Guyana_Chronicle_E_Paper_New_York_Edition_01_18_2019

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 19, 2019

NO.0026

Granger to lead coalition …as political parties gear up for new polls

…hailed as superior candidate in likely crowded field SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

Charrandass under probe for bribery, gold smuggling

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…to be questioned, extradited if necessary …Top cop says investigations have gone to a significant stage

From abandoned child to city mayor

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–– Mayor Narine says struggles did not daunt his spirit for change

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

Charrandass under probe for bribery, gold smuggling

…to be questioned, extradited if necessary

…Top cop says investigations have gone to a significant stage

By Rabindra Rooplall FORMER Member of Parliament, Charrandass Persaud, is being investigated for alleged bribery and the illegal movement of gold from the State of Guyana, Commissioner of Police Leslie James confirmed on Friday.

The police chief during a news conference at the commissioner’s boardroom, Eve Leary, told media operatives that although Persaud is in Canada, he will be contacted when the Force reaches that stage of the investigation.

He said that if Persaud refuses to return to Guyana for questioning and there is need for extradition, it will be processed. James said that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is gathering evidence at this point into the allegations in the aftermath of a report made to police.

The commissioner sidestepped questions on any-

thing pertaining to links of the investigation being carried out because of the no-confidence vote in parliament on the night of December 21, 2018. “I am saying that following a report we have caused an investigation to commence, it’s still ongoing, at the conclusion of the investigation, we will seek legal advice, the commissioner said.

Describing the matter as sensitive, the commissioner said the investigations have gone to a significant stage.

He said that a number of statements were taken from various persons and whatever information is gathered, those leads are being followed. Further, James said that the Force interviewed multiple gold dealers who have corroborated as part of the investigation.

“The person we are investigating is innocent until proven guilty and I will not be prejudicial with this

investigation, this is an impartial investigation we are undertaking,” the top cop asserted. “We are not seeking to manufacture anything, whatever is given to us is being taken and we will submit for legal advice, the advice given to us, we will respond to it.” Noting that the Force will not be hiding anything, the commissioner said any developments on the matter will be made public through himself or the public relations unit.

When asked if the Minister of Public Security had contacted him about providing security for Charrandass, the commissioner said he was contacted and assured the minister that security will be provided for anyone who faces a threat.

The People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) is on record as saying that the former AFC Member of Parliament was allegedly

bribed by the opposition.

Persaud has since denied the allegations. However, Persaud had admitted to a dubious transaction where he was attempting to purchase some US$1M in gold.

At a news conference on Thursday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo sought again to distance his party from allegations that they bribed Persaud to vote in their party’s favour. Jagdeo’s top adviser, Peter Ramsaroop, had breach security protocol at the Ogle Airport to sprint Persaud away one day after the vote.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan recently told a news conference at his party’s headquarters that he is not aware of any attempts or plan on the night of December 21 to harm Persaud after he voted in favour to topple the government.

The security minister said that given the nature of the

Commissioner of Police Leslie James

vote, he knew that had anything happened to Persaud, it would have reflected very badly on the government and as such, the necessary steps were taken to provide security for him. Ramjattan also denied having any knowledge of plans to harm Charrandass once he returns to Guyana, be it to answer charges or otherwise.

Persaud is reported to

have said that he received information that efforts are afoot to have him killed either on the road or once he is sent to prison, to have him hang in his prison cell. Minister Ramjattan rubbished these claims and told the Guyana Chronicle that Persaud is using these excuses as a means of not coming back to Guyana.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

Granger to lead coalition

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…as political parties gear up for new polls

…hailed as superior candidate in likely crowded field PRESIDENT David Granger will be the APNU+AFC Coalition’s presidential candidate for the next General and Regional Elections, top sources within the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change have confirmed.

The Guyana Chronicle has been reliably informed that the Head-of-State who is currently undergoing his fourth of five cycles of chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, in the Republic of Cuba, is in good condition to contest the presidency.

“The President is in good health. Yes, he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, but he has been responding well to treatment.

He is able to effectively manage this country, he is fit,” the source who requested anonymity told this newspaper on Friday. In fact, the source noted that the President, who has been in recent weeks making several public appearances is consistently improving, given his diagnosis. “As you know, he has to complete five rounds of chemotherapy, he is in his fourth round and his progress is consistent. So, there is no question about him being fit, health wise, to run,” the source added.

The source continued: “There is no question as to whether he is the candidate.

He is competent, he is uncorrupted, he has integrity, his health is improving steadily and he has the interest of Guyana and Guyanese at heart. He is a genuine leader.”

While President Granger himself had said he would not “run away from service” as the coalition’s presidential candidate, he has not indicated that he is the candidate. At his last press conference in August 2018, the President said his run for a second term in

2020 is up to the parties in the APNU+AFC coalition. When asked by the media whether he will run for a second term, President Granger said, “I am a servant of my party, I am a servant of the partnership and I am a servant of the coalition and my duty is to serve and I would not run away from service.”

Granger, who is also the leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), was re-elected unopposed at the party’s congress last year.

President Granger will likely come up against four other contenders for the presidency, including three newcomers from the Liberal and Justice Party; A New and United Guyana Party and the Federal United Party. His strongest test however will come from the main opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic, who are likely to name their presidential candidate this weekend.

FIT AND READY Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who is also General Secretary of the APNU back in December dismissed the suggestion that President Granger may not be the APNU+AFC presidential candidate for the upcoming general elections. “I think we have an excellent candidate in the President,” Harmon told Stabroek News. Minister Harmon’s statement followed former Member of Parliament, Charrandass Persaud’s vote in favour of Opposition, People’s Progressive Party’s no-confidence motion.

“He’s getting much better.

I figure that by the time he gets back here, he will be in a position to resume his meetings,” Harmon told Stabroek News. Similarly, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, SC

President David Granger

hinted that President Granger will return as the presidential candidate. Williams said: “The President has big plans and projections for this country’s future with him being President of Guyana.”

PERSONAL INTEGRITY In September, Alliance For Change (AFC) leader, Raphael Trotman indicated that his party supports the head-of-state for a second term, while citing his integrity as an important criterion.

Executive member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Dr David Hinds, had also endorsed the President for a second term, stating in one of his columns that while he does not favour President Granger’s style of leadership,

he does not see another candidate with greater potential among presidential hopefuls. “…So in such a situation incumbency rules. Granger’s strength is personal integrity, which in our political environment is a tremendous asset.

If one were tempted to look elsewhere for an alternative leader, it would be hard to find one with the same degree of personal integrity. What he lacks in political nimbleness he makes up in that critical area. So, I am prepared from this distance, barring any big unforeseen political development to forecast that he would be the presidential candidate of any coalition,” Dr Hinds said in the column which appeared in the Kaieteur News.

As per the Cummingsburg

Accord of 2015 which created the coalition and subsequently the coalition government, the presidential candidate for the coalition comes from APNU, while the AFC is allocated the prime ministerial position.

Born 15 July 1945, President Granger is a retired military officer who served for a time as Commander of the Guyana Defence Force and subsequently as National Security Adviser from 1990 to 1992.

In 2010, he made a successful bid to be elected as the presidential candidate of the People’s National Congress Reform for the November 2011 general and regional elections. He was leader of the opposition in the National Assembly of Guyana from 2012 to 2015. Granger stood as the opposition coalition's presidential candidate in the November 2011 general and regional elections, but was defeated. He was elected President in the May 2015 general and regional elections.

Born in Georgetown, Granger attended Queen’s College, Guyana's elite and prestigious school like the former Presidents Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, Samuel Hinds and scholars such as Walter Rodney and Rupert Roopnaraine. After leaving Queen’s College, where he was a member of the Queen’s College Cadet Corps, Granger joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as an officer cadet in 1965 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1966. He received his professional military training at the Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria; the Jungle Warfare Instruction Centre in Brazil; and the School of Infantry and the Mons Officer Cadet School, respectively, in the United Kingdom.

He trained in Britain, then

Brazil, then Nigeria, and eventually became commander of the Guyana Defence Force in 1979 and was promoted to the rank of brigadier. Granger was appointed National Security Adviser to the President in 1990[1] and retired from military service in 1992.

PUBLISHER Additionally, President Granger also founded the Guyana Review news magazine in 1992 and served as its managing editor. He has researched and published on military, historical and media themes, and is also the author of Guyana's state media: the quest for control, and A Preliminary Study of Women Soldiers in the Anglophone Caribbean.

Granger has received various academic awards, including the President’s Medal for the best graduating student, University of Guyana; the Dennis Irvine Prize for the student who has made the greatest contribution to all cultural life of the university; Council of the University Prize; the Elsa Gouveia Medal of Excellence; the Guy de Weever History Prize; Earl Attlee History Prize; Mary Noel Menezes Award for History; Department of History Prize and others, from the University of Guyana. He also holds three national awards: the Military Efficiency Medal (1976), the Military Service Medal (1981), and the Military Service Star (1985) for distinguished military service.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

OAI had no approval for pass system …GCAA says examining appropriate sanctions for breach

By Svetlana Marshall THE protocol pass system at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport was implemented by Ogle Airport Inc. without requisite approval from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), GCAA Director General, Lt. Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field has disclosed.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Lt. Col (Ret’d) Field explained that GCAA, through its Aviation Security Department, regulates security of Guyana’s Aviation Sector through the regulatory framework established in the Civil Aviation Act and the Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations (2004).

This, he said, is done in accordance with international standards and practices set out in the Chicago Convention which is administered by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). It is a requirement under the regulations that airports in Guyana submit their manuals for approval by GCAA. “The airports, they sub-

mit their manuals to us with the various systems or protocols for their security operations. These procedures are then reviewed by us and if in keeping with the security regulations, they are approved. If they are not in keeping with the security procedures of the authority or of ICAO, they are asked to be amended until they are brought in line,” the director general explained.

In the case of the Eugene F. Correia Airport, Ogle Airport Inc. submitted a manual but failed to include in that document a protocol pass system. Only two pass systems were listed in the manual – a temporary pass system and a permanent pass system.

“Within their manual there was nothing about protocol pass system. So the civil aviation authority never approved the protocol pass system because it was not in their manual. This was a pass system which was implemented by Ogle Airport Inc.,” he explained.

The breach in regulation was detected late December, 2018 when reports surfaced

that People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member, Peter Ramsaroop, and Canadian Diplomat Richard Beliveau were issued protocol passes to access the tarmac of the airport on the morning of December 22, 2018 without the requisite approval. At the time, they were ‘escorting’ expelled Alliance for Change (AFC) Member Charrandass Persaud, who was a passenger on LIAT flight #LI 392 which departed the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at 6:17hrs on December 22, 2018. Persaud left the country hours after voting with the opposition in the National Assembly to bring down his own government. GCAA had launched an investigation shortly after the matter was brought to its attention.

Stating that he is not concerned with personalities but rather systems of security, the GCAA director general said protocols must be followed. It was explained that permanent passes are issued to employees at the Eugene F. Cor-

GCAA Director General, Lt. Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field

reia Airport while temporary passes are issued to students and temporary workers.

“That temporary pass system when issued states one: it must be applied for before, and two: that individual must be escorted by either somebody with a permanent pass…and not to be left alone,” Lt. Col (Ret’d) Field further explained.

In the case of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the temporary pass system includes the issuance of pro-

President Granger reissues book on the Rupununi Uprising PRESIDENT David Granger has reissued his book, ‘The Rupununi Rebellion’ to mark the 50th Anniversary of the quelling of the Rupununi Uprising which took place on January 2, 1969, less than three years after Guyana achieved independence.

The President was serving as Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), which had operational responsibility for restoring peace at that

time. Rebels led by a few rich families, had seized control of the region with arms supplied by a neighbouring country, murdered several policemen and attempted to secede from Guyana and establish an independent republic.

The rebellion was the result of a conspiracy; not of indigenous peoples, but of a few related cattle-owning families who lived in huge haciendas. They resisted the prospect of surrendering

tocol passes having been approved by the GCAA. The system clearly states the procedure which requires an approval letter from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The GCAA director general said upon the submission of the report on the investigation, the authority issued OAI with an order instructing it to suspend the protocol pass system on the basis that it was not approved.

Lt Col (Ret’d) Reid noted too that even the system established by OAI, though not approved by GCAA, had not been followed on December 22, 2018. He said according to that system, written approval was required from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Ogle Airport Inc., however, has denied that there was breach, stating that its staff acted accordingly. The aviation authority, nonetheless, is now looking to sanction the airport.

“The Civil Aviation Authority is in the process now of looking at that breach in their manual to see what sanctions can be brought against the airport for instituting a

system which was not approved by us,” he said. However, Lt Col (Ret’d) Field said GCAA will initiate discussions with the Foreign Affairs Ministry on the implementation of a system for use by diplomats on duty. It was on this note he underscored the importance of having strict systems carried by assertive individuals.

“If they put a proper system in place, these individuals would not be left alone to make such critical decisions.

A proper system in place would state that the individual must refer to a senior personnel either a manager or a senior supervisor who would be more experienced to deal with such matters rather than having a low level person making such critical decision.”

"In going forward [with] the protocol pass system, we will discuss with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the protocol pass system is required, and it is required for diplomats etc. but we will work together with Foreign Affairs in putting together a system which should be operational for such a pass system.”

CJIA processed over 600,000 flights in 2018

Rupununi Rebellion: The cover page of 'The Rupununi Rebellion' book written by President David Granger

their ranches to the landless indigenous peoples in accordance with the Amerindian Lands Commission, which had been established by the government of the day and which was committed to the

re-distribution of land.

The rebels – belonging largely to the Melville-Hart clan – fled to Brazil and Venezuela where they were granted asylum. (Ministry of the Presidency)

THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) says it has recorded the highest passenger movement through the country’s main port of entry in 2018.

Between January 1 and December 31, 2018, some 630,143 passengers were processed as compared to 592,053 in 2017. According to airport officials, this represents a seven per cent increase from the corresponding period last year. Additionally, for the first-time, arriving passengers represented a larger percentage of the total number.

In fact, international passenger arrivals for 2018 were 325,800 or nine per cent higher than in 2017. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, attributed the marked increases to “government's sound economic policies and its unwavering advocacy for an enabling environment for investors, including the introduction of a new airline.”

Other factors can be associated with increased business interest in oil and gas, agriculture, and tourists arriving in large numbers for the Easter Festivities, Bartica Regatta, Rupununi Rodeo, Christmas and investment forums, Minister Patterson said. According to CJIA, Six airlines currently operate at the airport plying several destinations. The most dominant destination is New York City with a 34 per cent market share in 2018. “Destinations Canada and Aruba recorded 15 and 14 per cent respectively. Miami followed closely with 12 per cent,” the release added.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

APNU+AFC eyes landslide in Region 10 at next polls

…unveils broad-based campaign strategy

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) arm of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), is now in full campaign mode and through a joint press conference held on Wednesday, the team reiterated to the electorate that they are tightly knit and with unified efforts, they remain very optimistic of victory at the polls.

Those present at the press conference were Members of Parliament Jermaine Figueira and Audwin Rutherford; Region 10 AFC Chairman Devin Sears and Acting Mayor of Linden, Wainwright Bethune, as well as other executive members of both APNU and the AFC. Figueira noted that they are aware that a lot of work has to be done, but together the parties will be putting in the efforts to attain victory.

While describing the acts of recalled MP Charrandass Persaud as treacherous, Figueira is however looking at the positives and that it has ignited a

From left- AFC Region 10 Chairman Devin Sears; MP Jermaine Figueira; MP Audwin Rutherford and Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune

new degree of consciousness within the coalition and its supporters. “It has really done something good for the coalition supporters, it has ignited the base, the people are far more energised and it has brought about a new degree of consciousness within our people,” he said.

