Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_02_13_2020

THURSDAY 13th February, 2020

No.105909

‘Brighter days are ahead’ 3 ─President Granger tells Mahdia rally ─Regional Chairman says is proud supporter of APNU+AFC

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US$75M AC Marriott Hotel for Ogle 14 PAGE

─NICIL, Trinidadian investor to turn sod today

‘No suspected 10 case of Coronavirus’ PAGE

…23 from China quarantined - Min. Lawrence

‘Weakened PPP losing ground 2 over Irfaan’ PAGE

…Ramjattan points to alleged corrupt track record of party, candidates

President David Granger is greeted by children of Mahdia just before his coalition’s elections campaign rally in the township

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

‘Weakened PPP losing ground over Irfaan’ …Ramjattan points to alleged corrupt track record of party, candidates …rubbishes claims that elections will be tainted

SINCE the late 1990s, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been increasingly losing ground, and its decision to appoint Mohamed Irfaan Ali as its Presidential Candidate has resulted in the situation further deteriorating, Prime Ministerial Candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity

+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, said on Wednesday.

Ali, already faced with 19 fraud charges for allegedly defrauding the State of over $174M, is now being pressured to make public his qualifications ahead of the March 2 General and

Regional Elections. Just days ago, two citizens – Dianna Deravinee Rajcumar and Phillip Marcus – moved to the High Court seeking clarification on Ali’s qualification, which they alleged might be false. According to the PPP/C Presidential Candidate, he secured a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Planning from the Business

College, West Demerara Chamber.

Ramjattan, while appearing on Guyana Chronicle’s online programme – Vantage Point, said Ali’s baggage is weighing the PPP/C down.

In January, 2019, when Ali was selected as PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate, grassroot supporters had called for him to step down,

APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

and had contended that his ‘baggage’ will ‘sink’ the party’s chances of winning the upcoming elections.

For Ramjattan, Ali’s condemnation came as no surprise. “It is a move that had to be condemned,” he

but all collapse if you did not have the first degree because you would have lied to those institutions. We believe that it was a massive piece of deception. He lied to all the other members of his own leadership into thinking that

PPP GS, Bharrat Jagdeo, hands over speaking notes to Irfaan Ali at a recent rally of the party

told this newspaper, explaining that unlike President Granger, who secured the full support of the APNU+AFC Coalition, the ex-government minister lacked the full support of the Executive of the PPP/C. According to him, Ali was “anointed” and “appointed”

by Jagdeo, and the PPP/C is now grappling with the consequences of such a decision in light of the many allegations of fraud stacked against him.

“He doesn’t have a first degree; the degree came from some university in Uitvlugt called the West Demerara Institute or Chamber…and he has not denied that, neither has he, in any way, sued anybody,” Ramjattan said. He submitted that if Ali had a legitimate degree, as claimed, he would have moved to the courts and filed legal action for defamation of character.

According to Ramjattan, Ali now stands the risk of invalidating his other qualifications. “Now, you can have Masters, you can have PhDs

he got his education,” the APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate reasoned.

JAGDEO TO BE BLAMED Laying the blame at the feet of Jagdeo, who he described as a dictator, Ramjattan said the PPP/C had other candidates fit for the position but they were all bypassed. “There were other players who have genuine education – Vindhya Persaud, Frank Anthony – medical doctors [who are] very experienced politically,” the Public Security Minister posited.

Ramjattan, who was expelled from the PPP/C, said Jagdeo has long shown his scant regard for those persons who have laboured for the party, including the late President Janet Jagan, who had handed over the presidency to him in 1999. As such, he said the move to bypass candidates such as Dr. Frank Anthony and Anil Nandlall came as no surprise.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

'Brighter days are ahead' ---Granger tells Mahdia rally ---Regional Chairman says proud supporter of the APNU+AFC

By Alva Solomon ONCE re-elected, the APNU+AFC administration will ensure that the revenues from the petroleum industry are injected into the development of all hinterland communities to ensure that residents enjoy the same lifestyle as those on the coastland.

This is according to President David Granger who was, at the time, addressing a large gathering at the oval in the Potaro-Siparuni town for a rally on Wednesday night. While addressing the gathering which included First Lady, Sandra Granger; Minister of Business, Ronald Bulkan; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Regional Chairman, Bonaventure Fredericks, the President said that the time has come for the town to receive the same services, and be developed to the same level as other developed parts of the country. He said the coalition government will ensure that the various sums attained are expended to enhance the lifestyle of residents in the area. “You must get the same

services that the people on the coastland get,” he said, as he told supporters, “Mahdia your time has come.”

Never again will the town be treated as a village, the President said, as he noted that the Opposition Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) will never be able to take control of the region again. “This is a ‘green and gold’ region,” President Granger told the screaming crowd of supporters.

The Head of State noted

is converting the area into a township. He said that Mahdia now has its own town council thanks to Local Government Elections, which he noted has enabled the town to have its own local democratic governance structure.

The President noted that the Potaro-Siparuni Region may be the one with the smallest population but it has the potential for development. He said his administration will continue to ensure that this potential is realised.

The President noted that historically, Mahdia was the first area in Guyana to have hydropower via the Tumatumari project. He said the APNU+AFC will continue to exploit solar and wind generation projects in an effort to ensure that each household in the region has electricity.

Mahdia and nearby communities depend on gold mining and the President noted that in the past the town was the El Dorado for many persons, including President David Granger as he addressed the rally

A section of the crowd at the rally

that one of the proudest moments of his political career

HYDROPOWER

those from Caribbean islands.

He said that the government

will continue to focus on the development of the industry, so that residents can continue to enhance their lives. “There will be economic growth,” he said.

The President noted too that the APNU+AFC is building from strength to strength.

“This is a movement for all people, which is going to make Guyana a prosperous nation,” he said.

He said the government has looked into the social services of all Guyanese and those persons include pensioners, whose earnings

‘Weakened PPP losing grounds ...

“He kicked out Moses Nagamootoo; he kicked out Ralph Ramkarran…So now we have a fella there, who would have done the decimation because remember, the PPP under the Jagans is a totally different entity under Jagdeo,” Ramjattan told this newspaper.

He proffered that while Ali is the PPP/C Presidential Candidate, it is Jagdeo who is “pulling the strings.”

On one hand, he said, the APNU+AFC is providing Guyanese with credible and competent leadership, and on the other hand, the PPP/C is offering a “counterfeit, fake kind of leadership.”

ALLEGATIONS OF RIGGING Ramjattan also rubbished allegations by the PPP/C that should the APNU+AFC Coalition win the elections, it would be due to rigging.

“That is absolute nonsense.

