any fare they deem fit. We encourage touting and harassment of passengers; we use decorative and unapproved number plates; we allow our domestic and farm animals to wander in the heart of town; we install all kinds of psychedelic blinking tail-lights; we blast our horns in front of schools, court houses and places of worship, and neglect to stop at pedestrian crossings. SO OUT-OF-HAND All of this goes on unabated in full view of law enforcement and policymakers. It is so out-of-hand that law enforcement officers are seen engaging in these same practices with impunity. Over the last few years, several police officers have been charged or disciplined
for causing accidents or public panic while driving drunk. In fact, in some circles, it is believed that drunk driving was responsible for the deaths of former Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene and Deputy Commissioner, Balram Persaud. Officers are known to extort bribes from motorists: “Decide yuh mind; is either leff or rite! Leff something before ah rite dis ticket!” is a well known pervasive traffic culture. And it’s not uncommon to see a police officer in uniform riding in an extremely overloaded minibus, where the conductor has to stand with his buttocks hanging out the window to make room for the 23rd passenger in a 15-seater minibus. These things are done with such brazenness and impunity, to the point where it has taken foothold and become an imbedded part of the traffic culture. These things, if taken in isolation, may appear to
be simple infractions which we even joke about, but it is no laughing matter when it results in the death of a loved one. This pervasive culture of lawlessness has been eating away at our value system; deadening our collective conscience while contributing to a general breakdown of law and order. SO COMPROMISED When our collective value system has been so compromised that it threatens public safety, negatively impacts governance, and ultimately retard development, it is time for condign knee jerking and comprehensive response.
Our response over the years has been like applying a plaster to a hemorrhaging wound. We simply just litter the streets with speed humps to curb speeding. Then there is the occasional flare-up campaign for the removal of illegal tints and loud music etc. And the very day the campaign ends, it’s back to life as usual. Guyana cries out for the denouement of the rounds of piecemeal campaigns. A comprehensive, sustained road transportation policy is needed to target cultural reorientation; every citizen must join hands with policymakers. A strong case could be made for the establishment of a Department of Motor Vehicle and Traffic Management that will cater for vehicular registrations, licensing, certification, traffic studies, transport policy and planning and road safety management. As it stands, motor vehicle and traffic management is fragmented and divided among several agencies: The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is responsible for transport planning; the Guyana Revenue Authority for vehicular licensing, modification, registration and driver’s licence; The Ministry of Public Security for tint permits and security modifications such as bullet proofing etc; while the Po-
lice is responsible for road fitness and law enforcement. AN ANTIQUATED ARRANGEMENT This arrangement is antiquated, and may even perpetuate the status quo. Case in point, the MoPS was in the process of researching new vehicular number plates with certain built-in security features to assist with crime fighting and traffic management. GRA asserted its right, under the law, to be the lead agency to design and implement the number plates. Ostensibly, GRA is not too enthusiastic. The nation has heard nothing of that project for the last two years. This can be avoided if all the services are brought under one agency for uniformed policy implementation and law enforcement. The current administrative structure was designed more than 50 years ago, and has served its purpose. However, we have reached the point where the current arrangement is no longer efficient. In closing, here is another reason why I do not favour the M&CC’s parking-meter project. In its current form, it adds another piecemeal layer, instead of being a cog in a larger comprehensive national traffic management plan.
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Editorial
SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
Sugar and party politics IF anyone had thought that restructuring of the sugar industry would pass without much political drama, they were certainly mistaken. Sugar has dominated the news cycle these past two weeks. This has occurred even as news about oil continues to make headlines. The long shadow of sugar, which has dominated the political and economic landscape of Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean, continues to make its presence felt in very dramatic ways, including its ability to bring out the complexities and contradictions in the Guyanese body-politic. The year 2017 ended with the news that 4,000 sugar workers were served with retrenchment notices over the Christmas holidays. The opposition PPP and the main sugar union immediately cried foul, accusing the government of insensitivity. The government has indeed consulted with the sugar unions and had put in place arrangements which, among other things, saved over 5,000 jobs. President David Granger then announced that government would readjust its budgetary allocations to guarantee the workers 50% of their severance payment by the end of January, with the other half coming before the end of the year. While some sections of civil society welcomed this announcement, the PPP, the sugar unions and the Guyana Trades Union Congress were not happy. They claimed that it was a violation of labour practices. The PPP and GAWU vowed to take legal action, among other forms of protest. As if to demonstrate its resolve, there was an intensification of marches and public activity in the sugar belt. There is no doubt that the PPP is prepared to milk this issue for all its political worth to the party, although a dramatic development would have knocked the wind out of their sails.
Then, as if in direct response to a statement by three foundation members of the Working People’s Alliance, that party issued a statement on Friday in which it reaffirmed its commitment to the defence of workers’ interests, even as it supported the restructuring of the industry, noting that the administration has broken the cycle of political manipulation by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its allies and in the process, joins other countries in the hemisphere in squarely facing the challenges of sustaining an industry based on government subsidies. “Poor economies such as ours cannot carry that burden forever,” the WPA said in its statement. Finally, on Friday the Cabinet and the two sugar unions held a high-level meeting to discuss the way forward for the industry. Both sides came out of the meeting expressing optimism for an amicable outcome. The opposition leader and the PPP appeared to have toned down their rhetoric, while the President opined that the issue should not be dealt with in a partisan manner. Undoubtedly, persons are now questioning why it took the two sides this long to sit down and begin to address this matter in a mature and constructive manner. The answer lies in the behaviour of the PPP, who has sought to manipulate the main sugar union GAWU. But as President Granger said during the meeting on Friday: “If workers have to go home then we all lose, as it will have an impact on the economic growth of the country. Government will not win, the unions will not win and the workers will not win if the industry is crippled. We will all lose. Nobody is against the sugar industry. The government and the unions should engage until the issue is resolved. Let us use this opportunity to show flexibility and ensure that livelihoods are saved.” The head-of-state acknowledged that while there are dif-
ferences of opinion on the matter, he does not believe in walkouts or refusals to cooperate. He made it clear that government and the unions must work together to formalise a solution that would impact positively, the lives of the affected workers. Everyone knows that sugar is too central to this country’s political economy to be dealt with in a less than serious and integrated manner. As the WPA pointed out in its statement, economies such as ours cannot continue to subsidise an industry at the level at which we have been susidising Guysuco without dire consequences for the larger economy. Unlike the cases of some countries, government is not closing the industry—it is merely right-sizing it to the point of viability. This should alert those who are accusing the government of callousness to alter their misleading rhetoric. It should be clear that Guysuco and the government have been trying to execute the restructuring in as humane a manner as possible. But, in the end the frenzy, hatred and fear that are whipped up by the misleading and ethnically tinged rhetoric would only serve to undermine the country. For the good of the sugar industry, the workers and the country, the place for all sides in this matter going forward is where they are now—at the table, trying to come up with the best possible solution to what is a most complex undertaking. Our society is too politically fragile to have to endure this constant dereliction of duty by some of our political leaders. Let us hope that the initiative started on Friday will continue to bear good fruit.
Welcome change in officials for Mash calypso competitions Dear Editor KUDOS to the Ministry of Culture for bringing about a change of officials of the Mashramani Calypso Competitions, though in my opinion it is just an exchange. It was a bad choice to put people who were a part of the old system, based on the alleged corruption that was taking place both in the Adult, and especially the Junior competitions. It will be interesting to watch and see if the bare-faced manipulation of the art form, that gave
Judges the right for their decisions to be final, and their disregard for rules set by awarding familiar and repetitive lyrics’ year fuh, year come’, continue. When I heard the possibility exists that the competition could be shifted from Bartica to Lethem, I was somewhat disappointed because this will be the first time I will not be able to attend due to the distance, but I will be listening keenly and watching with a ‘hawk’s eye’ at the behaviour of those now in charge. Calypso is not a one-night
stand; calypso is not about voice; calypso is not about presentation and how energetic the contestant is on the stage, though it enhances the competition. Calypso should not be judged on favouritism and friendship. Calypso is about good, strong creative lyrics; songs that can stand the test of time for years to come. A good song is a good song when it is performed or not and should be saved and awarded at all times. It is time the rules be adhered to and all familiar lyrics be thrown out the door . It is the only way to force our Calypsonians to stretch their
imaginations and stop depending on the news for lyrics. It is time for them to prove their professionalism. I already’ smell a rat’, although this is the first time this Facebook and people’s choice thing is being introduced in the Calypso competition. I am a bit uneasy for some of those calypsonians. People don’t vote fairly; they vote for the people they support, whether that person has a good song or not. I now wish to ask how many of those Calypsonians have a Facebook
page and followers, and those who have, would already have many followers. So this is where the judges will have to be responsible with regards to the lyrics submitted. By now we should have been hearing the playing of Calypsos more often, leading up to the first leg of the competition [since] we have enough radio stations. I love calypso; it is a wonderful art that must be saved and uplifted. Regards D. Browne
SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
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OP-ED
Yes We Can
By Sherod Duncan
Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago and Former Chief of Staff to former US President, Barack Obama, once said, “You never let a serious crisis go to waste.” One interpretation is that we should look for the opportunities even in bad situations. As a matter of fact, it may have been his old boss who exemplified that statement the most. Recall the ‘Yes We Can’ speech of his 2008 White House bid, the phrase becoming the rallying call which swept the then young senator from Illinois into the Oval Office. What some people forget is that soaring oratory was delivered against the backdrop of his humiliating defeat in the New Hampshire primary. Who remembers what the victor said? Yet, before Obama’s historic speech and win, where I grew up on the ‘Shopping Plaza’ in South Ruimveldt, I looked across, every day, to
the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School and saw emblazoned on the façade of the building, the phrase, ‘We Can, We Must, We Will’. Etched also into memory is the beautiful refrain of our national ballad; that line, ‘Can we do it?’ to the response, ‘Yes We Can’. It is the credo which anchored us through 50 years of history since our declaration of self-reliance. We have faced enormous challenges, each threatening more than the last to take us over the precipice, towards certain destruction. But each time we find a way, take stock and pull ourselves back. The elegant words of one of our illustrious sons, haunts us, “We did not achieve political independence only to continue in the old colonial ways of exploitation and degradation.” Those words are poignant as they ever were. Guyanese have the capacity to steer this ship we call Guyana to true North; we have the fortitude and tenacity to surmount every
Sherod Duncan
obstacle in our path to progress and the good life. We are the change we have been looking for. That is why it is noteworthy in our green gold’s bitter-sweet experience: the macro shifts in the indus-
try, the loss of preferential markets, mismanagement, reforming the industry, consolidation of cultivation, ameliorating the impact of retrenchment on workers’ livelihood, the payment of severance - when we seemed
once more on this perilous path to destruction, reason prevails, our Guyanese-ness buoys us towards yet a glimmer of hope. It has been reported that the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, who once held an inflexible position on certain sugar estate closures, has relented, which now paves the way for Government to take decisive action; charting the future of the industry in a definitive direction. Somewhere in Guyana a parent is thinking about what will go into her child’s lunch pack tomorrow. Somewhere a father is contemplating what the ‘market money’ will look like next weekend for his family’s survival. Somewhere in Guyana there is a clerk trying to figure out what the discovery of oil means for his pocket in the years to come. While somewhere else someone is wondering if our current existence is all there is to life. I am convinced that even though politics intersects all our lives at some point, it is
not the most dominant thing on our minds daily. People trust their leaders to have all the facts to make the right decisions for our country. This is why we have elections and people democratically choose their leaders. We have a chance at something great. The David Granger-led administration, even with our missteps, have a moment to build on--not only to transform the sugar industry but every industry and sector by the courage of our conviction to make the tough decisions. This is leadership. As that iconic American President said then in his memorable oration, I pen again with humility, “In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let’s resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.” Yes We Can! (Sherod Avery Duncan is a Legal and Communications Professional.)
