Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_01_10_2019

FRIDAY 10th January, 2020

set All '

No.105875

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

for Nomination Day

‘It is about business, not politics’ PAGE

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---local artistes clear air on performing at political events

CRMA placed 500 in jobs last year 12 PAGE

Gov't gifts Berbice schools steel pans

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Students of the Port Mourant Secondary School entertaining guests with their new drums following the handing-over ceremony on Thursday

$198.5B, not $217B …GRA rubbishes Auditor-General’s Report on 2018 tax collection 02 PAGE

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$198.5B, not $217B …GRA rubbishes Auditor-General’s Report on 2018 tax collection

Rubbishing an article published in the Guyana Times, Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Godfrey Statia said GRA collected $198.5B in taxes in 2018 and not $217B as reported.

“During a press conference which I held in early 2019, I provided to those present and the Guyanese diaspora, that the GRA’s total collection for the fiscal yW ear 2018 was $198.5B. It is therefore unfathomable as to where the Guyana Times “would have seen” in the 2018 Auditor General’s Report, that the GRA collected some $217B in taxes, some 18.5 billion dollars more,” Statia said in a statement on Thursday.

In an article headlined ‘GRA collects $217B in taxes in 2018,’ Guyana Times reported that the Audit Office of Guyana (AOG), in its 2018 report, stated that GRA increased its collection of taxes by billions. Alluding to the Auditor General Deodat Sharma, the newspaper said the 2018 report revealed that

$217 billion in taxes was collected and deposited in the consolidated fund.

But Statia said the article is inaccurate. According to him, the article creates a false impression that the revenue authority overtaxed the economy in 2018. “Increases in GRA’s tax collections are owed to significant improvements made over the years in tax administration and efficiency, together with increased revenues from the oil sector,” the Commissioner-General said as he justified the $198.5B in taxes received in 2018.

Statia reminded that since

Budgets 2016 and 2017, no new taxes were rolled out in any of the subsequent budgets. “Conversely, the GRA, in pursuit of vertical and horizontal equity in taxation, successfully advocated for the reduction of tax rates and removal of tax base that was creating compliance burden on taxpayers. In addition, a number of items in the annual Budgets are always removed from the standard rated category to the exempt and zero rated categories. With reduced bases and reduced tax rates for both individuals and companies in the manufacturing sector leading to re-

ductions in the effective rates of taxation, the GRA did not introduce any new tax type to compensate for any shortfalls in revenue forfeited as a result of these measures,” he explained.

He added: “Before naysayers attempt to vilify the work of the GRA and obfuscate the facts, they should not only look at the height of progress made, but also the depths which we came from.

Albeit, I stand unfettered and unbothered as I continue to serve faithfully, the taxpaying public of Guyana.”

The Commissioner-General also used the platform to express his disappointment that the Auditor General’s 2018 report was leaked. Laying the blame at the feet of the Auditor General, Statia said the leak represents a breach of confidentiality; a fundamental tenet in the work of the Audit Office and is tantamount to professional negligence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Man on child support charges found hanging on tree

A 52-year-old man who was found suspended on a mango tree, hours before he was scheduled to make a court appearance, on child support charges, was pronounced dead at the New Amsterdam Hospital on Thursday.

Baburam Hardeo, called “Gopaul” of Longsdale Village, was last seen alive on Wednesday night after returning from the ‘wak’ of Ashley Agard, the 12-yearold girl who was found unresponsive in an East Bank Berbice village.

Brother-in-law of the deceased, Omar Dasrat of Brother's Village, recalled seeing the unemployed man seated in a hammock under the home of his stepmother.

Dasrat, who occupied one of the two houses in the fenced yard along the public road, had also gone to the wake and, on his return home he did not pay any attention to his relative, except to say he was going to "watch TV”.

On waking up about 06:30hrs, he opened his back door with the aim of brushing his teeth when he was shocked at what he saw.

“Lo and behold, me see he tie up in the tree with he shirt," Dasrat related.

Malini Hardeo, 33, the daughter of the deceased, said she last spoke with her father on Wednesday, and during their conversation, he reported that the mother of his two children, ages six and six months old, had summoned him for maintenance.

He was scheduled to attend court on Thursday.

According to Hardeo, her father always received threats that he would be summoned but it never happened until Thursday. Cops from Sisters Police Station who were at the scene, removed the body and transported it to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where the death was confirmed. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for next week. Police are investigating the incident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

All set for Nomination Day

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…small parties camp out ahead of today’s submission

By Svetlana Marshall IT is Nomination Day in Guyana for the highly -anticipated General and Regional Elections billed for Monday, March 2, 2020.

Today, at the Umana Yana, located in Kingston, Georgetown, 19 political parties are expected to submit their Lists of Candidates to the country’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and according to the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, the lists would be accepted on a firstcome basis from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs. Of the 19 political parties, 14 are new. They are challenging the ruling party – the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition and its primary contender – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), for the occupancy of the 65-Member National Assembly, in addition to seats at the level of the 10 Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs).

100% READY Ahead of Nomination Day, President Granger, Leader of the APNU+AFC, said the coalition, which ‘renewed its vows’ on December 24, 2019, was 100 per cent ready to submit its List of Candidates. He said the list

course that we’ve embarked on,” the President told the Guyana Chronicle.

On Thursday, during his appearance on Guyana Chronicle’s online programme, ‘Vantage Point,’ Executive Member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Mervyn Williams confirmed that the APNU+AFC will be contesting in all 10 administrative regions. Like President Granger, he said the list would be reflective of the coalition partners. “It would be a list that is reflective of youth and gender equality.

It would be a list that brings experience; a list that brings brilliance, and a list that brings people who are prepared to do the hard work, so the country could be a better place,” Williams said.

Added to that, he said the list would represent the secular nature of the country and its ethnic composition.

“It is a list that would reflect the ethnic diversity of our country. It is a list of people, who have the potential, capability and the will to unite this county, to develop this country and to make it a better place so that our children and grandchildren would be proud of us, those who are privileged to be on that list,” he further stated.

GECOM officers, from a distance, could be seen inside of the building putting the final arrangements in place.

Dr. Asha Kissoon, Founder and Presidential Candidate of TNM, told the Guyana Chronicle that her contingent was the first to arrive at the Umana Yana. According to her, team TNM arrived at the historic site at 21:00hrs on Wednesday – more than two days ahead of Nomination Day. The youth-based party is contesting in six regions – Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and

ANUG Candidate, Akanni Blair

SMALL PARTIES CAMP OUT

The New Movement Presidential Candidate, Dr. Asha Kissoon, and Candidate, Joel Blair, pose standing in front of their elections caravan

is balanced and inclusive of all groups of Guyanese.

“The APNU+AFC, as a coalition, is made up of six parties and we’ve received nominations after due consultations from our partners so we will be on time and we will have a list which is ethnically balanced, which is gender balanced, which is geographically balanced, occupationally balanced and still provides the Guyanese people with the talent needed to go in to the National Assembly and to continue on the

Meanwhile, determined to have their lists submitted within the specified period outlined by the Elections Commission, The New Movement (TNM), the United Republic Party (URP) and A NEW and United Guyana (ANUG) camped out in front of the Umana Yana days ahead of Nomination Day. When the Guyana Chronicle visited the Umana Yana on Thursday afternoon, a huge truck bearing The New Movement logo (TNM) was parked in front of Umana Yana as

in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). The candidates, comprising mainly professionals, are drawn from various parts of the country.

“Our list is complete, we are ready to submit…We were the first party to get here because we are young, we are driven and we are motivated,” Dr. Kissoon told this newspaper. According to the 30-year-old Presidential Candidate, it is time young people are given a seat at the decision-making table and TNM is well equipped

chance. “Well, as you know, it is just mainly the PPP and the APNU+AFC, so we are coming as the third party.

We are basically looking for a change, and so we are hoping that persons would support us,” she told this newspaper.

President David Granger addresses the crowd at the coalition’s rally on Wednesday

GECOM’s information board within the compound of the Umana Yana

URP Candidate, Nyota Lewis

to make the difference. “Our aim is to help young Guyanese elevate themselves,” she said.

Twenty-three-year-old Joel Barnes, who is among the TNM candidates, said he is ready to serve. “I am from the small riverine communities of Sandhills and Endeavour, and I got a passion for young people, for development and a passion for movements. I believe in The New Movement; I believe in what we stand for, which is advocating for youths, for better employment,” the

young businessman told this newspaper.

In the shadow of the TNM truck, parked two vehicles carrying URP and ANUG logos. In the absence of URP’s Presidential Candidate, Dr. Vishnu Bandhu, Nyota Lewis, one of the party’s candidates, said the party is contesting in all 10 administrative regions.

Lewis, who hails from Linden but now resides in Georgetown, said URP is ready to hand in its Lists of Candidates. For her, it is time to give a third party a

BALANCED LIST Meanwhile, Akanni Blair, an ANUG candidate, told the Guyana Chronicle that the party, which was birthed following the December 2018 No-Confidence Motion, would be contesting in seven regions. “The list is a balanced list, we would have satisfied all the criteria – 35 per cent females, and we have a full list,” he shared, while pointing out that ANUG’s Presidential Candidate is former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran. ANUG is expected to coalesce with another small party by the name of FED-UP. While ANUG is hoping to secure at least a seat or two in the National Assembly, Blair said the reality on the ground indicates that the heavyweights – the APNU+AFC and PPP/C – will secure the support of the masses.

“The feeling on the ground – it looks to me, and from the feedback I am getting from the general public, it is more or less a straight race between the APNU and the PPP. But having said that, there is this small number of people, who are looking for something different, that is possibly going to give one or two of these small parties maybe a seat or two,” he explained.

According to him, the smaller parties dropped the ball. “There are too many (small parties) in my opinion and if they coalesce, all of them, it would have been different scenario. Even the PPP and the APNU have their hardcore supporters, even within those supporters; there are people who are basically ‘fed-up’ with the two major parties,” he lamented.

In contract to the smaller parties, it is expected that the APNU+AFC coalition and the PPP/C would submit their lists amid much fanfare. The leading coalition, headed by President David Granger, is expected to lead hundreds of supporters through the streets of Georgetown from Parade Ground to the Umana Yana.

The PPP/C is expected to depart from Freedom House on Robb Street.

PPP/C Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha, said his party is also ready to TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

GTA equipping businesses All set for ... for tourism sector FROM PAGE

WITH Guyana having been named one of the top tourism destinations for 2020, Guyanese business persons and entrepreneurs are set to benefit from higher levels of income.

Many of these entrepreneurs have been making strides to enhance their services and their capacity to fulfil the needs of their various consumers.

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has implemented several strategies, including training, to ensure business persons are well equipped to benefit from the growing levels of business that will be experienced from

the growing tourism sector.

Director of the GTA, Brian Mullis, in an invited comment told the Guyana chronicle that the GTA is making a concerted effort to help small businesses to better service the growing tourism sector. She stated that there have been several systems implemented since 2019.

Mullis said, “792 business persons were trained by the GTA in 2019, showing a 100% increase over 2018 which included 27 master trainers who were trained to lead trainings 500% increase over 2018,” this was done in an effort to help these

businesses transition better into what these training activities took place over 56 training sessions throughout Guyana's primary tourism circuits.

Further, he explained that in addition to the training the GTA has been moving to assist businesses to be documented, saying, “here at the GTA we are also helping businesses get licensed in

Friday, January 10, 2020 –– 05:00 hrs

order to meet international safety and quality standards.

Since undertaking this we have documented a 107% increase in the number of licensed businesses over the number licensed in 2018 with 159 businesses now actively in the process of getting licensed.”

In addition, Mullis stated that the GTA has established a partnership with Airbnb Experiences to increase the number of unique tourism experiences offered by individuals and small businesses, and has secured a grant in collaboration with GCCI and THAG to development and implement standardised tourism curriculum for frontline staff in tourism and hospitality.

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PNCR executive, Mervyn Williams

present its List of Candidates to the Elections Secretariat. According to him, the list will feature both genders; persons form different ethnic backgrounds and persons of different ages.

The lists to be presented are categorised as General Elections List and Geographical Constituency List.

The General Elections List is made up of the National Top-Up List, which must have at least 300 to 330 nominators countrywide, and at least 42 candidates, who are to be elected to sit in the National Assembly.

It also comprises of a Geographical Constituency List, which must see at least 150 to 175 nominators from each of the 10 Constituencies

(Regions). The list should also include no more than 45 candidates, and must have a one third representation of women for the collective regions. Each political party must contest in at least six geographical constituencies, and in at least 13 of the 25 seats available.

With regards to the Regional Elections List, only the Regional Democratic Council List is being presented. This list must have 150-175 nominators, who must be residing in the region for which they placed their names. It must have 12 to 36 candidates who also reside in the region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 10, 2020

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Hosororo Primary gets ICT pilot programme —5,000 students to benefit THE Hosororo Primary School in Region One (Barima-Waini) has been chosen for a pilot ICT programme which will eventually reach over 5,000 students across Guyana.

The ProFuturo project centres on teachers and the students utilising tablets, laptops and other technology for the delivery of lessons in the classroom.

Currently, more than 440 teachers from 28 schools

across Guyana are receiving training for the fuller project rollout.

Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry had, last May, signed an agreement with ProFuturo Foundation and the Organisation of American States for the programme’s introduction locally.

Dr. Henry, on Monday, noted that of the five Caribbean countries chosen to benefit from the technical assistance

Some of the ProFuturo material

agreement, only Guyana met the implementation criteria to launch the programme.

According to Dr. Henry, 21st century technology-enabled learning is a must in the reform of the education curriculum; a process last undertaken in 1976.

She added that the project also demonstrated the government’s commitment to reducing the disparities between the coast and hinterland communities.

Launched in 2016, ProFuturo aims to narrow the education gap globally by providing quality digital ed-

Students at the launch of the programme

PI into ‘unlawful killing’ case to continue January 24 THE Preliminary Inquiry, into the case of Radha Sukwah, who was charged for unlawfully killing her elderly lover, is adjourned until January 24, 2020.

The PI is presided over

by Magistrate Ester Sam at the Charity Magistrate’s Court, while the case is being prosecuted by Attorney-at-Law, Bernard DaSliva. Sukwah is represented by attorney-at-law Motie Singh.

Sukwah was charged for unlawfully killing 73-yearold Deonarine, aka ‘Russian’, on August 3, 2018, at Grant Lower Pomeroon River. She is currently out on $400,000 bail for the manslaughter charge.

According to reports, on August 3, 2018, at around 20:00hours, Sukwah and Deonarine had a heated argument after he accused her of being unfaithful to him.

Sukwah had told the police that the deceased pulled a knife on her as they scuffled. She claimed that the deceased had a gun and during the scuffle, she

pulled the trigger and shot the elderly man to the left of his abdomen. The elderly man died on his way to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity.

