Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_01_21_2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 21, 2020

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TUESDAY 21st January, 2020

' No.105886

Presidency condemns Ramsammy SEE PAGE 03

…says recent letter about President aimed at fostering hatred, confusion

… urges retraction, apology for falsehoods

CARICOM goes SEE PAGE 13

First shipment of 'Guyana crude' sets sail

‘solar’

…turns sod for US$16 million Photovoltaic Power Generation System From left: CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque is joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; and Japan Ambassador to Guyana, Tatsuo Hirayama, in turning the sod and marking the initiation of the construction of a US$16 million Photovoltaic Power Generation System (Adrian Narine photo)

Bandhu says 12 still in the race PAGE

PAGE

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----US citizenship relinquished with effect from Jan. 16

Giftland, GPL ink 15 power purchasing pact PAGE

…electricity supply to begin within weeks

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 21, 2020

First shipment of 'Guyana crude' sets sail

GUYANA’s first million barrels of crude from the Stabroek Block set sail on Monday, marking the first of three cargoes to be sold to Shell as part of a short term direct sale.

The crude began the voyage in the crude oil tanker, the Yannis P, and is bound for the U.S. Gulf Coast in Galveston, Texas, according to Reuters. The location of the oil tanker was sourced from TankerTrackers.com.

The Liza crude, a light-sweet grade, was taken from the Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel which has a production capacity of

The Yannis P, Crude Oil Tanker (Vessel Finder photo)

up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day and an overall storage volume of 1.6 million barrels.

Guyana’s crude is being sold under a Free On Board (FOB) contractual agreement which will see the crude being sold to the buyer at the exit point of the FPSO vessel with the buyer taking responsibility for aspects such as insurance and shipping. Meanwhile, the sale of Guyana’s crude to Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited is part of a twophased approach to lifting and marketing of Guyana’s crude announced by the Department of Energy (DE).

This first phase is a direct sale process aimed at preventing the Liza Crude from being priced downwards due to initial uncertainty of the quality. As a result, a select group of nine listed international oil companies (IOCs) were invited to express interest. The interested parties submitted their proposals in writing and were subjected to a face-toface meeting with the DE, to present the full scale of their capabilities; from this process, Shell was chosen.

“They can help us introduce

the grade into the market in a very standard way. This is what we’re trying to achieve here. Volatility for the Guyana Liza new grade is not good. We’re trying to create an environment whereby there is standardization and stabilization,” Crude Marketing Specialist, Virginia Markouizou has stated.

The second phase will be an open market Request for Proposals (RFP) to commence in early 2020. This phase will be for an agent to market Guyana’s crude entitlements from the Liza 1 field on a term basis. The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

Guyana gained some of the world’s attention when it announced its first oil discovery at the Liza -1 well in the Stabroek Block on May 20, 2015.

In a release, ExxonMobil referred to the discovery as “significant” stating that it was encouraged after scores of previous wells dug had turned out dry.

Guyana’s first FPSO, the Liza Destiny, has now commenced the production of oil aiming for up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day by 2020, with storage capacity of up to 1.6 million barrels.

By 2025, it is expected to ramp up to 750,000 barrels daily which would see Guyana producing as much oil as Venezuela in just five years.

Retraction and apology The Guyana Chronicle is retracting a headline appearing in our newspaper on Monday January 20, 2020 ‘Toddler drowns while parents attend PPP rally’.

We sincerely apologise

for offending our readership and all other Guyanese in this very sensitive political season. Our intention was never to politicise the tragic loss of life of the child.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Presidency condemns Ramsammy …says recent letter about President aimed at fostering hatred, confusion …urges retraction, apology for falsehoods

President David Granger

THE Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP), on Monday, condemned former Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy for deliberately attempting to draw the good name of President David Granger into disrepute by peddling false and misleading information. MOTP is now demanding an apology.

Dr. Ramsammy, who served under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at a time when Sugar Industry was on the verge of collapse, in an article titled ‘Dishonesty, indecency and no integrity are hallmarks of the Granger-led APNU+AFC,’ chronicled a series of falsehoods about President Granger. These falsehoods were published in the Letter columns in the January 18, 2020 Edition of the Kaieteur News and as an editorial, published in the January 16, 2020 Edition of the Citizens’ Report.

“Dr. Ramsammy’s missive seems perfectly timed to not only spread misinformation, but to cause confusion in the society and to foster hatred for the legitimate President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,” MOTP said as it challenged news outlets to fact-check informa-

tion before publishing.

It said Ramsammy’s utterances must be condemned by all right-thinking sections of the society as anything less would indicate acceptance for the Office of the Presidency and the sitting Head of State to be treated with scant regard, all aimed at creating mischief in the society.

In setting the record straight, MOTP made it pellucid that President Granger does not direct or interfere in the discussions or consultations on the tuition fees charged at the University of Guyana (UG). The issue of tuition, the ministry, underscored is dealt with solely by the duly constituted UG Council.

“The David Granger-led administration has enabled the University to conduct its business without interference.

This is a stark difference to what obtained under the previous administration which in July and August 2014, “approved” the hike in tuition fees at UG,” it said.

In his opinion piece, Dr. Ramsammy contended that President Granger had once said that he was too “busy” to submit his declarations to the Integrity Commission and “has not been able to adhere

to the law” but this MOTP said is baseless, and far from the truth.

“It is unsurprising that Dr. Ramsammy would pen this drivel as his narrow, political motives are well-known and his conduct while in public office often revealed a dearth of integrity,” MOTP said while iterating that at no time did the Head of Stat indicate that he was too busy to adhere to the Laws of Guyana.

“I have not submitted all of my declarations. [The documents] are taking some time. But I am in touch with (the Commission). The Commission has heard from me,” President Granger had said in May, 2019, on the sidelines of an event, when asked whether he had made his declarations.

Emphasising that media houses must uphold the ethics of journalism by fact- checking their information before going to the press, MOTP said it demands an apology and retraction. “The Ministry is therefore calling for an apology and retraction from the Citizens’ Report and the Kaieteur News for rushing to publish a news item, that without any basis, casts aspersions upon the character of the sitting Head of State and accuses him of breaking the law,” it demanded.

It also expressed concern that Dr. Ramsammy would seek to discredit, again without any basis, the plans to be implemented during the ‘Decade of Development’.

“The President has repeatedly articulated his vision for the next ten years and outlined a ten-point Plan of Action detailing how the Government will institute programmes across all sectors across the 10 Administrative Regions to

enhance the lives and livelihoods of all Guyanese,” the ministry said.

Additionally, it said that the contention by Dr. Ramsammy that all documents related to the Durban Park project were hidden is false. It is also seeking an immediate retraction for this injustice.

The project is being in-

Ex- Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

vestigated by the Office of the Auditor General and at no point did that Office reveal any difficulty accessing information or made accusations that documents were being withheld or hidden.

One document that the Office said it had been waiting to be delivered was submitted in

February 2019, by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

“The Minister of Finance has already discredited claims that the President will benefit from a salary increase. The MoTP fails to understand Dr. Ramsammy’s claims as the Minister himself has already provided a full and public disclosure on this matter,” MOTP said while calling on Dr. Ramsammy to withdraw his “spurious, malicious and libelous” claims.

Further, the Ministry is calling on the media entities to retract their publishing of Dr. Ramsammy’s missive as it contains several falsehoods peddled against President Granger. The Ministry of the Presidency condemned in the strongest possible terms, the publishing of untruths, dangerous propaganda and misleading information, as it

could create unrest in the society by fostering resentment among citizens towards the Head of State and Government.

Ramsammy’s name had featured in US court during the trial of convicted drug lord Shaheed Roger Khan.

Khan had stated publicly in an advertisement in local newspapers that he had helped Bharrat Jagdeo-led government fight crime. Khan had also implicated Ramsammy in his escapades, and documents bearing the then minister’s signature authorising the purchase of a sophisticated wire-tapping device were produced in U.S. courts during Khan’s trial.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Trump impeachment: President’s lawyers demand immediate acquittal (BBC) President Donald Trump’s legal team, representing him at his impeachment trial, has demanded that he is immediately acquitted by the Senate.

In a brief submitted on Monday, they called the impeachment “a dangerous perversion” of the constitution.

Meanwhile House impeachment managers submitted their own brief, saying Mr Trump engaged in “corrupt

President Trump is facing two counts of impeachment

conduct... to cheat in the next election”.

Impeachment hearings will begin on Tuesday at 13:00 (18:00 GMT).

Mr Trump is charged with abusing his presidential power by asking Ukraine to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden - and of obstructing Congress as it looked into his conduct.

During the course of the trial, Senators will hear arguments for six hours a day, six days a week. It will be presided over by the US chief justice, John Roberts.

It is only the third time in US history that a president is facing an impeachment trial.

The trial could, in theory, lead to Mr Trump being removed from office. But as

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a two-thirds majority of 67 votes in the 100-seat Senate is required to convict and oust Mr Trump, and there are only 47 Democrats in the Senate, the president is widely expected to be cleared.

Mr Trump will be at the economic forum in Davos, Switzerland, when his trial opens.

What did the briefs say?

The 171-page brief submitted by Mr Trump’s legal team is the first comprehensive defence of the president, ahead of the trial beginning in earnest.

It sets out to undercut the charges against Mr Trump, branding them “frivolous and dangerous” and arguing that they don’t constitute either a crime or an impeachable offence.

“House Democrats settled on two flimsy Articles of Impeachment that allege no crime or violation of law whatsoever - much less ‘high Crimes and Misdemeanours’ as required by the Constitution,” it said.

“They do not remotely approach the constitutional threshold for removing a President from office.”

At the same time, an opposing brief from House managers - all Democrats -

accused Mr Trump of using his “presidential powers to pressure a vulnerable foreign partner to interfere in our elections for his own benefit”.

“In doing so, he jeopardised our national security and our democratic self-governance,” it added. “He then used his presidential powers to orchestrate a cover-up unprecedented in the history of our republic.”

What are the charges?

First, he’s accused of seeking help from Ukraine’s government to help himself get re-elected in November.

It is claimed that, during a call with Ukrainain President Volodymyr Zelensky, he held back military aid in exchange for an investigation into Hunter Biden - the son of Mr Trump’s political rival, Joe Biden, and a former member of the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.

The second allegation is that, by refusing to allow White House staff to testify at the first impeachment hearings last year, Mr Trump obstructed Congress.

President Trump denies the charges against him.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

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Hundreds of US-bound migrants cross river to reach Mexico tariffs. Mexico agreed to take “unprecedented” steps to curb irregular migration, including deploying the National Guard.

Another agreement, with Guatemala, designates that country as a “safe third coun-

Mexican police restrain a migrant trying to enter the country

(BBC) Hundreds of migrants have waded into a river on the southern Mexico border as they try to reach the United States.

The migrants, mainly from Honduras, took to the water after being refused permission to cross a bridge over the Suchiate river.

Mexico has cut off migration routes to the US under pressure from President Donald Trump.

Mexican National Guard troops with riot shields tried to stop the migrants from climbing the river bank.

But hundreds appear to have breached police lines and entered Mexico.

Some reports say police fired tear gas. Some of those trying to reach Mexico threw stones at the police.

The migrants were camped

out in the Guatemalan town of Tecun Uman, across the border from Mexico’s Ciudad Hidalgo.

Eight representatives of the migrants were allowed into Mexico for talks with the authorities and to pass a letter on to President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

They are urging him to let them pass and promise to respect the law.

Those crossing the river are part of a 2,000 to 3,500-strong group dubbed “2020 Caravan”, evoking previous attempts to cross Mexico en masse to reach the US border.

For its part, Guatemala says several thousand migrants have crossed into its territory from Honduras since Wednesday.

Many of the migrants on the Mexico border say they are fleeing violence, poverty and

high murder rates.

“We got desperate because of the heat. It’s been exhausting, especially for the children,” Honduran migrant Elvis Martinez told AFP news agency.

Mexico has said they can stay and work in Mexico and apply for asylum but will not be allowed free passage to the US. “They’re trying to trick us. They tell us to register, but then they deport us,” another migrant said.

The Mexican interior ministry says it has already taken in 1,100 migrants in the states of Chiapas and Tabasco. Most would be returned to their country of origin “if their situation warrants it”.

President Trump reached a deal with Mexico in June to stem the flow of migrants to the US after threatening it with high

try”. Under the accord, the US can send migrants from Honduras or El Salvador who pass through Guatemala back to that country to seek asylum first.

Mr Trump has made the fight against illegal migration

to the US a major policy issue and has taken measures to deter entry across the border from Mexico, including plans for a border wall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Improved access to potable water a success story SINCE being elected to the presidency in 2015, Brigadier David Granger has successfully, through his administration, implemented programmes to ensure that each citizen has ready, continuous access to a safe water supply. This is not surprising considering the fact that water is essential for life and President Granger has promised that his government’s overarching objective is to provide a good life for all Guyanese.

President David Granger has repeatedly emphasised the importance of access to potable water-- one of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

President Granger himself has authored four books on the matter of safe-water supplies in the context of sustainable environmental practices.

Those books are: Air, Earth and Water: Protecting Guy-

ana’s environment; Iwokrama: A university of biodiversity; The Green State.

Environmental security and biodiversity in Guyana; and Trees: Guyana’s covenant with the earth.

Recognising that water supplies are threatened, the President has said that, “Water is life. Without water there can be no life. The world’s freshwater supplies, unfortunately, are under threat.

Water stress is increasing in many parts of the world.

Aquifers are depleted faster than they are replenished.

The growth of the world’s population will increase demand for water by 55% by the year 2050, placing even further strain on freshwater reserves.” His Excellency noted, too, that, “The word Guyana – the name of my own country – is derived from the Amerindian expression meaning ‘land of many

waters’.”

