Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_01_31_2020

FRIDAY 31st January, 2020

' No.105896

$56.5B invested in Police Force ---to enhance operation, in past five years

SEE PAGES 03&09

…President Granger says expanded TSU to safeguard Guyana’s borders WHO declares global emergency as China virus death toll reaches 170 PAGE

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GDF rank dies after bike 08 collides with car PAGE

Jagdeo admits to PPP ‘giveaway’ of oil blocks …says there were many blocks, but no takers

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President David Granger inspects a Guard of Honour during the opening ceremony of the Guyana Police Force Annual Officers’ Conference. The opening was held at the Baridi Benab, State House (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 31, 2020

‘One party rule a recipe for dictatorship’

-PM tells Region 2 rally in making case for ‘six-party’ coalition to be re-elected

By Navendra Seoraj PRIME Minister, Moses Nagamootoo has warned Guyanese that any future People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government would be a recipe for dictatorship.

“One party rule is a rec-

ipe for dictatorship,” said the Prime Minister, as he urged residents of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to stand firmly with the incumbent-- A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition.

Amidst cheers of “APNU+AFC for government,” the Prime Minister made his case for the coalition to get a second term, noting that the governing coalition has maintained a democratic image throughout its tenure. “In 33 days, Guyana will go to the

‘Victory is ours!’ Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo pumped and ready for the elections

polls and make a critical decision whether to vote for one party to form the next government or return the six-party coalition to government… the choice is simple, when David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo had teamed up, we had put one party rule to an end,” he said.

I STEPPED AWAY FROM CORRUPTION In advising Guyanese to “vote right,” he said Guyana should never return to the days of one party rule. Prime Minister Nagamootoo recalled when he stepped away from the PPP/C after 50 years of being in the party. In speaking about his experience, he said: “I stepped away from the PPP/C after 50 years and I stepped out of the stables of corruption…I distanced myself from authoritarians who had joined forces with drug lords and criminals.”

He said the “corrupt PPP” made Guyana the killing fields of the Caribbean and those are days that should never return. In contrast to

the PPP, Nagamootoo said, the coalition has President David Granger at the helm, a man who is the epitome of honesty and decency. Leaders of the coalition government also have integrity, said the prime minister, adding that the coalition does not only have people with integrity, but people of worth.

“We have a powerhouse of young people, who are energetic and people with clean hands…and we want our country to be left in safe, compassionate and clean hands,” said Nagamootoo.

He said, Guyana, as an emerging oil and gas economy, needs “clean hands” because there will be a lot of money which “sticky and dirty” hands should not be allowed to touch. “Don’t let them go in the oil cookie jar,” said Nagamootoo, noting that the PPP/C has a track record of corruption. Testimony to the corruption was the $24 billion which was allegedly in the bank account of a senior PPP/C member, who was Permanent Secretary of

the Office of the President at that time.

In making reference to this and other cases, the prime minister said: “I do not need to be lectured by anyone when you talk about corruption... people had started spelling corruption with three Ps because of what was going on… this election cannot see the return of the PPP to office. “I stand here tonight because I firmly believe that you would make the difference in the future and examine the performance of the government and know, no other government has performed as well as this government in one term…I know because this is the fifth President I am serving under.”

G77 MEETING The Prime Minister recalled that he recently represented Guyana at the Group 77 (G77) conference, where Guyana, out of 135 countries, was selected to be chair of the group. “Well, I met with the UN Secretary-General and I said Guyana’s affirmed status is due to one man...the same man who committed to making Guyana a green revolution and making Guyana the lungs of the earth,” said Nagamootoo, adding that with Granger as President, Guyana is in safe hands.

He said the coalition government is responsive, caring and knows the needs of the people. Talking specifically about the needs of the residents of Essequibo, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said: “Rice is Essequibo and Essequibo is rice…and last year, Guyana recorded the second highest paddy production in five years…this is because we invested.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 31, 2020

$56.5B invested in Police Force

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-- to enhance operation in past five years, says President Granger

By Rabindra Rooplall GOVERNMENT has provided greater resources to help the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s crime-fighting capabilities as expenditure (current and capital) increased by 85 per cent from GYD$7.5B in 2014 to GYD$13.9B in 2019.

This is according to Head of State, President David Granger, during his feature address on Thursday at the opening of Police Force’s Annual Officers’ Conference.

The three-day event was held on Thursday at State House, under the theme

3,000 km of borders and 460 km of sea coast, the force is challenged to enforce the law effectively everywhere. The force has begun to overcome these constraints,” President Granger said.

Adding that policemen and policewomen are now enjoying improved wages and salaries, the President said the average pay of a constable has increased from G$55,889 in 2014 to G$88,237 in 2019.

The force, he said, is being recapitalised, including with support from friendly states. The force’s transportation fleet, since 2015,

President David Granger; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, and Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, in discussion during the event

of the law.”

The Guyana Police Force, he said, under the Police Act, is charged with protecting citizen’s right to life, liberty and security of person.

The head of state noted that the force’s infrastructure is being improved to create an environment conducive to effective law-enforcement.

“Fifteen new police stations and outposts, including new stations at Linden and Aurora, were constructed over the past five years.

Eighteen stations were rehabilitated during that period,” the President noted.

He explained that divi-

The President said 46 police stations are now linked to the Integrated Crime Information System. The database of this system is being used to analyse crime-related information.

The Forensic and Science Laboratory was upgraded to support the force’s forensic investigations. It is now capable of conducting Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing, at last.

The force’s administration is becoming more automated. The Citizen Security Strengthening Programme has supported the implementation of an Electron-

Deputy Commissioners of Police, Maxine Graham and Paul Williams; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; President David Granger; Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie with officers of the force. (Adrian Narine Photo)

“Maintaining the Security Sector Reform Implementation to enhance public trust, security and capacity-building.”

In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and special invitees.

The President said the government has provided GYD$56.5B for the force’s expenditure over the past five years.

He said the force’s personnel have increased by 37.6 per cent from 3,610 in 2014 to 4,956 at as December 2019. It is now being supported by a 1,990-member Constabulary.

Staffing will be augmented during the ‘Decade of Development,’ the President said.

“Our country’s 215,00km² makes it larger in extent than England and Scotland combined and with

has been increased with the addition of 338 new vehicles – motor cars, motor buses, motor cycles, motor pickups, minibuses, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and other specialised utility vehicles.

“Thirty-four boats, engines and other riverine craft were added to the Marine Branch over the past five years to enhance its marine capability,” he said.

He emphasised that the force must be brought to strength and trained police officers must be deployed away from non-core functions such as immigration, certification of vehicular fitness and issuance of gun licenses.

NON-CORE FUNCTIONS The President said the non-core functions must be outsourced so as to ensure that more trained ranks are deployed to crime-fighting duties.

The Head of State explained that officers are paid to lead and they are tasked with helping to shape the force’s future over the next 10 years in accordance with government’s public security policy of ensuring that every citizen is safe from anti-social behaviour, crime, disorder and lawlessness on the roads.

The President said police officers’ conferences are about leadership and they must be forward-looking and not retrospective.

“Officers must commit to leading the force into a new era of modernisation and greater professionalisation and to accelerating the reforms taking place. Officers, ultimately, are the guarantors of human safety and public security all the time, to everyone, everywhere in Guyana,” the President noted.

Underscoring that every citizen, in every village, in every region, is entitled to the protections and guarantees

accorded under the laws of Guyana, the President said the Constitution of Guyana, [at Article 149 D (1)] provides that “…The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection and benefit

sional-based management information units were established and preparations have been made for the introduction of a National Intelligence Model across all divisions.

ic Document Management System (EDMS) to enhance the force’s human resource, finance and procurement management.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 31, 2020

WHO declares global emergency as China virus death toll reaches 170

BEIJING/GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday it was declaring the coronavirus outbreak that has killed 170 people in China a global emergency, as cases spread to at least 18 countries.

The vast majority of the more than 7,800 cases detected globally, according to the latest WHO data, have been in China, where the virus originated in an illegal wildlife market in

the city of Wuhan. But nearly 100 cases have emerged in other countries, spurring cuts to travel, outbreaks of anti-China sentiment in some places and a surge in demand for protective face masks.

In Hubei province - of which Wuhan is the capital - some 60 million people are living under virtual lockdown as China seeks to contain the epidemic. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO direc-

tor-general, praised China’s response in a news conference in Geneva but said the WHO was concerned about the virus spreading to countries that did not have the resources to deal with it.

“The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China but because of what is happening in other countries. Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems,” he said.

The move will trigger tighter containment and information-sharing guidelines to all countries, but may disappoint Beijing, which had expressed confidence it can beat the “devil” virus. Experts are particularly concerned about person-to-person transmission cases outside China, which suggest greater potential for the virus to spread further. The United States became the fourth

country to report such a case on Thursday. Officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the flu-like virus was confirmed in a man in Illinois, bringing the total number of U.S. cases to six. The man’s wife, who was also infected, had previously travelled to China, but he had not.

“The vast majority of cases outside China have a history of travel to Wuhan or history of contact with someone with a travel history to Wuhan,” said Teros. Workers make protective suits at a factory, as the country is hit by an epidemic of the new coronavirus, in Chaohu, Anhui province, China January 28, 2020. China Daily via REUTERS Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust, said the WHO decision was “absolutely right.”

“Declaration of an international emergency will undoubt-

FRIDAY JANUARY 31, 2020 - 09:00hrs

edly sharpen governments’ focus on protecting citizens,” Farrar said. The needed public health measures would be a “challenge” for all countries, but would be especially difficult for lower-income countries, he added. The virus has spread quickly since the WHO’s Emergency Committee last met a week ago. But there has been no death reported outside China and neither has the virus emerged in Africa. Italy became the latest country to declare confirmed cases on Thursday. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said two cases had been detected.

ECONOMIC IMPACT Tedros said the WHO “doesn’t recommend - and actually opposes” restrictions on travel or trade with China.

Nonetheless, foreign governments have been flying home their citizens from Hubei and holding them in quarantine, while airlines including Air France, American Airlines and British Airways have stopped flying to mainland China.

Economists fear the impact could be bigger than the 20022003 Severe Acute Respiratory

Syndrome (SARS) epidemic, which killed about 800 people and cost the global economy an estimated $33 billion. China now accounts for a larger share of the world economy and markets have been spooked since news of the virus emerged earlier this month. [MKTS/GLOB] Companies have also been rattled. Alphabet Inc’s Google and Sweden’s IKEA were the latest big names to close China operations. China dominated U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s news conference on Wednesday.

In China, thousands of factory workers on Lunar New Year holidays may struggle to get back to work next week due to travel restrictions, while in Hubei itself locals and visitors are living a new reality. “Most of the shops are closed. We cannot go out and buy food,” Si Thu Tun, one of 60 students from Myanmar trapped in Wuhan, told online news outlet the Democratic Voice of Burma.

“Honestly, I have one big potato and three packs of instant noodles and some rice,” he said.

Wednesday January 29, 2020

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January 24, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 31, 2020

President engages with Heal Guyana on fostering unity

President David Granger pays keen attention to Heal Guyana’s Founder, Mrs. Sharon Lalljee- Richard, as she makes her point during a round-table discussion held at the Baridi Benab, State House compound

Members and Volunteers of Heal Guyana, during a round-table discussion held at the Baridi Benab, yesterday. President David Granger is pictured at left (background).

Dr. Troy Thomas makes a statement during a round-table interaction at the Baridi Benab

PRESIDENT David Granger, on Thursday, interacted with members of Heal Guyana, a registered civil society organisation which focuses mainly on educating Guyanese and stimulating positive behavioural change through information sharing and action.

President Granger told members of the organisation that unity and cohesiveness are embedded in his government’s thrust to ensure equality across the country.

The Head of State encouraged the organisation to continue working towards making Guyana a more harmonious country. He noted that after taking office in May 2015, the Ministry of Social Cohesion was established with its first minister being Ms. Amna Ally, to foster unity and inclusivity.

“The whole concept of social cohesion is part of the philosophy [of bringing people together]”, the President said, noting that much of the incidence of racism is invented.

“It is not natural; it is abnormal.

People invent it for their own purposes,” he said.

Further, President Granger said his administration has been working to eliminate all acts of discrimination, noting that it is a work in progress.

“I see a future in which our children could grow up respecting one another, other religions, ethnicities, cultural practices…We have to start aiming at the children to ensure they learn to live

together and respect one another…[and] in due course, we would have more respected relations,” President Granger said.

The Head of State said also that violence seems to be an easy resort and it must not be condoned.

Meanwhile, Founder of Heal Guyana, Sharon Lalljee-Richard provided an overview of the work undertaken by the organisation. She spoke about an ongoing campaign ‘Call for Peace & Unity’ which seeks to reduce racehate and violent conduct between the two historically divided ethnicities, through advocacy that uses the power of strategic storytelling, public education, monitoring of hate speech and engaging political leaders and citizens, across the divide.

“We understand this is not the kind of challenge that can be sorted overnight. We at Heal Guyana are committed to this. When it comes to the ethnic divide, this is one we plan to commit to on a long-term basis,” Lalljee-Richard said.

The Heal Guyana founder explained that over the next two years, the organisation will continue to address racism, domestic violence and mental health.

“These were areas of focus which were determined, not by us, but through consultation with hundreds of Guyanese who weighed in on where they believed, gaps for intervention existed,” she said.

The discussions were held in the Baridi Benab at State House (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 31, 2020

The unfolding of a silent revolution

OVER the last four-anda-half years, there seems to have been an unfolding of a silent revolution in the Republic of Guyana. A revolution is usually characterised by sudden, radical and sometimes violent changes.