Elections after all the regulations and legal changes made after 1992 are beyond, beyond rigging. You will have the scrutineers for the various political parties at the polling

stations. We would have scrutinised the list of voters; we have the machinery in the form of an independent GECOM…You can’t go and tell the GECOM Chairman what to do. President Granger nor Ramjattan nor Moses Nagamootoo can’t do that, neither can that be done by Bharrat Jagdeo or Irfaan Ali,” the APNU+AFC PM Candidate explained.

Added to that, he pointed

to the fact that international observers from the European Union (EU), Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Carter Centre, among others, are already on the ground. He said Jagdeo, cognisant that the PPP/C will suffer another defeat, is crying ‘wolf, wolf.’

“Bharrat Jagdeo knows that he is going to lose the elections badly, and he wants to create the conditions for

giving meat to his bate, that is to say, ‘I de tell y’all they rig the elections, that is why they win.’”

FREE AND FAIR POLLS Maintaining that GECOM has assured the public of the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, the Public Security Minister said the APNU+AFC supporters and the Guyana Police Force have been cautioned not to

Flack back: This post was made by a PPP/C supporter moments after it was announced that Irfaan Ali would be the Presidential Candidate

have been raised significantly under the life of the APNU+AFC. He said public servants are now earning above the minimum wage of $70,000 as compared to $30,000 in 2015.

The President reminded the residents that the changes in the town came about because they threw their support behind the APNU+AFC in 2015. “And if you want the change to continue, you have to go out on the March 02 and vote for APNU+AFC,” he said.

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fall prey to provocatory actions by the PPP/C. “We have been talking to our supporters, walk away. We have been even talking to the policemen, please do not provoke a situation at all, and try as best as possible to keep law and order in place,” he said.

He made it clear that the APNU+AFC Coalition is not in the business of rigging elections. Ramjattan said the government’s track record over the last four plus years is enough to secure another term in office. The APNU+AFC Government, he said, has sig-

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nificantly reduced crime, enhanced the delivery and access to education, improved infrastructure and healthcare delivery, and financially empowered the regular man in the street by significantly increasing the wages and salaries of public servants since taking office in May, 2015.

Many PPP/C supporters, he said, are crossing over to the APNU+AFC Government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Coronavirus: ‘Way too early’ to predict end of outbreak, WHO says (BBC) It is “way too early” to predict the end of the coronavirus epidemic despite an apparent slowdown in the number of new cases in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

“This outbreak could still go in any direction,” WHO

Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus warned.

Earlier, China reported its lowest daily number of new coronavirus cases - 2,015 for two weeks.

The virus has killed more than 1,100 people and infected 44,600.

The number of new daily infections reported by Chinese authorities hit a peak last week at close to 4,000.

The WHO has been able to track down the source of transmission in all but eight of the 441 cases of the virus outside China, its head of emergencies Michael Ryan said.

He said that the apparent stabilisation in the number of new cases in China and the

slower spread of cases outside Hubei province - where the virus first emerged - was reassuring.

the end of this epidemic right now.”

Four possible vaccines were being funded

take some time. A vaccine cannot be made overnight.”

Dr Tedros, the WHO chief, also praised Cambodia

The number of new daily infections reported by Chinese authorities peaked last week

“[That] is to a great extent due to a huge public health operation in China,” he said.

But he added: “I think it’s way too early to try to predict the beginning, the middle or

for pre-clinical development, WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan told reporters.

“I think we will find a vaccine,” she said. “It will

Thursday, February 13, 2020 - 09:00hrs ~ 10:30hrs

for taking in the Westerdam, a US cruise ship that had earlier been turned away from ports in Japan, Thailand and Taiwan despite having no sick patients on board.

It was “an example of the international solidarity we have consistently been calling for”, he said.

In other developments: * The world’s largest mobile phone showcase, Mobile World Congress (MWC), has been cancelled over coronavirus concerns, organisers in the Spanish city of Barcelona

have confirmed. It comes after a slew of big tech firms pulled out * The US Centers for Disease Control said it was preparing for the coronavirus to possibly “take a foothold in the US”. Thirteen cases have been confirmed in the US * About 300 employees have been evacuated from Singapore’s biggest bank, DBS, after one person fell ill with the coronavirus. All 300 had been working on the same floor and were sent home * Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix, due to take place in Shanghai on 19 April, has been postponed. Motorsport governing body FIA said the measure had been taken “in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans” * In its latest measure to try to halt the spread, China said it would stagger the return of children to school.

Several provinces have closed schools until the end of February * In Japan, the number of infections on a cruise ship quarantined off Yokohama has risen by 39. With 174 confirmed cases, the Diamond Princess is the largest single cluster of the virus outside China.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

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PDRC Chairman: “Give us Pope Francis rules money to fix bad roads…” against ordaining married men in Amazon (BBC) Pope Francis has ruled against ordaining married men in the Amazon region as a means of addressing the shortage of Catholic priests.

perspectives and not to content ourselves with solutions that address only part of the situation.”

The Pope said there was a need for ministers who can

The Pope urged bishops to encourage missionaries in the Amazon as a way of addressing a shortage of priests

Bishops backed the measure last year, but the decision needed the Pope’s approval to be implemented.

Catholic priests are required to abide by the rule of celibacy upon ordination except in cases where married Anglican ministers have converted.

Celibacy is seen as the devotion of one’s life to God. The conservative wing of the Catholic Church particularly in Europe and North America - has spoken out against the idea of married priests, arguing that this could lead to the global abolition of celibacy.

A statement from the Vatican said: “The Amazon challenges us, the Pope writes, to overcome limited

understand Amazonian sensibilities and cultures from within. He urged bishops to “promote prayer for priestly vocations” and to encourage those who want to become missionaries to “opt for the Amazon region”.

In October last year, a synod of 184 bishops met at the Vatican to discuss the future of the Church in the Amazon. It was argued that older, married men should be allowed to become priests.

However, they would need to be men who are particularly well-respected and would preferably come from the indigenous communities where they intend to work.

It is estimated that at least 85% of villages in the Amazon are unable to celebrate Mass every week

as a result of a shortage of priests. Some are said to only see a priest once a year.

Bishop Robert Flock of San Ignacio, a remote diocese in the Bolivian Amazon, told the BBC’s Newshour: “The Pope simply kicked the can down the road. He doesn’t even mention the recommendation of the possibility of married deacons being ordained as priests which was what the synod conclusions had suggested.

“The Catholic Church moves slowly in certain areas and this is one of those that could have caused terrible divisions in the church,” he added.

Pope Francis had previously said he would consider the possibility of viri probati (men of proven faith) carrying out some duties.

“We have to give a thought to whether viri probati are a possibility,” he told German newspaper Der Zeit.

