Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_02_04_2020

TUESDAY 4th February, 2020

' No.105900

Order of Roraima for Barbados PM SEE PAGE 03

…President Granger bestows Guyana’s second highest National Award on PM Mia Mottley

Gov’t demands rehiring of RUSAL workers PAGE

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‘Publishing of my name was premature’ …AG says was still engaged with Integrity Commission

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Bryn Pollard hailed for distinguished service to country, CARICOM --as Guyana bids late son-of-the soil farewell

President David Granger places the insignia of the Order of Roraima on Barbados Prime Minister the Right Honourable Mia Amor Mottley (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

‘Publishing of my name was premature’ …AG says was still engaged with Integrity Commission …urges amendments to Act to facilitate easier access to 'info' on assets, liabilities

By Svetlana Marshall Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, said it was “premature” for the Integrity Commission to publish his name in the Official Gazette, as an official who would have failed to submit his declaration, when he would have initiated the process of declaring his assets and liabilities and had been in constant communication with operatives of that constitutional body.

In the Official Gazette on Saturday, February 1, 2020, the Office of the Integrity Commission, in a notice, published a list of 74 persons in Public Life, alleging that they would have failed to submit their declaration for the period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

But three Government Min-

isters, among them the Legal Affairs Minister, have since come forward indicating that their assets and liabilities were declared to the Commission.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Monday, the Attorney General recalled that he was among the first set of public officials to have submitted declarations to the Integrity Commission for the period July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. However, he noted that in March, 2019, days after the Court of Appeal handed down its judgement in the ‘No-Confidence Motion’ case, he received a correspondence from the Integrity Commission requesting additional information to supplement the documents already submitted for 2018.

Among the documents requested were valuations for his assets, and those of his

spouse, including vehicles and other properties. In May, 2019, the Attorney General said he received another correspondence, this time, indicating that he was required to submit his declaration for the period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. In October, 2019, another correspondence was sent by the Commission in relation to valuations.

While noting the valuation of properties is often a lengthy process, the Attorney General said it would have been unrealistic for him to submit valuations for his properties

by June 30, 2019, when the request for updated valuations, by the Commission, was made in March, 2019.

“As a lawyer, I am saying, I can’t fail to submit my asset when I am engaged with you in a process and your conduct amongst to a waiver because

I couldn’t do an updated evaluation between March and June,” Minister Williams said. According to him, it

Ministers of Government, whose names were published although they would have submitted their declaration,

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

was his intention to submit the remaining documents on Friday, January 31, 2020, but was required to travel overseas on official duty. Those documents were submitted on Monday, February, 3, 2020.

QUESTIONABLE MOTIVE According to the Attorney General, the motive behind the publishing of the names is questionable, and as such called for the Commission to uphold its integrity. “Right now there is a Commissioner of the Integrity Commission who is on the PPP list. Obviously, that Commissioner would be prejudice,” he told this newspaper. Guyana Chronicle was unable to confirm whether Commissioner Pandit Rabindranath Persaud, who was sworn-in in February, 2018, is the same person who appeared as a candidate on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic List of Candidates for the upcoming elections.

Williams said that he has nothing to hide as corruption is not in his DNA. “I don’t rob, I don’t do drugs, I don’t take bribe, so I have nothing to hide; but you cannot say I have failed to declare my assets when I am still engaged with you in the process.” According to Minister Williams,

feel targeted. “So, from where I sit, I have to ask certain questions – these things that they are asking me [for], are other people being asked the same thing? Are the opposition members being asked the same thing? It look to us that they are only targeting the Government Ministers and MP,” he reasoned.

He said the purpose of the Integrity body is to measure the acquisition of assets when someone gets into public office. To this end, he asked whether anything was done to investigate how Irfaan Ali acquired a palace two years after becoming a Minister of Government. “All that I have, I came into government with, so I am not really bothered,” Williams stated.

Integrity body is necessary While underscoring the importance of the Integrity Commission Act, the Attorney General made a case for the legislation and other regulations to be amended to facilitate easier access to information on assets and liabilities, and to guarantee a level playing field. Under Schedule 1 of the Integrity Commission Act, public officials are mandated to disclose their financial assets and liabilities on or before June 30 each year.

However, the Attorney General said it is challenging to access financial information for a 12-month period that ends in June, when the Budget Fiscal Year ends on December 31. “We will have to bring the fiscal year in alignment with the budgetary fiscal year which ends in December,” he told this newspaper.

Additionally, he said in an effort to maintain the “integrity” of the Commission, there must be a standardised list of documents that all public officials must be required to submit. “We have to ensure that we have a standardised set of requirements, so when you are submitting, you know you have to have these things in mind. There has to be greater transparency,” he emphasised.

In June 2017, the Integrity Commission (Amendment of the Code of Conduct) Order 2017 was gazetted by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

In keeping with the 10 Principles of Public Life – accountability, dignity, diligence, duty, honour, integrity, loyalty, objectivity, responsibility and transparency – the order addressed issues of bribes, discrimination, gifts, conflict of interest, use of official influence, handling of classified information, use of public property, sexual misconduct and entertainment.

The expansion of the existing Code of Conduct has brought the Act in line with the legislation governing the State Asset Recovery Unit and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), which states that employees of these state agencies must declare their assets in accordance with the Schedule II of the State Asset Recovery Act. In the past, the functioning of the Integrity Commission has been a controversial issue, though the previous administration had sworn in members in 1999. That Commission’s Chairman, Bishop Randolph George, resigned in 2006, and the commission was not reconstituted until February, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Order of Roraima for Barbados PM …President Granger bestows Guyana’s second highest National Award on Prime Minister Mia Mottley

By Lisa Hamilton AS a part of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary celebrations, President David Granger on Monday conferred the country’s second highest national award, the Order of Roraima, on Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, for her outstanding contribution to the Region.

In brief remarks at the start of the formalities, President Granger said that the conferral of the Order of Roraima on Ms. Mottley exemplifies the historical relations between Guyana and Barbados, two countries that have shared strong ties since gaining their independence in 1966. Speaking at the Ministry of the Presidency to Ministers of Government, heads of the CARICOM Secretariat and a delegation from Barbados, President Granger said that the investiture ceremony was not simply a formality, but

dependence; their being the only two Caribbean countries to erect monuments in memory of the victims of the 1976 Cubana Air Disaster; and the fact that the then Prime Ministers of the two states, Forbes Burnham and Errol Barrow, were among the four ‘Founding Fathers’, who, on July 4, 1973, signed the historic Treaty of Chaguaramas to formally establish the Caribbean Community and Common Market, which later became known as CARICOM. President Granger noted that Prime Minister Mottley has distinguished herself as an ardent advocate of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and led her country in the commendable perusal of Regional integration. “We applaud your leadership; we applaud your stewardship; we applaud your willingness to partner with Caribbean states,” he said, adding: “We commend you on

Cummings-Edwards, who said that as Guyana celebrates its Golden Jubilee, it is significant that the country pays special honour to a distinguished citizen of CARICOM who has rendered outstanding and valuable services to the Region. She described the Barbadian Prime Minister as “a distinguished daughter of the Caribbean soil” who has

Said Justice Cummings-Edwards: “Honourable Prime Minister, we commend your sterling contribution as you most deservedly join the ranks of illustrious Guyanese and other Caribbean citizens who have been bestowed with the honour of a National Award, more particularly the Order of Roraima. The Caribbean is richer for your service.”

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, O.R., Q.C., M.P. shares light conversation with President David Granger

Chairperson of the Advisory Council for the Orders of Guyana, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards delivers remarks

At the award ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday are, from left, Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Karen Cummings; and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (Photos by Adrian Narine)

was aimed at recognising the lead role Ms. Mottley plays not only in her own country, but in the Caribbean as well.

Noting some of the similarities between our two countries, the president pointed to their spearheading of the founding of the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) in 1965; their unique establishment of a joint High Commission in London following their in-

your assumption of office as Chairman of Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, and for your long-established commitments to Caribbean integration.”

A SPECIAL HONOUR Also delivering brief remarks at the event was Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the Orders of Guyana, Justice Yonette

strongly represented the economic interest of the Caribbean.

Among PM Mottley’s list of achievements are: Being the youngest ever Queen’s Counsel in Barbados; one of the youngest Barbadians to be assigned a ministerial portfolio as Minister of Education; first female Attorney-General; Opposition Leader and Party Leader of Barbados and more.

In accepting the honour, Prime Minister Mottley did so on her own behalf and on the behalf of her country.

She stated that Guyana and Barbados have shared ties for many years, and, even in her own case, her father’s grandfather was a Guyanese, while her grandmother’s brothers and sisters spent parts of their lives here in Guyana. Mottley pointed out that it was Guyanese who, in the 1950s and 1960s,

led the industrialisation of Barbados with the establishment of banking institutions along with a wide array of industries. She said that in 2007, she took note that there were over 32,000 Guyanese living in Barbados and contributing to the country’s economy.

With existential threats such as climate change and non-communicable diseases, the Prime Minister said that countries in the Region do not have the expertise to do it alone, and Barbados looks forward to working with the people of Guyana for a better Region and a better world. “The path of our two countries is inseparable, and I look forward to our being able to build, Mr. President, on that relationship, because it is only in working together on common initiatives that we can achieve [our goals],” she stated.

Mottley, O.R., Q.C., M.P, became Barbados’ eighth and first female

Prime Minister on May 25, 2018 after successfully leading the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to a 30-0 victory over the Freundel Stuart led Democratic Labour Party (DLP) on May 24, 2018. She also serves as Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment, National Security and the Civil Service. Mottley is an Attorney-at-law by profession, with a degree from the London School of Economics specialising in advocacy.

Also attending the ceremony were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minster of State Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Karen Cummings; and CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

Coronavirus: China admits ‘shortcomings and deficiencies’ (BBC) China’s top leadership has admitted “shortcomings and deficiencies” in the country’s response to the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

The Politburo Standing Committee said the national emergency management system had to improve.

A crackdown on wildlife markets, where the virus emerged, has been ordered.

There are more than 17,000 confirmed cases in China, with 361 deaths, and more than 150 in other countries, with one death in the Philippines.

The number of deaths in China, excluding Hong Kong, now exceeds the 349 killed on the mainland in the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2002-03.

The new coronavirus causes severe acute respiratory infection and symptoms usually start with a fever, followed by a dry cough.

The outbreak took its toll on Chinese shares when financial markets reopened on Monday following the Lunar New Year holiday. The Shanghai Composite index closed nearly 8% lower, its biggest daily drop for more than four years.

What has the Politburo said?

Reports of the standing committee meeting, chaired

by President Xi Jinping, were carried by the official Xinhua news agency.

It said lessons had to be learned from what had been a “big test” of China’s gover-

nance system.

“In response to the shortcomings and deficiencies that were exposed responding to this epidemic, we must improve our national emergency management system and improve our abilities in handling urgent and dangerous tasks,” the report said.

One area to be tackled is the trade in illegal wildlife, which should be “resolutely banned”, while supervision of markets should be strengthened.

It is thought a market in the city of Wuhan was the source of the viral outbreak. On Monday, a study by a Chinese virologist said bats were the likely source.

Wuhan remains the “top priority” and additional medical staff will be sent there, the committee said.

It said officials should assume full responsibility for their duties in epidemic prevention, and that those who failed to perform them would be punished.

It has been revealed that two officials in the town of Huajiahe were removed from

their posts after a teenager with cerebral palsy died when his father - and sole carer - was quarantined for suspected coronavirus.

What is happening on the ground?

The increase in fatalities announced on Monday - 57- is the largest in a single day since the virus was detected late last year. All but one were in Wuhan’s Hubei province.

Wuhan has seen the speedy construction of two new hospitals, although they are not yet fully operational.

Provinces with populations larger than 300 million have been ordered to make the wearing of masks in public mandatory.

But there is a shortfall in equipment and China’s foreign ministry on Monday issued a global appeal.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying said: “What China urgently needs at present are medical masks, protective suits and safety goggles.”

Some cities, including Shanghai, have extended the

Lunar New Year holiday, with many schools still closed.

Hong Kong, which has 15 confirmed cases, has suspended 10 out of 13 border crossings with mainland China.

The mortality rate for the new coronavirus is about 2.1%, currently far lower than the 9.6% of SARS. How are other countries responding?

The health ministers of the G7 group of nations - the US, Germany, Japan, UK, Canada, France and Italy - held a conference call on Monday.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn said they had agreed to co-ordinate on travel regulations, viral research and co-operation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and China.

Many nations have evacuated their citizens from affected areas of China, often placing them in quarantine on arrival home.

The US has ordered the departure of all US personnel family members under the age of 21, and any US citizen who has been in Hubei province will be subject to 14 days’ quarantine.

Ms Hua said the US measures were “excessive” and

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contrary to WHO recommendations, accusing the US of “spreading fear”.

US bars foreigners who recently visited China The WHO has warned that closing borders could even accelerate the spread of the virus, if travellers enter countries unofficially.

More than 20 countries have recorded confirmed cases.

The latest on travel restrictions: Denying entry to all foreign visitors who have recently been to China: US, Australia, Singapore * Denying entry to foreigners travelling from mainland China: New Zealand, Israel.

(Russia will also apply these restrictions, though not through Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport) * Denying entry to foreigners who have visited Hubei province: Japan, South Korea * Temporarily suspending all flights to mainland China: Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, the UK, Italy * Closing the border with China: Mongolia, Russia (partially) The body that represents some of the world’s largest cruise ship operators, the Cruise Lines International Association, announced on Monday that passengers and crew members who had recently travelled to China would not be allowed to board vessels.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

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Abdulah calls for more aggressive action against flu (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) political leader David Abdulah says it is not necessary to postpone Carnival because of the Wuhan coronavirus which is continuing to spread globally.

Health Minister Dr Terrance Deyalsingh announced last week that Carnival will continue as planned unless there is an occurrence of “something really dramatic.”

Government has restricted the entry of passengers from China for a period of 14 days and is screening passengers as they arrive at the country’s airport.

Commenting on these developments at a press conference at MSJ’s San Fernando headquarters yesterday, Abdulah said: “At this point in time I don’t see a necessity for a ban because as far as we are aware there is no case of the coronavirus in Trinidad

MSJ Political Leader David Abdulah speaking at a press conference held at MSJ’s headquarters at Lord Street, San Fernando. Looking on at left is Fitzroy Lewis and Faith Combs, right.

and Tobago and therefore if there is no case of the coro-

navirus here there is no need to have a ban.”

He said the possibility of

a ban will only arise if the coronavirus enters T&T. “So that if somebody is

found in Trinidad and Tobago to have the coronavirus then the government will have to rethink the issue because the spread of it can be very rapid, particularly with large events and so on, so that is really where the challenge arises,” he said.