But here in Guyana, a new social order has been created, an order that is soft or gradual but is changing the way that the State is governed.

Since May 2015, we’ve witnessed comity in how the executive, legislature and judiciary function. This is a classic case of a break from the past, where the separation of powers was undermined.

Now, Guyana can say with confidence that the financial

independence of the legislature and judiciary has been guaranteed.

This silent revolution at reference is slowly changing the nature of the media, which is now open and free, and freedom of speech and association and assembly have been restored. Over this period, new local government elections were held after over two decades, and the legal architecture has been built to allow credible procurement, lawful financial transactions with clean money, and the acquisition of assets by legitimate means. The silent revolution is clearing the stream of business and justice of corrupt practices and influences. Violators, even

in law enforcement agencies, have been put on notice that there will be zero tolerance for bribery, fraud and ‘shakedowns’.

The clout of the narco-underworld that had once extended to law enforcement via ‘death squads’ and summary executions, has been trimmed, though not totally eliminated. Armed bandits who once reigned unrestricted and unrestrained are now on the run. And pirates who once harassed our fisher-folk are on the radar of our security forces, which regularly patrol our seacoast and riverine areas.

When this government took office, the country was at a point where citizens felt

that the previous government had mismanaged the economy, and there was growing contempt for citizens by top officials. This was a period of rampant corruption, a time when Death and Phantom Squads reigned supreme, and the minister of home affairs was not only said to have a hand in it but also quoted as saying that he’d do it all over again if given a chance. Hundreds of dead bodies were dumped around the country and the Coroner’s Act was not activated.

Georgetown, once proudly known as the Garden City became the Garbage City; the City Council became the pawn in an ugly game of politics that saw Central

Government withholding its financial obligations for its buildings. Back then, Local Government Minister Kellawan Lall boldly announced that it would please him immensely if the city were to suffer a health crisis. Simply put, there was no regard for the structures or management of government. Regional and neighbourhood democratic councils not controlled by the PPP/C saw discrimination in budgetary allocation, and moves to either undermine and break up the councils, or impose an Interim Management Committee. Freedom of speech, including dissent and protest, and respect for the role of independent media were assaulted.

However, the silent revolution is now reflected in the orderly and law-abiding processes everywhere in Guyana, where leaders are required to observe respect for accountability and transparency in the execution of their official functions. The silent revolution is shaping anew public buildings, open spaces and our infrastructure. The critics say this silent revolution is too little and too late, but they cannot deny that Guyana is once again on the move. Hats off to the Granger-Nagamootoo partnership and symbols of the image of our new Guyana!

Canada’s use of ministerial mandate letters an idea we must copy Dear Editor,

LESS than two months after winning the last general election in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has released what are referred to as “ministerial mandate letters” to each Cabinet minister. The stated goals of the set of di-

rectives in the letters are to: (i) outline the main policy objectives that each minister will work to accomplish, as well as the main pressing challenges they will address in their role; (ii) outline the Prime Minister’s expectations for each minister, and give Canadians a clear idea of how the government will deliver its agenda, and; (iii)

help Canadians hold the government to account.

The level of comprehensiveness, specificity, and inter-ministerial coordination expressed in the mandate letters is striking. Examples: the mandate for the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth must follow at minimum twenty-three directives, including working

“with your colleagues to develop policies that tackle systemic discrimination and unconscious bias in our country”. The letter for the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development identifies eighteen directives, including “Building on our historic investment of $13 billion, including the creation

of 41,800 new units and the repair of another 229,600 units, continue to build and renovate housing through the National Housing Strategy.”

I do not know how the ideas in the mandates are produced--whether, for example, they directly flow from the election manifesto of the party or are the prod-

ucts of a more thoughtful planning process. Regardless, we in Guyana must strive to reach this level of national strategic thinking and performance management.

Regards, Sherwood Lowe

What does EPA mean by ‘generally pleased’ with new Bosai tailings pond Dear Sir, PLEASE refer to an article which appeared in the Thursday January 30, 2020 issue of the Stabroek

News titled: “EPA ‘generally pleased’ with new Bosai tailings pond”. What does that mean?

As far as I am aware, there are certain indicators and standards based on cer-

tain scientific protocols to secure the integrity of such facilities; these have very high risks to the ecology of our natural environment.

Instead of using words

like “generally pleased”, which makes the entire inspection subjective and unscientific, the report should specify whether or not Bosai has achieved the required standards for

tailing ponds based upon specific indicators and scientific measurements that are prescribed for such high-risk environmental facilities, particularly in developing countries that

are extremely vulnerable to high levels of environmental degradation.

Regards, Royston King

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 31, 2020

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Embracing every community in every region and their citizens in Guyana Dear Editor, IT IS well chronicled, despite dishonest denials by the PPP/C, that Afro-Guyanese Communities were criminally neglected by the party’s government, during its twenty-three years in government. And this was because of the fact of race, aligned with the perception that they were not politically supportive of the PPP/C. Nowhere was this political scorched-earth policy carried than in many communities along the Demerara– Mahaica corridor of Region Four.

This policy of institutionalised racism is unlike the socio-economic development programme and practice of the present David Granger Coalition Government, which transcends such narrow and vindictive politics, ensuring that all of Guyana benefits.

However, it was Minister of Health Volda Lawrence whose revelation of statistics with regards the allocation of budgetary resources to this particular region highlights the shameful treatment and willful neglect of this particular geographical swathe and

its citizens.

The thing with statistics is that they in themselves must tell a story, graphically supporting whatever contention is put forward. And those given by Minister Lawrence do illustrate why Region Four communities suffered the way they did. For instance, the $192M allocated in 2012 for infrastructure by a vindictive and uncaring PPP/C government explains why most communities and their citizens within this region had to contend with either ramshackle social structures/ absence of vital social infrastructure such as bridges and culverts; shameful roadways that became a veritable nightmare for travelling vehicles and pedestrians, particularly during the rainy seasons; weed-filled canals that became a harbinger for reptiles; silted drains that bred mosquitoes for tormenting communities and their residents, especially at nights; and the absence of proper illumination, such as street lighting at nights that did not lend for the safety of communities.

Even an increase to 228M in 2014 did not alleviate the harshness of the neglect

which was so evident when vising many areas of Region Four.

Though no figures were given by the Minister for 2016, those offered for 2017 and 2019, $502M and $605M respectively, do indeed reflect significant increases that would have impacted greatly in enhancing the environment of many of the geographical areas of this region, in terms of bridges, culverts and roads. There is no community within this region that has not experienced some form of socio-economic development/improvement, whether in the form of roads, lighting, or water.

Of very great significance has been the installation of potable water, available for the very first time in areas, commencing along the Soesdyke Highway, inclusive of Kuru Kururu, Sophia, D’Urban Backlands Squatting Area, TucVille Terrace Squatting Area, and many other communities which may not be government supporters. In fact, being able to make potable water accessible to so many communities in regions across Guyana has been one of the biggest

socio-development successes of the coalition A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government. As a result of this seminal intervention by the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), the lives of thousands of Guyanese have now been made easier.

A further examination of the allocation for health in this the biggest populated part of Guyana explains why the Georgetown Centre of the State Health Services had been always overwhelmed by citizens from other areas seeking medical assistance.

For example, the paltry sum of $251M for 2011 gives weight to this well-known scenario. But persons came to the Centre because of the lack of modern technology that should have been present at the main medical centres along the coastal way, and other basic medical interventions, which the former PPP/C regime, never saw fit to make available to citizens.

No doubt, health services within the general region’s state health system, since 2015, has improved, though it is a work still in progress, with the aim of affording

citizens’ quality medical assistance and health care at medical facilities, close to their place of abode, or within their region. The sum of $504M allocated in 2015; $1.1B in 2016, and $1.3b in 2019, underlines a better level of medical services satisfaction now experienced by citizens. For example, the vital medical technology piece, the ultra sound, is now available at all the main health centres throughout Region Four, and accessible without cost to those who have been recommended for its use. Many years ago, it was perceived as a novel medical device, beyond the means of those who could not have afforded its use at private medical institutions. This medical device has added to the State Health system’s diagnostic capabilities, apart from the now almost mandatory laboratory screening which most persons are given, in terms of determining their physical status.

Any government which professes care and concern for the governed, will make available vital social services such as infrastructure and health care; for these

are among the two most enduring support systems of daily life for citizens. Their absence lends to a degraded life quality, often with varied mental, physical, and even spiritual consequences for so many. It has been testimony for an entirely two decades and more, a regime that made available such critical social amenities, on the basis of ethnicity and party affiliation, with entire communities suffering such type of vindictive governance.

Sophia, that is currently being gradually TRANSFORMED into a habitable, modern community with sidewalks, asphalted roads, playfields, social centres, Night School and a soon to be built medical centre, is testimony to this brand of governance, not by spite.

The David Granger-led administration has continued to govern in the interest of ALL. For him, governance is about embracing every community in every region, and its citizens in Guyana.

tors with whom they are supposedly inter-acting intensively is not new.

We would like to believe the vast majority of Guyanese men feel revulsion towards the perpetrators of violence to which Guyanese women are exposed. However, this perception is not supported by effective action on their part. Similarly, civic and faith-based institutions, administered predominantly by men, appear equally undisturbed by the violence which play into the repression and subordination of women.

This is not to say that any particular religion or sect in

Guyana supports violence against women, but that the phenomenon is not a sufficiently high civic priority to merit active and sustained condemnation. Generations of subordination of women remain an obstacle to their being treated with dignity.

The assumption that disordered power in relationships can be rectified by reason and education alone, rather than through a re-distribution of power, is an illusion. Empowerment of women means reducing the power exercised by men, it does not necessarily imply confrontation, or ‘taking’

power from men. The goal is a relationship in which power is subjected to principles of dignity, respect and equality in all circumstances.

The society need to become more purposeful in addressing the structures that foster violence. For example, it is feasible to ensure that 50% of all Parliamentary seats are occupied by women.

The Constitutional Reform process of 2000 approved that a minimum of fifty per cent of the names on electoral lists of each party must be female and that a minimum of one-third of the seats won must be allocated to females

on the list. The rule relates to the minimum, there is nothing stopping any party -- other than male inertia and lack of female mobilization- committing itself to allocating 50% of all seats, or indeed more to women.

Parliament would then have a critical mass of women well-placed to influence the political future of Guyana in many ways. Men should support the mobilization of women during the electoral period to achieve this goal.

This in itself is not a panacea for violence against women, but securing 50% of the seats is an assertion of power with-

out generating confrontation and resentment. It also provides a platform for changing attitudes. Civic organisations, including faith-based ones, are also well-placed to monitor such pledges are honoured. Guyanese men owe Guyanese women nothing less.

Regards, Mark DaCosta

A space-age economy set in stone-age attitudes to women Dear Editor,

AS far as women are concerned, Guyana appears headed towards the Middle East – incalculable oil wealth together with a stone-age attitude to women. The shocking upsurge of violent murders of women by their present or former partners in Guyana over the past ten days has yet to produce any notable reaction from politicians, perhaps too absorbed in the new oil wealth to notice the mayhem in communities.

This disconnect between political parties and elec-

Regards, Executive Committee, Guyana Human Rights Association

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 31, 2020

Free eyecare clinics for various locations --third exercise planned for today at Corriverton THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the George Subraj Foundation are currently hosting free eye care clinics across the country.

Some of the areas being targeted this year are Wakenaam, Mahaica, Berbice and St. Cuthbert’s. Last Tuesday, the team visited the Wakenaam Cottage Hospital, and last Thursday the Little Biaboo Health Centre, Mahaica Creek.

Today, the team will head to D P. Ketwaroo and Sons (Preacher Man) place at Line Path, Corriverton, while its last stop will be on February 2 at St. Cuthbert’s

(Flashback) The late George Subraj (right) and his son Tony

The Subraj Foundation has had a focus on enhancing the quality of healthcare in Guyana

Mission in Region Five (Ma-

haica-Berbice).

The team promises free eye tests and eye glasses, and includes Drs. Rahul M. Jindal, Stephen Guy, Thakor J. Patel, Joseph Pasternak and Steven Waller.

Foundation Members (Founder, the Late Mr.

George Subraj) are Gloria Subraj, Tony Subraj, Jasmine Subraj, Mahindro Jainarine and Richard B. Mahase, along with GPHC Department of Ophthalmology Staff.The late Mr. Subraj has completed 34 missions, participating in both kidney and

cornea transplants. His team also initiated the nationwide health education programme (SEVAK), providing free hypertension and glucose testing.

Since the early 1990s, George Subraj, a US-based Guyanese, has been assisting in enhancing the quality of healthcare in Guyana, with specific focus on ophthalmology. Since the cost-of-living has in some cases been astronomical, the Foundation has sought to address this critical eyecare need, mostly in the rural areas of the country, thereby affording persons the opportunity to access quality healthcare at little or no cost.

Murder accused freed, lawsuit filed ATTORNEY-at-law Dexter Todd has filed a $100M lawsuit against the State for the wrongful imprisonment of a 32-year-old Ramos Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara man, whom he claimed was wrongfully imprisoned and placed on remand for almost seven years.

The lawsuit was filed at the Demerara High Court on behalf of Cloyde Harris, who was freed of the 2012 murder charge, by Magistrate Alex Moore, due to there being insufficient evidence to find him in guilty.

The respondent in the matter is the Attorney General and Minster of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams.