However, when Sukwah was initially questioned by investigators, the woman told the police that she and Deonarine were attacked by a masked man who was armed with a gun and a knife.

She stated, at the time, that she held on to both weapons during the ordeal and later she heard a gunshot.

The investigators did not believe her story, since she kept giving different

versions of the incident while being questioned.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Deonarine died as a result of shock and hemorrhage due to the gunshot injury he sustained.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton also attended the launch at Hosororo Primary School ucation for children in vulnerable environments in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

Among those to benefit are Mabaruma, Barabina, Wauna, All Saints, Betsy Ground, Cumberland, Edinburg, Fort Ordinance, Gangaram, New Amster-

dam, Overwinning, Rose Hall Estate, Sandvoort, Sheet Anchor, Lochaber, St. Aloysius, St. Therese’s, Amelia’s Ward, Coomacka, McKenzie, One Mile, Regma, St. Aidens, Watooka Day, Wismar Hill, Christianburg, and Bamia Primary Schools. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 10, 2020

The threat of climate change GIVEN the rapidity of occurrences of natural disasters, which bear the unmistakable stamp of the effects of climate change, Mother Nature has been unrelenting in her angry responses, making the new Millennium an age of death and destruction in almost every region of the world.

Tuesday’s devastating earthquake in Puerto Rico is now part of the sample to a frequency that has become a part of mankind’s now daily expectation of a phenomenon, for which the latter has played no uncertain role in its destructive culmination.

A series of earthquakes, including one of 6.4 magnitude, early Tuesday rocked Puerto Rico. Periodic aftershocks continue to rattle the island of 3 million people, which has yet to fully recover from Hurricanes Maria and Irma.

Those storms killed nearly 3,000 people.

Reuters has reported that more than 500 earthquakes occurred in the south of the island between December 28 and Tuesday, including 32 greater than magnitude 4, putting the U.S. territory’s

biggest power plant out of service and damaging energy infrastructure. The 6.4 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday morning was the most powerful to hit Puerto Rico since 1918, when a 7.3 magnitude quake and tsunami killed 116 people, according to the Puerto Rican seismology institute, Red Sismica.

Puerto Rico is accustomed to hurricanes, but powerful quakes are rare.

Here in Guyana, we have been visited by what has since been described as the great flood in February 2005 that inundated large swathes of the low-lying coastlands.

Then there was Katrina in the U.S., also in 2005, described as the sixth deadliest storm with an $81B damage cost tag, where a storm of intense fury visited destruction with scenes of entire New Orleans cities flooded to roof-top levels, and unforgettable misery among tens of thousands of residents.

And if the latter display of nature’s anger were not enough, then later that year she struck in the form of a deadly earthquake in the disputed Kashmir province,

registering a list of 79,000 deaths. Still in Asia, Myanmar had a bitter taste of Cyclone Nargis that tolled a reported 138,000 fatalities; while in China, a few days after, in Sichuan Province, a devastating earthquake claimed almost 80,000 lives.

Who will forget the massive quake that smashed the already impoverished Haiti, that accounted for in excess of 300,000 lives; Russia, recording the hottest summer in 2010, in over 100 years, and the Arctic, where the growing effects of global warming has resulted in the rapid melting of giant glaciers. Even Africa, south of the Sahel, has begun to experience unusual floods, as in the cases of Mozambique and Uganda, along with landslides in Sierra Leone, the latter occurring within recent times.

The already known reality of large volumes of rainfall in a very short period, as is now realised in Asia, and in the context of Guyana, as experienced in 2005; and in 2010 in the Pomeroon, where there were unprecedented floods, points to the unmitigated effects of a climate that

is becoming warmer by the day. In fact, this unusual example of the Pomeroon was replicated in Regions One and Two, in 2017, prompting a high government official to refer to the effects of climate change.

It is interesting to note that these displays of natural phenomena are not isolated or geographically confined, but are instead occurring on every continent, concurrently, affecting developed, developing, and poor countries alike. For instance, it has always been customary to associate floods with countries that do not have proper infrastructure, especially those in the realm of hydraulic technology; therefore, how does one explain the constant flooding of American cities – where such engineering is impeccable -- after unusually heavy rainfall? Or the “Hand-of-God” flood that struck Queensland, Australia, or the constant flooding of British cities, and the extreme cold weather and snow, now reported there?

Even the Caribbean is now visited by the devastation of extreme phenomena,

as exemplified by the total destruction of Barbuda, and most parts of Dominica, the latter for the second time in two years; and the British Virgin Islands, battered by unusually fierce winds, and virtually unceasing rainfall; the recent battering of The Bahamas is another example.

It was instructive that the latter weather upheaval, although taking place during the annual hurricane season, also evidenced similar natural extremes in parts of the United States, as per Florida and Texas; Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. There is a realisation which mankind needs to understand as to why their very existence is now threatened. Although the world has made great strides in its ground-breaking technological development, that began with the industrial revolution, and which concomitantly brought about great socio-economic transformation and untold benefits for improved living standards -- it has done so at great costs to the environment, the results of which are now unfolding with almost catastrophic results.

Definitely, the existence of mankind and their future survival are now seriously challenged by the fact of climate change, whether or not those who are the doubters accept its gradual creeping reality. No country, however powerful, should ignore the looming perils and incessant warnings posed by what is now the greatest threat to the survival of our planet. For nature’s fury is non-discriminatory, and unmatched in its ferocity.

It explains why the early Iwokrama Project came about since the latter 1980s, as well as President David Granger’s Green State on Development Strategy that is geared primarily to the development of a Green Economy that will ensure the development of a sustained economy, while protecting the country’s environment. Now is the time for urgent action, on the part of all nations, great and small; for to delay will only be courting an even greater scenario – the point of no return. All nations need to act now, before it is too late.

Jagdeo and PPP have conceded defeat in the opening round of the ‘mother of all elections’ Dear Editor, I recalled reading the opposition PPP/C describing their Election Launch Rally, at the Kitty Market Square, as a “low-cost rally”. This explanation was not the result of public demand and was, therefore, unnecessary. So why did the party’s leadership feel compelled to say that the rally was a low-cost affair?

I have been a keen observer of the major election rallies held by the PPP/C at the Kitty Market starting from 1992 to present and I have never heard that party

attribute the term “low cost” to any of those rallies. Therefore, the only plausible explanation for them doing so now, is that the party’s leadership felt the need for damage control given the massive attendance at the APNU election launch rally at Jubilee Park, as compared with its own rally. To use a Guyanese saying it is like comparing “cheese with chalk”.

Apart from the unquestionable superior numbers and platform, the APNU rally had a more popular political flare, and the enthusiasm of their supporters was unmatched by what was

demonstrated at the PPPC rally. This was obvious to any keen and objective observer. Now let us return to the cost contention posited by the PPP/C: the party is implying that the attendance at the Kitty rally was proportionate to cost – small budget small crowd. Everyone in the country including the PPP/C leadership has deemed these elections as the “Mother” of all elections. In political terms, this means that there is a national consensus that the new oil and gas industry, with its tremendous wealth, has transformed these elections in a manner unprecedented

in the history of the nation.

Therefore, in this context, why would the PPP/C choose to make its launch rally a ‘low-key’ affair?

It is no secret that the party, in its 23 years in office, has accumulated huge sums of money stolen from the national coffers, donations from private sector elements and drug lords. A few months ago, Jagdeo and the PPP boasted that they had contracted a major US elections/public relations firm, at the cost of millions of Guyana dollars to help with its election efforts. So money then and now is no

problem for the PPP/C. It is also public knowledge that in the days running up to the Kitty rally, at Freedom House in Georgetown, the party has been handing out rally bags containing money, jerseys and other election items. This exercise had targeted the poor Afro-Guyanese in the city.

Apparently, the money was taken but the expected attendance of the poor Afro-Guyanese, who were sought after as political cargo, did not materialise. In politics and elections, while money and material gifts at times can have a strong influence on political support, it’s

no guarantee to win elections.

Voters’ attitude to parties is mainly determined by their life experience and not election handouts.

By declaring their Elections Launch Rally, after the fact, as a low-cost affair, Jagdeo and his cabal that dominate the PPP/C have conceded defeat in the opening round of this historic political engagement deemed by all - the “ Mother of all Elections”.

Regards, Tacuma Ogunseye

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 10, 2020

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Always think before pictures are published Dear Editor, Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I’m now convinced that something is seriously wrong at our two tabloid newspapers, Kaieteur News and Stabroek News.

How else can one explain their crass actions, not only as it pertains to the dead, but also as it pertains to patients who are already distressed in hospital, to be now confronted with flashing cameras, as they are recuperating or dying.

Mr. Editor to be in hospital is quite distressing. To be in hospital, desperately unwell, where you feel powerless to determine your own destiny creates incomparable anxiety. To be in a hospital, where you would have shared confidential details of yourself to healthcare professionals would make anyone feel vulnerable. These emotions are not only restricted to patients, but also their loved ones. For young children these emotions are magnified.

They would be confused.

They would feel scared.

These psychology experiences can, in some cases, be irreversible. Some patients may require counselling upon being discharged from the hospital. It is this knowledge that informs medical training as it pertains to medical ethics. One of the areas modern-day healthcare professionals are trained in is patient confidentiality.

This is multi-faceted. Firstly, whatever a patient shares with a doctor, unless it is a confession of a crime or to cause harm to others, is treated in the strictest of confidence. This is critical, without which, the patient would withhold life-changing information from us, out of concern of it being disclosed.

The second aspect is dignity. In effect the patient is expected to be treated with respect, both in life and death.

The third aspect is autonomy.

This essentially means as human we can determine our destinies. We can determine if we wish to cooperate or not cooperate with treatment.

The fourth aspect pertinent to what I wish to address today is, informed consent.

As healthcare professionals, we cannot undertake an intervention, whether invasive or noninvasive, without discussing it with the patient to get the go ahead.

It is important to understand that a patient must have

the capacity to give consent.

In other words, the patients must be able to, at the most basic of levels, understand what he/she he consented to and must be able to compare the risks with the benefits which serve as a guide for their decision. Children generally cannot give consent for certain procedures since, quite frankly, they are not mentally mature.

Today, I saw a photo of a child, who is an inpatient on the burns unit of GPHC displayed on the pages of Kaieteur News under the headlines, “Burns patients to receive counselling.” First and foremost, I should state that this is another positive achievement by the government. Burns are not only physically traumatic, but are also psychologically traumatic. The scars resulting from burns are life changing and a constant reminder of that trauma.

What has happened in this case is that Kaieteur news, either intentionally or unintentionally, placed a dark cloud over the government’s achievement. Kaieteur News not only breached the many aspects of medical ethics highlighted, but also dehumanised the underage patient.

They labelled the underage patient as “photo of GPHC.” I can bet all my ocular muscles, at the risk of developing ophthalmoplegia, that this child’s name is not GPHC. It is for these reasons that I have a few polite questions.

Who give Kaieteur News the consent to take this photo?

This not only breached this young child’s confidentiality, but potentially the confidentiality of other patients on the wards. Also by taking this photo, this young child is being treatment like a specimen for all curious eyes to examine. Isn’t she worth more than that? To me this whole episode is very bad. The fact is that cameras and taking of photos are banned from most hospitals and rightfully so.

The second question is who give consent for this picture to be taken? This child can’t since she cannot undertake the ethical complexities and implications of having this photo taken. This issue not only highlights a lack of consent, but also a complete disregard to patients’ autonomy.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time I’ve seen this in kaieteur news. On many occasions, they would have

displayed on their pages, patients with varying degrees of injuries, patients clearly mentally distressed and unconscious patients. One does not need to be medically trained to understand these medical ethical concepts since they are essentially commonsensical.

Having said that, I will

reduce them to a level that Glenn Lall can understand.

Imagine Mr. X is being unfaithful to his wife. His lover, Lady Y, is in hospital on the obstetrics ward after delivering a healthy baby. Mr. X is in her company on the obstetrics ward with their baby which they name ‘Lil XY’.

Kaieteur News turns up on

the ward, took a photo of a patient who is not happy with her hospital care.

Picture is subsequently plastered on their front page, with usual exaggerated headlines. There is just one problem. Mr. X, Lady Y and Lil XY are all clearly in the background of the picture, without their consent.

What you think would happen Glenn Lall? I can assure you that not only Mr. X would have big troubles, but you yourself will have massive legal troubles.

Always think before pictures are published.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Several homes flooded in Noitgedacht --following breach of Bosai's tailings pond

By Vanessa Braithwaite RESIDENTS of Noitgedacht, South Mackenzie, Linden, a community located just below the dyke where the Bosai Minerals Group Guyana tailings pond is located, woke on Thursday morning to their yards and lower flats of their homes being inundated with bauxite slush.

The first resident to notice the flooding around 04:00hrs was Regional Executive Officer Orrin Gordon, who quickly notified the officials at Bosai about what was happening in the community.

Technical officials later discovered that a pipe, located in a confinement in the company’s tailings pond, had burst, hence all of the bauxite liquid was diverted into the homes of the residents.

This came just days after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) halted operations at Bosai’s wash plant, following notification that bauxite sedimentation from the company’s tailings pond was being discharged into the Kara Kara Creek, causing discolouration and high turbidity. The company was also fined $1,066,000 by the EPA. Gordon’s wife, Denise, told this newspaper that if it wasn’t for her husband’s

early discovery, the catastrophe would have been worse, and more homes would have been flooded. When this publication visited the community, about five homes were affected and scores of Bosai workers, both senior and junior, were trying to clean up the yard with various equipment and even manually. Workers were seen with mop and buckets in the lower flats of those houses that were flooded, trying to mop up the water.

Roshelle Castang, a Noitgedacht resident, told the Guyana Chronicle, “When I woke this morning to go to work around 05:30 hrs, I noticed the bed surrounded by water; the entire house was flooded. When I open the door, I see that water seep in from outside; the entire backyard flood out with mud and bauxite,” she related. It was then she noticed the Bosai officials at the Gordon’s residence, and notified them that her house was flooded as well. A distraught Castang said that she had to be rendered assistance to remove all of her items from the bottom flat. “Stove, fridge, everything had to come outside.

All my vinyl rip up,” she said, pointing to the items.

She, however, commended the company for sending enough manpower to manu-

ally clean up the inside of her house, and drain the water from the yard with power pumps. She is looking forward to being compensated by the company should the

chicken in the pen, and our losses are minimal.”

While this publication was unable to get an official comment from the EPA on the issue, it was informed

A Bosai worker mopping up the floor of Roshelle Castang’s apartment that was filled with bauxite material

A section of the Gordons’ backyard that was flooded

need arise, since her items are damaged and she missed work already.