While Linden has the larger population of the electorate, in the region Figueira noted that every little community and village will be targeted, since the strategy is a regional one. “Our strategy that will be employed will be a regional strategy to target every pocket where people are living, where people are dwelling, we will take our message to

those individuals. Our strategy is indeed a broad-based strategy and we will reach out to those persons, we are very much confident and persuaded that we have the machinery, we have the strategy and most importantly, we have the people behind us to ensure that every part of Region 10 is captured,” the MP, who is also the PNCR's Region 10 Chairman, noted.

NEW PARTIES When asked whether the coalition is threatened by emerging new parties, he answered in the negative, describing them as only, “flyby-night parties,” which will not distract the coalition. The

MP also noted that the strategy caters for every group of persons in the region, since they all require a different message. While being cognisant that youths make up 65% of the population, he said that the coalition is au fait with their concerns and issues and will definitely place these on the front burner.

VOTE LIKE A BOSS Similar sentiments were echoed by AFC MP Audwin Rutherford, who expressed optimism that the youths will ‘vote like a boss’ as they did in 2015, since it is evident that the coalition has their best interest at heart. He is eyeing 20,000 votes from Region 10

and as the MP responsible for Sub Region Two (Kwakwani district), he will also be directing efforts there. In fact, Friday, he said, will be the first meeting to galvanise forces in that area. He also reiterated that the coalition is tightly knit and that they are working together for the best interest of the people.

Also expressing confidence that youths will once again support the coalition, AFC Region 10 Chairman Devin Sears, who is also a youth and plays an integral role in recruiting youths for the Youths For Change (YFC) youth group, urged youths to not only sit on the sidelines but to join the conversation on politics and to get equally involved in the process. He is also urging the electorate to be confident in the strength of the coalition and to not be fooled with what is peddled out there as fake news. Sears alluded to many successes of the government since taking office in 2015, the latest being the allocating of the region’s largest budget which will fund several developmental projects in 2019. “This government cares for the people, the AFC and APNU

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will continue to fight for the interest of the people of Linden,” he said, noting that the residents as well need to be holding a united front in their support of the coalition.

FOOT SOLDIERS As it relates to who will manage the campaign, Figueira noted that, that decision will have to be made by the central executives of both parties but in the interim, they are serving as foot soldiers, putting in the groundwork needed. Several fund-raising activities will be done, which will assist in funding of the Region 10 campaign.

The nation remains vigilant on when the next date of the elections will be called, following the dissenting vote of former MP Charrandass Persaud. A ruling on the matter pertaining to the validity of the vote will be delivered at the end of the month.

Following a meeting with members of the opposition and President Granger and some members of his cabinet, a unanimous agreement was taken for elections to be held, based on the administrative readiness of GECOM.

AG confident about challenge to confidence vote …says timelines set by CJ reasonable ATTORNEY General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams said the timeline outlined by the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire for hearing of the cases on the December 21 vote of no-confidence is reasonable.

On Tuesday, the chief justice (ag) laid out timelines for the Compton Reid application challenging the validity of the vote cast by Charrandass Persaud in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. The same was done for the application filed by the attorney general challenging passage of the no-confidence motion against the government on the basis that the opposition did not secure a majority as required by the constitution.

For both cases, the chief justice (ag) set aside January

18, 2019 for submissions; January 21, 2019 for rebuttals.

The first case, which addresses the issue of dual citizenship, will be heard on January 24, 2019.The other matter will be heard on January 25, 2019. The chief justice also noted that on January 23, 2019, a hearing will be held on a petition filed by political commentator Christopher Ram, who wants the High Court to find that the no-confidence motion was validly passed.

Outside the court chambers at the conclusion of the case management session, the attorney general said based on the timeline, there would be no expiration of time as stated by Article 106 (7).

Article 106 (7) states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain

in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

In his application challenging the passage of the no-confidence motion against the government on the basis that the opposition did not secure a majority as required by the constitution, the attorney general had filed for a conservatory order preserving the status quo ante that the President and all ministers of the government remain in office until the hearing and determination of the questions has also been sought.

Attorney General Basil Williams

However, on Tuesday, the chief justice said that it was necessary to proceed with the conservatory order on the basis that the case in question would be completed by the end of January.

All written submissions and rebuttals are required

by January 18 and 21, 2019 respectively, and the oral arguments will be heard on January 25, 2019.

With the timeline set, Minister Williams said he is

ready and confident. “For me I have been working on it. It depends on the leader of the opposition; he said he is not filing anything in Christopher Ram’s matter because he supports it. I obviously support the application by Compton Reid [on dual citizenship], so I will develop my application in relation to the requisite majority which we contend was not obtained in breach of Article 106 (6), and so we will try to manage the timeline basically,” he explained.

Today the attorney general is expected to file an additional application, supplementing the one filed by Compton Reid. This Application in Defence will address the contents of Article 70 of the constitution, more so the five-year-term. “All we are saying is that Article 70 is an entrenched position in the constitution. You require 2/3 majority to amend it and that article provides for a

five-year term, and only the president who is a part of the government could truncate that term by dissolving or proroguing; but there is no provision by the framers,” he told reporters.

Anil Nandlall, who is representing the interest of the leader of the opposition in all three cases, said he too is satisfied with the timeline given. “I am comfortable.

I think all of us should be ready and should be ready before that. I was ready to begin my arguments today,” Nandlall told reporters.

Offering a brief comment after Tuesday’s hearing, Reid, who was present, said he is anxiously awaiting the ruling as he declined to speak extensively with reporters. “We need to wait on the outcome,” he told reporters, while noting that he filed the application because he is “interested in the nation.”

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

Government’s commitment to a good life through business development ONE of the first acts of the APNU+AFC government was the establishment of the Ministry of Business. The Ministry has a clearly stated mission: “The Ministry of Business aims to propel economic development through an equitable and conducive environment for all businesses and through active interventions.”

The necessity of having a ministry of government in Guyana, dedicated to the fostering of a business-friendly environment with the goal of development is obvious. Regrettably, the previous PPP regime, for some reason, did not perceive such a need during all of its 23 years in political power. Fortunately, that monumental oversight has been corrected by the current administration.

Although the Ministry of Business is only three years old, it has already had a major, positive impact on the lives of Guyanese, particularly those who aspire to own or operate their own businesses, as well as citizens seeking satisfying and secure employment. Under the charismatic leadership of Minister Dominic Gaskin, the ministry has filled a major gap in the government of Guyana’s administrative structure, thereby promoting economic development along the full spectrum of commercial, trade, and industrial endeavours.

In his 2019 budget presentation

to the National Assembly, Minister Gaskin emphasised that the single most important and ultimate goal of the ministry is to create the conditions for Guyanese to be self-sufficient. The minister said, “The work that we do at the Ministry of Business and our agencies is ultimately geared towards the creation of jobs by private enterprises large, medium and small. Whether it’s through tourism or industrial estates or the promotion of exports or investment facilitation or small business support, at the end of the day we want to see the private sector develop and grow because this is where the bulk of the jobs needed by the tens of thousands of young Guyanese who come out of school or some higher level of education or training each year are going to come from.”

Minister Gaskin elaborated that the ministry has detailed plans on how to achieve its goals; he explained that those plans may be categorized under one of four broad pillars: business support and development; business facilitation; tourism; and consumer affairs. He further explained how the 2019 budgetary allocation of $2.65 billion will be efficiently used to improve the lives of Guyanese by giving them access to never-before-seen opportunities within the context of government’s holistic plan.

Business support, said the minister, includes the development and

management of industrial estates such as those in Lethem in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (region 9) and in Berbice, on which over $1 billion has already been invested.

Minister Gaskin underscored that accountability and transparency are paramount. He said, “Due diligence processes will be carried out to ensure that companies have the financial resources to fund their proposed activities.” In other words, while funds for new and developing business will be available, business proposals will be diligently examined before public funds are used.

High standards will, of service, must play a major role in all business activities, and recognised international accreditation will be sought where available, the minister said.

It was reported, too, that up to the end of 2018, about 1000 businesses benefitted from training in areas such as soap manufacturing, sustainable mining, forestry and cosmetology. Additionally, about 400 former GUYSUCO workers were trained in various skills, while the ministry supported over 200 businesses with access to finance by providing guarantees for loans totalling USD $618,000 and disbursing grants, amounting to USD $237,000. This support is estimated to have directly created over 500 jobs.

Business facilitation, another of the four broad pillars, has already

created hundreds of jobs and will continue to do so by actively facilitating investment in the various sectors across Guyana’s regions.

Such facilitation includes matching and connecting local suppliers with international consumers, among other initiatives.

Tourism, the third pillar, has already benefited from the administration’s interventions, showing a 17 per cent increase over 2017 figures. It was noted that visitors have to eat, sleep and travel around the town or the country and each of these activities costs money and employs Guyanese. Tourists also shop and enjoy local entertainment.

With an estimated 30,000 visitors arriving in 2018, an additional US$15 million is now circulating, assuming an average expenditure of around US$500 per visitor. And this does not include airfares or the taxes applied to airfares which will bring in around US$15 million.

Minister Gaskin emphasises that the previous administration gave scant regard to accountability and transparency while in government; on the other hand, we are ensuring that there are accountability and transparency in the spending of money.

The pillar of consumer affairs assures that government works towards the goal of consumers getting value for their money; its objective towards efficiency and

cost reduction will be to the benefit of all Guyanese. Speaking at the opening of a new showroom and head office for the Marics Company in December of last year, Minister Gaskin said that ‘good life’ should be for all Guyanese and not a select few. He added, “We cannot have an economy where working people cannot afford basic human needs, transportation, proper nutrition, proper accommodation and other basic things that human beings need at a level that supports a decent quality of life,” Minister Gaskin emphasised. He said, too, that the direction we are heading as a nation should see all Guyanese who desire a car, being able to afford a good quality vehicle. “We have to be ambitious as a nation, and we must aspire for a minimum quality of life for all our people, and we will soon have the means to do this.”

As the Ministry of Business goes about its important work, citizens should bear in mind the vital nature of that ministry, the fact that its work will benefit all Guyanese – whether producer or consumer – and the fact that the previous PPP regime lacked the vision to establish such an entity.

As such, we must ensure that the efforts and progress made by the government continue and our gains are not lost.

Eon Andrews is doing a good job Dear Editor I have been following the activities of a trade unionist and vice president of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, Eon Andrews, and what is clear to see is that this trade unionist is the only labour leader who seems to be working in the true sense of a worker representative.

What makes his work more significant is that he has chosen to venture in the realm of the non-tra-

ditional worker arena, the very contentious minibus and market vendor sector and, if one was to judge from the print and electronic media revelations, he is succeeding in his quest to organise this large mass of workers.

One just has to look at the University of Guyana minibus drivers and conductors, the Tuschen hire car drivers among others, not to forget that he is now attempting to initiate a Code of Conduct for public transportation providers in

collaboration with the Ministry of Business and other stakeholders.

It is also refreshing to note that the new Mayor of Georgetown is prepared to engage Mr Andrews and, by extension, the Guyana Market Vendors Union, of which he is the president, something Town Clerk Royston King and the previous Council, for some strange reason, was very reluctant to do.

One cannot fail to surmise that otherwise to Mr Andrews, only Norris Witter, a national awardee

and a Commissioner on the Ethnic Relations Commission; Andrew Garnett, Vice Chairman of the Local Government Commission; and to a lesser extent Coretta Mc Donald, General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union; and Sherwood Clarke, President of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union, seem to have any relevance.

Many of the other maximum leaders have suddenly become politicians and oil specialists. I say to Eon Andrews, continue

what you are doing, you are on the right path. The survival of the Trade Union Congress may well depend on you and other second tier leaders who have a vision for and is prepared to make that unselfish sacrifice for the workers of Guyana, especially the workers who need representation.

Regards Joel Alexander Stanleytown, W.B.D.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

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Let us stop this charade: Charrandass is a vintage traitor Dear Editor, IT is safe to assume that December 21st in the Parliament of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana would be not only a historical event, but may well go down as a day of infamy.

Since then, we’ve had a plethora of suggestions from home as well as abroad. I note the credible and robust response by Rickford Burke in the media and one suggestion of a rotating Presidency from Mr Shahabudeen, writing from Ontario, Canada and, of course, my piece written January 10, 2019, directly to our political leaders proposing a Modus Vivendi, including the idea of a National Front Government.

I hope that a collective wisdom would prevail and that our leaders give consideration to these ideas.

However, I wish to deal with

a related issue which seems to be subordinated in all of the excitement. I refer to the threat from Venezuela.

Guyanese need to remember this month, exactly 50 years ago. Certain gentlemen we describe as (local whites) proclaimed that they were not prepared to be ruled by the sons of slaves and so with the support of elements in Venezuela, we had the Rupununi Uprising.

Fifty years later, it is the same story, elements in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, after squandering their own resources, do not want the children of slaves and indentured labourers to benefit from our new found oil and gas resource.

From major reports, this matter was obliquely raised in the discussions last Wednesday about Venezuela’s ‘sabre rattling.’ This should have allowed all par-

ties to agree immediately on measures to be put in place to protect and preserve the patrimony of our people.

As a youngster, I grew up in a yard that was completely fenced and we had dogs. Occasionally, someone would leave one of the gates open and allow a strange dog to enter the compound. Our dogs were always fighting amongst themselves, but I observed that whenever a strange dog made its way into our yard, the dogs would pounce on him.

On one occasion, the intruder was left helpless to die. As a people, why can’t we learn this lesson from our canine companions. We have an enemy at our gates, which requires a collective strong response as Guyanese.

The next issue: I see in sections of the media and in conversations with some friends from the Caribbean

Moscow has no intention to meddle in the internal affairs of this country Dear Editor

WE have read a letter

by James Botsman in the Sunday Chronicle of January 13, 2019, on page 7 of the printed edition “Don’t take the Russian calls lightly.”

My friends in Georgetown and I have also received on those days of January 6 and 7, 2019, many of these strange one second calls from Canada, Congo, Gabon, Guyana, Nigeria, Russia, Switzerland and USA (all countries in alphabetical order to prevent suspicion of any discrimination). But none of us thought about something “national” in

these annoying calls.

Modern times are called “information era” with its very often uncomfortable rules, procedures, scams, insufficiencies, failures etc.

But surely, Russia is not behind all of them, if any.

Only fair international cooperation could bring such problems to an end.

Even more strange is the author’s groundless statement in this context that “in Guyana, it is not difficult to find the link between a certain political party and Russia.”

To the best of my knowledge, officially there is a broad consensus in Guyana about the

necessity to develop relations with all friendly nations, including mine.

Moscow has no intention to meddle in the internal affairs of this country and is ready, today as yesterday, to develop friendly relations with all sectors of the Guyanese political spectrum and not only with “a certain political party”.

Dear friends, there are no grounds to sow false fears and suspicions!

Regards Alexey Nikitin Press-Attaché Russian Embassy, Georgetown

is the description of Charrandass as a patriot or hero. The gentleman is simply, in every sense of the word, a ‘traitor.’

I give one parallel, Lucius Junius Brutus was Caesar’s nephew and a colleague who never expressed concern about the regime publicly but secretly plotted with others the betrayal of the Roman Emperor and while many stabbed Caesar, Caesar was surprised and said, “et tu brute.”

December 21st was re-enactment of this kind of behaviour.

We find that in some circles within the region, people are hailing Charrandass as a hero; a magnificent absurdity. To describe the behavior of the gentleman in Parliament, to describe his behavior as that other than a traitor, would be quite out of order.