Harris, who was freed at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court, where the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was done, had been charged for the De-

mitted Harris to stand trial at the High Court, but owing to the negligence of the Clerk of Court attached to the Vigilance Magistrates’ Court, who was supposed to submit the case jacket and deposition to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) but never did, the matter was stalled.

Cloyde Harris and his attorney, Dexter Todd

cember 22, 2012 murder of his cousin, Derrick Cox, 71, a shopkeeper, at the same Ramos Street, Plaisance, where he’d lived before being incarcerated at the Camp Street Prison, where he’d been on remand for the capital offence.

Cox, called ‘Backatoo’, was reportedly shot in the

chest at around 22:50hrs on the day in question by bandits, outside his shop, though eyewitnesses would claim they saw Harris running away from the scene of the crime, but changed their story when they testified in court.

Back in October 2013, Magistrate Moore had com-

Woman douses husband with hot oil A New Amsterdam Technical Institute lecturer is hospitalised after his wife allegedly doused him with a pan of hot oil at their Lot 4 Garrison Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice home.

Devon Thomas, 38, had just exited the bathroom with his bath towel wrapped around his lower body when his wife approached him with the pan of hot oil and threw it on him.

Earlier, he had seen her put the pan on the stove but thought she was preparing to cook a meal.

Thomas explained that he married the woman four years ago, but last month he discovered that his wife was having an

Devon Thomas

affair with his best friend.

Initially, he refused to believe the rumours, but text messages to her phone confirmed acts of infidelity. As a result, he informed her that the relationship cannot be continued and he proceeded to legally terminate their marriage.

Further, he asked her to leave the home.

But the woman did

not move and, instead, begged for forgiveness.

Just after 07:00 hrs on Thursday morning, she burnt him before going into hiding. The injured man was taken to the nearby New Amsterdam Regional hospital where he remains a patient.

Meanwhile, on January 9th last, Danny Vannooten, 50, called “Danavan” of Leopold Street, Georgetown, had to be rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital after hot oil was thrown on him, allegedly by his partner, Latoya Angel.

Angel has been since been remanded to prison after facing an indictable charge of attempted murder.

Then in 2016, after some amount of pressure was brought to bear on the relevant authorities, the documents were finally submitted to the DPP, who subsequently wrote advising Magistrate Moore to reopen the PI, since one of the exhibits had not been properly identified.

On December 27, 2018, when the PI was reopened, Harris retained the services of Todd, who seized the opportunity to re-examine the witnesses as well as the

evidence. And what he found was that the main witness had never testified, and when the case was finally put to him, he recanted, saying that he was mistaken; that he never saw Harris at the crime scene at all.

At the last hearing, Magistrate Moore dismissed the matter against Harris, and told him he was free to go.

This being the case, Todd, as directed by his client, is suing the State for $100M for loss of liberty, unlawful detention and for the delay of a reasonable trial.

Also, Todd is seeking an order that his client be entitled to compensation for damages and the unconstitutional deprivation of his liberty.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle following his

freedom, Harris said that since his release, all he’s done is clean his room, which he has not seen in the last seven years.

“I can’t even walk in my house,” he said. “My village looking small-small; everything just strange.” And, making the transition from being behind bars and sleeping in his own bed has been quite a task as well.

But even harder still is getting used to the stairs, and being the subject of the village’s gossip mill.

“Everybody look at you different when you get charge for murder. From the time you pass that prison gate, whether you’re guilty or not, society does look at you different,” Harris said.

GDF rank dies after bike collides with car A MOTHER is mourning the loss of her 20-year-old son, Misteno Thomas, who perished in an accident Wednesday night on the Capoey Public Road, on the Essequibo Coast.

According to the police investigations, Private Thomas of Lot 51 Middle Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara, was the rider of motor cycle CK 1172 which was proceeding south along the eastern side of the Capoey Public Road at a fast rate of speed around 23:00hrs Wednesday.

He is said to have lost control of the motor cycle which ended up in the path of a motorcar bearing registration HB7499,which was proceeding north along the western side of the said road. Police said the front of the motorcycle collided with the front right side of the car. The impact flung the deceased into the air; thereafter he landed on the front right-side window screen of the car and then fell onto the roadway.

Thomas, who sustained injuries to his head and about his body, was

Private Misteno Thomas

picked up in an unconscious condition by passersby and transported by a police vehicle to the Suddie Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

The Guyana Chronicle spoke to the mother of the deceased, Mona Moses, who described her son as a very jovial person, who had the ability to keep everyone around him happy and laughing. “The last time I saw my son was Wednesday, when he was leaving home to go to Friendship to pick up his friend, so that they could go to Georgetown together.

The last thing I told him was to take a car instead of walking over to Friendship. His death is tough on me because 10 months before this, I lost his younger brother in an accident as well” Moses detailed.

March of this year would make three years since Misteno joined the Guyana Defence Force and he was stationed at the Third infantry Battalion, in Anna Regina, Essequibo. The body of the deceased is presently lying at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting post-mortem examination, while police investigations are ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 31, 2020

Expanded TSU to safeguard Guyana’s border – Commander-in-Chief

want protection from piracy; miners want to be safe from attacks on mining camps by bandits,

Linden agro-processor expanding jam and jellies line

By Vanessa Braithwaite WELL-KNOWN agro-processor in Linden, Denise Gordon, is creating waves with her jam and jellies products and is now manufacturing several other flavours under her Denise Institute Brand.

This has not only expanded her market, but is creating stable supply for local farmers since she sources her local fruits from West Watooka.

Gordon, who is a caterer, home economics facilitator and founder of the Denise Institute of Catering, decided to diversify and utilise her skills in another way.

While it only started as a hobby, she is now supplying major compa-

hard channa and nuts and raisins.

"Every one wants my recipe, especially for the coconut wafer. When I take it on the market, it doesn’t last any time; there wasn’t a time I took and return home with any," she said.

While agro-processing has brought her much success, she still holds on to her first love, which is teaching and while her school is still in tact, it was challenges such as non-payment from students that resulted in her halting operations.

She is seeking sponsorship to reopen the school but to focus on training the students in the area of agro-processing, in addition to

President Granger addressing senior officers of the Guyana Police Force at the opening ceremony of its Annual Officers' Conference on Thursday morning

ACKNOWLEDGING an influx of Venezuelan migrants to Guyana and cross-border threats, the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) of the Guyana Police Force will have expanded responsibilities to protect the country’s border ‘frontline’ communities.

This is according to Commander-in-Chief, President David Granger, during his feature address on Thursday at the opening of Police Force’s Annual Officers’ Conference.

The opening of the three-day event was held on Thursday at State House, under the theme “Maintaining the Security Sector Reform Implementation to enhance public trust, security and capacity building.”

The President explained that in light of migration from regional and neighbouring countries, there are now more Venezuelan migrants in the country than there are police officers in the force.

“They continue to face criminal threats, particularly from contraband, human, gun and narcotics trafficking mainly in the hinterland. The Internal Security Squad will continue to be based at Eve Leary and will be trained to perform its current functions, mainly on the coastland.

So there will be two squads, a hinterland squad and the coastland squad,” the President said.

He explained that security threats are becoming complex and more formidable along with transnational threats and inter-personal violence has been the cause of many crimes and has inflicted a huge human cost on the population.

“Guyana must be secured against local and transnational crime and our families and school children must be secured from interpersonal violence. Our environment must be protected to ensure that our natural resources are not plundered. Communities must become free from criminal violence. Children must be allowed to grow up in safe and secure homes, schools and neighbourhoods,” the President said.

Adding that an efficient, well-equipped, well-trained and professional police force is needed to confront these threats to human safety and public order, the President said the force is required to protect the country and its economy.

“Farmers want to protect their crops from larceny; ranchers want to bring an end to cattle rustling; fisher folk

particularly from ‘sindicatos’ operating along the country’s frontiers; loggers want safety within their concessions and businessmen want an end to burglary,” the Commander-in-chief said.

He noted that the country’s geographic, demographic and economic factors place a heavy burden, historically, on the force’s organisational, operational and administrative capabilities.

The force is overcoming these challenges.

“Guyana, although small compared to the other states of South America, is the largest country in the Caribbean Community. It has a 260 km coastline and 3,000 km land borders.

Its variegated landscape includes grasslands, highlands, islands, wetlands, the flat coastland, hinterland rainforests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. All of these present challenges for law enforcement officers,” he said.

The President added, “access to nearly 75 per cent of our country, which is covered with forests, is difficult for the police, a situation which is compounded by inadequate infrastructure such as aerodromes, bridges, highways and stellings.”

The vast areas, long distances and limited communications and transportation assets available to the police force restrict its ability to enforce the law everywhere, effectively, he said.

Many communities are accessible only by air; others can be reached only by river; others are best accessed on horseback, by all-terrain-vehicle or bicycle or on foot.

Further, the President explained that the distribution of the country’s population also presents challenges to effective policing.

He said more than 80 per cent of the country’s population resides on the coastland, with the remaining 20 per cent scattered in numerous small communities, which are often separated by great distances and often too small to justify a permanent police presence.

Jams, jellies and achars of Denise Institute

nies in Georgetown and Berbice, one of which is the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Her jams and jellies are all concocted with natural ingredients and have proven to be very tasty.

The flavours include banana, mango, passion fruit, cherries, sorrel, watermelon, cashew, and guava.

What makes her products more unique and attractive, is the quality of the packaging. She sources her bottles from overseas and her labelling is done by a company in Georgetown. She goes all out, with the belief that exemplary packaging is needed to pique the customers' interest.

After receiving overwhelming positive reviews for her jam and jellies, especially when she showcases them at various expositions, the Linden agro-processor has not only expanded her flavour line but her product line and is now manufacturing achar with the same local fruits in addition to golden apple and soiree.

These too have taken the market by storm and her hands are not enough to take off the demand. "It is keeping me very busy," she said.

Denise also produces preserved fruits and packaged confectionaries such as coconut wafer, hot and spicy

$56.5B invested in Police ...

Police stations, outposts and headquarters will be expected to fully transition to renewable energy sources by the end of the ‘Decade of Development’ in 2029. The force will be expected to be self-sufficient in energy by the end of that year.

PAID DIVIDENDS Further, he said the investment made in reorganising, restructuring and recapitalising the force has paid dividends.

“There is renewed confi-

dence policing. Fewer complaints about extra-judicial actions have been registered.

The force is improving as it enters a new decade of the millennium,” the President said.

Noting that January is the first month of the ‘Decade of Development’, the President said the reforms which will be implemented during this decade will allow a modern and professional police force to emerge.

Focusing on reforms to be implemented over the

next 10 years, the President said this will create a stronger, more mobile, more versatile and more professional police force.

“The force is a national, not coastal organisation.

It must reach and it must extend its reach to the most thinly-populated and geographically-challenging terrain in the country. Its reach should extend to the most remote corners of the country.

Its 74 police stations, 24 outposts and six checkpoints are inadequate for our territory,

population and incidence of transnational crime. There have to be changes so no part of the country remains unmanned and no crime remains undetected,” the Head of State said.

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, said the GPF continues to forge ahead for greater efficiency and maximum development.

He said over the past year, there was a decrease in serious crimes by 16.8 per cent, while noting that there were many sting operations,

FROM PAGE

catering. She said many youths are interested but cannot afford the classes and, therefore, she is seeking sponsorship, so they can attend at a subsidised cost or for free.

"I’m looking at a lot of young people. They may not be academically inclined but if you teach them things with their hands, they will succeed." These same youths, she said when trained, can be employed at her factory, which continues to expand and with more hands on deck, she will be able to take in more contracts and even start supplying local and international supermarkets.

The agro-processor is advising fellow Lindeners who may desire to enter the agro-processing industry, but are afraid to take the risk, to ‘jump in’ as she did and there will be no regrets.

"As long as you get the ability, the skill, just start by giving a neighbour, a friend to taste and in that way you will be opening doors and then your little business will start and it will keep growing," she said

03

policing strategies, operationalising the 911 system along with various community outreach programmes.

“Our journey of change continues to progress within the organisation as we are equipping our ranks with the requisite skills and competencies to deliver effective services. Such efforts can be reflected from the training of ranks in risk assessment, media relations, crime analysis and marine capabilities amongst others,” he said.

In order to maintain

service delivery and response mechanism, the top cop said the force, in collaboration with the IDB through the Citizens Security Strengthening Programmer, has rehabilitated and constructed buildings with common standards and with specialist facilities in keeping with international best practices.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 31, 2020

Three arrested

–– wife of drowned labourer goes into hiding THREE persons have been arrested while the reputed wife of Cleon Outar, whose body was fished out of the Republic Canal, in New

Amsterdam on Monday, has gone into hiding as investigations intensify into her husband’s death.

As detective gathered

new information, they went to Plantation Mount Sinai, commonly referred to as “Angoy’s" Avenue, where they made the arrests. A female

was among those arrested.

Initially, Outar’s wife, Shamdai Savichar, had claimed that her husband left the popular Rainbow Bar with friends. Thereafter, she never saw him again until she was informed that he was found partially submerged in the Republic Canal.

On Monday, the body was seen some distance south of the Region Six Democratic Council’s Complex, partially submerged in the waterway.

Initially, the body was unidentified, but as the news

spread around the township, Outar’s wife, Savichar, got wind of the information and was able to positively identify her husband.

According to her, they left home last Saturday evening to hang out with friends at the Guinness Bar on Main Street in the Berbice township.

Thereafter, while being in the company of friends, they proceeded to the Rainbow Bar at Charles Place and Republic Road junction where they continued to consume alcoholic beverages.