The ongoing programmes to guarantee safe, reliable supplies of water to citizens across Guyana may be viewed within the context of President Granger’s foundational philosophy on the subject. And the David Granger-administration has accomplished much since being elected to office. The President had said, too, that the gap between resources that are available to coastal residents and those of hinterland-based Guyanese must be closed. It is against this backdrop that the President’s continuing, remarkably successful hinterland water-supply initiatives may be considered.

President Granger’s water-supply programmes include the drilling of new wells, upgrading of existing wells, instillation or rehabilitation of distribution systems, solar-powered pumps,

storage facilities, and other equipment. And, the successes have been phenomenal and remarkably beneficial to many Guyanese. For example, in Barima-Waini (Region #1), the drilling of five new wells, and expansion of existing systems have benefitted some 4,000 residents in five communities. In Potaro-Siparuni (Region #8), four new wells and water-distribution systems are now delivering safe water to almost 5,000 people in four communities or villages, including the newly-established town of Mahdia. And, perhaps, most notably, 16 new wells and/ or distribution networks are supplying water to more than 7,000 residents of 16 communities in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region #9). In many of those cases, persons have reliable water supplies for the first time ever. To say that what President Granger

has achieved for the benefit of Guyanese is significant would be quite an understatement. President David Granger’s promise of a good life for all Guyanese is being made a reality in many sectors.

Since a good supply of water is essential to that goal, the administration has, rightfully, made it a priority. That fact is evident as one can clearly see that enormous progress has been made in only four years. This newspaper reported recently that with some 96 per cent of the 747,000 people living in Guyana currently having access to improved drinking-water resources and that GWI this year will move to acquire two rigs, as it aims to achieve 100 per cent coverage in the not-so-distant future. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in its 2019 Human Development Report,

revealed that Guyana has made significant progress in providing greater access to potable water. According to the report, 96.0 per cent of the country’s population has access to improved drinking-water resources while 86 per cent of the population is using improved sanitation facilities. Additionally, 88.8 per cent of the rural population has access to electricity.

GWI Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, during a recent interview, said the massive achievements made in the water sector are as a result of President Granger’s vision to provide Guyanese with equitable access to potable water, and the ability of GWI to fulfil its mandate.

State agencies must not take the public’s right to know casually Dear Editor, I CAPITALISE here on the recent Woolford-Nascimento-Vieira public feud to make two overarching suggestions to serve, I hope, the cause of good governance.

First, the time is right for the Ministry of the Presidency to issue a Code of Conduct for public agencies to regulate how they publicly respond to what citizens say about them in the press.

The Code must require agencies to (i) respect the public’s right to ask and to

know about the workings of their institutions, and (ii) adhere to the tenets of civility and professionalism, irrespective of the motive, tone, or accuracy of public comments. Good governance is undermined when public agencies adopt a confrontational and personalised attitude to public comments they do not like.

In the wake, the provision of useful information gets undermined and the desire of citizens to add their voices to public debate is extinguished.

In fairness, matters could be helped if members of the public are themselves courteous. But for public institutions, this expectation rises to the level of an unwavering duty.

Secondly, the ability of citizens to answer the call to prove their allegations against state agencies can be immensely enhanced if these entities live up to the letter and spirit of our own Access to Information Act of 2011. Its stated goal reads: “to provide for setting out a practical regime of right

to information for persons to secure access to information under the control of public authorities in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government and public authorities.” Within the act, much attention has fallen on the office of the Commissioner of Information.

But the true essence and power of the act are captured by its section 13(3), which states: “It shall be a constant endeavour of every public authority to take steps in accordance

with this Act to provide as much information of its own volition to the public at regular intervals through various means of communication so that the public have minimum necessity to have recourse to the provisions of this Act to obtain information.” The onus therefore is on public institutions to be both relentless and proactive in providing information to the public. If realized, citizens can more easily use publicly-accessible information to prove any

allegation (or any praise) they choose to make. It is commendable that most local public agencies have websites. But the content of many of them needs to be expanded to become extensive informational and educational sources for public consumption. State agencies must take the public’s right to ask and know more seriously.

Regards, Sherwood Lowe

No word from NIS on retroactive payment to pensioners Dear Editor, THE two announcements by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) that Pension Benefit would be increased from January 1, 2020 made no mention of retroactive payments due to Pensioners

for the year 2019.

The Government announced in November 2019 that the Public Service Minimum Wage has been increased from $64,200 to $70,000 retroactive from January 2019. Public Servants were paid the increase difference between the old rate and

the new rate retroactive from January 2019.

Why is the NIS increasing the minimum rate of Benefit from $32,100 to $ 35,000 from January 2020 and not paying the retroactive difference from January 2019.

The effective Rate of Pension Benefit of the Public

Service Minimum Wage is 50% of $ 70,000 or $ 35,000 per month retroactive from January 2019. Pensioners should be paid the difference between $ 32,100 that is 50% of $ 64,200 the rate that Pensioners were receiving before the announced increase and $ 35, 000 that

is 50 % of $ 70, 000. The difference of $ 2,900 should be paid retroactive for the 12 months of 2019 for those Pensioners who were receiving the minimum rate of $ 32,100 as at January 2019.

Those Pensioners who became 60 years of age during 2019 should receive their

retroactive payment difference from the month they started getting their benefit.

Why is the NIS not forthcoming with an answer to this issue?

Regards, Pensioner

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

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Guyanese youths will not be fooled Dear Editor, Jagdeo and his band of wicked men failed to realise that Guyana is changing, and the youth of Guyana who represent the majority of the voting population will not be caught in Jagdeo’s racial web. They refuse to be bought with five and ten thousand dollars being given away to attend their political rallies. Jagdeo and the PPP tried in a desperate attempt to galvanise support by infusing a race war to cause division with their negative propaganda, fake news, and misinformation, but their attempts have failed miserably. Our young people simply do not care or pay any currency to race; their friendships and camaraderie is deeper than ever before in the history of this beautiful nation. Official data and our observation has revealed that there are more inter-racial marriages and relationships

than ever before. We as Guyanese celebrate, respect and collectively participate in religious, social and cultural traditions. As a people, we all celebrate Christmas, Diwali, Phagwah, Mashramani, Emancipation, etc. It is our diversity that makes up a unique and beautiful people.

Knowledge is ever evolving, and during my childhood, people would have referred to persons like Bharrat Jagdeo as a tyrant. But as a trained social worker, I have psychoanalysed the Dr. of Doom. He is a narcissist who thinks that the entire world revolves around his whims and fancies and his personal financial ambitions.

Simply put, he thinks that he owns the transport or title deed to Guyana. There is nothing new about this depraved and wicked individual who is alleged to have had ties to notorious figures who allegedly executed over 400 Guyanese men.

Jagdeo’s transgressions are unpardonable! Unforgivable!

Any Guyanese, and moreover a leader who conceptualised the thought of giving away any of our 83,000 square miles and its bordering waterways cannot be trusted. Any such proposal or utterances is tantamount to treason.

Bharrat Jagdeo has enriched himself, and built his kingdom at Pradoville at the expense of the State. He even set his post- presidency pension at over G$3M, while all other hardworking retired sons and daughters of the soil were given $7,500.00 during his party’s rule. Bharrat Jagdeo and his party denied our Indigenous brothers and sisters basic human services such as quality education, proper health care, roads, access to information technology and potable water.

But now they are back on the campaign trail with their well sugar-coated speeches, bucket-

to-fetch-water promises and a buy-a-crowd strategy to provide a fake perception will not fool anyone.

All of our sugar workers who the PPPC administration failed to empower, leaving them in a state of dependency, knowing fully well that the sugar industry was not viable. They used our sugar belt people as political pawns to support their political agenda. They never cared about those hardworking Guyanese. For them, they were a means to an end, which was to keep them dependent on them so as to control them and to stay in power. All the talk about opening the sugar estates, and fixing the Skeldon Sugar Factory was not even mentioned at their Albion rally in Berbice, where the bulk of their supporters are.

They all were silent, and the question is: Why? The truth is, they were lying all along to the people they call “their people”,

their supporters. All the time they knew the government was correct in making this very tough and difficult decision, but they were too ashamed to accept that the APNU+AFC government was right again, and they were wrong.

Despite the many alleged atrocities committed by the vindictive and depraved Jagdeo, one of Jagdeo’s long-time critics, Mr. Anthony Vieira appeared on the PPP’s lists of candidates. Many were in disbelief, but the Stockholm syndrome explains it all. Jagdeo vindictively failed most of Tony Vieira’s businesses, but based on the Stockholm Syndrone, in order to gain control of someone and mentally enslave them, you must first oppress them and bring them to a state of nothingness and desperation.

And then you can approach them as their sole saviour.

This method of domination,

brainwashing and control has been used by Jagdeo time and time again. From all appearances, it seems like Jagdeo has patterned himself after Brutal dictators such as Adolph Hitler. Jagdeo, after oppressing Guyanese for 23 years, is now presenting himself as our saviour through his front-man, Ali. But, truth be told, Guyanese do not need a saviour, because regardless of race, political persuasion, gender, etc. we are all enjoying the good life that the APNU+AFC government promised in 2015. While enriching himself and his selected few, Jagdeo made public servants suffer by denying them a livable wage. We have not forgotten that Jagdeo was the oppressor, and we will not fall prey to his Stockholm Syndrome.

Regards, Jermaine Figueira

The PPP/C could not win any elections on performance, merit and policy Dear Editor, A PARTNERSHIP for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) during one of its recent campaign rally on the East Coast Demerara in the village of Plaisance, appealed youths to go out and vote because there has been a reduction in crime, improved drainage and roads, as well as social welfare programmes.

Prominent teacher and village chairman of the Industry/ Plaisance NDC Mr. Rodwell Lewis, in his address, targeted young people, some of whom believed that the David Granger-led APNU+AFC administration has not delivered, simply because of the negatives things he said is being said at the PPP/C campaigns to get their votes. I was very pleased that Mr. Lewis talked with youths who were present at the rally about developments under the APNU+AFC administration among other areas of development. It is public knowledge that the Opposition is using all sorts of tricks to lead our young people to believe that this Government has done little or nothing for them when it is not so. Our young people will not be fooled by the People’s Progressive/Party Civic (PPP/ C)’s propaganda machine that is once again in top gear, with a lot of empty promises to gain their votes, since elections are due on March 2, 2020.

One of the negative things the PPP/C is telling young people at their rallies is that the

cost of living is high, and they are going to reduce VAT, if elected at the 2020 General and regional elections, when it was the same PPP/C in Government implemented vat at 16% in 2006 during their term in office.

And despite the hardship it brought on us, they did nothing. It was this Government that reduced VAT to 14% and brought relief to our people.

PPP knows very well if they were to campaign on merit, performance and issues of national concern, they will definitely lose the General Elections on March 2, 2020 and that is why they are up to their old tricks of lies and racism. But our young people are much smarter than that, and will ensure they never return to office to rain on our country again.

Under the PPP/C, after 23 years in office, our country was on the crossroad to becoming a criminalised state, where Violent crime, arson, armed robberies, police brutalities, domestic abuse, banditry, piracy, contract killings, murder and political assassination like that of former Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) Agriculture Minister Satyadeo Sawh and slain political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing, Ronald Waddell and many others was the order of the day and has scarred our society.

Poverty and unemployment have created an army of beggars, drug addicts, destitute people, wandering girls and street children. University graduates, talented teachers, nurses and

thousands of ordinary citizens race to migrate in droves from their homeland all being our country was badly manage under the PPP/c and they want to rule again no way! FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER. My fellow Guyanese, it is time we as a nation tell this PPP party that their days of fooling people and ethnic voting is over and they believe in continue, progress and modernization under a government of national unity. The David Granger-led APNU+AFC administration did so mush in its short term time in office and deserve another change with the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission; the reform of the State, including the implementation of the Recommendations of the Disciplined Forces Commission; the establishment of a National Broadcasting Authority and legislation to ensure not only access to but Freedom of Access to Information; the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission; The reconstitution of the Integrity Commission; the appointment of the Human Rights Commission and the reconstitution of the Ethnic Relations Commission; the implementation of agreed Local Government Reforms and the holding of Local Government Elections; the reform of the system of Taxation; A partnership with youth to ensure their full involvement and participation in decision-making;

The Reconstruction of the society and the economy; the stewardship of a program of sustainable development; Institutional and legal mechanisms to effectively reduce and control the incidence of violence against women, children and the aged; the forensic auditing of State organizations; and infrastructure development,

including energy, communications and water management and the list goes on. My fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters especially our young people, remember, your vote is your voice. When we vote, we are actually telling elected officials and lawmakers how we feel about education, public safety, social securi-

ty, health care, and other important issues so do not play with your future vote for the APNU/AFC party for continue progress, prosperity , togetherness and national development.

Rayvonne P. Bourne GYSM – Member

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Let's stop the sabre-rattling with paper knives

Dear Editor, I am a fan of the Kaieteur News, with high regard for its Publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall and Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Adam Harris.

Further, I grant them the right to be critical of this and any government. To bring to the attention of readers, matters of current interest, but always in the context of the real world in which we live, with no time for fancy or frolic.

Since our discovery of oil and gas, we have been bombarded by a plethora of experts - soothsayers, accountants, attorneys, overseas petroleum experts and now we have a local petroleum academic, whatever that is.

They all seem to know what we should be doing. Look at some recent headlines – ‘Daily oil production figures must be made public,’ then ‘Suriname put strict local content requirement on all oil companies, next,’ ‘ US demands immediate disclosure of details of finds. So should Guyana – ‘Petroleum Engineer’ and so it goes on and on, what seem to be a relent-

less crusade. Last week, one section of the media boldly carried comments from Market Vendors. I suppose we can next expect comments, criticism and advice (“sic”) from groups.