However, the MSJ leader said he hopes the infectious disease does not enter this country because the government is “terribly inept” at implementing policies and decisions.

“Therefore their implementation at attempting to keep the virus out may very well be not successful given how they have failed in the past to get things right. We hope as citizens that that virus does not enter T&T and we also hope that it is contained globally,” Abdulah said.

He also expressed concern that close to 40 people have died from the H1N1

Influenza virus.

“We certainly hope more aggressive steps are taken to ensure that flu virus does not result in more loss of life,” he said.

Abdulah blamed Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for the state of the economy and the loss of thousands of jobs.

“Both those leaders have failed to diversify the economy. They have failed to transform the economy, they have failed to transform the relations of economic power so that in the last ten years the gap between the rich and the poor has gotten wider and wider. We have a few people who are humongously rich and we have very many people who don’t have any money today to be able to send their children to school tomorrow,” he said.

Second Mexico monarch butterfly activist found dead

(BBC) A second activist campaigning for the conservation of monarch butterflies and the woods in which they hibernate has been found dead in Mexico.

Raúl Hernández worked as a tour guide at a butterfly sanctuary in Michoacán state.

His body, which bore signs of beatings and a head injury, was found two days after the funeral of Homero Gómez.

Mr Gómez managed a monarch butterfly sanctuary in the same state and had received threats, his family said.

What happened?

Raúl Hernández, 44, disappeared on Monday 27 January. He had left work as usual and was last seen at midday in a village called El Oyamel.

How dangerous is Mexico?

Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels His body was found six days later at the top of a hill in the El Campanario monarch butterfly sanctuary. Forensic experts said his body was covered in bruises and he had a deep wound to his head. An investigation into his death is under way.

Conservationists fear his death may be linked to that of Homero Gómez, who disappeared in the same area on 13 January.

Mr Gómez’s body was found in a well on 29 January. His family said that prior to his disappearance, the activist had received threats warning him to stop his campaign against illegal logging.

He was a tireless campaigner for the conservation

of the monarch butterfly and the pine and fir forests where it hibernates.

The sanctuary he managed opened in November as part of a strategy to stop illegal logging in the area, which is a key habitat for the species.

Officials initially said his body showed no signs of violence, but a post mortem examination revealed he had suffered a blow to the head before drowning in the well.

Mexico’s murder rate has risen in recent years and official figures suggest 2019 had the highest rate ever recorded, with 34,582 recorded killings.

Many are believed to be carried out by criminal gangs who kill anyone who could interfere with their illegal activities, which range from drug and human trafficking to extortion, logging and mining.

What’s special about the monarch butterfly?

Scientists have been fascinated by the orange and black butterflies because of the vast distances they fly each year to hibernate in Mexico - the longest migration of any insect.

Researchers found that the butterflies use a kind of internal solar compass to guide them during their flight from Canada and the US to the same area on the border between Michoacán and Mexico state every year.

Once they reach the mountain hillsides of the oyamel fir forests in that area, they cluster together to stay warm. Tens of thousands of butterflies can be seen on a single tree, creating a colourful spectacle which has become a draw for tourists.

But environmentalists

have warned that illegal logging poses a major risk to these forests and the

butterflies which spend the winters here.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

Sugar workers take centre-stage AS the elections campaign warms up, the sugar industry is again taking centre-stage, with President David Granger assuring the nation that his government will return the industry to profitability.

According to the Guyanese Head of State, who is seeking re-election at the March 2 polls, the industry was on the verge of collapse when the APNU+AFC Coalition took office. The President constituted a Commission of Inquiry into the crippled industry, and, during 20172018, it merged the estates.

Some 10,000 out of the 16,000 workers were retained at the Blairmont, Albion-Rose Hall and Uitvlugt-Wales Estates and factories.

The redundant workers

were paid some $6 billion, and many of them were offered jobs at the merged estates, or in other operations in the agricultural sector. Now, President Granger has taken to his rallies in Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo an assurance that former sugar workers will be given plots of land in the sugar belt for agriculture, commercial and domestic use.

“I know the pain the sugar workers feel,” he revealed, and promised to “protect the livelihoods of the workers who are no longer working in the sugar industry”.

At its peak, the industry had employed close to 30,000 workers, but was forced to cut back over the years. Under the former PPP government, some

5,000 sugar workers were made redundant between 1992 and 2015 due to the closure of the estates, notably those at Diamond and LBI. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has also been looking at the sugar industry, this time on a note of optimism. Writing in his weekly column, My Turn, under the title “Crops and Cash”, he welcomed as “soothing to the ears” the announcement by President Granger that State lands would be given to former sugar workers for crops and housing, and that cash transfers from oil revenues would be made to help in the education of the nation’s schoolchildren.

“The opening up of lands to former sugar workers au-

gurs well for our country. At a time when we have started to produce oil, we should also boost agriculture, fishing and livestock so that Guyana will have a balanced development based on fuel and food,” the Prime Minister, a veteran journalist, wrote.

He added that a new impetus would be given to the quest of the Guyanese people for ‘the good life’, with assurances of more crops from former sugar fields, and meaningful cash transfers for our children’s education.

At this point, we ask what contribution is the largest sugar union, GAWU, prepared to make to help secure the livelihoods of the sugar workers.

With a reported $30M

raked in from union dues, GAWU’s contribution share ought to be unconditional and substantial to any ameliorative strategy that will give substance to the future of the affected workers. Finally, sugar workers in the East Berbice-Corentyne region and elsewhere, should begin to ask serious questions of the PPP’s leaders, and those of their unions, as to how their management of the affairs of their industry has led to the very sad state it has become. This is the principal challenge for all sugar workers.

The Coalition Government, he noted, has been cautious about making promises that cannot be delivered in the face of rising expectations.

He reminded farmers that

the APNU+AFC had promised to find markets for their rice and paddy, and it did.

“Guyana today sells to some 35 countries, and though it has produced in excess of one million tonnes of paddy last year, unless new lands are brought into rice production, it is likely that we would be unable to supply these markets. It is in this context that the announcement by the President would result in rice production being given a further boost on lands in the sugar belt that would be given to former sugar workers,” the Prime Minister said.

Help 120 children living in orphanages --go home to their biological families

Dear Editor, VIOLENCE and abuse have not now, but for a long time become a norm in many families across our small Guyanese society. Mostly children and women suffer in silence and more and more we are recognizing that boys too and men are being abused and violated with little recourse.

In many of those cases, neighbours and family members are aware of the abuse and choose not to intervene in any way, not even if the intervention is an anonymous report to the authorities. In the abuse of children, in the past, reporting was hardly likely to be the first thought, since this was the norm. However, more adults and children are now reporting child abuse. Nonetheless, some are still skeptical of reporting matters of child abuse and other forms of violence. Those who choose not to report violence against children must know that there are programmes that respond to child abuse, and as a result, reporting has saved many lives.

ChildLinK, in collaboration with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), is currently implementing the Recovery Safeguarding (RSR) initiative.

One of the key changes for children is to support 120 children living in orphanages to go home to their biological families.

ChildLinK, with resources from the European Union, is supporting the vision of the CPA to support children to grow up in safe and loving families.

ChildLinK, CPA and several additional stakeholders established a Reintegration Working Group (RWG) in April, 2018.

The RWG developed local guidelines on children’s reintegration, which aligns with international best practices, and the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). In engaging children in institutional/ orphanage care, as well as their families, we have found that families are experiencing many difficult circumstances that lead to the abuse of their children in the first instance. However, intervention provided through initiatives such as the RSR (government and civil society partnerships) continues to make a difference and safeguard children from abuse.

One of ChildLinK’s CBO partners facilitating reintegration cases outside of Region 4 received a report from a concerned neighbour that a child was being physically abused

by his mother. The counsellors found nine-year-old Nick (name changed to protect identity) alone, lying in a hammock at the bottom of the small, dilapidated house, and in excruciating pain. The counsellors observed bruises, swellings and other marks of violence on Nick’s body, especially his back and shoulders. Nick had received such a severe beating that he felt pain when the counsellors touched him. Initial conversations with Nick and the neighbours revealed that his mother regularly and brutally abused him.

She would leave him alone in the hammock when she goes to work, with strict instructions not to leave the yard. Nick was hospitalised after the case was reported to the CPA. The CPA’s assessment concluded that Nick had to be removed temporarily from his mother’s care for his safety. Nick and his mother were subsequently engaged by an RSR child-care counsellor, and a parenting skills officer respectively. The counsellors discovered that Nick went to school regularly, but his academic performance was well below average. He mostly kept to himself. His mother worked as a domestic worker, and tried her best to

provide meals for Nick, but was not always able to do so.

Nick would ask neighbours for food when his mother could not afford to provide any for him, but his mother was very angry whenever she found out about this.

Nick’s mother, Sasha, has two other children, but his siblings lived with his grandmother. Sasha was physically abused when she was a child.

Sasha also had engaged in prostitution during her early to midteen years. Sasha’s mother lived in extreme poverty. To provide for herself, Sasha engaged in prostitution to get money for food and other essentials. Sasha became pregnant as a teenager, and went to live with the baby’s father. She subsequently had Nick, her second child. Nick’s father was physically abusive to him and Sasha. Both parents consumed alcohol heavily, and smoked marijuana. Sasha eventually left Nick’s father in her late teens, and resorted to prostitution temporarily to provide for her two children.

She decided to stop sex work after she became pregnant with her third child.

The counselling sessions were instrumental to both Nick and Sasha. Nick’s counsellor worked with him on issues such

as trust and self-esteem. He is now more open and friendly.

The RSR child-care counsellor also did one-on-one reading sessions with him. His performance in school has improved.

Sasha has benefitted from the parenting skills education sessions. She is no longer consuming alcohol, and is making a good effort at reducing her use of marijuana. These changes, coupled with her improved understanding of her role and responsibilities as a parent, have helped her to improve her relationship with Nick and her two other children. The CPA and RSR helped Nick and his younger sibling to return home to their mother. Nick’s eldest sibling is currently staying with a close relative but visits Sasha and his siblings every weekend. She is making progress in improving her relationship with her children. An RSR counsellor also enrolled Sasha into a few skills programmes to strengthen her income-earning capacity.

This case demonstrates how lives were changed because one neighbour had the courage to report a known case of abuse. There are many more similar cases we will continue to share, as this must be an encouragement to each of us

to report and intervene when we see witness abuse against someone particularly children.

They are still many cases of physical abuse and violence against children that are going unreported. We all have a duty to report any form of abuse or violence against children.

ChildLinK is a not for profit organization that is working to create a Guyanese society where every child is growing up in a loving, safe and secure family and community. This article raises many questions for the family and the care of Nick but also recognised the help of a good neighbor. Please write us with us comments, questions and how you would like to get involved in protecting children in your own communities at admin@childlinkgy. org. Report child abuse by calling the CPA on 227-0979, the closest Police station or ChildLinK on 233-3500 or email: admin@childlinkgy. org.

Regards, Shaquita Thomas, Communications Officer ChildLink Inc.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

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APNU+AFC coalition well received at Leonora Dear Editor, RALLIES play major a role in political campaigns.

And once the political party has the capability, they organise in a manner that entertains while simultaneously sending out carefully crafted messages to likely voters, which seek to positively influence them.

Within the context of the APNU+AFC coalition, it is obvious that these campaigns are gaining momentum and drawing the desired attention.

President David Granger has been insisting that every message must be about the unbridled truth, regarding honesty and integrity as the pillars on which the party would triumph.

He has asserted that there is more than enough ‘truth’ in the form of evidence-based achievements to go around, even long after the elections are over. At the same time, the Coalition party continues to let the masses know about the future plans for the peo-

ple of the country.

National Squatter Settlement Commission Arousing the passion of the residents of Region Three at the Leonora rally, President Granger put forward a three-point plan of action. There was a packed programme, commencing with three vibrant prayers, representing the Christian, Hindu and Muslim communities in Guyana. In addition, there were songs and dances followed by the addresses.

Following two other stirring remarks done by Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul and Ms. Thandi McAllister, both of Region Three, President Granger took to the podium.

In his first of a three-point plan, while bemoaning the area called ‘Plastic City’, saying that nobody should be made to live like that, President Granger promised, “By the time the APNU+AFC government finishes its next tour of duty, after the 2020 elections, there will be no more ‘Plastic City’.”

He added, “On the 15th of March, I will set up a National Squatter Settlement Commission under the Ministry of Communities. We are going to make squatter settlements history; people must not live like that in Guyana. If I was the Minister of Housing and Water, I would have been ashamed of myself to live in a region and have people living in those conditions. We are going to use our money; our revenues, resources to eliminate squatting all over Guyana.”

He noted that “Over the last 23 years,” a hundred and fifty squatter settlements grew up like ‘jumbie umbrella’ all over this country and assured that the APNU+AFC will put an end to it.” President Granger iterated that the Commission he will set up on March 15 will ensure that every Guyanese have a roof over his head. Furthermore, President Granger stated that the oil money is not for a few but for everyone and so the coalition will abolish squat-

ting. “No slums; no shanties; no squatting,” he said.

THE SUGAR INDUSTRY In relation to the sugar industry, President Granger told the residents that the decision of his government was a difficulty one. “We thought hard and long, but we said that we must protect and preserve the sugar industry in Region Three. We protected the sugar industry in East Berbice; we protected the sugar industry in West Berbice and we protected the sugar industry in West Demerara.”

He explained that his administration did what had to be done, but with much care for sugar workers, being cognizant of the fact that sugar cannot be sold on the world market at the cost it is being produced at Wales, “but we did not throw Wales under the bus; we amalgamated Wales and Uitvlugt and many of the people from Wales have gotten jobs in Uitvlugt,” he assured.

The President also said

that in an effort to effectively utilise the lands the government has plans to establish a State Land Resettlement Commission to assist people who have been left unemployed. He said that they will be given access to land, in an effort to uplift their economic standing. “We will not leave the sugar workers on their own,” said he. He reminded that it was the PPP who shut down the Diamond Estate, and GAWU was forced to take GUYSUCO to court.

The PPP had put 500 people out of work and between 1992 and 2015 the PPP sent home 5000 sugar worker from GUYSUCO. President Granger also mentioned Skeldon, which is now “unfixable”, he stated.

THE FIVE BS INITIATIVE President Ganger asked those present to think back about what the speaker before him, Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul, said about education.