Also on Wednesday, the Pope announced he had decided not to allow women to serve as deacons, a lower rank than priest.

Separately he called for the environment in the Amazon to be defended due to its vital role in mitigating global warming.

“We demand an end to the mistreatment and destruction of mother Earth,” the Pope said.

(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) The Chairman of the Penal Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC), Dr Allen Sammy, is taking issue with comments made by Works and Transport Minister, Rohan Sinanan, over the failure of regional corporations to fix the roads in their constituencies.

In a release issued today, the PDRC Chairman points to an interview the minister did with the Trinidad Guardian, which was published on Sunday 9 February 2020.

“The Minister of Works Rohan Sinanan referred to the responsibility of the 14 regional (municipal) corporations for 79 percent of the roadways within the country, and said ‘they don’t have a system in place (to repair) that is a problem’,” Dr Sammy observes.

“This was in reference to the deplorable conditions of these roads and the failure of munic-

ipalities to properly maintain these surfaces.”

He adds: “Had he checked with his honourable colleague responsible for Local Government, he would have been

The PDRC Chairman is challenging the Works Minister to ensure that regional and municipal corporations around the country get the money they need to fix their bad roads

advised that there is indeed a system in place in all municipalities and it has been so for decades.”

Dr Sammy challenges the minister to explain why regional corporations have seen funds dry up, which were allocated in the annual budget to purchase road building and repair materials to fix the thousands of potholes throughout the country.

He also is asking whether the minister will keep his promise to “supply each corporation with materials” to undertake patching works, and when the initiative will roll out.

The PDRC Chairman says he waits with baited breath to see if Minister Sinanan will set aside part of the $500 million budget for grand infrastructure programmes to local government, for road patching throughout the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Global shapers of trade

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RADE has always been an economic activity between and among companies, countries, regions, and blocs. It enhances activities toward the realisation of improved goods and services and more so, impacts the socio-economic and even political well-being of the participants. Global trade has been seen in various forms, and programmes given names based on the need or adaptation of the time.

Shapers of global decision-making have described the world as a global marketplace and call for barriers to free trade to be removed, as others call for free trade to be buttressed by fair trade; and there are the congruence of ideas, policies, and laws working towards achieving common ground.

Free trade has caused the removal of tariffs on goods entering countries and also demanded that producers conform to internationally accepted specifications, physical and ingredients. In specific cases, demands are made for goods to enter certain countries such as the United States (U.S.) or European Union to satisfy requirements such as proving that they are not produced by force or child-labour, and made within certain specifications to meet durability standards.

In trading, there is always reciprocity where each participant can benefit from the other. In fact, when the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) products enter Europe under certain guidelines, European products will enter CARICOM countries using the same guidelines. Benefits a group derives will be based on how competitive their product can be at the

respective market place, and, for this reason, trading comes with responsibilities.

Trading is one element in the economic process since it complements the production of goods and services. There is a reason why there are trade agreements, such as between the U.S. and Caribbean, or among CARICOM member-states.

Between the Caribbean and the U.S., it offers a ready market for goods and services, positively impacting a country’s revenue base, the people’s employment and economic opportunities, and its overall development.

In instances where countries or blocs, such as the U.S. and European Union, make available lines of credit to countries and regions such as the Caribbean, the objective behind this is to make available immediate markets for the exportation of the goods they produced. This is driven by efforts to sustain the company or industries in their home state. And though these create debt in the purchasing country, that debt serves the host country’s national interest, where relationship, levels of dependency, and reciprocity are forged.

Trade also has a political component in expanding a country’s economic might and influence in other parts of the world. It is not an accident that rich countries such as China and the U.S. are competing to get into new markets in Africa, the Caribbean, South America and Asia. This so-called soft power also carries with it the culture of the originating countries and their desire to influence appreciation for their values. While powerful countries are not presently involved in military wars with each other, they have been waging

trade wars to expand their influence at the market place and in societies around the world.

Trade brings with it access to the cultures of other countries and aids migratory patterns, mostly to the countries where it is perceived better opportunities exist. And where developed countries are seen in such light, persons will seek to flock to them by any means necessary. The Middle East wars that have resulted in migration and refugee crises, and have the affected pouring into the European countries and the U.S. are seeing negative reactions from the indigenous populations.

Some politicians in those receiving countries have found political currency in creating the sense of apprehension that external trade and migration are resulting in the loss of jobs, loss of cultural values, and decrease in standards of living.

They have used these arguments to justify campaigns built on intolerance and govern on protectionist policies. Such actions can create trade wars, spread intolerance among countries and peoples, breed extremists, and result in the pauperisation of others.

Global trade must be encouraged since no country can survive independently of others. And while people pursue freedom, equality and peace, some trade has proven to be building blocks to these. At the same time, this approach to interaction and development creates avenues for cultivating tolerance, respect for others and more so, presents opportunities to reduce hunger, poverty, and other deprivations.

Gov’t has responded well to the Coronavirus outbreak I

Dear editor,

T would be remiss of me if I did not respond to an editorial in the Kaieteur News, one of Guyana’s tabloid newspapers.

The editorial is titled, “Coronavirus -- a greater sense of urgency needed.”

Reading the editorial, one would get the impression that it was either authored by the research-averse columnist Freddie Kissoon or one of their lowly paid clerical staff. For reasons beyond me, despite the very tabloid carrying the government’s extensive plans a few weeks ago, they would now give the impression that the Minister of Public Health, Mrs. Volda Lawrence and her hard-working team are sitting in their offices drinking champagne and playing tic tac toe.

Kaieteur News wicked intent is much more transparent than the miniskirt of one of the ladies of the night, who frequents the local gentlemen’s club, patronised by the pot-bellied rich and famous. If you need further clarity as to what I am alluding to, I will get very direct. This editorial was to serve as the prelude for a new line of attack by the PPP, after their Global Witness propaganda went spectacularly belly up. It was the cue for the worse ever Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy to come out with guns blazing and writing one of his useless letters resulting in all-out cascade of attacks from all the PPP- aligned papers. Mind you, the once-bitten-twice-shy Dr. Leslie Ramsammy would have done so with much trepidation after the grey-haired pensioner was taken to night school on quite a few occasions by yours truly; this can be easily confirmed by a google search. A pity Roger Khan, the drug criminal, was not in a position to render assistance.

Now let’s examine this poorly toddler-level written editorial.