I suppose we can next have to expect publicity from groups of masons, teachers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, preachers, pastors, grave-diggers and telling the government what they should be doing that they are not doing.

First, this is their democratic right to be allowed to talk and write on any subject the Constitution and openness of the present government allows this.

However, the trouble is these persons are making comments based on what they read in sections of the media, television, radio and fellow travelers. The majority of statements have enthusiasm of so-called experts at home and abroad – not necessarily the whole story with no empirical evidence.

If you may coin this metaphor ‘oil is a slippery substance and leaders and people, particularly, of small

countries must be careful not to slip and slide, if lucky, we can fall on our butts, if not so lucky, we can fall on our heads causing serious permanent damages.

There is a Statement that Surinam got a better deal for the oil. I tried to find out the recent comparison.

As a layman, it appears that Surinam off-shore oil was found in the same vein as the oil found in Guyana waters and therefore the cost to bring up the Surinam oil is considerably less since the exploring companies would have already spent large sums during work in the Guyana basin. That may explain if there is a difference of what the State receive.

May I say in all of this, I think the Coalition/State Media should put out a simple leaflet to explain the oil and gas situation and how the government is coping with an extremely delicate, some may say, explosive subject.

As a result of oil being found in commercial quantities outside of the U.S.A, in an effort to have some say and control in 1960 with much

fanfair, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was established with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

The initial members were Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudia Arabia and Venezuela. Other members who joined later were Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equador, Kabon, Libya, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, and Equatorial Guinea.

In spite of this purported oil wealth, note the turbulence and dislocation in every one of those countries. Saudia Arabia, of course, is a separate kettle of fish.

More than a decade, after OPEC was formed, there was the oil crisis. Without notice, oil prices increased by 400 - 500%. Guyana being one of those adversely affected since like most countries relies on petroleum products for domestic and industrial purposes. In so far, as the industry is concerned, there is always twist and turns.

Trinidad, we hear that they have lost $US45 billion over time because of the alleged inexperience of their negotiating teams.

Recall, the famous three words by the then Trinidad Prime Minister Eric Williams, when in the face of criticism at home and abroad, he said ‘Oil don’t spoil.’

These experts, who write and speak really don’t understand the complex if not confusing situation of oil. Oil has become a matter of intense power play by mighty men, rich entities and strong nations. Look at our two neighbours, Trinidad has had to cut back with social services, Venezuela, mass exodus due to lack of basic facilities and political turmoil.

Who would have imagined thousand fleeing Venezuela because of poverty?

Unbelievable, an oil producing country. The reason, let’s face it.

Oil and the power play of mighty men, rich entities and strong nations. I have spent time in the State of Texas, the heartland of the oil industry, spoken with persons who live and work in the petroleum sector. Likewise, I meet folks from Trinidad, where my wife is, even those with PHDs, scholars and executives in petroleum related disciplines who admit that oil is the subject of power play by mighty men, rich entities and strong nations over which, small countries like Guyana, have little real control.

Over the past few years, the Government has received offers of assistance from many experienced countries

and leaders including the President of Ghana who visited with us last year. I rely on the calm Statesmanship approach of President Granger in dealing with this matter.

Oil can be a bane or a bounty, a benefit or a burden and we need a calm with resolute approach in dealing with this matter.

Oil has caused the three ‘Cs,’-Confusion, Coups and Corruption in many countries around the world. The list is long and revealing.

We are dealing with mighty men, rich entities and strong nations.

I go to Eugene F. Correia Airport and witness helicopters taking off, assigned to one or two of the oil companies. More helicopters than the Government and Private Sector have except in the Burnham days, when we had a fleet of Soviet, French, US, British and American-made Helicopters. It is always so easily criticized, ignoring the dynamics of the real, all be it, imperfect world. When my friends, for example, say we should demand and do like what the United States does, it sounds good, but the old folks say ‘wha mouth nah load.’

When these so-called petroleum academics and home grown experts pontificate and beat their chests, let them tell us how they would do as U.S does with dealing with large entities. When the US tells companies and even another country to do something, and the other side fail to comply, the US has the muscle and might to ensure that their wishes become a command, so those who shout, we should do as the US, do not understand the real world in which we live.

Should I tell my neighbour’s donkey to run as long and fast as a thoroughbred? or a little child to lift the same weight as a heavy weight lifting champion? Let us develop and acquire skills to negotiate with the experience.

We must possess the acumen to maximise diplomacy, the skill to be shrewd and the audacity to overcome odds.

We must employ the above to the maximum, but not to be like the Ostrich to hide our heads in the sand. For years, we were told we have oil, offshore and on-shore. The first real sign of oil was drilled at a site called Karanambo 1, where they came up with a light oil capable of producing 800 to 1000 barrels per day, not sufficient for a further investment.

From time to time, other efforts continued, some

turning up, dry wells. First, there was home-oil, later as a Member of the Cabinet, we were shown a vial with samples of high quality oil extracted from an area in the Takatu basin. Later, the exploration company hunt oil in that same area, claimed they could not produce oil in commercial quantities. End of Story.

As Guyanese, we welcome the reality of oil, at long last, fulfilling the dreams of many who have gone to the great beyond.

Oil is a matter for mighty men, rich entities and strong nations. They say sometimes, half a loaf is better than no loaf. True patriots, instead of criticizing everything about oil should help us navigate the best for our people, not by damnifying everything but by constructive dialogue and difficult as it is, trying to get facts and figures.

Guyana entire population is less than one million souls and less than the numbers found on a busy block in Manhattan, China or Russia.

Our crusaders, must accept with reality in the world which we live and set about to help this, or to help any government to deal with the petroleum conglomerates.

What will be a great advance, is this; after the elections, that the major successful political parties should meet and an Agenda should be crafted to deal with oil and gas and come up with a menu of measures, so that when the Government speak to these petroleum conglomerates, they are not speaking for 40,50 or 60 percent of the population but will be speaking for 99.9% of the population. This will send a clear message to those who explore for oil and other natural resources, that we are united, and we speak with one voice and overcome the old ‘bugbear’ of dividing rules.

We have seen the challenges of small countries who made powerful speeches at the U.N. and elsewhere but next they fall prey to the wiles and wishes of the mighty men, rich entities and strong nations. Over years, as we see from many examples, oil, diamonds and gold are being used to bring the stress and distress to many small countries.

Let us stop the saber-rattling with paper knives and forge unity that will give us a fair chance in this challenging world.

Regards, Hamilton Green

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

9

Min. Cummings takes message of hope to Mabaruma --tells of ‘solid plan’ gov’t has in store for Reg. 1

THE incumbent A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government, since being elected to office almost five years ago, has not only transformed Guyana but has a “solid plan” for the continued development of the local economy.

That’s according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Karen Cummings, who made the observation while making a pitch recently for the Coalition’s re-election at a public meeting in Mabaruma, seat of administration of Region One (Barima-Waini).

“Guyana is on the rise, and in order for us as a nation to achieve our full potential, especially with our oil revenues, Guyana must have leadership that is accountable, fair, transparent, and responsible,” she said.

“It is very important that you support the APNU+AFC

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings addressing Mabaruma residents during a recent visit to the community

Coalition, and let prosperity, development, unity and social cohesion continue,” she told the fair-size gathering at the meeting.

She said that considering all the work that has been done so far by the Coalition, “The choice is clear. On Election Day, I want you to encourage your families, friends and loved ones to get up early and go to their polling places and vote solidly for APNU+AFC! Encourage them to vote for a prosperous

‘Coalition’ supporters turned out in their numbers to listen to government officials talk about plans for Mabaruma

Guyana; to vote for a brighter future.”

She believes that the Coalition’s track record proves that they are the only political force in Guyana that is eligible and capable enough to manage the country’s future.

In making her case, the minister highlighted some of work that has been done

Greenidge represents Guyana at CARIFORUM meeting

Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge last week represented the Co-operative Republic of Guyana at the Twenty-Sixth Meeting of the Forum of the Caribbean Group of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) Council of Ministers, which was held in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

The Council of Ministers, the highest decision-making body for CARIFORUM, discussed a number of issues, including BREXIT, Post-Cotonou negotiations, the implementation of the CARIFORUM-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), CARIFORUM-EU Econom-

ic Partnership Agreement 2020 review, and CARIFORUM-EU Development Cooperation, among others.

The Foreign Secretary was accompanied by Ambassador of Guyana to the European Union, His Excellency David Hales and Senior Foreign Service Officer I, Ms. Bevon Mc Donald.

by the Coalition in its short time in office, particularly the billions of dollars that have been budgeted and expended on infrastructure and housing development, education and improved public healthcare, public security, and improved wages and salaries, all aimed at creating a better life for all Guyanese.

In terms of work related to the hinterland, Dr. Cummings said: “Countless kilometers of roads have been repaired, resurfaced and built in every region of Guyana.

Hinterland communities that did not have proper roads now have concrete roads in their communities. Airstrips in the hinterland regions have

been remodeled, enhanced and modernised to comfortably accommodate passengers with adequate parking for vehicles.

“Communities that never dreamed of having potable water have for the first time… Look at the Kumaka Market Square; look at the Kumaka Bridge; look at your airport. These things were not done during the 23 years of the PPP/C rule; they happened under the united APNU+AFC Coalition Government!”

Minister Cummings said Mabaruma is just one in a host of examples of how the APNU+AFC government is ensuring that all communities and regions across Guyana benefit from developmental projects aimed at raising the standard of living of Guyanese across-the-board.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Dismissed GDF Captain sues State

FORMER Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain, Rawle Blake, is suing the State for his ‘wrongful discharge’ from the service in April 2019.

The lawsuit, which was filed by Attorney-at-law Patrice Henry on behalf of Blake, listed Attorney General Basil Williams as the Defendant.

According to a Statement of Claim (SOC), Blake, the Claimant, is also asking the court to award him aggravate damages in excess of $500,000 for wrongful discharge at common law, the

unlawful exercise of Constitutional powers and/ or breach of the Claimant’s contractual obligations with the State.

Blake is also claiming for general damages in excess of 40 months’ salary, representing the period it would take the claimant to be re-employed in a similar job/capacity, or alternatively employed.

He is also seeking an order for full salary to be paid from April 2019, up until the date of the decision in the matter.

The claimant is also ask-

ing for an order for him to be paid pension, and gratuity under the pension act and the defence act of Guyana.

The former officer is also asking the State for compensation and is claiming for damages for breach and/ or violation of his constitutional right to work under article 149A of the constitution of Guyana.

He is also seeking an order of re-instatement or damages/ compensation in lieu thereof for his unlawful discharge.

Blake is calling for interest calculated at 6% per

annum from the date of filing of the application, until the judgment and at 4% per annum from the date of judgement up until full payment, excluding court cost, is made.

He is also claiming for substantial and significant cost in excess of $400,000.

The court document said that Blake had worked continuously as a commissioned officer from the rank of Second Lieutenant to that of Captain, that is, from March 14, 2003 to April 1, 2019, when he was discharged from GDF without any benefits as stated in the Force Orders and

his records of service.

According to the document, Blake was never subjected to Court Martial proceedings, despite several requests for same to be done in the instant matter and was railroaded and “cowboyed” by the unconstitutional process of being forced to resign or face dismissal.

“The method used to separate the claimant’s services with the Guyana Defence Force is wrong, unconstitutional, null, void and of no legal effect, and render the discharge as unlawful, to deprive the claimant of his

property and/ or pension and gratuity rights” the document read.

Blake in his court document stated that he was currently experiencing financial hardship despite seeking an alternative employment, but was yet to receive even a temporary job with less payment.

At the time of his unlawful discharge, Blake had and still has utility bills, hire purchase items and loans to repay, in addition to a wife and four young children.

Bartica municipality gets new trailers THE Bartica Mayor and Town Council has been presented with two trailers to boost it's solid waste collection efforts.

The two nine-tonne vehicles, which cost $24M, were handed over to the Municipality by the Ministry of Communities on Monday, and will complement the tractor presented gave them last year.

According to Gordon Gilkes, Head of the Sanitation Management Unit at the Ministry of Communities, the equipment will significantly boost the collection of garbage in the district.

--to boost township’s solid waste management has been doing and the support it has given to us,” he stated.

Mayor Marshall noted that with solid waste man-

municipality’s agenda, several strides have been made in just a few years. By way of tackling the township’s solid waste issue head-on,

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan formalising the handover of the vehicles to Mayor Marshall on Monday

Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall thanked the ministry for the donation on behalf of the municipality and the residents of the township.

“This is one of the new towns, and building our capacity in every area is important. And I am very grateful for the work that the ministry

The new trailers that have been given Bartica

agement at the top of the

the Council implemented

free garbage collection every week. Additionally, a major overhaul of the Byderabo dumpsite was also completed.

An awareness campaign was launched to have residents, and students in particular, to become involved in proper waste management. The plan for recycling and other environmentally-healthy activities are in consideration for the future.

Bartica has been mandated to become the first model “green” town in Guyana. (DPI)

Men in John Fernandes drugs bust remanded DAYS after the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) moved in and seized a quantity of cannabis that was destined for Suriname, two of the three men, who were arrested, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charge.

Randy Chester, 24, and

Christopher Garraway

Christopher Garraway, 45, a bartender, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate

Randy Chester

Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and were separately charged with

the same offence.

It is alleged that both men, on January 16, 2020, at John Fernandes terminal at Back Road, Mandela Avenue, had 22 kilograms of cannabis and 2.74 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The men denied the charge when it was read to

them.

Garraway was represented by Attorney-at-Law Keoma Griffith.

CANU prosecutor Konyo Sandiford objected to bail being granted to the men citing the nature of the offence.

She added that there was substantial evidence with the handing over of the drugs and

caution statements.

Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus remanded the men to prison and adjourned the matter until January 29, 2020, when they will appear before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for disclosure.