State of the roads at the MMA/DA housing compound
Dear Editor
FOR 10 years now the access roads and cross streets at the front Compound Housing scheme at Onverwagt West Coast Berbice have been neglected. Although residents have been paying their rates and taxes nothing is being done to ensure they can walk and drive in comfort and in ease in their ingress and egress. The Regional Demo-
cratic Council (RDC) of this Region seems to be heartless and unconcerned about the people (public servants, teachers, nurses, police officers, welfare officers and doctors) who live in this Onverwagt Front Compound. Access roads and cross streets in other villages from Cotton Tree to Tempie Village have been rehabilitated over a period of years excluding Onverwagt. The Neighbour-
hood Democratic Council of Union/Naarstigheid keeps telling some residents from since 2015 that the roads will be rehabilitated the next year 2016, then 2017 but up to the end of last year nothing has been done. Therefore Hon. Min-
ister of Communities and also Minister of Public Infrastructure could you please through your official and kind intervention take and make note of this report, because apart from the residents there are also Government businesses such as GWI, the Ministry
of Agriculture, NAREI, the GLDA Regional Office and the GPL located in situ and sometimes cannot be readily accessible especially during the heavy rainy season. The entrance road to these buildings which is
also the entrance road for the front compound housing scheme at Onverwagt is flooded and hazardous to customers. Regards Grace Pollydore and others
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Severance and Somersault CLEARING the dark shadows of doubt that opposition detractors had hauled over payment of severance benefits, the Coalition Government on Friday received parliamentary clearance for one billion nine hundred and thirty million dollars ($1,930,000,000) to meet part payment to redundant sugar workers, as promised, by month-end. While some 4,763 sugar workers formerly employed at the Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore/LBI and Wales estates would benefit, all workers who would receive below $500,000 would be fully paid off. The Minister of Agriculture has placed this number at 1,600, or about one-third of those who have been severed and have become available for alternative engagements. UNION-GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT The possibility that a 100% payout could be made to some of the affected workers was raised by President Granger and myself during a meeting Friday morning with representatives of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE). Heading the delegation was Mr. Komal Chand, one of the most outstanding Guyanese labour leaders who, after the meeting, was quoted as saying that the engagement with government was positive and constructive. In apparent total ignorance of the outcome from that union-government en-
counter, the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo hastily offered workers free legal service to fight in the courts for their severance pay. In making that offer, the opposition leader who just recently returned to Guyana (styled elsewhere as his “adopted” country), was in vain contemplation of being a knight in shining armour on a rescue mission in the sugar belt. But his disappointment that severance would be paid without his perceived legal battle was obvious by the time he stepped into the National Assembly.
STORM IN TEA CUP He then tried to brew a storm in a tea cup, by mumbling incoherently that the President had over-stated subsidies to the sugar industry in a message that I had read in the House. One would have thought that the guy who has been at the helm when the sugar industry was handed a begging bowl for its survival, would have chosen to stay quiet on the issue of the painful, cash bailouts. Those bailouts had become his shame, as the industry not only ate up all its own revenues, but has gobbled up since 2011, subsidies of $48 billion, of which $32 billion was doled out over the 30-month of the coalition government – about $1 billion a month. What he did was to add the two sums, and concluded that the President had said that the total subsidy was $80 billion! There could be no doubt that he knew exactly what the President had meant, as he himself had argued not long ago that
“$32 billion over a three-year period is affordable” and that “sugar needed transitional help”. SIDETRACKING ATTENTION But the opposition PPP was doing everything to sidetrack attention from the government’s request for just under $2 billion as an advance on severance payment, which opposition elements had implied would not be done. It was clear that the PPP was further resorting to filibuster, having failed earlier to stall measures to reform the sugar industry. It wanted all efforts to restructure, divest or diversify to be put on hold pending a review of the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Sugar Industry by the parliamentary Economic Services Committee, which the PPP had chaired. Had that been allowed, the entire sugar industry could have collapsed, and all 16,000 workers would have been placed on the breadline. Then, it tried a new trick when the Finance Minister sought to amend the Supplementary Bill to increase the severance pay amount to give all ex-workers who are entitled to less than $500,000,
their full benefits. The opposition raised “procedural objections” which led onlookers to doubt the sincerity of the PPP on whether it wanted the workers to get their package. GRIEVANCE AND MISERY I had noted that the PPP’s ploys were to frustrate severance payment and to cash in politically on the grievance and misery of workers who have lost their regular jobs. In this regard I am pleased by a statement issued by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) that said: ““We believe that the incumbent Government of Guyana cannot be accused of neglecting sugar, and we urge the public to support the measures to make the industry viable and competitive. Our long-term view sees GuySuCo as a diversified, publicly traded entity, financed and managed by Guyanese…” For its part, the PPP has clung to a posture that is opposed to privatisation of the sugar industry, in whole or partially. For many years I myself had embraced this ideology with a passion. The PPP argued that nationalisation had bred parasitic, state capitalism, but whilst
SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
the analysis appears to have some merit, the case for continued state ownership of failed industries, as distinct from social services, was flawed. No ideological dogma could justify the growing pauperisation of workers. This is for me an irresistible appeal for new thinking. In the case of the sugar industry, the entire Guyanese working people became worse off when $48 billion had to be withdrawn from them over seven years to subsidise the sugar industry. That amount could have made a difference in the lives of nurses and teachers, and others on public salaries, as well as pensioners. Besides, the state of bankruptcy of the sugar industry resulted in non-disbursement to the National Insurance Scheme of the contributions extracted from sugar workers. SUDDEN SOMERSAULT Having seen the downward slide in the sugar industry, caused by a combination of external market situation and internal political authoritarianism, I had pleaded for us to light a candle for sugar workers. Today, rather late in the day
when darkness has stepped in, the PPP has seen the light, finally. Having suffered the loss of his grip on sugar workers at the polls, the opposition leader on October 30, 2015, declared that the PPP would fight privatisation of the sugar industry. That posture had not changed until Friday last when he learned that the sugar unions were prepared to work with government to find solutions for problems in the sugar belt. The announcement of the severance package and the good news from the talks, had taken from the PPP’s sails the political wind that could help make the sugar belt a battleground against GuySuCo and the government. Not surprising therefore, the opposition leader made a sudden somersault. He jumped on the bandwagon of change, and declared on what must appear to be another Holy Friday, that the PPP supports privatisation of sugar estates. This could be a new beginning for broad cooperation that could push transformation in the sugar industry.
US-based family donates house, land to UG for annual bursary THE University of Guyana received its first major philanthropic gift from an individual family – a gesture that will result in the establishment of a bursary for students residing in Berbice. The gift of land and property in Berbice was given to the University by US-based Guyanese Rajdai Elizabeth Outar. Mrs. Outar and her family now reside in Scottsdale, Arizona. In a press statement on Saturday, the University explained that the property is expected to be developed or liquidated and funds invested within two years of the passing of the property to the university. Thereafter, up to 30 percent of the monies will
be used to fund, on an annual basis, the Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar Bursary. “The Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar Bursary is aimed at supporting tuition, living expenses and books for outstanding students from Berbice, Port Mourant, and other areas who prove[sic] to be unable to afford the cost of their education at the University of Guyana in any discipline,” the university explained. Growing up in Port Mourant, Berbice, Rajdai Elizabeth Outar and her late husband, Seobarran James Outar, placed a great value on education, especially for their four children and grandchildren. “Following
Founders of The Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar Bursary, Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar with grandsons (left to right): James, Benjamin and Joey
the advice of Mr. Outar’s father who advised ‘If there is one thing you could do for your children, it is to educate them. No one can ever take that away from them.’ The Outars left Guyana in the late 1970s for educational opportunities in the United States,” the University stated. They never forgot where they got their start and looked for opportunities to give back to their home. It was further explained that with Mr. Outar’s untimely passing in June 2014, Mrs. Outar decided to gift a parcel of land and other remaining assets in Guyana to The University to establish the Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar Bursary. Speaking from her home
in Scottsdale, Arizona, Mrs. Outar said “Education is the cornerstone of life and higher education provides an opportunity to create leaders, advance knowledge and to improve society. My family and I hope that our gift will not only benefit worthy students but that it also will inspire other expatriate Guyanese to support talent development at a critical time in our nation’s history. We are thankful to Prof. Paloma Mohamed, Deputy Vice Chancellor Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement and others in The University for creating the possibility and process of establishing such a gift.” Vice Chancellor of The Turn to page 9 ►
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BK peeved over PPC’s stance on review of $3.5B contract BK International is up in arms over Government’s decision to continue with the $3.5B contract awarded to Nabi Construction and Trinidad’s Kee Chanona Limited through a joint venture, despite its protest. But the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is maintaining that an administrative review cannot be conducted after the contract has been signed. In a press statement on Friday, BK International Inc’s Attorney, Carmilita Jamieson expressed disappointment. “BK Inc. does not subscribe to the fact that PPC is not empowered to authorise the rescinding of a contract if it is in breach of the law. How else will one get justice if there is no remedy by a constitutional agency set up under the Constitution to ‘investigate complaints’ and ‘provide remedial actions?” Jamieson argued. But Mrs Corbin on Saturday maintained that the Procurement Act does not allow for Administrative Review to be conducted after
the contract has been signed. According to Section 52, Chapter 7 of the Procurement Act, “A bidder whose tender or proposal has been rejected may submit a written protest to the procuring entity. The protest may pertain to the pre-qualification or tendering proceedings or to the method of the procurement selected by the procuring entity.” The Law also stipulates that the protest must be submitted within five business days following the publication of the contract award decision. But BK is contending that it was not given sufficient time to protest the issue. “BK Inc. was not given an opportunity to seek an Administrative Review,” the attorney stated, adding that it was on that basis that the decision was taken to turn to the PPC. In response to the other concerns raised by BK, Corbin stated that the investigation being conducted by the PPC in relation to the complaint filed by BK is still in its early stages. She, however, noted that the commission does not have the power to issue sanctions
Temper expectations of... and influencing international reserves, then that view is likely to prevail, because the aim is to obtain more revenue. However, if the goal is to increase access to goods and services to intermediate consumption goods; expand the welfare of the society, then the liberalist view may be the one to adopt. “I don’t know what position government will adopt, but the advantage of the liberalist view, If you don’t worry too much about the trade deficit or balance, then one of the things you’d be ensuring is that people have access to [as] wide [an] array of goods as possible, so if the emphasis is on consumption, then that liberalist view works.” The liberalist view, he stated, is “where the world is today,” despite trends that suggest same could be rolled back. Lucas opined that to the extent that Guyana does not roll back the progress that has been made over the years, then it is more than likely that the government would need to look in that direction.
“All of that is aimed really at helping to expand GDP. The income that we get as a nation, and to the extent that our GDP expands and goes beyond the definitions used by multilateral agencies to provide assistance to countries like ours, then Guyana would be graduated out of the soft and concessional and reasonably priced loans of these multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, the IDB and regional banks,” he explained. It means, therefore, that Guyana’s economy would have to depend on the capital market, of which there are two: Domestic and international capital markets. CAPITAL MARKET Lucas described Guyana’s capital market as “rudimentary”. Capital market refers to securities such as bonds, stocks and shares. However, Lucas explained that while the Central Bank sells treasuries, the market is not organised. “So I can’t say there is an active financial capital market in Guyana.” He said, too, that the local economy can
or the power to revoke contracts. However, based on the findings of its investigations, it refer matters to the DPP if needs be or make recommendations to the governing bodies. BK was among five companies that bid for the contract to “complete the Mazaruni Prisons in Region Seven. The company is arguing that the engineer’s estimate of $2.8M which was published in the Guyana Chronicle changed overnight without any explanation. “Notably, while the law does not provide for the engineer’s estimate to be stated publicly, the fact that it was stated means that it cannot be arbitrarily changed without the bidders benefiting from an explanation and being given an opportunity to bid on the new engineer’s estimate. In this case, the engineer’s new estimate came out only when the bid was (opened) on November 21, 2017. If this is not a flagrant breach, we asked, what is?”, BK attorney argued. From page 2
only accommodate a limited amount; that if there is a major project standing hypothetically at US$850M and the government were to reach out to the local banks,[it is] more than likely they will not have the money to lend anyone. “Clearly, we would have to go looking for that money in the international arena; clearly, the international market becomes important, which means that you have to have very good credit worthiness,” he stated, while noting that it is an area in which Guyana has limited experience. This however is not limited to the government, but applies to all investors. “My expectation is that Guyana will see its financial sector increasing widely as a result of the inflow of cash. We have to maintain a focus on the key variables: of interest rate, foreign exchange rate and inflation rate. We have to maintain that. Our policy position would clearly be influenced by the market conditions that we face at that time,” he told the Guyana Chronicle.