After sometime, Outar left her and went to an unknown location with his friends.

After waiting for him for a while, she returned home.

During Monday afternoon, she was told of an unidentified body that was found in the Republic Canal. Checks were made at the Central Police Station and subsequently the Arokium Funeral Home where her fears were confirmed.

Outar was employed as a labourer.

‘One party rule a ...

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02

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo greeting supporters of the APNU+AFC coalition

“When paddy bugs infested the crops, we declared a state of emergency to fight the bug…we provided chemicals and more than that.”

He said billions of dollars were also spent on the renovation and construction of pumps, to ensure that there is proper irrigation in the rice-growing region. Rice farmers, in the past, also faced challenges related to getting paid for their produce, but this issue was addressed by the coalition government when they threatened to revoke the licences from rice millers, who owe farmers.

“We are doing all of this…under the PPP, Naithram and other farmers were protesting for their money, but they were arrested,” said the prime minister, as he justified government’s efforts to improve the lives of not just farmers, but every Guyanese.

Aside from improve-

ments in the agriculture sector, Essequibo has benefited from advancements in the education sector, health sector and just recently the communication sector, with the commissioning of Essequibo Radio. “With all these improvement, Essequibo is no longer Cinderella, she is a beautiful princess, showing off her true colours… for example, in education, Anna Regina Secondary School is being equated with schools in the city,” said the prime minister, adding that a knowledge-driven nation will always succeed.

In calling on the residents of Essequibo to continue the progress, he said: “cast your vote for the APNU+AFC coalition…when you dream with me and we have a road and bridge across the Essequibo River, new bridges across Demerara and one across Corentyne and a road from

Lethem to Linden, we will be happy,” Advancements will also include new types of production and further investments in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. This will, however, only be possible with the vision and plans of the APNU+AFC, said Prime Minister Nagamootoo, noting that there will be unprecedented development if the coalition is re-elected.

“You think this is progress, wait till you see when we return…the numbers here show that we are heading for a resounding victory, but it is not over until we are victorious,” said the prime minister. He warned persons about the PPP’s efforts to buy votes, and told them to be careful and be aware of the “traps and scams” of the opposition.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 31, 2020

Jagdeo admits to PPP ‘giveaway’ of oil blocks …says there were many blocks, but no takers JUST days after former President, Donald Ramotar, admitted in court that he was unaware of the exploratory experience of an oil company he gave contracts to in 2015, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo admitted, on Thursday, that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration was “liberal” with its giveaway of oil blocks.

At a press conference on the said day, Jagdeo sought to explain the decisions of the PPP administration with the signing of oil contracts, just days before the 2015 General and Regional Elections. These companies which received contracts have been labelled as “inexperienced” in deep water exploration by oil and gas experts.

Meanwhile, international news agencies such as Bloomberg and others have noted that “rights to

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

drill the area were awarded during the final days of Ramotar’s term” and “nine days after the Kaieteur lease was signed, the government announced that Exxon had struck oil in a well called Liza-1”. “We were quite liberal with getting people to explore,” Jagdeo admitted on Thursday.

The Opposition Leader

Former President Donald Ramotar

stated that Guyana “had a lot of blocks but no takers” which contributed to Ramotar’s decision. Although a main critic of oil contracts signed by the government, in this case, his defense is that the contracts signed under the former President can be easily renegotiated in the future. He told the

media: “The People’s Progressive Party’s position is that the contract signed under the PPP and the Tullow contracts and others signed after the Exxon Mobil arrangement, they all going to be renegotiated, so there is no exemption of those signed under the PPP or Ramotar too because every

single one of them must now be renegotiated based on a model agreement that brings more benefits to Guyana.”

On Wednesday, the Kaieteur News reported that, in court, Ramotar was recently crossed examined by Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes in relation to the merits of the contracts his government signed with four oil companies in 2015 for deep-water exploration in the Canje and Kaieteur oil blocks.

These companies included Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas Inc., Ratio Energy, Ratio Guyana and JHI Associates. The Opposition Leader also spoke to the June 1999, Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) of former President, Janet Jagan, with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, which saw some 600 blocks being granted. “In 1999, Janet Jagan signed that exploration agreement with ExxonMobil and then Exxon did not, for almost a decade, do any

drilling because the CGX issue came up and they declared force majeure,” the Opposition Leader said.

He stated that his entire tenure in office was spent trying to fix Guyana’s border dispute with Suriname and the moment it was settled, Exxon resumed exploration. “So, I did not, in the entire period in government, issue any new contacts. Then Donald Ramotar issued a few of these contracts but they were all done prior to us finding oil and at a time when people did not want to do the drilling because drilling costs a lot,” he said. He criticised the government’s renegotiation of the recent contract with ExxonMobil as “lopsided” and hinted that the negotiation was “illegal” although, he stated, that his statement was based on rumours he could not verify.

Gov't hands over sharpener to Karrau Village Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams on Thursday handed over a sharpener with cover and expanded controls to Toshao Romeo Smith

for the Karrau Village's sawmill.

The sharpener, which costs $855,000 was requested by the Toshao in November and Minister

Hastings-Williams had committed to fulfilling the request. Toshao Smith, in brief remarks, said that the residents are grateful for the equipment since it will

Minister of State, Mrs.Dawn Hastings-Williams hands over the sharpener to Toshao Romeo Smith. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Mrs. Abena Moore is pictured at the right of Mr. Smith

not only help in creating employment but will also assist in reducing the cost to build their homes.

"We would like to thank you for this sharpener. It is a very important piece of equipment for the saw-

mill that we have in Karrau Village. Because we didn't have this equipment, we weren't really able to work but once we have this, it will provide employment, cheaper housing materials and will overall be a good to

the community. So, we are

all happy for this and we will ensure that it is used for the purpose it is intended so that the community can benefit," Mr. Smith said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 31, 2020

Funeral homes building tombs before persons die -- City councillor bemoans practice

FORMER Mayor Patricia Chase-Green on Monday called out the practice by funeral parlours to build and leave tombs in the cemetery, and urged instead that the tombs be constructed the day before or day of the funeral.

“No funeral parlour should build tombs and leave them there, like a hotel waiting for guests,” Chase-Green commented. She was speaking at the fortnightly statutory meeting of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) at City Hall.

The issue came up for discussion when Councillor Ivelaw Henry stood to say that he doesn’t agree with the Central Board of Health that City Hall should now overlook the construction of tombs.

The ‘Health Board’ believes that the construction of tombs and the like should come under the remit of City Hall, but Councillor Henry has said that the City Council will have to look at cost and other factors.

“The Council will bear a bigger cost if it has to Councillor Ivelaw Henry

move now to do what the funeral homes are doing, because they will have to incur other costs,” Henry said. “Right now, they do not have to pay NIS, PAYE, for people to do it. So now if you have that in- house, you will have to meet all those costs,” he told Guyana Chronicle.

“They are telling us that certain conditions must be maintained, and that they no longer believe that it should be done by these funeral homes; that City Hall must now start looking at it for itself. We have to do a cost benefit analysis,” he added.

Meanwhile, the deplorable state of tombs within

Councillor Patricia Chase-Green

Le Repentir Cemetery poses a grave public health issue for residents living in communities nearby.

The City Council had called on persons whose relatives have been buried at the location to visit City Hall to discuss the way forward in terms of rehabilitating broken tombs. In some cases, the bones of the dead are visible, while sections of the cemetery are water-logged.

City Hall had in the past worked on a programme whereby relatives of those who are buried at the cemetery were invited to talk with officials about the repair of their relatives’ tombs.

Though City Hall had not budgeted for the programme, the Council sought donations from civil society and the business community to forge ahead with the programme. “…No responsible council could sit idly by and allow a cemetery to continue to exist like that in almost the middle of the city; this is the capital!” the M&CC said.

Under the Municipal and District Council Act 28:01, the Council has the responsibility for establishing, maintaining and controlling burial grounds and crematoriums. In addition, the Office of the Sexton has burial registers which contain

the names of persons buried, the dates of burials, and the locations of the places of burial within the cemetery. Burial registers often serve as an important resource for genealogy.

Le Repentir Cemetery was first established in March 1861. Subsequently, a road was constructed through the cemetery to link La Penitence with Lodge, Wortmanville and Werken-Rust. The first person interred at Le Repentir Cemetery was Antonio Gonzales, 45, on March 15, 1861. He was from Madeira, Portugal.

Miner injured while rescuing children from burning house A 42-year old miner is nursing injuries about the body after being burnt while rescuing three children from a burning building at Mahdia in the Potaro-Siparuni region on Wednesday night.

Police say that around

The scene of the fire on Wednesday evening

19:45hrs on Wednesday, a double-apartment, flat building at Danjou Hill, Mahdia was gutted by fire of unknown origin.

One of the apartments was reportedly occupied by two miners, Stanley Lindie, 58, and Seon Garraway, 42, while the other was occupied by Lakeshia

Rigby, 31, and her partner, Eion Ritchie, also 31, and their four children, aged between three and 10.

Reports are that the children were left home alone by their parents, and while they were watching TV, the building caught afire.

Garraway was the one who rescued the children from the burning building, and in the process sustained burns about the body, mainly his belly, hands and thighs. He was taken to the Mahdia District Hospital for treatment and his condition has since been listed as stable.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Kitty man in court for trafficking in ecstasy, ganja SENIOR Magistrate Leron Daly, on Thursday, remanded a 55-year-old man to prison on two separate drug-related charges.

Marlon Norton appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was slapped with two charges. He denied both.

It is alleged that, on January 27, 2020, at Kitty, he had in his possession eight ecstasy pills for the purpose of trafficking.

It is also alleged that, on the same day, and at the same place, he had 289 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail being granted to Norton and told the court that he (Norton) was in court for a similar offence.

Norton claimed that the police set him up. Magistrate

Daly, after listening to the prosecutor, remanded Norton to prison and adjourned the matter until February 3, 2020.

Norton was, a month ago, charged for a similar offence which stated that, on December 16, 2019, at William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, he had in his possession 102 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 31, 2020

‘An act of desperation’ …PPP commissioners in move to undermine chair, GECOM …Trotman says recent letter to diplomats ill-advised The joint attempt of Opposition-nominated Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to bar Messrs. Roysdale Forde and Stanley Marcus from representing the Commission on legal matters is ill-advised.

This is the position of GECOM Commissioner, Desmond Trotman, who also shut down claims of the Opposition-nominated Commissioners that Commissioner Vincent Alexander’s position on the matter is partisan.

In a letter to GECOM Chair, Justice (rt’d) Claudette Singh, Trotman spoke to the recent issue raised by the Opposition in objection to Forde representing GECOM due to him being named as a candidate of the APNU+AFC. The case in question is an Appeal which challenges the ruling of the acting Chief Justice in respect to the requirement or non-requirement of residency as a precondition for registration in the 2019 truncated house-to-house Registration Exercise.

Trotman reminded that Forde’s involvement in the matter dates back to 2019 and in no way collides with his candidature, which took effect on January 10, 2020. He stated that at the time Forde was named as a candidate, the matter was before the Appeal Court and all submissions had already been made and no new argument would have been admissible at the appeal instance.

“In those circumstances, it is their reference to Mr. Forde that is perverted rather than the circumstances of his involvement. Suffice to say that GECOM`s Attorneys Forde and Marcus at the first instance would naturally be required to follow through on this matter at the appeal instance, although GECOM did not initiate the matter in the first or appeal instance,” Trotman said.

The Commissioner said that he is left to question to motive of the complaints of the Opposition-nominated Commissioners as its authors, two of whom are attorneys, are “actively involved in litigation relating to GECOM”.

After the Opposition had raised its contention on the matter, research by the newspaper had also highlighted that, for several years, some of GECOM’s top lawyers were PPP bigwigs such as Senior Counsel, Ashton Chase and Doodnauth Singh and Attorney-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin --- now a candidate on the Opposition’s list.

In targeting Forde and Marcus, Trotman said that the Commissioners should know the detriments of knowingly providing incorrect information

as partisan, in view of the fact that he, among others, had stridently advocated for houseto-house registration and the creation of a new voters` list before any election is held. It is therefore obvious that Commissioner Alexander has no interest in this matter in relation to the holding of elections on March 2,” Trotman said.

Commissioner Desmond Trotman

to the public. The Commissioners, Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn, on January 21, 2020, had copied the letter detailing their complaints to representatives of the American, British, Canadian and European Union countries, the Carter Center, the International Republican Institute, Dr. Afari Gyan of the Commonwealth Observer Mission and Mr. Jean-Pierre Kingsley, Canadian Elections Consultant to GECOM. “The letter to my mind, sought to convey the impression that you, Madam Chair and a segment of the Commission are involved with the Commissioner of Registration/ Chief Elections Officer (CEO) in conduct inimical to the best interest of GECOM and Guyana,” Trotman expressed, later adding: “This is just another in the plethora of unfounded, unproved allegations being directed at certain members of the Commission by the PPP Commissioners, as GECOM, under your able stewardship continues to move to elections on the appointed date.”

Trotman also pointed out that CEO, Keith Lowenfield, weeks ago, had clearly explained how he became involved in the matter and, while Commissioner Alexander has been accused of the same, he has no intention to delaying the March 2, 2020 elections. In fact, Trotman said that Alexander has indicated to the entire commission that despite the outcome of the ongoing court case, he will lobby that the Commission work towards and hold elections on the set date.