Mrs. Gordon said that the bauxite water had made its way into a room where she conducts home economics classes, while her entire yard was bauxite slush. She said it took her back to 2000, when the very same thing occurred, and the entire community was affected, she said. “We lose hundreds of chickens, and we didn’t get back anything,” she said. “But Thank God, now we don’t have any

by Bosai’s Senior Technical Service Coordinator Wainewright Bethune that a team from the Agency did meet with Bosai to discuss the issue and the way forward, and conducted a preliminary visit of the pond, where there was the breach. He explained that the breach does not represent a complete failure of the pond and the work being done there, but means that a pipe in the confinement was not drawn properly, and the water began to erode the culvert, which collapsed, and the

water was released into the community, affecting about five residents.

Bethune told the Guyana Chronicle that Bosai is saddened by the situation, and takes full responsibility for what has occurred, and has already tried to clean up those residences that were affected.

He said, too, that the company will be doing a cleanup of the road today, so as to ensure that the community looks the way it did before the accident. All residents who suffered losses, he said, will be adequately compensated.

Bosai is currently in the process of looking at various engineering solutions to remedy the issues surrounding the tailings pond. The company is also currently doing a survey to determine whether

All regions achieved over 65% coverage in MDA campaign DESPITE meeting the national target of 65 per cent coverage in the 2019 Mass Drug Administration Campaign, the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, has commenced the process of ensuring the 2020 campaign achieves maximum satisfaction, all in an effort to ensure Guyana is a filarial-free nation, by December 2020.

The process commenced on Thursday, with an assessment in Region 10, where officials and MDA field officers were able to reflect on the campaign, what mistakes were made and what best practices need to be implemented, to ensure the upcoming campaign reaps maximum success. Region 10 was the first region for this post MDA meeting to be held, and Region 10 has been identified as the first region for MDA 2020 to commence.

In fact, Dr. Jean Alexandre, PAHO’s Adviser, Health Surveillance Disease Prevention and Control, related that Region 10 was the most challenging

Dr Jean Alexandre making a presentation at the Post-Mortem in Linden on Thursday

region, since it received the lowest coverage, which was 68 per cent, oppose to other regions that achieved between 72 per cent to 90 per cent coverage. In fact, Region 10 only attained this target after a one week extension to the campaign, since the allotted two weeks did not make the cut. Alexandre related that there were serious challenges in the region and it also attained 19 per cent refusal rate; the highest ever attained.

One of the major factors that contributed to this was that Region 10 was the last region to be targetted and this was after there

were reports in certain sections of the media, that there was at least one fatality following the pill distribution. The post-mortem on the victim later revealed this was far from the case. He is hoping, going forward, there is more responsible reporting surrounding the MDA in 2020.

“Those allegations that the pills are killing people, as this was the last region, this would have influenced negatively on the people, so they had a number of refusal here, the highest refusal we had in any region was three per cent.

In Region 10, we had a refusal of 19 per cent, because people

were afraid.”

In addition, to ensure there is a more effective 2020 campaign, not only in Region10, but all regions, Alexandre related that there will be more conscientious training with the pill distributers, to ensure they are capable of public education and sensitization, while in the fields.

During the day-long discussion, field officers discussed various mechanism that should be adopted in the 2020 campaign, which include working more suitable hours to meet the target audience, more sensitization efforts, timely delivery of pills to field distributers amongst others. Alexandre said he is optimistic that better results will be derived from the 2020 MDA, which is slated for October. “It was the first time we introduced IDA, it was the first time we covered all ten regions, it was the first time for all these things, so now we have introduced Ivermectin and there is not any new region anymore, everyone know what the campaign is about; I am optimistic we will be filaria free” he said

the dyke where the operation is done should be elevated.

It is also being considered whether the discharge should be rechanneled, so that it will have a longer route to travel to the pond, and there can be more settlement of the particles. Bosai is also looking at creating a network of dams or dykes, so that the flow of the sediment can be restricted. While the company was able to clear about 90% of the Kara Kara Creek over the week, when this publication checked on Thursday morning, the water was extremely discoloured again.

Bethune is hoping that this situation is remedied at the earliest opportunity, since there is presently not enough wash to go to the kiln for further processing.

Accused ‘drug trafficker’ granted bail A 40-year-old resident of Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, accused of trafficking cocaine, was, on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, released on $400,000 bail by Magistrate Esther Sam at the Ann Regina Magistrates’ Court.

Dwayne Gildarie had spent the holidays behind bars, after being remanded by Magistrate Sam, during his first court appearance on December 10, 2019.

The particulars of the charge alleged that Gildarie, on December 9, 2019, at Charity, Essequibo, had 2.5 kilograms of cocaine in his possession, for the purpose of trafficking.

Gildarie denied the offence and was remanded to prison after his original attorney failed to secure bail. Another attorney had moved to the High Court to secure bail for Gildarie, but that was also denied.

The case was then taken up by attorney-at-law Bernard DaSliva, who was able to obtain bail for Gildarie. The matter was adjourned until February 25, 2020.

According to a police report, on the day in question, Gildarie was in a motor vehicle which evaded the police.

It is alleged that he threw the cocaine out of his car. The cocaine was retrieved and Gildarie was subsequently arrested.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Paper Committal MoC Regional Roundtable and staff conference set for next week underway for 2013

THE Ministry of Communities (MoC) is scheduled to review the achievements and challenges of its 2015 –2019 year plan and will map out another five-year plan when it holds its Annual Senior Staff Conference and Action Round Table for Regional Development from January 14 – 17 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

During the event the ministry is also scheduled to honour a number of staff and other longstanding local government officials at an inaugural Local Government Awards Ceremony, slated for Wednesday, January 14, also at the ACCC. The events will be held under the theme “Theme: Advancing Local Government and sustainable community development through enhanced collaboration for effective service delivery in a Green Economy”.

“We have a five-year programme that just came to an end, so the key objective of this conference is to review and plan for the next five years and beyond,” related MoC Special Projects Officer, Roger Rogers.

“We will be looking at achievements, lessons learnt and what will be some of the priority areas for the next five years. For lessons learnt we will be looking at both posi-

tive and negative, the positive we can replicate, the negative lessons we need to avoid.

We’ll also have consideration

and coordination,” explained MoC Public Affairs Officer, Danielle Campbell-Lowe.

She highlighted the need for efficient collaboration within the Ministry being vital to its functioning. “The evolving demands of the public have necessitated the role of public agencies, supporting institutions to be more coordinated in their functioning.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan

for both activities to improve collaboration, coordination within and out the Ministry.”

Since its establishment in 2015, the MoC, headed

by Minister Ronald Bulkan, has placed great emphasis on collaboration within the Ministry, as well as between the Ministry and other external agencies. “The Senior Staff Conference and Action Round Table for Regional Development will afford participants the opportunity to review the ministry’s performance, create and design solutions to challenges in the day-to-day functioning of the ministry and sectors to support a green economy, especially challenges regarding collaboration

MoC Special Projects Officer, Roger Rogers.

Well-coordinated systems are efficient and distribute resources in an equitable manner; positively impacting the public. Collaboration is also pivotal for the attainment of national and organization objectives in a sustainable manner,” she said.

“Sectors working efficiently are critical to service delivery; moreover, the work of sectors must be done in tandem with national objectives, goals and values. The data

that feeds into monitoring the implementation of the ministry’s work programme requires a structured approach to overcome the challenges.”

The award ceremony, which is being held as part of the Ministry’s celebration of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary, will see the Ministry honouring some 50 persons total. Twenty-five staff members are expected to be honoured at Wednesday’s ceremony, while the other 25 will be honored next month, closer to the country’s Republic Anniversary date.

“It’s fifty years as a Republic we will be doing 50 awards The award ceremony is a part of a broader effort in the Ministry to add to the motivation of employees. One of the basic enabling factors for employee motivation is recognition, so as part of the overall transformation efforts of the Ministry,” “There are different categories and different criteria, for awards to employees, long service was one of the considerations, performance, there are awards to NDCs and municipalities, in innovation and different categories, like the most improved local government areas, those kind of things,” according to the Ministry’s representative.

School safety patrols resuscitated AS part of its road safety awareness, Traffic Headquarters has recommenced the School Safety Patrols in Regional Police Division number four (b) (Eccles-Moblissa) starting with the Peters Hall Primary and Diamond Secondary schools, East Bank Demerara, respectively.

On Thursday, the initiative was spearheaded by Traffic Education Officer, Assistant Superintendent, Raun Clarke, of Traffic Headquarters who was assisted by ranks within the division.

The initiative will be conducted countrywide as part of the School Safety Patrol guidelines.

Teachers, along with the students, who will form the actual patrol, were trained to recognise traffic safety as well as how to properly use the pedestrian crossing to assist in keeping their peers safe on their journey to and from school.

The students will be equipped with a green patrol belt and red stop sign which will serve to alert motorists to proceed

Police officers and teachers, along with the students being trained to r ecognise traffic safety, as well as how to properly use the pedestrian crossing to assist in keeping their peers safe on their journey to and from school

carefully since school children are in the area. They will also be assisted by

teachers and traffic ranks who will be there to guide them.

murder of “Tala”

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus is currently presiding over the paper committal proceeding into the 2013 murder of Hogg Street, Albouystown resident, Tolasicy Marshall,

Tolasicy Marshall called ‘Tala.’

Muammar Jabbar also called Christopher Haynes

called ‘Tala.’

Muammar Jabbar also called Christopher Haynes, 32, of Number 41 Village, Berbice, is currently on remand for the indictment.

Particulars of the charge alleged that Jabbar, on August 20, 2013, at James Street, Albouystown, while being armed with a knife, murdered Marshall.

Jabbar is represented by attorney-at-law George Thomas, while the State is represented by police prosecutor Adduni Innis.

On Thursday, January 9, 2020, three police witnesses took to the stands and testified. The matter was adjourned until January 24, 2020 It is alleged that Marshall, of Hogg Street, Albouystown, had paid Jabbar a large sum of cash for him to make a gold chain. However, Jabbar did not fulfil the agreement.

The Guyana Chronicle was told back then that Marshall had gone to Jabbar, formerly of James Street, Albouystown, and collected a gold chain, but it weighed less than what he had paid for.

It is alleged that the man confronted Jabbar about the

money owed, but that caused a dispute between them.

On August 20, 2013, Jabbar, who was armed with a knife, confronted Marshall and stabbed him twice to his chest. Jabbar then made good his escape, while Marshall was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he died while receiving treatment.

According to reports, Jabbar was arrested by police in March 2019, under the name of Christopher Haynes, for the armed robbery committed on a 60-year-old cattle and rice farmer and his wife at the couple’s home in Corentyne, Berbice.

He was reportedly nabbed in an abandoned house at Number 72 Village, Corentyne and placed before the Albion Magistrate’s Court, Berbice and remanded.

It was while on remand that the true identity of the person known as Christopher Haynes began to unravel and the prison authorities discovered that he was Muammar Jabbar, who was wanted for murder. Police from the Major Crimes Unit were alerted and the wanted man was then questioned. He then, reportedly, confessed to the murder.

Thousands benefit from $165M hinterland lighting project

OVER three thousand residents of the hinterland regions are now beneficiaries of a $165M lighting project implemented by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, through the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) in 2019.

This forms part of the ministry’s commitment to bridging the gap between hinterland and

coastal regions as well as its commitment to cleaner energy solutions.

Addressing members of the media at the ministry’s year-in-review briefing, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said thousands of lights were changed for the benefit of both the consumers and producers of

the resources.

“Energy conservation is paramount. We would have changed out 22,177 inefficient lights with new LED lights,” the minister said, adding: “It is a benefit to both the consumer and the producer of the power because the LED lights are more efficient [and] burn less energy.”

The light-emitting diode (LED) lights were installed in Mabaruma, Mathew’s Ridge, Port Kaituma, Madhia, Lethem and Kwakwani. LEDs are referred to as one of the most energy-efficient lights today and are known for their better lighting quality and long-lasting bulbs compared to other types of lights.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry and its regency agencies; GEA and the Hinterland Electrification Company Incorporated (HECI), are also executing several other projects while there are others in the pipeline.

According to Minister Patterson, the Mabaruma solar farm, in the Bari-

ma-Waini Region, is expected to be completed shortly under the GEA and HECI. Expected projects under the HECI for 2020 include upgrades in Kwakwani, Port Kaituma, Kato, Kamwatta and the extension of the electricity network from Bamia to Silver Hill, Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

MoE donates steelpans to Berbice schools steelpans to the Port Mourant Secondary School and the Skeldon High School in Region Six, East Berbice Corentyne.

The exercise was part of a wider initiative which has seen a total of 31 steel bands being distributed to primary and secondMinister of Education, Nicolette Henry a r y THE Ministry of Educa- schools across Guyana, a tion (MoE), on Thursday, statement from the Ministry handed over a number of informed.

Handing over the instruments to the headteachers of the respective schools was Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry. Also present at the handing-over ceremonies were the Regional Executive Officer, Ms. Kim Williams-Stephen, Regional Education Officer, Ms. Bhagmattie LaCruz and other officers within the Unit of Allied Arts.

Noting that the school officially introduced music as part of the curriculum in 2017, and it was currently being offered to students in Grades seven and eight, headteacher of the Port Mourant Secondary School, Mark Lyte, who is also the President of the Guyana Teachers’

Union (GTU), thanked the Ministry for the donation and assured that they (the steelpans) will be used to enable learning. At the Skeldon High School, headteacher Royden Harvey echoed similar sentiments of gratitude.

The Minister congratulated the schools for being selected to receive the instruments. She thanked the teachers for the support given to the sector to ensure that each child in Guyana realises his/her full potential. Henry noted that education contin-

ued to be a priority for the government, particularly in ensuring that it was done in a holistic way, which was why the Ministry was undergoing a curriculum reform process.

Minister Henry said that the expressive arts of which music was a part were a large part of the reform process. As Guyana undertakes a decade of development, education will be the cornerstone of the government’s focus. She said that students and teachers will be given a wide range of opportunities, not only in

mainstream activities, but extra-curricular activities The administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Ms. Lorraine Barker-King, noted that the distribution of steelpans to schools was an ongoing activity. “The Ministry has observed that there has been a significant change in the behaviour of learners who took up the steelpan playing and have improved in all areas; creativity, discipline, academic performance and self-confidence,” barker King said.

Standards bureau prepared for oil, gas sector THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is prepared to fulfil its role in the Oil and Gas Sector, which is to ensure accurate measurements during lifting of crude from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

This is according to GNBS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Lloyd David, who said that through support of the Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project, the bureau has benefitted from the training of several inspectors of its Legal Metrology Services Department.

He said these inspectors can now competently witness the proving/verification of the custody transfer meters used on FPSO(s).

Further, David said to maintain reliable measurements, the GNBS will conduct routine checks on the offshore facility to ensure that all points, which can affect

the metering of the product, are sealed before and after offloading.

GNBS PRO, Lloyd David

“Inspectors received the requisite training from the Measurement Service Division of Bureau Varitas of North America in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) Petroleum Measurement Standards. The relevant API standards will be adopted as National Standards and will be used for verifica-

tion of the metering system on the FPSO,” David noted.