We had heroes who openly criticised the regime

they witnessed and made suggestions and proposals for change (the likes of the German theologian, Martin Luther and Martin Luther King JR., the American civil rights leader; Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and many others).

Today, we have the many letter writers and columnist, with whom we may not always share their views, but who write and speak from what they believe to be the depth of truth. They do not stab anyone in the back unlike the events of December 21st.

Today in Guyana we have the likes of Dr. David Hinds, Christopher Ram, Freddie Kissoon, Lincoln Lewis and the several editorials. In summary, let us be very clear.

We’ve read and heard arguments about the problems in the AFC and concerns about the sugar workers and

other matters that are extraneous. All attempting to justify Charrandass’ action.

In our democratic culture, people must avail themselves opportunities to speak up and express their concerns within the family or organisations to which they belong. There is an interesting book written around the Theme “The Sin of Silence.”

The bottom line is he betrayed the group he belonged to and which he never publicly raised concerns. That simply makes him a ‘Traitor,’ the likes of the Rosenbergs and Vidkun Quisling during World War II and the celebrated Traitor, Judas Iscariot who kissed Jesus.

The man is simply based on the lexicon dictionary and history a Traitor.

End of story.

Regards Hamilton Green

Is Jagdeo complicit in fraud?

Dear Editor, PLEASE pay close attention to what I’m about to say.

Remember this guy pictured below? He is Prof.

Jacob Opadeyi. He was the PPP’s unpopular choice for Vice-chancellor at UG from 2013-2016. Remember the many days of protest at UG against him? Remember when he was to face the UG masses he conveniently fainted?

Remember this government did not renew his contract in 2016 after a no-confidence vote at UG and his poor performance. Now look at the document also pictured below?

You got it? Brilliant!!!

This very guy is now “supervising” Irfaan Ali “PhD”.

The Professor is an engineer supervising someone who knows absolutely nothing about engineering. It is like an English teacher trying to supervise a Spanish class.

Anyway, isn’t it suspicious that he is now writing a letter supporting Irfaan?

Now look closely at the letter? Got it?

No UWI letterhead. No UWI official stamp.

You get my point now?

This is not an official letter from UWI. This is a personal letter from one of Jagdeo’s friends.

Another fake representation, this time on Jagdeo’s Facebook page in a desperate attempt to protect his presidential candidate of choice.

Come on Jagdeo and Irfaan.

Provide authentic documents for a change. Defend the serious allegations against Irfaan Ali about his qualifications.

Finally Editor, let me share this with Mr. Jagdeo, since he never did postgraduate studies. I did. When I did my masters in medical education, during the final of my dissertation, I saw my supervisor a grand total of three times in one year. If I had withdrawn from my studies,

she would be totally unaware since she was supervising a few other masters students.

If someone were to write to her about my registration at the University, she would have likely directed them to the admissions or registration department of the University.

You got my point Editor? It was not Prof. Jacob Opadeyi place or responsibility to confirm or refute Irfaan Ali’s registration at UWI. Frankly, he would not have such information. Frankly, that was for someone below his academic standing, unless of course he was rewarded with a few bottles of cassareep.

Regards Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP (UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK Pic save as Jacob Professor-Jacob-Opadeyi Pic save as letters

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

TROUBLES, OR TURNING TIDES? EVEN after the crucial Government-Opposition meeting, I still saw yesterday a splurge of pro-opposition letters in sections of the media that aims at promoting confusion, or even fear of troubles ahead.

Disclosures that investigations have been launched into a massive vote-buying fraud, and breach of national security by foreign agents, obviously are creating disquiet in some corners.

But, even in this testing situation, there is no need to push the panic button.

An Opposition back-biter did just that. With neither the gall nor gill to renounce his foreign (Dominican?) citizenship, he has called on “patriotic” ministers to resign, though his own leader has quite rightly accepted “100%” that the government remains in place pending outcomes of constitutional and other critical issues.

FOLLOW THE GOLD I would add, diplomatic probes and police investigations, even extra-territorially, in what seems to be a television-like sequel titled, “follow the gold”.

The better position could be one that looks not at troubles, but how we can turn the tides and grasp prospects ahead for national unity. In this context, a letter by a former prime minister about

a national front government is more on point.

Following my column last week when I wrote “What did the Speaker say?”, I was asked to write my assessment of the talks between President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and their respective teams. I have decided, therefore, to share excerpts from my interview with Enrico Woolford on his NCN programme, CONTEXT, which was aired on January 9 – hours after the talks concluded. (Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, shared the programme with me.)

FRUITFUL, CONSTRUCTIVE MEETING “I can tell you this: it has been a very fruitful, constructive meeting…I have seen (and you don't see this very often, but I've been around long enough), the display of marvelous maturity, calm and equanimity by the leaders in dealing with a situation that holds so grave implications for Guyana.

“I believe that what has come out today is an affirmation by the national leaders that irrespective of what happens in this country, politically, they are both committed with their parties to the protection of the sovereignty of our country, to the protection of our territorial

integrity so that no one, no country, could look at what is happening in Guyana, at the moment or since December 21st, and use that as an opportunity to weaken our country or threaten our sovereignty.

“So, putting aside everything else, I can say that today was a triumph of a commitment to patriotism and national values; and so I would rate the bilateral meeting as very successful in this context.”

MEETING OF PEACEMAKERS “Some might have said that today would have been a meeting between the warlords. That did not happen.

More or less, it was the opposite. It was a meeting of the peacemakers of two sides even though they have their own priorities and their issues. Some of these may be very controversial issues but they (the leaders) are committed to the National Interest.

“The Leader of the Opposition said he came with an open mind. The President of Guyana, President David Granger, mentioned that we have our challenges and some difficult moments but we must look at the opportunities which are presented to us as an open door to enter into discussions and dialogue.

“In the end, the Communique will say that we (both sides) are committed to the Constitution of this country, which is supreme law; that

nothing should be done to undermine the Constitution, nothing should be done to interfere with the stability of Guyana, to the peace and the order of our country.

Nothing should be done to interrupt the delivery of services to our people, whether those services are regular or emergency services, they will continue.

“And what came out of the meeting is that the two parties are going to commit themselves to jointly pursue certain matters like to go to the Elections Commission to find out what will be the Election Commission’s priorities and programmes.”

PARLIAMENT MUST CONTINUE “They would explore that. But in the meantime, I think there is a recognition that the Parliament must continue; and inside Parliament there would be potential for the parties to work together to deal with time-frames in which things can be done.

“I had said, at the time when the vote was taken on the no-confidence motion that the Opposition has to consider that it has now bought itself a seat at the table and that table has to be the table of negotiation, the table of dialogue, the table of mutual cooperation for the good of Guyana.

“We are facing a future for our country that was undreamt of just a few years ago. It could change every single thing about our country, the way our economy

develops, the way our society progresses, the future for our children and our grandchildren, and certainly the role of political parties within that new framework. So, you are not now dealing with parties looking at power, per se. You are looking at the dynamics that we may have to work together.

“During the meeting they state their positions; each side states its position. The Opposition would have said, for instance, that the government should resign. The government position is that you cannot create a vacuum; you don’t have a situation where the government should resign. Then they dealt with the Constitutional matters…”

CANNOT DICTATE TO JUDICIARY “The Judiciary has now been engaged in an exercise.

You cannot dictate to the judiciary or give it orders. The Judiciary may take what you call judicial notice of what the parties are doing and that by itself will tell the Judiciary that there are issues that must be dealt with in an expeditious way. But we should not interfere; we should not stop the judiciary. Or do what people suggested, to oust the jurisdiction of the court. “…What seems to happen today is that both the government and the Opposition accept that there is a government in place. There’s the President, there’s the Prime Minister, there is a Cabinet… So, I want that the rhetoric should be toned

down. This rush to judgement that the government must resign, ministers must resign, is not helpful at this time.”

NEW GOVERNANCE “So, I saw from today’s meeting that there was calm and there was perspective.

On the other side, there was not a condescending or an accommodating feature, but the government dealing with the issue in a very flexible way. It was not dogmatic on any issue. The President exercised skill and statesmanship, and leadership.

“When you would have seen the Communiqué, you will see a reflection on both sides of statesmanship and leadership and that is good for Guyana. And, I can say down the line, if it continues in this way, it’s going to open other doors and we will see some of the things we have been dreaming about for decades that may not have been possible in our country. We may see a new Guyana emerging-- a new governance…. I believe that today's meeting would be part of the landmark development for our new politics and our new governance in Guyana”.

JANUARY 13, 2019

Guyana, China working on joint action plan –– Ambassador, PM say unity the driving force for development

GUYANA and the People’s Republic of China are working on a joint action plan to stimulate growth, development and cooperation between the two countries.

China has supported Guyana in many sectors but,

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Cui Jianchun believes that a lot more can be achieved.

“We are working hard to make a joint action plan because we want to be good partners and brothers forev-

er,” said Ambassador Cui during his remarks at the celebration of the 166th Anniversary of the arrival of Chinese Indentured Immigrants to Guyana at the Turn to page

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Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs Nagamootoo (centre) share a moment with Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Cui Jianchun (third from left) and other senior government officials (Delano Williams photo)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

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The dual citizen who demonstrates allegiance to a foreign power should not have the luxury of deciding the destiny of a republic THE dangers of dual citizenship in the context of national and legislative leadership were laid bare for all and sundry to see on December 21st, 2018 in the Guyana Parliament. The results of the no-confidence vote against an incumbent government that acceded to power with the hopes, wishes and aspirations of the majority of Guyanese hinged on the vote of one individual. Member of Parliament Mr. Charrandass Persaud voted in favour of this motion while having asserted his allegiance to Canada by carefully planning his exit from a country with the typical outlook of a dual citizen. His request for assistance from the Canadian High Commission was the clearest signal where his allegiance lies. Swearing loyalty to a foreign power should automatically disqualify anyone from making a decision that would have far-reaching implications for any country, in any context.

Having established the aforementioned, it is worthy to note this debate is not new and the argumentation

against members of Parliament sitting on the citizenship fence as it were, have been exhausted by many countries. For all intents and purposes of this discussion, as a Commonwealth country, Australia is Exhibit A. In 2017, the eligibility of 15 members of the Parliament of Australia triggered a constitutional crisis. This dispute was tied to Section 44(i) of the Australian Constitution which states; ‘Any person who is under acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign power, or is a subject or a citizen or entitled to the rights or privileges of a subject or citizen of a foreign power, shall be incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator or a member of the House of Representatives’.

The proponents of this legislation would gleefully use Guyana’s recent experience as an example to illustrate the jeopardy of having dual citizens make decisions that can have adverse and monumental effects on the lives of citizens of any given polity.

Perhaps, a brief definition of a dual citizen and the psychology of such an

individual can enhance this intervention. When more than one country recognizes a person as its citizen, that person is said to be a dual citizen. Such a person lives every day with the luxury of exploiting the options available to them under this status. He/she is rest assured that their survival options are broadened and they can seek the best way out in times of crisis in either country. The mindset of the dual citizen is of such that he or she can apply loyalty conveniently and whenever they see fit to their advantage. Some countries such as India have stringent legislative safeguards against this phenomenon, while others allow and encourage dual citizenship. In fact, the number of countries that embrace double allegiance has been increasing, these include Albania, Barbados, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Central African Republic, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominica, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Moroc-

co, New Zealand, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Permit me, at this juncture, to distinguish between ordinary dual citizens and the dual citizens who operate or have intentions to operate in the role of legislators.

Countries permit dual citizenship, but most unquestionably are against the idea of dual citizens sitting in the people’s Parliament.

Back to the main subject at hand. The vote on a no-confidence motion moved against the APNU+AFC government of Guyana on December 21st 2018, proved the worst fears of those who argue against dual citizens being representatives of the people in the legislative body. The hopes, dreams and aspirations of the people rested with one Parliamentarian who is a dual citizen and decided to dash the national desires of the people with one fell swoop, voting in favour of the motion and plunging this country into a period of constitutional uncertainty. He then casually boarded a plane to the

country of his choosing.

Suggestions of bribery in the mix do not induce much confidence in this scenario.

When one is in a dualized state, pecuniary temptations are at their most potent. It is evidently a gross injustice to have one man, who is not obligated to remain in a host country to live through the political consequences of his legislative actions, be the final arbiter on [an issue] of cataclysmic resolution.

In conclusion, a cursory glance at this development would reveal that Guyana is playing catch up to a phenomenon that teems with bad omens for any republic even though our constitution states; ‘No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who…is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to

a foreign power or state’ In our case, it is far more pronounced and tentative. A coalition government that holds a slim majority facing a no-confidence vote with dual citizens who know they can get assistance from their Embassy/High Commission of allegiance and hop on a flight at any time, is quite a troubling circumstance. A coalition government engaging in the wanton transformation of a broken society betrayed in Macbethan style by a dual citizen is a stark reminder of the precarious situation we face when men and women with their minds on a foreign existence, sit in the National Assembly.

There should be a call on each side of the house to immediately respect the spirit and the letter of the constitution as it relates to dual citizenship. It is risky business.

‘Green’ sensitisation and capacity-building –– among big plans of new Bartica Town Council, says mayor

CAPACITY- BUILDING for councillors and members of the Bartica Town Council and green sensitisation are among top priorities outlined by the Bartica Town Council during their first statutory meeting last week.

Mayor Gifford Marshall explained that Bartica is still a relatively new municipality and council members are also new to their various roles. He said whatever the council does will have an impact on Bartica and its people.

It is against that backdrop that the council agreed to conduct training sessions with facilitators from the Ministry of Communities and other resource personnel; this is to ensure that they are fully equipped to successfully fulfil their mandates.

“Most of the persons who served on the first council are out, and we now have

basically a new council, with only four persons reappearing. So, we want to improve our service to the people of Bartica; thus, we believe capacity-training is of utmost importance,” Marshall said.

In addition to capacity-building sessions for the leaders, the team pointed out the need for continuous sensitisation of Barticans on the green initiative, so that they can have a full understanding of the vision and the roles they have to play.

“We would have struggled over the last two and a half years with getting the residents to understand the vision, understand what “greening” is all about, and the direction in which the council is moving. Unfortunately, when persons hear the term “green,” they think of a political party or they think about just planting trees. So there is need for us to have greater sensitisation for our people, because we

Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall and members of the new council at their first statutory meeting

need all of the residents on board with taking good care of our environment and improving the aesthetics of the township,” the mayor stressed.

He said the council is introducing renewable energy, among other green programmes to the town and there is need for residents to buy into these projects, and

as such, sensitisation will be key in this area.

The mayor also posited that two other main target areas on which the new council will be focusing are education and event tourism.

“Education is the backbone of our society, so we want to build on that and ensure that the people’s capacity is built as well, so we

will continue to invest in education. Another area we see the municipality benefiting significantly from is event tourism. We have envisioned that event tourism can give us a major boost. With religious organisations and even secular groups coming to Bartica to host various activities, recreational activities, and we can offer a very good

package of overland tours to waterfalls and a number of other sites,” he said.

The council will assume responsibility for managing the 2019 Bartica Easter Regatta. This, Mayor Marshall believes, can be used as a tool to improve their tourism package and a platform to promote and sensitise persons on “greening.”

“There are a number of initiatives that need to be unveiled and will be in due time. We assure the people that infrastructural developments will continue, as well as other sectoral developments. I am confident in this new council, the vision and ideas brought to the table are nothing short of exceptional and overtime, the people will see our plans and promises be fulfilled,” the mayor said.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

Caribbean urged to brace for possible Dengue outbreak

THE Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has advised countries in the region to implement enhanced measures to reduce mosquito breeding as it predicts a possible outbreak of Dengue Fever.