“Commissioner Vincent Alexander’s proposal to Commissioners that even if the Appeal Court upturns the Acting Chief Justice’s decision and notwithstanding the fact that the matter will engage the attention of the CCJ, GECOM must continue to vigorously pursue its preparatory work to ensure the elections are held on March 2, 2020 without fail.

This position of Commissioner Alexander cannot be described

He also criticised the Opposition-nominated Commissioners and Leader of the Opposition for their act of “desperation” in seeking the involvement of the international community in matters relating to Guyana and the independent Commission.

He stated: “It makes me wonder, if they are attempting to solicit the support of the

leaders of those countries to reject the results of the elections if they do not favour them and to have them impose a solution similar and consistent with what obtains in Venezuela and Bolivia or, is it being done in the hope that those persons will apply pressure on you [GECOM Chair] to force you into making decisions, which

are not in keeping with your stated objectives of GECOM holding credible, free and fair elections and elections free from fear, the results of which are acceptable to all?”

Trotman also labelled “disgusting and unforgiveable” the attempts of the Opposition-nominated Commissioners to “infer improper conduct” on the Chair for the administration of her duties.

He requested that his letters be likewise copied to the international representatives of the countries for their information.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 31, 2020

Gov’t to continue working with private sector to facilitate transition to ‘Green Economy’ AS Guyana accelerates its plan to transition to renewable energy, investors, solar companies and other interested partners were exposed

Director of the Department of the Environment, Ndibi Schwiers GGGI Consultant, David Fernandez (Photos by Delano Williams)

to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) – a unique global platform designed to respond to climate change by investing in low-emission and climate-resilient development.

Through the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Guyana accessed funding from GCF in February 2019, to launch a project titled “Enhancing Guyana’s Access to GCF to Transition to Renewable Energy.”

A forum, on Thursday at the Pegasus Hotel, formed part of the ‘Enhancing Guyana’s Access to GCF to Transition to Renewable Energy” project. It was organised by the Department of Environment, Ministry of the Presidency in collaboration with GGGI. In her remarks, Director of the Department of the Environment, Ndibi Schwiers, explained that the readiness support project entails the development of a project pipeline for utility scale renewable energy projects and preparation of at least two concept notes, which will go forward for funding. As such, the forum was designed to share valuable information on avenues to be taken to access finance through GCF Private Sector Facility.

Schwiers said the government will continue to work with the Private Sector to facilitate the country’s successful transition to a Green Economy in keeping with the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040. “Through this strategy, Guyana is expected to transition to 63 per cent of renewable energy and shift to a low-carbon emissions transport sector among other strategic actions,” the Director of the Environment said while underscoring the need for partnership in achieving this vision.

Guyana is one of the founding members of GGGI – an organisation that is dedicated to supporting its member countries and partners to transition to a ‘green’ economy by providing technical assistance and knowledge transfer in areas such as ‘green’ investment, ‘green’ growth policy and plans, access to sustainable services and ‘green’ business

solutions.

Here in Guyana, the Department of Environment serves as a focal point for the global organisation. GGGI is presently working with both the public and private sector to provide technical support for the energy sector. From the government side, the institution is working directly with the Ministry of the Presidency inclusive of the Department of Environment and Office of Climate Change; and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for which Guyana Energy Agency, Guyana Power and Light Company and the Hinterland Electrification Company form part of.

The Director of the Department of the Environment detailed that in 2018, GGGI executed the “Urban Sector Solar Energy Programme,” which created the conditions necessary to scale-up distributed solar PV technology in Guyana.

“The USSEP’s primary objective was to target offgrid commercial and industrial companies who have an interest in replacing their diesel generation, improve reliability and quality, and reduce the cost of electricity services,” Schwiers explained. That project was executed within a period of seven months from February 26 to September 20, 2018.

Under USSEP, a total of 44 companies were visited, while technical and economic analyses were done for some 34 companies. “The output of this project saw the creation of a project pipeline of 14MWp of potential solar ‘rooftop’ PV,” she reported.

Added to that, GGGI provided technical support to the government by providing technical and economic analysis of Renewable Energy Solutions for six sites in Linden, Anna Regina, Bartica, Lethem, Wakenaam and Leguan. Additionally, pre-feasibility analyses of Renewable Energy Technology for Linden and Wakenaan were done.

GGGI Consultants, David Fernandez, Catherine Allinson and Sudha Gollapudi, have been providing much-needed support to the Department of the Environment. On Thursday, they engaged investors on the GGGI and the GCF.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 31, 2020

Guyanese in Canada kick off celebrations for 50th Republic anniversary THE Guyanese-Canadian diaspora kicked off their celebrations for Guyana’s Golden Jubilee last Wednesday with a media launch hosted by the 50th Republic Planning Committee at Guyana’s Consulate in Toronto.

Led by a dynamic and diverse group of Guyanese Canadians, under the auspices of the Consulate, the programme and events slated to mark the 50th anniversary of the republic are committed to being inclusive, non-partisan, and geared towards bringing together Guyanese in the diaspora to celebrate the achievements of Guyana as a nation, to mark this important milestone.

In his opening remarks, the Planning Committee’s chairperson, Brandon Cheong, disclosed that the Guyanese-Canadian community looks forward to celebrating the occasion under the theme of the Guyanese national motto: One People,

One Nation, One Destiny.

These sentiments were also echoed by Consul General of Guyana to Toronto, Anyin Choo, who called for Guyanese across the world to foster a sense of unity and togetherness during celebrations.

According to the consul general, “The consulate’s focus throughout the planning process was the mobilization of the Guyanese community in Canada and uniting the community across the ethnic, religion and political spectrums to celebrate and reflect on our achievements as one united country.”

Choo added that the diaspora community in the General Toronto Area (GTA) is the second largest Guyanese-diaspora community and that there will be a number of events to mark the Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrations, which will reflect the uniqueness and diversity of the Guyanese people.

The Planning Committee and the consulate took the

Members of the Planning Committee at the media launch

opportunity to invite members, allies and friends of the Guyanese community in Canada to join in marking this auspicious occasion by way of partnerships and supporting the events which are planned for the coming months.

The events include: Flag Raising Ceremony and Interfaith Service on February 22 at the Scarborough Civic Centre; GUYTALK (Guy-

ana-Talk) on Sustainable Development in the Oil and Gas era, which is being held in partnership with the University of Toronto on March 28 at the George Ignatieff Theatre, University of Toronto and Golden Jubilee cocktail reception, cultural evening and awards ceremony on March 29 set for the P.C. Ho Theatre.

The Planning Committee also strongly encouraged the

public to submit nominees for consideration as recipients of the Republic Golden Jubilee Awards of Recognition.

The Consulate and the Planning Committee extended their appreciation to all those who attended the media launch, especially the sponsors which include e-Magic & SmartWorX, Citrus Personnel Inc., Caribbean Airlines, Victor’s

Collection Agency, Pine Point Banquet Hall, Arts Mortgage Camp Inc., Demerara Distillers Limited and their agent in Canada Woodman Wines & Spirits, the Give Help To Kids Foundation and Westway Medical Clinic for their support and sponsorship of the planned events.

GTT to observe World Cancer Day 2020 -- patients will directly benefit from Pinktober Fund for needed treatment SEVERAL cancer patients from across Guyana will benefit from treatment and diagnostic services, as GTT collaborates with the Ministry of Public Health to observe World Cancer Day on February 4, 2020.

The telecommunications company has allocated $3M from its annual Pinktober Fund into providing Computerised Tomography (CT) scans and radiation services to an identified group of cancer patients currently in need

of treatment at the facility.

Chief Executive Officer at GTT, Justin Nedd, encourages cancer patients to take full advantage of the services that will be provided.

“This is the reason we do Pinktober every year; not

only do we raise awareness and encourage persons to get screened, we help cancer patients to access the necessary treatment and therapy,” he said.

GTT’s Pinktober Coordinator, Diana Gittens,

Several cancer patients from across Guyana will benefit from treatment and diagnostic services as GTT collaborates with the Ministry of Public Health to observe World Cancer Day on February 4

explained that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Oncology Unit will be responsible for identifying and distributing the vouchers to patients who will receive the treatment and diagnostic testing.

“The high cost of treatment prevents or delays patients from accessing treatment. These are the patients who would be benefitting from our help,” she explained.

The GPHC’s Oncology Unit has been assiduously working towards improved quality of care for patients diagnosed with cancer. The unit was recently relocated to a space that is more accessible and comfortable.

There is also a designated social worker to manage social issues such as patient navigation.

Throughout January 2020, GTT partnered with the Ministry of Public Health’s Chronic Disease Unit to raise awareness about cervical cancer prevention. The partnership also promoted Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening and treatment at various health centres across Guyana. The cervical cancer awareness activities will conclude on February 4 (World Cancer Day) with a health fair on Main Street.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 31, 2020

New Skype technology for Vigilance Magistrate’s Court

THE Vigilance Magistrate’s Court has joined several other courts in Guyana to now possess telecommunications equipment, which will assist in remote participation in the justice system.

On Thursday, the court was presented with skype and audio equipment through a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Guyana, the Ministry of Public Security and the Region Four Administration.

At a simple handing-over ceremony attended by presiding magistrates from the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) district, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, said that science put into practical use can start a transformative journey in Guyana. She noted that technology is changing the way countries practice law and administer justice

Presiding magistrates from the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) district (Samuel Maughn photo)

where witnesses are abroad, where they might be in hospitals, even the police might be in another location.”

She stated that the judiciary is grateful for the partnership with UNICEF and other partnerships which have seen modern technology being placed in recent years

relating to domestic violence and Trafficking in Persons (TIP), persons are fearful of attending court and testifying for one reason or the other. George-Wiltshire was pleased to note that the skype system will help persons in these cases to do so virtually.

Meanwhile, UNICEF

UNICEF Representative, Sylvie Fouet (fifth left) hands over a web camera to Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards. Also in the photo are Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire; representatives of the Regional Education Officer (REO) and Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region 4 (Samuel Maughn photos)

and Guyana, through its partnership with UNICEF, has the opportunity to join in the change. “Because Guyana is so huge, witnesses [and] investigators may be in different parts of the country and may have a case in another part of the country and sometimes the time in which it takes to get to that court it may result in a matter being dismissed or for some other reason being adjourned,” the chancellor explained.

“This skype system will help us to take evidence even

at the Children’s Court, the Sexual Offences Courts and the Family Court.

Cummings-Edwards urged the presiding magistrates to make full use of the technology which will help to restore confidence in the justice system in Guyana.

Also addressing the gathering, Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, said that the intention is to roll out similar technology “court by court” to every district in the country. She said that, unfortunately, in many cases

Representative, Sylvie Fouet, told to those present that technology presented to the court will help to bridge the gap between science and the law and will eliminate the distance between the court and a person’s access to justice. She stated that she was thankful for the partnership with the judiciary and Regional authorities and looks forward to similar safe spaces in hospital and prisons in the near future. “We’re looking forward to this continued partnership and also bringing

justice closer to the people,” she said.

Likewise, Regional Health Officer, Dr. Quincy Jones, said that the Region is committed to working along with UNICEF and the judiciary to ensure increased access to justice, especially to women and children. He stated that the Region is also committed to ensuring that its hospitals are a safe place for families and any admitted person passing through the justice system.

“This is part of our

willingness to support this venture and we hope that we will be able to roll out this technology [not only] court by court, but hospital by hospital across the length and breadth of Region Four,” he said. The new technology can assist persons to view virtually, documents from the courtroom; to identify persons they are asked to identify in the courtroom; non-present persons can also verbally communicate.

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 31, 2020

Ruqayyah Boyer completes major Oscar-nominated music project --visuals premiered recently on CNN

SINGER/songwriter Ruqayyah Boyer has been accomplishing great feats in the music industry, not just locally but internationally as well. In fact, she has recently been featured as the open soloist and one of the seven singers who were selected to have a solo on the Oscar-nominated soundtrack, “I’m Standing with You”.

The recorded visuals for the international version of this soundtrack debuted on January 22, 2020 on CNN to rave reviews, and continues to ramp up press across each

Singer-songwriter Ruqayyah Boyer in action Ruqayyah doing the shoot for the open solo, which was featured on ‘Your World’ CNN Instagram Page

Ruqayyah doing what she

continent where participants of the project originate from.

The 28-year-old, who was raised in Linden, also had her open solo featured on ‘Your World’ CNN Instagram Page.

“I was contacted last year by the president of an NGO called Mission located in Italy to be a part of this international version of #ImStandingWithYou soundtrack which is geared

loves best

t o wards speaking out against all forms of discrimination and abuse meted out towards women and children worldwide, and lends itself as an empowerment anthem to anyone struggling and in need of help,” Ruqayyah expressed during an interview with the Buzz.

“This platform,” she added, “has been one I’ve worked and represented Guyana on over the past decade, so the

Ruqayy

as one of the ah was selected

project was a great fit for me.”

The song was written by Grammy, Emmy and Golden Globe winner and legend Dianne Warren for the movie, ‘Breakthrough’ end credits, and has earned Warren her 11th Oscar nomination. The winner from the category of ‘Best Original Song’ is to be decided this February at the Oscars.

seven sing

The Arrangement was done

by Academy-Nominated John Debney, and the Mix and Master by Grammy Award-Winning sound engineer Manny Mannoquin.

Ruqayyah has received the Theatre Guilds Award for Best Newcomer Actress (2013), and Brand Youth 40 under 40 Award-Winning Entrepreneur (2019).

undtrack

r-nominated so

lo on the Osca ers to have a so

She was the winner of Miss Linden Town Week 2010, Miss Guyana Universe 2012, Miss Guyana World 2013, and Miss Guyana International 2014. She also hosts multiple radio shows locally.