DNA results confirm burnt remains in car trunk

THE burnt body that was found in a car trunk at Letter ‘T’, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, on November 1, 2019, has been positively identified as Collin Rodney who vanished before giving testimony in a court case involving the murder of his cousin.

His mother, Jacqueline Hunte, earlier this month

Dead: Collin Rodney

buried her son after calling on authorities for her son’s burnt remains to be handed over.

Police had given her Rodney’s death certificate. His remains were then transported to the city from Bailey’s Funeral Home in Berbice where relatives took over the process.

Crime Chief Michael Kingston had informed Mrs.

Hunte that the DNA results confirmed that the burnt body found in the trunk of a car last November was that of her 26-year-old son.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had already confirmed that the chassis number on the burnt vehicle matched that on Rodney’s car. Rodney, and his silver-grey Toyota Allion, van-

ished on October 25, 2019.

His burnt remains were found in the trunk.

Police are yet to apprehend any suspects in the murder. Rodney disappeared on the same day that he was scheduled to testify in the murder of his cousin, Marlon Seon Rodney, called ‘George’, who was gunned down in April 2019,

in Norton Street, Lodge.

Thirty-nine-year-old Osafo Grundell, called ‘Safo’, of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown and James Fraser, 21, called ‘Dab’, from Garnett Street, Georgetown, are charged with Marlon Rodney’s murder.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Teachers protest outside Magistrates’ Court …angry that their colleague was also charged after she was beaten in school

MEMBERS of the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU), in a public show of condemnation for the recent attack on a teacher, called on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to reopen the case and ensure justice is served.

“We are not going to accept any longer parents going into schools and assaulting teachers …we are going to be calling on our authorities to reopen this investigation, we don’t believe justice was served,” said General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald, at the sidelines of a protest in front of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on Monday.

McDonald, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said the GTU condemns such grave acts of violence against teachers and urged the Ministry of Education to establish security protocols in schools to prevent similar altercations.

“Violence against teachers is a no, no for us. I’m not going to stifle my conscience to say teachers are always right, but regardless of whether teachers are right or teachers are wrong, there are procedures that are set out to deal

plained.

McDonald, however, noted that the investigation that

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald

GTU’s Coretta McDonald and other activists comforting the distraught teacher as she exited the court on Monday morning (Photos by Delano Williams)

Sherwin Dalrymple and his relatives had, allegedly, violently attacked a teacher of the St. Agnes Primary School, last Wednesday. The attack was carried out in school where several other pupils witnessed the altercation.

with issues. The Guyana Teachers Union is saying what would have transpired last week…we are stamping that out, we are not going to accept it any longer, parents going into schools and assaulting teachers,” she ex-

was launched was ‘slabby police work’ by the GPF, and the GTU is calling on the Police Commissioner and other relevant authorities to reopen the case, since it is believed that justice was not served.

“We don’t believe justice

Fisherman found dead in Coldingen, one in custody ONE of four suspects is in police custody for the murder of a fisherman at Coldingen, East Coast Demerara whose body was found Saturday night.

Dead is Mukesh Mangar, 27, called ‘Paul’ of Coldingen Squatting Area, ECD. Relatives believe that he was attacked and killed during a robbery.

Mangra’s body was transported to the Lyken’s Funeral Parlour, awaiting an autopsy as police continue their investigations.

Reports indicate that on Saturday between 19:45hrs and 20:30hrs, a 23-year-old painter of Coldingen, ECD, was riding his bicycle south

Dead: Mukesh Mangar

along the Coldingen road on his way home when he saw the lifeless body of Mangra lying on the same road.

The police were con-

was served and it is based on the work that the police would have done in terms of the

tacted and Mangra was discovered with two stab wounds to the right and left side abdomen. Police also found a knife almost fifty feet away from his body.

His 60-year-old mother, Lillowattie Samaroo, called “Barbara” said her son left home on January 11 to head out at sea to fish and was due to return on Sunday. The mother reportedly told the police that her now-dead son had left their home on January 11, 2020, to work at sea. She believes that he might have been killed during a robbery since he would collect money from his boss when he is off the sea.

in black and white attire as they stood in solidarity of the recent violent attacks rendered on teachers in schools across the country.

Speaking with the Guyana ChroniOutside the Georgetown cle, Miss Thomas of Magistrates’ Court on Monday the Three Mile Secondary, stated that parents investigation and what they ought to have respect for presented to the magistrate teachers since teachers are that is how she had to act. the ones who have to mold We are saying that it’s totally the nation. wrong not only for a parent She added that teachers to be assaulting a teacher but and parents should have refor a man to be kicking away lationships for the betterment at a woman… that is totally of a child and should be able wrong,” she stated. to come to an understanding Additionally, Mc Donald if an issue ever presents itself. stated that parents should not La Vaugn Williams, a be allowed to enter a school nursey school teacher, stated compound unless there is an that charity begins at home emergency which involves and children tend to repeat their child or children and, what they see and hear and if there is an issue that needs sometimes act out. clarification, parents should “It’s ridiculous because, report to the Department of as a parent, you must be able Education. to train your children before Meanwhile, teachers you send them off to school across Guyana were clad and you must first find out

what your child originally did before you side with them and enter into a rage and approach a teacher, because children are picking up the same habits of their parents. Look at how children are beating on each other like animals and you know what the parents are saying, don’t let nobody beat them or knock them back,” she explained.

Another teacher, Ms. Lorianne Lespuer of the Ann’s Grove Secondary, stated that parents should be more informed on an issue before confronting teachers.

“I think that the act meted out to the teacher by the parent was totally absurd and preposterous.... some parents need to be more educated and informed as it relates to their children’s welfare,” she stated.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Bandhu says still in the race!

----US citizenship relinquished with effect from Jan. 16

PRESIDENTIAL Candidate of the United Republican Party (URP), Dr. Vishnu Bandhu is no longer a citizen of the United States of America (U.S.A). His foreign status was relinquished on January 16, 2020, paving the way for him to contest the March 2 General and Regional Elections without fear of contradiction or breach of the Constitution of Guyana.

Article 155 of the Constitution of Guyana prohibits Members of Parliament from being dual citizens. Ahead of elections for the 65 seats in the National Assembly, candidates are mandated to sign a Statutory Declaration Form, declaring among other things, that they are not citizens of another state – a requirement set out by Article 155.

Though on Nomination Day (January 10, 2020), Bandhu had signed the Statutory Declaration Form, while he was still a citizen of the

U.S, he, in a letter, informed the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of his intentions to renounce his foreign status.

According to documents seen by Guyana Chronicle, the URP’s Presidential Candidate was issued with a ‘Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States’ on January 16, 2020, by the U.S State Department – Bureau of Consular Affairs. In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Dr. Bandhu rebuffed claims that he had “bowed out” of the electoral race due to him being a dual citizen. It was the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) nominated Elections Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, who, on January 14, 2020, had informed the press that Dr. Bandhu had withdrawn from the electoral race due to his foreign status. “He [Dr. Bandhu] has indicated a desire to withdraw from the process as a candidate. He

URP Presidential Candidate, Dr. Vishnu Bandhu

sent a letter to the commission,” Gunraj told reporters at the close of a GECOM Statutory meeting.

But the URP Presidential Candidate said no such letter was issued to the Elections Commission. He explained that in the interest of transparency, he informed GECOM of his status and willingness to renounce it.

Referencing to a letter issued

by GECOM, Dr. Bandhu

pointed out that the same day, Gunraj, a sitting Elections Commissioner, misinformed the press, he (Dr. Bandhu) was issued with a letter indicating that his Lists of Candidates were satisfactory.

In a letter addressed to Dr. Bandhu by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield on January 14, 2020, the URP was informed that corrections to its Lists of Candidates were satisfactory. “The corrections to the defects submitted by you were satisfactorily corrected and you are hereby notified

that your submissions of List of Candidates and List of Signatories for the National Top-Up, Geographical Constituency with an exception of Region N#8 and Regional in all Districts have satisfied the requirements set out in Sections 11, 11A and 11B of the Representation of the People Act Chap 1:03,” the letter read.

Another letter was dispatched to Dr. Bandhu on January 16, 2020

by GECOM. In that letter, GECOM said it was pleased to inform him that his List of Candidates bearing the title United Republican Party had been approved for participation in the General and Regional Elections set for March 2, 2020. For his dishonesty and scant regards for the rules set out by the Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, the URP Presidential Candidate said Gunraj should be removed from his post.

“Sase should be removed as a commissioner because he is not qualified to be there.

The reason why he is not

qualified is because he does not take instructions and does not go according to decisions of the Commission. He does what he feels to do,” Dr. Bandhu told Guyana Chronicle. He said all GECOM Commissioners should be impartial but, time and time again, Gunraj has failed to be neutral.

Dr. Bandhu said Gunraj has been peddling lies against the URP because the PPP/C is fearful that it could lose votes to his party. Unlike other small parties contesting the elections, the URP has been around for quite some time, founded in 1985 and launched in Guyana in 1987. In 1992 and 2015, the URP contested the General and Regional Elections but, according to Dr. Bandhu, the party only received 1,800 and 1,100 votes respectively.

The URP is self-funded

by Dr. Bandhu and he has vowed never to coalesce with the PPP/C despite the fact that Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, had contacted him about same.

New trial for trio accused of murder

DEAD Jason Cort L-R: Clifton Gibson, Linton Eastman and Stancy Rodney

THREE men are expected to go on trial at the High Court for the brutal murder of Jason Cort, the Rubis Accountant, who was shot and killed by bandits at his Meadowbrook Gardens home in 2015.

Stancy Rodney, 30; Linton Eastman, 33; and Clifton Gibson, 33, are currently on remand for the indictment which alleged that, on June 17, 2015, at Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown, during the course of a robbery, they murdered Cort.

On Monday, January 20, 2020, the trio appeared before Justice Brassington

Reynolds at the Demerara High Court where the jury was empanelled for a fresh trial.

On January 15, 2020, Justice Reynolds was forced to abort trial into the matter since there was a development in relation to the trial, which led to an inquiry. The judge, based on the inquiry, decided that the trial had to be aborted in the interest of justice.

Consequently, the three accused have to undergo a new trial before a new panel of jurors.

On the day in question, around 22:30hrs, Cort was shot to the chest when gun-

men invaded his home before making off with his firearm, mobile phone and Nintendo game.

Cort had just returned home from an outing with his girlfriend. She was also at home at the time of the incident but was unhurt. It was later reported that the bandits took Cort’s firearm, cellphone, gold band, chain, ring and an X-Box console.

One person from the community had indicated that, after hearing the loud explosion and looking outside, persons were observed scaling the fence of Cort’s home and fleeing up the road.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Sod turned for CARICOM HQ solar project A MAJOR milestone has been reached. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leads by example in the promotion of renewable energy. The symbolic turning of the sod, on Monday, at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters, marked the initiation of the construction of a US$16 million Photovoltaic Power Generation System.

The project, which includes the installation of a 400-kilowatt solar photovoltaic power generator, is expected to see the facility being almost entirely powered by solar energy and moving off the grid. Extra power not utilised by the headquarters is expected to be fed into the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) grid for supply to residents.

The system will also include a battery and power conditioning system for energy storage and power quality regulation and an advanced building energy management system to, among other things, provide air conditioning controls, track energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque was joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; and Japan Ambassador to Guyana, Tatsuo Hirayama, in turning the sod and marking the momentous occasion.

“Over the last decade renewable energy and energy efficiency have been on the forefront of the region’s agenda. This is because there is global acknowledgement

From left: CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque is joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; and Japan Ambassador to Guyana, Tatsuo Hirayama, in turning the sod and marking the initiation of the construction of a US$16 million Photovoltaic Power Generation System (Adrian Narine photo)

that the way in which we produce, deliver and use energy is important for sustainable development,” La Rocque noted as he delivered remarks at the ceremony. “Within CARICOM, buildings account for nearly 80 percent of electricity usage due to our climatic conditions as well as designs. Increasing attention to climate change and energy cost within the region have focused our attention on energy-use in buildings.”

The project is part of a wider initiative called ‘The Introduction of Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation System in Guyana and CARICOM’, being financed by the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“Today marks another

milestone in relationship between Japan and the Caribbean Community. This is the beginning of the end of a journey which began some time ago. I recall the green building initiative and the first energy audit of the Secretariat in 2010, which laid the initial groundwork for the journey that has brought us here today,” LaRocque noted.

The GoJ was first approached by the Secretariat for funding for the project in 2014, at a time when the HQ was facing massive energy cost. “During 2014 CARICOM faced severe financial crisis. In 2014, we used 1.6 million kwh of electricity at the rate US$30 cents per KWH; our total bill for that year was nearly US$500,000; this did not include fuel as well as operating and main-

tenance cost for the diesel generators used to supplement power from the grid during periods of disruption.

This situation was deemed unsustainable, a catalyst for the determination to improve the design of the energy system,” explained CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Manorma Soeknandan, during her remarks.

“Recognizing the linkage between policy and implementation, the Secretariat took the decision to demonstrate leadership through the effective management in the way in which we obtain and use energy to deliver our various services within the Headquarters building. This will transform the Headquarters building into a show piece of innovative energy management.”

Soeknandan too extended gratitude to the Japanese government for its significant contribution, marking a continuation in a longstanding relationship. She reminded of the significant contribution Japan had made in the construction of the Secretariat’s building, located in Liliendaal.

“It was February 1998, that five heads of government and the Secretary General turned the sod as a symbolic start to the building of the Headquaters which was financed by grant aid from Japan; 22 years later [we will] turn this sod for the project, I thank you,” Soeknandan said.

In his remarks, Hirayama noted the significance of the moment, and conveyed his government’s pleasure to be a part of the initiative.