House approves members for ERC THE National Assembly on Friday approved the names of 10 persons to serve on the Ethnic Relations Commission following the adoption of the Third Report of the Standing Committee on Appointments. The motion for the adoption of the report was moved by Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton. The National Assembly also approved appointment of the following persons from the following categories as members of the Ethnic Relations Commission: Christian bodies, Dr. John O. Smith; Hindu bodies, Sister Rajkumarie Singh; Muslim bodies, Mr. Roshan Khan; Labour movement, Norris Emanuel Witter; Private Sector Organisations, Major-General (Retd.) Norman Mclean; Youth Organisations, Mr. Deodat Persaud; Women’s Organisations, Ms. Ruth Howard; Cultural/Ethnic Bodies, Afro-Guyanese, Mr. Barrington Braithwaite; Indo-Guyanese, Mr. Neaz Subhan and Indigenous bodies, Mr. Ashton Simon Minister Norton disclosed that there were nine meetings of the committee, but difficulties
were encountered with the Indo-Guyanese body. He acknowledged that more consultations with the citizens would have been welcomed. However, he told the House that persons were not as responsive even when the deadlines were extended. The opposition raised concerns with the length of time it took for persons to be appointed to the commission. Minister Norton said while an earlier time would have been appropriate for such an important body, there were several hindrances to the process. He expressed satisfaction that the appointments have been approved. The last ERC was dissolved in 2011. Meanwhile, the National Assembly also adopted the Fourth and Fifth Reports of the Standing Committee on Appointments to address matters relating to the appointment of the accountant and attorney-at-law of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Surendra Lall Boodhoo has been appointed as the Accountant of the FIU, while Yonette Romao Scarville has been appointed the attorney-at-law. Dr. Norton moved the motion, which is in keeping with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Act 2015. The two persons
were selected by the Parliamentary Committee on appointments from shortlists provided, based on applications in response to public advertisements. Dr. Norton told the House that the position of accountant was advertised and subsequently 10 persons were shortlisted, but nine were interviewed after one applicant withdrew. After deliberations, the committee reached a decision by majority and recommended Surendra Lall Boodhoo as a suitable person to be appointed as the accountant of the FIU. According to the minister, the committee had advertised for the position of attorney-at-law and subsequently shortlisted six applicants, but interviewed five, since one applicant withdrew. Scarville was subsequently appointed by majority selection. The Social Cohesion Minister said there were 20 meetings of the committee. The opposition raised concerns with the time it took for appointments to be made; however, the minister explained to the House that there were several challenges to the process. He expressed satisfaction that approval has been granted by both sides of the House for the appointments to be made.
US-based family donates... University of Guyana, Prof. Ivelaw Griffith has emphasized the need for private support to complement government funding. He expressed The University’s gratitude to Mrs. Outar and her family. “Mrs. Outar’s gift provides an opportunity for the most talented students to have access to a worldclass education, regardless of their ability to pay. We hope that her generosity will serve as an example for others to follow. Gifts like Mrs. Outar’s have an impact not only on the recipient but also their families, their community, and society at large.” Deputy Vice Chancellor (PACE) Prof. Paloma Mohamed also expressed sincere gratitude to Mrs. Outar and her family, and to her son O’Neil Outar, as well as to former DVC, Eliz-
abeth Ramlall, Ms. Christine Chowgrir and University Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande who worked for several months with PACE to realize the project. The Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar Bursary is expected to be administered through the University’s Student Support Fund mechanism,
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recently set up to support students with financial challenges. Application materials, awards committee composition and the decision rubric for the award of the Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar Bursary also will be available on the University of Guyana’s website, once the funds become available.
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Executive power and constitutional reform ALTHOUGH, constitutionally, Guyana has three co-equal branches of government in practice, the executive overpowers the other two branches. In fact, one can reasonably argue that there is a form of executive supremacy. This has to do with the very powerful executive presidency which was exploited by all our presidents, particularly Burnham, Hoyte and Jagdeo. Burnham and Jagdeo used the presidency to stifle democracy, while Hoyte used it partly to bring about democratic opening. The PPP and some independent observers have suggested that the present exec-
utive has over-reached. They have cited the president’s unilateral appointment of the GECOM chair, and the fact that the courts have found in at least three instances that executive actions had violated the Constitution. CHECKING THE EXECUTIVE However, I do not believe that there has been a pattern of abuse of power by this executive. There have been instances of overreach and bad policy, but these, to my mind, have not amounted to abuse of power. I think this has to do with rigorous oversight by the other two branches. Despite
institutional and political obstacles, there have been more checks on executive power than at any time in our post-colonial history. In an institutional sense, executive power can only be checked by the oversight of the other two branches of government: The legislative and judicial branches. In our present circumstances, where the governing coalition controls both the legislative and executive branches, it is difficult to have any effective oversight of the executive by the legislature. But, to be fair, there is some room for oversight in the sectoral committees by
the opposition; and the PPP has been doing a very good job at that level. There are two impediments to more effective oversight by the legislature. First, there is not enough separation of powers. We need to move away from the system whereby the entire Cabinet sits in Parliament, even when a Cabinet member is not an elected member. This is a very counter-productive and obsolete arrangement. We are basically asking the Executive branch to oversee itself. The second impediment has to do with a political culture that is grounded in party loyalty, or voting along party lines. It means that MPs do not vote their consciences, or on the perceived feelings of their constituencies. So, it is hardly likely that an MP of the ruling coalition, or for that matter of the PPP, would vote against his or her party in Parliament. From the ruling coalition’s standpoint, the fact that it has only a one-seat majority makes it even more impossible for such a scenario. We have, however, seen instances where the judicial branch has pushed back against the executive. This is good for democracy, since the courts are the final arbiter of the law. When one takes into consideration that we have in the past had political interference with the judiciary, it is remarkable that the court is still prepared to act independently. The other area of oversight that is very encouraging is that of Civil Society. We have always had a very vocal, if not vigilant, Civil Society in Guyana. The problem has been the partisan bent of our Civil Society organisations, whereby some tend to be more vocal when one or the other party is in power. But I think they have generally done a good job at oversight of the gov-
ernment. CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM The coming on stream of integrity legislation and anti-corruption initiatives would also go a long way in checking executive power. But, ultimately, constitutional reform is the most effective way of reducing the powers of the executive, which is itself a formal check on the enormous power of the executive. I completely agree with Lincoln Lewis and others that compliance with constitutional provisions is vital to an effective democracy. But I think the issue is much broader than Lincoln often frames it. It is not a matter of compliance with the present constitution or constitutional reform, or one trumping the other. We must do both. I think, in our case, both compliance and reform are imperative. Constitutional reform is aimed at strengthening the democratic foundations of the constitution, which, in turn, would likely lead to more effective compliance. A constitution ought to be a living document that is constantly adjusted to meet the social, political, economic and cultural realities of the society. Downplaying constitutional reform assumes that the society is stuck in time; that it is not dynamic. You don’t move from colonialism to freedom without constantly adjusting your constitution to make it easier to achieve the latter. It is a constant process in which you strengthen just laws, stamp out unjust ones, and replace them with progressive ones. The proof of an effective constitution is its ability to guarantee political and social stability, while protecting citizens from the wrath of institutional power, and from their fellow citizens. A just constitution, in
our case, must simultaneously guarantee rights and liberty to individuals and groups, and promote democracy and ethnic equality. We were given a constitution at independence that, in the final analysis, enabled rather that contained our ethnic divide. Were there good things in that Independence Constitution? Yes. But there were aspects of it that were invariably exploited by the political elites, in their pursuit of normalising an authoritarian State. The 1980 Constitution enshrined rights that were not expressed in the Independence Constitution; but it simultaneously strengthened the authoritarian State. In particular, it strengthened the powers of the executive. It also continued to enable ethnic dominance by keeping in place the winnertakes-all device. The 2001 reforms were aimed at dismantling that authoritarian State and doing something about the winner-takes-all system. While there were some modifications, it did not treat in any fundamental way with the twin problem of executive tyranny and ethnic dominance. Two decades later, the society cries out for corrective measures on these fronts. There is, therefore, a relationship between constitutional reform and compliance with just laws. The more you strengthen the democratic foundations of the constitution, the more likely leaders would comply with the laws. In the end, the constitution must not only be a legal document with formal rules, but it must also be a document that promotes equality and social justice, and broaden the scope for freedom of individuals and groups, while at the same time serving as a check on authoritarian leadership.
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GTUC hails maturity shown by gov’t, sugar unions – to put sugar workers’ interest first
THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) on Saturday hailed the collaboration between the government and the sugar unions to ensure that the issues which continue to plague the sugar industry are addressed. In a statement to the media, GTUC General-Secretary Lincoln Lewis said that while the union is pleased with the move by central government to interface with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) to achieve a common goal, there is need for the parties to remain at the table until all the issues are resolved. “The instant meeting of the parties marks a positive step for the development of the nation, must be noted and encouraged,” Lewis said in his statement, adding that in the past, the government would have excluded stakeholders in their decision-making exercises. He also, on behalf of the
GTUC, called for politics to be removed from the sugar talks, as the interests and livelihoods of the workers are at stake. “Resisting dilatory tactics, partisan up-manship, and extrication is critical to hammering out realistic agreement(s) on the way forward,” Lewis said. “The instant news must not be recorded as photo opportunity, but the beginning of good faith, and arriving at consensus.” Noting that engagements such as the one which occurred on Friday between the government, led by President David Granger, and the two unions “can lead to a new political culture”, Lewis said. STAY AT THE TABLE “GTUC calls on GAWU and NAACIE to remain at the table and ensure that proper representation is given to the workers, and by extension their communities. Whatever decisions are taken will not only impact workers’ livelihoods in the workplace, but also the communities within
which they reside.” Lewis said, too, that the only politics that must be played on sugar is one in the interest of the workers, industry and country. “Cognisant of experience that informs the reservation that leaders are prone to talk the talk and not walk the talk, the parties must ensure initial engagement is not seen as merely a talk shop, followed by excuses to derail future engagement,” the GTUC stated. But though encouraged by the “new development”, Lewis said the union will continue to monitor the situation and hold both sides “collectively and individually, to account for the workers’ welfare.” “The attainment of social cohesion and good governance is possible in an environment where fundamental rights and freedoms, laws, and time-honoured principles are respected,” the GTUC concluded. On Friday, the government announced that it will, this month-end, pay out some $1.931B to those sugar work-
‘Trini’ con-man for trial in Feb. – for faking his own kidnapping COME February 19, 33-year-old Trinidadian Sawak Maraj will go on trial before City Magistrate, Fabayo Azore, for faking his own kidnapping in Guyana last year. Last October, Maraj was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for giving the police wrong information and for conspiracy to commit a felony. Particulars of the case allege that on October 27, 2017 in Georgetown, Maraj knowingly gave false information to the police, stating that he was kidnapped, and that his abductors had demanded US$700,000 for his release. It is further alleged that on the same day while at the Madewini Resort on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Maraj conspired with two other persons to obtain the ransom money. He is currently out on the streets on $1M bail, and the matter has been transferred to Magistrate Azore, despite every effort by his attorney, Bernard De Santos, SC, to have the matter dismissed.
According to the police, Maraj arrived in Guyana on October 27, 2017, claiming that he came for a job interview. He was picked up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by two other Trinidadians, who had arrived in the country earlier in the week. Later that same day, Maraj’s relatives in Trinidad reportedly received a call from an unknown person who claimed to have kidnapped Maraj shortly after his arrival here, and demanding that a ransom be paid for his release. The man’s family was also sent a photograph showing him clad only in his underwear and socks, and one of his alleged abductors holding a cutlass to his neck. After being contacted by the man’s family in Trinidad, local police and agents from the Force’s Major Crimes Unit immediately sprang into action. The first thing they did was to review footage from the surveillance camera at the airport, which showed Maraj warmly embracing his
Trinidad National Sawak Maraj
two so-called abductors, who were his fellow ‘Trinis’, on arrival. They then boarded a taxi without incident. Aided by the surveillance tapes, the investigators were able to track down the taxi driver who transported the men from the airport. Armed with such vital information, the agents then hurried to the location. There they found Maraj, the supposedly kidnapped victim, in an apartment; relaxing and sipping on beverages.
ers that have been made redundant. This pay-out will see approximately 46 per cent of the affected workers benefitting from the full payment of their severance packages, while the remaining 54 per cent will be paid half of their severance by the end of the month, and the other 50 per cent by the second half of the year. FULL SEVERANCE Full severance, the government said, will be paid to all workers who are owed $400,000 and below at the end of this month. The decision by the government to change its method of paying severance to the affected workers followed a meeting with the unions representing the inter-
est of the workers, GAWU and NACCIE. Additionally, Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, urged displaced sugar workers to tap into a micro-financing scheme being managed by her ministry, and to also take advantage of the various training opportunities there are as they seek to rebuild their lives following the closure of some estates. Ally, in a presentation before several senior government ministers and representatives of the GAWU and the NACCIE at the Ministry of the Presidency, said her ministry is deeply concerned about “the realities of the current situation facing GuySuCo”. She said that her ministry stands ready to provide as
much assistance as it can to the affected workers. “We are cognisant that many workers will now have to explore the idea of entering a new realm of employment,” Minister Ally said, adding: “And already we have given great consideration in a number of areas to go forward.” Friday’s meeting was also attended by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Vice-President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma.