The not-so-astute author wrote and I will quote verbatim, “The UK government has declared coronavirus a serious and imminent

threat to public health, and announced new powers to fight its spread. This is only after a mere four reported cases of the sickness in the UK.” Clearly, this is yet another of Kaieteur News’ feeble research efforts. Had they done half a decent research and sought the medical opinion from a reputable doctor like myself, they would not have been placed in this perilous position of having a public school whipping. The fact is that this public pronouncement was not done after a mere four confirmed cases. It is much more complicated than that Glenn Lall. The UK has over 60 million known residents and it would have been irresponsible of the government to take such a costly and drastic step, after only four infections. Clearly, what would have triggered this response was the imminent risk and not only absolute numbers. So what would have informed this imminent risk? Firstly, quite a number of UK residents were flown in from China. The exact number I am not privy to since this changes every day as passengers arrive, but it is much more than four. Secondly, compared to Guyana, the UK has more of its residents travelling out of China. Thirdly, quite a number of UK residents are under quarantine. Fourthly, because the number of nationals and non-nationals who had travelled to China but on return were asymptomatic, there is a possibility that they could have been infected on arrival. The reason is that a patient could be infected despite not demonstrating symptoms. Fifthly, a doctors’ surgery in a city known as Brighton was closed down because two of their doctors became infected. The fact that these two doctors were infected would have placed many patients and staff at risk. The doctors’ surgery is presently undergoing specialist deep cleaning. Therefore, it is clear why the UK government took that position. I am no infectious disease specialist, but I’m sure that level of risk does not exist in Guyana.

Glenn Lall and his tabloid papers then suggested the following and again I will quote verbatim, “Among the steps that can be

implemented are, people can now be forcibly quarantined or sent into isolation and will not be free to leave under the new measures.” Maybe Glenn is experiencing senile dementia, but I clearly recollect reading in his tabloid last week that about four Guyanese students returned to Guyana against government advice and were immediately quarantined. I am absolutely certain I read that. With regard to forcible quarantining, I am confident the Honourable Minister of Health Mrs Volda Lawrence does not need Glenn Lall to tell her that. The fact is that the number one responsibility of a government is to keep its citizens safe. If a government has established or suspected a contagious health condition in one or more of its citizens and those infected will place the entire population at risk, then by law the government can take whatever action it deems necessary to protect the population, even quarantining those infected patients against their wishes. So Glenn Lall, rather than giving the minister advice, you should focus on improving the quality of your tabloid editorials.

I will repeat that the APNU+AFC government has taken reasonable steps to address the Coronavirus concerns. It is dangerous to compare what one country has done to what we have done since their risk would have been different to ours.

Hopefully, this letter brings this matter to a screeching halt and Kaieteur News sister tabloid, Stabroek News, does not pick up on this. Having said that, my greatest fear is Stabroek News coming up with a ridiculous and outrageous editorial if Coronavirus even enters Guyana. They may argue, in their Anand Persaud-penned editorial, that it entered Guyana because the government failed to confiscate its passport. You may find this funny, but I would not put it past these Punchinello.

Regards Dr Mark Devonish

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

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Thousands of jobs stand to be generated for Guyanese Dear Editor,

“

It’s going to be a change. No other country in the history of Latin America will see such a change of the magnitude that Guyana will see and in per capita terms, Guyana will become the country in the world that will produce the most barrels of oil per capita than any place else in the world…more than Kuwait. “There is a space by the way for tremendous cooperation in the future with Venezuela. Venezuela needs a lot of light oil to blend with its extra heavy …Guyana has some of the best light oil around with no sulphur and if the two can come together it would be a massively profitable business for both of them. Of course, with all the nationalistic tensions ….but in Venezuela reasonable, thinking people know that it would make sense….in a sense Exxon protects Guyana and even though I think the contract with Exxon is pretty good for Exxon, I will say on the other hand it does offer some protection for Guyana.”

The quote above is a comment made by renowned Venezuelan energy expert Francisco Monaldi, Fellow in Latin American Energy Policy and Director of Latin America Initiative, Baker Institute of Public Policy at Rice University during a conversation last Thursday with Ms. Melinda Gordon, secretary of the Guyanese-American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) following a forum titled Venezuela 2020, put on by the Americas Society/ Council of the Americas (AS/COA) in Miami, Florida.

I was unable to attend this forum but requested Ms. Gordon to attend and to pose certain questions to the panel.

She was not afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the panel but was able to have an on-the-record conversation with Professor Monaldi at the conclusion of the event, from which the above quote was taken. I specifically requested that certain questions be asked since, in my view, too many in our society, and encouraged by some international non -profit organisations, are deliberately and mischievously attempting to mislead the Guyanese population about the influence of the Venezuela claim on Guyana’s rush to award licences to Exxon ( President Janet Jagan awarding 600 blocks when the spirit of the law provided for only 60 to be awarded) and the signing of the contract by the current Guyana Government.

In my view, both then President Janet Jagan and the current Government of Guyana did the right thing given the geo-political landscape at the time of their actions. I doubt whether Mrs. Jagan benefitted personally from her actions and all I see from various quarters are accusatory and unsubstantiated comments that suggest Minister Trotman did the right thing for the wrong reason. If there is any credible evidence that Minister Trotman benefitted personally and corruptly

from his engagements with Exxon, then that evidence must be presented and if proven the minister must suffer the consequences punishable under the law.

The quote from Professor Monaldi clearly demonstrates that there are key players in and out of Venezuela who see the importance to this day of Venezuela being able to access and share in Guyana’s oil and gas resources. Some opt for a more collaborative approach to achieving this objective, while others still see the need for the achievement of this objective by any means necessary. Yet, Global Witness, Jan Mangal, Christopher Ram et al continue to try to fool the Guyanese people about the legitimacy of the Venezuela threat, suggesting that the rush to sign the May 2016 contract with Exxon was based on incompetence and corruption, and that the Venezuela claim is just an excuse. That Guyana should not have rushed to sign that contract and that Mrs. Jagan should not have awarded the 600 blocks is nothing but unadulterated hogwash.

Fellow Guyanese, yes I say fellow Guyanese even as a dual citizen whose birthright can be stripped according to the Guyana Constitution, I urge you not to be fooled by Global Witness and their cohorts. The Venezuela threat was and is real. That country needs access to Guyana’s oil and gas resources and some in Venezuela are prepared to get it by any means necessary. President Janet Jagan knows why she encouraged Exxon to commit to exploration by “sweetening” the incentives. She was advised about the possible Venezuelan shenanigans toward Guyana and the critical importance of having the announcement of an American presence in our maritime space. In fact, I know of an American official who shared some intelligence with her on this matter. The bond between women can be strong at times.

It must not be forgotten that as much as late President Hugo Chavez professed to be a friend of Guyana, it is he who, many years before becoming president, during the Falklands War said: “The British are busy in the Falklands. Now is the time to move on Guyana. We will make easy work of them, for after all they are a small country with only a few hundred thousand Muslims, Hindus and Blacks.” This quote is a translation provided at that time.