In a release, the regional health body said the last major regional outbreak of Dengue occurred in 2009.

Since then, the Region has experienced two large outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases-- Chikungunya in 2014 and Zika in 2016-which are unlikely to reoccur soon.

Disease modelling, however, predicts that another regional outbreak of Dengue may occur in the near future. In 2018, Latin America showed an increase

in the number of Dengue cases. More recently, the outbreak of Dengue in Jamaica has elevated the level of concern in other Caribbean islands. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is, therefore, advising countries to implement enhanced measures to reduce mosquito breeding and prevent the spread of the disease.

Dengue is a flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults.

Symptoms typically begin four to ten days after infection and include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash. This illness can evolve into severe dengue, characterized by poten-

tially deadly complications, such as internal haemorrhaging, intense and continuous abdominal pain or tenderness and persistent vomiting. In some cases, Dengue may be severe and can cause death.

Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases threaten health, tourism, social and economic development, and a collaborative effort is required to reduce the spread of disease. Dengue remains a global health problem and like Zika and Chikungunya, there is no specific treatment for the disease. The Aedes aegypti mosquito vector, which spreads Dengue, is present in all Caribbean territories.

The measures used for

controlling the spread of Dengue are the same as those for Zika and Chikungunya as these diseases are also transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. With the arrival of the rainy season within a few months, mosquito control and awareness activities need to be intensified. Caribbean Ministries of Health are advised to: Increase health promotion messages to prevent mosquitos biting and breeding; Combine efforts with communities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites; Intensify vector surveillance and control and disseminate appropriate clinical care and treatment guidelines.

The most effective way to avoid becoming ill from

viruses spread by mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito bites. Research carried out

by CARPHA and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) show that drums and tyres are the main mosquito breeding sources in our countries.

“We all need to clean up our surroundings. The two most important things to manage mosquito populations in our Caribbean countries are to manage water storage drums and tanks, and properly dispose of used vehicle tyres to prevent mosquitos breeding,” states Dr C. James Hospedales, Executive Director of CARPHA. Actions that can be taken include covering drums and tanks, cleaning

the guttering, removing stagnant water sources such as old tyres, bottles and buckets, and individuals protecting themselves and their family from bites. Infants, young children, older adults and women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR 3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

Individuals would also do well to work together with family, friends and neighbours to destroy breeding sites in and around their homes and communities to achieve total community impact.

Caribbean exports rise Belle-West squatters to be regularised but at a slower rate-IDB …follow-up meeting for application process

Exports from Latin America and the Caribbean hit their highest level in six years thanks to a 9.9 percent increase in 2018, albeit amid growing downside risks in the future, according to a new report by the Inter-American Development Bank.

The region exported $1.08 trillion last year.

While this is the highest level since record exports in 2012, the rise fell short of the 12.2 percent growth rate for 2017. The region’s performance also lagged a worldwide trade increase of 11.6 percent for the Jan-Sept period (compared to the same period the previous year).

Mexico and the Caribbean region were above-average regional export performers, with South America lagging, according to the latest version of the series Trade Trends and Estimates: Latin America and the Caribbean. The report analyzes the region’s trade performance as well as its main subregions and countries.

A decline in mineral and agricultural product prices hurt export performance, which was only partially offset by higher oil prices.

“The evolution of exports from Latin America and the Caribbean continued to be positive,” said Paolo Giordano, principal economist of the Integration and Trade Sector at the IDB and the study’s coordinator. “However, there is a slowdown trend taking place in the context of growing external risks that could weaken the export performance in the future.” Risk factors include a slowdown of the world economy, higher international interest rates, greater financial uncertainty, and more trade tensions involving major global players, according to the report.

China continued to be an important driver of export growth for the region. Shipments to the Asian giant rose 24.2 percent in 2018, above the increase in sales to the United States (8.6

percent increase) and interregional exports (7.8 percent). Sales to the European Union rose an average 10.6 percent for the year but flattened sharply in the second half of the year.

Among the subregions, exports from the Caribbean climbed 22.4 percent in 2018. South America saw its exports rise 8.9 percent – a sharp decline from the 15.1 percent increase registered in 2017. Central America, Mexico and the Dominican Republic chalked up an estimated increase of 10.6 percent.

Last year reversed a trend of rising commodity prices that weigh heavily in the region’s export portfolio. Downward pressure in commodity markets was driven by specific factors and, mainly, by a stronger dollar. Copper saw its price drop 6.1 percent in the Jan-Nov period when compared to the same period in the previous year. Soy dropped 4.3 percent in the same timeframe, coffee dropped 16.4 percent, and sugar fell back 23.4 percent.

Export volumes, which had risen by an average of 4.7 percent in 2017, fell back significantly in 2018, with an estimated increase of just 2 percent, according to available data for nine countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Mexico and Chile were the only countries in the region that experienced improvements in real export performance.

In Mexico, export volume growth increased from 8 percent in 2017 to 9 percent in 2018.

Chile reversed a 2 percent decline in 2017 with a 7 percent volume boost in 2018. The Estimates sister publication -- Trade and Integration Monitor--published in November includes recommendations to improve Latin American export competitiveness in an increasingly challenging international environment.

scheduled for next Wednesday

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Yearwood meeting with squatters at Belle West, Canal No. 2, W.B.D.

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing on Thursday, Valerie Adams-Yearwood met with the squatters at Plantation Belle-West, Canal No. 2, West Bank Demerara, to discuss her ministry’s regularization plans.

In December 2018, the squatters had met with the minister at her office asking for consideration, in regularizing the area they were squatting.

Minister Adams-Yearwood said at that meeting she had given the assurance that she would consider their request, especially that

they were honest in accepting that they were flouting the law, and illegally occupying land that they did not own but belonged to the government.

“They came, and they were very honest with what they said, and they admitted that they should not have squatted in the first place and I appreciated that, so I promise them that I am going to come to see where they are and let’s look at how we can help,” said Minister Adams-Yearwood.

On Thursday, the minister told squatters that government would regularize the area, however, the necessary checks would

have to be made first to ensure their now existing structures were not blocking intended roadways. A follow-up meeting for the application process to take place is scheduled for next Wednesday. The minister also warned against duplication of applicants from the same household, as well as overnight squatters seeking to benefit from this initiative.

“I want to warn that if you are already in the system or from the same household do not apply again, and please look around and ensure nobody new don’t come and put up a structure overnight,” the minister warned.

While the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) continues to move apace to curb squatting, the agency has allocated approximately two hundred and eleven (211) regularized squatter lots for 2018. The CHPA also works along with persons who have been approved for allocations but are finding difficulty completing payments.

(DPI)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

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Several PPP MPs have dual citizenship …U.S. resident Harry Gill urges colleagues to step down

AMID the fallout over parliamentarians holding dual citizenship here, reports are that the opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), has a number of MPs who are citizens of other countries,-among them being Gail Teixeira, that party’s chief whip.

To have dual citizenship as a MP is a breach of Article 155 of the Constitution.

Teixeira, a Canadian citizen, has been a Member of Parliament since 1992 although the Constitution bars against MPs having dual citizenship.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that a number of others, including Adrian Anamayah, are also citizens of other countries.

Article 155 of the Constitution states: “(1) No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who – (a) is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

PPP LONG VIOLATED CONSTITUTION AS such, there are increasing calls for Teixeira and her fellow MPs with dual citizenship to resign from Parliament with immediate effect. Veteran Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis said the PPP/C has long violated

but I was never a citizen. I do not have a U.S passport. I do not have citizenship there,” he clarified.

The MP said he fully agrees with retired judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Duke Pollard that the National Assembly of Members of Parliament

AFC CLEARS THE AIR

PPP MP Harry Gill says he has residency status in USA

the constitution.

“When Anil Nandlall, former PPP/C Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, has taken the route to deceive, he must be held to account. He should have admitted his political party is not an innocent bystander nor has it been advocate or enforcer of the extant article,” Lewis said in a letter to the editor. He was at the time responding to an article in the Stabroek News whereby Nandlall was quoted accusing government MPs with dual citizenship as duplicitous.

MP GILL URGES COLLEAGUES TO STEP DOWN For his part, PPP MP Harry Gill has also called for a stepping down of parliamentarians with dual citizenship. He said the country’s lawmakers should not be

allowed to violate the constitution. Gill, while denying that he is a citizen of another country, admitted to being a resident of the United States of America (USA). “I am 100% Guyanese. No I don’t have dual citizenship,” he told this newspaper when contacted.

The PPP/C MP said he lived in the U.S. for more than 23 years and has only acquired residency status. “I have resisted the temptation of going in for my citizenship. My daughter, we had had frequent quarrels on this subject because she is a U.S. citizen, and she has been encouraging me to go in for it but I have always had political ambition,” he said.

Gill noted, however, that he complies with the Laws of U.S., and renews his residency status when required.

“I have residency, residency that I have always renewed,

Guyana, China working ...

Windsor Forest Primary School on Saturday.

The Chinese, who form part of the six ethnic groups of Guyana, have contributed to the development of the country in many ways and still continue to contribute with the assistance of their native land.

In 1972 Guyana took the regional lead to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

“We support each other in the Guyanese arena…we have achieved a lot, but there are lot of things to do and some of the main areas that we could look at are sugar, rice and fish…we have to do something to work with Guyanese,” said Ambassador

emphasised that the constitution must be respected by all. “This is not any kind of partisan approach; it is an approach by anyone who is committed to transparency and good governance,” he urged.

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08

One of the entertaining performances on Saturday (Delano Williams photo)

Cui, adding that a diversified economy is important, especially with the advent of the local oil and gas sector.

China hopes to share its expertise with Guyanese en-

terprises, he said, adding that every country should explore the idea of an “open policy” which would allow for easier and better trade between countries.

MP, Adrian Anamayah is said to have dual citizenship

should be cleared of all MPs with dual citizenship.

Gill said there should be no cherry picking of the laws, and as such, MPs with dual citizenship should do the honourable thing and step down. “Everybody must account for their status,” he said.

Justice Pollard had said there should be a thorough sweep of the National Assembly to rid the Parliament of all MPs with dual citizenship. Professor Pollard

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Alliance For Change, said of its 11 MPs: “Ten of the party’s MPs are citizens of Guyana only. The other MP, Mr. Dominic Gaskin, was born in the United Kingdom but is a citizen of Guyana by descent.”

The issue of renouncing citizenship does not apply to Guyanese who were born in another country,” the AFC said. It is of the opinion that Minister Gaskin, constitutionally, sits as a duly elected

MP without any hindrance or issue.

The issue of dual citizenship was brought to the front burner after AFC MP Charrandass Persaud broke ranks and voted in favour of the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion to bring down his own government last December. A farmer of New Amsterdam, Compton Reid, is challenging the validity of the vote of no-confidence on the basis that Persaud is a dual citizen. The government has also raised the issue of dual citizenship with respect to Persaud. Persaud was expelled from the AFC and recalled from Parliament.

Ambassador Cui believes that interdependence is important for people to advance, and he observed that social cohesion and unity means a lot to Guyanese.

“Unity is the driving force for the nation and it is important to transform Guyanese communities and empower people,” said the ambassador.

Over the years, the Chinese have been part of that unity but, he encouraged Chinese to inherit the local traditions, cultures and do more since their predecessors have done good things for them to inherit.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo recognised some of the accomplishments of renowned Chinese descendants such as the first President of Guyana, Arthur Chung and Former Parliamentarian Rudy Luck, who was known as one

of the most articulate leaders and members of the National Assembly.

“We had the influences of Guyanese beyond low mein, chowmein and fried rice…they are blood relatives, among the first Guyanese and that is the reason why we must celebrate their arrival and acknowledge their role and presence,” said Nagamootoo.

Although Chinese only make up a quarter of the local population, the prime minister believes that they supplement their numbers with worth.

According to Nagamootoo, Guyana’s relationship with China has been an outstanding feature of the country’s foreign policy.

He hailed China for responding to Guyana’s call in critical areas, noting that they brought doctors to help;

donated buses, cars, motor cycles and so forth to the Guyana Police Force and even aided in the expansion of the East Coast Demerara Highway and Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

The bilateral relationship has been based on compassion but, China has never interfered in the internal affairs of the country, said Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

In that regard, he lauded the country for respecting the country’s right to protect its institution and for contributing to development locally without making any demands.

“That this why Chinese Arrival Day was made possible through the commitment of President David Granger who in 2017 made an executive order to dedicate January 12 to them,” said Nagamootoo.

Gail Teixeira is a Canadian citizen

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

‘Jagdeo had ‘Charran’ in the bag’ …AFC slams former MP as treacherous

THE Alliance For Change (AFC), having entirely assessed the actions of former member Charrandass Persaud has concluded that somewhere along the line he set out to deliberately mislead his party.

The same was expounded upon at an AFC press conference on Wednesday attended

by Public Security Minister and AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Public Telecommunication and Vice-chair, Cathy Hughes; AFC General-Secretary Marlon Williams and AFC executive member and Member of Parliament (MP) Michael Carrington.

Apart from the present investigation on whether Persaud’s vote to remove the government may have been linked to bribery, Ramjattan said that there is much evidence to show that former MPs action was not led purely by his conscience.

“It could not have been a conscience vote,” Ramjattan said. “He was at Local Government [Elections] with us cussing up the PPP. He was at Courtland at a Christmas party of Sita Nagamootoo, making a major speech to the children’s party cussing them up. I have five tapes that have now been sent to me from Dave’s Television which indicate what the attitude of the man was.”

This “attitude”, he continued, was one of allegiance with his party, even the wee

hours leading up to his divergent vote. “Even the day when we voted on the no-confidence motion, after we adjourned to have meals, he came to me and he indicated ‘Khemraj you made a wonderful speech; you proppa knock them down heavy’ and next thing he did what he did. It obviously blind-sighted us,” the AFC chairman said.

BETRAYAL AND TREACHERY He explained that this is the reason why the action of the former AFC member has since been viewed as a “betrayal” and “treacherous.”

Regarding Persaud’s security on the night of his shift in vote, Ramjattan said that Persaud’s aim was to intentionally double cross colleagues when he made prior arrangements to be whisked away by adviser to the Opposition Leader Peter Ramsaroop, unbeknownst to his party.

Ramjattan detailed: “After he voted the way he did, the entire opposition set of members said that we must look after him as government, his security. And, I went up to him and asked –and you were all there—and he said ‘yes’ he would need some security. I indicated to him what security he would want and he said the commissioner [of police] could provide a car for him, he’s going to Timehri. That is what was

AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan

provided. He did not, however, take the car to Timehri; rather, he went with Peter Ramsaroop and a number of other characters and then went some place and then ended up at Ogle Airport. So I think he was probably deliberately diverting me. I didn’t want anything to happen to him because that would have had massive repercussions and so we wanted him to be secure but, of course, he had arranged his security otherwise.”

JAGDEO KNEW OF PLANS Just last week, when pressed by the media, Ramsaroop confirmed that he

knew of Persaud’s inclination to vote for the PPP and that the former AFC member had requested his security beforehand. The AFC leaders maintain that it is a fair theory that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo knew, too, of these plans although he and Ramsaroop continue to deny the same.

“The deduction must be made that Bharrat Jagdeo had Charrandass in the bag for some time before they could have come with a no-confidence motion. It is an unassailable deduction,” Ramjattan said.

“In the cafeteria he [Persaud] was saying [on the day of the vote] ‘you know

I did really want to talk tuh, why y’all didn’t allow me to talk’ and then he went and did that.”