Three in CANU custody – following cocaine bust at Soesdyke THREE persons, two of them siblings, are currently in custody following a raid on Friday at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, which resulted in the discovery of over five kilograms of cocaine and seizure of several vehicles and an undisclosed sum of money. The raid, which was conducted by agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), led to the arrest of siblings Junior Owen Singh and Nickela Craig Singh, and one other person. The raid was conducted in different areas in SoesThe cocaine seized in dyke, and lasted several hours. Friday’s bust at Soesdyke
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Gov’t looks to boost legal team ahead of ICJ decision …Greenidge laments shortage of specialist lawyers at ministry
By Svetlana Marshall
AS the country eagerly awaits the decision of the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on whether the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy will be referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Foreign Affairs Ministry is working to boost its team of lawyers here as it continues with preparatory works ahead of the announcement. In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said for the purpose of “enhanced mediation” at the level of the United Nations, Guyana has retained the services of a U.S.-based law firm – Foley Hoag LLP. Foley Hoag was the same law firm that successfully spearheaded the case for the Government of Guyana in the maritime boundary dispute with Suriname. “The advantage of that is that they know the history and they are familiar with the issues,” Minister Greenidge posited, while noting that through the firm, lawyers have been providing Guyana with advice on “negotiations and pitfalls.” He said once the matter is referred to the ICJ, the legal team will be expanded. “It is expected that once the process at the ICJ starts we will have to retain additional skills both for the formal presentation and also in terms of the preparation,” the Foreign Affairs Minister explained. The Government has set aside US$15M for legal fees.
SHORTAGE OF LAWYERS However, internally the Foreign Affairs Ministry is faced with a shortage of lawyers. Minister Greenidge said while the ministry has an internal team which includes lawyers, the current quota is not sufficient. It was explained that the Foreign Affairs Ministry has four lawyers, and of them has not yet acquired the Legal Education Certificate (LEC). It was noted that one of the lawyers deals with matters relating to trade, while two of them deal with issues relating to the United Nations. It was noted too that since 2014, under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration the ministry had been trying to recruit the services of six additional lawyers. “We have been looking for lawyers in the ministry to work on this specific area and since we came into office, there have been, I believe, two rounds of advertisements and interviews, and in spite of that no one has been recruited,” Minister Greenidge said. He said part of the problem has to do with the emoluments. It was explained that only a small number of lawyers responded to the notices, and applied. “When those who came and were told what was the offer they weren’t interested.” The Foreign Affairs Ministry has been working with Cabinet and the Public Service Ministry to have the problem resolved. Minister Greenidge said it is critical for the ministry to have “comprehensive legal skills.” “Instead of the Public
optimistic that the border controversy will be sent to the ICJ for a final ruling in keeping with the tenets of the 1966 Geneva Agreement. The former UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon and Mr. Guterres, in keeping with the 1966 Agreement, agreed to refer the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy to the ICJ if significant progress
Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge
Service Commission addressing the issue that we raised with them…. instead of the Public Service Ministry addressing this issue, we ended up with them sending us a whole set of people with no legal backgrounds whatsoever. It is astonishing, but that’s a fact,” Minister Greenidge said. He emphasised that government has the responsibility to ensure that lawyers with the required skillsets are kept. “It isn’t that there are no lawyers in here, but the things that have to be done in the ministry are quite wide, and I think a lot of people don’t understand this, and therefore those who are in here are occupied doing other things which are critical to the work of the ministry, and not necessarily specialists in the area that we are looking at,” he explained. OPTIMISTIC That aside, Guyana is
Suspect in Baramita murder still at large THE police are still on the hunt for a man known as ‘Abdool’, a resident of Baramita, in the North West District, who is wanted for questioning into the death of his 18-year-old reputed wife. According to reports, Lorinda Thomas, a housewife and mother of one, of Barama Line, Baramita, died after being beaten by “Abdool” on Wednesday night. Reports are that the woman left her home on Wednesday to visit with relatives to take a few drinks.
She was reportedly on her way home four hours later, when she was accosted by the man while walking in Barama Line, and an argument ensued. It is alleged that in the heat of the moment, the man pushed Thomas to the ground and began kicking and stomping her in the abdomen, causing her to lose consciousness. He then left her lying there and went about his business. When she regained consciousness, she got to
her feet and made her way home, in spite of feeling a severe pain in the region of her abdomen. By the following day, the pain had reportedly gotten so bad that the woman could barely stand. She decided to go to the health centre where she was admitted for observation, but died while receiving treatment. Crime Chief, Paul Williams confirmed that the woman’s reputed husband is still on the run from the police as the investigation continues.
is not made in arriving at a full agreement for the settlement of the controversy at the level of the Good Offices process. Venezuela is claiming that the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, which had given more than 90 percent of an area to then British Guiana (now Guyana), is null and void. Approximately 118
years after that award was issued, the Guyana Government holds strongly to the view that a juridical course of action is the only means through which this matter can be permanently resolved. For more than two years, the government has been seeking to reach a peaceful resolution to the border controversy.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
By Elson Low
‘The fate of all’
ALEXANDER the Great once said, “Upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.” And indeed, if we do not collectively strive, Guyana will remain much the same. What is most telling about this quote, however, is that it highlights Alexander’s desire to have his followers adopt a particular collective attitude. This is the purpose of what military historian John Keegan describes as a leader’s Mask of Command. This mask, or public face presented, varies from leader to leader, and indeed administration to administration, depending on their inten-
tions. The present administration, it seems, has adopted one that strives to largely be above the political fray, in order to reinforce the idea that law and order, not just political authority, should reign in Guyana. But this leaves a bit of a gap between them and those of us paying attention to their actions and policies. We can readily enough see what they’re doing, but they don’t as often explain why. This column will attempt, in a way, to unmask the true nature, not just of government policy but political debate locally and, where relevant, internationally.
Contextualising and clarifying what exactly is going on is critical, if the public is to make informed decisions, no matter whom they support. Even further, without clarity, how are we to even identify the most impactful policies, laws and their criticisms? As an example, mot much is being said about Guyana’s coming off of the European Union’s money-laundering blacklist, even though just this week, Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge addressed it. Why is it important for Guyana to not be blacklisted for allowing money-launder-
ing locally? One local real estate agent expressed the view that his business has slowed down because such types of legislation discourages buying largesse, and how Guyanese have often cried out that the drug economy was propping us up.
316 PRE, POST-OIL GUYANA But we must distinguish between pre and post-oil Guyana, because the two are entirely different animals. In pre-oil Guyana, the argument was that since our growth prospects were dim, we should turn a blind eye. But post-oil Guyana’s growth prospects are not dim at all, and we need to make every effort to maximise this opportunity. Being on financial blacklists will restrict
our ability to do business internationally, and therefore local entrepreneurs’ ability to grow their businesses in a supportive post-oil environment. It undermines the entire national development mission. Similarly, the effort to improve tax-collection processes and related enforcement is also geared towards this new oil economy. Given that our national governance approach favours the public provision of social goods such as healthcare, retirement benefits and education, most Guyanese can only expect changes in these sectors through government allocation. And since budgetary allocations are primarily funded by taxes, as businesses in the oil economy grow, we can expect government spending in these sectors to grow, provided that tax collection is efficient and enforced. Some might argue that we can pay for these improvements directly from oil revenues, but not only have we as a nation not collectively made that decision; do we really want fundamental services such as education and healthcare to be totally dependent on unstable oil prices? Or would we rather they draw their revenue from a broader, more stable base such as taxation? ROBUST TAX REGIME Further, a robust tax regime will also allow us to better account for revenue, and thereby more efficiently make use of funds. By not letting taxes “slip through
the cracks”, we can ensure that resources are used in the specific areas we think most important to national development and citizens’ well-being. What has perhaps been unclear, is that the administration is getting our collective house in order. This is the deep breath before the dive: The plunge, the immersion in oil. And like all deep breaths, there is tension. But storing oxygen now will mean a deeper dive then, so there is considerable reason to be optimistic that this approach will pay off. Across the government, these efforts are being made; the cleanup at the Guyana Revenue Authority being but one example, as we prepare to totally change the dynamics of our economy. Thus, the administration’s Mask of Command will remain firmly in place, a standing nod toward the focus on necessary order in a country that had arguably been far too chaotic. As Alexander famously said, upon this depends “the fate of all.” (Elson Low studied political science and economics at the Amherst College, in Massachusetts, before going on to work at the world’s premier financial firm, Goldman Sachs and Co. He also interned for a political think tank in Washington D.C., Campaign for Our Future, and co-founded a local non-profit, The Benab Foundation. Further, Elson has done research on the technology industry at Stanford University, and throughout Silicon Valley.)
SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
CARICOM embarks on implementation of harmonised Results-Based Management System Participants at an RBM Workshop, CARICOM Secretariat, March 2017
THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM), tomorrow and Tuesday in Suriname, will continue a series of sensitisation seminars on the CARICOM Results-Based Management (RBM) System, which promotes a more results-focused approach to programme and project management. The seminars, which began in Barbados 24-25 November last year, will continue throughout the year in other member states. A press release from the CARICOM Secretariat stated that the seminars will target a wide cross-section of stakeholders including parliamentarians, permanent secretaries, international development partners, regional institutions, directors and corporate planners, the private sector, Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the media. “The 2014 approval of the Strategic Plan for the Caribbean Community 2015-2019 by CARICOM Heads of Government, marked a cross-road for the Community. The document clearly articulated the need for a more results-focused approach to programme and project management, which would respond to the much-lamented implementation deficit,” the release stated. The CARICOM Results-Based Management (RBM) System was therefore introduced by the
CARICOM Secretariat, in its efforts to institute this results-focused approach. The initiative is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). “The CARICOM RBM System will be instituted at the Secretariat from January 2018 and is expected to serve as a mechanism to engender a more results-oriented culture within its regional institutions and importantly, at member states level,” the release said. According to the release, a CARICOM RBM Leadership Group was established, comprising representatives from all regional institutions and member states to serve as champions and coaches in their respective entities, by promoting the adoption and utilisation of RBM and Monitoring and Reporting (M&R). In addition to improving implementation and achievement of desired results, the RBM System is expected to improve transparency and accountability at all levels among the three implementation partners, that is, member states, regional institutions and the CARICOM Secretariat. This will be facilitated by the Performance Measurement Framework which has been developed for each pillar of the Strategic Plan, 2015-19. The seminar series will ensure that all stakeholders are duly sensitised about the CARICOM RBM System.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
Markets wide open for Corentyne farmers …as non-traditional crops take root
By Nafeeza Yahya
KILDONAN farmers Shawn Wynter and Tenogney Rambarose are excited about the prospects of their non-traditional crops at their respective farms in the East Berbice-Corentyne village. One of the farmers was able to produce and sell 40 pounds of onions recently, a project for which he received support from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). He has also had help with marketing from major supermarkets in Georgetown. Wynter has been into farming for a number of years after returning to Guyana from one of the Caribbean islands, where he had been working for quite some time. He began planting some peppers and celery in his backyard. However, the market was soon flooded with the crops and the prices were not favourable, so he decided to try something different. He started with carrots, but wasn’t getting the de-
sired results. However, with NAREI’s help, he started to make headway, as he was taught how to grow the crop the way it should be grown. Now he is the proud owner of a small plot of carrots--just 2½ beds--from which he expects to reap somewhere between 50 to 70 lbs of the vegetable later this week. This would be his first successful harvest of carrots and he is quite excited. Again, with NAREI’s help, Wynter has taken the bull by the horns and ventured into many other non-traditional crops, namely: Jalapeno peppers, purple cabbage, onions, broccoli, cauliflower and a variety of pepper that yields five different colours all at once. He wants to expand on onions, since he has already secured markets for the produce in whatever quantities he can produce. He is also encouraging others to get on board and cultivate the lands with these highend, non-traditional crops.
know why people are complaining. We can plant everything right here in Guyana; everything that we are importing is growing right here; these are produce that are in demand. “I already have some seedlings in preparation to start again; so, as the market grows, we will have better prices and be able to meet the demand.” Tenogney Rambharose, 37, of Nurney has been farming for some eight years, mainly traditional crops such as pumpkins. Then last year, she began branching off into non-tra-
CAN’T COMPLAIN “Everything is going good,” he said. “I don’t
A variety of onions that will be ready for market shortly
Mr Shawn Wynter with a bulb of onion
the Canadian Government, under PROPEL (Promotion of Region Opportunities for Produce Through Enterprise and Linkages). But due to a scaling down in activity, NAREI was brought on board to take over when the project ends. “We are utilising the same farmers they started with, so that we can have the onions stretched out so that more farmers can adapt and let the acreage increase,” Batson said. “Currently,” she added, “farmers are doing two and three beds, and as it progresses, they will increase
Mrs Rambarose with a fresh harvest of carrots
and the world see us as a viable source that can meet their needs.” The team currently
ditional crops also, and has been reaping the rewards ever since. During the Christmas holiday, she was able to get premium prices for her onions and seasoning peppers, which has encouraged her to try other high-end crops. She has found that with her small plot of land, she was able to earn as much as when she cultivated large plots of traditional crops. What Rambharose and Wynter were able to achieve gives Regional Crop Extension Officer Candy Thomas-Batson hope that many more farmers will follow their lead as the region seeks to form a cluster of 20 farmers within the neighbouring villages of Nurney, Kildonan and Bush Lot that will be tasked with planting within three to five varieties of onions. Batson explained that the onion project started in 2016 with funding from
cycle will continue until the entire region is capable of producing the crops commercially. Persons
to half and quarter-acre.” COME ON BOARD Batson, along with Kawal Mangal, extension officer for the Adventure to Number 63 villages, is encouraging farmers to come on board and be a part of the project, since they can earn lots more with far less effort. The team is optimistic that, especially with the diversification drive of the government and the demand for fresh produce, the timing is right to tap into the non-traditional crops market. “NAREI is open to working with farmers; we need persons to get on board,” Batson said, adding: “Remember, the importation bill is very high, and we want to be the leaders in this region who are able to produce for not only Berbice and Guyana, but to get to a scale where the Caribbean
Lovely Cabbages
has approximately 15 farmers within the area, and is willing to work with a few more before branching off to another community, where the
desirous of being a part of the programme are asked to make contact with NAREI’s Tarlogie office, via telephone numbers: 3253438 and 325-3439.