It also cannot be lost on Guyanese that then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki moon spoke of developing the resources for the mutual benefit of the two people and that there is evidence that, UN personnel involved in the preparations for a decision to refer the controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), were advocating a solution that would provide for joint development of the resources.

Today, Trump is president of the United States, he is apparently a great friend of Putin who is a greater friend of Maduro. The Russians are heavily involved in Venezuela and its oil sector as are the Chinese. The global oil-and-gas archi-

tecture is very complicated and has significant geopolitical intricacies. Guyana is now a major player in this architecture.

Global Witness says Guyana will lose $55 billion (US) over 40 years. If so, this is unfortunate, but we could have lost everything and in fact still have to be careful that we don’t lose more than 55 billion to our western neighbour.

Christopher Ram in a recent article questioned what I think of Exxon writing the cabinet memo regarding the contract. Mr. Ram is aware I am sure that in business and in the conduct of international relations when two sides agree in principle to pursue an agreement or a joint communique, one side is usually asked to do the first draft which the other side would consider. This draft usually forms the basis on which the negotiations would proceed. So I don’t find it unusual, unethical, fraudulent or insulting for Exxon to have prepared a first draft.

Fellow Guyanese, the award of the blocks and the signing of the contract with Exxon, in my view, were done in the interest of protecting our territorial integrity, including our maritime space and the resources therein. In time, the Exxon contract will be revisited to increase the benefits to Guyana and Guyanese. In fact, we have seen some improvements regarding protection of the environment and the monitoring of the quantities of oil being pumped and shipped. Head of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams, was able to conclude an agreement that provides for his officers and specialists to visit the rigs without prior notice and Godfrey Statia was able to have put in place arrangements for GRA officials to monitor our oil production. I think both Dr. Adams and Statia are dual citizens with a wealth of experience in their respective fields. I hope they are retained should there be a change of government after March 2. Step by step there will be improvements to our deal with Exxon, and we would be in a better position to negotiate better deals with the other companies knocking at our door to be involved in our oil and gas sector.

As we prepare for elections, the electorate must seriously consider which political parties will deal with Exxon in a collaborative manner on the basis of protecting our national interest and which parties would want to deal with Exxon ” like a bull in a china shop.” Just remember that the resources from oil and gas will provide for better infrastructure…roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, hinterland airstrips etc., as well as improved health care, education, public safety and security and investment in the agriculture, forestry and tourism sectors, among others. Thousands of jobs stand to be generated for Guyanese!

Can we really afford to lose everything?

Regards Wesley Kirton

Coalition gov’t is about accountability to the law

I

Dear Editor

T is indeed a tragedy of enormous proportions in which the road accident and fatality of national cyclist Jude Bentley, involving former GDF Chief of Staff, ret’d, Rear Admiral, Gary Best. The fact is that a life has been lost, and heartfelt condolences are offered to the bereaved family and friends.

Editor, that is indeed the key factor with all the likely complicated scenarios which such may hold for Best. it is not my intention here to defend or determine culpability or not in a tragedy that has taken the life of one of Guyana’s outstanding sports persons. Such must be the preserve and determination by the proper and competent authorities, which initial process is in progress.

Such a high-profile public figure as Best is involved, given who he was, and his continued role in public affairs, contributing to the key sector of the Green State Economy, and his subsequent transitionary role as a politician, and his just announced nomination as an MP on the list of APNU+AFC candidates for the March 2 general and regional elections.

And given the highly intensified nature of our current environment at this time, John Public will have his say, and this includes the political vultures of the PPP/C opposition, which supporters’ social media postings on the accident have been disgusting, to say the least.

One such that caught my attention was a blogger, Col123 who, via Demerara Waves, expressed the following: “…an incident involving a lost life.just pending, to be swept under the

carpet”. This is a most unfair comment since it pre-supposes that Best, because of who he is, and his connections to the state, will have his matter toned down, and subsequently dissipated.

Editor, this cannot be further from the truth, given the fact that the David Granger-led administration has shown an intolerance to high officials, whenever a misdemeanour is proven against them. A vivid example of this taking –no-prisoner line, has been the dismissal of a former Director of Prisons, on allegations of sexual misconduct against a serving junior rank. The interesting aspect of this particular case was that the incident had taken place during the tenure of the PPP/C regime, and although the victim had filed official complaints, it was apparently swept under the carpet, like similar allegations made against the children of some former PPP/C ministers of government. It took Minister of National Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, to read the riot act, bringing that ex-director’s tenure to an end. One can also refer to the removal of a former CANU Head, after a government-ordered commission of enquiry.

Now, compare this instant action to another nasty example of a former well-known PPP/C minister of government at the time, who struck down a serving police corporal, riding his motor cycle somewhere in the vicinity of Tukeyen. Rather than remain at the scene and render assistance to the injured man, as is required by law, the minister not only drove away, but afterwards sent his son to the scene of the accident.

Of course, despite the policeman’s official complaint, in the form of statements etcetera., nothing materialised, since under the PPP/C regime, officials of whatever rank were never made to be accountable for their actions, much less to be investigated

for an offence by the law and brought before the courts. Even the then Commissioner of Police, abandoned his rank, by declaring that he was at fault! The poor policeman with an almost mangled leg, several times complained to the then media about the bitterness he felt, at the non-acknowledgment of the minister for his injuries suffered, as well as an unhelpful police force, of which he was at the time a serving member.

This incident had been well publicised, particularly in the Kaieteur News, so there can be no opportunity for denial of its ever taking place, by both Col123 and his devious pal rudeo, blogging about the Best incident. Both of these bloggers would have noted that Best was in full compliance with law enforcement, which included being taken to a community police precinct, where he was detained. This is unprecedented for any person of Best’s stature, during the time of governance above the law. But in this dispensation, there has to be respect for the law, and acknowledgement for its full authority.

As a former soldier, Best, from his declaration of “Asking for no special treatment” in this very serious matter, is indicating that he will follow as the law dictates. Let the law therefore lead in whatever direction is deemed appropriate.

Col123 and like-minded acolytes should await the outcome of the investigations of this matter, before their unjustified comments, designed to accuse the GPF and the coalition of giving preferential treatment to a former high-ranking military commander in a very serious matter in which he is involved.

Regards Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

EU helping Guyana build capacity to implement arms trade treaty UNDER the European Union’s Arms Trade Treaty Outreach Project (EU ATT-OP 11), high-level officials within the joint services are participating in a two-day forum aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity in the management and enforcement of international arms transfers.

The forum is being facilitated by the Expertise France and the German Federal Office of Economics and Export (BAFA) in keeping with a mutual agreement between the Ministry of Public Security and the European Union Council Working Group on Conventional Weapons.