“This is another huge milestone in the partnership between the Caribbean and Japan… a symbol of our excellent partnership; we are grateful to be part of this historical occasion. I wish smooth and successful completion of the project in the near future,” Hirayama expressed. Also representing Japan and making remarks was JICA Chief Representative to the Caribbean, Tsutomi Kobayashi.

Minister Cummings conveyed gratitude on behalf of Guyana. “I wish to express on behalf of the people and government of Guyana profound gratitude to Japan for continued support to the development of Guyana and the wider Caribbean. It is indeed a true reflection of working together with developing countries,” she said. “This component will assist in the improvement and reliability of power supply, through the reduction of power loss in the process of transmission and distribution of electricity, resulting in increased levels of efficiency. It also comes at an important juncture in our development, when the demand for reliable power is increasing and will continue to do so,” Dr. Cummings stated.

Chutney Soca Artiste takes legal action BERBICE Chutney Soca Artiste, Hemwattie Singh, called ‘Mona’, has moved to the High Court and filed legal action against the Attorney General, Commissioner of Police and two junior police officers, and is claiming $1.2 Million for “cruel, inhuman treatment and wrongful deprivation of liberty.”

The application was filed by attorney-at-law Saphier Husain in favour of his client. The Attorney General and Minster of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, Commissioner of Police Leslie James, Woman Special Constable Nieshet Parks and Policeman Onkar Sooknanan are listed as defendants in the matter.

The application will be heard

today (Tuesday, January 21, 2020)

by Justice Franklin Holder, at the Demerara High Court.

Singh is claiming that she was violated and subjected to cruel, inhumane treatment and wrongful deprivation of her liberty on December 3, 2019, at the Rose Hall Police Station.

The claimant is also seeking damages, in excess of $100,000, for the wrongful deprivation of her liberty, on the day in question, by the two police officers, Parks and Sooknanan, who left her to suffer pecuniary losses.

She is also further seeking another $100,000, for the inhumane and degrading treatment meted out to her by police officers Parks and Sooknanan which caused her

Hemwattie “Mona” Singh and Yashmanie “Tina” Ramsew with their attorney Saphier Husain in the background.

to endure inhumane and degrading treatment, assault, torture and suffer

pecuniary losses.

The claimant is also seeking

$1M in damages for unlawful and malicious publication, by police officers Parks and Sooknanan, on the internet, via YouTube and Facebook, of her pictures and/or images and videos of a prejudicial nature, without her permission, thus violating her human rights to privacy, damaging her reputation and character and lowering her esteem in the eyes of the public.

In the application, Singh is claiming that, due to the videos/ pictures, she cannot be guaranteed a fair trial by impartial tribunal and said proceedings should be declared void.

She is also contending that the Minister of Social Protection, on December, 15, 2019, violated her TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Several new faces on Reg. 10’s geographical lists --candidates confident of going to Parliament

By Vanessa Braithwaite PARTIES contesting the upcoming general and regional elections would have included a number of new faces on their geographical lists who have a chance of making representation for their constituencies in Parliament.

These parties include the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU-AFC); the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C); and A New United Guyana (ANUG).

These candidates would have highlighted several projects and sectors they wish to make the necessary representation for, if selected as MPs, which they believe will place the region on a positive trajectory.

For the APNU-AFC, one of the new candidates is Devin Sears, who said he is both privileged and honoured to be on the list, which can land him a seat in Parliament. Speaking of his political aspirations, Sears said he spent a full term as a Municipal Councilor, and served on several committees. As a youth, Sears said it is necessary to make representation for his fellow youths of Region Ten. These include youths practising music and arts, so that they can earn from their talents.

Sears will be pushing for updated copyright laws to be passed, as it is a burning issue in the entertainment and performing arts industry.

Sears, who is the co-founder of a tourism company in Linden called Kara Kayaking Tours, also aims to make representation for the

APNU-AFC candidates Douglas Gittens and Devin Sears

development of local tourism. In agriculture, he will be making representation for the farmers in the outlying and riverine communities to benefit from technical and tangible support through funding etc., to ensure those farmers are able to access markets and really make a living from their farming.

In education, decentralisation of educational services will be on his plate.

ACCENT ON EDUCATION “When it comes to education,” Sears said, “I will be very much pushing, along with my colleagues, to have that University of Guyana campus, and even open up access to other institutions, whether it be overseas, private, technical and vocational education, institutes and so on to come right there in Linden so we can empower our people through education.” He said that if strides are made in the foregoing sectors, Region Ten will reach its true potential through determination, cooperation and effort.

Also new on the geographical list for APNU-AFC is Douglas Gittens,

PPP/C Candidate Dexter Harding

former Regional Councillor and teacher of the Mackenzie High School. Naturally, Gittens says he feels humbled to be included on the list to serve as a Parliamentarian. He believes that his hard work and dedication over the last nine years as a politician would have had an impact on his being chosen.

During these nine years, he served as a Regional Councillor, Chairman of the Regional Agricultural Committee, and a member of the Regional Tender Board.

As a teacher for over two decades, Gittens said that if selected to parliament, he will make representation for the rights and comfort of teachers not only in Region Ten, but across Guyana. Representation for the elderly will also be on his agenda. “We must ensure that the ones who have taken care of us are taken care of,” Gittens said, adding: “I will also be an advocate for the rights of women and the less fortunate. I would ensure that the hospitals and health centres are always functioning as they should, and have all the relevant equipment to improve healthcare all across Guyana.” Consolidation and

consultation are important in this process, and the aspiring MP says he will also set aside a day where the residents can meet the MPs and have discussions on what they would like to see happen in their constituencies.

Also included on the geographical list for APNU-AFC are former MPs Jermaine Figueira and Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Valarie Yearwood, who is also on the National Top-Up List.

RIVERINE COMMUNITIES Hoping that he will represent the PPP at Parliament during the next sitting is also former Regional Councillor Dexter Harding, who said his priority will be on making representation for the riverine communities of the Region. Given his role as Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) for the Coomacka Mines District for three consecutive terms, Harding said that he is confident he possesses the qualities needed to sit in Parliament.

The development of sports and the creation of jobs, through the establish-

ANUG Candidate, Akanni Blair

ment of community factories are top on Harding’s list. He believes that not enough representation is made for those residing in outlying communities, and more needs to be done to keep these youths occupied through sports. “I will make representation for a multi-purpose court where sports such as basketball and tennis can be played, as well as a resource centre for the youths, so they can be meaningfully occupied.

For example, in Coomacka, a lot of the youths turn to marijuana because there is not enough for them to do,” Harding said. He also plans on making representation for a chowmein and a block factory for these communities for the provision of jobs. Despite being a PPP representative, Harding said if he sits in Parliament, he will be putting politics aside and including all to benefit from his plans.

A UNITED GUYANA Contesting the regional elections in Region Ten as well is the new political party, A New and United Guyana (ANUG). On their geographical list is former Region Ten PPP executive

Akanni Blair, who last year resigned from the party, claiming discrimination.

He joined ANUG with the desire of seeing Guyana united as One People, One Nation and One Destiny, irrespective of race and political affiliation. He also said it is a naturally good feeling to be included in the party’s list and while Region Ten has the culture of voting for the APNU-AFC, ANUG is capitalising on the small percentage of voters, he believes are no longer polarised. He alluded to the paradigm shift in the voting tradition of the region at the most recent LGE. “I ran at LGE candidate on the ticket of the PPP for Amelia’s Ward in Region Ten in 2018 and I would have garnered 129 votes alone for my constituency, while there were 411 votes in Linden for the PPP. This represented a 300 per cent increase and it was significant, since for the first time the PPP/c got one seat in Linden and two seats in Kwakwani…it shows there is a paradigm shift and the smaller parties are getting their bits and we are capitalizing on this small percentage.”

If given a chance in Parliament, Blair said he will make representation for a modern municipal market in Mackenzie, the implementation of the Mackenzie/ Wismar bridge project and for the provision of jobs, for particularly youths.

Cyclist dies after car crashes into him

A 20-year-old cyclist was killed Saturday night after a car, PHH 2714, crashed into him on the Land of Canaan Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is Lenox Colette of lot 4, Land of Canaan Public Road, EBD. He was killed a stone’s throw away from his home. The 24-year-old driver of Kaneville, Grove, EBD, was taken into police custody as

investigations continue.

Reports indicate that motor car PHH 2714 was proceeding north along the western side of the said road, when, it is alleged, that the driver saw the pedal cyclist riding from East to West across the road into his path.

The driver then collided with the cyclist, causing the 20-year-old to land onto the bonnet of the car

Dead: Lenox Colette

before tumbling onto the road. Police said the cyclist received several injuries about his body. The driver

of the car then picked up the injured man in an unconscious condition and rushed him to the East Bank Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His sister, Asha Nandlall, said when her brother was injured in the accident, their mother heard a loud sound and rushed out to the public road where her worst fears were confirmed. She said her brother was

a hardworking, loving and joyful persons who assisted and cared for his mother.

“His body was badly damaged, his hips, ribs, all over his body was broken,” the sister said.

Adding that the autopsy was done on Monday, she said her brother died as a result of severe injuries compounded with shock and haemorrhage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Giftland, GPL ink power purchasing pact …electricity supply to begin within weeks THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is expected to begin sourcing power from MCG Investments Inc, owner of the Giftland Mall, within weeks or possibly days, as the Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) between the two companies has been signed.

Another possible PPA with local beverage company, Banks DIH, is pending that company’s indication of its ability to supply.

These developments were confirmed by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, on Monday, as he spoke on the sidelines of a sod-turning ceremony for a new solar power facility at the CARICOM Secretariat.

“As we’re standing here, the contract with Giftland, the PPA, has been signed.

The technical modalities have been worked out, the licences have been granted, and I believe quite shortly Giftland will be [supplying power to the grid]. We’re talking a matter of weeks or within days they will be supplying 3 – 4 megawatts into the power grid to augment what GPL has at the moment. The idea is that Giftland will power the lower East Coast [Demerara],” Patterson disclosed.

Patterson did not say at what cost GPL will be buying the electricity. On the coastland residents currently pay $51.09 per kilowatt hour for power to their homes. Chairman of the Giftland Group, Roy Beepat, had previously noted that power from the company would be “below [GPL] diesel plants”.

The PPA is one that Giftland has been pursuing for some time now. However, last year it was revealed that there were technical and legal constraints regarding the sourcing of power from Independent Power Producers (IPP), as GPL’s licence restricted the utility company from purchasing power from entities other than an IPP which produced power from renewable energy sources.

In September 2019, the Ministry had begun the process to amend that section of the GPL licence, opening the door for more IPPs to come on board. As it pertains to Banks DIH, Patterson explained that the company is still being engaged. “They are still interested but they

have reported that sometime last year they had a mishap with their Banks plant… so the amount of reserve power that they had available to sell has been reduced, so they’re getting themselves back to normalcy and we will re-engage them when they say they are ready to continue,” Patterson explained.

This development marks a major step for altering how the utility goes about supplying power to the nation. Patterson, however, explained that prospective IPP should engage the company before going about investing in a plant, to ensure that the supply is aligned to an area that has a need.

“We don’t want persons to just find a piece of land in

any location and decide that they want to build a power plant to sell to us, it has to be discussed and agreed strategically,” Patterson explained.

“It’s a question of where you are, and the need. Gift-

Minister of Public Security, David Patterson

Chairman of the Giftland Group, and Giftland’s CEO Roy Beepat

Inside of Giftland Mall’s power plant. (DPI photo)

land is fortuitous because it takes off the load from other power producing centres on the East Coast, but obviously with somebody in Kingston, we wouldn’t really be interested in that because we have power plants there.

But say if somebody is in Berbice, I think GPL may be more interested. It would mean less dependency on the Georgetown-based and Vreed-en-Hoop-based power systems, less distance, less dependency, so it’s a strategic approach.” In Guyana, the state-owned GPL is a vertically integrated utility with a monopoly on the transmission and distribution of electricity. The coastal generation is largely handled by Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI), which is also state-owned, and contracted to operate and maintain the power plants on behalf of GPL. PPDI was established in 2016 to take over power

Chutney Soca Artiste takes...

rights to a fair trial of the charges laid in the Magistrates Court for contravention of the principles of separation of power.

Finally, Singh is asking the court to grant a conservatory order to stay the proceedings in the Whim and Albion Magistrate’s Court, where criminal charges are on-going against her.

In her statement, Singh said that, on the December 3, 2019, she was in motor car PTT 6628, with her sister Yashmanie Ramsew, called

‘Tina’, proceeding along the Rose Hall Public Road, Corentyne, when an accident occurred involving minor damages to a third party’s vehicle.

Singh said that she came out of her motor car and settled the matter with the driver of motor car PLL 9377 and agreed that no police action would be necessary as the matter may be later reported to the Police Station.

However, Police officer Sooknanan and another male Police

officer, later that day, stopped her mother’s car and, in a disorderly and violent manner, with firearm in their hands, threatened to shoot them.

The police officers then placed the claimant and her sister in a vehicle and took them to the Rose Hall Police Station.

Singh is claiming that Officers Parks and Sooknanan, along with two other ranks, while on their way to the Rose Hall Police Outpost, demanded $50,000 from her and Ramsew, but they refused to pay

plants previously operated and maintained by Wartsila Operations Guyana Inc. PPDI is responsible for a total electrical output of 106.7 megawatts within the Demerara to Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), sourcing from four power plants, namely Garden of Eden (22 MW), Kingston #1 (22MW), Kingston #2 (36.3 MW) and Vreeden-Hoop (26.4 MW).

This power generation is wholly insufficient, and GPL over the years has continued to explore the option of utilizing IPP. It has been noted that if GPL is to properly address issues which it currently faces, it needs to integrate greater private participation in power generation and move to focus more on electricity transmission and distribution, than on generation.