The minister added that even as police investigations are ongoing into a report that Persaud had initiated a plan to purchase approximately US$1M worth in gold leading up to the debate, as his colleague, he never knew Persaud to be in the gold business.

Regarding the sum of money which converts to over G$208M Minister Hughes interjected: “Do a simple check of his law practice and a very simple check of his stipend as a member of parliament and make your own deduction.” Ramjattan added: “This is a fellow that was never knowingly dealing with gold any time before that. When the screen shot of when he said to Errol Ross came out it was December month. Is it so coincidental that all of a sudden he got clients to buy US$1M worth of gold?”

DUAL CITIZENSHIP Furthermore, regarding dual citizenship, AFC General-Secretary Marlon Williams confirmed that Persaud, like all other AFC party members, was questioned on his status and did not indicate that he had dual citizenship.

“The previous general secretary would have approached all persons selected to become MPs and that

question was asked. The Alliance For Change has always been adamant about adhering to the constitution; we did ask everyone and, if you notice, its only one person that said they were in good stead and we then discovered that they were not,” Williams stated.

In hindsight, the party leaders agree that perhaps they must now look at systems to be put in place for MPs to prove their citizenship, but treading too far down that line can result in privacy violations.

Nonetheless, the party leaders say that while the opposition and their influencers continue to choose underhanded means of playing the political game, the government will remain steadfast in its position on fairness, democracy and transparency.

Hughes stated: “I would be the first to admit that the one way I think we have fallen down is that we really come to the table playing politics with a totally different perspective.

We have always played it by the book. We are not the ones that will get into paying people to go and vote… last election we had proof of individuals that were paid to vote in a certain way. We would never do that. That is not our modus operandi.”

President saddened by passing of Butters-Grant CHIEF Executive Officer of Global Seafood Distributors, Mrs. Allison Butters-Grant presented President David Granger with a crystal fish paperweight in February, 2018, as a token of appreciation.

His Excellency David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, is saddened at the death of Mrs. Allison Butters-Grant, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Global Seafoods Distributors.

In a statement, the Presi-

dent said Mrs. Butters- Grant was greatly admired and respected as a female entrepreneur and trailblazer. He noted that only last year he toured her company and noted that the operations were, “entirely in keeping with Government’s food security policy”. His Excellency extends heartfelt sympathy to her husband, children and other relatives.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Limited said too that it is deeply saddened by the passing of Butters-Grant,

Chief Executive Officer of Global Seafood Distributors, Mrs. Allison Butters-Grant, presented President David Granger with a crystal fish paperweight in February 2018, as a token of appreciation

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Seafood Distributors and Executive Board Member of GMSA. “Mrs. Butters- Grant was greatly admired and respected as a successful female entrepreneur. In our interactions with Ms. Butters-Grant, she exhibited commitment to doing more for Guyana and creating opportunities for young people. She always brought new ideas and perspectives to the GMSA. We will miss her. Guyana will miss her,” the GMSA said.

Butters-Grant died of

cancer in the US on Sunday night. Butters-Grant had migrated to the US but returned to Guyana to establish Global Seafood Distributors, a processing and packaging facility which supplies seafood products locally, to the Caribbean and the US. The company, which is now well established, does value-added processing of grey snapper, banga mary, trout and other wild-catch fish, producing products such as seasoned fish, fish fillet, nuggets, steak, headless and head-on fish. Guyana Gold

Fields, the Guyana Defence Force and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation are among its local customers.

The company also exports fish to the US, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica and is famous for its boneless and skinless saltfish. In March 2018, President David Granger had toured the West Ruimveldt facility and said that the company’s operations were “entirely in keeping with government’s food security policy”.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

13

From abandoned child to city mayor –– Mayor Narine says struggles did not daunt his spirit for change

By Rabindra Rooplall FROM wearing one school uniform for two years of his secondary school life to living on his own at age 17, Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine has faced many uphill battles growing up.

Born on October 12, 1991 at the Suddie Hospital, Essequibo Coast to Bhagwandin Narine, he was an only child who was abandoned by his father.

Narine was elected Georgetown Mayor following the November 12, 2018, Local Government Elections (LGEs) and commenced official work on January 1, 2019.

He grew up with his grandparents on the island of Wakenaam at the tender age of eight months old after his parents separated. His grandparents have since passed on.

Narine attended the Maria Pleasure nursery and primary schools in Wakenaam and when his grandmother passed away, he moved to the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) where he was reunited with his mother, but had to face the challenges of dealing with a stepfather.

Narine had a tough time living with his mother and stepfather. He attended the Crane Primary School before moving on to Uitvlugt Secondary, where he sat the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations and earned seven subjects.

Because of the hostile environment at his mother’s home, he rotated between his aunt’s and mother’s homes in Crane, WCD. “I attended secondary school with one shirt and pants for two years because my stepfather was not an easy man. At the time of writing my CXCs, I had no one to pay for the exams for me and my aunt and a cousin in Canada took up that responsibility. I wrote eight subjects and passed seven,” he reflected with tears in his eyes.

Nevertheless, at age 11, he began practising as a young pandit since he was exposed to religious studies while living with his grandparents.

“Understanding Hindi at a young age gave me the opportunity to begin practising as a pandit at the age of 11. While attending school, I attended pandit classes in Leonora after heading

to lessons, then I got into contact with an international university who had a lecturer from India and that organisation was in Guyana between the period of 2005 – 2008. I wrote the pandit exam and passed,” he recalled.

After dedicating his energies as a priest, Narine fell severely sick in January 2010.

GOD HAD A DIFFERENT PLAN “God had given me life once again, when even the doctor had given up on me after spending 15 days in hospital.”

After being discharged, he decided to return to his mother’s home and was greeted with all his clothing and valuables packed in a bag on the step waiting on him.

He then collected his belongings and moved to Georgetown where he rented an apartment at the age of 17.

“But because I had started

Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine and wife Meenakshi with their daughter

that gave him a realistic perspective on Guyana’s political history.

Taking it one step at a time, he intends to continue up the political ladder.

In September 2013, he also met his wife Meenakshi Harricharran at a private hospital where he had visited to do a medical check-up.

“She gave me a very hard time and I went to her mother and she was very nice and gave me all assurance, but not her father; and I kept trying and paved my way until I did everything possible including buying roses and surprising her with lunches.

We eventually got married on 24, May 2014,” Narine reflected with a smile on his face.

From their union, he now has a daughter. He said his wife has since changed careers from being a nurse to studying accountancy.

“I had continued with my studies, I did a diploma

Pandit Ubraj Narine presiding at a religious ceremony

earning from the age of 11 because of my pandit practice, I decided I could go on my own and from 2010 to 2013, I lived alone; then the Maha Sabha appointed me priest and I was given a quarter to live in which is now my present address where I reside,” he explained.

After qualifying himself as a certified pandit, Narine’s quest for knowledge increased and he aimed for a legal education, hoping one day to be a part of the magistracy.

“I was unable to succeed

because of the lack of financial and parental support,” he said. Nevertheless, he decided to persevere with his religious studies and as a priest at the Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, Lamaha Street, Georgetown.

“I have received tremendous support from a tender age from the Maha Sabha and I will always be eternally grateful,” he said.

Because he no longer had a rent on his shoulders, Narine decided to take a loan and purchase a car, allowing him to move around and meet

persons who sparked his interest in local politics.

Pandit Narine is related to Preetam Singh, who is a former People's National Congress parliamentarian.

“I am embraced by him and his words and I do not believe in any form of racism; and I started my political career in 2013 trying to find my way and to give a voice to the voiceless about the society and community in which I live,” he said.

Narine said he read many classical and contemporary political studies and books

in legal studies, a diploma in guidance and counselling, I did Sanskrit at the third level, I was appointed an ambassador of peace. I was later appointed a marriage officer, then a Justice of Peace and Commissioner of Oath and I furthered my pandit studies,” Narine said.

As a Hindu priest, Narine said he served all without looking forward for any returns, since altruism is the purest form of religion.

SELFLESS SERVICE “If a poor man called me

to go and do their function, I go. I never charge in my life, I never put a fee to my rituals,” he said.

Beaming, the mayor said he has followed the teachings of both Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.

Putting these teachings to the test, he said during his operations in the PNCR, he had tested the party’s democracy when he put forward himself to campaign.

“No other than the chairperson of the PNCR Volda Lawrence supported me, because I have seen her as a woman of true justice and loyalty. I have seen her with a vision for youths, I have seen her with integrity and respect for all races and I said I laid my cards before her and democracy prevailed,” he said.

During his run for LGEs representing his constituency of Queenstown and Alberttown, Narine said when he won that constituency, it did not dawn on him that he would become mayor.

“I did not have an aim to become the mayor, I just wanted to service the community; some may throw bricks at you, some may throw flowers, but I always take those bricks and stones and build bridges and I will take the flowers and beautify myself,” he said.

In giving advice to youths, he said life will be filled with various challenges; some may seem insurmountable, but “there is a place for you in life and only you have the power to make a positive difference in your life.”

He continued: “I look at myself as a Guyanese and not an Indian and I do not see people through the lens of race; and team work among everyone is the only way we will all prosper.”

Quoting former President Forbes Burnham, Narine said “You don’t have to be Black or Indian or Putagee or what race you may be, you don’t need to have anything, you can be a farmer, but as long as you are a Guyanese you are welcome in politics to fight for the freedom of Guyana.”

During the first year of his tenure, Narine hopes to inspire “accountability, transparency and integrity within the council”.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

LHC mulls establishment of Asthma/ COPD clinic –– cites bauxite dust as main cause FOLLOWING strong recommendations from the Bridges Global Medical Mission to establish a respiratory illness clinic, management of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) is currently selecting doctors to be trained in spirometry, so that the residents of Linden can benefit from correct diagnoses, treatment and education of their respiratory diseases.

The mission is presently on a visit to the LHC and its medical practitioners held a two-day respiratory clinic, which saw the number of patients that visited last year being doubled. Speaking on behalf of the mission was Professor Sharon Armstead, who is a respiratory therapist and a professor at the Texas

State University. She, along with 15 of her students, attended to scores of patients on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Speaking to the media, she opined that the bauxite dust results in the continuous increase in persons experiencing respiratory problems in Linden. Armstead, who is also an asthmatic, said when she visits Linden, she has to go on special medication to be able to breathe. In this regard, Armstead urged the LHC to urgently establish the spirometry clinic which will enable the patients to be correctly diagnosed. “I believe Linden needs its own clinic; we can speak to the volume of patients that responded today… having that clinic here is priceless; we must have our own, we must do

this for Linden…. I really want to see the hospital open up the clinic, if we can’t have it every day, at least once a month,” she said.

She related that in her experience coming to Guyana, many patients are diagnosed with asthma and COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and are treated for these diseases, but never underwent spirometry testing and only through that testing can one be accurately diagnosed. Once diagnosed, the patients can then be correctly treated, which will avoid them from making several return trips to the emergency room. The clinic will also provide the needed education and sensitization on how self-management can be done.

Professor Sharon Armstrong (right) having one of her students demonstrate how a spirometry testing is done to diagnose which respiratory illness a patient has

While a spirometry department was established in 2016 at the LHC, with modern spirometry machines, there is currently a nurse manning the department but no doctor; hence, she can

Education official talks up benefits of robotics at primary schools The Ministry of Education will be introducing robotics at the Primary Level this year with the aim of boosting the delivery of quality education to the nation’s children.

This is according to Assistant Chief Education Officer (Primary), Ms. Carol Benn. She said that over the years pupils have been improving gradually, and this is because of the various interventions employed by the Ministry of Education.

“But we will not stop here. In this technological age, while we have been using the radio and television, we see the need to venture into new and more modern ways of teaching”, Ms. Benn explained according to a release from the ministry.

Benn stated that the Education Ministry in its continued effort to promote the quality of education and promote STEAM (Science,

Assistant Chief Education Officer (Primary), Ms. Carol Benn

Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) while contributing to a green economy has decided to introduce robotics in the primary schools.

She said that the task of robotics is to support the development of pupils’ scientific thinking and help them to understand the applications

in daily life through every day experiences in the environment.

“Robotics will empower our pupils to make wise choices, develop their problem solving skills where they will be able to think and act quickly in different situations, develop deep critical thinking and concretize

learning while building skills in navigating successfully through STEAM,” Ms. Benn informed.

According to Ms. Benn, by introducing robotics early in the school educational curriculum, students can also build interest in this field and nurture their talents. Ms. Benn noted that the initiative will be piloted with the Grade Four pupils across the country in 2019 and that Grade Four teachers will be trained before the rollout of the programme. Further, she said that pupils will benefit from the robotics programme in a number of ways, “This programme will help to build our pupils’ leadership qualities, increase their creativity, promote inclusivity, encourage teamwork, enhance their soft skills, teach our pupils self-control and prepare them for the future”.

only handle minor cases but cannot diagnose any patient.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the LHC said that doctors will now be trained to man the department so that the clinic will be reopened to

its full capacity at the shortest possible time.

In addition, the Bridges Medical Mission and the Canadian Spirometry teams that visit annually also noted the high prevalence of respiratory illnesses in Linden. They had also called for increased capacity at the spirometry department.

Over the years, thousands of Lindeners have shown indications of suffering from respiratory illnesses. This motivated Bosai’s Mineral Group Guyana (BMGG) to install dust collectors on two of the four kilns (chimneys where dust particles are emitted into the atmosphere). While this move has brought some relief to the residents, it has not completely brought an end to the problem.

Childcare and Protection Agency clamping down on illegal Day Care The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) is urging Day Care Service providers to get their facilities registered by March or face closure.

Head of the CPA, Ann Greene said persons who are desirous of registering their Day Care Facility must possess a valid Police Clearance and Food Handlers Certificate, the Department of Public Information reported.

Greene added that the facilities will be Inspected by the Fire Department, The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the Ministry of Public Health for safety standards compliance.

According to the director, the CPA is working to tighten its grip on illegal Day Care practices and will be enforcing strict measures and inspections of every Day Care Facility, to ensure compliance. “This year we

are planning to get all the existing Day Care Facilities licensed, they must be licensed. They must take the time to go and get themselves in order. We are granting the licences, but they must go out and get themselves in order,” Director Greene said.

The director further mentioned that the agency saw a large turnout of persons for the Day Care Training programme offered last year. She emphasized that Day Care Services is a developing business countrywide and it is important for persons to get serious and ensure their businesses get registered.

More than 130 Day Care Facilities were registered in 2018 under the Ministry of Social Protection’s Early Childhood Development Programme which aims to monitor and improve Day Care Facilities.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

15

Huge potential for T&T businesses in Guyana

–– twin island business community told GUYANA is open for business and there is huge potential for Trinidad and Tobago businesses here, Tax and Legal Services Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) representative Angelique Bart said.

Bart was at the time speaking at a breakfast seminar on expanding into Guyana at the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Westmoorings building on Friday. Guyana Office for Invest Chief Executive Officer Owen Verwey also took part in the discussions, the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday reported.

According to the report, Bart said cultural similarities, CARICOM incentives and geographic distance were among some of the reasons companies should look to Guyana for expanding.

"Some of you may have seen in the news there is some controversy surrounding its borders, particularly with Suriname and Venezu-

ela. This could be an important issue if you are going into the market and do business, but I think it's relatively safe to say there is a lot of respect for the boundaries as we know them," Bart said.

Of course, from a Trinidadian perspective, language and culture are very big things, she said and added.

"If you are based in TT and going in, it will definitely be a plus, because some of the nuances of working in a Caribbean market will give you some experience along those lines."