He asked that they, “Think

back about those Five Bs; think back about the buses and the boats and the bicycles. There are now 40 buses on the roads; there are now 20000 bicycles, and a dozen boats on the rivers.” He applauded two young children: Rihanna Browne from Leonora Secondary School, and Arianna Pratt of Patentia Secondary School, both of whom stood up before the crowd at the rally to say thanks.

“We are going to pay every family that sends his or her child to school, every mother or father a Special Public Education Assistance Grant,” President Granger stated. He iterated that the government fulfil every promised mentioned in his presentation because the APNU+AFC coalition government care for all the people of this nation.

Regards, Margaret Burke

Never again should villages like Agricola become the ‘killing fields’ of the ‘Phantom’ gangs Dear Editor, THE APNU+AFC political meeting in the village of Agricola o Saturday night was a moving memorial to the members of its community who had been slain by the perpetrators of extra-judicial killings in the years 2000 to 2015. The meeting was held at the recently-rehabilitated playfield, and according to one speaker, was the largest community

meeting in Georgetown to date for the APNU+AFC coalition.

The crowd of almost 300 residents who turned up were reminded that the village which was purchased by the freed Africans, was once a gated community from which two Mayors who served the City of Georgetown came.

A feature of the night’s proceedings was a photograph of Shaquille Grant, a teenager who had been

murdered by rogue cops in September of 2012.

Terrence Wallace, Warren Blue and Jamal Lewis were the policemen charged for the brutal murder. Wallace was set free by a mixed jury, while Blue and Lewis remained fugitives. Blue was subsequently killed in a botched robbery attempt at Montrose, on the East Coast, and Lewis continues to be on-the-run.

Grant was not the only

slain villager who was memorialised at the meeting.

Accompanied by the sombre tones of John King’s “How Many more Jah”, and in the earshot of the son of a former PPP/C President and Prime Minister, the villagers were also reminded of the murder of boxing coach, Donald Allison.

He was killed in front of the boxing gym he helped set up to keep youths off the streets. Blame for the

murder was laid at the feet of Shaheed Roger Khan and the PPP/C-controlled “phantom squad”, an army of contract killers which, according to court documents coming out of the US, were hired to murder opponents of the PPP/C. Shonette Adams, mother of Shaquille Grant, draped in green and gold was also present in the crowd, which was exhorted to continue what one speaker referred to as the “green-

and-gold revolution” started by the Coalition, and to vote solidly for the return of President David Granger and the coalition, so that never again would villages like Agricola would become killing fields of the PPP/C and their phantom gangs.

Regards, S. Benjamin

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

1000 youths begin training in Oil and Gas Hundreds of young Guyanese, on Monday, attended an orientation, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, in preparation to begin studies in the inaugural PetroEd Oil and Gas E-Learning programme, an initiative sponsored by the Ministry of Education and Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) in partnership with PetroEd. The course is being offered free of charge to 1000 persons in a wide variety of introductory courses to oil and gas, and will be done entirely online, with certificates being offered at the end of the course to participants who successfully complete the courses.

Delivering the feature address at the orientation, Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, told the students that the training signifies the government’s commitment to developing our skills of Guyanese to match the growing needs of the economy, using innovative means. “We are here today as part of the rising times. E-learning and training is important for the development of this country. I must congratulate all of the successful applicants, the first cohort. Thank you for rising to the call, recognizing that you are significant and can contribute to this nation’s growth and development,” Henry told the gathering. The Minister not-

Director of Energy, Mark Bynoe (Adrian Narine photo)

ed that the oil and gas industry is no longer merely a dream for Guyana but has become a reality Guyana is experiencing, which will change all aspects of the nation and will take all of us to greater heights.

An international company based in Houston Texas, PetroEd is an eLearning provider for the oil and natural gas industry. The participants are being offered courses in Basic Principles of Petroleum (BPP), an industry overview course in which participants must attain at least 70 percent pass to move to the next level Oilwell Drilling (OWD), an introductory course for the drilling industry.

Though they will be able to work at their own pace to complete the programme and take assessments, all participants will have a maximum of one year to complete the entire programme, at which point their license to access the courses expires. Among those participants

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry (left) speaking with students of the PetroEd Oil and Gas E-Learning programme during orientation (Adrian Narine photo)

present at Monday’s orientation were young Serena Sealey and Tatyana Lopes, both 17 years old, fresh out of secondary school, and eager to become more qualified.

“I saw it on Facebook and due to the industry expanding I see it as an opportunity for me so I signed up for General safety and after that I would like to do oil well drilling,” shared Sealey, who is from Georgetown. Eyeing a career either as a petroleum engineer or architecture, she believes entering the programme is a great stepping stone on that path.

Lopes hails from Blakenburg on the West Coast Demerara, and is interested in health “The health sector interests me so I decided to sign up for it.

It’s a good programme I hope to get the knowledge and skills re-

quired to get a job,” Lopes conveyed. In September, 2019, CTVET began discussions to have programmes, and negotiated the 1000 licenses for students to access the programmes. Director of CTVET, Floyd Scott, shared that since being advertised the programme received overwhelming response, with over 2000 persons applying.

“CTVET is pleased at the response it received from formal and informal sectors having seized on the opportunities to ensure wide cross section of the population benefit from these courses,” Scott noted.

He reminded the students that as the first batch to take part in the programme they are setting the precedence. “As pioneers you will set the stage for others. Your success determines continuation of the programme.

Director of CTVET, Floyd Scott (Adrian Narine photo)

This exercise will serve as a road map for future collaboration with all stakeholders towards a deeper understand of vocation learning,” He explained.

Scott related that while the programme is only being offered to 1000 persons, it is being deliberated what can be put in place for the other applicants who did not get into the programme. Unsuccessful applicants will also be placed on a waiting list, and could stand a chance to be incorporated into the Petroed E-Learning Programme, to replace any inactive applicant that is removed.

The 1000 applicants will be monitored to ensure they are taking part in the programme continuously throughout the timeframe, and applicants whose accounts are inactive for a lengthy period of timewill be removed.

Also speaking at the orientation was Director of Energy,

Dr. Mark Bynoe, who highlight the need for Guyanese to position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that will come from Guyana becoming an oil and gas nation.

“You are the forerunners. We are on a journey for aggressive industrious minds. A journey where discipline is paramount, with opportunities to shatter glass ceilings. Where you can dream dreams to be captains of your own destiny. These are indeed exciting times,” he said. Bynoe also noted that the Department will be working to offer internship opportunities to the graduates when they complete the programme.

Senior Education Officer, Department of Industry and Innovation, Valencia Wren, delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, relaying that initiatives such as these are important as Guyana prepares for the first take-off of oil and gas. She noted that with over 175 ICT hubs that her Ministry has set up, the PetroEd initiative will be able to be taken advantage of even by persons in the hinterland communities. She told the participants that the courses they will be benefiting from will unearth skills they never knew they possessed.

The drama continues at NCC --as competition picks up steam

THE National Cultural Centre, on Monday, once again, came alive, as pupils from the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara dominated the stage, commanding the attention of the judges and the audience.

It was a medley of colours and drama through the art of dance as the performers danced their hearts out to cop a spot in the upcoming national competition.

Making sure to leave a mark, the Mocha Arcadia Primary School copped first place in the (5-7) Wind dance category, Strathspey Primary placed second and the New Diamond Grove Primary followed in third place.

In the (5-7) religious belief dance category, the Success Primary school commanded the stage with its ‘there is an overflow’ dance performance category, the Victoria Primary school ‘victorious dancers’ placed second and the Peter’s Hall Primary school followed in the third place position.

However, in the fantasy category, the Swami Purnananda and Eccles Primary school put up a quite a spirited performance with their imaginative performances. However, in the end, it was the ‘Cultural Barbies’ from the Eccles Primary School who copped the first

prize while Swami Purnananda followed in second with their fairytale inspired dance called Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Meanwhile, the ‘Jokers’ from the St. Andrews Primary School on the East Coast of Demerara made the stage of the National Cultural Centre come alive with the sounds of drums and flutes, with their rendition of a masquerade flouncing in a choreographed enthusiasm, and reflecting on one of Guyana’s oldest cultural traditions, paving the way for their win in the masquerade category.

Additionally, the Mahaica Primary school copped the first prize in the (8-10) Interpretive Category, followed

by Hope Friendship who also won the first prize in the (8-10) Religious belief category. The Beterverwagting Primary took the first prize in Legend and Tradition category, with their version of ‘coconut women’.

However, it was the Golden Grove Primary School, from the East Coast of Demerara which truly commanded the stage with its social commentary piece ‘Totally Submissive’ gaining the top spot to represent the East Coast District in the upcoming national competitions.

Pupils of the St. Andrew’s Primary School receiving their first place trophy for their masquerade performance

Pupils of the Golden Grove Primary School, receiving their first prize trophy for their extraordinary performance on Monday at the National Cultural Centre

The Pupils of the Success Elementary dancing their hearts out at the National Cultural Centre on Monday during the Regional Children Mash Competition

Pupils of the Beterverwagting Primary School performing a moving piece called ‘salvation’ during the Regional Children Mash Competition

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

U.S should push for new Exxon contract ---international investigation company, Global Witness urges

An International investigation company has put forward that United States (US) State Department should encourage U.S Oil giant, ExxonMobil to renegotiate “new and fair deal” oil deal with Guyana to save the country from losing an entitled $55 billion dollars.

In a report produced by Global Witness, the organisation laid the opinion that Guyana presented “feeble negotiation terms” and the “aggressive company” [ExxonMobil] pounced on this when it “negotiated an exploitative deal”.

The organisation has also theorised that Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, who signed the Exxon deal in June 2016, may have been compromised even though they admitted that they have no proof of this.

“Global Witness does not have evidence that Trotman was unduly influenced by his lavish Exxon meeting. But there is evidence that he negotiated badly for Guyana, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere,” the report titled ‘Signed Away’ stated.

Government, in an immediate statement, said it noted the report and will be making a formal statement on it. Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge, last week had warned Guyanese against the report, saying the NGO is known for sourcing its information through questionable means such as secret filming, satellite imagery, drone footage and anonymous sources. He chastised the company for having nothing to say on Guyana’s behalf when Venezuela laid claim to more than half of the country and its resources. “Some set of Guyanese have sought to bring an NGO – a very controversial NGO – to present a report which will claim that this government has been managing its business improperly, corruptly, inefficiently and billions of dollars have been lost to the poor,” he said. “When [the border controversy] was going on, this NGO, called Global Witness, was nowhere to be found. They had nothing to say on our behalf when another country was trying to steal our resources. If our resources are stolen, they are lost to our poor. But now that oil has been discovered, this NGO has suddenly got a feeling for the poor,” Greenidge further added.

With regards the renegotiating of a new agreement with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited partner of U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil, Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe is on record saying that while the agreement may not be excellent, it is not very poor. “Contracts are (placed) on a spectrum and they range from excellent to very poor. What we can say is that the current PSA may not be excellent but it is not very poor either,” Dr. Bynoe told reporters during a press conference at the Ministry of the Presidency late last year. At the time, he was responding to the question of whether government would renegotiate the 2016 agreement in light of continued criticisms from both civil society and the political opposition over several aspects of the agreement, including the percentage of royalty.

Dr. Bynoe said that a review of the PSA with ExxonMobil has to be contextualized in terms of the volume of the investment, the risks taken, and the period in which the investment occurred.

“As a government, we have already expressed the need to honour the sanctity of the contract and we will continue to do that, but contracts do evolve,” he emphasised while noting that government will continue to en-

Global Witness’ estimation of what Guyana can receive from fruitful renegotiations

gage ExxonMobil to ensure that the value proposition to Guyana increases.

Weighing in on the issue, the Energy Department’s Oil and Gas Adviser, Matthew Wilks, said the renegotiation of contracts in the oil industry must be done on a mutual basis, noting that from the initial stage, they are mutually agreed upon. “The success of Guyana is being based on Guyanese approach to contractual law which is sanctity to contract, generally, whatever contract there may be, whether it is in the oil sector or outside of the oil sector,” Wilks told reporters.

Cautioning that investors are looking on, he said any unilateral decision with respect to a contract can be a deterring factor. “If you start unilaterally trying to change contracts, you frighten investors, and you only have to look at other jurisdictions where this has occurred for one reason or the other…and you would see investors stop investing,” the Oil and Gas Adviser said.

Like Dr. Bynoe, he said when analysing a contract, consideration must be given to the time in which it is signed, the level of investment, and the risk taken. “When you are seeking or you look up opportunities to change the terms of the contract, you could only do that when the circumstance arises, and when it is mutual; you cannot force it,” he said. While the government has not agreed to renegotiate the contract with ExxonMobil, the Department of Energy has initiated the

process of designing a new model contract that will be used for future PSAs. Wilks said, like any contract, the model contracts are developed, based on the existing environment of a given sector.

GIVEAWAY OF OIL BLOCKS BY PPP The Global Witness report also spoke to the signing away of the Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks just before the 2015 elections by the former Administration under former Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud, as “an extraordinary degree of ignorance about the ultimate owners of the winning companies”.

Global Witness argued that Guyana can use the estimated $55 billion dollars lost in the current Exxon deal to build better schools, address the sugar industry, fight corruption and fix its sea defences. “And this is a story about the US, and how it can help,” the report stated: “…the US should strengthen a proposed rule implementing Section 1504 of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act. This rule should – but currently does not – require that oil companies publish their payments on a project-by-project basis. The US should also support Guyana if it chooses to renegotiate the Stabroek licence, ensuring that Exxon comes to the table.”

The company projected that ExxonMobil can afford Guyana increasing its oil revenue share from 52 per cent return on every barrel of oil sold to 69 per cent. It contended:

9

“Even if Guyana renegotiates Stabroek, estimates show that Exxon will still get a return on its investment of 18 per cent.”

Throughout the report, Global Witness maintained that the Stabroek negotiations appear to have been rushed and that “Exxon’s seemingly aggressive tactics worked”. Even so, it also maintained: “Global Witness does not have evidence that Trotman’s Stabroek negotiations were influenced – unwittingly or otherwise…” as well as “Global Witness does not allege that Exxon deliberately misled Guyana or withheld information about Liza 2 while negotiations continued”. The position suggested that the views held cannot be entirely confirmed. Nonetheless, the company put forward several recommendations to the government and ExxonMobil. The report reminded that in April 2019, US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, said that Guyana has the right to renegotiate and that the US “certainly won’t interfere with that.”

Global Witness put forward: “Countries like Nigeria and Papua New Guinea have recently called for oil companies to renegotiate the terms of their licences. Guyana can do the same by negotiating a better Stabroek deal and, given how important the licence is to the company’s future, Exxon should come to the table….If the Guyanese government does decide to renegotiate, Global Witness believes the State Department should support the government’s decision, telling Exxon it needs to come to the table and defending Guyana’s right to get a good deal.”