“The issue of private investment in the energy sector is an important one if GPL is to make the kind of progress that is required to solve some of those generation problems,” Programme Manager for Energy and Head of the Energy Unit at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Devon Gardner, had noted in a previous interview, “If GPL was able to focus on transmission and distribution a lot more, and allow the private generators to generate and sell to them, then they would be able to focus on what utilities typically do, which is figuring out how to move the electricity from where it is being generated to the demand centres.”

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the money.

While at the station, Singh said that Parks assaulted them, which caused them to receive injuries about their abdomen and legs.

“The Claimant and her sister screamed and shouted and were forced to speak in harsh and loud tones to protect their civil liberty but the defendants (Parks and Sooknanan) and other members of the force continued their threats depriving them of their liberty.

On December 8, 2019, at the

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Berbice Magisterial District Magistrate’s Court, Singh was charged with assault of a Peace Officer and disorderly behavior at the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost, Corentyne Berbice on the 3rd December, 2019.

She was released on $100,000 bail.

Her sister was slapped with six charges: assaulting a Peace Officer; resisting a Peace Officer; disorderly behavior; dangerous driving; failure to stop at an accident, and failure to report an accident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Guyana at G77 and China meeting

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo receives all relevant material and documents as Guyana prepares to execute the function of Chairmanship of the Group of 77Â

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Ambassador Rudolph Michael Ten-Pow meeting with Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations, Amina Jane Mohammed

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Rudolph Michael Ten-Pow, Head of the Office of Climate Change, Janelle Christian meeting with Executive Secretary and Director of the Perez Guerrero Trust Fund.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Rudolph Michael Ten-Pow paid a courtesy call on Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres

President of the UN General ssembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo inside the General Assembly of the United Nations, New York.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings meeting with United UN Development Programme (UNDP), Achim Steiner

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings with Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations, Ambassador Mona Juul

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 21, 2020

‘Combatants’ involved in the incident at St Agnes Primary granted bail

THE parents and a relative of a pupil of the St Agnes Primary, as well as a teacher of the school, were released on bail, in connection with an incident which has since sparked a public outcry.

The four appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and denied the

nection with the incident.

Dalrymple’s first charge stated that, on January 15, 2020, at St Agnes Primary School, at Church and Thomas Streets, Georgetown, he provoked Tiffani Hinds with intent to insult or annoy her.

The second charge stated that, Dalrymple, on the same day, and at the same place, assaulted Tiffani Hinds.

From left: Soyini Gardener, Kendacie Peters and Sherwin Dalrymple

charges when they were read to them.

Sherwin Dalrymple and his partner Soyini Gardener, along with the relative, Kendacie Peters, and school teacher Tiffini Hinds, were all released on bail in con-

Peters’ first charge stated that, on January 15, 2020, at St Agnes Primary School at Church and Thomas Streets, Georgetown, she unlawfully and maliciously damaged a dress valued at $6,500, propety of Tiffani Hinds.

Man killed while crossing Eccles Public Road A pedestrian was killed in the wee hours of Monday morning while attempting to cross the Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road.

Dead is Ryan Hirman, 27, of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Reports indicate that in the wee hours of Monday morning, Hirman was standing along the Eccles Public Road, EBD, and attempted to cross the main roadway.

However, at that time, motorcar, PYY 3475, was proceeding north along the eastern carriageway of the said road and did not stop in time to avoid hitting Hirman.

The driver, a 21-year-old, alleged that Hirman’s body came into contact with the left side of the motorcar. This resulted in him falling onto

Dead: Ryan Hirman

the road surface. Hirman was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

When contacted, police noted that the 21-year-old driver was subjected to a breathalyzer test, and the results determined that he was above the legal alcohol consumption limit.

The car and the driver are currently in police custody as investigations continue.

The driver is expected to be charged this week.

The second charge stated that, on the same day, and at the same place, she unlawfully assaulted Tiffani Hinds.

Gardener’s first charge stated that, on January 15, 2020, at St Agnes Primary School at Church and Thomas Streets, Georgetown, she unlawfully assaulted Tiffani Hinds to cause her actual bodily harm.

The second charge stated

Tiffani Hinds (Teacher)

that, on the same day, and at the same place, she unlawfully and maliciously damaged one single acrylic denture valued at $12,000, property of Tiffani Hinds.

Hinds’ charge stated that, on January 15, 2020, at St Agnes Primary School at Church and Thomas Streets, Georgetown, she assaulted Gardener.

The second charge stated

that, on the same day, and at the same place, she provoked Soyini Gardener, with intent to insult or annoy her.

Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus granted Gardener $50,000 bail and Dalrymple, Peters and Hinds $20,000 bail each.

The matter was adjourned until February 10, 2020.

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ICC Under-19 World Cup

Young stars with bat and ball as West Indies thump England ..Kevlon Anderson hits unbeaten 86 …

KIMBERLEY, South Africa, (CMC) – All-rounder Nyeem Young became the first West Indian and only the fourth player of all time to hit a half-century and take five wickets at an ICC Under-19 World Cup, as a clinical West Indies trounced England by 71 runs under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern here Monday, to take a giant step towards the second round of the tournament.

With the Windies wobbling on 138 for five in the 35th over after they were sent in, Young arrived at number seven to blast a whirlwind 66 from 41 balls and propel the Caribbean side to 267 for seven off their 50 overs.

He combined forces with Kevlon Anderson, who topscored with an invaluable 86 not out, as West Indies plundered 104 runs from the last 10 overs.

In reply, England were well-placed at 120 for two at the end of the 29th over before Young produced a lethal burst with his lively medium pace to capture five for 45, and cripple the innings.

When lightning and thunder in the area drove players from the field in the 44th over and ended the contest, England were tottering on 184 for nine and well behind the required par score.

Tom Clark top-scored with 38, opener Ben Charlesworth got 36 and Jack Haynes, 23, but England failed to get a single player to bat deep.

For Young, the outing marked his second straight Man-of-the-Match performance following a similar exhilarating half-century against Australia last Saturday in the Windies’ three-wicket win at the same venue.

More importantly, the victory put West Indies top of the group on four points and with just one preliminary round match remaining against minnows Nigeria on Thursday, they are virtually guaranteed of a spot in the quarter-finals.

It was left-handed opener Leonardo Julien who gave them a fluent start, striking five fours and a six in 40 off 57 balls, as he posted 47 for the first wicket with captain Kimani Melius (24) and a further 38 for the second wicket with Anderson.

Melius eventually drove the last ball of the ninth over from off-spinner Hamidullah Qadri (2-46) and was taken at short cover and Julien followed in the 19th over, caught down the leg side gloving a pull at pacer Joey Evison.

Julien’s dismissal trig-

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES U19s *K Melius c Haynes b Hamidullah Qadri +L Julien c wkp Cox b Evison K Anderson not out K McKenzie c Clark b Goldsworthy A Morris c & b Goldsworthy M Patrick lbw b Hamidullah Qadri N Young c Aldridge b Balderson M Forde c Balderson b Aldridge J James not out Extras (lb1, w9) TOTAL (7 wkts, 50 overs)

24 40 86 12 14 3 66 8 4 10 267

Did not bat: A Nedd, J Seales.

Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Melius), 2-85 (Julien), 3-100 (McKenzie), 4-129 (Morris), 5-138 (Patrick), 6-239 (Young), 7-250 (Forde) Bowling: Balderson 9-1-61-1, Cullen 6-0-41-0, Hamidullah Qadri 10-1-46-2, Aldridge 8-2-48-1, Evison 7-0-42-1, Goldsworthy 10-0-28-2.

ENGLAND U19s B Charlesworth c James b Patrick 36 +J Cox c Forde b Nedd 20 T Clark lbw b Nedd 38 J Haynes c Forde b Young 27 D Mousley c Forde b Young 4 J Evison c wkp Julien b Young 1 L Goldsworthy c & b Young 3 *G Balderson c Forde b Young 10 K Aldridge c & b Forde 21 B Cullen not out 7 Hamidullah Qadri not out 4 Extras (lb6, w7) 13 TOTAL (9 wkts, 43.4 overs) 184 Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Cox), 2-69 (Charlesworth), 3-120 (Clark), 4-129 (Mousley), 5-131 (Haynes), 6-135 (Evison), 7-146 (Goldsworthy), 8-151 (Balderson), 9-174 (Aldridge) Bowling: Forde 5-0-34-1, Seales 10-2-21-0, James 2.4-0-15-0, Young 9-0-45-5, Nedd 10-235-2, Patrick 7-0-28-1.

Points: West Indies U19s 2, England U19s 0.

Man-of-the-Match: Nyeem Young.

gered a slide as four wickets tumbled for 53 runs, leaving West Indies in danger of collapse. But Young joined Anderson and together they put on 101 for the sixth wicket to help restore order to the innings.

Playing with his usual merry abandon, Young counter-attacked brilliantly with five fours and four sixes while Anderson faced 105 deliveries and struck half-dozen fours and three sixes.

Young eventually perished in the 48th over, holing out to deep cover off pacer George Balderson.

Facing a tricky run chase, England started positively when Ben Charlesworth and Jordan Cox (20) posted 53 for the first wicket, to keep the Windies without early success.

However, left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd (2-35) broke the stand in the 14th over when left-hander Cox’s reverse sweep found Matthew Forde’s safe hands at first slip – one of five catches snared by the Barbadian.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

England complete innings win despite 99-run last-wicket stand SCOREBOARD

By Mark Gleeson PORT ELIZABETH (Reuters) - England won the third test on Monday, but made heavy weather of wrapping up South Africa’s tail on the last day at St George’s Park to go 2-1 up in the series after a dominant innings and 53-run victory.

England needed four wickets to win in their 500th overseas test, but had to overcome late resistance and feisty 71 from Keshav Maharaj and 39 from debutant Dane Paterson before completing the task 10 minutes before lunch.

They bowled South Africa out for 237 in their second innings for a commanding victory after forcing the follow-on, when the home side were 209 all out in their first innings in reply to a mammoth 499 for nine declared.

Maharaj and Paterson put on a ground Test record partnership of 99 for the last wicket as they frustrated the England bowlers.

But it was only a matter of time before England completed their first away victory by an innings since success in Sydney in 2011.

“It’s a great template for how we want to play our Test cricket with big first innings score and drive it on from there,” said England captain Joe Root.

It took just three balls on Monday for England to claim their first victim as Stuart Broad forced Vernon Philander (14) to play an inside edge onto his pad that popped up for Ollie Pope to take his sixth catch of the match.

Mark Wood’s first ball after replacing Broad saw him force Kagiso Rabada into a leading edge which flew up to mid-on where Broad took an easy catch. Rabada, who will miss the last test because of suspension, scored 16 off 24 balls.

Dom Bess’ first over saw him skid a ball on to bowl Anrich Nortje (5), leaving Paterson to join Maharaj for a late cameo that proved the home side’s best partnership of a poor test performance.

Maharaj was eventually run out, but not before smashing his way to a second Test 50.

Root bowled 10 successive overs as he went in search for a first Test five wicket haul, having taken four overnight,

ENGLAND COMPLETE..

ENGLAND 1st innings 499 for 9( declared) South Africa 1st innings Dean Elgar c Ollie Pope b Dom Bess Pieter Malan c&b Dom Bess Zubayr Hamza c Ollie Pope b Dom Bess Anrich Nortje c Joe Root b Ben Stokes Faf du Plessis c Ollie Pope b Dom Bess Rassie van der Dussen b Dom Bess Quinton de Kock b Sam Curran Vernon Philander b Stuart Broad Keshav Maharaj b Stuart Broad Kagiso Rabada c Mark Wood b Stuart Broad Dane Paterson Not Out Extras 4b 0lb 0nb 0pen 1w Total (86.4 overs) 209 all out

35 18 10 18 8 24 63 27 0 1 0 5

Joe Denly 4 - 1 - 10 - 0, Joe Root 11 - 4 – 25- 0,Ben Stokes 5 - 1 - 26 - 1.

SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings Pieter Malan lbw Joe Root 12 Dean Elgar b Mark Wood 15 Zubayr Hamza c Jos Buttler b Mark Wood 2 Faf du Plessis c Ollie Pope b Joe Root 36 Rassie van der Dussen c Ollie Pope b Joe Root 10 Quinton de Kock c Mark Wood b Joe Root 3 Vernon Philander c Ollie Pope b Stuart Broad 13 Keshav Maharaj Run Out Sam Curran 71 Kagiso Rabada c Stuart Broad b Mark Wood 16 Anrich Nortje b Dom Bess 5 Dane Paterson Not Out 39 Extras 12b 1lb 1nb 0pen 1w 15 Total

(88.5 overs)

FROM PAGE

..Kevlon Anderson hits unbeaten 86 …

And the Windies struck again in the 21st, Charlesworth picking out Joshua James at long on off Matthew Patrick’s off-spin.

Clark, who counted four fours and a six in his 53-ball knock, then paired with Jack Haynes to stabilise the innings in a 51-run third wicket stand before Young scythed through the middle order.

Nedd again proved the partnership breaker, Clark missing a sweep and going lbw in the 30th over and Young then knocked over Dan Mousley (4) and Haynes in the 33rd over to turn the game on its head.

Mousley skied to Forde at mid on and Haynes found the same fielder at long off four balls later, and following a break for rain, Young got Evison (1) to top-edge a pull behind in the 35th over at 135 for six.

Young completed his five-wicket haul when Lewis Goldsworthy (3) mangled a pull and offered a simple return catch in the 37th and Balderson was well held at long on by Forde in the 39th over with storm clouds gathering.

237 all out

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Fall of Wickets : 1-18 Elgar, 2-22 Hamza, 3-44 Malan, 4-66 van der Dussen, 5-74 de Kock, 6-83 du Plessis, 7-102 Philander, 8-128 Rabada, 9-138 Nortje, 10-237 Maharaj

08:10 hrs Stormy Winter

Bowling: Stuart Broad 10 - 5 - 14 - 1 (1nb),Sam Curran 6 - 0 - 46 - 0, Mark Wood 16.5 - 6 - 32 - 3 (1w), Dom Bess 22 - 11 - 36 - 1, Ben Stokes 5 - 2 - 9 - 0, Joe Root 29 – 13- 87 - 4 .