Bart said with the discovery of a 10th oil well by the American oil giant ExxonMobil, Guyana is poised to become one of the largest oil-producing countries in the next five years and she urged T&T businesses to take advantage of this by expanding their operations through provision of financial and logistics services.

Commercial oil production is expected to start next

year. Bart added that while the development of gas production was in its infancy, it was expected to begin within the next two years.

"Oil and gas reserves are estimated to be (worth billions of dollars) and production is expected to be between 500,000 to 800,000 barrels of oil per day. So in terms of energy-related activity, it's been phenomenal in terms of what is available.

There is a plan for gas to hit on-shore Guyana within the next two years," she said.

During the event, Bart said one of the benefits of moving to Guyana, is the abundance of land for purchase and limited restrictions for property development.

Commercial pricing, though, was on the rise.

Bart told the gathering that Guyana experienced an increase in the level of foreign direct investment from US $96.1 million in the first six months of 2017 to US $109.1 million for

Manager of the Trade and Business Development Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Rianna Paul, (left); CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest)Owen Verwey; and Legal Services Leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Angelique Bart participate in a panel discussion at the chamber's Westmoorings building (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday photo)

the same period in 2018.

CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment Owen Ver-

wey, who also spoke at the meeting, said businesses considering expanding to

Guyana were doing so at a time of investment and prosperity.

Guyana looking to increase visitation, promote itself –– hopes to have 8% visitor growth each year AS part of an effort to increase visitation and promote Guyana as an emerging and sustainable destination, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has enlisted Concept Farm, a boutique strategic advertising agency based in Long Island City, New York, to develop a living integrated marketing and communications strategy and action plan for the destination.

Virtually untouched, Guyana lies on South America's northern coast and is home to pristine rainforests, immense waterfalls, savannahs, mountains, rivers and rich biodiversity found nowhere else on the planet.

Guyana also boasts a healthy birding population, many of the world's giant

species, welcoming indigenous peoples, and diverse cultural and heritage roots.

According to a press statement from the GTA, unique to the destination is its fusion of Caribbean and South American influences and the fact that it is the only English-speaking nation in South America.

“We have an opportunity to be recognised locally and internationally as a premier destination for protecting our natural and cultural heritage,” said Director of the GTA, Brian Mullis.

“From their work in tourism and their expertise and depth of their people, Concept Farm has the right credentials, knowledge and experience to develop a new strategy for us and build the capacity

of our Destination Marketing team to evolve it over time,” he said.

The GTA said Guyana has seen incremental visitor growth over the last few years but looks to grow sustainably at 8 per cent every year.

According to the authority, emphasis is on highlighting the “spectacular” birding, fishing, wildlife, outdoor adventure, and indigenous culture and attracting travelers seeking authentic experiences who tend to stay longer and spend more in pristine destinations like Guyana.

Chief among its priorities will be to identify the right audiences for sustainable growth and develop a comprehensive strategy that will include digital

and social media, content development, web development, public relations, partnerships, influencers and email marketing to maximize exposure, engagement and ROI through the core markets in North America, Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK).

Guyana will also look at investment markets like Germany and the Netherlands. Concept Farm will develop the strategy and plan to fully integrate the communications mix across North America, Europe and Latin America.

In addition, they will develop a plan for the Authority to become a leading benchmark in sustainable tourism by the year 2025.

Working in tandem with the United Nations’

Sustainable Development Goals, the plan aims to achieve green growth and social inclusiveness while increasing employment, environmental protection and resource efficiency and the protection and promotion of cultural values, diversity and heritage of the region.

“We're honored to be chosen to take the lead on this initiative to develop a blueprint for one of the last untouched places on the planet,” stated John Speers, Strategy Director for Concept Farm.

“It’s a huge responsibility and to do this in a sustainable manner is a rare privilege and opportunity,” he said.

Speers, an Allied Board member of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, has developed programmes in the Caribbean that showcase the cultural identity and diversity in the Caribbean,

drawing significant visitation and spending.

With a specialisation in tourism, Concept Farm has worked with many partners in the past to help shape and build their destinations and product to the right audiences. They recently launched an Authentic Aruba campaign, using local voices to distinguish the island from its Caribbean competitors.

The activation won Aruba and Concept Farm 11 HSMAI Adrian Awards – the most for any destination – for best use of content strategy, virtual reality, social media, video content and the prestigious Pioneer of Visual Storytelling honor.

This expertise, knowledge and strategic way of thinking will not only build the profile of Destination Guyana, but aim to create a long-lasting impactful image of the destination to current and potential travelers.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

Schools get support to participate in Mash

Several schools have been assured of their participation in this year’s Ministry of Education’s Children’s Mashramani Costume and Float Parade with support from the Unit of Allied Arts.

The schools that received sponsorship to take part in the parade on February 16, 2019, are Tucville Primary and Secondary Schools, St Margaret’s Primary School and St Winefride’s Secondary school, the ministry said in a release.

To make the participation of the schools a reality, on Monday, teachers Ms. Adriana Tobin, Ms. Sunita Durgah, Ms. Coleen Mc Taire and Ms. Christine Jordan each received materials to assist their respective schools to be represented at the national event.

The materials are to be used for the creation of costumes even as the Unit of Allied Arts will also be financing the construction of the costumes. Further, the unit has undertaken to provide the needed transportation for the students’ participation from the four schools.

The total sponsorship for the four schools has been valued at an overall cost of about $500,000.

Handing over the items yesterday was Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts Ms. Lorraine Barker-King

from February 14-15, 2019.

The categories include dance and masquerade, calypso singing and dramatic poetry presentations.

Addressing the subject of sponsorship aside from the traditional sponsors several other corporate citizens have signaled their interests in sponsoring the various events in support of the nation’s youths. Mashramani 2019 is being celebrated under the

theme, “Celebrating 49 with victory in mind – re-discovering Eldorado.”

For 2019 it is projected that more than 7000 children drawn from all eleven education districts are forecast to participate in the regional and national Children’s Mashramani activities representing public and private schools as well as children’s organisations.

Administrator of the Allied Arts Unit, Ms. Lorraine Barker-King (centre), along with teachers of the four schools at yesterday’s handing-over

who described the gesture as a tradition to select and support some schools annually.

She said, “These schools are selected on the basis of their willingness to participate but their inability to do so because of various reasons”.

Among the items handed-over were shimmering materials, glue guns and glue, pompoms as well as face masks. According to Ms. Barker-King, the idea is to foster a more collaborative approach that encourages the involvement of parents at home, the students and teach-

ers at schools and the community as these stakeholders will all be relied upon to lend their creative abilities towards costume construction.

Explaining further, Ms. Barker-King said, “The Unit normally offers support to schools which do not normally participate and this serves as an enabler because we [the Unit] believe that children should be allowed to be children while socialising through the creative arts as well as fostering creativity.”

Meanwhile, the Allied Arts Administrator has in-

formed that planning is in its advanced stages to ensure the successful hosting of the Annual Regional and National Children’s Mashramani activities which will see the regional competitions beginning from as early as January 22 in Region three (3). In addition to the staging of the regional activities, the winners from the eleven education districts will all converge in Georgetown to contest for top honours and bragging rights for the national finals which are slated for staging at the National Cultural Centre

Some of the items that were handed over to the schools

Guyana needs to be ready for any emergency in mass gathering” - Director General CDC

As the government moves to ensure the safety of all Guyanese, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) completed a National policy on Mass Casualty Management (MCM) and Incident Command Systems (ICS). It will be taking steps to implement the policy countrywide.

Acting Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said that Guyana, like any other country, is vulnerable to the impacts of natural and manmade hazards. Hence, the country must work to enhance its collective

capacity to be able to provide an effective response to emergencies and disasters at all levels.

During an interview with the Department of Public Information, the director-general highlighted with the completion of the policy, the CDC will be looking to implement the guidelines in all regions.

“The policy was drafted at the end of 2018 with support from Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and this year we are working to implement the policy, training persons, and to ensure

organisations including the private sector, follow the policy and ensure that systems are in place,” Lt. Col. Craig said.

He explained that the CDC wants to promote the use of the plan, whenever there is a mass gathering, to alleviate or reduce the impact of any arising emergency. “I recall sometime last year there was a stampede at one of the shows at the [Providence National] stadium and we want to have the systems in place so that we are able to save lives.”

He pointed out also, that with upcoming activities such as Mashramani and the Guyana Carnival, “Guyana needs to be ready for any

emergency. Last year, during carnival, we utilised elements of the policy, Mashramani was the same thing and we were able to keep all instances of emergencies at a minimum,” Craig said. “We also want to roll out elements of this policy in the regions, because I believe right now, we have Mashramni celebrations started already in the regions. So, there is where our regional system can kick in and put systems in place, we don’t know when an emergency will occur. But when you have the system in place, we are able to reduce the impact of the emergencies,” he stressed.

In February 2018, the government, through the Civil De-

fence Commission (CDC), collaborated with the Pan American Health Organisation / World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO), the Ministry of Public Health and the Canadian High Commission in Guyana for a one-week Mass Casualty Management (MCM) and Incident Command Systems (ICS) workshop, with 86 participants from 20 organisations, each of whom is now internationally accredited in mass gatherings management techniques. Forty-two of the participants completed the ICS and 39 the MCM training. (DPI)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

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Minister Broomes leads GGMC team to Bartica

WITH the aim of decentralising the services of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to the people of Guyana, Junior Minister within the

in Georgetown provides the services most miners need, such as applying for permits.

Because of this, persons from near and far would have to travel all the way to George-

working hand in hand to better their service to property holders.

In addition to physically going into the mining areas to conduct such sessions, the

land in Guyana and they are interested in prospecting that portion of land with the interest of taking it to a mining operation, we process for prospecting and for mining permits and licenses,” DeFreitas explained.

Judith Blair, a miner in Bartica, said that she is very happy with what is taking place for the very first time in their town.

“I must thank the ministry and the government for such a move in this time where people are very frustrated in respect to mining. But today we are very happy for the first ever, to have an open house with the ministry. And Bartica being the gateway to the interior, where mining is considered the first and foremost of economic [activities] for the development of Bar-

Minister within the Ministry of Natural resources Simona Broomes and a team from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission engaging miners at Bartica, Region Seven

Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, took a team to Bartica on Tuesday to kick start the new venture.

Using the GGMC office in Seventh Avenue Bartica, the team along with the minister, held an open day where miners came to voice their concerns with the team and have it worked upon immediately. The team also facilitated applications for permits from interested individuals in the town.

Minister Broomes said that there are several GGMC branches across Guyana, however, only the head office

town to have their concerns addressed.

This, Broomes said, the ministry is looking to change.

“Miners travelling to Georgetown to transact their business at the head office should be a thing of the past.

We are working to better serve the mining sector, and decentralisation is the first step,” she posited.

Broomes also highlighted that the easiest thing to get into in mining, is conflict, and she believes that working together on a solution is the answer. It was against that backdrop that the ministry and GGMC have been

minister said that they are also looking to set up an online database where persons can have their applications done online. The internet service in the rural areas pose some challenges, she said, but that is being worked upon.

Acting Land Administration Manager at GGMC, Unata DeFreitas, said they are excited to be extending their services to locations such at Bartica, at the behest of the minister.

“What our division is responsible for is administering all land tenure processes. So if a person sees a portion of

Minister Broomes presents wheelchair to a stalwart in the mining sector who was injured as a result of an accident

tica and Region Seven, this is what we need,” Blair said.

She pointed out that there are a lot of issues being faced in the mining industry that need to be addressed. Issues such as permission, ownership and landlordism. However, Minister assured that those issues will be sorted in the near future.

The miners were also reminded that Minister Broomes has an open door policy, and this is due to the fact that she believes that miners need guidance and support. As such, they were encouraged to reach out should needs be.

In the interim, the minister said that an old stalwart in the mining sector in Bartica, Merile Jones, was recently involved in an accident and damaged her back, causing her to become bedridden, minister said Jones has been a miner for 25 years and she is still committed to the sector.

Due to her condition, Minister Broomes presented Jones with a wheelchair to assist her with mobility. The joyful woman expressed great appreciation for the kind gesture and encouraged miners to stay committed and work together to better their lives and the industry at large.

GCCI facilitating UK oil,gas team visit WITH the help of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), a trade mission of private companies from the United Kingdom (UK) is expected to visit Guyana from Wednesday to forge relationships with local, emerging companies in the oil and gas sector.

This has been made possible following a visit from a group of GCCI business representatives to Aberdeen, Scotland, in November, 2018; the purpose of the visit was to explore partnership opportunities with businesses in the petroleum industry.

Leading the team of nine companies to Aberdeen was Senior Vice- President of the GCCI, Nicholas Boyer, who was accompanied by representatives of the Foreign Affairs Ministry; the Envi-

ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the University of Guyana (UG).

Aberdeen is often called the "oil capital of Europe," and has been experiencing a long-term oil boom since the mid-20th century. It is now home to one of the highest rates of millionaires per square mile in the UK. In a recent interview with the newspaper, Boyer provided an update on the visit.

“The visit went very well and the UK itself is fielding a trade mission that is coming in on Wednesday. From our visit there, there was a lot of interest in Guyana,” he said.

“We [gave] a broad overview of the growing oil and gas industry in Guyana. What we’re trying to do is to take a sales approach, telling these companies that are in the UK that Guyana represents a very

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Senior Vice-President, Nicholas Boyer

attractive opportunity for them to invest into.”

Speaking more about the group of visitors, he explained: “The team is a grouping of private companies who are looking for

market opportunities for their particular services. [The initiative] is about creating direct, one-on-one trade relationships for our companies to be players in the oil and gas industry in Guyana [and for] UK companies to find partnerships to do business in Guyana.”

In the long run, Boyer believes that this will help to propel local businesses into a state of readiness for 2020, all of whom are entering the arena of the petroleum sector for the first time.

“In Guyana, we don’t have any history of an oil industry. We are consumers of processed oil and this is the first time we’ve ever had successful oil and gas explorations. Now that we’ve had successful explorations, we need a certain skillset to get that oil out of the ground

and to support the companies to get that oil out of the ground,” he stated.

“The fastest way for us to get that skillset is to create these relationships. It allows our companies to find the right partners and they learn quickly and are able to offer new services.”

The team is expected to spend between two to three days in the country.

Boyer related that the UK businessmen are of the view that Guyana represents a very interesting market. “They see a lot of potential for growth.

Of course, it’s a very young market, so they are very excited about it.”

The senior vice-president also told the newspaper that this is not the last of such shared visits Guyana will experience, as plans are in the pipeline for another such

engagement to take place in the United States this year.

“One thing we’re going to do is to work on creating a more structured approach to getting our members from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry connected to the companies in Scotland and the wider UK, so that more of these missions and connections can happen,” Boyer said, adding: “Our next plan is to make it to Houston [Texas].”

Houston is the headquarters for some 17 of the largest energy-related U.S. companies and is home to over 3,600 energy-related establishments.

Meanwhile, the GCCI represents some 240 companies, a number which has continued to increase over the years.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

Karasabai residents rail against PPP

…urge end to divisive politics DOZENS of residents of Karasabai in the South Pakaraimas, Region Nine, on Sunday staged a peaceful protest against the People's Progressive Party (PPP) in what they alleged are the party’s efforts to divide the community.

The group of community members organised themselves when they received word that the party would be hosting a campaign launch at the community bus park.

According to village representative Marlon Edwards, the demonstrators marched from the market square to the park, bearing placards which expressed their displeasure with the alleged divisive message of the Opposition.

“What I want to disseminate is that political parties are going into indigenous communities to divide the people instead of going there to unite the people; instead

of going there with a developmental plan for the people,” Edwards said.