Meanwhile, he said GNBS inspectors have also underwent safety training required for transport and operation on the FPSO. These include, he said, the Helicopter Underwater Egress Training (HUET), which is necessary for personnel travelling to the offshore facilities; the Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CAEBS) training for inflight and underwater emergencies; and training on the ISO 45001 Occupational Safety and Health Standard to enhance their safety awareness.

“The bureau will continue to evaluate and expand its role in this emerging sector and further contribute to its sustainability through the provision of standards, testing, measurement and calibration services,” the GNBS official said.

Wanted bulletin issued for ex-Ramada Hotel GM THROUGH an extradition request from the Turkish authorities, the Guyana Police Force is seeking the whereabouts of former General Manager of the Princess Ramada Hotel, Ugur Turetgen.

Turetgen is wanted by Guyanese police to assist their probe into alleged fraud and immigration violations.

The 44-year-old last address was given as Track ‘B’ Block ‘Z’ Providence, East Bank Demerara.

According to reports, Turkish authorities are seeking the assistance of local police on the man’s whereabouts.

Police said anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Ugur Turetgen is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 226-6978, 225-8196, 226-2870, 226-7065, 227-1149, 2267065, 225-6940, 226-9834, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Wanted: Ugur Turetgen

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Bartica students launch Junior Council

…to appoint officers shortly SOME 18 students, ages 11 to 12, have formed the Junior Council of the municipality of Bartica on Wednesday.

The students were nominated from five public primary schools, two private primary institutions and two secondary schools in the township.

They will soon initiate the process for internal election of the junior mayor to head the Council.

Explaining the project and its aim, Town Clerk Phebe Wallerson, said President David Granger’s vision is to have youth participate at the local level and be aware of the local government system.

“This project is aimed at educating and developing students/pupils in the principles of local governance; cul-

tivating among students the interest and desire in the local decision-making process; and establishing a junior council that will be equipped to advocate for issues affecting them,” Wallerson disclosed.

Mayor Gifford Marshall said that the establishment of youth councils and, by virtue the elections of junior mayors, is a step in the right direction and one that will seek to strengthen local democracy.

“By helping our youths to understand the importance of local democracy and also the importance of us developing our communities and leading by example will strengthen us as a people and our democratic system. These children, of course, will have the opportunity to form committees in their youth council, they will have an opportunity to

debate issues and they will also be trained in leadership and capacity building at a very tender age. And this I believe, will be a coveted position and a lot of young people will want to be part of the process. And by this, I believe the young people will better understand the local authority system and understand how best to serve the people,” Marshall injected.

He congratulated the Council of Linden for leading by example, as they were the first municipality to have a junior mayor.

“And what we’re doing is an example of what Linden would have done, and I know all the other municipalities are expected also to elect youth councils and junior mayors,” the mayor said.

Going forward in 2020,

Some of the students on the Bartica Junior Council being briefed at the Town Council’s office

he added, “not only will we see development in infrastructure and other facilities being done in the municipality, but we can expect

great involvement from our young people, who we believe have a greater part to play in the development of our town. I’m looking

Couple charged for Mocha farmers get coconut plants under RAID Programme wounding man granted bail FARMERS from across Guyana continue to benefit from the Ministry of Agriculturesponsored Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID) programme.

On Thursday, farmers at Cane Farm in Mocha were the first to benefit from the RAID initiative for the New Year, after receiving 300 coconut plants.

Mocha Extension Officer, Mitzie Barker, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the distribution of the planting material is among other crops requested by the farmers.

“I am extremely thankful for the coconut plants because

of several reasons. One being that I wasn’t under any expense to buy plants and now I don’t have to worry about floods as before,” Delvin Thompson, one of the recipients disclosed.

Working his fields for over five years, Thompson said his farm has developed greatly and any future assistance from the government will be welcomed.

Another farmer, Cyrus Thomas, who has been planting for almost a decade, echoed Thompson’s sentiment. “All the assistance that we are receiving, we appreciate it.”

Previously, as part of the RAID programme, farmers in the village of Buxton benefitted from the distribution of plant-

ing materials. Additionally, technical support was provided to planters in the communities of Triumph on the East Coast of Demerara and Ithaca in Region Five.

Those districts received aid in the establishment and the expansion of livestock production.

The Agriculture Ministry continues to reiterate calls for interested residents to join the RAID initiative to push co-operative farming. The Caribbean Development Fund-backed project was developed to further foster growth in Guyana’s agricultural sector.

Mocha Extension Officer, Mitzie Barker handing over the coconut plants to farmer, Delvin Thompson. Also, in photo is Public Relations Officer, Nikosi Bruce (DPI photo)

(left) Kenese Bobb, Kemo Harlequin

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Thursday, January 9, 2020, released a couple on $300,000 bail on a wounding charge.

Kenese Bobb, 24, a sales girl, and Kemo Harlequin, 28, both of Durban Backlands, on their first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court were not required to plead to the charge, when it was read to them.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on December 10, 2019, at Durban Backlands, they wounded Jermaine Sampson, with intent to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm.

Magistrate McLennan released the couple on $150,000 bail each and adjourned the matter until January 27, 2020.

According to information, the defendants and the virtual complainant were known to each other, since they accessed their homes through the same yard. On the day in question, Sampson and Harlequin had a misunderstanding and Bobb intervened, after which the couple went to Sampson’s house and threw bottles. Sampson then exited his house and the couple pulled him down the stairway. The couple, who were armed with kitchen knives, dealt Sampson several stabs about his body.

Sampson was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, an investigation was launched and the couple were arrested and later charged.

forward to working with them to ensure we team up for the betterment of our township.”

Teen accused of ‘attempted rape’ granted bail MAGISTRATE Annette Singh, on Thursday, January 9, 2020, granted $50,000 bail to a 17-year-old boy accused of attempting to rape a 61-year-old woman.

The teen appeared at the Juvenile court of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge, when it was read to him.

It is alleged that, on October 29, 2019, at Kuru Kuru Linden- Soesdyke Highway, he assaulted a woman with the intent to rape her.

According to information, on the day in question, at around 05:00 hours, the elderly woman left her home to attend church and was waiting for transportation. The teenager allegedly approached her, grabbed her neck, and ‘beat’ on her, while trying to remove her clothing. The elderly woman and the teenager fought for a few minutes after which he made good his escape, after a car was coming in their direction.

The car stopped and persons assisted the woman before chasing after the teen.

He was caught and taken to the station.

Magistrate Annette Singh released the teen on $50,000 bail and adjourned the matter until January 23, 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Two nurseries for blind cricketers

A donation from Tropical Shipping to the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) will see the establishment of two blind cricket nurseries, along with the procurement of blind-cricket gear.

The donation, according to National and West Indies blind cricketer and GCOPD Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh, will also be used to further the development of blind cricket in Regions Four and 10.

GCOPD, in partnership with the Guyana Blind Cricket Association (GBCA), will expose children and adults, who are blind and visually-impaired, to the fundamentals of blind cricket through the nurseries and other blind-cricket development activities.

According to Singh, the donation is timely. He highlighted the importance of sports in the rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities, and further outlined the impact of cricket

on the lives of persons who are blind and visually-impaired since the sport was introduced to Guyana in November 2005.

Singh, who is a current national and West Indies blind cricketer, articulated the impact blind cricket had on his life after he lost his sight as a teenager and was at home, depressed. He said blind cricket was the vehicle of his rehabilitation, reintegration into society and acquisition of confidence as a blind person.

GCOPD representatives received the donation from Tropical Shipping at a simple ceremony

Meanwhile, also speaking at the presentation ceremony was Country Manager of Tropical Shipping, Glenis Hodge, who said the company was happy to play a role in helping to provide opportunities for persons with vision disabilities to be involved in sports.

Among the items to be purchased are blind-cricket balls, cricket bats, batting gloves, wicket keeping gloves, gears and equipment bags, among other gear and equipment for the playing of blind cricket.

Tropical Shipping is a shipping and logistics com-

pany that has over 50 years’ experience in the business arena. They have weekly seven-day transit sailing from Florida to Guyana and provide Guyana with complete shipping services to and from Canada and across the Caribbean.

CRMA placed 500 in jobs last year

Programme Coordinator of the Sophia Community Association, Orin Nelson and Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott at the press briefing (DPI photo)

THE Department of Labour’s Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) says it has placed 500 persons in jobs in 2019.

Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, said the agency registered 2,122 persons last year with 500 securing jobs in the agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, construction, mining,

and transportation sectors.

He noted that job seekers are also counselled about etiquette on the job, mode of dress, speech and language, conduct, deportment, and timekeeping.

Minister Scott said his department would work to ensure every Guyanese have the opportunity to earn a decent wage.

“Persons from every

region have access to the services CRMA has to offer, there are sub-offices in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and 10. We are presently putting measures in place to establish offices in Regions Seven, Eight and Nine.”

According to the minister, the labour market will be transformed and the department must keep up as the country progresses. (DPI)

Taxi-driver accused of sexual assault of a child remanded CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Thursday, January 09, 2020, remanded a 30-year-old taxi-driver to prison for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old child.

Sattish Ramkellawan appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the charge, when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge

stated that, between January 1, 2019 and February 12, 2019, at Timehri, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of sixteen.

According to information, during the period mentioned above, the child’s parents had hired Ramkellawan to pick up the child from school and take her home. Ramkellawan, however, picked up the child from school, and, instead of taking

her home, he took her to the Jubilee Resort and raped her.

The child later told her parents what had happened to her; the matter was reported immediately. An investigation was launched and Ramkellawan was arrested and charged.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the reports, remanded Ramkellawan to prison until January 13, 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Reg. 5 residents hail transformation in their communities

By Lisa Hamilton RESIDENTS of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) have not forgotten the many ways in which the government has transformed their Region and were eager to speak of them on Wednesday at the second APNU+AFC elections campaign rally.

The rally took place at the Hopetown Community Centre Ground, and throughout the evening saw a constant stream of persons filling the venue.

Taking the stage was former Mahaica-Berbice Regional Member of Parliament (MP) Jennifer Wade, who had all the records to show of the developments coming to the region through the government. She highlighted that some $888.16 million was spent on education delivery in the country, through which the villages Perth and Calcutta

over the 23 years. You know how you suffered over the 23 years, and I’ve come here to remind you this afternoon:

The Calcutta Nursery School (DPI photo)

PNCR Mahaica-Berbice Regional Chairman, Vinceroy Jordan (Adrian Narine photo)

Let not our brains be shallow, comrades. We have a task to do, and let us do it.”

The MP did not fail to

Mahaica-Berbice MP Jennifer Wade (Adrian Narine photo)

saw the construction of two new nursery schools. She also noted the extension works done to schools in Hopetown, Cotton Tree, No. 5 village and Belladrum.

Wade then pointed to the $366.34 million spent in the health sector, through which there were two new health centres in Highdam, and the maintenance of the two hospitals and all health centres in the Region. When it came to the $275M spent on agriculture, drainage and irrigation, she noted the rehabilitation of canals and outfalls and the construction of bridges, sluices, community roads, backdam roads and farm-tomarket roads.

“The construction of a new sluice at D'Edward!

Never before! That will ease the flooding in the agriculture area,” Wade said, dding: “This is not a one-term government, because the PPP did not do anything for you

in the Coalition.

The youngster said that he and many others will continue to stand for a government

point out that, through an initiative of the President, the Mahaica-Berbice Region was able to host two Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibitions (RACE) over the last two years. She also highlighted the construction of a new abattoir at Onverwagt, and the new house lots that were being issued. “Now the PPP is pretending that they have the answers to everything,” she said, adding: All of a sudden, when, over the years, they did nothing for us.

But what is sad about opportunity is that when it is lost, it is never regained.”

Meanwhile, representing the thousands of youthful voices in Region Five was PNCR Mahaica-Berbice Regional Chairman, Vinceroy Jordan who said that while a crossover in the National Assembly saw the Opposition pushing a message of “Noconfidence”, youths in the Region have full confidence

that is rewarding, and will remain 100 per cent behind President David Granger, who has demonstrated good governance and leadership.

Jordan boasted that through the president’s ‘5Bs’ initiative, Region Five is benefitting from a school-feeding programme at several schools, which gives children access to free breakfast and lunch.

He also hailed the re-establishment of the Youth Corps, the implementation of the patient-care apprenticeship programme, and the restoration of Local Government Elections. Speaking to the latter issue, Jordan said: “Over the past three years, we held two successive Local Government Elections, and today we can see young mayors, young deputy-mayors, young councillors, young NDC chairmen and chairwomen, young NDC deputy-chairmen and chairwomen. Today I am a testimony of such… The Youth Corps has been reestablished, and we are grateful for that.

What the PPP tried to ‘bruck up’, we are now putting back in place. And so, we’re saying we don’t want another PPP regime. What we want is the APNUAFC government!”

During the rally, thousands of supporters, who were in high spirits, danced to calypso music urging Guyanese to “give David some time” and to tell the Opposition that “23 into 5 can’t go”. They were also entertained by the vibrant Berbice Elite Chutney Dancers, two-time Chutney champion, Bunty Singh, and local Soca artiste, Vanilla.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Scores attend Indian Diaspora Day THE High Commission of India celebrated the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), Indian Diaspora Day, at the Swamy

the PBD and the important role of Indian nationals and Diaspora in the overall development of India.

The high commissioner also

munity to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities.

No-confidence motion ‘toppled’ chief constable …Mingo says firing was 'in public’s interest', not about money bag THE Chief Constable of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (MCC), Andrew Foo, was fired based on investigations into a no-confidence motion (NCM) moved against him in September, 2019, and not from an investigation into a Council’s money bag that was found in his assigned Constabulary vehicle.

Chairman of the Local Government Commission (LGC), Mortimer Mingo, confirmed that the investigation into the money bag situation had

concluded that there was merit in the council’s decision to have no confidence in him, so the Commission upheld the no-confidence motion as put forth by the council. We took a decision that he would be relieved of his duty in the public interest.”

The September motion had cited the Chief Constable for displaying a “lackluster, cavalier, inept and generally incompetent” attitude towards his job.

It said the Chief Constable’s inaction included, but were not limited to, his failure to formulate and implement a modern security plan to guard the council’s assets; his continued failure to adhere to council’s decisions with respect to the acting appointment of the Deputy Chief Constable; his continued unwillingness to work with the council

Indian High Commissioner, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa addresses the gathering at the Swamy Vivekanand Cultural Centre on Thursday (Delano Williams photo)

Vivekanand Cultural Centre, Bel Air, Georgetown, on Thursday.

The key part of the event was the interaction of Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India with the Indian Diaspora across the Globe from the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi through a live video conference.

The live streaming of the interaction with the Indian Diaspora was arranged from 08.30hrs in Georgetown. During the video interaction, the minister of external affairs directly addressed the Indian Diaspora and interacted with the Indian community in eight selected cities, i.e. Perth, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Mauritius, London, Paramaribo and New York.