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but without success.

He even tried his luck with the new ball but Maharaj hit him for three successive fours and then two sixes in an over before the England skipper took himself off.

Lasith Embuldeniya took five for 115 with his off-spinners .(AFP)

not out) are at the crease after Sri Lanka lost opener Oshada Fernando for 21, bowled by Donald Tiripano with the seamer’s first ball in the match. Zimbabwe had resumed on the second morning on 189 for two, but lost Brendan

Young stars with bat and ball as West Indies 23 thump ...

Fall of Wickets : 1-50 Malan, 2-60 Hamza, 3-63 Elgar, 4-71 du Plessis, 5-109 van der Dussen, 6-154 Nortje, 7-208 Philander, 8-208 de Kock, 9-208 Maharaj, 10-209 Rabada Bowling : Stuart Broad 13.4 - 6- 30 - 3, Sam Curran 11 - 2 - 32 - 1, Dom Bess 31 - 12 - 51 - 5, Mark Wood 11 - 4 - 31 - 0 (1w),

South Africa won the first Test in Pretoria by 107 runs but England bounced back with a 187-run win in Cape Town in the second test. The final test in Johannesburg starts on Friday.

Embuldeniya takes five as Sri Lanka toil in first Test against Zimbabwe HARARE (Reuters) - Leftarm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya took five wickets as Sri Lanka bowled out hosts Zimbabwe out for 358 on day two of the first Test at the Harare Sports Club on Monday, but the home side will be pleased with their batting efforts on their return to Test cricket.

The tourists reached the close at 42 for one in their reply, a deficit of 316 runs that they will seek to wipe out on a slow pitch on day three in the first match of a two-test series.

Captain Dimuth Karunaratne (12 not out) and Kusal Mendis (6

ICC Under-19 World Cup

Taylor (21) early when he was trapped leg before by seamer Suranga Lakmal (3-53), who also accounted for top scorer Craig Ervine (85). Embuldeniya (5-115) then ate into the middle order, removing captain Sean

Williams (18), the dangerous Sikandar Raza (41) and Regis Chakabva (8). He claimed his second five-wicket haul in tests when he bowled Kyle Jarvis for one.

Zimbabwe batted for 148 overs for their 358, showing great patience at the crease as they made Sri Lanka toil for their wickets. The tour was hastily arranged, having only been announced on Jan. 8. Zimbabwe, returning to test cricket for the first time since their tour of Bangladesh in 2018, were briefly suspended by the International

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Bacchus re-elected president of the Essequibo Cricket Board INCUMBENT Fizul Bacchus was re-elected unopposed as president of the Essequibo Cricket Board 2020 for a fourth consecutive term at the Board’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday at the ECB Hostel in Anna Regina.

Also returning unopposed were Alvin Johnson-Vice President, Aotto Christiani- Secretary and Nazeer Mohamed as Treasurer. The other executive members are Assistant Secretary- Khemraj Surujpaul, Assistant Treasurer- Fabian Durant, Marketing Manager- Andy Ramnarine,

Public Relations Officer- Tamika Johnson and Competitions Chairman- Ramnarine Ragubar.

The Trustees are Prince Holder and Zabeer Zakhair.

The new body will serve will serve for two years as stipulated by the constitution. Meanwhile, the new executives have pledged to serve in the best interest of Essequibo’s cricket development and to seek more sponsorship to have cricket played at all levels.

Bacchus is also the current President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Chairman of the Pomeroon Cricket Committee.

Cricket Council last year because of government interference in the sport, but were reinstated in Oc-

tober. The second Test will also be played at the Harare Sports Club, starting on Jan. 27.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

25

Under-fire Faf du Plessis to stay on as South Africa skipper and fight

By Mark Gleeson

PORT ELIZABETH (Reuters) - South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said he would not be walking away from his beleaguered team even if he is struggling with his own form and after losing for a seventh time in their last eight Tests.

Du Plessis made it clear he would continue for the last test against England, which starts in Johannesburg on Friday, and for two away tests in the West Indies in mid-year and decide on his future after that.

He said he had no thoughts about stepping down immediately, despite much speculation after South Africa were soundly

Australian Open tennis.

AMERICAN 15-year-old Coco Gauff proved last year’s victory over Venus Williams was no fluke when she beat the seven-time Grand Slam champion once again to reach the Australian Open second round.

Gauff announced her arrival last July with victory over her “idol” Williams, 39, in the Wimbledon first round.

And just like last time, she did it in straight sets, winning 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said he would not be walking away from his beleaguered team.

beaten by England in the third test at Port Elizabeth on Monday, losing by an innings and 53 runs.

England are now 2-1 ahead in the series, while Du Plessis’ last nine test innings have produced just 123 runs.

The 35-year-old last scored a century in January 2018 and his average has dropped to 40.23.

“From a runs point of view, I’m not up to a level where I should be but I’ve still got a huge role to play as captain to try and make sure I lift these guys up to fight to win the next test,” he said.

Du Plessis explained he would not be drawn into an emotional decision and was committed to completing the series against England.

“The worst thing a leader can do is pull the plug mid-series and say, ‘sorry boys, I’m out, I’ve had enough’. That’s

not what leadership is about, you have to stick through the tough times as well,” he said.

“For me it’s about trying to be as mentally strong as I can and block out all the noise.

Obviously I’ve heard a lot of rumours about retirement but I’ve been pretty clear that I’ve committed myself to Cricket South Africa until the Twenty20 World Cup (in Australia in October and November).”

Du Plessis said he would then consider whether he continues in Test cricket but did hint he would likely move on and play the limited overs formats only.

Losing yet another test —

after a 2-0 defeat by Sri Lanka at home last year, then 3-0 away in India and now 2-1 down to England — was a massive blow, he conceded.

“We made huge strides in that first Test (against England) from a confidence point of view. I felt we turned the corner but now it feels like we’ve taken a step backwards, especially with our batting.

“England are showing us how to apply yourself, how to get yourself in and how to score big runs. That’s the only difference between the two teams at the moment,” the South Africa skipper added.

Gauff beats Venus Williams again to advance

Coco Gauff beat Venus Williams during a fairytale run to the last 16 at Wimbledon last year.

Gauff’s celebrations were slightly delayed because she did not realise the final point had been given her way.

“That was really difficult. She played really well and I was really nervous for today’s match - I was a bit shocked when I saw the draw, but glad I was able to get through it,” said Gauff, who was making her Australian Open debut.

“I am feeling great. I really like this court and really like this crowd.”Gauff will play Romanian world number 74 Sorana Cirstea next.

Gauff, who came through

qualifying at Wimbledon and was then awarded a wildcard to the main draw at the US Open in September, was making her first appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam as a direct qualifier.

Her Wimbledon exploits meant the crowd on Margaret Court Arena were already familiar with her name and they shouted it often during the match against the former world number one.

“I just want to say thank you guys so much, you were chanting my name and I only thought that would happen at the US Open, so

it means a lot,” she said.

Gauff had looked to be in control of the first set, breaking in the first game and establishing three set points at 5-3 and 5-4 before being forced into a tie-break, which she won when Williams hit an overhead into the net.

The youngest player in the draw then raced to a 3-0 lead and went on to serve out the match, taking victory on her second match point when Williams the oldest player in the draw - rushed to retrieve a shot at the net but could only get to it with a double bounce.(BBC Sport)

Bonner century ensures Scorpions share of honours KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Nkrumah Bonner’s second first class century helped Jamaica Scorpions frustrate Windward Islands Volcanoes and earn a share of the honours on the final day of their second round match here Sunday.

The 30-year-old struck exactly 100 not out as as Scorpions, resuming the day

at Sabina Park on 291 for three, batted themselves to safety by piling up 404 for eight declared.

Set an improbable 238 for victory in 1-½ sessions, Volcanoes wobbled on 113 for five before finishing on 155 without further loss.

Left-handed opener Devon Smith top-scored with 47 while former captain Kirk

Edwards got 25 but it was Emmanuel Stewart’s unbeaten 26, in an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 42 with Keron Cottoy (14 not out) which proved most valuable.

Seamer Derval Green, who took three wickets in the first innings and also hit a half-century, led the attack again with three for 30.

Australia crush Nigeria by ten wickets NIGERIA’s first ever match at a World Cup was one to forget, as they were bowled out for 61 before going down by ten wickets against Australia in Kimberley in what was a rude awakening for the newcomers to the fold.

Australia Under-19 62 for 0 (Fanning 30*) beat Nigeria Under-19 61 (Olaleye 21*, Sangha 5-14, Simpson 3-11) by ten wickets Their top scorer, opener Olayinka Olaleye, made 21

Tanveer Sangha is mobbed by his team-mates (ICC via Getty)

runs in 53 balls, surviving nearly 20 overs against some hostile pace bowling led by Bradley

Simpson, but was eventually dismissed by legspinner Tanveer Sangha. Sangha, who had

It was Bonner’s knock, however, which took centre stage earlier in the day as Scorpions flourished in good conditions.

All told, the right-hander struck eight fours and a six in an innings lasting 188 balls and a shade over four hours, raising his landmark by clearing the ropes at long on with left-arm spinner Ka-

vem Hodge.

He extended his overnight fourth wicket stand with Paul Palmer (42) to 86, his partner adding just six before falling in the morning’s fourth over, caught at the wicket off left-arm pacer Preston McSween.

Nkrumah Bonner … scored exactly 100

Bonner also added 40 for the sixth wicket with Green who made 17 before becoming Sherman Lewis’s third wicket of the innings, edging a drive to first slip.

taken 4 for 30 against West Indies on Saturday, cleaned up the Nigerian tail thereafter to finish with 5 for 14 and get to the top of the wicket-takers’ chart for the tournament.

Australia then chased the target down in 7.4 overs with openers Sam Fanning and Jake Fraser-McGurk hitting eight fours to complete a dominant performance.

The game was one of two being played in Kimberley on the day and had very few fans in attendance. Most of those present cheered for Nigeria, and their first four of the World Cup, struck by Olayele through

third man, elicited massive roars from the stands. In all, they struck six fours in an innings that lasted 35.4 overs, two of them coming from Olayele, the only one to reach double figures.

Sangha was impressive, bowling stump to stump instead of looking to turn the ball like in the game against West Indies.

His sliders had two batsmen out bowled trying to cut, while wicketkeeper Patrick Rowe assisted with a catch and a stumping for two more wickets.

The only time a Nigeria batsman looked to attack Sangha was when Olaleye gave him

the charge, but he was caught at first slip by captain Mackenzie Harvey.

The early breakthroughs, however, had come from Simpson, who came into the Australia side in place of Matthew Willans, who is down with a groin injury. Simpson’s double-strike with the new ball had reduced Nigeria to 10 for 3, and his third scalp ended the innings in the 36th over.(ESPN Cricinfo)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Serena, Barty, Osaka into Australian Open second round

SERENA Williams underlined why she is the Australian Open favourite with a rapid first-round win, while world number one Ashleigh Barty overcame a scare to reach the second round.

Williams, chasing a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, beat Anastasia Potapova 6-0 6-3 in just 58 minutes.

Australia’s Barty recovered from a poor start against world number 120 Lesia Tsurenko to win 5-7 6-1 6-1.

Defending champion Naomi Osaka also advanced on the opening day.

Third seed Osaka started slowly against Marie Bouzkova, before winning 6-2 6-4.

While Williams claimed a convincing victory over her Russian opponent, there was an even faster win for seventh seed Petra Kvitova, the 2019

Ashleigh Barty won her maiden Grand Slam at the French Open in 2019

runner-up, demolished fellow Czech Katerina Siniakova 6-1 6-0 in 51 minutes.

Former champion Caroline Wozniacki got her final tournament before retirement off to a good start with a 6-1 6-3 victory over American Kristie Ahn. However, 2017 US Open champion and 24th seed Sloane Stephens was beaten

by China’s Zhang Shuai.

The American served for the match in the second set but then lost seven games in a row as she fell to a 2-6 7-5 6-2 defeat.

Britain’s Johanna Konta was due to play on the first day but her match was one of 32 rescheduled for Tuesday because of rain.

Top seed Barty won the

Adelaide International on Sunday but struggled for rhythm in a patchy match.

Ukrainian Tsurenko, who reached the 2018 US Open quarter-finals, was playing just her second match after injuring her elbow but initially held firm against an error-strewn Barty.

Barty was broken in the opening game of the match, silencing the packed Rod Laver Arena, and Tsurenko ultimately served out the set after Barty sent an easy forehand long.

The Australian made 19 unforced errors in the opening set but was able to take advantage of a fading Tsurenko, whose served crumbled as the match progressed.

The 23-year-old won 14 of the final 16 games to close out the match and will play either Polona Hercog or Rebecca Peterson next.

Barty, who claimed her first Grand Slam singles title in Paris last year, said: “It’s all good. This is the moment I’ve been looking forward to the most throughout the off season.”

The tournament started as scheduled on Monday after air quality improved in Melbourne, although matches were later postponed because of heavy rain.

Last week’s qualifying event had been disrupted by delays because of the air pollution caused by widespread bushfires.

Williams, who had a pulmonary embolism after giving birth in 2017, said she had been concerned about what conditions might be like during her match.

“That is still a concern for pretty much everyone.

Every day all the players and the tournament make

sure that all the players are updated on what the play conditions would be like,” said the American.

“It’s literally every day, we are just waiting every day to see how the air quality would be. Today, it seemed normal. Yeah, it seemed pretty good.”