It was also recommended that Guyana allow Exxon to extract oil from the 16 wells it has already drilled, but allow no additional drilling in the Stabroek licence and cancel its nine other allocated licences and not award any new licences. Regarding the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks awarded under the management of Persaud and signed by former President Donald Ramotar, Global Witness stated that the “awards do exhibit red flags”.

“Based on publicly-available documents, the companies awarded Kaieteur and Canje appear to have very limited track records in the oil industry,” the document stated.

“It would be extraordinary if the reports upon which Persaud made his Kaieteur and Canje awards did not include this critical information. If Persaud did not know who owned the companies receiving the two licences – at least at the time of the award – he or his team ought to have made further enquiries.”

The company urged that Guyana’s government “redouble the efforts of its investigation into the award of the Kaieteur and Canje licences” currently being conducted by the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA). It recommended that if the investigation uncovers evidence of wrongdoing, those involved should be held accountable while Exxon should declare how it addressed any red flags associated with Kaieteur and Canje when it purchased shares in the licences.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

'Gold Board' opens new office in Port Kaituma …to expand services to small miners

THE Guyana Gold Board (GGB) on Monday opened an office at Port Kaituma, Region One, in response to a request from small miners for its services in the area.

A press release from the Public Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources said that this is the third office opened by the GGB, in keeping with a commitment to make its services more accessible to small miners in remote areas of Guyana.

The Ministry said Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman joined Director of the Board of the GGB, Mr. John Yates, General Manager, Ms. Eondrene Thompson and staff of the GGB in Port Kaituma, at a simple ceremony to celebrate the event.

During his brief remarks, Minister Trotman underscored the value of the new location to facilitating services to small miners and the contribution of small miners to the sector. He also noted that business at the new

including, testing and buying gold. “Since Port Kaituma is a hub for small miners plying their trade in Region One, the office will serve as a central access point of services to persons in the

mining community and from surrounding areas. The GGB is also continuing to provide services at its locations in Georgetown and Bartica, as well as through mobile offices in selected areas,” the

The ribbon cutting ceremony

location will increase revenues to the economy through increased gold declarations over last year’s figures of 635,000 declared ounces. “In 2019, revenue from gold exported was US$112,000,000, which demonstrated once again, the undeniable contribution that mining makes

to the economy,” the release said.

The release said that the new office is located in the building that houses the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) at Turn Basin, Port Kaituma, and will provide similar services to those offered in Georgetown

Minister Trotman speaks with a staff member at the Port Kaituma office of the Guyana Gold Board

release said.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources congratulates the Guyana Gold Board for its efforts to expand its services to small miners, in keeping with the overall development of the mining sector in Guyana and the APNU+AFC Government’s policy to ensure that there is an enabling environment for safe and sustainable mining at the large, medium and small scales.

Since 2015 to present, the government has welcomed thousands of new miners into the industry, while enhancing efforts to protect the environment, hinterland communities and miners plying their trade. Gold declarations are also at a record high as efforts to stimulate the industry and ensuring greater regulation, are providing positive results,” the release said.

Orinduik Block oil estimates up, to 5.1M

Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (Eco Atlantic) has raised its oil estimate in the Orinduik block offshore Guyana to over 5.1 million barrels of oil equivalent, representing a 29 per cent increase in Gross Prospective Resources.

In a new Competent Persons Resource report on the block released on Monday, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Eco Atlantic, Colin Kinley said that this is due to momentum gained from recent discoveries. The company’s previous estimate in March 2019 stood at 3.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE).

Meanwhile, 22 prospects have been identified on Orinduik Block including 11 leads in the Upper Cretaceous horizon. Two targets in the Cretaceous horizon --- Amaila/Kumaka and Iatuk-D ---- are identified as having in excess of 725 MMBOE each. Eco Atlantic stated that the majority of the project leads have over a 30 per cent or better chance of success, enhanced by the recent discovery of light oil on the Kanuku block to the south of Orinduik.

Kinley said that the positive outlook has also been driven by the discoveries of over 8 billion barrels of oil immediately East of the block by ExxonMobil. “The Cretaceous pathway of lighter weight oils from the source kitchen to the north, through the Liza sands and through the recent discovery of light oil in Carapa-1 to the south confirms our theory and interpretation of transmission of high-quality oil across the Cretaceous sand channels and

traps within the Orinduik Block,” Kinley said.

“Significant exploration potential is what

Block are Eco Atlantic with a 15 per cent working interest; Tullow Guyana B.V., the

The Orinduik Block offshore Guyana

brought us into Guyana before the first barrel was discovered by ExxonMobil. The elements are all here. We know that the geology and the geography support us and we have a great team to fine tune the next drilling targets.”

The joint venture partners in the Orinduik

Operator, with a 60 per cent working interest and Total E&P Guyana B.V. with a 25 per cent working interest. Kinley stated that as it defines its targets with its partners on the block, options will be considered to drill as soon as “practically possible."

Eco Atlantic itself reported that it has a robust cash position with over US $20 million cash and cash equivalents as at 30th September 2019, and is fully funded for its share of further appraisal and exploration drilling at Orinduik of up to US$120m (gross). Back in November 2019, initial analysis of the oil discovered in the Jethro-1 well and the Joe-1 well in the Orinduik block found that the finds are heavy crude with high sulphur content unlike the preferred light, low sulfur crude found in the Liza field.

However, Kinley explained: “Heavy oil is more challenging to produce than conventional lighter oils, but remains a marketable hydrocarbon with increasing demand worldwide, as other heavy oil resources have dropped offline. Interpretation of this pay has continued and has seen material growth in the interpreted resources. The Company is conducting in-depth evaluation of the economics of this play, with independent third party economic advisory support.”

Tullow, Total and Eco Atlantic have an Operations Committee meeting scheduled in early February 2020 to evaluate recent drilling results, define drilling targets, and consider the budgets and dates for future drilling.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

‘GDP number does not mean improved livelihoods’ -Finance Minister says gov’t taking steps to be prudent in expenditure management

By Navendra Seoraj INTERNATIONAL financial institutions and local experts have projected that revenues from the local oil and gas sector will contribute to an increase in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan believes that the GDP number would not translate to improved livelihood without prudent management.

“Much has been said about the substantial growth spike that we expect from the inclusion of petroleum but those of you, who are economists, know that a GDP number does not automatically translate to improved livelihood for all our citizens,” said Minister Jordan, during his address to participants and officials at an International Monetary Fund (IMF) five-day training course and capacity building exercise in Macroeconomic Management for resource-rich countries, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, on Monday.

The minister said that it was for that reason experts have lobbied for developing countries to have a multi-dimensional measurement of development, given the inadequacies of GDP as an indicator of development and equity. History is replete with examples which demonstrate how per capita GDP increases do not translate to improved quality of life.

In talking about what the past examples reflect, Minister Jordan said: “these exemplify the consequences of both institutional weaknesses, weak resource governance structures, and the collective behaviour of the citizenry that, collectively, have worked to exacerbate the resource curse and Dutch disease.

“We have an opportunity to do better and to distinguish ourselves as a country that can learn from the experiences of others, and exercise greater responsibility to allow both present and future generations to be beneficiaries of good governance.”

With the hope of doing better than other oil-rich nations, he said the coalition A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change

(APNU+AFC) administration has taken deliberate steps to avoid the ‘resource’ curse - where several countries have spent funds long before first oil, in anticipation of future revenues.

As opposed to those countries, Guyana has chosen to be prudent in its expenditure management.

Further, through the establishment of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), government has established a “sound” governance structure that will see petroleum revenues being deposited directly into the Fund.

“We have designed the fund in a manner that accessing the funds is by way of a withdrawal rule. This rule is based on an analysis of both the oil and non-oil sectors,” said Minister Jordan, adding that it will prevent oil price volatility from entering the economy, afford funding for national development priorities, and allow for interest-bearing investments to be made.

In this way, he believes the earnings from petroleum will benefit both present and future generations. The reporting and accountability criteria

government continues to be in active partnership in an Inter-ministerial Working Group with the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association on expanding agro-processing and wood processing sectors.

Later this year, government will be focusing on the services sector and tourism product development and will prioritise agriculture, since it remains important to ensuring food security and economic diversification across the ten administrative regions.

“We will strengthen our manufacturing and services sectors, so vital for ensuring global competitiveness; leverage our standing forests; design and implement investments in catalytic infrastructure, while ensuring a robust public investment management system; design strategic interventions in education to effect a performance-based approach to ensuring quality and equity; and focus on institutional strengthening activities across government,” said Minister Jordan.

While, he said, the list is by no means exhaustive, in combination

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (Adrian Narine photos)

are resource poor.

KEY PLAYERS “Make no mistake that you are key players in that story and I expect this and other training to which you have already been exposed, will serve to make you active shapers of a history of which we can all be collectively proud.

“The technical quality of your work, your research, your economic

Some of the participants and officials who were present at the launch of the IMF workshop

within the NRF Act meet the well-established Santiago principles for transparency and good governance.

In deploying an “arsenal” of policies and programmes, to address and mitigate the resource curse and expand the non-petroleum sectors,

with good governance and public financial management, those seven areas of focus are important to ensuring that the country emerges as a buoyant and diversified economy through the leveraging of its resource wealth to address the areas where we

modeling, your ability to design systems to support stronger institutions, and your ability to lead effective implementation, must be what drives your work ethic,” said Minister Jordan, noting that the participants represent the generation of future

thinkers and leaders who will support the management of the resource-rich country.

Being able to contribute to development requires young professionals to help in designing programmes in ways that are not inimical to macroeconomic stability.

“We must be able to recognize the actions the country needs to adopt, for example, to contain inflation and maintain a stable exchange rate, non-achievement of which can undermine our competitiveness in the non-oil sector. We must be conscious about the impact of the elements that contribute to Dutch disease and resource curse as a nation.

“Even as we are undertaking the rebasing of the gross national product (GDP), it is anticipated that improved methodologies would improve our ability to capture growth in the economy,” said Minister Jordan.

In that regard, he expressed his hope that the collective thinking that is inspired by the content of the ongoing IMF course, leads, subsequently, to well- researched and thought-out technical advice from the young professionals. Participants included professionals from the Bank of Guyana, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Department of Energy and Ministries of Natural Resources and Agriculture.

Minister Jordan said human capacity building is a critical determinant within the formula for institutional strengthening. “It may seem almost surreal to be a country that is considered resource-rich, especially for those of us who have worked for decades fighting the good fight for additional resources and more concessional resources.

“But even that definition of being resource-rich needs to be considered thoughtfully. Though we will be accessing petroleum revenues, we will be doing so cognizant of the substantial deficient in human capital resources,” said Minister Jordan.

Handyman sentenced for businesman’s murder FIVE years after the murder of Hamson’s General Stores Proprietor, Abdool Farouk Ghanie, his handyman confessed to the crime and was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for the capital offence.

Floyd Rammit on Monday, February 03, 2020, appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court, and threw himself at the mercy of the court as he confessed to the crime.

Rammit admitted that, between April 15 and 16, 2015, at Collingswood Avenue, Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, he murdered Ghanie, aka ‘Brother’, during the course of a robbery.

The State was represented by prosecutors Tuanna Hardy, Tiffani Lyken and Nafeeza Baig.

Rammit was represented by at-

torney-at-law Maxwell McKay. The State’s case was that Rammit used to live with

by the two men who stabbed him (Ghanie) to his chest with a knife. The two men were seen

bours found Ghanie’s body lying in a pool of blood. He died due to a stab wound to his heart.

Murdered businessman, Abdool Farouk Ghanie

Ghanie and was employed as a handyman. Rammit and his accomplice Kemo Tyron Evans concocted a plan to rob the businessman.

It is alleged that, on April 15, 2015, Ghanie was ambushed

From front : Floyd Anthony Rammit and Kemo Tyron Evans

running away from the home by two eyewitnesses.

On April 15, 2015, neigh-

Four months after Ghanie’s death, Rammit was arrested by police at a location in the

interior.

In court, Rammit apologised to Ghanie’s daughter who was seated in court. In a plea of mitigation, McKay told the court that his client was remorseful and had no priors.

Prosecutor Hardy asked the court to consider that Rammit was living with Ghanie and was in a position of trust.

However, Rammit, due to greed, betrayed that trust and robbed his employer.

Hardy also asked the court to place weight on the fact that such crimes had become prevalent in today’s society where persons cannot be safe in their own home.

In court, Ghanie’s daughter gave a statement, where she broke down in tears as she faced Rammit.

“He was like family” the woman told the court as she looked at Rammit, who she claimed would also call her father daddy.

The weeping woman explained that her father’s death had left her family at a loss and what was worse was that two years later her mother died, still seeking justice in the case.

Justice Kissoon, after considering the nature of the case, sentenced Rammit to serve 30 years behind bars. He also ordered that the prison authorities deduct the time Rammit spent in pre-trial custody from the sentence.

Kemo Tyron Evans is currently on remand awaiting trial at the High Court for the matter

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Check for seal on fuel pumps

– GNBS advises consumers THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is advising consumers to check fuel pumps for the GNBS approval seals, to make purchases in litres, and to ensure that, at the end of the purchase, the indicator on the pump has the quantity and/or money value requested.

According to GNBS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Lloyd David, verification ensures that the quantities of fuel dispensed using these measuring devices are within the acceptable tolerances.

Hence, he said vehicle owners and other consumers can continually rely on the accuracy of fuel provided to them at the time of purchase.

Underscoring that over 1800 fuel pumps are verified by the GNBS annually, David said the bureau also verifies storage tanks, bulk meters and compartments of

tanker wagons for bulk suppliers including Sol, Rubis and GUYOIL and those of smaller private companies.

He explained that tanker wagons are also checked by the GNBS to ensure measurement and safety requirements are maintained, prior to licensing by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).

During the verification process, he said, test measures, which are traceable to international standards, are used to determine the accuracy of petrol pumps and bulk meters. These tests measure range in capacity from 2000 litres to five litres.

“Their use determines whether measuring devices are under-delivering, over-delivering or are within the acceptable tolerances. For devices that are inaccurate, the necessary adjustments are made and security seals are affixed to the adjustment

Celebrating women in the GDF….

Staff Sergeant Ann Marks, a Registered Nurse Celebrating 16 years since she enlisted into the Guyana Defence Force, Staff Sergeant Ann Marks is a Registered Nurse and the proud mother of a threeyear-old girl.

She hails from the Queenstown Village on the Essequibo Coast and is a former student of the Johanna Cecelia Secondary School.