It was followed by a live Questions and Answers Session when Dr. Jaishankar responded to questions from the Diaspora members on important Diaspora issues.

The PBD-2020 in Guyana was attended by around 150 invitees, including Indian Diaspora members, Indian nationals and their families and Indian students, among others. During the event, Indian High Commissioner, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, addressed the gathering and spoke about the significance of marking

reiterated and encouraged the Indian community in Guyana to maintain regular contact with the High Commission for mutual benefit as well as to partner with the High Commission in furthering the existing friendly bilateral relations and cooperation between the Governments and people of India and Guyana.

PBD is celebrated on January 9 to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa and led India’s freedom struggle which changed the lives of Indians forever.

PBD is an important occasion for India to connect more closely with the Diaspora and engage them in the ongoing transformation in India while also being responsive to their aspirations and concerns.

PBD conventions have been held since 2003 to connect India to its vast overseas Diaspora of over 30 million across the world and bring their knowledge, expertise and skills on a common platform.

These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian com-

These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.

During the event, individuals of exceptional merit are honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to appreciate their role in India’s growth. The event also provides a forum for discussing key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora.

The Government of India also organises Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD) to allow participation of the Indian diaspora who are unable to attend annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in India. So far, eight Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas have been held at New York, Singapore, The Hague, Durban, Toronto, Mauritius, Sydney and Los Angeles. These have elicited enthusiastic support from the Indian Diaspora and the local government and have been highly successful.

Donald Ramotar, the then President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, was the chief guest of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held at Gujarat in January 2015.

Chief Constable, Andrew Foo

concluded and the necessary officers were sanctioned. However, those involved did not include Foo. Foo’s services were terminated with his retirement benefits intact, as per request of the NCM, which was moved by Councillor Denroy Tudor, seconded by Councillor Eketa Edwards and received the support of 19 councillors, while three abstained.

Two Councillors, Trichria Richards and Akeem Peter had voted against the motion, citing it as a case of ‘injustice’.

Foo’s termination, which was effective from December 31, was handed down by the LGC, in the “public interest”, Mingo noted. “The municipality of Georgetown, in September, moved a NCM against Foo and coming out of that the LGC caused an investigation to be done, to determine the reason for the no-confidence position. As a result of that, we had put forward those charges to Mr. Foo; we asked him to respond,” Mingo explained.

“We received a written response from him, and, in keeping with the rules of natural justice, we asked him to appear before the commission which he did, sometime in early December. We listened to him, and we

LGC Chairman, Mortimer Mingo

to ensure that there was order and peace both within the council and on the streets of Georgetown; and his failure to effectively supervise the council’s constabulary which had been the subject of public ridicule.

The motion also contended that officers in that department were indisciplined, with their work ethics and morals having declined under Foo’s leadership. It recommended to the LGC that Foo be immediately dismissed. It also directed that Foo be sent on leave pending the commission’s decision.

Speaking against the motion however, Councilor Richards had said that the motion was badly worded, while Councillor Peter offered that sufficient evidence was not put forward to support the motion.

Even though the Chief Constable might have done things contrary to his duties, Peter said that did not warrant the man’s dismissal.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

New lawyers receive tuition fee refund from government

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Government of Guyana has stuck to its promise of providing law students with 25 per cent of the economic cost of their Hugh Wooding Law School tuition fee, notwithstanding that the students would have graduated since last November.

Supporting the students in this manner has been an ongoing initiative since the coalition government took office, but for some reason, the payment was not made for the 2018-2019 period.

The government would pay the money directly to the law school.

“It was paid in 2016 and 2017, but for some inexplicable reason, it was not paid in 2018. Fortunately, I was able to get it. I thought that the students needed to get the money,” Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams said on Thursday.

While interacting with the students who qualified for the refund, at the ministry on Carmichael Street, Georgetown, the minister said it was not an easy process finding the funds for the students.

“The government had, despite everything, decided that we would ameliorate the harshness of the cost of legal education at Huge Wooding.

We had to fight for it of course, the permanent secretary knows it. But if I start on a track, it’s hard to get me off of the track. I’m happy that we can pay you now,” he told the students.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Joylyn Nestor-Burrowes, told this publication that 20 persons were going to be paid yesterday. According to her, three additional students had received full government scholarships, and hence did

not need to be refunded.

The Guyana Prize for the best graduating student for the academic year 2019 was given to Attorney-at-Law, Micheal Munroe. He was also presented with Guyana Law Reports ranging from 1975-2007.

One student, Marnice Hestick, was not aware that she was going to be refunded, and so when she got the news, she said she was elated. “It’s important to note that the government is supporting

average Guyanese family,” she expressed. She commended the government for being concerned about the students and for sticking to its word in supporting them. “It’s great to see that the government is supporting us and gave us this money even though it’s after the fact that we would’ve completed law school,” Hes-

assisting the new students as they have only recently returned from school. “The first payment, we use it towards our rent, food. Living in a foreign country away from home, we needed to

New attorney, Lydia Beresford

Recently graduated lawyer, Marnice Hestick Legal Affairs Permanent Secretary, Joylyn Nestor-Burrowes

tick further commented.

MOST WELCOMED

make that adjustment and this would definitely assist us in our transition now to finding jobs and facilitating ourselves,” she said.

Meanwhile, Minister Williams reiterated his desire to establish a law school in Guyana, noting that it was

Best graduating student, Micheal Munroe and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

engaged a Jamaican partner; the first year the chairman told us we weren’t given permission. We had to find the evidence that we more than had permission. The process also started involving Chancellor Bernard and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana and all these things. After we

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams interacting with the law students on Thursday

their students, given the fact that it is so expensive and the cost is very hard to bear on an

Another student, Lydia Beresford, offered that the money is welcomed in

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something he wanted ever since he took office.

“We named a law school,

satisfied them that we were on track, they next raised the question of accreditation.

They were saying that the agreement didn’t cater for that kind of arrangement and that UWI actually builds the school, or if you build the school, they take it over and run it and all these things.

So they kept changing the goalpost and stuff but then we have oil now right?”

Williams further stated that one of the good things now is that the country has a new chancellor. “And he has written CLE (Council for Legal Education) and he’s complaining that they are making a determination on UG law graduates but UG doesn’t have representation at the CLE, which is true. I honestly believe we should build our own law school, CLE or no CLE, because Bahamas did that.

They started with a polytechnic and now they gave them equivalency to UWI (University of the West Indies). We were the original signatory to the agreement and we don’t have equivalency. Bahamas could automatically enter any UWI law school and we are still negotiating. Can you imagine that?”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 10, 2020

It Is about business, not politics ---local artistes clear air on performing at political events

By Tamica Garnett IN light of discrimination faced by Chutney Monarch, Steven Ramphal, for performing at a political event, local performing artistes are making it clear that their performance is about business and not politics.

With Guyana’s General and Regional Elections set for March 2, many of the political parties are using the entertainment factor to package underlying political messages, creating a peak time for singers, actors and comedians.

Unfortunately, not many performers see this as an opportunity to exploit as there is fear of their performances being misinterpreted as an endorsement of the political party they are performing for.

Some politically neutral performers, however, do not consider it good business to throw away opportunities to make an honest dollar. Former Chutney Monarch, Bunty Singh, is taking bookings all around and welcomes more.

Bunty performed last Friday at the APNU+AFC campaign launch and shares that he was also approached by the PPP/C and will be performing for them as well, once the booking is confirmed. He has also been approached by the smaller Change Guyana party, and once everything is confirmed, he will be performing for them too.

“At the end of the day, whichever party wins, I still have to sing. I have a family, I have bills to pay. If I look at people condemning my performance at any event, then I would be the loser because somebody else is going to get the job and take it. I am not really part of any of the parties, I am doing my job as a singer and a musician, that’s it,” Singh said.

With Guyana needing updated copyright laws, most artistes depend on appearances and events to make their money, which often is not much.

Like Ramphal, Singh faced some backlash for his performance at the APNU+AFC event last Friday, but he cared less.

“It’s a low mentality of some people because not everyone is condemning the act. Me and Steven, we are performers, along with other artistes, and once the people are being paid

However, while the APNU+AFC’s launch included a packed concert of performances by singers and dancing groups, the PPP’s launch mainly focused on speeches by the party members, and a calypso performance by party member, Harry Gill.

Some commenters on social media have speculated that artistes have been refusing to perform for the PPP/C. Many artistes; however, maintain that they are open to performing for either side, and if the PPP reaches out them, they are not averse to accepting the offer.

“I would sing for any political party because, at the end of the day, it is a business, that

you may like or who you don’t like,” commented Edmondson, who also performed at the APNU+AFC event last Friday, and has done a campaign jingle for the party.

RIDICULOUS “It’s ridiculous. People shouldn’t jump to an assumption of affiliation or endorsement simply by the person appearing on that platform. If somebody performs for a particular political party, that person more or less was contracted to do so. It does not mean that person is affiliated with or has endorsed that party unless that person came forward and say I fully endorse this political party.”

Reigning Chutney Monarch, Steven Ramphal

to perform, that’s ok,” Bunty expressed.

PERVASIVE LOVE He added: “I support all the parties once they try to do prosperity to Guyana and do good. I will support all the party, whichever party run the country, they must do something good, that’s my opinion.”

Also emphasising that he is politically neutral, Ramphal said he has not yet been approached by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to do any work for them; however, should they approach him, he sees no problem in gracing the PPP/C campaign stage.

He does, however, have some rules.

“I won’t be endorsing any political party. I won’t wear any colour for the party, won’t be doing no songs or jingles, no video influencing anybody to vote for the party. I would only work under those circumstances and only focus on my message, which is love unity, harmony and peace,” Ramphal conveyed.

Performing at the APNU+AFC event last Friday, Ramphal wore a neutral allblack outfit. The singer used the opportunity to spread messages of unity and love and made no political reference during his performance. Nonetheless, in the subsequent days, he was attacked on social media site—Facebook-- with pictures referring to him as a “sell out” and calling for a boycott of his events. .

In Guyana, politics is considered highly divided along racial lines, with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) considered the party aligned with the Indian population and the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R), the largest constituent of the APNU+AFC government, considered to be preferred by the African population.

Both parties officially launched their campaigns over the weekend- the APNU+AFC on Friday at D’Urban Park and the PPP/C at the Kitty Market Square.

Former Soca Monarch, Jumo “Rubberwaist” Primo

doesn’t reflect my preference, you understand,” said local soca singer, Blaze Anthonio, real name Marlon Simon, whose popularity on the local scene skyrocketed in early 2017 when he sang “Blow”. Blaze said he has not yet been approached by either party.

Soca singer and comedian, Kwasi “Ace” Edmonson said party supporters need to refrain from seeing an appearance as allegiance unless performers explicitly endorse a political party. “People need to understand that at the end of the day everybody has a job description, which would entail us performing, regardless of who

Some singers have openly endorsed political parties.

Reigning Soca Monarch, Brandon Harding and reigning Calypso Monarch, Kenroy “Mighty Believer” Fraser have thrown their support behind the APNU+AFC. Notwithstanding sharing several social media posts supporting acts of the governing APNU+AFC party, Edmondson said he has not endorsed any political party, nor would he turn down an offer from the PPP/C to perform at an event for them. He does, however, noted that performers are also citizens and are entitled to the support or criticisms of dif-

Guyanese singer, Blaze Antonio

fering aspects of any political party.

During elections time, staunch party supporters for either major parties are not very representative of Guyana’s usual atmosphere of unity and love. Former national Soca Monarch, Jumo “Rubberwaist” Primo, said he sympathises with Ramphal and Singh’s situation after performing for the APNU+AFC last Friday.

He was once a victim of a similar situation.

“Politics in this country is very nasty and I try to stay away from it. I made a mistake and did a political ad about eight or nine years ago and it wasn’t a good reception. People would call you names, traitor, sell-out, all of these kinds of things, so I tend to refrain from endorsing a political party,” Jumo shared.

He noted that he has not yet been approached by either of the major political parties. He is guarded in saying whether he would perform for either of the major political parties but noted he would deliberate and make a decision if any offer is made.

Jumo calls for upgrading of Guyana’s outdated copyright laws, which would prevent any political party from using work by performers without legal requirement of remuneration for the artiste.

The PPP/C has utilised two of Farmer Nappy’s songs, including his 2019 soca hit “Hookin Meh”, in their current campaign promotion.

However, that was done without Nappy’s approval and the singer’s management team is said to be taking the party to court over the theft of his intellectual property.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 10, 2020

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Bring on the victory!

--East Ruimveldt choir ready for ‘Mash’ competitions

IT’S about that time of the year when the school’s academic curriculum will accommodate the cultural ‘Mashramani’ celebrations.

Even though the costumes and the dances are the most dominant activities, there are a large number of students who look forward to the battle of the school choirs. Most of these activities, however, are spearheaded by some hardworking, talented teachers.

In an interview with ‘The Buzz’ the mastermind behind defending champion, East Ruimveldt Secondary, told the story of how it all started.

Gabrelle Cummings, at just 22, has been making well her name in the school system, and the choir at her school.

Quite interestingly, this young teacher was an aspiring lawyer who took a break from the law studies and ended up falling in love with the teaching profession.

A product of Saints Stanislaus College who went on to the Bishops High Sixth Form to get her foundation education in law went to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) as her way of breaking from law studies.

“However, I ended up falling in love with the profession. I have no intentions of going back to law right now. When I was a child, I was always told that I should be a lawyer, because I was so outspoken. And I thought maybe I should be a lawyer, because of how many people were telling me to do that.

But when I went to Bishops and I did CAPE and everything, I tried out CPCE as a break. Though it was challenging, it was the challenge that made me fall in love with it… I think I have found my calling. At East Ruimveldt Secondary, I teach the Third, Fourth and Fifth Form classes Social Studies and History,” Cummings said.

She said that CPCE taught her how to deal with children, and how to operate with certain situations. And as she reflected on her years in school and the types of teachers she was exposed to, she had a conviction of becoming that teacher that wants to be a positive influence on her students.

“I developed a very deep bond with my students and

Miss Gabby with her champion students

my past students. I believe

place; be that guiding light,

you are stuck with them throughout school, and going to ‘East’ was like a culture shock for me,” she said. “So I started with two young men from Fourth Form that went to every First and Second

Gabrelle Cummings, teacher at East Ruimveldt Secondary School

East Rumveldt Secondary’s choir performing at their school Miss Gabby receiving the ‘Favourite Teacher’ award

teachers need to have patience, and they need to be great listeners,” Gabrelle said, adding: “You may have a lot on your mind, but sometimes you have to put aside all that is going on with you and deal with the students immediately. Teachers are humans too, but you have to ensure that you can keep going behind students to ensure that certain things are put in

identify their abilities and push them.”

It was on that note that she spoke about the choir that she created at East Ruimveldt. The young teacher said that she got a culture shock when she was placed at the school and found out they had no choir.