During the opening ceremony at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Wednesday, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, said the EU, through the outreach project, is helping Guyana to strengthen its technical capacities towards the full implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) which was signed on to in 2013 and ratified in 2014.

ATT is the only global, legally binding treaty governing arms transfers. It regulates the transfer (import, export, transit, trans-shipment and brokering) of most conventional arms, the ammunition or munitions they fire, their parts and components, and prevents their diversion to unauthorised end users.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, gun violence remains a major cause for concern, Minister Ramjattan said, while pointing out

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan (Photos by Adrian Narine)

that a large percentage of the murders are committed with the use of guns, often times illegally acquired. “In the Caribbean, the homicide rate in Jamaica is about 56 per 100,000 per year, and we have other countries, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 32 per 100,000.

Guyana it is about 14 [or] 15, and one of the lowest is Barbados with 11 [murders per 100,000] but it is 11 and 15 too many and a majority of these are gun-related and generally, it was an unauthorised end user, that had that gun,” the security minister explained. He said the forum, therefore, is a timely one.

While Guyana has ratified the ATT, like many other states, implementation remains a challenge in areas such as national legislation, regulations, procedures and national control list. However, since 2013, a number of activities and funding have been made available to help states to implement the ATT, and in the case of

Guyana, assistance is being garnered through the EU ATT Outreach Project.

During the programme, the high-level security personnel are exploring the possibility of linking the ATT, the CARICOM model law, the national Firearms Act and the Customs Act 82:01.

Additionally, approaches to building control lists of conventional weapons are being discussed even as the EU shares examples of Information Technology support tools for managing the control of arms transfers.

Best practices of arms transfer controls enforcement are

also being considered.

“At this point, it must be noted that Guyana is not an exporter of arms but an importer. There exists also a comprehensive system for the granting of individual firearm licence, security firms licences, dealership licences and approvals for the importation of arms for domestic security and border protection. This system, however, is being stretched and strained,” Minister Ramjattan told those present. He was keen on noting that here in Guyana, the governance structure for the control of arms is not managed by a

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan (centre) standing alongside EU Export Control Programme for Arms, Expert Clef, Dr. Sylvain Paile (left) and EU Delegation Programme Manager, Federico Suarez. Also in the photo are high-level officials of the Joint Services, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

single government office but through an integrated system by several ministries and agencies. These ministries and agencies include: the Ministry of Public Security, Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Business, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Revenue Authority, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Guyana National Rifle Association.

Minister Ramjattan said with all hands on deck, he is optimistic that Guyana will be able to make progress in the implementation of the ATT. “It is my hope and I am certain that the knowledge shared here today will be well received and will better advance Guyana’s position in fully implementing the ATT in consolidating our national legal framework on arms control and the CARICOM Model Law – ‘Second Draft Bill for the Arms Trade Treaty,’” he said.

The EU Delegation Programme Manager, Federico Suarez; and EU Export Control Programme for Arms, Expert Clef, Dr. Sylvain Paile, were among the EU officials present.

In delivering remarks on behalf of the EU Ambassador, Suarez said the EU is pleased to assist Guyana in the full implementation of the ATT with the employ of best practices.

Ming’s Optical donates spectacles to primary school pupils tometrist, along with Ms. Simone Beckles, club president; Ms. Denise Boodie and Ms. Makada Oudkerk from the Durban Park Lions Club handed over the spectacles to sixteen school children from Tucville Primary, Smith’s Memorial, St. Sidwells, Enterprise Primary, St. Thomas

Moore Primary and South Ruimveldt Primary.

World Sight Day was observed in October 2019, when the Lions Club of Durban Park coordinated its annual eye-screening activity with the assistance of Ming’s Optical.

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Dr. Michele Ming-- Optometrist – Ming’s Optical, Ms. Simone Beckles, President, Georgetown Durban Park Lions and pupils from the Tucville Primary School

MING’s Optical in collaboration with the Georgetown Durban Park Lions Club, on Monday, presented spectacles to sixteen school children at their New Market Street, Georgetown clinic.

Dr. Michele Ming, Op-

Ming’s Optical Staff and Durban Park Lions members along with the school children who received their spectacles on Monday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

'Brighter days are ...

President David Granger; First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, and Region 8 Chairman, Bonaventure Fredericks, on stage

The President also charged that the PPP failed the region in the past and according to him, that party is currently in failure mode, noting that the party did not even celebrate its 70th Anniversary earlier this year.

“The PPP has failed to build partnerships with the people in the regions,” he said.

He noted that the party has failed to provide leadership to the region as well as stewardship to the needs of the residents of the region.

“That is why they belong to the past, they do not belong in Guyana’s future, they belong in the garbage bag of history,” he said, as the crowd erupted in applause.

The President called on Mahdians to ask themselves what the PPP was “doing for 23 years.”

He reminded residents of the dark days of the PPP’s rule in the years after 2000.

He said that “dark decade” included numerous murders including that of a sitting minister, noting that these occurred under the rule of Former President, Bharrat

see what I have on tonight,” as he pointed to his green apparel.

He said in life one has to make decisions, which

A proud supporter of the APNU+AFC

Jagdeo.

He said that there are monuments at Buxton, the town of Bartica and at police headquarters in the city, which remind the populace of the “decade of death” under the PPP. He urged residents for their support to ensure that those dark days of the PPP are not repeated.

At Wednesday’s rally, the President also expressed appreciation for the support given by the Region Eight Chairman, who recently switched support from the PPP to the APNU+AFC.

Fredericks made his stance clear when he told the Guyana Chronicle last month that he has seen numerous areas of development in the town under the coalition.

On Wednesday night, while urging supporters to re-elect the APNU+AFC for second term, Fredericks noted that the PPP has made several allegations against him for his recent move. He refuted these noting that he stands by his word of putting the people before party allegiance. “I have been wearing the red for years and you FROM PAGE

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Ming’s Optical donates ...

Hundreds of children were screened from various schools and children were identified and referred for comprehensive eye examinations, free of charge, during the months of November, December and January. Spectacles were provided to those students with vision defects.

During the presentation, Ms. Simone Beckles gave a short address on the long-standing collaboration of over two decades with Ming’s Optical and the importance of eye health and eye care beginning from an early age. The students were also instructed on how

to care for their glasses

by Ming’s Optical Lab Technicians, Mr. Wynton Daniels and Mr. Darrel Luke-King. The students and their parents, who were in attendance, were served refreshments after the presentation.

will not always be popular.