As a teenager, she attended youth camps that were held by the Guyana People’s Militia and there she developed her interest in the military and always envisaged herself as being a nurse.

“But I knew that I loved the military and so I must also be a soldier,” she said.

Later this year she will celebrate 16 years since she enlisted in the noble institution following the successful completion of the Basic Recruit Course.

“I am one of ten children born to my parents and if anyone fell ill, I always made it my responsibility to take care of them. As a soldier, this bit of my personality was always evident and so I was selected to undergo training on the Grade Three Medical Course,” she said.

That was her first formal introduction to the medical field. Later, she was granted

Staff Sergeant Ann Marks

the privilege of attending the Georgetown School of Nursing where she earned her certification as a Registered Nurse.

“I am happy because, I, first of all, chose to enlist. I am grateful for the confidence reposed in me and the opportunities that I have received which help to make my life worthwhile and my service, impactful.

I still have more military training courses to go on as I continue on my path of service to this great nation. I am a member of a Corps of women who will continue to make this country proud,” Nurse Marks said.

mechanisms. This is to maintain the integrity of the verification process,” he noted.

He emphasized that if subsequent checks are conducted by Inspectors of the GNBS and the affixed seals are found to be tampered with or removed, the operators or proprietors can face prosecution.

Further, he said as it relates to bulk meters and petrol pumps, if for one reason or the other they are not functioning properly, and cannot be verified immediately, the dispensing nuzzles are sealed off by the GNBS to prevent further usage until they are rectified and verified.

Meanwhile, he said owners of tanker wagons that fail inspection and verification requirements are advised to have them rectified and returned for the verification process to be redone.

David said that the en-

A GNBS official verifying a fuel pump

tire verification process is intended to protect both suppliers and consumers. When a pump is over-delivering fuel, the station is selling at a financial loss. If a pump is under-delivering, then drivers are being short-changed.

Similarly, he said fuel terminals also need to supply

the correct quantities of fuel to petrol stations that are their customers so that they too can be satisfied.

“The GNBS, therefore, serves as an effective monitor between sellers and consumers, thus ensuring fair trade and business practices and ultimately, protection for all,”

he noted.

The GNBS, empowered under the Weights and Measures Act of 1981, has been mandated to check and verify the accuracy of bulk meters, fuel pumps and other measuring devices used in the petroleum industry.

Lawsuit filed against State

--for deaths during 2012 unrest in Linden THE relatives of the three Linden men, who lost their lives, back in 2012, during an unrest in the mining community over the electricity tariffs, have ‘slapped’ the State with a $450M lawsuit, claiming that the police were reckless and used unnecessary force in the killing of their relatives.

The men, Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Allan Lewis, were all shot dead on July 18, 2012 during unrest in the mining town of Linden over a proposal by the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government to hike electricity rates there.

The shooting occurred at the Wismar Mackenzie Bridge during a standoff with protestors and ranks from the joint services where residents were, at the time, protesting the decision made by the former administration to increase the electricity tariff from $5 per kilowatt to $65.

Years after that fateful day, the police have not categorically ascertained the shooters responsible for the death of the three men.

Then Deputy Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud, had stated that shotguns were used in the shooting and four shotgun cartridges were the only ammunition that was unaccounted for by police ranks after July 18, 2012.

Two of the slain men were shot in the chest while

one was shot in the back. It is believed that the shooters were standing about 15 feet away from the protesters when they opened fire.

A Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the shooting found the Guyana Police Force culpable in the deaths of three protestors, but it failed to unearth direct evidence that any individual ranks shot the protestors.

During the COI, no evidence was given that anyone, other than the police ranks, was in possession of firearms

Attorney-at-law Darren Wade

The lawsuit was filed by attorney-at-law Darren Wade on behalf of the following claimants: Rodwell

and infringed by the State.

Against this background, the families are also seeking another declaration claiming that the police were reckless and used unnecessary force in the killing of their relatives.

Additionally, the families are also claiming that the police, not having, and not providing any medical aid, or support after firing the shots which resulted in injury to the three men, causing them to suffer and eventually die, were inhumane.

As a result of the above actions, the families are

The three Linden Martyrs: Ron Sommerset, shemroy Bouyea and Allen Lewis

when protestors and persons in the vicinity were shot.

Additionally, civilians, including those who were wounded during the unrest, testified to seeing police ranks shooting into the crowd that had gathered at the Bridge.

Following the findings of the CoI, Lewis’ and Bouyea’s relatives received $3M each, while $1M was awarded to Somerset’s relatives.

Lewis the son of Allan Lewis, Jacqueline Bouyea the mother of Shemroy Bouyea and Margaret Somerset the mother of Ron Somerset.

The respondent and defendant in the case is listed as the Attorney General Basil Williams.

The claimants are making an application for a declaration that the three men’s Rights to Life and Fundamental Right to Liberty were breached, encroached upon

each claiming in excess of $100M for the breach and contravention of their relatives’ fundamental rights to life and also $50M for the inhumane and degrading treatment suffered by the three men.

The application comes up for hearing before Justice Franklyn Holder at the Demerara High Court on February 25, 2020.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

25 Guyanese earn safeTALK certificates to aid in suicide prevention TRAUMA and Moral Injury Specialist/Expert Sharmin Prince, hosted a suicide- prevention workshop on Thursday at the National Library, where 25 persons earned certificates.

Though Prince was the facilitator, the certificates and materials used were from US based Organisation, LivingWorks, which owns a workshop called safeTALK. The safe in safeTALK stands for suicide alertness for everyone, and the programme aims to teach persons how to prevent suicide by recognising signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention resource for further support.

This was the first safeTALK workshop that was ever held in Guyana.

Prince is a certified safeTALK trainer for which she is using her knowledge and skillset to benefit persons here in her home country.

She said that trauma has become a norm in the Guyanese society and her skills can be an asset to Guyana. Prince is a suicide surviver.

At the training, she said that oftentimes persons miss, dismiss or avoid suicidal invitations. However, the training

equipped the attendees on how to detect the invitations and the necessary course of action to take following detection.

“Seeing domestic vio-

is our own trauma. We are seeing life through a trauma lens and we always highlight men are killing women, but why? I can help with helping boys and men to understand

left there as a director of programme services, and decided to come here for three months to see if it is something that I can do. I’m trying to put all the skills I have acquired over

In addition to her academic achievements, Prince said she migrated to the US in 1999 and worked at volunteers of America for 18 years and functioned from the

Some of the persons who received safeTALK certicates to aid in the prevention of suicide

lence and the prevalence of it and because we have such a high suicide rate, I think suicide-prevention training is definitely needed. We are desensitised because of oversaturation. People are just desensitised about others’ feelings. We don’t care anymore about others the way we used to. We are no longer our brother’s and sister’s keeper.

Also, what contributes to that

the impact of their trauma,” Prince said.

“As a trainer, I bought the safeTALK booklets because I wanted to offer the training. I spent 20 years in the US, and I’m here because I feel that my skills are more needed in Guyana. There are a lot of [persons like] me in the US, but not a lot in Guyana, and I think I can be more effective.

So I resigned from my job, I

the past 20 years, to work in Guyana,” Prince said.

Outlining some of her skillsets, Prince had previously told the Guyana Chronicle that she is the holder of a Diploma in Social Work from the University of Guyana, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Organisational Leadership.

She is a dissertation away from a PhD in Psychology.

entry level all the way to the executive.

During that time, she further qualified herself in several areas of specialty.

“I’ve done moral injury from 2017-2019, and I participated in a research or a study that was done on veterans in the US who saw combat, and we used a technique called ‘Resilience Strength Training’ to help veterans to overcome

their moral injury and it was a two-year study. So coming out of the 20 years I spent in the US, I’m a safeTALK trainer, a resilience strength-training trainer, case management

Trauma and Moral Injury Specialist, Sharmin Prince

trainer, leadership and teamwork trainer, and the list goes on,” Prince said.

Functioning under her newly founded organisation ‘Royalty Coaching and Consultancy Inc’, this is the first initiative executed by Prince.

Young women form group to tackle crime RECOGNISING the need for an intervention in the lives of youths in their communities, three young women, Sherry Ann Hinds, Abidemi Simon and Latoya Benn have started their own organisation to deter youths from a life of crime.

The name of the organisation is 'Safe Place for Youth Organisation'.

Hinds and Simon have graduated recently with their degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice from University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) in Trinidad, while Benn graduated with her degree in Behavioural Science from the said university. Hinds told the Guyana Chronicle that the organisation seeks to create a safe space both in the community and at home for youths to express themselves creatively, while aiming to meet their mental, intellectual and economic needs as a gateway for crime prevention.

"We started last year with a project in which we were able to engage in activities

such as a back-to-school giveaway in Sophia and Buxton, a parenting workshop in Buxton and a motivational session to some primary school-aged students by

very important aspect that we believe needs to be focused on when dealing with crime prevention," Hinds said.

Simon said she was born in Guyana but grew up in The Bahamas. She currently re-

The women, aged 22, 23 and 24, decided since they have acquired the necessary

The organisation's logo Sherry Ann Hinds Abidemi Simon Latoya Benn

collaborating with another organisation called Kapunda Sisters. What we're trying to do is to effectively address all the factors that are gateways to crime, such as lack of resources, by providing resources for those who are needy; workshops such as career guidance, as well as motivational workshops for youths. We also target parents, since the home is also a

Hinds said that her aspiration is to become a lawyer, but the criminology path, however, chose her, through a scholarship she was awarded to study the programme at USC. All was not lost, she said, as criminology is closely related to law, and with the knowledge she has gained, she can still make a significant contribution to her country.

sides in Buxton and has aspirations to become a forensic psychologist to incorporate new policies in Guyana's justice system.

She enjoys singing, reading and writing and loves sacrificing her time to assist others in any way possible.

Benn is currently employed at the National Accreditation Council of Guyana as a Quality Enhancement Officer and resides in Timehri. She is also very passionate about youth work.

knowledge and skillsets from the USC, that they would give it back to their communities and by extension, the country.

“So I want to actually be able to use my degree to help develop the area [of Sophia] , by looking at ways in which I can help our young people, especially those who are labelled as ‘troubled.’ I can use my degree to create something that can include them, and encourage them to stay away from a life of crime,” Hinds said.

The young woman said

that she believes the major contributing factor to the high crime rate is poverty.

“I think the high crime in Sophia is based on the lack of economic opportunities that are awarded to our youths.

Looking at this you have to know exactly what causes the crime rate in the community, then you can develop a proper plan. We need to formulate plans that can help deter them from crime. So knowing that economic exclusion is a contributing factor, I will need to try and get donations for the community, and give them opportunities that can afford them to see there is another way out,” she further posited.

Sophia and Buxton are currently the two main focus areas for the organisation. However, they are currently looking for more volunteers and support, so that they can expand their reach.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

‘Coalition’ eyes better results in Region One

By Tamica Garnett ENCOURAGED by the development that has taken place in Region One (Barima-Waini) over the past four years under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government, and excited by the prospect of further development, residents of the area have said to have thrown their support behind the Coalition as it seeks a second term in office.

This is according to Adviser to the Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Mervyn Williams, and Special Assistant on Legal Matters, David James. Some of the residents, though previously engaged by the opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), have turned up at APNU+AFC meetings, pledging their support and vote to the Coalition in the upcoming elections.

The campaign team was led by Williams and James.

Also on the team were several of the party’s candidates from the region, including Ina Baird, a candidate on the party’s National Top-Up List; and Ronald Cox, a candidate on the Geographical list.

“The candidates have been well received. Wherever they visited, they’re connected to those villages. They’re well received, and people are very happy with the Coalition’s choice of candidate for the Mabaruma sub-region, in particular, and Barima-Waini in general,” Williams told the Guyana Chronicle.

In some of the villages that were visited, equipment was distributed on behalf of the government, including an outboard motor and water storage black tanks.

Villages visited included Arukamai, Lower Kariabo, Hobodeia, Hotoquai, Aruka Mouth, Black Water, and Unity Square, and St Anselms. The party feels very encouraged by the reception.

“We went mainly to riverine communities. And being a member of one of the riverine communities myself,” Cox said, “a majority of the people embraced me as a candidate, because I am one of them. And from the reception and feedback we are getting, I am confident that within the Mabaruma sub-region we are guaranteed majority vote at the next elections.”

After being a supporter of the party at the last elections in 2015, and seeing the developments that the APNU+AFC brought to the

region while in government, Cox said he was encouraged to become a candidate for the

that many residents were previously afraid of openly supporting the Coalition, for

A WhiteWater resident shows his suppor for the APNU+AFC coalition

we would’ve visited which would have perhaps even rejected us in years gone by when campaign was on, by having regard to the sphere of the PPP/C, and the possible victimisation they could have faced then. However, people’s fears have been allayed; they’re relaxed, com-

anything, it is the vast development that has taken place in the region over the last four years that has encouraged the residents to show their support.

“They are convinced that more took place in the past four-and-a-half years than under the PPP’s 23 years.

Mervyn Williams handing over an outboard motor to the community of Unity Square, on the Barima River

Tanks for storing water being handed over to the Black Water community

party. Echoing Cox, Williams said the party is heartened by the response from the residents in the region.

WELL RECEIVED “We’ve been well received. It is a wonderful experience, and we anticipate victory in Region One,” he said.

During its tour, the party’s team has been receiving support from all corners.

“There’s a large team of very young energetic candidates that are supporting,” Williams said, adding: “The business community is supporting and participating in this process. So it’s a wonderful experience.”

Williams related that the residents of many of the villages were very receptive, and more encouraging than in years gone by. Noting

Some of the residents who turned out to one of the APNU+AFC meetings in Region One

fear of being victimised by the PPP/C during its time in government, Williams said: “There are villages that

fortable and excited about the developments that occurred over the past four and a half years.”

He said that more than

They’re wondering why the PPP has never brought that kind of development to them when in fact this administration using pretty much the

same resources could have done it in much less time,” Williams explained.

On Saturday, the team did a walkabout across a number of villages, including Whitewater, Kamwatta and Tobago, where residents eagerly turned out in their numbers.

“The people gathered around there when they heard that we were coming, and they said, ‘Talk to us; we want to listen to you. We want to know, as a government, what you have in store for us as a future,’” Williams noted.

He added: “We walked about from house-to-house in Kamwatta Village yesterday, and paid a courtesy call on the Toshao in Whitewater, where we had an impromptu meeting. And then we visited the village of Tobago, where everyone came out to meet with us. It’s a small community, and everyone came out,” TALKING DEVELOPMENT During Saturday’s engagements, Williams said, the discussions were around the many developments in the communities.