“Coming from ‘Saints’ that had a choir that recruits you from Form One, then

Form class and encouraged the students to join the choir.

And we would practise at lunchtime, and I tried to mix up the choir a bit from the usual national songs. We mix Contemporary and even Soca, and I think that’s one of the things that make us stand out. Our students like to dance, and I try to make it enjoyable for them. We are completely unorthodox, and I guess that is how we win.”

Now the choir at the

school is one of the most exciting things for the students, especially now that they are the champions. Cummings pointed out too, that it has become a way for her to connect with the students, since she teaches Third, Fourth and Fifth Formers, and the choir involves the First and Second Formers too.

“I do it with a whole lot of joy behind it, because this is what I love. I am also working along with a music teacher at the Music

School who is teaching me to conduct the choir. And as I learn, I teach the students, so they can conduct choirs, even within their groups and communities.”

With Mashramani around the corner, Cummings said that the children are all excited, and are in preparation mode to defend their title early February.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 10, 2020

Harmonizing local talents through the ‘Vocal identity series’

By Alisa Lashley

YOUTH development in any country is vital, since youth are deemed the “change-makers of tomorrow”. It is without a doubt that youth play one of the most important roles in the steadfast development of any country. They are not only

tomorrow’s leaders, but also the anchors of today.

The Buzz recently interviewed an exceptional young man with an astonishing voice, and an impactful vision. Cardel Hunte is a 19-year-old Artiste, Entrepreneur and University student who hails from the village of Pouderoyen on the West Bank of Demerara. Cardel’s

drive to help others began at a very early age, with a sense of purpose being to help others achieve their own purpose. In 2016, he was selected amongst seven other outstanding youth to represent Guyana as a Caribbean youth ambassador in the annual Youth Ambassador Programme hosted by the US State Department and World

Learning Organisation. “It was here where I got a sense of leadership and civic engagement. I knew I had a passion for helping others, for singing and for purpose finding, so why not compile it all into one big project. A year after, I founded the Non-profit Organisation known as The Vocal identity Series,” Cardel told The Buzz.

VOCAL IDENTITY SERIES The name was said to be chosen as a combination of the development of vocal talents and the finding of one’s purpose and identity. The motto of the group is, “I am my voice, a unique sound; not an echo”.

He described this venture as a space where young vocal artists can learn more about themselves by finding their talents. The series includes training and development in unique areas (singing, public speaking, rapping, vocal percussion, poetry and spoken word and worship singing) for six months.

In addition to interactive sessions about the vocal talents, participants can look forward to purpose-charged sessions which teach them about individuality, civic engagement, and unlocking hidden potential, team-building and setting and achieving goals.

The series began with a group of 10 singers in 2017, and was just known as a vocal training organization. It later blossomed into what it is today, with many other branches and units for other vocal artists. In 2018, the VIS family grew tremendously, as they started the first series with extended units.

This saw some seven individuals finishing the programme, and in 2019, nine participants successfully finished the programme. It is without a doubt

that the third season, beginning in February of 2020, will be even bigger, better and more impactful, as plans are being made to involve senior students in secondary schools across Guyana, Cardel said.

The Vocal Identity Series has successfully seen the transformation of 21 young vocal artists across various regions in Guyana from different backgrounds and walks of life. Cardel posited that “Participants are using their talents today in their respective job fields, churches, and even to give back to society. Many of them have also bandwagoned to volunteer with the organisation for the next few seasons to help others get to where they are today.”

The young groundbreaker called on other youth leaders to act now with their ideas and

Vocal identity series

goals of changing the world.

“Our youth makes us powerful and capable to do all those things our communities, country and our world need. Find a team of persons willing to share that vision with you, and together, make it work,” he said.

In the future, Cardel sees many more projects coming into fruition, which will continue to help persons achieve their purpose. He is currently working on his first book titled, ‘I Dare Me’, which is a guide to living a purposeful life, as well as his debut single ‘Through the Fire’.

Plans are also in perspective as he prepares to launch an organisation called “Shape us up”, which will combat issues youth face in their respective social arenas.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 10, 2020

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G.O.A.T’s on tomorrow @ 704 Marlon Jacobs some years ago to celebrate his birthday, and is now one of his main events for the year as a promoter.

The young promoter said he came up with the concept because he wanted to have a birthday celebration where all the persons that were born in January could come and celebrate with him, and bring along their friends and family to celebrate too.

“And the goat, that’s the sign for Capricorn, that’s

TOMORROW night, all roads lead to 704 for the ‘Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T) party!’ G.O.A.T

has grown to be one the most anticipated birthday celebrations in Guyana, and it’s 2020 return is said to be

bigger and better than the years before.

This party and concept was created and hosted by

GUYANESE artiste, Mark Batson is at it again, making strides in his music career. The 35-year-old singer released a new video for his hit single ‘Gimme some space’, just four days ago.

Shooting the video popular area, ‘Tiger Bay’, Batson said the whole idea of the video is to highlight everyday things that happen in society.

He said the song speaks about fake friends and ‘bad mind’ people, and seeking guidance from the most high to be rid of those types of people from your life.

The song was extracted as a single from his last album ‘Music without Borders’ and has been one of the favourites off the album.

Batson, who made his debut with his popular soca song ‘Anaconda’, went off the music scene for quite some time. However, he has returned under new management, Vizion Sounds Records, and has been doing amazing things.

Just last year, Batson was a buzzing sensation in the Jamaican press after he performed at ‘Jamrock’. He was initially invited to perform at the Dennis Brown Tribute Concert at Waterfront Jamaica, but his impressive performance sparked other gigs in the ‘Land of Wood and Water’.

He performed at the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) Awards, alongside D’Burn. The two artistes performed a medley of Buju Banton’s song, as the Award show this year

paid homage to the formerly incarcerated Reggae icon.

Batson told ‘The Buzz’ that the performance at the awards was well received, and many Jamaican artistes in attendance, including the young sensation ‘Koffee’,

were all fascinated.

This exposure opened many more opportunities for the local superstar, who almost gave up on his singing career a few years ago.

He is currently working on some new material that

Mark Batson releases new video ‘Gimme some space’

Scenes from Mark Batson’s music video ‘Gimme some space’

the representation of all Capricorns. A lot of people gravitate to that, and I have hundreds of Capricorns who would come with their friends and their family to have a great time… This year, it is being held at 704. I think that is a small venue, but we will make it work,” Jacobs said.

He said that while there are no pre-sold tickets, persons will pay a $2,000 door cost upon entry.

Jacobs said that patrons can expect a crazy ambience.

“All of their favourite young DJs will be there. Drinks specials all night, and Capricorn’s can also bring a cake,” he added.

Much anticipation is already spreading, as the team would have been promoting and enticing the people through social media and ‘ads’.

Jacobs said he never disappoints with his events, and this one will be no different.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Windies secure ODI series win over Ireland after thrilling one-wicket win WEST Indies claimed an ODI series win over Ireland after a thrilling one-wicket victory in Bridgetown last night.

In an extraordinary finish at Kensington Oval, the Windies went past their target of 238 with one ball remaining in the second ODI. Sheldon Cottrell hit a six off the second last ball of the innings to give the hosts a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

But Ireland were left to lament what could have been after an incredible finish to the contest.

Paul Stirling (63) had guided Ireland to 237-9 after they elected to bat first, with Alzarri

Joseph (4-32) again starring for the Windies.

Rain delays impacted the Windies’ chase as Nicholas Pooran (52) and Kieron Pollard (40) looked to have them on track for victory.

Hayden Walsh made an unbeaten 46, but it still took a nervy finish for the hosts to get over the line.

Ireland almost found a decisive run out off the third ball of the final over, but replays were inconclusive as to whether Mark Adair broke the stumps with the ball or his hands with Cottrell well short of his ground.

They should have sealed victory off the next

ball after a mix up between Walsh and Cottrell but, with both batsmen almost stranded at one end, the latter recovered after Adair was unable to cleanly take a throw.

That would be Ireland’s last chance as Cottrell smashed a six over covers off the next ball to clinch victory.

The final game of the series is at St George’s, Grenada on Sunday.

Caption: Pacer Alzarri Joseph was again named Man-of-the Match for his (4-32).

Nichoas Pooran top scored for the West Indies with 52.

Walter Moore quits professional football pushed him to choose another profession. However, despite not being known for being disobedient to the woman he called his ‘backbone’, Moore ignored his mother’s concerns and stuck with his beloved craft.

“I got so much negative feeds from people about how footballers from Guyana never make it and was determined to prove them wrong,” Moore stated, and pointed out that his Mother eventually saw his passion and encouraged him to follow his dreams.

“To be honest it happened all so fast! I went from the U-15

national team all the way to senior team, to Trinidad to the USA then Kazakhstan and now Finland, where I’m married and settle with my family. I can say I enjoy it all; met some good

people and friends and I thank God for this.”

Moore, who is now a UEFA B Licensed Coach and is currently in the process of acquiring his A Licences,

Chanderpaul, Johnson, Hemraj...

A string of half-centuries from the top order left defending Regional 4-Day champs Guyana Jaguars in the driver’s seat heading into day two of their first round encounter versus Leeward Hurricanes.

At the Sir Viv Richards Ground in Antigua, Guyana were 210-4 from 90 overs at stumps following a successful opening day after choosing to bat.

All-rounder Chris Barnwell was 3 not out awaiting a new partner after left-hander Vishaul Singh departed a few balls prior to stumps for 25.

The early impetus was

provided by an aggressive approach from Chandrapaul Hemraj who got his season off to a brilliant start with a half-century.

The Windies Test lefthander caressed six fours and two maximums on his way to 52 from just 61 balls.

He added 74 for the opening stand with top-scorer Tagenarine Chanderpaul before he was dismissed.

Chanderpaul also started the new year with a gritty knock of 60 at the top of the order. The left-hander faced some 240 deliveries and struck 7 fours as he wore out the Hurricane bowlers.

Bolt has kind words for...

DOUBLE sprint world record holder Usain Bolt has offered words of encouragement for athletes preparing to take part in the 2020 Youth Olympics in Lausanne.

A total of 1 783 athletes from 79 nations are expected to compete in some 81 events over the next month.

His native Jamaica will not be among them, with the Caribbean represented at the winter event by Haiti and Trinidad & Tobago.

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Final Say Race 2 Bodes Sunset Race 3 Secret Rules Race 4 Magari Race 5 Halo City Race 6 Orchid Party Race 7 Miss Jak Race 8 Barbara English Racing Tips Sedgefield 08:15 hrs Titus Bolt 08:50 hrs Colorado Doc 09:25 hrs Rostello 10:00 hrs Flowery 10:35 hrs Tractor Fred

The former sprinter took the time out to wish all the young competitors about to take part in the event good look and encouraged them to enjoy the experience as they reach for their dreams.

“That’s where I started, that’s where your future starts to take shape,” Bolt said via a video message.

So, go there and do your best and enjoy yourself. That’s the key thing. Enjoy the experience. You’re this young.

11:05 hrs Blazing Port 11:35 hrs Universal Folly Lingfield 08:35 hrs Moondance 09:10 hrs Reeves 09:45 hrs Swiss Pride 10:20 hrs Island Hideaway 10:55 hrs Noble Peace 11:25 hrs Salkeev 11:55 hrs Royal Dynasty South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:43 hrs Helen’s Ideal 09:25 hrs Shamrock Wind 10:05 hrs Celtic Sea 10:40 hrs Pinkerton

FROM BACKPAGE encouraged aspiring local players, to stay focussed and “that you can be whatever you want, all it takes is the mind-set to make it no matter how hard it seems.”

FROM BACKPAGE Skipper Leon Johnson, who got into some form with a ton during the Jags practice game, continued his fruitful run as he crafted 59 from 123 deliveries with 8 fours and a solitary 6.

With both openers back in the dressing room, Johnson and Chanderpaul then teamed up as they also added a solid half-century stand, taking the Jaguars over the 200 mark.

When the top-order ended, Singh and Barnwell steadied the ship before the former was dismissed. Day two’s action continues today.

FROM BACKPAGE Take your time, develop and get great,” Bolt added.

The Jamaica speeder would know all about excelling at the youth level after claiming gold medals in the 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m relays at the 2002 World Junior Championship in Kingston and gold in the 200m at 2003 World Youth Championships in Sherbrooke. Bolt went on to win a total of 20 Olympic and World Championship medals in a stellar career.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

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Australian cricketers Paine, Lyon see ‘mind-blowing’ fire devastation (REUTERS) - Australian cricketers Tim Paine and Nathan Lyon said they were humbled to see the “unbelievable” efforts of rescue teams as they visited areas devastated by bushfires.

and Lyon visited Wingello, a town of about 500 people in hard-hit New South Wales, on Wednesday, days after it was devastated by the flames.

The pair walked through the charred shells of houses and past burnt-

mind-blowing,” said Paine.

“When you do see it, you realise ... the flat-out bravery of our firemen and women who have come out here to try and save lives and save properties. It has been an unbelievable effort,

Australia cricketers Tim Paine and Nathan Lyon pose with firefighters as they visit areas affected by bushfires in Southern Highlands, New South Wales, Australia, January 8, 2020 in this still image obtained from social media video (CRICKET AUSTRALIA/via REUTERS)

Twenty-seven people have been killed this fire season as huge fires have scorched through more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, an area the size of South Korea.

Australian captain Paine

out vehicles and met rescue crews and residents.

“It’s been a really special day for us, to come down and see some of the devastation and see the size of the fire that has come through places like this has been absolutely

so we thought it was really important to come here and say ‘thank you’.”

“It has been a really special day, a really humbling day.”

Sports organisations in Australia have kept a watch-

Buttler fined for verbal volley at Philander in second Test JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has been fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point after a foul-mouthed verbal volley aimed at South Africa batsman Vernon Philander during the second Test at Newlands on Tuesday.

Buttler was heard swearing at Philander through the stump microphone on day five as the South African batted to save the Test for the home side, who succumbed to a 189-run defeat to leave the four-match series level at 1-1.

Buttler was found guilty of a breach of the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct for players, specifically the “use of an audible obscenity during an international cricket match”.

He accepted the sanction, which means there will be no need for a formal hearing. He could have been

24-month period, they are converted into suspension points. Two suspension points equate to a ban from

Jos Buttler (left) was caught on stump microphone making a comment to South Africa’s Vernon Philander

fined up to 50% of his match fee and received two demerit points.

When a player receives four demerit points in a

one Test match or two limited overs internationals.

The third Test will start in Port Elizabeth on January 16.

ful eye on the weather after a Twenty20 Big Bash match in Canberra was called off last month due to poor air quality caused by smoke from fires.

A women’s soccer match

scheduled for the town of Newcastle today was postponed and Tennis Australia has said it will halt matches if it has to at the Australian Open due to start later this month.