Down but not out
SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
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'Colours give me the strength to move on'
By Navendra Seoraj
TWO of God's gifts to man are said to be health and strength but, some persons are not as fortunate as others in the sense that they were born with deformities or become incapacitated due to an accident or natural causes. A few years ago, Carey Baird was working as a carpenter in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) when he fell and broke his spine. “When I woke up, I was in the hospital but something wasn’t right. I could barely move my hands and I couldn’t move my feet no matter how much I tried. The doctors then told me I broke my spine and was paralysed,” Baird told the Guyana Chronicle during an interview at the Cheshire Home which is located in Mahaica, Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica). Baird told this publication that he lived alone but after he became paralysed, he had nowhere to go until he found out about the Cheshire home. He said he has been there for just over two years. “When I first went there I thought that I gon sit in this wheelchair and do nothing for the rest of my life,” he
said, adding that his negative thoughts faded quickly after he realised his artistic skills. The young man whose lower body is paralysed and hands are barely functional, said at first he used to just “play around” with the colours until he learned to grip the markers and drawing utensils properly. As the days went by, he gradually created his own way of drawing and colouring. After noticing his skills, the management of Cheshire Home allowed him to decorate the walls of the building and make most of
their posters. His drawings range from animals to portraits of people. Baird also believes that he can draw anything once he gets a visual picture of it. “I could look at people and draw them. Every day I do something different. I use it as a means to be active and keep my body fit,” he said, adding: “I like colours, it brings me back to life. You see my position, sometimes it feels like I’m caught up but every time I draw something new, I shape it up and make sure it nice." Baird’s work speaks for
Carey Baird showing off some of his artwork
A closer look at some of the work done by Baird
itself but he did not always dream of being an artist, so he counts his accident as a new path and an opening to things he never knew he could do. He said he wants to be taught more so that he can further develop his skills and possibly make it into his own profession. “I want persons to encourage me to get back on my feet and tell me positive things because I know I could do it. When I started drawing I was amazed at
myself and even questioned how I doing these things, but people encouraged me and tell me positive things,” a teary-eyed Baird told this publication. The young man said he does not intend on giving up, noting that he will “rally out” his paralysis and get his strength back some day. Even the management of the Home urged persons to help Baird in any way possible because he has the potential to do great things.
Exxon to drill new well ESSO Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd (EEPGL)-a subsidiary of US oil firm ExxonMobil, will commence a threemonth drilling programme at the Pacora-1 Well, within the Stabroek Block at the end of this month, the Maritime Administration Department has said. MARAD in a notice said that the operation will incorporate the use of: Sterna Carron; MV Cat Island; MV Hannah Chouest; HOS Commander and MV Dante. “The drill site is approximately 107 nautical miles from the coast of Guyana and covers an area of one square kilometre,” MARAD said. The notice of this new drilling operations comes
days after ExxonMobil announced its sixth oil discovery offshore Guyana, adding to its previous world-class discoveries since 2015. According to a release from the company, its Ranger-1 well encountered an approximate 230-ft high-quality, oil-bearing reservoir some 60 miles northwest of its LIZA Phase One project within the Stabroek Block. Exxon said that the new discovery provides a new play concept for the 6.6 million acre Stabroek Block. Government later said it was gratified by the news. “The news of an additional find of this magnitude, particularly at the start of the new year, can be seen as a further blessing, and underscores the richness and diversity of
Guyana’s natural resources,” the government said through the Department of Public Information (DPI). According to Exxon, the Ranger-1 well discovery adds to previous world-class discoveries at Liza, Payara, Snoek, LIZA Deep and Turbot, which are estimated to total more than 3.2 billion recoverable oil-equivalent barrels. The company said that its affiliate, Esso, began drilling the Ranger-1 well on November 5, 2017 and encountered approximately 230 feet (70 metres) of high-quality, oil-bearing carbonate reservoir. The well was safely drilled to a depth of 21,161 feet (6,450 metres) in 8,973 feet (2,735 metres) of water. “This latest success operating in
Guyana’s significant water depths illustrates our ultra-deepwater and carbonate exploration capabilities,” said Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “This discovery proves a new play concept for the 6.6 million acre Stabroek Block, and adds further value to our growing Guyana portfolio,” Greenlee added. Following completion of the Ranger-1 well, the Stena Carron drillship will move to the Pacora prospect, 4 miles from the previous Payara discovery. Exxon said that additional exploration drilling is planned for the Stabroek Block for 2018, including potential appraisal drilling at the Ranger discovery. Meanwhile, the government
has noted that the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is particularly pleased that its strategy of engagement with Esso Exploration/CNOOC/Hess and its partners is leading to bountiful discoveries. Overall, the government expressed elation that Esso Exploration/CNOOC/Hess remain ahead of their exploration schedule for the entire Stabroek block. The MNR expects that other international operators will draw confidence from Esso Exploration/CNOOC/Hess’s presence and the six oil discoveries and will diligently pursue their own exploratory work programmes. Several companies have advanced their seismic data collection and are
expected to drill in 2018, the DPI release stated. The government called on all stakeholders to act responsibly and patriotically as Guyana continues its thrust into this new sector and as news and events continue to unfold about the extent of the oil reserves offshore and the manifold opportunities and benefits for the Guyanese people. Late in December, the government released the full petroleum agreement with ExxonMobil at a high-level forum held at the Ministry of the Presidency. During presentation on the contract, it was disclosed that Guyana stands to gain some US$7B over a 20year period from the LIZA Phase One well alone.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
UGBC completes workshop on crop protection for farmers … participants grateful for hands-on training
By Nafeeza Yahya THE University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC), Faculty of Natural Sciences on Friday, January 19, concluded a five- day workshop on Crop Protection which assisted participants in identifying diseases in rice and crops. Among the participants in the workshop were 73-yearold Seenarine Ramlakhan and 61- year-old Mohin Namsaram, who are both rice farmers. Ramlakhan, who hails from Lesbeholden, Black
Bush Polder, told the Guyana Chronicle that he has been a rice farmer for over 50 years. He stated that the knowledge gained from the workshop will be shared with other farmers so they can improve the way they cultivate rice. “There is a problem among farmers in identifying and diagnosing disease. It is never too late to learn and I always want to know how I can improve the way to ensure I do things a lot better,” he said. Mohin Namsaram 61, said this is the first time he had participated in a work-
Participants of the workshop along with Director UGBC Gomathinayagam Subramanian and CEO Nand Persaud and Company Limited (second from right sitting) Mohinda Persaud and staff of UGBC at the closing ceremony of the workshop
shop in all of his career. He said that he was amazed by the hands-on experiences provided. “It was very informative. I never before used a microscope and was able to do that. The practical in the lab and being able to see disease and fungus under the microscope was educational.” Vice-Chancellor of the UGBC, Phillip Da Silva, while delivering brief remarks, said the workshop is one that supports the whole aspect of food security and UG has been one which supports national goals and national objectives. “Food Security is very important and requires not only people out there producing agriculture crops but also those who are selling, consuming and teaching. UGBC has over the years tried to not isolate, but try to share that knowledge and expertise that reside within the institution. This workshop is more or less testimony to see the East Berbice as a community and we see ourselves as an integral part of the community,” Da Silva said. He continued by urging the participants to put what they learned into good practice. “Take what you learned to enhance Guyana’s food security, so when we stand up and speak about Guyana being the breadbasket of the Caribbean, we can even go further and extend it and say it is not just talk but with your help, make sure it becomes reality,” he said. Meanwhile, Director of UGBC Dr. Gomathinayagam Subramanian who is no
stranger to the farming community in Region Six said since he joined the campus in 2006, he has been volunteering his services to cash crop farmers on a weekly basis then, after taking up the position of Director in 2013, on a monthly basis. Using his experience as a Plant Pathologist and Soil Microbiologist Dr. Subramanian said based on his observation the Guyana soil is more conducive to disease, which is why farmers are always plagued with diseases. “In the past, we have relied almost solely on agricultural chemicals to provide plant nutrients and to control pests within our agro-ecosystems. However, we have found that over time more and more chemicals are needed to obtain the same results or to prevent pest problems,” he said. An alternative to the chemical treadmill is to use the natural strengths of the crop and surrounding vegetation to increase plant health. The training in crop protection is a first step to increase knowledge and skills with regard to sustainable crop-protection management. Moreover, the director said since 80 percent of the workshop was practical, participants got a hands-on approach which helped to increase their laboratory skills and knowledge of diagnosis of plant disease, plant pathogens, isolation techniques and making a pure culture of fungi. These activities were done in the labs as well as on a field visit to Black Bush
Polder. Chief Executive Officer of Nand Persaud and Company Limited Mohindra Persaud, delivering the guest speaker’s address, urged the participants to share their knowledge with the other farmers since he knows for a fact that there is a demand for high-quality agricultural produce. Persaud stated that it is good to see the university and the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI) taking the initiative to lead the way in educating farmers and pressed for agriculture to be on the front burner and not be considered something of the past. “In Guyana, the consumers do not want certain products, they want standard stuff, they want high-end products and there is scope outside of Guyana for these products but as farmers, you have to think outside of the box and produce what the people want. Move away from inferior quality and follow the criteria size, price, presentation and move away from traditional crops; be bold, do non-traditional organic produce, this is what the people want.” He continued by stating that Berbice, and by extension most of Guyana, is at an advantage since there are a lot of flatlands unlike most of the Caribbean where farming is being done on the hills and called on the government to open more lands for farming, so that Guyana can be the goto nation for agricultural produce.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
China calls for closer CHINA-CELAC partnership, greater cooperation CHINA’S Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, has called for a closer partnership and greater participation to be observed between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). The minister made these remarks on the heels of the Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, which will be held in Santiago, Chile, tomorrow. The minister said that the meeting will set the stage for greater progress in the relations between China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries in the new era. He stated that the forum will allow the participant countries to sum up what has been achieved and plan for the future to take the existing bilateral partnerships to a higher level. “Established in 2014 at the initiative of President Xi Jinping, the China-CELAC Forum is an important milestone of China’s distinct foreign policy approach, signifying a new stage of mutually reinforcing progress of bilateral ties and regional cooperation in China-LAC relations,” the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister said. “It has extended China’s regional cooperation frameworks to cover all developing countries, contributed to a full-fledged structure of China’s foreign policy, added another platform for South-South cooperation and provided strong support to building a community with a shared future for China and LAC countries.” He stated that over the past three years, the China-CELAC Forum has made solid steps and delivered tangible results. Some of these include the hosting of 17 sub-forum sessions to promote cooperation in over 10 areas. “The dialogue and exchange mechanisms between the two sides have strengthened and expanded. China’s financing measures towards LAC countries have been steadily implemented, supporting more than 80 projects concerning people’s livelihoods in over 20 LAC countries. China has invited over 800 party leaders and 200 young leaders from LAC countries to visit China, and provided nearly 4,000 training opportunities and some 200 opportunities for on-the-job master’s programme,” he said. “The “China-LAC Science and
Minister of Foreign Affairs of China WANG Yi
Technology Partnership” and the “China-LAC Young Scientists Exchange Programme” have been successfully implemented. The “Year of Cultural Exchanges”, with its diverse and exciting activities, has allowed people in China and Latin America and the Caribbean to get a taste of each other’s splendid culture despite the geographic distance.” Minister Yi said that the remarkable progress of China-LAC relations testifies to the commitment of the country’s diplomatic vision. “We are committed to mutual respect and peaceful development… We are committed to win-win results and a principled approach toward shared interests… We are committed to openness and inclusiveness in facilitating inter-civilisational exchanges,” the minister said, while citing numerous examples. China’s commitment along these lines, including President Xi’s multiple visits to LAC countries where he had substantive interactions with LAC leaders on bilateral and multilateral relations as well as the country’s move to open 36 Confucius Institutes and 11 Confucius Classrooms in 16 LAC countries and the first Chinese Cultural Centre in Mexico City, among other initiatives. “The Chinese dream and the LAC dream, which both put people first, are closely linked. China and LAC countries both belong to the developing world and pursuing national development and people’s happiness is our shared dream,” Minister Yi said. “We have drawn on each other’s experience in national governance, particularly improving people’s lives, narrowing development gaps and enhancing the
capacity for managing public policy and services. As good brothers, good partners and good friends, we will work hand in hand to build a China-LAC community with a shared future.” He added that with China’s major-country diplomacy entering a new era and China-LAC relations standing at a new starting point, the Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum will bring together countries from both sides of the Pacific under a shared vision for development and cooperation. “Five years since President Xi Jinping put forward the Belt and Road Initiative for international cooperation in 2013, this inspiring vision is being translated
into actions and fruitful outcomes on the ground. This initiative has gained wide recognition from LAC countries and the rest of the world, and [has] become one of the most popular global public goods. As a natural extension of the ancient maritime Silk Road, the LAC region is indispensable to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative,” he said. “Many countries in the Region hope that cooperation under this initiative will boost their own development and take China-LAC relations to a new level. The Argentinian and Chilean presidents and high-level representatives of many other LAC countries attended the inaugural Belt and Road Forum for International Co-
operation in China last May, and many LAC countries have signed industrial cooperation agreements with China. This is a good start for our joint effort to bring the Belt and Road Initiative to this Region.” The minister said that as moves are made to jointly advance the Belt and Road Initiative, China hopes to synergise the development strategies of the collective countries at a higher level, promote China-LAC practical cooperation, consolidate the popular foundation for China-LAC cooperation and make China-LAC cooperation a new paradigm for South-South cooperation. “China and LAC countries are both developing countries, and we both
have our dreams and visions. Across the vast ocean, we look forward to joining hands with our LAC colleagues. It is my belief that with firm determination and persistent efforts, China-LAC cooperation will continue to score new progress in the new era,” Minister Yi said. “Let’s unite our efforts and build toward a new form of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation and a community with a shared future for mankind. Together, we will contribute to an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.”