“They were excited about the fact that the road has been improved; that they now have concrete bridges where wooden bridges once stood,” he said, adding: “We discussed, among other things, Whitewater’s new school, plus a new well that was also recently commissioned in Whitewater. We discussed pipelines that the GWI has sent in on the last steamer; they showed us areas that had already been excavated to accommodate those pipes that will take water to their front doors and they were excited about that.”

Of particular interest to them is the President’s commitment to education: The 5Bs Project; the hinterland scholarship programme for secondary students; the proposed establishment of an ‘A’ Grade secondary school in every region; and the provision of free tertiary education.

Williams explained that the team is expected to continue the campaign in the region, with hopes of visiting some corners not yet toured.

“The campaign is ongoing; the team is revisiting some areas [on Monday], and will fan out to some additional areas we didn’t get to go to as yet,” Williams related.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Gov’t demands rehiring of RUSAL workers …as company dismisses 326 staff, shuts down operations over protest

By Tamica Garnett THE Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, on Monday, was firm in her stance that the Russian-owed Bauxite Company of Guyana (BCGI) has unlawfully terminated workers, who must be reinstated, even as the company restated its call for the unblocking of the Berbice River.

Ally made the declaration at the end of a meeting held on Monday morning at her Lamaha and East Street Office, where the company’s representatives dropped the news that it had fired 326 workers, notwithstanding having given no notice to the Department of Labour, which is required by Guyana’s laws.

Minister Ally made it clear that all other issues could be addressed subsequent to the rehiring of the workers, noting that the unblocking of the river was not within the domain of the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP).

Alongside Ally, at the meeting was Minister with responsibility for Labour,

At Monday’s meeting between the Ministry of Social Protection and RUSAL/BCGI. Seated centre is Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, while to her immediate left is Minister of Labour Keith Scott

Keith Scott, and Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, while representing the company were Managing Director Gennadii Derevyanko, Executive Vladimir Permyakov and an interpreter.

When asked about the lack of notice to the labour department, the company’s representatives said that the firing was due to an emergency case. However, the minis-

ter was not buying that. The meeting was initially scheduled to discuss the laying off of some 288 workers by the company, but instead saw the company informing that they had actually fired the workers and suspended operations of its business in Guyana. The company cited the blockage of the Berbice River which had affected the company’s ability to transport items

Essequibo rice miller released on bail over bad cheque A PROMINENT rice miller residing in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was released on bail, on Monday, following allegations that were made against him by another rice miller, Roopan Ramotar. The rice miller was arrested following accusations that he had issued an invalid cheque, in the sum of $10 million, to Mr. Ramotar.

Mr. Ramotar had sold 4.64 tonnes of rice valuing $31 million to the miller at Fairfield, Region Two. When Mr. Ramotar went to the bank

Rice Miller Roopan Ramotar

to cash the cheque, he was told by tellers that the rice miller did not have sufficient money in his account. The matter was then reported

to the Anna Regina Police Station.

Mr. Ramotar, on Monday, told this newspaper that himself and the miller had come to an agreement. He said that the miller had decided to return the rice purchased from him, and, in return, he will drop the police case.

Mr. Ramotar said that he moved to the media to highlight the issue because, like him, many other farmers were owed by this particular miller. He said that rice farmers deserved prompt payments.

from its Kurubuka mines.

Workers blocked the river subsequent to the company laying off 142 workers on January 23, which the company said was due to shortage of fuel. The company then laid off another 146 workers on January 30. “We have always maintained that ad-

equate notice was not given to the workers,” Ogle stated.

In a press release by the company’s parent company RUSAL, one of the largest aluminum producers in the world, the company noted that the “the unrest impacting the Company’s operations continue’. RUSAL believes the opportunities for doing further business in Guyana are now severely limited.

The company also noted that it had also relocated expatriated employees, and claimed destruction of their property. “As a result of serious illegitimate actions that have gone beyond the control of government and enforcement agencies, including arson of the electricity pylon basement and other corporate property, and blocking of the river, RUSAL considers it prudent to suspend and mothball operations of Bauxite Company of Guyana (BCGI).

Written notices of termination have been sent to 326 employees,” the release said.

In keeping with their usual style, the company post-

ed notices late evening, on Sunday, informing workers that the company was terminating a number of unnamed employees. The notice was signed ‘BCGI Management’.

Employees were instructed to contact the Personnel Officer for final payments “which will be made with the Termination and Severance Pay Act 1997, payable by way of cheques/personal account numbers”, according to the notice. The employees of the company have been refusing to unblock the river unless the company addressed three issues; aside from the rehiring of the employees the employees are calling for the company to address compensation for two workers who suffered electric shock while on duty in December; and for discussions on wages and salaries to progress to arbitration.

The company is now next scheduled to meet with the government representatives on Wednesday.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

17

Bryn Pollard hailed for distinguished service to country, CARICOM --as Guyana bids late son-of-the soil farewell

Mia and Catherine: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley offers her condolences to the Late Pollard’s daughter, Catherine. At right is CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

Pallbearers wheeling the earthly remains of the late Bryn Pollard to the altar for the commencement of the service

By Wendella Davidson PRESIDENT David Granger, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Sir Shridath Ramphal, and CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on Monday joined the children, relatives and friends of the late legislative expert Brynmore Pollard, as they celebrated his life at a moving Thanksgiving Service at the Smith Memorial Congregational Church on Brickdam.

Among those present at the service were Ministers of Government, and members of the judiciary and legal fraternity.

Born Brynmore Thoronton Inniss Pollard at Buxton, East Coast Demerara, the late Justice Pollard, who was 91 when he died on January 4, 2020, was a past student of Queen’s College where he taught briefly before leaving to read Law in London.

On his return to Guyana in 1959, he began a distinguished service to his country by first serving in the Attorney-General’s Chambers under Sir Shridath Ramphal, who would later become the Commonwealth’s second Secretary-General.

During his delivery of one of the two tributes to be read that afternoon, Sir Shridath, whose friendship with Pollard spanned decades, described his friend as an upholder of the law in all rights, adding that Guyana owes him “a great debt of gratitude”. He retraced the true friendship that began in the 1950s, the pre-independence era, when they both worked in the chambers of Sir John Carter; a friendship that was bonded in law and legal crafting.

DEEP FRIENDSHIP So deep was their relationship, Sir Shridath said, he served as Pollard’s best man when in 1959 he got married

Pollard’s son, Andrew, chats with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley outside the church President David Granger is greeted by one of Bryn Pollard’s sons, Andrew, SC, on his arrival at the church for the service

in Trinidad to the daughter of his [Sir Shridath’s] then boss.

Sir Shridath would become so close to the Pollard clan that he is revered and fondly called Uncle Sonny.

The late Justice Pollard also served at the CARICOM Secretariat as General Counsel; provided assistance to the Constitutional Assembly of Namibia, in South-West Africa; and was also a leading participant in the efforts of the Council of legal Education (CLE), and with the Organisation of American States (OAS) as Vice-Chairman of the Judicial Committee.

For his outstanding contribution in the field of law at the national, Commonwealth and international levels, he was conferred the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), the country’s third highest national award, and the Order of Roraima (OR).

The Order of Roraima of Guyana is the second highest National Award of Guyana, it is awarded to any citizen of Guyana who has given outstanding service to the nation.

EULOGISED During the reading of Pollard’s eulogy by two of his children, Catherine, an Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Andrew, a Senior Counsel (SC), a member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)

in ceremonial wear displayed the medals that Pollard was awarded during his lifetime.

Retired Pastor and Judge, Oslen Small, in his tribute on behalf of the church, related that the late Justice Pollard was “a longstanding and faithful” member of the church for decades. With his vast knowledge of Constitution Law, Pastor Small said it was Pollard upon whom he depended when it came to legal matters pertaining to the church.

“He was my tutor in relation to legal matters, and viewed the Constitution as a Bible, since he could not see the church body operating without a Constitution,” Pastor Small recalled.

Officiating Pastor, Reverend Leander Warren in his sermon themed, “Humankind’s Permanent Abode with God”, reminded the congregation that the life of a human being is fragile, as such they should seek to emulate the life of the late Justice Pollard which centered on his belief of love and kindness.

Veteran broadcaster and member of the Woodside Choir, Russell Lancaster, did a fitting rendition of the national song, “Born in the Land of the Mighty Roraima”.

Pastor Oslen Small: Justice Olsen Small, right, who relied on Pollard for guidance on legal matters pertaining to the church

President Granger signs: President Granger signing the Book of Condolence for the late Bryn Pollard. Also in photo are Catherine and Andrew, two of the deceased’s four children (Photos by Carl Croker)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

‘Tide turning for Indigenous women’ …Canadian envoy declares as leadership conference opens

By Svetlana Marshall INDIGENOUS women here have been making notable strides and more of them are now breaking into top leadership positions, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, on Monday, told the opening of a two-day Indigenous Women Leaders’ Conference being held at the Grand Coastal Hotel.

The conference is being held under the theme “Equipping Indigenous Women with Tools for Success: Leadership, Access to Justice and Networking,” an Indigenous Women Leaders.’

The two-day conference, organised by the Canadian High Commission, the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), and the National Toshaos Council (NTC), is being attended by female Toshaos and village leaders from across the country. In delivering remarks during the opening ceremony, Chatterjee said the tide is turning, with more and more indigenous women assuming official leadership roles within their villages. Traditionally, not many indigenous women in Guyana assumed official leadership positions.

“In 2018, of 116 Indigenous Villages, 14 female Toshaos were sworn in. I understand this has now grown to 15,” the Canadian High Commissioner pointed out.

Providing insight on history of the conference, Commissioner Chatterjee disclosed that it was former Chairman of the NTC, Lenox Shuman, who had lobbied her office to recognise indigenous women for the important roles they were playing in the development of their villages.

“During our discussion, these Toshaos requested leadership training from Canada, given our indigenous heritage. I was so pleased to ask Chief Glenn Nolan, a leader in indigenous communities in Canada, to provide this training,” she recalled while noting that Chief Nolan’s training was just the beginning.

While the training was well received, the Canadian High Commissioner noted that more knowledge, networking, resources and leadership training were requested to help to fully equip indigenous leaders to manage the issues facing their communities. The ongoing training, she posited, will not only build on the initial training, but the work done by the NTC in fostering greater women leadership within villages.

“Today’s training will not solve all problems; but it is meant to help give women leaders tools and infor-

High Commissioner said the indigenous leaders will be provided with the help needed to navigate the system. “Our goal therefore, is to foster dialogue which will help improve the justice system for you and indigenous people while giving you the information and tools you need to access it,” she noted.

Today, the indigenous women leaders will undergo skills-building training that would allow them to function effectively within the Village Councils. “You have a heavy weight on your shoulders – you are leaders in your community and you Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee

Elizabeth Ramacindo, Bumbery Hill Toshao (Region One)

mation to use in their roles. It is also meant to highlight indigenous peoples’ and women’s rights, and how to access rights using the current justice system. In fact, all of today is dedicated to showing you women leaders how best to use your justice system – what tools are out there?

Who can you turn to? Are you able to use the system?” she explained.

Pointing to the experts present from the judiciary, police, academia and social services, the Canadian

Orleen Williams, Toshao of Red Hill Village, Region One (Barima-Waini)

Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee, presenting one of the several smart phones to the Indigenous Women Leaders. Each of the female women leaders was given a smart phone to assist with their networking exercise. (Photos by Elvin Croker)

are a minority. We hope that this event enables you to share with each other, to help each other, to provide support to each other in your roles.

Your experiences are important and can help your fellow Toshaos,” High Commissioner Chatterjee challenged the leaders present.

To foster greater networking, the Canadian High Commission presented the indigenous women leaders with smart phones.

Chairman of the National Toshaos Council, Nicholas Fredericks, told the Guyana Chronicle that the training is important and timely. While the conference, in part is focusing on access to justice, Fredericks said emphasis will be placed on the budding Oil and Gas Industry. The indigenous women along with the facilitators, he posited, are exploring avenues for possible development within the Oil and Gas Industry. As such, they will be brought up to date on the draft Local Content Policy and the National Resources Fund Act and other legislation and policies that govern the industry.

Orleen Williams, Toshao of Red Hill Village, Region One (Barima-Waini) was among the indigenous leaders present. Williams, who governs the village with a population of 400 people, said the training will build her capacity to respond to the needs of her people.

Elizabeth Ramacindo, Bumbery Hill Toshao (Region One) also echoed similar sentiments. “I think the training is good because it will help me as a leader to motivate the rest of women, and bring them together,” she told this newspaper.

Her village has approximately 250 persons.

Chief Glenn Nolan, Chief Anna Achneepineskum from Canada; Justice Sandra Kurtzious; Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack; and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Maxine Graham were among the officials present.

Farmer remanded for murder at '63 Beach' ONE month after the bodies of a Canadian-based Guyanese and his employee were found at the Number 63 Beach hotel, a farmer was, yesterday, Monday, February 3, 2020, charged in connection with the brutal murder of the two men.

Alvin Druean, 46, a farmer of Number 65 village, Corentyne, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the capital offence of murder. Druean

appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Particulars of the charge stated that, between December 19, 2019, and December 27, 2019, at Sun Splash Hotel, Number 63 beach, East Berbice, Corentyne, he (Druean) murdered Vivekanand Narpatty and Harry Persaud Prashad.

During the court hearing, the Police Prosecutor was not in possession of the file.

Chief Magistrate McLennan remanded Druean to

Alvin Druean (photo by Delano)

prison. The matter was then adjourned until February 12, 2020, and transferred to the

Dead: Vivekanand Narpatty

Number 51 Village Magistrates’ Court.

Narpatty, 71, and Pra-

Dead: Harry Persaud Prashad

shad, 58, sustained multiple injuries, including broken bones and blunt trauma about

their bodies prior to their death.

That coupled with the missing body parts, confirmed investigators’ suspicions that the men were tortured before they met their demise.

Reports are that the police are still investigating the matter and at least one other person is expected to be charged in connection with the murder.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Pandit accuses Irfaan of abuse of power --while a gov’t minister during last administration

By Tamica Garnett PEOPLE’S Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, in 2013, allegedly abused his political power to push for the arrest and charging of renowned Pandit Jagmohan Persaud, for an assault case that was eventually thrown out of court for lack of evidence.

Popularly known as ‘Pandit Jagmohan,’ the pandit said that when he threw a drunken disorderly attendee out for misbehaving during a funeral service for his father in 2013, he did not know that the individual was a relative of Ali. He said even if he had known he still would not have done any differently.