Athletes such as tennis player Nick Kyrigos and former Australian bowler Shane Warne have been at the forefront of efforts to raise money for victim and relief efforts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Five-day Tests the way to go without a doubt - Mickey Arthur

… get support from Shastri, Gayle and Mahela

A sunny day of Test cricket at The Oval. (Getty Images)

By Deivarayan Muthu in Pune SRI Lanka coach Mickey Arthur, who is part of the ICC cricket committee that will consider making four-day Tests mandatory as part of the World Test Championship from 2023, has shot down the proposal.

Arthur has joined the likes of Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes and Vernon Philander in opposing four-day Test cricket, which is being considered by the ICC in order to free up a calendar that is cramped with too many fixtures and T20 leagues.

“Look, I say five-day Test cricket is the way to go,” Arthur said on the eve of Sri Lanka’s third T20I against India in Pune. “Test cricket challenges you - it challenges you mentally, it challenges you physically and it challenges you technically. And a lot of the time on the fifth day, we’ve witnessed a really good Test match that wouldn’t have lasted (otherwise).”

A move to cut the fifth day would ease the financial pressure on boards, but Arthur stressed that Test cricket shouldn’t be tampered with because of financial or commercial reasons.

“Look, we can talk about financial pressures and that type of stuff,” he said. “(But), I think the fabric of Test cricket shouldn’t be messed with. You want wickets deteriorating on day five, you want thrillers that go all the way, there are a lot of really good exciting draws where one team plays it out. So, I definitely think five-day Test cricket is the way to go without a doubt.”

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, who is also part of the ICC cricket committee, isn’t in favour of four-day Test cricket as well.

“We will discuss it in the meeting and I don’t know what will happen after that but my personal opinion is that it should remain five days. I would not want any change,” Jaywardene had told PTI. India coach Ravi Shastri is also not a fan of the proposal. “Four-day Test is nonsense,” he told Indian news channel CNN-News18.

“If this goes on we may have limited-overs Tests. There is no need to tamper with five-day Tests.

If at all they want to tamper, then let the top six sides play five-day Tests and the next six be allowed to play four-day Tests. If you want to preserve Tests then let the top six play more against each other.

You have the shorter format to popularise the game.”

West Indies opener Chris Gayle also joined the other strong voices in rejecting the idea of four-day Test cricket. “I am not a fan of that (four-day Tests).

I’ve played 100 Test matches,” Gayle said. “A few finish in three days, a few finish in four days but five days Test cricket is ultimate.

It sets the trend. It has been there for ages, so why go and mess with it. If they give other players opportunity to actually experience it as well because it can be a life-changing experience to play five days of Test cricket. It tests your mental state so you can cope in life as well.”

The ICC is set to meet in March 2020 to discuss the four-day Test proposal. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Ramnaresh Sarwan/BCB U-17 tournament

Rose Hall Canje, RHT Bakewell to clash in semi-finals DEFENDING champions Rose Hall Town (RHT) Bakewell will battle Rose Hall Canje in the lone semi-final of the Berbice Cricket Board/Ramnaresh Sarwan U-17 tournament.

The defending champion defeated archrivals Tucber Park by 5 wickets in the quarterfinals while Albion defeated Port Mourant by eight wickets to advance to the final.

Playing at Area ‘H’ Ground, the visiting Tucber Park won the toss and elected to bat first, following a delay of one hour due to early morning rain. Tucber Park were eventually bowled out for 74 in 36.4 overs.

National Under-15 batsman Zeynul Ramsammy and Savishkar Sobhai hit 14 apiece and were the only batsmen to reach double figures.

RHT Bakewell off-spinners Ricardo Ramdehol 4-13 and Jonathan Rampersaud 3-19 were the primary wicket-takers.

In reply, RHT Bakewell reached 80-5 from 16.3overs after Rampersaud completed a fine all-round performance by chipping in with 25 while Lucas Arthur was unbeaten on 13. Abdul Ramsammy’s 3-17 was good but not good enough to give Tucber Park the edge.

Albion defeated Blairmont and Port Mourant by 18 runs and 8 wickets respectively in the quarter- and semi-finals to advance to the final.

Albion were restricted to 134 by Blairmont in 46.2 overs with Hemendra Gurdyal 14 and Leon Cecil 18 being the main scorers. Akash Harilall 3-19 and Anthony Sukhra 2-10 did the damage with the ball for Blairmont.

The visitors were then routed for 116 all out in 42 overs as national Youth batsman Marvon Prashad stroked 55 while Satyah France 19 and Anthony Sukhra 13 managed double figures.

Bowling for Albion was led by Pavendra Ganesh who snared 3-12.

In the semifinals, Port Mourant were shot down for 82 with 29 extras from 40 overs.

Salim Khan and Andy Downer each scored 17 as Inzam Shazam claimed 4-20. Albion then raced to 84 for 2 from 13 overs with Hemendra Gurdyal hitting 28 and Naresh Veersammy 18.

Meanwhile, RHT Bakewell and Rose Hall Canje would replay their semi-final match after the first match was washed out.

The BCB hopes to complete the tournament by the end of January, so that the 2020 edition can start by mid-February.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Persaud, Seyhodan earn top prizes at McGill SSSC Awards ceremony CAPTAIN of the McGill Super Stars Sports Club, Sudesh Persaud, led from the front last season and was duly rewarded when the Canal Number One side held its annual Awards ceremony on Wednesday evening at New Thriving in Providence.

The top order batsman, who bowls medium fast, tallied a whopping 260 runs and 12 wickets, to finish as Cricketer-of-the-Year.

The Most Valuable Player’s Award went to former national U-19 left-arm spinner Kheshram Seyhodan.

Seyhodan showed his all-round abilities last season by taking 21 wickets to go with a whopping 367 runs.

He was also rewarded for his best figures, 5-34, which he got

against Omesh XI in a West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) battle.

In an invited comment, the 21-yearold Seyhodan noted: “It was a great experience playing for the club. I had some downfalls, but in the end, I made it through due to the support of my friends and family. It was a pleasure playing with the McGill Superstars.”

Another former national Youth cricketer, Daniel Basdeo, took a whopping 24 wickets with his left-arm seam-bowling,

The various winners at the Awards ceremony awards.

Meanwhile, Ganesh Persaud, who took 12 wickets and scored 180 runs, was adjudged Most Improved Player.

Former national U-19 skipper Travis Persaud, the son of Sudesh, won three trophies. He Kheshram Seyhodan (right) collects finished with the Most one of his trophies from president Runs (415) and Highest of the WDCA, Anand Sanasie.

Score (100 twice), while he was also rewarded for his Fielding. while making 229 runs. For his Lower middle-order batsman exploits, he won Best All-rounder-of-the-Year and Most Wickets Prahalad Singh was rewarded for finishing the season with the

Best Strike Rate (139.6), while off-spinner Abdul Razack finished as the Most Economical Bowler (3.5 RPO).

There were several special awards, including one to president of the WDCA Anand Sanasie, who was a special invitee. Other recipients included Trevor Lawrie, Troy Persaud, David Sears, Ravin Paramdeo, Rameshwar Persaud and sport reporters Timothy Jaikarran, Romario Samaroo and Faizool Deo. Telco Solutions, Trophy Stall, Anil Beharry, Rameshwar Persaud, Karan Singh and Anand Persaud sponsored the event.

Mighty Marnus hits new Test-rankings high MARNUS Labuschagne’s golden summer has seen him jump up to third spot in the latest ICC rankings to sit behind only Virat Kohli and Steve Smith among the world’s Test batters.

Labuschagne’s double of 215 and 59 in the third Domain Test at the SCG completed a record-breaking summer of run-scoring that has seen him move ahead of New Zealand’s Kane Williamson in the latest rankings.

And David Warner’s second-innings hundred in Sydney has seen him move up two spots to fifth, meaning there are three Australians in the top five batters.

It’s been a remarkable rise from Labuschagne, who was ranked 107th in the world after last year’s Sydney Test.

On a bowling front, Mitchell Starc has been rewarded for his impressive summer with a move up to fifth (behind teammate Pat Cummins, who retains top spot), while Nathan Lyon has leaped from 19th to equal 14th after he took 10 wickets in Sydney.

Elsewhere, Ben Stokes has been rewarded for his player-of-the-match performance against South Africa in Cape Town with a move up to 10th spot in the batting rankings, while he’s also up to 27th among the bowlers.

Check out the full ICC rankings here ICC Test batting rankings 1) Virat Kohli (India) 2) Steve Smith (Australia) 3) Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)

4) Kane Williamson (New Zealand) 5) David Warner (Australia) 6) Cheteshwar Pujara (India) 7) Babar Azam (Pakistan) 8) Joe Root (England) 9) Ajinkya Rahane (India) 10) Ben Stokes (England) ICC Test bowling rankings 1) Pat Cummins (Australia) 2) Neil Wagner (New Zealand) 3) Jason Holder (West Indies) 4) Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) 5) Mitchell Starc (Australia) 6) Jasprit Bumrah (India) 7) James Anderson (England) 8) Vernon Philander (South Africa) 9) Ravichandran Ashwin (India) 10) Mohammad Shami (India)

Australia’s in-form No.3 Marnus Labuschagne breaks into the top three of the ICC Test batting list.

Pakistani businessman contributes cricket shoes to six clubs PAKISTANI businessman and sports enthusiast, Mohammad Abdullah, donated 24 pairs of cricket shoes to several cricket clubs on Wednesday at a simple ceremony held at Trophy Stall in Bourda Market.

Georgetown Cricket Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Muslim Youth Organisation, Everest Cricket Club, Ogle Cricket Club and Zeelugt Cricket Club benefitted from contributions of four pairs of footwear each.

Abdullah of Lahore, Pakistan, based company, Cyber Sports, noted that the presentation was geared towards bringing and keeping young people in sports.

GUYANA PREMIER LEAGUE The Pakistani, who is expected to make a similar donation in June, noted that he is planning with Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall

to organise a Guyana Premier League in the coming future.

He said that the aim of the event would be to enhance the lives of young children, especially those who need help.

“This is our main aim. You know if we increase our efforts and encourage the youths to get involved in sports we can have a better nation and in that way we can reduce the crime rate rapidly; so our main motive is to save our young generation.”

Everest CC’s Rehana Ragoobeer said that the boots would be put to good use. “We will ensure that the less fortunate youths in the clubs benefit and hopefully they can show some improvement in their game.”

Cyber Sports also supplies sports equipment to other parts of the world including Bosnia and the UK.

ith tatives pose w d ubs’ represen Some of the cl ullah of Cyber Sports (c) an ). ht bd A rig ad om m fr am ird oh M ophy Stall (th Tr of ch ni Su Ramesh

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

RHTYSC com p l e t es 743 activitie s in 2019 - the most successfu

in club’s h istory THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), has described 2019 as the most successful year since its formation in 1990, almost 3 decades ago.

The club successfully completed a record 743 activities during the year, dating back from January 1 to December 24. They carried out activities under a wide range of sub-headings including sports, coaching, charity, social, educational, anti-suicide, cultural, economic development, community development, anti-tobacco, anti-crime, publications and medicals.

Among the main highlights the year were the club’s performance on the cricket field, Say No/Say Yes Campaign, 29th Annual Award Ceremony, Youth Information Booklet, Berbice Sports Awards, Ansa McAl Award of Excellence, Christmas Charity Programme and the 5th edition of the Rose Hall Town

l year

Christmas Village.

On the cricket field, RHTYSC cricket teams continued their dominance of Berbice Cricket by winning the Trophy Stall Under-13, New York Business Group Under-19 20/20, New Building Society 40 Overs (2018), Shimron Intermediate 40 Overs, Beacon Foundation 20/20 and has to date reached the final of the Elizabeth Styles Under-21, Let’s Bet Sports 100 Balls, Raffik’s Construction 100 Balls, STAG Beer 50 Overs, Ivan Madray Memorial 20/20 and Busta Champions of Champions.

A total of 22 club members represented Berbice at the Male U-15, U-17, U-19, and Female levels. Clinton Pestano, Kevlon Anderson, Jason Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Shawn Pereira, Eon Hooper, Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, Chanderpaul Govindhan all played in the GCB franchise league.

At the NaFlashback! Members and awardees at the RHTYSC Annual Award Ceremony tional level, the following members played for Guyana: Under-15 Mat- als, gifts and prizes were shared out to $3M Christmas Charity Programme and thew Pottaya, Under-19 Sinclair and outstanding club members at the 29th the hosting of the biggest-ever Christmas Kevlon Anderson, Under-19 Female Oma Annual Awards Ceremony while in one Village, which was attended by thousands Matadin and Shabika Gajnabi. Female of its largest-ever outreach programme, of children and their parents.

2020 would be a special year in the Seniors - Meliane Henry, Shamaine the RHTYSC 10 cricket teams shared out over $6M worth of cricket gear, cricket history of RHTYSC as the Organisation Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, Plaffina would be celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Millington, Erva Giddings, Sheneta balls etc.

Among the numerous other events/ Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated Grimmond. Three RHTYSC members played at the senior level - Pestano, Assad programmes hosted in 2019 were that the Management of the club had set Fudadin, and Kevin Sinclair for Guyana, Republic Bank Summer Camp, Ansa itself a target of 700 activities.

Jamaica and West Indies Emerging Play- McAl Award of Excellence, NAMILThe main projects for 2020 would CO 50th Anniversary Day of Sports, ers X1 respectively.

Tribute to Heroes, NAMILCO Exer- be a complete restoration of the club’s Esaun Crandon continued to impress cise Books Project, Youth Informa- office, improved sanitary and dressas a cricket coach for Guyana and the tion Booklet and a Medical Outreach ing-room facilities, restoration of the club’s charity kitchen, expanded Say West Indies. Kevlon Anderson was also Programme with American Doctors. selected to represent the West Indies at The club also used its vast network- No/Say Yes Campaign, 30th Award the Under-19 level while Clinton Pestano ing links to raise over $10M in cash Ceremony, 30th Anniversary Magazine was a part of the Amazon Warriors team. and kind for the Berbice Cricket Board and a month-long 30th anniversary Over $3M worth of trophies, med- (BCB). The year ended with a massive celebration in September.

Langer hands over keys to Andrew McDonald for India tour AUSTRALIA head coach Justin Langer has promised he won’t call his senior assistant Andrew McDonald after he hands over the reins for Australia’s three-match ODI tour of India next week.

Langer will remain in Perth to take a well-earned break following a triumphant home summer thus far where his side went undefeated across six T20Is and five Test matches.

McDonald will take the lead coaching role with Australia for the first time after being convinced to join Langer’s coaching staff late last year. Langer, who had a similar chance to take the job in a stand-in capacity when Darren Lehmann missed a series in West Indies in 2016, wants to allow McDonald to take control of this tour.

“I said to him this morning, we aren’t inventing the wheel,” Langer said. “He’s got a really good opportunity, I’m so confident in our coaching staff with the cricket side of things.