“In Potaro-Siparuni we have seen development, we have development that we never had before,” he told the large

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gathering, noting that this led to his decision to work with the APNU+AFC. Fredericks said he was called a traitor and many other names by the opposition, but he brushed it off noting that the decision he made hurt the PPP. President Granger expressed appreciation to the Regional Chairman for his support, noting that he has “seen the light”. He said Fredericks has seen what the majority of the people in the region have seen, and that is, that the government is concerned about the welfare of all Guyanese. He said the multi-party coalition serves all Guyanese and according to him, more people are abandoning the PPP. “Thank you for your generous support,” the President told supporters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

‘No suspected case of Coronavirus’ …Min Lawrence says 23 who returned from China quarantined, under home monitoring

ACCORDING to global statistics, some 40,000 persons, worldwide, have been infected with the Coronavirus, but despite the increasing number of cases, Guyana has remained safe from the disease.

In response to the global epidemic, Guyana has strengthened its monitoring systems at the various ports of entry and has even instituted travel restrictions on persons coming from China.

“We have no suspected cases of the Coronavirus in Guyana,” said Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence in an invited comment, on Wednesday. The minister’s statement was supported by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), which, in response to ‘malicious’ and ‘false’ reports on social media, said there has been no case of the Coronavirus at the hospital.

“No person has been treated at the facility for the virus nor has anyone been transferred from GPHC with coronavirus…moreover, no patient has been diagnosed with the virus throughout the country,” said management of the GPHC, in a press statement.

The public health ministry has since lodged a complaint, with the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, on the matter regarding ‘malicious’ and ‘false’ reports on social media. In light of this occurrence, the ministry has appealed to Guyanese and other nationals here to

stay informed and seek information from reliable and reputable sources such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The ministry cautioned the nation not to fall victims of questionable or unverified information regarding the virus, and rather to contact the Ministry of Public Health at telephone numbers 226-1224, 226-7457 or the ministry’s Hotline Tel: 223-7139/9. According to CARPHA, Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The coronavirus outbreak originated in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to many other countries, including some in the Americas.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Some persons who recently returned to Guyana from China, were placed under “home monitoring,” but have not shown symptom of the Coronavirus.

Speaking about the persons who were monitored, Minister Lawrence said: “We

have had about 22 to 23, and we are sending them off after the 14 days.” Health officials had described the home monitoring system as a process of allowing persons to stay at home, but be isolated from their families. Those persons, during the 14-day incubation period, will also be required to take necessary precautions and not leave their home until the period is over.

While Guyana has remained resilient against the global outbreak, Minister Lawrence said persons must be cognisant that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed the Coronavirus as “level three.” “When they speak of level three, this is the maximum level of severity,” said the minister, noting that it shows the global state of emergency.

Guyana Chronicle, in a past report, had quoted Minister Lawrence as saying: “Let me assure the Guyanese pubic that all efforts to maintain vigilance and monitoring of the virus are in place. “We have put several measures in place and have increased surveillance at the country’s ports of entry with strengthened specialised training in all categories of workers.”

Since the outbreak, port health authorities at the main, official points of entry had commenced screening of all travellers from high-risk countries. Among the menu of measures put in place by the MoPH officials was to conduct follow-up assessments via telephone calls

and through daily visits over a two-week period on all

will be required to provide a crew list and their national-

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

persons who travelled from China to Guyana over the last month to check on their state of health.

“While this virus started off in China, as a Region, we are flagging all high-risk countries,” Lawrence said.

The public health ministry had advised Guyanese to avoid travelling to highrisk countries and maintain established hand-washing and hand-hygiene measures and to report to the nearest health facility should you experience any respiratory (breathing) problems.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), in view of the Novel Coronavirus, had also stipulated that international vessels, calling in at the Port of Georgetown and Berbice,

ity; the vessel’s last port of call; and the shore leave of the crew within the last 21 days, to the administration.

“Ship crew who feel unwell, experience respiratory symptoms or feel feverish should inform the master of the ship immediately. The master of the ship should then contact his ship’s agent and make the necessary arrangements to seek medical attention,” said MARAD. Crew with recent travel history in Hubei, Wuhan, or with People’s Republic of China (PRC) passports will not be allowed entry into Guyana. Also, vessels that refuse to comply with the aforementioned instructions may be denied entry into the country’s waters.

In the interim, MARAD

intends to continue monitoring the evolving situation and work closely with the industry to implement additional measures if needed.

Regionally, CARPHA had announced that its Medical Microbiology Laboratory (CMML) is fully equipped and ready to test samples of suspected cases of the Coronavirus.

“The agency is equipped to investigate and manage communicable diseases. In the event of the suspicion of an outbreak in the region, member states have specific protocols to follow in their investigation process which includes sending the samples to CARPHA. We are prepared to receive and test samples of suspected cases of the 2019-nCoV with immediate effect,” said Executive Director of CARPHA, Dr. Joy St. John.

The reference laboratory is accredited by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) to the international standard for medical laboratories, ISO 15189:2012.

Additionally, all laboratory technicians are certified to handle and transport infectious samples in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s guidance on regulations for the transport of infectious substances, developed with the help of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Free transportation for Karawab pupils

ONE hundred and forty students of the Ulele Primary school in Karawab Village, Pomeroon-Supenaam, will now benefit from free transportation to school, after the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs delivered a brand new 15 horsepower boat engine to the community on Tuesday.

During a government outreach programme last year, the Karawab residents had requested an engine. They explained that pupils had to paddle long distances each day to get to school. Only an engine was required since the school already has a boat.

During the simple presentation ceremony, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock, noted that the region has been producing exceptional students countrywide at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC). He assured that the government will continue to support the pupils through various programmes including

the Five-Bs initiative (free bicycles, boats, buses, books, boots) and the hot meals and

this school,” the minister charged the teachers. He also reminded that over the

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, handing over the boat engine to the Head Master, Mr. Murtland

uniform programmes.

The Minister noted that these programmes have increased students’ attendance, leading to improved academic performance throughout the country. “Take good care of it [boat engine]; use it for the benefit of education and any other emergency. We need to see better results from

next ten years – Decade of Development -- the government will continue to place a heavy focus on education and ensuring that each child has equal access to education regardless of their location.

Minister Allicock was, at the time, visiting the area for a community engagement at the neighbouring Kabakaburi Village. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Business incubator commissioned in Berbice

MINISTER of Business, Hemraj Rajkumar, on Wednesday, commissioned a business incubator, the first in Berbice, at the Belvedere Industrial site, East Berbice, Corentyne on Wednesday.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the minister stated the idea was initiated by the coalition government to assist in the development of micro and small enterprises.

Rajkumar said the government recognised some of the challenges facing young entrepreneurs and their startups and has looked at how best the government could assist them.

He explained that most of the business owners were not really looking for a handout but rather a helping hand to guide them to make their business successful.