“They are going there to divide the people instead, to spread propaganda and to criticize the government.

We [village representatives] don’t do that. We are trying to unite the people. We are trying to promote social cohesion but the Opposition is the one who is going there to divide the people.”

The official members, he noted, who were present were Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Alister Charlie and the PPP Region 9 representative, Bryan Allicock. The village representative added “They haven’t been active in the community since they got out of government, which is like three years ago. They haven’t been assisting people in one way or the other; not at all.

They only go in there during

which, he said, is the community’s main issue while the deplorable roads leading into the community pose further challenges.

However, he noted that government contractors are expected to soon begin construction on the main access road from as early as Tuesday.

campaign and they go really low with the petty things they would talk about.”

HARMING VILLAGERS Edwards and others are worried that the type of divisive politics being practised would only harm the villagers who, with limited access to information and higher education, are oftentimes easily swayed.

“We try to the best of our ability--myself and another young guy-- to [share information] but what we have been struggling with is getting out information related to the budget in our communities. What I’m trying to do now is to put measures in place whereby we can have the latest newspapers and other articles going into our communities so that the people can have up-to-date information.”

Karasabai village representative, Marlon Edwards

The community leaders are now gearing up to engage the government to see to an improvement to the radio signal to their village so that persons can have access to information 24-hours daily.

Karasabai Toshao Shawn Kartright also spoke with the newspaper on the issue of communication

TOURISM Meanwhile, Edwards updated that discussions between the village’s tourism committee and Ministers of Business and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) regarding a threeyear plan to develop their tourism product have borne fruit.

Last year October, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Junior Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe had visited the community to discuss how its Kezeé Eco Lodge could attract

more tourists, among other developmental matters.

“Since then we have been receiving a lot of international tourists and local tourists. We have started to see big companies like Roraima Airways and Air Services Limited. These companies are starting to look at Karasabai and they are taking people there,” Edwards updated, adding “Just two weeks ago, Roraima Airways landed there with 22 tourists.”

He said that the villagers are now working together to expand the accommodation facilities, among other projects and any form of division at this time is unwelcomed. “We are tired of the PPP going in to spread propaganda and divide the people.

Also, we are standing in solidarity with the coalition government at this time.

We want to let them know that we have confidence in the government,” he said.

Gov’t open to exploring ways to assist Fly Jamaica- Min Jordan THE Guyana government is open to providing assistance to Guyanese owned airline, Fly Jamaica, where possibilities are available to do so.

The Jamaica-based company lost one of its aircraft in a crash last November and has been unable to recover since then. Finance Minister Winston Jordan told the Guyana Chronicle that while the government is unsure as to what type of assistance it can provide to the company, it is not against helping the airline which has brought much ease to local air travel since its commencement some six years ago.

“The government would not be averse to helping Fly Jamaica if it is in a position to do so.” The minister could not say what kind of assistance could be rendered since he said he is unaware of what the company might need. “I don’t know what, if

any, help Fly Jamaica [may] request and whether the government would be in a position to respond.” Minister Jordan’s response comes even as the company is said to be in arrears of certain mandatory charges. The minister recognized the key role the airline plays pertaining to local airlift, and registered its sadness should the company be unable to return to normal service.

Since Fly Jamaica’s crash at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri on November 9th, the company has not conducted flight services since its second airplane, a Boeing 767, was being serviced. The Boeing 757 was on its way to Toronto, Canada when it was forced to return to the CJIA for an emergency landing. The airplane overshot the runway and suffered extensive damage that has now rendered it

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

useless. While Fly Jamaica had attempted to lease planes to cushion the holiday travel rush, it was unable to satisfy the needs of its customers. At the time, the company was also working to compensate passengers who were onboard the crashed 757.

Some Fly Jamaica passengers, who had booked flights with the airline, complained about poor communication, not being able to travel, and having to spend large sums to book other flights during the Christmas season. Speculations surfaced about financial

woes facing the company.

The Guyana Chronicle was told, however, that moves are being made for Fly Jamaica to resume flights before the end of the month. Airline sources said that the company is “hopeful” for re-entry with their newly serviced Boeing 767.

It has been said before that Fly Jamaica should have been Guyana’s flag carrier, since the company is Guyanese owned and was created with the focus on serving Guyanese. It was said too that under the previous administration the company was given a “hard time” to set up and they eventually took the business to Jamaica.

Fly Jamaica has been a source of fresh air since they brought some amount of stability to the extremely lucrative Georgetown/New York route, in particular. Guyanese experienced grave difficulties

that included exorbitant prices and bad service from foreign based airlines and fly- bynight charter companies when airlift was limited. Concerned persons have noted that given Guyana’s current position with first oil set to flow soon, the country cannot afford to lose important operators.

Fly Jamaica has over 400 employees worldwide with a respectable number being Guyanese. One hundred and eighteen passengers and eight crew members were on board the OJ256 flight when it crashed. Thirty-five Guyanese, one Trinidadian, 82 Canadians, one Pakistani and 11 American citizens were said to have been on board. Six persons suffered minor injuries. An 86-yearold woman died a week after the incident.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

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Min Ferguson tackles employment, labour issues at Public Day forum MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Anette Ferguson, on Wednesday met with a number of citizens to give a listening ear to areas of concern to them, when she hosted one of her “public day” meetings, which she regularly hosts every Wednesday from 09:00hrs – 12:00hrs.

The meeting was held at the minister’s secretariat Wight’s Lane office in Kingston. “Public day” meeting is a facility that Ferguson has had in place since she first became minister back in 2015. Though she is not always able to be present to meet with persons, systems are in place for persons to still be able to have their issues addressed.

“Since becoming a minister I have instituted this system, whereby to have a day set aside to meet members of the public. Because of having a tight schedule sometimes you don’t get a chance to have regular public day sessions, but even if I am not in office and persons turn up, I do have a system in place whereby my

support staff would provide the persons with my visitor form. They will complete that form, and based on the comments on that form then I take the necessary actions; I would call them and provide them with feedback,” Ferguson noted Despite being under public infrastructure, Ferguson noted that citizens can use the meeting to come to discuss any issue facing them, even if it does not pertain to infrastructure. Over the years, many persons have appealed to the minister for numerous issues and she was able to intervene.

“When people come it’s not usually specific to infrastructure matters, sometimes it’s about housing, agriculture, social services, be it in education, sometimes labour matters. So what I would normally do I would take their complaints and if it warrants me writing or following up with my colleague ministers, I do so.

Sometimes I would prepare a little note and send the individual to the respective ministry,” Ferguson said.

“Electricity issues is one

Minister Annette Ferguson (left) meeting with Wayne Junor and Stanley Forde (right)

of the foremost complaints I would receive. Several housing matters came before me and I was able to work along with my colleague Minister Valerie Patterson and see how best we can have. They came with their letter of acknowledgement [from the Central Housing and Planning Authority] and after consulting with Minis-

ter Valerie Patterson, many today have been recipients of a house lot. Sometimes you get nice thank you card for the efforts you’ve done, I’ve many testimonies to share of what this kind of system would have done for the ordinary people out there,” Ferguson noted.

Ferguson pointed out that in addition to ordinary citi-

zens, the meetings are also at times utilised by staff within the MoPI to address their issues in the work place. “It’s an open-door policy. Not only would you find members of the public coming, but also you would have employees within the MoPI, when they have issues they would come and see me also,” the minister highlighted.

EMPLOYMENT Forty-four –year-old Wayne Junor is among those who met with Minister Ferguson on Wednesday. Junor went to make an appeal for employment. He was part of a batch of students who graduated from the Board of Industrial Training in 2017 from a course on heavyduty machinery. Graduates of the course were encouraged to seek jobs within the MoPI. Junor says he regularly works as a taxi driver and also as a truck driver, but has had difficulty in gaining the necessary experience to back his certificate.

He sent out applications in 2018 but has not had much luck. He hoped that Ferguson would be able to help.

He was asked to submit an application to the minister, and the matter would be looked into.

Security guard Stanley Forde met the minister on a labour matter, given that he did work for a contractor and following a dispute the man refused to pay him.“

Broomes addresses plight of miners, loggers

…commits to assisting where possible MINERS and loggers operating in the country’s interior journeyed to the Natural Resources Ministry in Kingston, Georgetown, on Wednesday to bring to light many of the challenges they face in the industry.

The availability of mining lands for miners was among concerns raised by the miners with Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes and a team of officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission.

Minister Broomes said that while provisions have been made for the establishment of syndicates, there is still an interest by some small miners to have their own mining properties. “A lot of persons are talking that people don’t want to get into mining anymore but today, in Georgetown, and yesterday in Bartica, we had persons

Junior Minister of Natural Resources Simona Broomes speaking with a young woman who reached out to her on Wednesday at her Kingston office. Also present at the meeting were officials from the GGMC and the FGC. (Adrian Narine photo)

literally coming forward and saying that they have been mining for years, how do I get to own my own mining property,” the Junior Natural Resources Minister said.

She said the increasing amount of new lands for mining would be brought

to the attention of the Close Area Committee which is headed by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman.

“I will definitely write to Mr. Trotman and indicate that based on what we have gathered, there is a great interest for mining lands, particularly

for small miners,” she said.

Added to that, the Junior Natural Resources Minister said ‘clarification on claims’ continue to be a burning issue. “We have a lot of claims throughout the country; I think that this year the commission is trying to see

if they will zone them off, bringing them up to scratch,” she said. Minister Broomes said once the areas are zoned, it would be easy to determine areas that have been verified. “It is important for us to complete the verification because the backlog is huge.

The staff there (Land Management Division) has been pushing overtime and I think it meets to a stage where we want to bring everything up to scratch to know where claims are located, if they are valid or not; so we can avoid a lot of the conflicts that come out,” she explained.

She emphasized that significant efforts on the part of GGMC’s Land Management Division have been made to address many of the issues with respect to claims.

A number of loggers also met with the minister and team on Wednesday. “I was briefed by the Guyana Forestry Commission just before budget presentation; they have areas and they are pushing to have more areas

made available for the small loggers,” she said. The Junior Natural Resources Minister noted that small loggers continue to play a significant role in the logging industry.

Overall, the Natural Resources Ministry will be working assiduously to improve its services so as to better serve the people of Guyana, she said. It was noted that the ministry will be further decentralizing the services offered at agencies such as GGMC and the GFC. Additionally, she said there will be a greater push to improve infrastructure such as roads in the mining areas.

During the open day activity, the minister was accompanied by GGMC’s Chief Mines Officer, Mohan Persaud; Deputy Chief Mines Officer, Kerwin Josiah; Chief Surveyor, Evanson McKenzie; Krishna Ramdas, Manager (ag.)

Mines Division; and Rawle Lewis, GFC’s Deputy Commissioner of Forests.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

$5M emergency upgrade for Rukumuta to Yurong Paru road big holes. You can do twelve miles and the others can do the other 12 miles and can get the work done in a timely manner.”

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock reminded the Village Council of their duty to ensure these issues are brought to the attention of the ministry through their Community Development Officer (CDO) and District Development Officer (DDO).

“These things should have been included in this year’s budget. This road did not get

like this today, the Toshao has to make recommendations through the CDO who can make a request on your behalf to the ministry, but you have a good start through the region, and this will bring some relief to you.”

Minister Allicock also urged the council to draft a letter, send it to the ministry, which will then be forwarded it to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure which has responsibility for the road. In addition, the minister said that the government has a responsibility to ensure the

people are comfortable and assured the residents that all efforts will be made to ensure that the road from Karassabai to Yurong Paru is done.

This year, funds were allocated in the National Budget to rehabilitate roads and bridges in several communities including Warapoka–$1M; Kangaruma–$4M; Kwatamang–$1M to upgrade bridges; and for upgrade of trails, St. Deny’s/Tapakuma–$3M and Surama–$3M. (DPI)

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock interacting with a resident of Yurong Paru

SOME 24 miles of road from Rukumuta to Yurong Paru, South Pakaraima, Region Nine, will be upgraded to the tune of $5M. This assurance was given by Regional Executive Officer (REO), Cark Parker during a community meeting Friday last, when the residents requested urgent repairs to the trail. During the meeting at the community benab, Toshao Shevnarine Cyprian said that the state

of the road poses difficulty for the residents to traverse by transportation and foot.

Currently, it takes approximately four hours to get to the Sub-District, Karassabai and the costs of goods and services have increased significantly.

Toshao Cyprian explained that once the road is fixed, it will reduce the time to get to Karassabai by one hour, and costs of goods and services reduced to af-

fordable levels. He said that once the finances are made available, the residents will be willing to engage in selfhelp so that the money can be circulated within the area.

Parker also suggested that a portion of the works be given to the residents of nearby village, Rukumuta. “…So, the monies can be shared between the two villages. You have to decide how you want it to be done. Get your tractor to carry boulders into all the

A section of the road which will be upgraded leading into Yurong Paru

Region 10 RDC upgraded 20 roads in Linden last year

THE Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) successfully upgraded 20 community access roads in 2018 and is ready to commence capital projects in 2019, with high optimism that the allocation for public infrastructure will be wisely utilised and in a timely manner.

Some of the roads that were completed include Amelia’s Ward Main Street, Speightland access road, River Side Drive and Toucan Drive amongst others.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Orrin Gordon noted that out of $460 M allocated in 2018 for capital works, $397 M was spent. In total, there were over 70 projects that were undertaken in 2018. The remaining monies were to be used for construction of the first phases of the Bamia Nursery and

The Amelia’s Ward main street that was constructed in 2018

Primary Schools, as well as a state-of-the art RDC building. There were some unavoidable hiccups such as the slothful tendering process, as well as the identification of a suitable plot

of land that did not see these two projects being rolled out in 2018. Gordon, however, is optimistic that they will be constructed in 2019. In this regard, the funds had to be pulled back and reallocated

for other projects.

He however expressed concern that the national tendering process is slower than the regional tendering process which was mostly used for completion of the

20 roads. He revealed that consultancy bids for the nursery school have been completed, but bids for the primary school are under way.

Two roads, Stanley and Ball Field Road on the Wismar shore, have not been completed. He is hoping that in 2019, the regional tendering process will be utilised, so that the $3.9 B budgetary allocation, will benefit residents of the region. “It is shown that when we do our regional tender, we get our work done,” he said. Some of the communities that will benefit from access roads in 2019 are Wisroc, Block 22, Kara Kara, Silver City and Christianburg. A total of $10.8 M will also be used to construct a bridge at Kara Kara. In 2019, there will also be upgrading of drainage systems, including struc-

tures at One Mile Extension Area and Silverballi.

In addition to the two schools at Bamia, the education sector in the region will also see the recreational areas constructed at Children’s Garden, Kwakwani Waterfront and Wiruni Nursery Schools to make them more child-friendly. Water systems at LICHAS and Watooka Day Primary schools and incinerators at Kwakwani and Amelia’s Ward student hostels will also be constructed. A total of $348M out of the $3.9 B, has been allocated for infrastructural development.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

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Ruling by month-end ... chief justice sets strict timelines for hearing of confidence vote case …oral arguments for next week

By Svetlana Marshall THE High Court will rule on all matters pertaining to the validity of the no-confidence motion against the government by the end of the month, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire announced on Tuesday as she outlined strict timelines for submissions in the three substantive cases brought before her.

In a courtroom filled with of some of the country’s leading attorneys, public officials and interested parties, the chief justice (ag) underscored the importance of expediting the process, stating that the nation awaits the final outcome. “We are going to push ahead and get these matters heard as quickly as possible.