Ruqayyah is the owner of the Provotique Brand, which was launched in August 2015, and has both Provotique Walking Tours, for which she was nominated Best Emerging Tour Guide

just last year at the tourism awards ceremony, and she also has Provotique Image and Beauty Pageant Consultancy.

“This decade, I plan to focus more on my music.

I’m working on remixing and releasing a visual for my song titled, ‘1Love’ that I released back in 2017, and also focus on developing my business brands further,” she said.

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Romeo and Juliet: Guyanese style!

--set for NCC Feb. 14

THE producers of the popular and much-loved ‘Nothing to Laugh About’ show are bringing to the Guyanese audience this February 14 a play that was deliberately written to target typical problems around elections time.

On that Friday night, “Romeo and Juliet” in Guyanese style is expected to be exquisitely dramatised on the stage of the National Cultural Centre (NCC). “It is a parody of [Shakespeare’s] Romeo and Juliet. We will be taking elements from the original story and using them in a Guyanese setting,” Leza ‘Radica’ Singh, who is co-producing with Maria Benschop, told the Buzz.

The producers will be working along with some of the country’s most loved, talented, and versatile actors and actresses.

The cast includes Michael ‘Credit’ Ignatius, Mark Luke-Edwards, Clemencio Goddette, Mark ‘Chiney Man’ Kazim, Denzil Jones, Aleena Hoalim, Ladonna Kissoon, Sophera Waldron, and Godfrey Naughton.

Naughton is also the director of the show.

According to the ‘Parika Backdam’ girl (Leza), the

‘Naya Zamana’…

IN returning once again to the National Cultural Centre (NCC), ‘Naya Zamana – Zindagi Express’ will not just deal with music and dance, but will be tackling crucial social issues and showing how they can be fixed.

The impressive, one-of-a-kind show is put on annually, but Director Vindhya Vasini Persaud wanted to bring it back ahead of its scheduled showing in August, owing to the messages that she wants to get across to society.

The show, billed for Saturday, February 8, will take a focus on women’s issues directly, and show how various problems can be handled.

“Every act is expressive in the message portrayed, be it about heartbreak, the struggle for independence, the pressures of bullying or the dilemma of staying in a relationship,” Dr. Persaud told the Buzz on Thursday.

Portrayed against spectacular backdrops and sets, and embellished by dazzling

play will tackle such issues as racism, the political divide, suicide and mental health.

“We are smack in the middle of the election season, so the play is deliberately written to target the typical issues we have around this time,” Leza said.

In fact, Leza has always tried to keep things real, even in her comedy. “I try to be realistic with my comedy, and most of my jokes come from what actually happens. And I don’t even think people know that,” she said. “They think I’m just talking ‘stupidness’ on stage. Most of my jokes are true; it might be slightly exaggerated, but most are true. It’s things people tell me or things I would have experienced growing up,” she’d told this publication in a previous interview.

But it’s not all about serious business for “Romeo and Juliet”. The audience can also expect to be thrown off their seats as if dying with laughter. “Laughter, music, dance... Basically, it’s entertainment from start to finish,” Leza said about the show.

Tickets will soon be out for $1,000, $1,500 and $2,500. The show is expected to start at exactly 20:00hrs.

Meanwhile, patrons can

Maria Benschop

The group of talented actors and actresses who will be participating in “Romeo and Juliet”

expect a sizzling show and performance from the cast members and producers of the show, who have a track record of producing high-quality entertainment in Guyana.

‘Nothing to Laugh About’, for instance, has been around for a whopping 12 years, with sold-out crowds each year. The producers and actors put their hearts and souls into creating the sort of ‘magic’ on stage that the crowds cannot get enough of.

Leza ‘Radica’ Singh

A scene from the much-loved ‘Nothing to Laugh About’ show

Maria, being quite particular, likes things to be done a certain way, and would, therefore, go out of her way to ensure that she is able to achieve the kind of effect she wants on the stage. Each year, the show seems to come bigger and better than the last.

Tackling social issues --through music, dance, and drama and vivid costuming done by design genius Trishala Simantini Persaud, Dr Persaud said Naya Zamana is not to be missed.

“From the avid theatre-goer to the first-timer, the experience of Naya Zamana is like no other; you are caught and held from beginning to end as the stories unfold, much like a movie up close. The actors get into the skin of their characters, and you feel as if you are at one with them,” she expressed, adding, “No doubt the music, at times haunting or energetic, lends to the overall feel-good mood that Naya Zamana invariably leaves one with.”

Cutting-edge choreography is portrayed through various dance styles: Modern, lyrical and interpretive, classical, traditional and creative.

The 60-plus cast, consisting of young and talented performers, includes Farzaana Khan (Misha); Darsh Mody (Veer); Anusha Doodnauth (Avni); Amisha Sarjoo (Anaya); Deepta Banik (Arnav);

Naya Zamana will directly focus on women issues

Sarah Dhanraj as Piya; Aliyah Hassan; Rickeita Leitch; and Shania Persaud.

This production has been staged in New York to almost sold-out audiences, and has gotten acclaim from critics.

It’s also a production for study in schools that are of-

The cast of Naya Zamana

fering theatre arts/drama/ English. Tickets are available at the NCC, Dharmic Kendra, Prashad Nagar, Red Mango on Robb Street; E-Networks Camp Street and Giftland Mall; M &M Snackette on the East Bank; Unique Innovations,

Giftland Mall; and The Murti Shop on West Demerara. To reserve tickets, call 227-6181 or 219-1900.

Naya Zamana 23 had thrilled its audience with several breathtaking dance performances, and a script that Dr.

Persaud said was unlike any that she’d ever written before!

The show boasts an original storyline, a great cast, fabulous costumes, and amazing backdrops and lighting. It is the signature dance production of the TURN TO PAGE

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‘Naya Zamana’…

‘Dharmic Sabha’, and is a theatrical spectacle which features dance in various styles, drama and music.

The show, which has received critical acclaim and awards, provides an opportunity for students of the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, who are taught, free of charge, in Kathak and other dance styles, to showcase what they have learnt.

The dance troupe that performs at Naya Zamana is called the Dharmic Nritya Sangh, and has performed extensively in Guyana as well as in New York, Toronto, Trinidad, Barbados and St. Lucia.

Among their most notable performances were those done

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 31, 2020

Tackling social...

Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud

at CARIFESTA (The Caribbean Festival of Arts); CAR-

Every act is expressive in the message portrayed

ICOM Heads of Government Conferences; The Rio Summit; Naya Zamana and various other national events in Guyana.

The presentation of Ramlila in dance drama form in April 2009 was another major success for

the group.

Naya Zamana, meaning “New World” or “New Generation,” started in 1994 when a group of young people, headed by Dr. Persaud, decided to put on a dance

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show at the ‘Dharmic Kendra.’ The response was so encouraging that the friends thought of putting on another show; this time at the NCC.

Rave Designs: A company that looks into the interest of artists

Founder of Rave Designs, Deborah Mathias, and PRO Roger Evelyn with some of their pieces

ARTISTS in Guyana face many challenges in commercialising their work, especially those in the far-flung areas. However, local leather artist Deborah Mathias has been trying her utmost to assist other artists in bringing awareness to their work, through a company she created called ‘Rave Designs’.

Company PRO Roger Evelyn said that Rave started operations as a marketing company in 2008, and transitioned into an Art Production Company in 2010, where they stacked pieces from local designers, mostly between the ages of 20 and 30.

This transition, he said, came as a much-needed course of action.

“This is both a labour of love for both me and our founder, Deborah Mathias.” Evelyn said, adding: “We have noticed the plight of all of the producers, because we were producers as well. This was our hobby before it became our main interest. We have a lot of talent, and we have a lot of high-quality finish available in Guyana.

But a lot of people do not have faith in the products.”

He explained that what they do is buy pieces from artists

in the hinterland regions, and places like Mahaica Creek, Georgetown, and East Coast who have a hard time selling their products. And they sell back those pieces at their location in the Regent Multi-Complex Mall.

Even though both Mathias and Evelyn are artists themselves, their love for art transcends competition, and their main focus is getting everyone in the industry to appreciate them more and use the industry to sell our beautiful country. In fact, he said the competition shouldn’t be amongst themselves, but rather the international market to ensure that Guyana as a country can be known for its produce.

“Art is a part of our identity, we would like to see persons representing Guyana fully, in that they understand what our produce is and where it comes from, and what is the significance of wearing and why we should have it. So that if anybody from abroad or places where they are not probably aware of all the different types of things, you could be an ambassador for culture for Guyana. We are right with culture; we are right with everything:

Wood, leather, everything you could think about. You could be an ambassador, have a piece, wearing it and showing off that this is from Guyana,” Evelyn said.

“We are competing with people who have generations of experience in producing products, so we have to get our marketing up, we have to get our finishing up, and most importantly, Guyanese people have to have that identity that says I appreciate the Guyanese art forms, and I support it. A lot of people do not understand what their purchasing power is.

Their purchasing power gives us, the persons who are producing, the incentive to start to produce… If you have an option to buy something and you have a Guyanese option that is of equal quality, and you choose a foreign product, then you’re saying that you’re giving in to that foreign market, that foreign influence. What we have to do is to have more events where we are exposing people to the finish and the quality. We want them to know that we are right there when it comes to quality and finish,” he further stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 31, 2020

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Rave Designs: A company that looks into the interest of artists Though the company is not at the level they are hoping to be, Evelyn said that they are

on track.

He said that later this year they want to venture

into costume making that speaks to Guyana’s cultural norms and practices.

Some art pieces that can be found at Rave Designs

Hits & Jams ‘Construction Party’ set for tomorrow night

TOMORROW night, all roads lead to the National Racquet Centre, as there is nothing else bigger happening in the city tomorrow that is bigger than Hits and Jams Soca Construction Party.

Hits and Jams Entertainment Company has worked their way to becoming one of the leading companies in the entertainment industry. This year, the company is celebrating 20 years of existence, and has a plethora of events that will be executed to celebrate this huge milestone. Taking into consideration the company’s thousands of supporters both locally and internationally,

several themed events, in the form of mega concerts, cooler fetes and pool parties will be launched.

This Soca Construction Party is a kick-start of the anniversary shenanigans, with the kind compliments of BK Construction Company.

Revellers can purchase general tickets for $2,000 at That Look Boutique. This event was hosted some years ago at popular night- life spot, Palm Court, and attracted a massive crowd. The return of the concept party is already building the excitement in patrons. Using their social media platforms, television

and radio stations, the team at Hits and Jams has been keeping the people updated on what to expect come February 1. In keeping with the name, persons attending can dress as if they are at a construction site, since the location will be transformed to mimic that of a construction site as well. Patrons are being asked to take advantage of their exquisite décor for the best photo ops, and enjoy music vibes from their very own versatile boom deejays, including Gully Ras and Diamond, DJ Akelo, DJ Energy, Selector Carl, Mix Master Tony and Shizzle.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 31, 2020

Taylor bolsters Zimbabwe but weather intervenes in second Test HARARE, Zimbabwe (Reuters) - Brendan Taylor struck a fluent half-century as Zimbabwe moved into a strong position on day four of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka, but are in danger of running out of time to force a victory after rain interrupted their charge.

Zimbabwe were 241 for seven at the premature close, with 90 minutes lost in the final session, a lead of 354 with one day remaining in the Test.

Their total was boosted by 67 runs from 75 balls from Taylor as he attempted to up the scoring rate on a day where only 54 overs were possible because of rain and bad light.

Captain Sean Williams (47 not out) and Donald Tiripano (1 not out) were at the crease when the players were called from the field, and the home side must now decide when to declare to give themselves the best chance of bowling out Sri Lanka in the second innings on the fifth day.

Zimbabwe need a win to level the two-match series after Sri Lanka won the opening Test.

The home side resumed their second innings on 62 for one, but lost nightwatchman Regis Chakabva (15) early, and then opener Prince Masvaure (35) was

NACAC promises Guyana ...

FROM BACKPAGE

Brendan Taylor run-out.

Taylor struck eight fours and a six in his innings before he was trapped leg-before-wicket by seamer Lahiru Kumara having recorded a second half-century in the Test to go with his first-innings 62.

Timycen Maruma played his first Test innings in seven years as a concussion replacement for the unlucky Kevin Kasuza, who

was hit on the head for the second Test in a row on Wednesday, but made an unhappy return with a 14-ball duck.

Sikandar Raza (34) and Williams put on 70 for the sixth wicket to bolster the innings, but the home side were left frustrated by constant breaks for the bad weather that have hindered their chances of getting a win.

SCOREBOARD ZIMBABWE 1st innings 406 SRI LANKA 1st innings 293 ZIMBABWE 2nd innings o/n 62 for one Prince Masvaure run-out Dhananjaya de Silva 35 Craig Ervine c Niroshan Dickwella b Vishwa Fernando 13 Regis Chakabva c Dhananjaya de Silva b Lasith Embuldeniya 15 Brendan Taylor lbw Lahiru Kumara 67 Timycen Maruma stp. Niroshan Dickwella b Lasith Embuldeniya 0 Sikandar Raza lbw Vishwa

aks e r b n i n e K earts; h n a i l a r t Aus rty to a B s e l p top ralia t s u A h c rea l Open fina

By Sudipto Ganguly MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Sofia Kenin sent world number one Ash Barty spinning out of the Melbourne Park semi-finals 7-6(6), 7-5 yesterday to reach her maiden Grand Slam final, crushing Australian hopes of a first home-grown champion in 42 years.