“He’s an excellent coach and we have other excellent coaches to back him up. I said to him I won’t

ring him, I’ll let him go, but he said ‘I might ring you’. He’ll do a really good job. I’m sure for three one-dayers it will go really well.”

McDonald was so highly regarded by Langer that in a bid to lure him into the national set-up he was allowed to maintain his coaching roles in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals and in the Hundred with the Birmingham Phoenix.

McDonald is the clear front-runner to take the Australia job in the future, should he want it, and taking charge of this tour is part of his development. “Of course,” Langer said when asked about the potential of McDonald stepping up permanently one day.

“He’s the senior assistant coach of the Australian team.”

“Looking back, it was a big part of my apprenticeship, no doubt about that. There are different things that happen along the way and one of those was getting the opportunity to coach in the West Indies from Boof (Darren Lehmann).

It’s all part of the apprenticeship.

He’s got great credentials and he’ll keep growing.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday December 10, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Wes Hall (vs PAK, Lahore, 1958-59) (2) Lance Gibbs (vs AUST, Adelaide, 1960-61) Today’s Quiz: (1) When did the WI win a Test series in Australia for the first time?

(2) What is Clive Lloyd’s highest Test score?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Australia have made a number of changes to the ODI squad from the one that lost the World Cup semi-final to England. The all-round duo of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis have been omitted after being automatic selections over the previous 18 months while Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh have also made way in the top order.

Marnus Labuschagne has been given his opportunity after a stunning Test summer and strong domestic form, where he was named joint player-of-the-tournament in the Marsh Cup, Australia’s 50over domestic competition, which Langer said gave the selectors the opportunity to bring him in. “(I’m) really excited about that,” Langer said. “If you look at his domestic one-day record, it’s excellent. The fact that he’s done so well, he’s given us some ammunition to select him but he also fits one of those roles we’re looking for - the middle-order batsman, runs hard between the wickets, plays spin very well, very fit, gun fielder, bowls a few leggies.

It’s a great package for one-day cricket so we’re very excited to see how he goes. And he deserves that opportunity. Not just on his Test form but on his domestic one-day form as well.”

Australia do not play Test cricket again until June in Bangladesh, with ODI and T20 assignments in India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand taking place before then.

But Langer was already casting his mind forward to a tour where Australia have had trouble in the past. He was part of a team that almost lost the first Test to Bangladesh in 2006 when they arrived

horribly underdone after a threeTest tour to South Africa.

Australia then lost a Test there in 2017, eventually drawing the two-Test series 1-1. They played with three spinners in one of the matches but the success of Australia’s frontline quicks on some slower pitches in England as well as in Australia may see a rethink of their strategy, as they did in India in 2004.

“Maybe,” Langer said. “We’ll look at the conditions. I remember when Australia won after many, many years in India - in 2004 - it was on the back of some very, very disciplined fast bowling. Adam Gilchrist was the captain. We had very clear plans and we talked about during the Ashes series, we had very clear plans on that.

“So it could happen, it’d be so hard to leave out one of those three or four bowlers. So we’ll look at that when it comes to Bangladesh, but there’s a good combination at the moment.”

Mitchell Swepson, who was called into the squad for the Sydney Test, is the frontrunner for one of the extra spin-bowling slots alongside Nathan Lyon. The other key question will be whether they take a seam-bowling all-rounder but, as Langer noted, the candidates - he name-checked Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis and Moises Henriques - are currently either not bowling or doing very little.

Marsh, who broke his hand early in the season, should be able to increase his bowling loads when the Sheffield Shield resumes in February but it remains to be seen whether 20-year-old Green, who is tipped for higher honours, will have the ball back after suffering a stress fracture of his back. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Thomas, McCoy to undergo fitness work with ODI squad BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, ( CMC) – Fast bowlers Oshane Thomas and Obed McCoy have been added to the West Indies squad for the Ireland series to undergo “supervised fitness and technical work” with head coach Phil Simmons.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said Thursday Simmons had “expressed concerns over the readiness” of both players and had asked that they be allowed to link up with the side for the two remaining One-Day Internationals of the three-match series.

“Head coach Phil Simmons recently expressed concerns over the readiness of both Oshane and Obed,” said director of cricket, Jimmy Adams.

“Out of the discussion, he requested a provision be made for both players to spend time with the squad over the course of the Ireland series where they could undergo supervised fitness and technical work.

“Ultimately this is part of an effort to widen the pool of players identified as having potential roles in our white ball squads.”

The 22-year-old Thom-

Fast bowler Oshane Thomas as has taken 24 wickets from 19 ODIs since making his debut 16 months ago but recently missed the tour of the subcontinent through fitness concerns.

He was good enough, however, to take 17 wickets for Jamaica Scorpions in last November’s Super50 Cup. Left-armer McCoy, meanwhile, featured in two ODIs on the tour of India two years ago and his only appearance since then was in two T20 Internationals against England last March.

The 23-year-old did not play in the Super50 Cup.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 10, 2020

Mayers maiden century rescues Barbados Pride

Guyana’s Duguid to officiate in ICC Under-19 World Cup GUYANA’S international umpire Nigel Duguid has been chosen by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as one of its match officials for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to get underway in South Africa from January 17.

It marks the third consecutive World Cup appearance for Duguid who also stood in the 2016 and 2018 tournaments in Bangladesh and New Zealand respectively.

Duguid joins Barbadian Leslie Reifer as the other regional umpire on the international panel which includes Roland Black, Ahmad Shah Pakteen, Sam Nogajski, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Ian Gould, Wayne Knights, Rashid Riaz Waqar, Anil Chaudhary, Patrick Bongani Jele, Iknow Chabi, Ravindra Wimalasiri, Masudur Rahman Mukul, Asif Yaqoob and Adrian Holdstock The former Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) left-arm spinner who gave up playing for an umpiring career in 2010, was appointed to the ICC TV Umpires panel the following year and has been officiating in regional matches ever since.

Duguid officiated in his first T20 International, featuring West Indies and Ireland on February 21, 2014 and has done 17 matches to date. He also stood in his first One Day International (ODI) on March 5, 2017 when West Indies opposed

England.

His last ODI stint was on August 8 last year when West Indies hosted India at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. He is also among the umpires in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Duguid also had a stint in the English cricket season in 2012 after doing duties in the Bangladesh ‘A’ team tour of the Caribbean the previous year.

Experienced umpires Knights of New Zealand and Sri Lanka’s Wimalasiri will take charge of the opening match featuring hosts South Africa and Afghanistan in the Kimberley on January 17.

Waqar will be the TV umpire for the first of 48 games in the tournament, with a 19-strong team of match officials confirmed by the ICC. Among those taking charge will be veteran Ian Gould, whose esteemed senior international career came to an end when he retired during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 on home soil.

The Englishman will join forces with Pakteen when India get the defence of their title underway against Sri Lanka in Bloemfontein, one of five group-stage matches he will officiate as on-field umpire.

In all, 16 umpires from 12 different countries will be

Former Volcanoes batsman Kyle Mayers scored a maiden hundred for his native Barbados Pride.

Umpire Nigel Duguid

on the field for five matches each in the first stage of the U-19 World Cup, with eight also performing the role of TV umpire.

The list includes five umpires who looked after the 2019 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier late last year, including Nogajski – who was on duty for the final between Papua New Guinea and Netherlands.

The Australian will take the reins for a historic occasion, with Japan playing their very first match against New Zealand in Potchefstroom. Chabi of Zimbabwe will join Nogajski out in the mide.

Nigeria will become the 31st different team to take part in the event when they face Australia, the second-most successful side since the competition first began in 1988 as the Youth Cricket World Cup. Bangladesh umpire Mukul and Duguid will be raising their finger in that match, on January 20 in Kimberley.

The pool stages will also see an Ashes rivalry revisited at Youth level, with Holdstock and Yaqoob in the middle for Australia’s clash with England, also at Kimberley, three days later.

The 16 umpires will be joined by three match referees for the duration of the tournament, with former Sri Lanka international Graeme Labrooy officiating alongside home official Shaid Wadvalla and England’s Phil Whitticase.

ICC Senior Manager - Umpires and Referees, Adrian Griffith: ‘The U-19 Cricket World Cup is a very important event in our calendar as it brings together the world’s most promising young players in a major ICC tournament, giving them the experience of competing on the global stage.

“We are committed to appointing the finest officials available and I have every confidence in the team travelling to South Africa for the U-19 Cricket World Cup that they will do a fine job. I wish them all the best.”

Umpire and match referee appointments for the knockout stages will be announced after the teams have been confirmed. The appointments for the Plate and Super League final will be finalised after the semi-finals. (Additional reporting from ICC Online Media Zone)

Simmons, Solozano, Bravo hit halfcenturies as Red Force post 241 for three ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Captain Darren Bravo was one of three batsmen with half-centuries to extend his purple patch as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force flourished on the opening day of their first-round match against Jamaica Scorpions here yesterday.

Choosing to bat first at Brian Lara Stadium, Red Force batted all day to reach 241 for three, with the left-handed Bravo ending unbeaten on exactly 50.

Twenty-year-old Keagan Simmons top-scored with 89 on first class debut, while

left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano impressed with 73.

The only real bright spark of the day for Scorpions came in the day’s eighth over when seamer Derval Green trapped Kyle Hope lbw for eight with 13 runs on the board.

But Red Force then batted in partnerships with Simmons anchoring two key stands to ensure the hosts dominated proceedings.

He first put on 135 for the second wicket with Solozano, a partnership which took Red Force to lunch on 52 without further loss.

The left-handed Simmons struck 10 fours in an innings spanning 205 balls and a shade over four hours while Solozano, also a left-hander, faced 173 deliveries in just under 3-¼ hours.

They were separated about 40 minutes before tea when Solozano gloved a sweep from captain John Campbell off-spin onto his stumps.

Bravo arrived to put on a further 66 for the third wicket and closed out the final session in an unbroken 27-run, fourth-wicket partnership with Joshua DaSilva

Darren Bravo

(14 not out).

Fresh off a half-century in the CWI President’s XI win over Ireland in Barbados last week, Bravo again looked in great touch and has so far struck five fours and a six – the only one of the innings – in a knock requiring 107 deliveries and lasting 2-½ hours.

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – All-rounder Kyle Mayers struck a maiden first-class hundred in his first-ever four-day appearance for his native Barbados Pride but Windward Islands Volcanoes did well to share the honours on the opening day of the contest at Arnos Vale Stadium.

The 27-year-old left-hander, who turned out for Volcanoes in several previous seasons, carved out an attacking 106 to lift the visitors to 233 all out at the close, after they were sent in here yesterday.

Support came only from Test left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican who scored a defiant 49 at number nine while Justin Greaves got a start with 20 but failed to carry on.

The innings was crippled by leg-spinner Keron Cottoy who claimed three for 41 while fast bowlers Josh Thomas (2-35) and Preston McSween (2-44), along with off-spinner Shane Shillingford (2-86) were the other wicket-takers.

Pride found themselves in turmoil at 36 for five after Thomas and McSween destroyed the top order in their opening burst.

Left-hander Shayne Moseley inside-edged a length ball from Thomas and was taken behind for five with the score on nine and, with no addition to the score, his partner and captain Kraigg Brathwaite (4) followed in the next over, feathering a leg-side catch behind.

Left-hander Jonathan Carter (3) then gave wicketkeeper Emmanuel Stewart his third catch of the innings when he edged a drive at McSween and Pride were 27 for four when Test batsman Shamarh Brooks (11) prodded at a Thomas out-swinger and edged behind.

When wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott was brilliantly taken at cover by Shillingford off new-ball bowler Sherman Lewis for six, Volcanoes were on top.

Mayers started the revival in a 34-run, sixth-wicket partnership with Greaves, and when Pride lost two wickets in three balls to be 74 for seven, Mayers added a further 114 in an invaluable eighth wicket stand with Warrican to rescue the innings.

All told, Mayers counted six fours and four sixes off 122 balls while Warrican belted three fours and three sixes in 81-ball knock.

Mayers reached his hundred in style, clearing the ropes at wide long-on with Shillingford before he was last out, holing out in the deep off Cottoy.

Farah wishes he had known earlier that Salazar faced ban LONDON (Reuters) - Olympic champion Mo Farah said on Thursday he would have been “the first one out” had he known that his former coach Alberto Salazar faced a ban from athletics for doping violations.

American Salazar stopped coaching Farah, double Olympic champion at both 5,000 and 10,000 metres, in 2017 when the runner decided to move back to England from the United States.

The Briton had said at the time that the doping investigation was not the reason they parted ways.

“Had I had known the news, what Salazar did, it’s taken four years, had I known that sooner I would have been the first one out,” the athlete,

who has never failed a drugs test and not being accused of any wrongdoing, told the BBC. “That’s the bit that’s kind of annoying, I wish I’d known quicker.”

Salazar has denied wrongdoing and has appealed against his four-year ban.

Farah announced in November that he was returning to the track to chase more gold in the 10,000m at this year’s Tokyo Olympics.

Windies secure ODI series win over Ireland after thrilling one-wicket win 22

Chanderpaul, Johnson, Hemraj hit fifties as Jaguars end day 1 in control PAGE

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Pacer Alzarri Joseph was again named Man-of-the Match for his (4-32).

Leon Johnson

Evin Lewis slices the ball over mid-off. (Getty Images)

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Nichoas Pooran top scored for the West Indies with 52.

s t i u q e r o o M r e t l a W l l a b t o o f l a n o i s s profe … turns attention to coaching

See story on page 22

Bolt has kind words for Youth Olympics youngsters PAGE

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… ‘Do your best and enjoy yourself’’

FLASHBACK! Javier Aquino (#11) fights off Guyana’s Walter Moore in the first half at BBVA Compass Stadium on October 12, 2012 in Houston, Texas.

By Rawle Toney WALTER Moore, who will go down as one of the best defenders Guyana has ever produced, has decided to call it a day on his playing career, for both club and country, and has now shifted his attention to coaching.

Moore, 35, who has made over 100 caps for Guyana, dating back to his time donning the colours of the Golden Jaguars at the U-15 level until his last appearance for country in their lead-up to the Gold Cup, during the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers.

Having played locally for Santos FC, Georgetown Football

Club (GFC), Fruta Conquerors, Alpha United and Slingerz FC, the 35-year-old Moore featured in Trinidad and Tobago’s ProLeague with North East Stars and Morvant Caledonia, the USL with Charlotte Eagles, the Kazakhstan Premier League with FC Vostok and Astana FC, and later settled in Finland where he suited up for FF Jaro and AC Oulu.

“Well it started for me as a young boy watching football on TV and playing in the playground and I knew I wanted to play football. I guess it was in my blood,” Moore reflected with Chronicle Sport.

He said his late mother, Yvonne Moore, was not convinced that he can make a living from playing the sport he loved and

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Double sprint world record holder Usain Bolt FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020