“His uncle came to my father’s wake under the influence of alcohol and he was very unruly while the religious service was going on. I pacified him once and 15 – 20 minutes later he came up back to me and started cussing me about my mother and so on, and I walked away; then he came back a third time and I put

him out the yard. Members of the community said that was Irfaan’s uncle and I said I didn’t even know. He acted so miserable. I didn’t realise there would have been an excessive use of power, and police intervention,” the pandit recalled.

Pandit Jagmohan Persaud

The pandit still vividly remembers the day on the evening of November 1, 2013, when as he recalls it, heavily armed police officers turned up at his home in Uitvlugt based on an arrest warrant that was issued for him.

“I don’t know how there

was an arrest warrant. Usually you get an arrest warrant when the matter enters the court. I was unaware of any such thing, I don’t know how it all ended up at the court. To me it was all a political power being used at the time,” he asserted.

He was not at home at the time; however, there were several guests at his home, as it was the evening of a West Coast Demerara Diwali motorcade.

“It was a Friday about 6:15pm. Seven armed police with long guns came to my door; I live in Uitvlugt. I had some singers, musicians and performers because everyone would congregate by me before they go over to the ground to perform, so they were at my house, and that’s where the police came, but I was at the ground,” Pandit Jagmohan recounted.

The police were looking for him based on an arrest warrant that was issued for him. But according to him, the warrant was issued without him ever being charged or being made aware that he was wanted by the police.

Pork knocker to start 12-month sentence for robbery under arms, remanded on wounding charge CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday, February 3, 2020, remanded a 23-year-old pork knocker to prison on a wounding charge.

Shadrack king, called “Mark King”, of Grove, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty, with explanation, to the offence.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on December 7, 2019, at Mousie Landing, he wounded Steve Morrison, with intent to main, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.

King told the court that, “I was at the landing drinking when my father call me to go and buy something. When I was at the shop I saw me girl talking with a man and I start cuss up. And another man come just sah with a cutlass and chop me so I

pull out my ice-pick and give he three small bore”.

Police prosecutor told the court that, on the day in question, around 22:00 hours, Morrison was at Mousie landing drinking two beers, when King approached him with two broken bottles and start “firing” at him. Morrison then picked up a cutlass and King ran away.

The court also heard that, King later returned with an ice-picker and dealt Morrison several stabs about his body and made good his escape.

Morrison was picked up and rushed to the Mahdia Police Station then to the Mahdia Hospital.

King was on the run after the incident. Police apprehended him on Sunday February 2, 2020. He was told of the allegation to which he admitted, and

he was later charged.

The Prosecutor added that King was charged, in 2018, for robbery under arms and was sentenced to 12 months in prison, but never served his sentence.

“It was five of us that was charge and I use to go to court for the scene but after I hear my four friends get sentence I go away in the bush,” King told the court.

Chief Magistrate McLennan after listening to King’s explanation entered a not-guilty plea and remanded him to prison until Friday February 7, 2020.

The Magistrate also told the court that King will start serving his 12-month sentence for the robbery under-arms charge from Monday February 3, 2020.

PPP Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali

He believes it was all orchestrated by Ali. This was later related to him by another police officer, who pre-empted the other officers and turned up at the location where he was to quietly, and peacefully escort him to the police station without issue.

“An inspector called me and said pandit an arrest warrant is out for you and he took me, in his personal vehicle, to the station and he let me sign a notice that I would return. When we were coming back he told me, “Pandit we were ordered to do this on the motorcade evening, to create a scene, throw the pandit into the vehicle, harass him, do it in the public eye, to show power’,” he related.

He later found out that there was also an attempt, orchestrated by Ali, at the time serving as Minister of Housing, to manipulate the altering of medical records for his uncle to show injuries he did not sustain.

“They were trying to fabricate several stories, they said assault. It even reached the point where he sent one of his officers from the Ministry of Housing, forcing one

of the Cuban doctors to write a medical report of what is not there,” he said, noting that he was made aware of what was going on through a family member who worked at the hospital at the time.

The matter eventually went to court, and the Pandit was placed on $50,000 bail; however, the matter was eventually thrown out and the pandit realised it was never about anything more than the abuse of political power to make him a public example.

“I was charged with assault. I sought the intervention of a lawyer, and eventually that was it… I never went back to court.

He was handling the case and the matter was thrown out of the court and I got back my $50,000 because no one showed up at the court,” the Pandit said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Viv Richards-181 (Karachi, 1987) (2) Avishka Gunawardne-132 (Nairobi, 2000) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has played most ODIs for the WI against SL to date?

(2) Who has played most ODIs for SL against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

American Racing Tips

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

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Mahomes leads chiefs comeback for super bowl

(BBC) - PATRICK Mahomes produced a staggering fourth-quarter performance to guide the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl win in 50 years as they came from 10 points behind to stun the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Miami.

Quarterback Mahomes, 24, had endured a difficult evening under the pounding pressure of the 49ers and looked set to miss out on the big prize.

But then, with his side 20-10 down heading into the fourth quarter, last year’s MVP found two superb

Patrick Mahomes, right, pictured with Frank Clark, had already led the Chiefs to comebacks from 24 and 10 points down in their play-off run

throws on third down to continue a season of comebacks as the Chiefs scored 21 unanswered points in four minutes

and 57 seconds to take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Damien Williams’ second touchdown of the final quar-

ter put the gloss on the scoreline as the Chiefs capped their wonderful late rally before celebrating a famous win in emotional scenes.

“We never lost faith. Everybody on this team, no one had their head down and we found a way to win in the end,” Mahomes, who was named Most Valuable Player, said in a TV interview as his team-mates celebrated under a cloud of confetti.

“The defence got some big stops for us and we found a way to win. Coach [Andy] Reid told me ‘keep firing, keep believing’ and he gave me a lot of confidence to go

out there no matter what.

“The 49ers have an amazing defence, one of the best defences I’ve played against so far and I’m just glad our guys kept fighting. This team has heart, coach pushes us to be the best we can be. We did it baby!”

Throughout a forensic week of pre-match questioning, Mahomes had found himself under scrutiny like never before. After another season of brilliance, including no-look passes and a touchdown pass with his left hand, he found himself in the bizarre position of being compared with some of the

all-time greats of the game while also being asked if he may choke on the biggest stage.

After three quarters of an excellent game those questions seemed reasonable enough - despite the superstar quarterback running in the game’s opening score.

Mahomes only threw five interceptions in the whole of the regular season but coughed up two in back-to-back drives as the incessant pressure from the 49ers defence took its toll and the team from the west coast looked set for a record-equalling sixth win.

Neymar ruled out of PSG clash (BBC) - NEYMAR is out of the Paris St-Germain squad for their league match at Nantes on Tuesday with a rib injury.

The Brazilian, who needed treatment during PSG’s victory against Montpellier on Saturday, celebrated his 28th birthday at a Parisian nightclub 24 hours later.

Manager Thomas Tuchel said his team selection would not be influenced by the timing of the party.

“Is it the best way to pre-

Neymar hosted a birthday party at a Parisian nightclub on Sunday

pare for a match? No, clearly

not,” he said.

“Is it the worst thing in the world? No,” the German added in his news conference on Monday.

“I always protect my players, and I really love my team. With this party, I accept that it is a bit difficult to protect the players, but the context is not simply black or white,” he said.

“It is a shame, because we are giving people the chance to speak badly of us. We need to adapt to the situation, but I am not going to leave a play-

er on the bench or at home because they went out and celebrated.”

The club confirmed on Monday that tests had shown Neymar suffered the cartilage injury during the first half of Saturday’s Ligue 1 match.

Neymar was not the only PSG player Tuchel was questioned about - after a touchline spat with Kylian Mbappe in the 5-0 weekend win.

“There is nothing personal between him and me.

These things happen,” Tuchel said about his 21-year-old striker who reacted angrily to being substituted midway through the second half.

“It was between a player who does not want to come off, and a coach who had his reasons for doing something, and who wanted to give a game to players who deserved it.”

Horner trusts ‘judgement’ of F1 bosses (REUTERS) - THE Chinese Grand Prix is set to be discussed by Formula One this week amid speculation the April 19 Shanghai race could join a growing list of sporting events hit by the coronavirus.

The grand prix is scheduled as the fourth round of what would be a record 22 race season.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told reporters on Monday that the situation was being carefully monitored and he trusted the judgement of the governing FIA and commercial rights holder Liberty Media.

“They are responsible for the health and wellbeing of

Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Bernie Ecclestone, Chairman Emeritus of the Formula One Group (Photo by Mark Thompson /Getty Images)

not just the drivers in Formu-

the travelling members of the

la One, but all the staff, all

media,” he said.

“I’m sure they’ll take the necessary due diligence before making any commitment about either delaying or postponing or cancelling the race. So we have to trust their judgement, their knowledge.

“We keep a very close eye on the situation. I’m sure it will be on the agenda of Wednesday’s strategy meeting where we’ll get the next update,” he added.

The Strategy Group is part of the governance of the sport and comprises FIA and Formula representatives as well as six of the 10 teams.

Motor sport has already been affected by the virus, with the all-electric Formula E series at the weekend

calling off its Chinese round scheduled for Sanya on March 21.

The death toll in China from the epidemic has risen to 361, with a growing number of countries reporting cases. Some airlines have suspended flights to China while governments have advised against all non-essential travel.

“At the moment we couldn’t send anyone because they couldn’t get there,” said Horner.

Red Bull’s race-winning Dutch driver Max Verstappen, expected to be a title contender this year, said he was not concerned about the situation as things stood.

“At the moment it doesn’t look too good, but it’s still a long way so I’m not too worried about it now,” said the 22-year-old. “We just wait for the decision and see what happens. I don’t worry too much in life.”

Some media reports have suggested also that China could swap dates with Russia, whose race is scheduled for September, but that looks unlikely.

A spokesman for Sochi Autodrom and Russian promoter ROSGONKI told Reuters there had been no approach of any sort and the dates remained as set in the calendar.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

KFC joins GMR&SC 2020 calendar

FAST Food Company, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), is the first major sponsor of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) for the 2020 season.

The first order of business that will see the company

branding is the club’s circuit-racing event billed for February 16th at the South Dakota Circuit.

Speaking of the sponsorship, Club President Rameez Mohamed said, “We are glad to have secured the yearly sponsorship of such a large

company like KFC so early in the year.”

“It really sets us up for the year 2020 in a nice way to know that they will be a part of our events, starting with the National Race of Champions in a few weeks,” Mohamed added.

The sponsorship will extend to all events under the GMR&SC for 2020, including Drag and Endurance racing, in addition to circuitracing events.

Meanwhile, the club confirmed that they are well into the planning stages for

the circuit event, with Mohamed saying, “The wheels of planning for the event have already begun.”

“We’ve been in contact with the stakeholders that need to be in place for the event and we can safely say that we are more than 50%

complete for the event.”

It is not clear if Mohamed, into his second term as president, is interested in making a third term come next Monday, when the club holds its AGM and elections.

Bartica benefits from Lights via the GFF THE President of the Bartica Football Association (BFA), Mr. Alden Marslowe, handed over eight 1500-watts flood lights to Bartica’s mayor, Gifford Marshall, on behalf of the GFF President, Wayne Forde.

The presentation was made at the Bartica Community Centre ground yesterday in the presence of Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, and other BFA and Municipality officials.

Mayor Marshall expressed his gratitude for the timely donation and reassured the BFA president of his council’s commitment and support for the development of football throughout the Region.

Forde, for his part, said this donation speaks of the strength of partnership to ad-

Deputy Mayor of Bartica, Arita Embleton, shovels the base of the newly-installed lights in the presence of Sports Director, Christopher Jones and other BFA and Municipality officials.

vance football development: “This is yet another example of the tremendous impact meaningful collaboration could have on football development. I wish to use this opportunity to thank the Bartica community, the Mayor and the Regional Chairman for their support in making the GFF Super 16 Cup fixture, which was played on December 21, 2019, successful. Our intention is to lift the profile of the BFA in this year’s Super 16 Cup, launch the 2020 Super 16 Cup at Bartica and playing the opening fixture at the Community ground.”

The lights will be added to those recently installed by the Council to improve the lighting quality of the Bartica community ground, which is the premier facility in the Region.

Gayadin, George and Prashad win flights in Joe Solomon Classic MIKE GAYADIN, Paton George and Patrick Prashad delivered superb performances, on Saturday, to storm the Lusignan Golf Club and emerge as their Flight champions of the Joe Solomon classic tournament.

The day’s event saw the usual keen rivalry amongst the members of each Flight, but it was veteran Gayadin’s Best Gross of 77, which gave him a tournament Best Net of 65 for the win.

In that 10-18 Flight, which usually sees the keenest competition, Mike led the group comfortably, followed by runner-up, George Bulkan (69/15), who won off a tie with sharp Rakesh Harry (69/14).

Back row from left: Captain Chatterpaul Deo, George Bulkan, Paton George, Brian Hackett, Ramesh Sunich, Maurice Solomon, Max Persaud, Patrick Prashad, and LGC president, Aleem Hussain. In front row, from left: Mike Gayadin, Joe Solomon, Mike Mangal, Doreen DeCaires, and Harry Persaud.

Following them were

ari (72/13), Dr Joaan Deo

(73/16), and William Walker

Rabindranauth Persaud

(72/15), Aasrodeen Shaw

(75/11).

(70/16), Mahindranauth Tew-

((73/13), Deoram Dinanauth

Parmanand ‘Max’ Per-

saud, from this group, won the Longest Drive prize for a drive of approximately 320 yds.

In the 0-9 group, former captain, Patrick Prashad, who is probably the most consistent golfer in the Winners Row, delivered 71/9 to beat Mike Mangal (71/8) in a tie for 1st place.

The nearest follower was club president, Aleem Hussain – 75/9.

In the 19-36 group, Paton George performed superbly, scoring 70/19, to lead former club president, Brian Hackett, (72/22), thereby returning to winners row after some time. Coming close on their heels was last May’s winner of the Flight, Troy Cadogan, who produced a great 73/26.

He was followed by Maurice Solomon (75/26), Eureka Giddings (78/28) and Eion Blue (81/28).

The tournament was the first of its kind, in recognition of the contribution of life members of the Lusignan Golf Club. Those honoured were Doreen DeCaires, Hemraj Kissoon, Maurice Solomon, Robert Hanoman and Joe Solomon.

Also honoured were Esau Shamshudin and Dharamdeo Sawh, who were not present.