American 21-year-old Kenin, seeded 14th at the year’s first Grand Slam, had a breakthrough 2019 season when she won all three of her singles titles to reach a career-high ranking of 12, the United States’ number two behind Serena Williams.

But Barty, 23, came into yesterday’s match with a 4-1 record against her and had the American pinned on the back foot with a combination of big forehands and backhand slices.

Barty was bidding to become the first local woman to progress to an Australian Open final since Wendy Turnbull in 1980 and looked the more likely winner but Kenin hung tough, saving set points in both frames.

“She’s such a tough player, she’s playing really amazing and I knew I really needed to find a way to win,” Kenin said. “This really wasn’t an easy one. I’m just so speechless.

“I can’t believe this, I have dreamt about this moment since I was five years old. I’ve worked so hard to get here.

“I needed to fight out there. There’s a reason why she’s world number one.”

Kenin showed her frustration at times, throwing her racquet on court, but managed to save three break

Fernando 34 Sean Williams not out 47 Tinotenda Mutombodzi b Suranga Lakmal 8 Donald Tiripano not out 1 Extras: (b-4, lb-15, nb-1, w-1) 21 Total: (seven wkts, 74.5 overs)241 Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-64, 3-111, 4-124, 5-151, 6-221, 7-240.

Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 17.5-5-28-1 (nb-1), Dhananjaya de Silva 7-2-32-0, Vishwa Fernando 20-5-43-2, Lahiru Kumara 10-2-38-1 (w-1), Lasith Embuldeniya 20-0-81-2.

important that they host an all-most perfect event.

Joseph said over 1500 athletes and officials are expected to grace these shores during the Easter holiday period next year and based on his visit to several of the country’s top hotels, he’s certain that everyone will be properly accommodated and will be satisfied with the hotels’ standards.

In 2015, just before the General and Regional Elections, the PPP/C Administration opened the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, boasting that the over $1.4B stateof-the-art facility can host any international track and field event under the International Olympic Committee umbrella.

However, the NACAC general secretary stated that apart from remedial work needed on the track itself, the placement of the long jump pitch and the position of the warm-up track are among some of the areas that will need

to be addressed and corrected in time for the games.

Joseph pointed out that, just like the rest of the region, adequate seating arrangements are in place for the athletes, but suggested that temporary provisions should be made to accommodate more spectators, given the fact that school will be closed.

A team from the NACAC will return shortly to make another assessment. The Government of Guyana also came in for some praises for supporting AAG’s bid to host the games.

The 2017 CARIFTA Games will go down as one of the country’s most memorable outings, given the fact that they were able to bag eight medals – four gold, three bronze and one silver.

It was at the 46th edition of the games, hosted in Curacao, where Linden’s Compton Caesar created history, by winning Guyana’s first-ever gold medal in the 100m at the event.

Canada striker Christine Sinclair...

FROM BACKPAGE

Sofia Kenin of the U.S. is congratulated by Australia’s Ashleigh Barty after winning semifinal match at the Australian Open.

(Source: AP)

points to hold for 3-3 in the opening set and eventually force a tiebreaker.

Despite temperatures soaring to 38 degrees Celsius (100oF), the American kept her cool to win four straight points in the tiebreaker, saved two set points and converted her first to stun the crowd into silence.

But the fans soon found their voice again, belting out chants of, “Let’s go Barty, let’s go,” as the home favourite broke Kenin early in the second set to go up 2-1.

Serving at 5-4, Barty was primed to level the match and force a decider but even holding two set points she could not get across the line, Kenin battling to get the break and bringing the set back on serve.

The American then held before converting her second match point on Barty’s serve to book her place in the final against either Romanian Simona Halep or Garbine Muguruza of Spain, who were meeting in yesterday’s second semi-final.

Barty, who hit 33 winners to Kenin’s 16, said she enjoyed the experience of playing a Grand Slam semi-final in front of a home crowd but was disappointed she failed to take her chances.

“I think a match where I didn’t feel super comfortable,” she said. “I felt like my first plan wasn’t working. I couldn’t execute the way that I wanted. I tried to go to B and C. “I think I had to dig and find a way. I’m two points away from winning that in straight sets, which is disappointing.”

She made her international debut at 16 and three years later helped Canada to a fourth-place finish at the 2003 Women’s World Cup - their best-ever finish.

The Canadian went on to break the record of most goals scored by a woman at a single Olympics with six in 2012, hit-

ting a hat-trick in the 4-3 semi-final defeat by the USA, before picking up a bronze medal.

She finished the tournament as Canada’s flag-bearer and four years later led them to another third-place finish.

Her 10th World Cup goal, against the Nether-

lands in France in 2019, meant she had scored in five tournaments - an achievement only matched

by Brazilian legend Marta.

Sinclair, who remains Canada’s most-capped footballer, aims to compete in this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. (BBC Sport) 12:30 hrs Drifdt Rock

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29

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 31, 2020

Australian Open tennis

Imperious Djokovic downs Federer in straight sets to reach final

By Sudipto Ganguly

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic once again beat great rival Roger Federer at a Grand Slam on yesterday with a 7-6(1), 6-4, 6-3 win to reach the Australian Open tennis final and remain on course for a record-extending eighth title at Melbourne Park.

It was the 50th act of one of the greatest rivalries of the sport and the odds were heavily stacked against Federer, as the Swiss had not beaten the Serb at a major since their 2012 meeting on the grass courts of Wimbledon.

Federer’s journey on the blue courts of Melbourne Park had also been far from smooth as he was two points from losing against John Millman in the third round and then saved seven match points to get past American Tennys Sandgren in Tuesday’s quar-

ter-final - when he also struggled with a groin strain.

In contrast, Djokovic had won his last four matches at a canter.

He lost his only set of the Australian Open in the opening match against German Jan-Lennard Struff.

But it was the 20-time Grand Slam winner who got out of the blocks briskly on a hot evening to wrest early initiative as Djokovic struggled with his service games.

Federer was up 4-1 and 40-0 on Djokovic’s serve but the Serb managed to save all three breakpoints to win his first service game as his opponent made an array of unforced errors.

The Swiss, who had to take a lengthy medical timeout against Sandgren for a groin problem, was not keen on engaging Djokovic in rallies and hit an incredible 26 winners in the first set.

MEDICAL ATTENTION But the count of his errors also started creeping up as Djokovic regained control to get the contest back on serve and then took the set with an imperious display in tiebreak.

“It could have definitely gone a different way if he used those break points,” Djokovic, who beat Rafael Nadal in last year’s final to grab his seventh Australian Open title, said.

“He started off really well, I was pretty nervous at the beginning.

“Respect to Roger for coming out tonight, he was obviously hurt and wasn’t at his best or even close to his best in terms of his movement.”

Both players received medical attention at the end of the first set, with Djokovic calling the trainer to get his knee massaged.

That appeared to have the desired effect for the second-seeded

Serb as he raised his game up a notch to convert his fourth breakpoint chance with a forehand winner at the net to grab the second set.

Djokovic kept up the pressure on the 38-year-old Swiss in the third set and the crucial break came for him in the sixth game with a forehand groundstroke winner for a 4-2 lead.

The 32-year-old, winner of 16 Grand Slam titles, sealed his 27th win over Federer with his first match point when the Swiss found the net with a backhand for his 35th unforced error of the night.

While Federer totalled 46 winners in the match compared with the Serb’s 31, he had 17 more unforced errors.

“I was playing with nothing to lose, obviously,” Federer said after losing for the 11th time in 17 slam meetings with Djokovic.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer at Melbourne Park, Australia. (REUTERS/ Kai Pfaffenbach)

“I was just trying to take big cuts at the ball, trying to keep the rallies to a minimal, make sure I keep him off -guard, mix it up as much as I can.

“Unfortunately I was not able to serve it out. To be honest, I feel like I should have found a way to do that, but wasn’t able to.”

In Sunday’s final, Djokovic will meet the winner of the other semi-final between Alexander Zverev of Germany and Austrian Dominic Thiem, who beat world number one Nadal in the quarter-finals.

Returning SCA president boasts of achievements

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada - Apart from two changes, all of the other incumbents including president Shiv Persaud were returned unopposed when the Scarborough Cricket Association (SC held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Sunday at the McGregor Park Recreation Centre, Scarborough here.

Calvin Alexander, who was appointed assistant grounds coordinator during the latter part of the 2019 season, was voted in as the new grounds coordinator, replacing Deo Samaroo who is now Alexander’s assistant.

The other change saw Craig Murdoch get the voters’ nod for Public Relations Officer/Marketing after Arslan Khan, who resigned prior to the AGM, did not seek re-election.

The Guyanese-born Persaud, who served as president for the past four years, is credited with the advancement of the association which has seen a significant increase in the number of teams over the past

few years with even more added for the 2020 season which bowls off on May 9.

Also returning to their respective posts were secretary Eon Gunraj, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Vish Jadunauth, registrar/statistician Abigail Rajkumar (the lone female among the executives) and webmaster Abhinav Kavuru. The posts of vice-president and assistant secretary/treasurer which were not up for grabs were retained

by Bisham Singh and Mathew Francis respectively.

In welcoming the returning and new executive members, president Persaud reminded them that the SCA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, an occasion he described as a truly monumental achievement. “We must be proud of this achievement and celebrate with each other to make cricket a mainstream sport in Canada.”

Persaud boasted that the 2019 season finished with great excitement at the finals and showed signs of bigger and better things to come. “We had the largest turnout of spectators at Ashtonbee to watch the

Elite and Premier finals which were broadcast for the first time via live streaming, a first for SCA.” According to Persaud, “Another important achievement in 2019 for the SCA was the hosting of the reputable Kumar Rampat Cricket Academy Touring Under-16 team from Trinidad and Tobago.

This experience generated raving reviews on the talent of our players and generated impressive support from our avid cricket-lovers.”

The president also pointed out that “our youth players formed great friendships with the visiting academy players and created possibilities of playing cricket abroad in the future. We are thrilled at the response of this initiative and have been invited to tour Trinidad and Tobago in 2020. We are currently exploring our options to make this a reality for an SCA Under-17 team.”

Persaud also touched on the successful organising of a women’s exhibition game at the invitation of the Guyana Independence Festival Committee where he

SCA executives: Back row (from left) Mathew Francis, Deo Samaroo, Calvin Alexander and Craig Murdoch. Front row (from left) Abigail Rajkumar, Bisham Singh, Shiv Persaud and Vish Jadunauth. Missing are Eon Gunraj and Abhinav Kavura, said, “Our women displayed great skills and represented themselves exceptionally well. This past cricket season also saw many of our women players represent Canada at the national level.”

Persaud disclosed that the SCA is expected to field a full T20 team to participate in the Canada Central T20 competition. “This will be a welcome opportunity for our players looking to make it to the national level. In the past, we had to combine with players from other leagues

to form a team.

“We have been growing rapidly and this requires all executives on board to be fully committed to serving and fulfilling their roles. We are grateful to have supportive sponsors who continue to provide valuable contributions benefitting our youths and women cricketers. I strongly believe, if we continue to make the SCA a prestigiously well-run organisation, our exponential growth will be unstoppable in the future.”

World Athletics set to rule on running shoe range WORLD Athletics is set to tighten regulations regarding high-tech running shoes.

The governing body’s council has been considering the recommendations of a group of experts, with an announcement expected today.

Amid fears of the threat of a potential legal challenge, the review panel has chosen not to impose a blanket ban on Nike’s controversial Vaporfly range, BBC Sport understands.

But some modified versions could be barred from elite competition under new temporary rules designed to bring athletes greater clarity before the Olympics begin in

Tokyo in July.

Those rules will restrict the thickness of the shoes’ soles, although there will also be an announcement of a new longer-term biometric study of the technology being used in both distance and track running.

Manufacturers will be asked to submit any existing new prototypes to World Athletics formerly known as the IAAF - for approval before being used in major competitions, and halt any further technology until after the Olympics.

But all existing records set with the shoes will be allowed to stand. (BBC Sport)

Eliud Kipchoge was wearing Nike Vaporfly shoes when he became the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours in October 2019

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 31, 2020

We didn’t take our chances, laments Windies U-19 skipper BENONI, South Africa ( CMC) – Captain Kimani Melius was left to rue several missed chances after West Indies squandered a strong position, to suffer a two-wicket defeat to New Zealand and elimination from the ICC Under-19 World Cup here Wednesday.

With New Zealand in pursuit of 239 at Willowmore Park, West Indies did well to reduce them to 153 for eight in the 35th over, to install themselves as favourites to win the quarter-final contest.

However, West Indies then played perhaps their worst cricket of the tournament, dropping four catches, missing a vital run-out and

giving up 45 runs off the last 3-½ overs of the innings as New Zealand reached their target with two balls to spare.

“It is very difficult to digest at the moment but credit must be given to New Zealand, they played very well,” a dejected Melius said afterwards.

“It was just a matter of taking our chances. If we had taken our chances we would’ve won the game. Against a good team and you don’t take your chances, they can take the game away from us and that’s what New Zealand did.”

With the young Kiwis tottering,

eventual Man-of-the-Match Kristian Clarke stepped up to hit an unbeaten 46 while Joey Field supported with 38 not out, the pair combining in a record unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 86 to transform the run chase.

West Indies were guilty of two crucial misses at critical points during the partnership. First, Field was dropped on 11 in the 43rd over with New Zealand requiring 68 runs for victory and wicketkeeper Leonardo Julien then muffed a runout chance with Field short of his ground on a second run, off the final ball of the penultimate over.