Eighth seed Williams, who won her first WTA title in three years in the run-up to the opening Grand Slam of the year, will play Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek next.

The 38-year-old was made to work harder in the second set by 18-year-old Potapova, who broke in the third game of the second set after a double-fault by Williams.

But Williams immediately broke back and pulled away to victory.

(BBC Sport0

Andrews six wickets fail to stop GCC’s outright win in two-day cricket LEON Andrews led from the front with the ball and helped with the bat, but the Guyana Defence Force were not at full strength on day two of their Georgetown Cricket Association-Noble House Seafoods Second Division two-day cricket competition, which resulted in the home team winning by an innings and 30 runs.

Although the Georgetown Cricket Club had wrested control on Saturday, the opening day, and had a sizable lead after their first innings, GDF could have still held on for a draw, but only nine players were available to

Leon Andrews took six wickets in the second innings for GDF.

bat—when the eighth wicket fell on Sunday afternoon, the army had to concede defeat.

Scores in the game: GDF 91 and 153, GCC 274.

After taking the lead on Saturday due to a half-century from youngster, Mavendra Dindyal (72), the home team continued from their over-

night score of 145-3 on Sunday morning. The army had a good session, since apart for a fighting unbeaten 51 from teenager Zachary Jodah (2x4s, 23 singles) and an aggressive last stand by fast bowler Carlos La Rose, the rest of the side succumbed to the off-spin bowling of Andrews.

Andrews, who had taken the wicket of Dindyal on Saturday, took five wickets on Sunday, including overnight batsmen Rivaldo Phillips (28) and Deonarine Seegobin (23).

The army could have restricted the side to a lower score, but La Rose got on

top of the bowling as he and Jodah added 59 runs for the last wicket. The number 11 batsman struck three sixes and two fours in a score of 35, which helped to push GCC to 274.

Andrews finished with 6-96 from 28 overs, while Damian Waldon and Randy Lindore supported with one wicket each.

In GDF’s second innings, Andrews (31) paced his time in the middle with a plethora of twos, but like several of the top order batsmen, he had a start, but did not follow on.

GDF’s middle-order then had a moment of lapse, as four wickets went down in

quick succession (62-1 to 63-5); Joshua Jones, though, kept the scoreboard ticking with some aggressive batting. His 52 included four sixes and one four. Despite his half-century, and 25 runs from Dameon Ross and 20 from Lindore, GDF succumbed at 153-8 just before the scheduled close of play.

Left- arm spinner Stephon Wilson again took three wickets. He proved to be extremely economical with 3-13 from 12 overs.

Darrius Andrews and Bernard Bailey supported with two wickets each.

Guardiola targets second place as ‘extraordinary’ Liverpool march on (REUTERS) - Manchester City will target second place in the Premier League and focus on cup competi-

tions with unbeaten league leaders Liverpool too far ahead to reel in, manager Pep Guardiola said on Monday.

Defending league champions City are 16 points behind Liverpool — who have a game in hand — and Guardiola said

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday January 21, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

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How many Test centuries Basil Butcher scored?

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What was his highest score?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

EAnfield, Liverpool, Britain - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gestures (Reuters/Action Image)

he could not afford to be distracted by Juergen Klopp’s side who have recorded the best run of form in Premier League history.

“We cannot deny that Liverpool are extraordinary in terms of football and re-

sults,” Guardiola told reporters. “Every day I live almost 24 hours thinking about what we’re doing and what we can do better so I am not distracted by other teams and leagues. “(Our target is) to finish second, to improve every day and for the knockout games in the other competitions we have. There always needs to be something exciting to keep going and improve.

“You cannot play good games in the knockout competitions if you are not running well in the Premier League. It is not that you are good one day and bad in another. You have to maintain your standards.”

City travel to Sheffield

United today but Guardiola confirmed they will be without defenders John Stones and Benjamin Mendy .

“John had a problem with the last action (in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace),” Guardiola added. “Mendy has some muscular fatigue and the others are ok.”

The Spaniard also jumped to the defence of Stones, who had a poor outing against Palace and was roundly criticised for his part in City conceding both goals.

“It was unfair,” Guardiola said of the criticism.

“You have ups and downs in your career... We know his quality.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

27

Top golfers shine at Global Spare Parts and Auto Sales tourney FORMER Club Captain, the veteran Patrick Prashad, pulled out all the stops to edge out Lusignan Golf Club president, Aleem Hussain, in their ‘Championship (0-9) Flight’ finishing tie in an exciting day of golf under fine weather, at the Global Spare Parts and Auto Sales tournament, on Saturday.

Of the other two Flights, the experienced Maxim Mangra easily took the lead in the ‘C’ (19-28) Flight, while Ayube Subhan produced a superb performance to lead the extremely keen competition in the ‘B’ (10-18) Flight.

CEO of Global Spare Parts– Hardeo ‘Curry’ Ganpat – himself now an enthusiastic golfer, was on hand to congratulate the winners and express his pleasure for being involved with the LGC and the vision of LGC president, Aleem Hussain.

(From left): Sponsor Hardeo Ganpat, Club president Aleem Hussain, Ayube Subhan, Ramesh Amrud, Maxim Mangra, Gavin Todd and Patrick Prashad. PHOTO NAME: Golf winners

In the ‘A’ Flight, Patrick Prashad (72/8) was first, with Hussain (72/9) placing second. Former Guyana Open Champion, Mike Mangal, was third on their heels with a fine 74/8. Maxim Mangra’s 68/20 was without contention as he led 2nd placed Gavin

Todd (77/19) by some nine strokes.

Rookie Ganpat (the sponsor), who has been having great improvement in his play, produced a commendable 82/28.

Best Gross for the day (77) was produced by veteran golfer Ramesh Amrud.

The day’s tournament was graced with the lovely presence and participation of Ms. Doreen De Caires, who has been a member of the club for some 50 years and was the Women’s Captain for many years.

De Caires delivered a great net 100 off of her play.

Reigning Guyana Open Ladies Champion, Christine Sukhram, also added her charm and participation to the occasion.

The competition in the ‘B’ Flight was a taste of how stiff the COPA Airlines competition is likely to get come Saturday,

January 25, 2020. The keen jostling obvious by a spread of only four strokes between the top seven scores in the Flight, indicates that golfers will be going all out to emerge as champions in their Flights.

Subhan’s 68/14, followed

by Shanella London’s 69/15 was the tip of the iceberg. Patanjalee ‘Pur’ Persaud (70/14); Lekhnarine Shivraj (70/16); Sukhram (71/12); Mike Gayadin (72/12) and Mahindranauth Tewari (72/12) sent clear signals that no one will win without a good fight.

President Hussain expressed gratitude to the Ganpat family for their willing support of the Lusignan Golf Club and the ongoing vision.

He thanked the golfers for their participation, and the ground staff for their commendable work.

Simmons fireworks earn Windies share of Twenty 20series BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Lendl Simmons flirted with a maiden Twenty20 International hundred as West Indies crushed Ireland by nine wickets in the final match here Sunday night, to earn a share of the threematch series.

Needing a victory at Warner Park to avoid a fifth straight T20 series defeat, the Windies rolled the visitors over for 138 in the final over before overhauling the uncomplicated target with a whopping nine overs to spare.

Simmons, enjoying a new lease on his career, smashed a scintillating unbeaten 91 from 40 balls, a knock highlighted by five fours and 10 sixes.

He put on 133 for the first wicket with Evin Lewis who

Lendl Simmons goes on the attack during his unbeaten 91 against Ireland in Sunday’s final T20 International.

carved out 46 off 25 deliveries with four fours and three sixes before perishing in the 11th over with six runs required for victory.

The three-match series finished 1-1 after Ireland won last Wednesday’s opener in Grenada by four runs and the second match on Saturday was rained off.

Earlier, veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo became West Indies’ highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals when he snatched three for 19 to help throw Ireland into strife after they were sent in.

For the second straight game, captain Kieron Pollard proved incisive with his slow medium, taking three for 17, as Ireland never recovered after racing to 50 without loss off just 20 balls.

Kevin O’Brien’s 18-ball 36 fuelled that opening partnership with Paul Stirling

(11), the experienced righthander belting half-dozen fours and a six in an entertaining knock.

But he was first out, trying to clear long on with Pollard’s fourth ball of his first over, but only succeeded in picking out Shimron Hetmyer in the deep.

Captain Andrew Balbirnie then tried to galvanise the innings in 28 from 23 balls but wickets tumbled around him as Pollard and Bravo combined to wreck Ireland.

Stirling played across a full length delivery from Bravo and was lbw in the fifth over, Gareth Delany feathered a catch behind off Pollard for six in the eighth over and three balls later in the same over, Harry Tector (1) edged a drive to give wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran his

second of three catches.

Bravo’s first strike saw him overtake fellow Trinidadian Samuel Badree (54) for the most wickets by a West Indies bowler in T20Is. He now has 57 scalps.

While Balbirnie remained at the crease, Ireland held out hope of a total in excess of 150 but his demise – run out in the 11th over by Sherfane Rutherford’s brilliant direct throw from third man – saw the last five wickets go down for 44 runs.

There was no sign of the imminent carnage when West Indies managed a single run from the opening over from off-spinner Stirling.

But the floodgates opened in the second over from seamer Barry McCarthy when

Simmons cleared the ropes at mid-wicket with the second delivery and then struck the next two balls for off-side boundaries.

Dropped on 23 by Balbirnie at mid-off in the fifth over, Simmons capitalised to race to his half-century off 28 balls, reaching the landmark with a six over square leg off 20-yearold left-arm seamer Josh Little in the eighth over.

He followed up with two sixes in the next over from medium pacer Mark Adair, the second of which took the Windies past 100, and carried on with his brazen assault until he ended the match by swinging off-spinner Simi Singh’s full toss over the ropes at mid-wicket.

England youngsters stood up to be counted - coach Silverwood ENGLAND’s youngsters “stood up to be counted” in the third Test victory over South Africa in Port Elizabeth, says coach Chris Silverwood.

Joe Root’s side completed an innings-and-53-run victory on Monday to take a 2-1 series lead with one Test left.

Ollie Pope, 22, hit 135 not out - his first Test hundred and Dom Bess, 22, took his first Test five-wicket haul.

“The template of what we are trying to set out is starting to work,” Silverwood said.

“We have got youngsters coming through and scoring runs and as we have seen with Ollie Pope, and equally Dom

Dom Bess (left) took his maiden five-wicket haul and Ollie Pope (second left) hit a first century in Port Elizabeth

Bess getting a first five-for as well.

“Again in another Test we have seen the youngsters stand up and be counted.

“It is fantastic for us to watch, fantastic for them and

fantastic for the game of cricket as well.”

England’s youngsters “stood up to be counted” in the third Test victory over South Africa in Port Elizabeth, says coach Chris Sil-

verwood.

Joe Root’s side completed an innings-and-53-run victory on Monday to take a 2-1 series lead with one Test left.

Ollie Pope, 22, hit 135 not out - his first Test hundred and Dom Bess, 22, took his first Test five-wicket haul.

“The template of what we are trying to set out is starting to work,” Silverwood said.

“We have got youngsters coming through and scoring runs and as we have seen with Ollie Pope, and equally Dom Bess getting a first five-for as well.

“Again in another Test we have seen the youngsters stand up and be counted.

“It is fantastic for us to watch, fantastic for them and fantastic for the game of cricket as well.”

England have named five players aged 24 and under in their team for the past two Tests: batsman Pope, spinner Bess, all-rounder Sam Curran, opener Zak Crawley and fellow opener Dom Sibley, who also scored his maiden Test hundred in the second Test in Cape Town.

Surrey’s Pope, playing in his sixth Test, was named man of the match for his performance, which also included six catches, after he shared a crucial partnership of 203 in England’s first innings.

He batted patiently at first with his side under pressure before playing a range of attacking shots to allow England to declare on 499-9.

“For a young lad like Ollie to play in that manner, to go through the different gears and really show everyone he belongs at this stage is testament to his ability and character,” England captain Joe Root said.

“He wants to be involved and wants to be in the big moments and contribute which, from a young guy, is exactly what you are after.”

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 21, 2020

..Kevlon Anderson hits unbeaten 86 …

Young stars with bat and ball as West Indies thump England 23 PAGE

England had no answer to Nyeem Young (Getty Images/ICC)

Kevlon Anderson of West Indies hits a ball towards the boundary in his top score of an unbeaten 86 against England.

(IBC/Getty Images)

Fruta U20, GFC to face off for Turbo football title FRUTA Conquerors U-20 and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) are both headed to the final of the Turbo Knockout Football tournament next weekend.

Both sides dominated their games against Pouderoyen and Northern Rangers FC, respectively, as the 2019/2020 edition of the tournament continued Sunday evening.

Wayne Baker’s 61st minute strike along with Ryan Hackett’s 80th minute strike solidified what the fans had known from the opening whistle; that Fruta’s youth side was going to make It to the final.

While there were moments of brilliance for the West Demerara side, nothing managed to find the back of their opponent’s nets.

In the second game, it was an absolute route of Northern Rangers by the GFC side.

From the whistle, the

GFC went on the prowl and were rewarded in the 13th minute through Kelsey Benjamin.

Adrian Aaron would extend the GFC side’s lead in the 18th minute with a spectacular strike as many thought the game was over.

However, Damien Williams in the 33rd, clawed one back and gave the Northern Rangers supporters hope of a comeback.

Benjamin, however, restored the two-goal margin that GFC had on the stroke of half-time.

GFC would take the scoreline to 3-1 just as the second half resumed with Ralph Parris before the Rangers second goal off the boot of Williams.

The GFC side was determined to make a statement and in the fourth minute of injury time (90+4), Kevin Baptiste made sure the score line was 5-2.

The final is billed for next Sunday

Northern Rangers in action against GFC

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020