The crystal trophy, compliments of Trophy Stall, was handed over by proprietor, Ramesh Sunich to his longtime cricketing idol, Joe Solomon.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

29

McKinnon stars in GSSF/ P&P Insurance Steel Challenge

LOCAL marksman Ryan McKinnon got off to a bang as he shot his way to the number one spot in last Saturday’s 5th annual Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF)/P&P Insurance Steel Challenge Shoot.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Yarrowkabra Ranges came alive last weekend with the first official shoot of 2020,which saw a number of good performances from the local deadeyes; most notably McKinnon, who destroyed the Limited Division competition.

The 4-stage match con-

Winners and participants of the 2020 P&P Insurance /GSSF Steel Challenge Shoot

sisted of sanctioned stages and the seasoned pistol-man completed his challenge in a lightning-fast 69.35 seconds to end as the number one overall winner in that category. Second place went to John Phang who shot 83.33 seconds while GSSF Executive, Pravesh Harry, finished 3rd with 83.43 seconds.

In the Production Division, Rajiv Latchana (82.23 seconds) shot his way to the first place spot while Andrew Phang (92.16 seconds) and Michael Blake (109.02 seconds) copped 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Prior to the shoot, Match Director Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, welcomed the participants while outlining the necessary range rules.

She further thanked GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leslie James, for allowing the Foundation to continue its mandate of promoting pistol shooting in Guyana.

Special thanks were also expressed to the sponsors, Bishwa and Vikash Panday of P& P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Ltd.

Dave’s West Indian Imports sponsors GCB U15 Inter-county 50-Over tourney for 5th year - GY $3M sponsorship to cover teams during Inter-county, Regional tourneys

By Clifton Ross THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Dave’s West Indian Imports and Exports continued their relationship for the 5th year as the 2020 Under-15 Inter-county 50-Over Tournament was launched on Monday.

Long-time sponsor, Dave Narine, CEO of the overseas-based company, threw almost GY$3M into the youth tournament which will feature the three counties: Berbice, Essequibo, Demerara and a GCB President’s XI team.

During Monday’s official launch at the GCB Regent Street Head Office, Board Secretary Anand Sanasie, during his remarks, credited the business for being one of the mainstays of youth cricket develop-

From left: Dave Narine, CEO of Dave’s West Indian Imports; GCB Secretary, Anand Sanasie; GCB president, Fizul Bacchus; and TDO, Colin Stuart, with a few of the U-15 teams during Monday’s launch (Clifton Ross Photo)

ment, having donated millions of dollars over the last 4 years

to the U-15 cause.

“I would like to thank Dave

for willingly coming on board because, over the years, some

Magnum Mash Cup continues tonight

ALL roads will lead to the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue this evening, when the final group stage round in the Magnum Tonic Wine Mash Cup Futsal Championship commences with eight matches.

Island All-Stars and Kingston battle at 19:00hrs in the opening clash, while Belfield Warriors oppose Stabroek Ballers at 19:30hrs and Showstoppers engage Avocado Ballers from 20:00hrs.

In the fourth affair, Sparta Boss face-off with Bad-aYard at 20:30hrs, while Future Stars tackle Alexander

Village at 21:00hrs and Broad Street lock horns with Sophia from 21:30hrs.

In the final two encounters, Gold is Money faceoff with Albouystown from 22:00hrs and Bent Street opposes North East La Penitence at 22:30hrs.

Esan Griffith, tournament coordinator and Co-Director of San Sports, said, “Tonight will be judgement day for several teams as they vie for the remaining berths to the elimination section.

The tournament has certainly provided unpredictable results, with several newcomers

of the players from Guyana senior team have come out of the U-15 levels”, said the GCB secretary.

Sanasie added that with the U-15 team doing well over the last five years at the regional level, he hopes that the new batch will perform well and do the same, as he expects keenly contested matches.

Territorial Development Officer (TDO), Colin Stuart, said the board has been fully committed to the U-15 tournament, as a number of national senior stars have graduated from the competition over the years and went on to bigger things.

Meanwhile, Narine aired his thoughts on continuing to sponsor the youths, saying “It’s a golden opportunity for the

GCB to ask to sponsor the kids and I see them as future, that’s why I love sponsoring U-15”, said the sponsor.

He continued, “I want to be proud of seeing them do well in the future and know they were a part of the tournament. I’m proud of everyone and I would love to support cricket at all levels”.

Narine’s sponsorship will not only cover the Inter-county with regards to branding of team uniforms etc, but it will also cover the National U-15 team when they prepare for the Regional tournament.

Meanwhile, the tournament, which will be played under round-robin rules, bowls off on February 16 with reserve dates for the final.

challenging and beating their established counterparts.”

He continued, “This pro-

vides a breath of fresh air to the event and clearly highlights that skill level among the respective teams is diminishing. Another wonderful night of action is expected which will continue the trend of the competition since its inception.”

Winner of the event will pocket $600,000 and the championship trophy, while the second place side will collect $400,000 and the respective accolade.

On the other hand, the third and fourth place unit will receive $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

Recent action in the Magnum Mash Cup

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

Hetmyer dropped from Windies tour of Sri Lanka

(ESPNCRICINFO) - SHIMRON Hetmyer and Evin Lewis have been left out of West Indies’ ODI squad for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka after failing fitness tests.

Lewis was the leading run-scorer in the side’s series against Ireland last month, with 208 runs in three innings, but both he and Hetmyer failed to “attain the new minimum

standard fitness requirements in recent fitness assessments,” according to a Cricket West Indies (CWI) release.

Darren Bravo, the experienced top-order batsman, has won a recall following an impressive domestic season in which he made 481 runs at an average of 96.20 in the Super50 Cup, while all-rounder, Rovman Powell, also makes the cut following an impressive

run of his own; in the same competition, he scored 412 runs at an imperious strike rate of 160.93 for Jamaica.

Fabian Allen, who missed the India series with a knee injury, also finds a place in the squad, which will depart for a pre-series camp in Colombo on Saturday.

“Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer missed out due to the fact that they came up short

in the fitness test,” said Roger Harper, CWI’s lead selector.

“They will be missed.

“Lewis was the team’s best batsman in the recent series against Ireland where he batted with great composure and proved the bedrock for the team’s series win. Hetmyer appeared to be getting his act together and was an integral part of the team’s batting group.

“I look forward to the team

building on its recent performances against Afghanistan and India in the subcontinent and against Ireland at home playing consistent, smart cricket to win the series.

Sri Lanka are a very good team in their own conditions. I do not expect it to be easy but our team has shown that it is very capable.”

West Indies squad to play Sri Lanka: Fabian Allen, Sunil

Ambris, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Shai Hope (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicolas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, and Hayden Walsh Jr. er has been left out of West Indies’ squad (Getty Images)

Bowlers and Nannan spur GCC to 40-over victory against MYO -Transport beat Bel Air Rubis by four HOME team, the Georgetown Cricket Club, snarled eight wickets for 55 runs to destabilise the visiting Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) batting and earn a victory when the two teams battled on Sunday in the GCA-New Building Society (NBS) 40over second division competition.

GCC won the toss and opted to take first strike. Raj Nannan led the way with a 48-ball 67 runs, but although he got some support, the side could did not register a big score. Instead, they succumbed for 217 in 39 overs.

Devon Lord, who had a cricket stint in Canada last

year, supported with 45 (2x4s, 3x6s), while West Indies U-15 batsman, Mavendra Dindyal, added 35 (5x4s) and Winston Forrester made 34 (5x4s, 1x6).

Bowling for MYO, Timore Mohamed and Christopher Surat took four wickets each.

Needing to score at 5.45 runs per over for victory, MYO were cruising at 100-1 with Richard Latif and Skipper Kemraj Ramdeen leading the charge, but when their 93-run partnership was broken, the visitors fell apart.

Latif scored 63 (5x4s, 2x6s), while Ramdeen made a more watchful 40.

Leading the charge for the home team with the ball were

Carlos La Rose and Winston Forrester. Both bowlers finished with four wickets each.

Off-spinner Forrester, who was on a hat-trick, finished with 4-27 while La Rose ended with 4-29, as MYO succumbed for 155 in 36.4 overs.

The Transport Sports Club also claimed a comfortable win, when they tackled Bel Air Rubis II at the Queen’s College ground.

Bel Air batted first and scored 207 in 39 overs with Keon Franklin top-scoring with 85 (9x4s, 4x6s). Support came from Orlando Persaud, who made 48.

Shaun Massiah nabbed 4-34 with his medium pace,

Winston Forrester had an all-round game for GCC.

Devon Allen scored an aggressive 75 to lead Transport to victory.

while Mark Baptiste took 2-45.

In their turn in the middle, Transport unleashed a plethora of scoring shots, which propelled them to the target in 29

overs.

Opener Devon Allen led the attack with an aggressive 75 (4x4s, 5x6s), while Sunil

Keon Franklin scored a match high 85 for Bel Air Rubis.

Singh supported with 38 and Massiah with 20 not out, to steer their team to victory.

Lieutenant Slater is new GABA president GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) 2nd Lieutenant and former National player, Jermaine Slater, will lead the charge for basketball in Georgetown for the next two years.

His slate was elected unopposed at Sunday’s Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Annual General Meeting and Elections at Palm Court.

Jermaine Slater will have Jermaine Benjamin as his Vice President, Travis Burnett as Treasurer and sports journalist, Rawle Toney as his Public Relations Officer (PRO).

The other executives are Khalil Cave (Secretary) and the association’s Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Lloyd Bart.

Plasiance Guardians,

GDF 2nd Lieutenant, Jermaine Slater (third from left) and his GABA executive body following the association’s elections.

Kobras, Pacesetter, Ravens, Sonics, Viking, University of Guyana (UG) Trojans and Ea-

gles were the clubs present at Sunday’s elections.

Representatives of Bounty

Colts and Nets were not present at the time of the vote.

Slater told the gathering of

club officials and basketball enthusiasts, after being elected, that the young executives, made up of active club members, have the drive, passion and are all lovers of the game.

According to Slater, basketball plays an important part of his life, and his goal is to see the sport develop, especially in communities outside of the capital that falls within his jurisdiction of management.

The GDF 2nd Lieutenant pointed out that growing the sport at the community level is critical, noting that the successful forming of the Kobras club last year is testament that grassroots love for the game is still very much alive.

Slater thanked Adrian Hooper for the outstanding work done during his tenure,

and asked that he continue to work closely with the current executives, sharing his institutional knowledge of the sport, since he served two terms.

Hooper, whose term came to an end last year, opined that the formation of new clubs and having multiple leagues played through-out the year was his administration’s achievements during their time in office.

The old executives also handed over close to $100,000 to the new body.

President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Michael Singh, congratulated the new body on their election and encouraged them to work hard to achieve their objective as the largest member of the federation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020

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Franklin storms to third consecutive senior TT title --Cummings, Van Lange, Johnson and Chung also victorious on final day

CHRISTOPHER Franklin is still the king of table tennis in Guyana. He marched through a long line of quality players on Sunday, including main rival, Shemar Britton, to win his third consecutive senior national title at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Although Britton had moments of glory in the championship clash, the class of the defending champion diminished the battle. The 35-yearold was clinical in his execution; he served low, but with speed and stayed calm throughout the entire clash, which helped to stop, at least for this year, his 21-year-old rival’s dream of winning his first senior title.

The 14-year gap was nev-

er evident as Franklin played some exquisite strokes and was able to weather the storm every time the former Caribbean U-21 champion attempted to stage a comeback.

After the opening loss, Britton found himself trailing 8-2, but he rebounded with positive strokeplays by scoring four unanswered points.

Franklin, however, kept his cool and re-adjusted to register win number two.

Game three was another scorcher and the pair traded points with Britton keeping the upper hand until Franklin took the lead 9-8, but the backspin of Britton won him key points down the stretch.

As he did in his previous games, Franklin again made the adjustments, which pro-

pelled him to championship honours.

The match finished 4-1 (11-6, 11-6, 10-12, 11-7 and 11-7).

Prior to that game, Franklin had defeated Joel Alleyne 4-1 (11-7, 11-5, 11-4, 9-11 and 11-4), while Britton had gotten past former champion, Nigel Bryan 4-0 (11-5, 11-7, 11-4 and 11-6) in the semis.

Alleyne and Bryan finished in joint third place.

VAN LANGE’S VICTORY The senior championship final might have been the most impactful, but Jonathan Van Lange stole the show.

The 13-year-old junior national champion (U-15 and U-18) stormed to victory in the ‘B’ division even though

Christopher Franklin (left) celebrates while Shemar Britton is pondering where he went wrong after the championship clash in the senior men’s competition.

he was nursing a fractured finger.

After finishing as runner up to Elishaba Johnson in the U-21 final, the national U-15 cricketer bounced back later in the evening in a rematch, to take the ‘B’ division title. Johnson, the son of renowned coach, Linden Johnson, played exceptional tennis, but he was no match for his younger opponent.

That contest was very competitive with Van Lange winning the openers (11-5, 11-9), before Johnson came back to tie 12-10, 13-11. The older player had to dig deep to undermine the strokeplay of Van Lange. Though the eventual champion would win the last two games 11-5 and 11-8, the points did not

come easy.

In the semi-final of the ‘B’ division, Johnson had defeated Isaiah Layne 4-2, while Van Lange, who lost to Franklin in the quarterfinals of the seniors (4-1), had defeated Brandon Belle 4-1.

Both Layne and Belle settled for a bronze medal.

Earlier, it was Johnson who soared to victory. In the U-21 battle, Johnson was ahead 3-0 (11-7, 11-5 and 115) before Van Lange fought back (11-8 and 11-8). The older player was, however, able to close the match with a 13-11 win.

DOMINANT CUMMINGS Without the likes of senior national players, Trenace Lowe, Chelsea Edghill

and Jody-Ann Blake, the female championship was less competitive. Instead, several juniors battled Natalie Cummings and she proved why she is highly rated.

Cummings did not drop a game as she defeated national U-15 champion, Thuraia Thomas 11-4, 11-5 and 117; U-18 champion Crystal Melville 11-5, 11-3 and 11-2, and U-21 champion, Jasmine Billingy 11-4, 11-6 and 11-6.

Thomas placed second overall, while Melville finished third.

Meanwhile, in the ‘C’ division final, Kyle Chung defeated Troy McRae 3-2 (11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9) in an entertaining and close clash.

Natalie Cummings was flawless in the female competition.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 4, 2020 PAGE

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Hetmyer dropped from Windies tour of Sri Lanka

Shimron Hetmyer has been left out of West Indies' squad (Getty Images)

KFC joins GMRSC 2020 calendar

Franklin storms to third consecutive senior TT title

--Cummings, Van Lange, Johnson and Chung also victorious on final day PAGE

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FLASHBACK! Cheryl Gonzalves of the GMR&SC collects sponsorship last year from KFC

Jonathan Van Lange celebrates winning the B division.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020