Melius said the partnership had

tested West Indies’ character but they had failed to remain calm when it mattered most.

“We were ahead of the game right through. It was just a matter of remaining calm and taking our chances. We didn’t take our chances so they took the game away from us,” the opener lamented.

“Playing a quarter-final is always a hard thing. It’s just a matter of remaining calm through pressure situations. Your character is tested and the character of our guys was tested today.”

In spite of the disappointment, Melius said West Indies, who

West Indies Under-19 captain Kimani Melius

played unbeaten throughout the preliminary round, had enjoyed bright sparks throughout the campaign.

“Nyeem (Young) gave two standout performances against England and Australia. Credit must be given to him for that and also Jayden Seales bowled very well with pace and accuracy.”

Hamilton yet to open contract negotiations with Mercedes

By Alan Baldwin LONDON, England (Reuters) – Six-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton says he is yet to start talks with Mercedes to extend his contract beyond this year, despite media reports they had stalled already over wage demands.

The 35-year-old Briton denied the speculation in a post, subsequently deleted, on Instagram.

“FYI (Team principal) Toto (Wolff) and I have not even spoken about contract yet,” he said.

“Nothing is being negotiated currently, papers making up stories.”

Reports in Italy had suggested Hamilton was seeking $60 million a year.

Red Bull’s motorsport head Helmut Marko was then quoted by Autobild as saying only Ferrari would be willing to pay such an amount for a driver.

Ferrari said last year that chairman John Elkann had met Hamilton socially, fuelling speculation about a future move to the Italian team.

Hamilton’s last contract talks turned into something of a paddock saga, with the eventual announcement

of a two-year extension in 2018 following months of speculation.

“I just kept delaying it. I had a contract in place so I didn’t feel like I had to rush,” the champion, who conducted his own negotiations, said at the time.

Hamilton’s future is already in the spotlight after Ferrari last month committed long-term to Monegasque youngster Charles Leclerc and Red Bull made sure Max Verstappen was locked in for four more years.

The pair are both considered Hamilton’s heirs-apparent, and their contract extensions mark them out as the future of their respective teams, making a Hamilton move from Mercedes less likely.

The Briton, who joined Mercedes from McLaren at the end of 2012, gets on well with Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas and has said going elsewhere would not be an easy decision.

Mercedes want the Briton to stay but the situation has been clouded by uncertainty over Wolff’s own future and the German manufacturer’s commitment to a sport it has dominated for the past six years.

Skerritt appointed to MCC committee ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president, Ricky Skerritt, has accepted an invitation to join the Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) World Cricket Committee.

Skerritt, a former Cabinet minister in his native St Kitts and Nevis, was elected to the top post in CWI last March, replacing three-term incumbent Dave Cameron.

“Serving world cricket on such an important MCC committee, among such legendary former cricketers, is both a privilege and an honour,” said Skerritt.

“I will do all I can to

ensure that my West Indies based perspective will always add value to the work of the MCC.” Skerritt joins the committee along with former England Test captain Sir Alistair Cook, replacing West Indies fast bowler and well-known television commentator Ian Bishop, and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan.

The MCC, which acts as an independent voice in cricket, meets twice a year to discuss significant matters relating to the game issues in the game. Sri Lanka will host the next meeting in March.

Committee chairman, Mike Gatting, said the body was pleased to have Skerritt’s involvement.

“We have been keen for some time to appoint a new representative from the West Indies and I am delighted that Ricky will be joining us,” said the former England captain.

“His knowledge of the game from a West Indian perspective will be invaluable, and his work outside of the sport will also be advantageous to the committee.”

Skerritt will join the likes of former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, spin legend Shane Warne

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton before the race at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 1, 2019 (REUTERS/Hamad I. Mohammed/ File photo)

Ole Kaellenius, chief executive of parent Daimler, said on Wednesday that Mercedes were not preparing to leave Formula One, after reports that the matter would be discussed at the next board meeting.

Mercedes launch their new car on February 14, with testing in Barcelona starting five days later.

The season opens in Australia on March 15 with Hamilton chasing several Formula One records, including Ferrari great and Mercedes predecessor Michael Schumacher’s 91 wins and seven titles.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday January 31, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF 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)Charles Bannerman-165 retired hurt (AUST vs ENG, Melbourne, 1876-77) (2) Clifford Roach-122 (WI vs ENG, Barbados, 1930) Cricket West Indies president, Ricky Skerritt

and former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who is also president of the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI).

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has the distinction of hitting the first ODI century?

(2)Which WI was the first to record an ODI century?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 31, 2020

2020 U-19 World Cup

Bangladesh set up New Zealand clash in Super League semi-final SOUTH Africa were caught napping by spin again in the quarter-final, as left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan took a five-wicket haul to knock the hosts out of the 2020 U-19 World Cup. Bangladesh will now face New Zealand in the semi-final, on February 6 in Potchefstroom.

Before Rakibul took 5 for 19 in 9.3 overs, it was opener Tanzid Hasan’s 84-ball 80 and No. 5 batsman Shahadat Hossain’s 76-ball 74 that set South Africa a challenging target of 262. Towhid Hridoy chipped in with 51.

Scores: Bangladesh Under-19s 261 for 5 (Tanzid 80, Shahadat 74, Hridoy 51, Moletsane 2-41)

beat South Africa Under-19s 157 (Beaufort 60, Rakibul 5-19) by 104 runs.

South Africa’s No. 4 Luke Beaufort, who made 60 and was the ninth wicket to fall, was the only half-centurion for the hosts.

He looked to take the game as deep as possible but found little support from the other end. Opener Jonathan Bird’s 35 was the second-highest score from South Africa.

It was Bird’s dismissal, the second South Africa wicket that got Rakibul on the wickets column in the 14th over. After that, he bowled the captain Bryce Parsons for 7.

In his second spell, Rakibul had Pheko Moletsane stumped in

the 35th over, trapped Tiaan van Vuuren lbw four overs later and finally dismissed Beaufort in the 43rd over to end South Africa’s hopes. Rakibul’s five wickets were claimed at an economy of only 2.00.

After their win, the Bangladesh players walked around the ground thanking their supporters who had come from nearby cities to watch the game. Chants of “Bangladesh, Bangladesh” resonated through certain sections of the ground after the final wicket - a run-out - closed South Africa’s innings out for 157.

The day had begun with a measured 60-run opening stand between opener Tanzid and Parvez Hossain

Rakibul Hasan celebrates a wicket. (ICC via Getty Images)

Emon. Emon’s dismissal for 17 was soon followed by No. 3 Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s and they were 73 for 2 after 16.4 overs. However, a 57-run partnership between Tanzid and Hridoy brought Bangladesh back on track. In that partnership, they found the boundaries often, with Tanzid being the aggressor.

Then came the 102-run stand between Hridoy and Shahadat that kept South Africa’s bowlers quiet in the middle overs, and a combined late charge from their captain Akbar Ali - who made an 11-ball 16 - and Shahadat helped them finish on 261 for 5. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Guyanese named as International Rugby League’s first Head of Judiciary GUYANESE Karim Khan was recently appointed by the International Rugby League (IRL) as their first-ever Head of Judiciary and will serve as the most senior judiciary officer in the international rugby league, spanning elite and grassroots activities.

Khan, a Barrister-at-Law and Chairperson of the Metropolitan Police Misconduct Panels in London, is a former Director of Legal Affairs at the Commonwealth Secretariat and will bring to the IRL a significant experience of working

internationally for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the United Nations and the Commonwealth.

In December, Khan’s four-year term as the 7th Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association ended.

According to the IRL, Khan will be responsible for managing the revision of the IRL on- and off-field misconduct rules and procedures and will lead on cases covered by those rules. To assist in the role, Khan will be recruiting

Almost two dozen bodybuilders confirmed for Mr Linden/Novices bodybuilding ALMOST two dozen bodybuilders have confirmed their participation for the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) Mr Linden Classic, which would share the stage with the Novices Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship on February 15.

In an invited comment president of the federation, Keavon Bess noted that all systems are in place. Venue is the Lichas Hall, Linden. Showtime is 19:00hrs. Judges have been confirmed. Sponsors on board and more are to come on board. Prizes are already secured.

Bess, who recently travelled up to the town with his

and managing a pool of qualified co-panellists.

The IRL global operations manager Danny Kazandjian said Khan’s “career achievements and depth of experience speak for themselves.

He brings a valuable international dimension to the role, particularly in the Commonwealth, where rugby league is well-positioned.

He also brings perspectives from outside the sport, specialisation in international legal affairs as well as quasi-judicial experience in dealing with highly complex matters relat-

ing to the investigation and enforcement of professional standards.”

Khan, commenting on his appointment, said that he’s “delighted to be appointed as the first Head of Judiciary and look forward to working closely with the IRL governing body to further strengthen the good governance of the sport of rugby league football.

This appointment will contribute to ensuring that the IRL keeps pace with best practice in the regulatory field for the benefit of all concerned.”

Karim Khan

The GABBFF recently launched the events in Linden.

executives, noted that about 22 bodybuilders have already confirmed their participation for the night, but he is expecting at least 28 to grace the stage.

“So we are set and ready to take Bodybuilding to Linden and to kick off the year with 2 great shows.”

Linden is the first stop for 2020, but the GBBFF have several shows planned for the year.

After these competitions, the executives have planned a similar event for Berbice, but this time it will be an Intermediate Championship and the Mr Berbice Classic.

Additionally, the highly anticipated Mr Guyana, Mr

Physique and Ms Bikini (Senior Championships) are set for July this year.

Earlier this month Bess had stated that Guyana would take two teams to Colombia for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships. One will participate on stage and the other will represent the federation at the CAC Congress, with the objective of presenting a bid to host the popular event in 2022.

“It’s gonna be a great year for the sport of bodybuilding in Guyana,” the GBBFF president had stated.

NBA to honour basketball great Kobe Bryant in All-Star Game

NACAC promises Guyana will be ready to host 50th CARIFTA Games

(L-R) Colonel Paul Arthur (LOC member), NACAC president Mike Sands, AAG president Aubrey Hutson, NACAC general secretary Keith Joseph and Mayfield Taylor-Trim (LOC member). (Carl Croker photo)

By Rawle Toney THE North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) president Mike Sands and General Secretary Keith Joseph wrapped up their two-day visit to Guyana, host of the 2021 CARIFTA Games, and made some vital recommendations to

Kobe Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the LA Lakers.

THE NBA will honour Kobe Bryant in next month’s AllStar Game in Chicago.

Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

The NBA has announced a new format for the game that will “increase the level of competition, provide additional excitement and make the outcome of every quarter count for charity”.

A new fourth-quarter format will honour LA Lakers great and five-time NBA champion Bryant.

THE NEW FORMAT Both teams - captained by LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo - will play for Chicago-based community organisations.

They will compete to win each of the first three quarters, each of which will start at 0-0 and last 12 minutes.

The community organisation selected by the winner of each quarter will receive $100 000 (£76,441.50).

At the start of the fourth quarter, the game clock will be turned off and a Final Target Score will be set.

This will be determined by the leading team’s total cumulative score and adding 24 points - Kobe Bryant’s jersey number.

For example, if the cumulative score at the end of the third quarter is 100-95, the Final Target Score would be 124.

The fourth quarter will be untimed and the first team to reach the Final Target Score wins.

The winning team will win $200 000 (£152,849) for its chosen community organisation.

The 69th NBA All-Star Game will take place at Chicago’s United Center on Sunday February 16. (BBC Sport)

the Local Organising Committee (LOC), ahead of the 50th edition of the championship.

The NACAC is the continental confederation governing body of athletics for national governing bodies and multi-national federations within North America, Central America and the Caribbean and is one of six area associations of the World Athletics

Canada striker Christine Sinclair beats all-time goal-scoring record CANADA striker Christine Sinclair has beaten the goal-scoring record in men’s and women’s international football.

She goes ahead of retired American Abby Wambach on 185 goals after scoring twice in the first 23 minutes as Canada beat St Kitts & Nevis 11-0 in a 2020 Olympics qualifier.

The highest goalscorer in men’s international football remains Iran’s Ali Daei on 109 goals.

Sinclair, 36, was making her

SEE PAGE 28

Christine Sinclair(No.12) celebrates breaking the international goal-scoring record. (Twitter: @CanadaSoccerEN)

290th international appearance.

“I remember starting my career and thinking, ‘I have so many goals to get to’ but sort of having my eye on the record as a 16-year-old,” Sinclair told BBC Sport last year as she played at her fifth World Cup. All-time top goalscorers in international football (*still playing) 1) Christine Sinclair* (Canada) – 185 6) Carli Lloyd* (USA) - 122 2) Abby Wambach (USA) – 184 7) Julie Fleeting (Scotland) - 116 3) Mia Hamm - (USA) - 158 8)

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

before International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Guyana is a founding-member of CARIFTA, and in 1972, the games were initiated to mark the Caribbean Athletic Association’s transition to CARICOM, as Joseph told reporters that, given the historic relevance of Land of Many Waters to the games, it is

Marta* (Brazil) - 112 4) Kristine Lilly (USA) - 130 9) Patrizia Panico (Italy) - 110 5) Birgit Prinz (Germany) – 128 10) Ali Daei (Iran) -109 A 20-YEAR INTERNATIONAL CAREER Sinclair began her club career in Vancouver but has spent the past decade in the United States playing for Gold Pride, Western New York Flash and Portland Thorns.

SEE PAGE 28 FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020