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
SASOD fine-tuning proposed revision of Discrimination Act
By Vishani Ragobeer
THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is seeking “technical consultations” geared at refining their proposed revision of the
Prevention of Discrimination Act (1997). The organiation last year engaged in consultations with stakeholders on the proposed legislative amendment, which provides legal protection from discrimination in
relation to the right to work for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Guyana. SASOD’s Managing-Director Joel Simpson, however, related, “Based on the feedback [the revision of the
bill] isn’t ready as yet.” The organisation is lobbying for an amendment to the 1997 act to protect vulnerable persons within the LGBT community; the inclusion of “sexual orientation” will legally protect persons
Managing-Director of SASOD, Joel Simpson
identifying as lesbian, gay and bi-sexual, while “gender identity” will offer protection to transgender persons. Currently, the bill prohibits only discrimination in the workplace based on “race, sex, religion, colour, ethnic origin, indigenous population, national extraction, social origin, economic status, political opinion, disability, family responsibilities, pregnancy, marital status or age…” Simpson explained to the Guyana Chronicle that while stakeholders across the board have signalled their support for this cause, the feedback garnered was that the bill needs additional “technical work” geared toward fashioning the bill for presentation. “Yes, we’re addressing discrimination based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE), but there are other kinds of things that are wrong with the bill,” he highlighted. “Now it’s not about whether you support non-discrimination for the right to work for LGBT people -- we’ve gone past that-- it’s about how should we fashion the bill.” Part of these modifications needed would be the harassment provisions detailed in Section Eight of this legislation. Presently, the legislation allows for a narrow interpretation of harassment based on one’s sex and as such, only cisgenders (people whose gender identity matches the sex that they were assigned at birth) may be able to benefit from this provision. “We have to look at the definition of harassment in the context of SOGIE, because as it is now it is very narrowly defined based on sex,” the director stated.
SASOD will be reaching out to “sexual rights lawyers”, such as lawyers who’ve worked in the area of sexual offences, human rights and sexuality to garner this prerequisite technical feedback. In addition to the technical consultations, the organisation has planned to conduct a bipartisan parliamentary workshop, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that has been instrumental in this revision process and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Services. The aim of this is to make parliamentarians on both sides of the aisle “champions” for the bill, according to Simpson, who is optimistic that the bill will enjoy widespread support if it reaches Parliament. “This is a human rights issue,” he said and he posited that a “very very strong message” will be advanced, contributing to how social norms are shaped around discrimination in relation to employment if all parliamentarians act in unison to support this amendment. Representatives of SASOD met with Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams last June and it was reported that the minister requested that the organisation draft the proposed amendment and discussion paper for his and cabinet’s consideration. While there have not been follow-up engagements with the minister, draftspersons representing him were part of the initial consultations and indicated the ministry’s general support for this bill. SASOD had reached out to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Guyana office for support in the form of a legislative drafting consultant to draft the proposed amendment bill and discussion paper to engage key stakeholders. While the amendment of the legislation is in the pipeline, SASOD has taken steps to provide some pro bono (or voluntary) support to the vulnerable groups. Under its ‘Community Paralegal Services Initiatives’, the organisation currently has a pool of five lawyers offering their support vis a vis rights’ awareness and legal redress to the LGBT community.
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Man. United keep up PCL 4-DAY TOURNAMENT Premier League chase Mohammed hits unbeaten 92 but … Arsenal and Chelsea hit four By Simon Evans BURNLEY, England (Reuters) - Manchester United kept up the chase at the top of the Premier League with an Anthony Martial goal giving them a narrow 1-0 win at Burnley, while Arsenal and Chelsea enjoyed comfortable wins. With leaders Manchester City facing Newcastle United later yesterday, United have closed the gap to nine points, for a few hours at least. Martial blasted home off the under-side of the bar in the 54th minute after brilliant work from Romelu Lukaku, who held off two challenges before finding the Frenchman with a sweeping cross-field pass. Burnley, who slipped to eighth with the loss, fought hard for an equaliser and Icelandic winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson struck the bar with a free kick. “It was certainly a battle and that is what you get when you come to Turf Moor - it is about character and we
showed that in abundance today,” said United defender Phil Jones. Manager Jose Mourinho said after the game that he “thinks” Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez will complete his move to Old Trafford. The disappointment of Arsenal fans will have been eased by their attacking display against Crystal Palace in a 4-1 win at the Emirates. Arsenal, who hadn’t won in their last five games in all competitions, struck their four goals inside the first 22 minutes. Nacho Monreal headed in from a Granit Xhaka corner and then turned provider for close range goals by Alex Iwobi in the 10th and central defender Laurent Koscielny three minutes later. French striker Alexandre Lacazette made it four for the home side in the 22nd minute, collecting a clever backheel from Mesut Ozil in the area before turning to curl his strike around outstretched Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey.
Palace captain Luka Milivojevic pulled one back for the visitors in the 78th minute. Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea enjoyed a 4-0 victory at Brighton and Hove Albion -- giving Antonio Conte’s side their first league win of 2018. Hazard and Willian struck inside six minutes to set them on their way. With Brighton pushing forward, Hazard brilliantly netted a third 13 minutes from time before Victor Moses made it four late on. The win took Chelsea above Liverpool - who play on Monday - into third. With one win in 13 league games, Brighton are 16th, just two points above the relegation zone. Stoke City got themselves out of the bottom three, with new manager Paul Lambert enjoying a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town. Fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion picked up a useful point at Everton in a 1-1 draw.
GOA offers support to athletes and coaches … Yassin calls it ‘Red Letter Day’ for sports
THIRTY-ONE athletes and 14 coaches, drawn from 10 sporting disciplines, will now be funded by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), through their Olympic Solidarity funds. “Today is a ‘red letter’ day for sports in Guyana,” exclaimed GOA president Juman Yassin, while speaking to coaches and athletes gathered at his association’s Headquarters at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Athletes and coaches will be given from as low as $20 000 to $60 000 monthly, with the payments bimonthly, retroactive to December 2017, under specific adherence - one of which is adhering to all doping regulations and continuously updating their ‘athletes whereabouts’ forms. According to Yassin, while it might not be enough, it should be seen as a start, with the hope of the Government of Guyana coming on board in order to widen the pool. The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) was the biggest recipient, with 13 athletes and three coaches being among those who will receive funding from the GOA. “This is something that we (the AAG) welcome with open arms. I think the GOA deserves every credit and we only see this getting better in the future,” AAG president Aubrey Hutson pointed out. ATHLETICS: Jhonny Gravesande, Linden Phillips, Julian Edmonds and Glendon Pantlitz (coaches). Compton Caesar, Jermaine King, Kenisha Phillips, Deshanna
Skeete, Chantoba Bright, Joanna Archer, Toyan Raymond, Daniel Williams, Daniel Melville, Winston George, Troy Doris, Brenessa Thompson and Kadecia Baird (athletes) BOXING: Terrence Poole and Sebert Blake (coaches). Keevin Allicock and Christopher Moore (athletes) BADMINTON: Narayan Ramdhani, Pryianna Ramdhani (athletes) and Gokarn Ramdhani (coach) JUDO: Joshua Buchanan GUYANA NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION: Lennox Braithwaite and Ransford Goodluck
Red Force on brink of heavy defeat … Reifer hits career-best 108
By Rajiv Bisnauth JASON Mohammed struck an unbeaten 92 as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force batted doggedly to reach 282-8 in their second innings on day three as they faced an uphill battle to save the final round of Cricket West Indies Regional four-day first-class championships. The tourists’ display was a remarkable turnaround from their first-innings display when they were dismissed for 135; but despite the fight they are facing the prospect of another huge defeat. When bails were lifted yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, the tourists were still 123 runs behind to make the Guyana Jaguars bat again. Tion Webster contributed an eye-catching 77 while Denesh Ramdin made 47 as they contributed significantly to reduce the deficit. Mohammed has so far faced 184 balls, counting 14 boundaries. Earlier, the title-holders secured a daunting first-innings lead of 405 runs. The Jaguars declared on 540-9 - a record against Trinidad and Tobago - 80 minutes into the day’s play. Earlier, Raymon Reifer made a career-best unbeaten 108 off 217 balls, with ten boundaries. Resuming at the overnight score of 466 for seven, the hosts were on the lookout for quick runs when play started. Keemo Paul, who was put down on 45, lifted leg-spinner Imran Khan for a mighty six over long on to take his total beyond the 50 mark. But he perished soon after, lbw to Imran Khan (2130) for 53. At the other end, the right-hander Reifer, who started the day 15 runs short
of his maiden first-class century seemed to be in no discomfort at all as he reached the landmark with a single. Veerasammy Permaul was the other batsman dismissed, taken at the wicket off leg-spinner Yannic Cariah, who finished the best of the visitors’ bowlers, with 3-91. Bryan Charles (2-107), Daniel St. Clair (1-69) and Webster (1-56) were the other successful bowlers for the tourists. The tourists were left facing an uphill struggle, and after surviving a couple of scares, openers Amir Jangoo and Jeremy Solozano put on 33 by lunch, but immediately after the interval both batsmen were undone by left-arm spinners, Permaul and Gudakesh Motie, as the hosts once again threatened to expose the brittle Red Force’s batting. Motie (2-73) had Jangoo caught behind while Permaul (2-61), bowled Solozano, to leave the tourists at 43-2. Webster then took responsibility for the innings, with a scintillating half-century. Displaying fluency against both pace and spin, the right-hander hammered eleven boundaries and four sixes in the process in an innings which lasted just 54 deliveries. He made his intentions clear, hitting Paul for 24 runs in one over but just when it looked like Webster would run away with the battle, Paul (2-88) struck against the run of play with the wicket of Webster, who miscued an attempted pull to give Sherfane Rutherford a simple catch at short mid-on. Mohammed and Ramdin joined forces together and defied the hosts attack for the remainder of the session at 208-3, with Mohammed at tea on 56 and Ramdin on 32.
The pair took their partnership to 117 before Rutherford (2-21) provided the vital breakthrough when he had Ramdin caught and bowled for 47. At the other end Mohammed, who remained firm, then watched the demise of Carriah, Steven Katwaroo and Imran Khan. Motie trapped Carriah lbw before Katwaroo went in similar fashion to Rutherford and Paul bowled Khan just before the scheduled close of play. However, captain Leon Johnson then requested the extra half-hour in which Permaul trapped St Daniel Clair in the final over.