I am cognisant that the nation is awaiting the outcome,” the chief justice said during the first day of the hearing on Tuesday.

She is hearing three critical constitutional matters that will determine if the nation will go to the polls before 2020. The first is a ‘Fixed Date Application’ in which a New Amsterdam farmer Compton Reid is challenging the validity of the vote by Charrandass Persaud in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, supporting the motion. The second is another Fixed Date Application filed by Attorney General Basil Williams SC, in which he is challenging the speaker’s ruling that the motion was carried on the basis that the opposition did not secure a majority as required by the constitution; and the third was brought by political commentator Christopher Ram, who wants the High Court to rule that the no-confidence motion was validly passed.

In all three cases, written submissions by the parties involved are required on or before Friday January 18, 2019 and rebuttals by Monday, January 21, 2019.

In the case, Christopher Ram vs The Attorney General, oral submissions will be made before the chief justice (ag) on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 from 14:00hrs;

while in the case of Compton Reid vs The Speaker of the National Assembly, former MP Charrandass Persaud and The Attorney General, oral arguments will be heard on Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 09:30hrs. The final case, the Attorney General vs The Speaker of the National Assembly and the opposition leader would be heard on Friday January 25, 2019 from 13:30hrs. It is expected that within the six remaining days of January, 2019, the chief justice (ag) will hand down her ruling in all three matters.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP Ahead of laying out the timelines for the various cases, Justice George-Wiltshire heard initial statements and applications from legal counsel in each of the three cases. In the case of Compton Reid vs The Speaker of the National Assembly, former MP Charrandass Persaud and The Attorney General, Attorney Neil Boston, S.C appeared on behalf of Reid, who was seated in the public gallery, in association with Rex McKay, S.C; Robert Corbin and Stanley Moore.

The first respondent in the matter, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, who was also present, is being represented

by Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan. The second-named respondent, recalled Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud was represented by Attorneys-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin and Ganesh Hira, while the attorney general represented himself.

Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, through his lead attorney Anil Nandlall, applied and was granted permission to be party to the proceedings following a series of no-objections from the attorneys of the named applicant and respondents.

Before the chief justice (ag) granted her approval, Nandlall explained that Jagdeo being the leader of the opposition is likely to be affected by orders which may be made in the

proceedings. As such, it is important for his client to be represented in the pro-

Guyana prevents Members of Parliament from having dual citizenship. He has asked the

ted into evidence if sworn or affirmed by the Attorney-at-Law of the party on

Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire

ceedings. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, in his capacity as General Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was also added as a party to the matter. His application was filed by Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde.

NOT QUALIFIED However, Saphier Husain-Subedar’s application to be a party to the matter as an ‘interested party’ was denied.

Hussein told the court that he had been treating with constitutional cases since 1997 but this was not enough to convince the court to add him as a party.

Reid, through his attorneys, is arguing that Persaud was not qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly by virtue of his own act and acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience and adherence to a foreign power in contravention of Article 155 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Guyana, and as such, his vote was invalid.

Charrandass Persaud, though Guyanese by birth, is a citizen of Canada. Article 155 (1) of the Constitution of

court to issue seven declarations along with the orders, with respect to Persaud’s citizenship and the validity of the motion.

However, Persaud has filed an application asking the court to issue an order that it is without jurisdiction to grant the declarations sought

by Reid. Persaud has asked the court to strike out the entire application.

Persaud, through his attorneys, is arguing that the Fixed Date Application is misconceived and without any legal merit.

But when the matter came up on Tuesday, the chief justice (ag) questioned Persaud’s attorney on whether the application is proper.

At the time, she was trying to ascertain from Datadin whether Counsel Anessa Chow who is also representing the applicant can swear to an affidavit. Datadin responded in the affirmative, but the chief justice stated that Rule 30.01 of the Civil Procedure Rules is clear.

Weighing in on the matter, Boston SC cited Rule 30.01 (2) which states that “No Affidavit may be admit-

whose behalf it is to be used or before any agent, partner, employee or associate of that Attorney-at-Law.” However, the chief justice (ag), while acknowledging and striking out the affidavit, allowed the application on the basis that an issue of law has been raised with respect to the jurisdiction of the court.

CONSERVATORY ORDER Meanwhile, even before the timeline was outlined for the matter, Boston informed the court that he and his associates would not proceed with the conservatory order at this time. Standing to the floor, the attorney general told the court that in addition to his defence, he would wish to file another application to address issues of law that were omitted in Reid’s application. Saying that it is complementary and substantive, the attorney general noted that Reid’s application did not address Article 70 of the constitution. That article addresses the issue of the five-year term. He has up to today to file the application.

MAJORITY CASE Meanwhile, the Attorney General vs The Speaker of the National Assembly and the opposition leader, the attorney general is asking the court to determine whether the Speaker’s declaration that the no-confidence motion was carried by a majority in the National Assembly is unlawful, null and void on the basis that its contradicts Article 106 (6) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Article 106 (6) of the constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

On December 21, 2018, the Speaker had declared that the opposition- sponsored motion was passed after 33 Members of Parliament voted in its favour and 32 against; however, some legal luminaries have since argued that the 33 votes did not constitute an absolute majority as required by the constitution.

The attorney general was also seeking a conservatory order to preserve the status quo ante that the President and all ministers of the government remain in office until the hearing and determination of the questions have also been sought. But the chief justice made it clear that there was no need for the submissions on the conservatory order to be made on the basis that the case would be concluded within days. The chief justice emphasised that it was important to expedite the process. The speaker, through his Attorney Khan, assured the court that he will abide with the ruling of the chief justice. `

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

England draws warm-up match in Barbados (ESPNCRICINFO) - BY the time seven balls were bowled in the morning and the President's XI second wicket fell, it was hard not to fear for the final day of England's warm-up period in Barbados.

For it would be easy to look at the scores from these four days at Cave Hill and presume the home side were not up to much. They lost 19 wickets on Wednesday, after all, while conceding nearly 400 runs on Thursday.

Yesterday both Stuart Broad and Sam Curran struck with their first deliveries. It was hard not to wonder whether there was much point in such encounters.

But England will have left the 3Ws Oval more than satisfied with their progress over these four days. Of course, in an ideal world, England might have had time

was much more an open training session than a pair of cricket matches. They were, literally, games that couldn't be won.

So, most of England's bowlers found some rhythm; most of their batsmen found some form; their slip catching was excellent and, most of all, they demonstrated a ruthlessness that has not always been apparent in such warm-up encounters.

Any side that can leave out a cricketer playing as well as Chris Woakes - and there is every indication he is not among the 12 men being considered for the first Test must be in pretty fine shape.

This President's XI squad is probably some way better than the scoreboard suggests, too. It contains six men who have played Test cricket and one more who will have done so by this time next week.

Adil Rashid of England bowls during day two of the match between West Indies Board XI and England at the Three Ws Oval yesterday in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Stuart Broad claims another wicket in England's warm-up. (Getty Images)

for a couple of first-class games going into the Test series. But the schedules don't allow such luxuries these days and, by bending the regulations to breaking point, they probably gained the maximum amount of benefit from the minimum amount of time.

It's not pretty or entertaining, but training isn't always meant to be and this

And if they, at times, looked less than enthused by their task this week, it is not hard to see why.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) made several requests to the ECB to make this a four-day, first-class game. But once those requests were declined, most of these players would have preferred to represent their regions in Championship

cricket this week rather than provide glorified net practice for the tourists. Sometimes it showed.

Sunil Ambris, at least, took the opportunity to show his ability. His Test record to date - he averages 15.09 after six Tests and was dismissed hit-wicket from his first ball at that level - is not pretty, but here he resisted admirably and put away the poor ball sweetly.

He had a well-earned century before he attempted to swing one from Woakes through the leg side and fell for 94. Nobody else in his team passed 22.

While Woakes - with three wickets - was perhaps the most impressive of England's seamers, Stuart Broad's performance was perhaps the most relevant.

With every spell he has bowled, he has looked more

comfortable with his slightly shorter run-up.

And whether it is due to some minor technical tweaks or the Duke's ball in use here - a Duke's ball that has been specially made to withstand more abrasive pitches anticipated here - he is gaining more swing than for some time. After claiming a wicket with the first ball of the day - a slower-ball yorker surprising Devon Thomas - he later had Chandrapaul Hemraj (named after Shivnarine but spelt differently) fending to slip.

The other bowlers enjoyed their moments, too.

Curran also struck with his first ball - the luckless Jermaine Blackwood trapped by an inswinger - but was then taken for three fours in an over, while Ben Stokes would have claimed a second wicket - Vishaul Singh - had he not overstepped and conceded a no-ball.

In general, however, this was a highly satisfactory performance from England's bowlers. While the surfaces in the Test series are expected to be much quicker, England looked very comfortable with the Duke's ball and could feel very satisfied in claiming 30 wickets in two days in the field. Just as importantly, every edge that went to hand was caught.

Partly as a result, they will take the entire weekend

off. It is a decision that may have one or two shaking their heads in disapproval - especially if they go one-down in Barbados - but probably reflects a fit squad that is confident, relaxed and doesn't feel the need to train to win the approval of on-lookers.

Instead they will spend time with their families and enjoy a catamaran ride together. Modern schedules allow little time for such moments. It may prove every bit as helpful as another net session.

Perhaps, in a perfect world, England would have liked better surfaces on which to play these games especially the first match.

But they have not breathed a word of complaint. And, if the ECB - or any of the other 'big three' cricketing nations - really want to see facilities improve in the Caribbean, they might reflect on a more equitable distribution of ICC funds.

The ECB, for example, is expecting a windfall of around US$50M from ticket sales for the men's World Cup this year. CWI might well be able to fund better surfaces if they were to receive a fraction of such revenues.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending JANUARY 19, 2019

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Jaguars lead by 97 runs after Pestano, Shepherd inspire spells

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Jaguars managed to stretch their lead to 97 at stumps on day two of the fifth round West Indies Four-day championship encounter against the visiting Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul survived off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall's relentless spin onslaught to remain unbeaten on 15 from 104 balls in just over two hours at the crease while Christopher Barnwell is yet to score when rain brought a premature end with the four-time defending champions ending the day at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on 76-2.

Earlier pacers Romario Shepherd and Clinton Pestano produced two inspired spells of bowling which eventually gave the Jaguars a slim lead.

On a pitch offering some assis-

tance to the pacers on both sides, the Berbician duo broke the back of the Volcanoes’ middle-order batting line-up with Shepherd finishing with splendid figures of 3-31 off ten overs while Pestano, who had a wicket late on day one, ended with 4-50.

Some injudicious shot-making from the remaining Hurricanes batsmen saw the visiting team dismissed for 175 inside 59 overs.

Resuming at 57-3, 139 runs behind the Jaguars' modest first-innings total of 196, they progressed to 77 without much difficulty before rain intervened for a short period of time.

But upon resumption both Akeem Saunders (28) and Terrance Warde (30) helped themselves with a few boundaries which carried their partnership to 57. At that point Shepherd and Pestano utilised the overcast conditions to their advantage, claiming five wickets for 19 runs just before

the lunch interval.

It started when the strongly-built Shepherd, with a probing line outside off stump, induced Saunders into an edge behind.

At the other end, Pestano also discovered some movement to send back Warde leg-before-wicket while Jason Peters (0), was out in a similar fashion in successive deliveries.

The 24-year-old Shepherd continued his inspired spell of fast bowling when he removed both Orlando Peters (8), and Jeremiah Louis (0), lbw, to leave the visitors on 116-8 at lunch.

The post-lunch session saw the right-handed Cornwall hitting six fours in his 29 while Damion Jacobs also struck six boundaries in his unbeaten 34 but their chance of getting any closer to the Jaguars’ first innings evaporated midway the session.

The 26-year-old Pestano bowled Cornwall after he had

faced 34 balls while leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo chipped in with the final wicket of Sheno Berridge.

The home team began their second innings with a 21-run lead and a 57-run first-wicket partnership between 22-year-old Chanderpaul and Trevon Griffith.

The two batsmen took different approaches to their innings with Chanderpaul, the more reserved, while the 27-year-old Griffith played the more attacking style.

The opening pair frustrated the bowling unit for the remainder of the session. A few minutes into the final the tourists did enjoy a brief period of success.

Cornwall (2-22), then trapped Griffith lbw for 37 with six boundaries before he bowled Leon Johnson for 15.

Play is set to resume at 09:00hrs today.

SCOREBOARD LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES innings (overnight 57-3) K. Powell lbw b Pestano 4 M. Hodge c Bishoo b Paul 15 K. Carty c Griffith b Permaul 12 A. Saunders c wkp. Bramble b Shepherd 28 T. Warde lbw b Pestano 30 R. Cornwall b Pestano 29 J. Peters lbw b Pestano 0 O. Peters lbw b Shepherd 8 J. Louis lbw b Shepherd 0 D. Jacobs not out 34 S. Berridge c wkp. Bramble b Bishoo 2 Extras: (b-1, lb-9, nb-2) 12 Total: (all out, 58.1 overs) 175 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-26, 3-40, 4-97, 5-97, 6-97, 7-106, 8-116, 9-138.

Bowling: Paul 17-4-43-1, Pestano 13-3-50-4, Permaul 10-3-18-1, Bishoo 8.1-1-25-1, Shepherd 10-331-4.

GUYANA JAGUARS 2nd innings T. Chanderpaul not out 15 T. Griffith lbw b Cornwall 37 L. Johnson b Cornwall 15 C. Barnwell not out 0 Extras: (1-b, 4-lb, 4-nb) 9 Total: (for two wkts, 33 overs) 76 Fall of wickets: 1-57, 2-74.

Bowling: Louis 8-3-19-0, Berridge 5-3-16-0, Cornwall 12-6-22-2, Warde 1-1-0-0, Peters 7-3-14-0.

First Titans TTC ‘Mental Toughness’ Seminar a success POSSIBLY the first-ever Mental Seminar for athletes, which was organised by the Titans Table Tennis Club (TTTC) and facilitated by Noelle Smith last Sunday, was a resounding success and a breath of fresh air in the sports community, according to coach and Titans president Dwain Dick.

Dick told Chronicle Sport; “The seminar was a success. It went well in terms of Noelle being very clear and knowledgeable. She got over the particulars to the participants with great ease.”

The seminar attracted participants from Marian Academy, Queen’s College, The Bishops’ High School and Mae’s. There was not only a variety in terms of student athletes from the various schools but there also were athletes from different disciplines such as karate, badminton and hockey.

Some of the participants at the Titans ‘Mental Toughness’ Seminar last Sunday.

The athletes were involved in competitive group exercises, confidence-building techniques and other activities geared at strengthening them mentally.

The seminar will continue tomorrow and Dick revealed that those who did not attend the first session last Sunday are still welcome to the second session.

He said; “As a club that has many junior players and junior national players, we try to cover this area of preparation because we have a busy year ahead. This won’t

‘Mental Toughness’ Seminar facilitator Noelle Smith.

(Adrian Narine photos)

be a one-off programme.

Based on recommendations from Ms Smith, we will see what we can do to have them mentally sharp and prepared for all com-

petitions. We will always include other sport disciplines; it is an area which definitely needs development in Guyana’s sports community”.

Fast bowler Romario Shepherd celebrates with teammates after he initiated the demolition.

Jaguars lead by 97 runs after Pestano, Shepherd inspire spells SEE STORY ON PAGE 23

Tagenarine Chanderpaul is unbeaten on 15 from 104 balls. (Adrian Narine photos)

Clinton Pestano

England draws First Titans TTC warm-up match ‘Mental Toughness’ Seminar a success in Barbados PAGE

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