SCOREBOARD T&T RED FORCE 1st innings 135 GUYANA JAGUARS 1st innings (o/n 466 for 7) T. Chanderpaul c Charles b St Clair 36 C. Hemraj c St Clair b Charles 72 S. Hetmyer c Phillip b Charles 46 L. Johnson c Solozano b Cariah 17 A. Persaud b Khan 21 A. Bramble c Webster b Cariah 42 R. Reifer not out 108 S. Rutherford b Webster 92 K. Paul lbw b Khan 53 V. Permaul c wkp. b Katwaroo b Cariah 9 G. Motie not out 17 Extras: (b-14, lb-1, w-3, nb-8) 26 Total: (for nine wickets, 152 overs) 540 Fall of wickets: 1-109, 2-134, 3-164, 4-198, 5-198, 6-250, 7-411, 8-499, 9-518. Bowling: Phillip 26-7-63-0, St Clair 183-69-1, Charles 32-7-107-2, Webster 11-0-56-1, Khan 45-7-130-2, Mohammed 6-3-9-0, Cariah 14-1-91-3. T&T RED FORCE 2nd innings A. Jangoo c Johnson b Motie 16 J. Solozano b Permaul 16 T. Webster c Rutherford b Paul 77 J. Mohammed not out 92 D. Ramdin c & b Rutherford 47 Y. Cariah lbw b Motie 0 S. Katwaroo lbw b Rutherford 0 I. Khan b Paul 17 D. St. Clair lbw b Permaul 2 Extras: (b-5, lb-2, w-1, nb-7) 15 Total: (for eight wickets, 81.2 overs) 282 Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-43, 3-127, 4-244, 5-245, 6-246, 7-282, 8-282 Bowling: Paul 16-4-88-2, Reifer 7-1-32-0, Motie 24-5-73-2, Permaul 25.2-8-61-2, Rutherford 9-2-21-2.
SWIMMING: Andrew Fowler, Leon Seaton, Hannibal Gaskin and Jamila Sanmoogan SQUASH: Mary Fung-A-Fat, Sunil Seth (athletes) and Carl Ince (coach) TABLE TENNIS: Shamar Britton, Christopher Franklin, Chelsea Edghill, Trenace Lowe (athletes), Hillary Anderson and Idi Lewis (coaches) RUGBY: Theodore Henry and Larry Adonis (coaches) VOLLEYBALL: Kirenia Ballard (coach)
English Racing Tips Chemsford 09:25 hrs Peace Terms 09:55 hrs Viola Park 10:25 hrs Masquerade Bling 10:55 hrs Ted’s Brother 11:25 hrs Jack Bear 11:55 hrs Dynamo Walt 11:30 hrs Dream Ally Fontwell 09:10 hrs Lisp 09:40
09:40 hrs Darebin 10:10 hrs Theo’s Charm 10:40 hrs It’s A Steal 11:40 hrs Atlantic Roller 12:10 hrs The Flying Sofa Irish Racing Tips Thurles 09:20 hrs Jetez 09:50 hrs Burrow’s Saint 10:20 hrs Cubomania 10:50 hrs American Tom
11:20 hrs Dinaria Des Obeaux 11:50 hrs Cappavurry Zak 12:20 hrs Gilgamboa South Africa Racing Tips Scottsville 08:20 hrs Constantine 08:55 hrs High Green 09:35 hrs Pure Logic 10:15 hrs Fiorella 10:50 hrs What A Moon 11:25 hrs Travel Guide
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup
England register huge win over Canada; Bangladesh also advance to Super League LIAM Banks and Will Jacks slammed fine centuries as England completed a massive 282-run victory over Canada in a Group C match yesterday, a result that ensured Bangladesh also qualified for the Super League at the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup.
England completed the league with three wins to top the group while Bangladesh qualified as the second team after their wins over Canada and Namibia, who will figure in the Plate championship which gets underway on Monday. In other matches yester-
day, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 71 runs to top Group A, in which the Windies won their first match as they drubbed Kenya by 222 runs, while Ireland pulled off a thrilling four-run victory to deny Afghanistan a top-place finish in Group D. Scores in brief:
Group A New Zealand v South Africa, Bay Oval, Tauranga New Zealand 279-8 in 50 overs (Rachin Ravindra 76, Jacob Bhula 44, Dale Philips 43, Max Chu 35; Kgaudise Molefe 2-49) South Africa 208 all out in 46.2 overs (Hermann Rolfes 108, Jean du Plessis 54; Rachin Ravindra 4-32, Jakob Bhula 2-25, Matthew Fisher 2-36) Player- of-the-match: Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) Group C England beat Canada by 282 runs, John Davies Oval, Queenstown. England 383-7, 50 overs (Liam Banks 120, Will Jacks 102, Jack Davis 57; Faisal Jamkhandi 3-68, Tiaan Pretorius 3-69)
Canada 101 all out, 31.5 overs (Pranav Sharma 24; Prem Sisodiya 3-23, Adam Finch 2-10, Luke Hollman 2-21, Roman Walker 2-25) Player-of-the-match: Liam Banks (England) Group D Ireland beat Afghanistan by four runs, Cobham Oval, Whangarei. Ireland 225-8, 50 overs (Graham Kennedy 37 not out, Herry Trecgor 36, Neil Rock 35, Jamie Grassi 32; Qais Ahmed 3-32, Wafadar Momand 3-50). Afghanistan 221 all out in 49.2 overs (Bahir Shah 35, Tariq Stanikzai 33, Harry Tector 3-37, Joshua Little 2-40) Player-of-the-match: Harry Tector (Ireland) The first Super League quarterfinal will be played between England and Australia in Queenstown on January 23. It will be followed by last-eight matches between Pakistan and South Africa on January 24 and Afghanistan and New Zealand on January 25 (both in Christchurch) while the India-Bangladesh
quarterfinal will be played on January 26 when the action will move back to Queenstown. As per the event format, the winners of the England-Australia quarterfinal will play the winners of the Afghanistan-New Zealand match in the first semifinal on January 29, while the winners of the Pakistan-South Africa match will take on the winners of the India-Bangladesh match in the second semifinal on January 30. Both semifinals will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch while the final is scheduled for February 3 at the Bay Oval in Tauranga. Quarterfinal fixtures: Â Super League: January 23: England v Australia, John Davies Oval, Queenstown January 24: Pakistan v South Africa, Hagley Oval, Christchurch January 25: Afghanistan v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch January 26: India v Bangladesh, John Davies Oval, Queenstown.
SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
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Challenging Bacchus just a formality, says Holder … ECB Annual General Meeting and Elections set for today By Rajiv Bisnauth PRINCE Holder, president of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC) says challenging Fizul Bacchus is just a formality ahead of today’s Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) elections. Holder made the disclosure yesterday during an exclusive interview yesterday. The former ECB president will be the sole challenger to the incumbent Bacchus when voting members of the board cast their ballots during the elections, scheduled to be held at the board’s hostel and indoor practice facility at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast from
10:00hrs. Holder said that there will be no surprises, nothing at stake, even less a competition. As formal as it may be, the ECB elections will simply be a formality for continuity, he said. “Nothing will prevent the incumbent president in power, Fizul Bacchus, from winning another term. This is because … and to my understanding none of the eight Area Committees had their internal elections. Our elections were set for this month-end,” he said. Holder added, “So the same old representatives from those committees who had supported Bacchus the last time will cast their votes
this time around.” The ECB has eight regional cricket committees: Bartica Cricket Commit-
Shawn Auto Repairs aiming for 1600cc trophy at GMR&SC Endurance meet
Shawn Bacchus is aiming for the 1600cc class of the GMR&SC Endurance meet next weekend. (GT RITJidez Photo)
WITH exactly one week before the season-opening endurance race of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club GMR&SC, contenders are beginning to stake their claims to the classes. Sean Bacchus and his team from Shawn Auto Repairs are staking their claim to the 1600cc class with a strong message to competitors. Speaking to Chronicle Sport: “We are aiming for that 1600cc trophy. I think we have what it takes to be top of that class and if possible the overall title,” he confided. “The last time out, we did about 77 laps which was good enough for fourth. This time, we are looking to do so much more. My team has been
Fizul Bacchus
Prince Holder
working on the car so we think we are ready.” The car is sponsored by Shawn Auto Repairs/S/R Auto Spares and Sales and Imran Auto Works. Five classes will be in action on the day which will feature both bikes and cars competing in separate races. In the first class, cars up to 1500cc will be considered eligible, with the second class being from 1501 to 1600cc. The third class will see cars in the 1601-2000cc class with the unlimited class featuring cars over 2000cc. The Endurance championship will be followed by a local drag race meet on February 11 with the club’s Annual General Meeting set for the 16th.
tee (BCC), Central Essequibo Cricket Committee (CECC), East Bank Essequibo Cricket Committee
(EBECC, Leguan Cricket Committee (LCC), North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC), Pomeroon Cricket Committee (PCC), South Essequibo Cricket Committee (SECC) and the Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC). Each of the area committees manages cricket within its geographical area and is entitled to two votes each at the ECB elections. Further, Bacchus expressed confidence for another term since he believes that he has the support of the majority of the area committees. Bacchus, who is the acting president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB),
indicated that as usual the elections will be run in a transparent manner within the constitutional framework of the board. Meanwhile, observers are contending that today’s elections will not be held in accordance with the provisions of the Cricket Administration Law. This Law was assented to by the-then President Donald Ramotar in August 2014 after the ‘Cricket Bill’ was enacted in Parliament on June 20 of that year. The Bill clearly states that the Cricket Ombudsman Dr Winston McGowan is responsible for calling the elections of the three county boards.
Federer, Djokovic into Australian Open fourth round ROGER Federer and Novak Djokovic both reached round four of the Australian Open with straight-set wins - although the Serb suffered an injury scare. Switzerland’s five-time champion Federer beat Richard Gasquet 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 to progress to the last 16. Six-time winner Djokovic had treatment on his lower back and leg but saw off Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-2, 6-3, 6-3. “It’s nothing major to be concerned about. It’s things that surface every day. I guess it’s normal,” he said. Djokovic, 30, is playing in his first event since Wimbledon last year after a six-month lay-off with an elbow injury. Despite the convincing scoreline he was not at his best on Margaret Court Arena and was often frustrated on court. However, he closed out the match in two hours 23 minutes and progressed to face 21-year-old South Korean Hyeon Chung, who is making his first appearance in the last 16 of a Grand Slam. There were early opportunities on the Djokovic serve for Ramos-Vinolas, but the Spaniard was the first to be broken, in the fourth game, as the Serb took the first set. At points it looked like a regulation match for Djokovic but concerns for his chances were raised when he called for the trainer with the score 2-1 in the second set. He continued to hobble and stretch his left leg following the treatment but fought off four break points for Vinolas-Ramos at 4-2 in the second set to maintain his advantage, after which the
Novak Djokovic receives lengthy medical attention early in the second set.
match always looked to be going in Djokovic’s favour. “This kind of circumstances in which I’m in at the moment are quite different,” added Djokovic. “I’ve never faced a situation where I didn’t compete six months. “That’s why I’m kind of forced to be very cautious of what happens day-to-day - be dedicated to my body and training.” Gasquet fails to halt losing streak Federer, 36, comfortably extended his record over Gasquet to 17-2, with the Frenchman only ever having beaten the 19-time Grand Slam champion on clay. Gasquet, 31, was behind
almost immediately in last night session and failed to muster a single break point until late in the third set, when he clawed his way back to 4-4. Federer slammed the door shut on any sustained comeback, however, clinching victory with a brilliant return game after one hour and 59 minutes with two backhand winners. “I was able to maybe stay a little more on the offensive than he was,” said the Swiss. “The second set was tight, the match was close and the end could have gone to a tie-break.” The defending champion will face Hungarian world number 80 Marton Fucsovics in the last 16. (BBC Sport)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 21, 2018
Athanaze, Yadram star as Windies U-19 wallop Kenya LINCOLN, New Zealand (CMC) – Alick Athanaze lashed an unbeaten hundred and off-spinner Bhaskar Yadram claimed a five-wicket haul, as West Indies Under-19s overcame a slight hiccup to easily dispose of Kenya Under-19s by 222 runs and notch their first win of the ICC Youth World Cup here yesterday. Wobbling at 155 for five in the 29th over after opting to bat first in their final Group A match at Lincoln No. 3 ground, West Indies were revived by a sparkling 116 from Athanaze to reach 318 for seven off their 50 overs. Opener Kimani Melius stroked 60, Nyeem Young carved out 57 while Kirstan Kallicharan chipped in with 36. In reply, Kenya wasted a 51-run opening stand be-
Man-of-the Match Alick Athanaze (right) celebrates his unbeaten 116 against Kenya Under-19s yesterday.
tween Aman Gandhi (37) and Dennis Kavinya (18) to be bowled out for 96 in the 25th over. Yadram wrecked the innings with a haul of five for 18 while left-arm spinner Jeavor Royal was equally effective with four for 25.
The victory was the first in three outings for the deposed champions, who went down by eight wickets to New Zealand Under-19s in their opener and South Africa Under-19s by 76 runs in their second outing. Once again, West Indies
Off-spinner Bhaskar Yadram claims five for 18.
were propelled early on by the exciting Melius who was the impetus behind a 78-run opening stand with Keagan Simmons (17). The right-handed Melius led a blistering assault on the Kenyan bowlers, facing 45 balls overall and plundering
Pride batsmen tighten grip on third day against Scorpions BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Chadwick Walton stroked his 20th first class half-century to steady Jamaica Scorpions but opener Shayne Moseley gathered his second of the match, as Barbados Pride tightened their grip on their final round encounter in the Regional Four-Day Championship here yesterday. Resuming the third day at Kensington Oval on 93 for three, Scorpions rallied to 247 all out in their first innings, with the right-handed Walton top-scoring with 72. West Indies limited overs all-rounder Rovman Powell struck a quick-fire 43 while captain Nikita Miller chipped in with 27. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican grabbed the last three Scorpions wickets to end with three for 34, while
off-spinner Roston Chase (234) and pacer Justin Greaves (2-36) picked up two wickets apiece. In reply, Moseley hit an unbeaten 87 to close in on his second first-class hundred while Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite made 50 not out, as the hosts finished on 147 without loss. The left-handed Moseley, who made 79 in the first innings, has faced 153 balls in 156 minutes and struck 10 fours and a six. Brathwaite, meanwhile, has counted five fours in 94 balls at the crease. On 33 without loss at tea, the pair controlled the entire final session as Pride stretched their advantage to 327 runs, heading into today’s final day. Earlier, Scorpions survived a wobble at the start of the day to consolidate, thanks
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday January 21, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)
Clive Lloyd, Wavell Hinds & Fidel Edwards
(2)
Desmond Haynes-148 (vs AUST, ARG, 1978)
Today’s Quiz: (1) How many teams are taking part in the current ICC Under 19 World Cup? (2) How many matches are scheduled to be played? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite … was unbeaten on 50
to Walton’s enterprise. Paul Palmer, yet to score at the start, fell inside the first 19 balls of the day for two when he edged a drive at Greaves and was caught at the wicket with 16 runs added. His replacement, all-rounder Fabian Allen, was run-out in the following over without scoring, failing to beat Keon Harding’s direct throw from mid-off at the striker’s end. Walton halted the rut, combining with Powell to post 68 for the sixth wicket in an enterprising stand. While Walton faced 82 balls and struck 10 fours and a six, Powell belted six fours and a couple of sixes in a 47-ball cameo. Scorpions suffered two key blows before lunch, however, when Walton was caught around the corner at leg slip by Shamarh Brooks off Chase half-hour before the break, and Powell was taken at mid-wicket by Greaves off the same bowler, four overs later. Tottering on 200 for seven at lunch, it was left to Miller with four boundaries in a 57-ball
knock, to get the visitors closer to 250.
SCOREBOARD PRIDE 1st innings 427 SCORPIONS 1st innings (o/n 93 for three) J. Campbell c wkp. Dowrich b Holder 16 C. Walton c Brooks b Chase 72 A. McCarthy c wkp. Dowrich b Harding 3 J. Blackwood b Greaves 39 P. Palmer c wkp. Dowrich b Greaves 2 F. Allen run-out 0 R. Powell c Greaves b Chase 43 D. Green c Brooks b Warrican 19 N.. Miller c Greaves b Warrican 27 M. Mindley c Drakes b Warrican 13 C. Lamont not out 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-3, w-1, nb-5) 13 Total: (all out, 56.3 overs) 247 Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-38, 3-93, 4-109, 5-115, 6-183, 7-196, 8-214, 9-241. Bowling: Harding 6-0-52-1, Holder 9-044-1, Drakes 9-0-40-0, Greaves 6-1-36-2, Warrican 15.3-4-34-3, Chase 11-0-34-2. PRIDE 2nd innings K. Brathwaite not out 50 S. Moseley not out 87 Extras: (b-4, nb-1, pen-5) 10 Total: (without loss, 41 overs) 147 Bowling: Mindley 3-0-10-0, Green 2-0-9-0, Powell 1-0-5-0, McCarthy 7-217-0, Lamont 7-0-24-0, Miller 11-1-43-0, Campbell 10-3-30-0. Position: Pride lead by 327 runs with all 10 second innings wickets intact.
11 fours and a six, as he raised his second half-century of the tournament. Simmons perished via run-out and his dismissal was one of three in the space of nine deliveries with four runs added, leaving the Windies on 82 for three at the end of the 16th over. Athanaze, batting at number four, then took charge of the innings in a knock that comprised 15 fours and a six and required 93 deliveries. He put on 68 for the fourth wicket with Kallicharan who struck three fours and a couple of sixes in a 39-ball knock. When Kallicharan and captain Emmanuel Stewart (1) perished in the space of eight balls with five runs added, Athanaze added a further 43 with Royal for the sixth wicket before anchoring an excellent seventh-wicket stand with
Young, worth 119 runs. The left-handed Athanaze raced to his first fifty off 44 deliveries and required only another 42 balls to reach three figures. Young, meanwhile, belted three fours and sixes off 45 balls, combining with Athanaze to gather 86 runs from the last 10 overs. Unfazed, Kenya hit back through their openers, with Gandhi hitting seven fours in a breezy 40-ball innings. However, he was one of just three players in double figures and the only one to pass 20, as the innings collapsed following his dismissal. After pacer Jarion Hoyte removed Gandhi to a catch at the wicket in the 10th over, 10 wickets tumbled for 45 runs as Yadram and Royal combined to shred the innings.
CWI sends condolences to Windies Under-19 player Joshua Persaud
ST JOHN’S, Antigua Cricket West Indies (CWI) would like to express heartfelt condolences to WINDIES U-19 player Joshua Persaud on the death of his mother in a car accident in the USA. Persaud has been a part of the WINDIES U-19 team currently participating at the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. All arrangements were made by CWI to allow him to depart for Guyana immediately, to be with family
and close ones during this difficult time. Both Persaud and injured player Raymond Perez, left New Zealand last night and are on their way back home to Guyana. Brad Barnes will depart the Caribbean today, en route to New Zealand to replace Perez. No replacement has been requested for Persaud. CWI sends its prayers and thoughts to the Persaud family and with Joshua’s teammates in New Zealand during this time.
‘Year of the Caribbean’ proposal for Dubai - Ninvalle A PROPOSAL for support of the ‘Year of the Caribbean’ has been dispatched to AIBA’s interim president Franco Falcinelli and a response should be forthcoming at an Extraordinary Congress to be held in Dubai this week. According to president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle, the proposal outlines four priority areas where AIBA’s support is needed and is to be formally handed over to the interim president later this week. Ninvalle met with Falcinelli in the Italian capital of Rome last week and was assured that Year of the Caribbean would be reported on in Dubai. “I am optimistic that the Year of the Caribbean would be a success. We have dispatched a proposal to AIBA and the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC). This proposal will also be presented at the Extraordinary Congress in Dubai,” Ninvalle said. In 2016, under the presidency of Taiwanese D. Ching Kwo-Wu, AIBA had declared 2017 as the Year of Africa and 2018 the Year of the Caribbean. However, not much activity was reported during the Year of Africa. Wu resigned from his post late last year paving the way for Falcinelli to take over control of the 202-member organisation.
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Sachia Vickery gives back
RISING tennis star Sachia Vickery wrapped up her fiveday stay in Guyana yesterday; but before leaving for her Hollywood, Florida home, the 22-year-old made a donation of tennis gear and other items to up-coming players, at the GBTI Tennis Courts in Bel Air, Georgetown. Vickery, born to Guyanese parents, made a courtesy call on Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, and also met with president of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) K. Juman Yassin. She has signalled her intentions to represent Guyana at the Olympic Games and other international tournaments.
Sachia Vickery and players at the GBTI Tennis Courts where she presented tennis gear and other items. (Delano Williams)
GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15 Intra Association League
Ten EBFA teams participate in historical march past with GFF president in attendance THE GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15 Intra Association League was launched almost one year ago, on March 14, 2017 to be exact, by President of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, Victor Montagliani, who was on a short visit to Guyana. However, due to adverse weather conditions, which curtailed even the smooth flow of the GFF/NAMILCO Flour Power U-17 Intra Association League, the League had to be put off. But yesterday at the Grove Playfield, 10 of the East Bank Football Association affiliates turned up for the official march past and start of this historic, GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U-15 Intra Association League. GFF president joined EBFA president Franklin Wilson, secretary Wayne Francois and other executives to usher in the first national
GFF president Wayne Forde officially kicks off the League with the Kuru Kururu Warriors goalkeeper about to gather the ball.
competition at this age-group level much to the delight of the clubs and fans who attended the occasion. The clubs attending were Agricola Red Triangle, Herstelling Raiders, Diamond United, Diamond Upsetters, Samatta Point/Kaneville, Grove Hi Tech, Friendship All Stars, Kuru Kururu Warriors, Timehri Panthers and Soesdyke Falcons. Absent was Mocha Champs.
In welcoming the clubs and congratulating the players on being a part of this significant competition, the EBFA president Franklin Wilson encouraged the teams to work hard, play fair and ensure that discipline is the hallmark of their participation. Forde, in feature remarks, before officially kicking off the league stated that the tournament forms part of the federation’s strategy to
implement comprehensive youth football development in the nation. “This tournament would be the ultimate feeder of the academy training centre on the East Bank that is operated by the Technical Development Officer and the Youth Development Coaches.” He noted that the top players emerging from this league would have the opportunity to be drafted into the academy
training centre. GFF Technical Director Mr Ian Greenwood was praised for the implementation of a structured youth development programme in Guyana. “You are playing football at what is considered in my own opinion, the most opportune time in our long and sometimes difficult history. The most talented players among you guys will train consistently under an age-specific coaching curriculum over the next couple of years.” A call was made for more parents to get involved in supporting the development of their children which is vital to their development as athletes. “So having your mother, father, aunt, sisters and brothers out there cheering you along, there is no other value that can be more special than that.” Talent alone,\ though, Forde stressed, would be lost if there is no discipline and fair play involved. “We’ve seen many great players in Guyana who have lost out on exceptional opportunities because they simply could not commit themselves to a consistent display of discipline.
You guys have an opportunity here of not only putting Guyana at the forefront of regional football but world football. “But you can only achieve this milestone if you treat your peers and coaches with respect but above all, treat the game of football with the absolute respect it deserves. It is a game that is bigger than each and every one of us.” Forde also offered words of gratitude to the Pele Alumni organisation: “I want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to these former stars of Guyana’s football who have reached beyond their remarkable playing careers to once again to serve the Beautiful game. “I want to personally express my appreciation to ‘Labba’ Barton and Denis Carrington. I am very proud of the work they are doing in supporting their former club and bringing prominence to an institution that has produced much more that exceptional players.” Meanwhile, the first match of the league saw Grove Hi Tech face off against Kuru Kururu Warriors with the former coming from behind to win 4-1.
Samuels, McKoy, Rogers continue to impress on NJCAA circuit GUYANA’S Claudrice McKoy, Avon Samuels and Onassha Rogers, all freshmen at Monroe College, continued their impressive showing at the National Junior College Athletics Association level, competing over the weekend at NYC’s Gotham Cup at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex. Rogers turned in a pair of impressive efforts, first finishing third place in the 60-metre race with a time of 7.66 seconds and followed that up later with a fifth-place finish in the 200 metres, clocking 25.52 seconds, earning an NJCAA National Championship qualifying time in the process.
McKoy ran the 3,000 metres for the first time at the college level, completing the race in a time of 10 minutes 55.11 seconds (10:55.11) to qualify for the NJCAA Championships and finish ninth overall in the event. Samuels improved her qualifying time in the 400 metres, finishing with a personal-best time of 56.68 seconds to take second place overall. The Mustangs will compete next weekend (January 26 - 27) in the John Thomas Terrier Invitational, hosted by Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts.
(L-R) Claudrice McKoy, Onassha Rogers and Avon Samuels
Sachia Vickery gives back
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GOA offers support to athletes and coaches … Yassin calls it ‘Red Letter Day’ for sports
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Some of the athletes and coaches at the Guyana Olympic Association yesterday. (Rawle Toney photo)
‘Year of the Caribbean’ proposal for Dubai - Ninvalle
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GBA president Steve Ninvalle
Mohammed hits unbeaten 92 but Red Force on brink of heavy defeat
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… Reifer hits career-best 108
Gudakesh Motie traps Yannic Cariah leg-before-wicket. Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208
Raymon Reifer acknowledges the support from his teammates after reaching his maiden first-class century. (Adrian Narine photos) SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018