“We believe that once a business has been selected to be part of the incubator programme, through an open application process, that the environment created at this centre will lend itself to the creation of a viable business that is able to stand on its own, be competitive, and of course, be successful. The Belvedere Business Incubator Centre will help to nurture and startup businesses by providing access to training, coaching and mentoring and providing equipment, among others.” He noted that the goal is to have small business produce high quality products and services that can be marketed locally and export-

business to be in a position where they can produce high

Small Business Bureau, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lowell

plans, put time to it and work it, take advantage of the use of technology in small business and make the use of social media for advertising,” he urged. One of the beneficiaries, Ishabeth Sinclair, owner and sales director of M & I Business Enterprise, said because of the opportunities presented by the Small Business Bu-

reau, she was able to grow her business. This, she explained, was made possible through training, guidance, mentoring and recommendations as well as being the recipient of equipment and two loans at minimal interest rates from the SBB. These helped her to become the successful business woman she is today.

Minister of Business, Hemraj Rajkumar

quality of goods that can be found in supermarkets across Guyana and can be exported because of high international

Porter explained that the idea was to have everything under one roof where clients and residents can benefit alike.

A section of the gathering at the inaugural launch of the business incubator at Belvedere Industrial site, East Berbice, Corentyne on Wednesday

Entrepreneur, Ishabeth Sinclair

standard that they meet.”

He reminded the audience that the investment is one of many examples of the gov-

He stated that the facility boasts six pods for temporary use and startup of businesses from scratch while the rest of

Local products on display at the launch

ed by meeting international standards.

Minister Rajkumar, however, stressed that the incubator would not be a permanent fixture for any business but rather for a short period of time so that the businesses can stand on their own. “Ultimately, we want our small

as it will promote and encourage entrepreneurship.

He posited that for small businesses, there is tremendous potential that lies ahead. “Small businesses can accelerate the business of the village and town’s economy and ultimately employ persons. If you are starting a small business – stick with it. Stick to your

ernment investing in local communities to stimulate enterprise and economic activity by enhancing the demand for locally-produced goods and services. He further noted that the investment was a costly one and belongs to all Guyanese and they must make maximum use of the facility.

the building will be used for training and business services.

The commissioning, he noted, speaks to progress in the right direction.

Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President, Mohammed Raffik, said the centre in Berbice is an excellent idea

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Tanker for Guyana first crude lift to arrive today

Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe has announced that the Greece-registered crude oil tanker, Cap Philippe, which will lift Guyana’s first one million barrel crude entitlement, will arrive in here today.

Guyana is expected to have at least five cargoes in 2020. The vessel will be moored to Guyana’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the Liza Destiny, on Sunday, February 16, 2020 and the crude transfer will take place on Monday, February 17 and Tuesday, February 18, 2020.

Guyana’s first three cargoes have been sold to Royal Dutch Shell Plc. The Department of Energy (DE) has also indicated that it will be launching a Request for Proposal (RFP) shortly to recruit a marketing firm on a term basis to assist the Department in selling Guyana’s crude entitlement. The first lift represents part of this country’s profit oil allocation of 12.5 per cent while the country will receive its 2 per cent royalty on gross production of all oil produced.

Dr. Bynoe at a news conference on Monday reminded that the monies from the sale

of Guyana’s crude and its cash-based royalty will be deposited into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Account being managed by the Bank of Guyana. To date, the Liza 1 field has produced over 2.7 million barrels of oil of which ExxonMobil has had its first two lifts. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) witnessed the first two crude lifting exercises and have reported that “the lifts went very well”.

Dr Bynoe said that the Department has established a working relationship with the Guyana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) and has committed to providing the GYEITI all the data and information required by the EITI Standard, with full observance of the Laws of Guyana. “The Department of Energy and the GYEITI has committed to continuing their collaboration to ensure that compliance, transparency and accountability are resident within the country’s burgeoning oil and gas sector for the benefit of the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” Dr. Bynoe said.

DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE

Meanwhile, at the Liza 1 field, ExxonMobil has increased its resource estimate for the Stabroek Block to over 8 billion oil-equivalent barrels. Dr. Bynoe reported

several trees/tubing heads have been completed, with the first two trees having been shipped to Trinidad from Brazil, with trees 3-8 expected to be shipped shortly. Instal-

completed in December 2019 and the FDP plan review has been progressing well. “The DE is aiming to be able to recommend a position to its Minister on the FDP by March

Tanker––Cap Philippe

that efforts towards the construction of the Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) are progressing smoothly with its hull completed and sailed from Shanghai on December 2019.

Development drilling is projected to commence in February 2020 once the conditions of approval are met.

For the time being, topsides fabrication is progressing;

lation vessels are undergoing preparations for start-up of first installation campaign aimed at March 2020 while the Operator is working with the DE to include Guyanese expertise in various stages of the Unity’s completion as per the Field Development Plan (FDP) approval.

Regarding the Payara FPD, the DE Director said that the procurement for recruiting the third party reviewer was

2020,” he stated.

INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING In aims of ensuring efficient management of Guyana’s petroleum sector, the Department of Energy (DE) continues to administer contracts to industry specialists and has hired an additional 21 technical and administrative staff to meet the needs of its Department.

At a press conference on Monday, DE Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe, announced that the Department has contracted a Petroleum Development Management Specialist and a Natural Gas Specialist to provide expertise in the areas.

They will add to the DE’s technical staff complement as well as its existing Crude Marketing Expert, Commercial Expert, Oil and Gas Expert, and Legal Expert. Negotiations are still ongoing for the procurement of a Petroleum Accounting Specialist and Contract Administration Specialist which will further assist the DE to reduce potential value leakage.

Apart from recruiting a contract management specialist, with assistance from the IDB, the DE has also completed a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) process mapping manual, which it will soon launch via an electronic platform for easier application and implementation. With the assistance of the IDB it has also completed its Functions Manual, Organizational structure, and budget and is now moving to implement some of the recommendations contained therein.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Guyana-led G77, UN express full support for China's efforts to contain novel coronavirus UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Group of 77 (G77) and the United Nations on Monday expressed full support for China's fight against the novel coronavirus.

The G77 expresses its full support to the comprehensive efforts made by the Chinese government to contain the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, and recognizes China's efforts in extending cooperation with the international community, said Guyana's UN ambassador Rudolph Michael Ten-Pow, whose country chairs the G77 for 2020, at the 58th session of the Commission on Social Development (CSocD).

The G77 emphasizes that the international community should work together in a spirit of responsibility, transparency, solidarity and cooperation and avoid

discrimination, stigma and disinformation so as to bring this outbreak under control as soon as possible.

The group also emphasizes the important role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in global public health preparedness and response, and calls for respect for the professional guidance of the WHO regarding the containment of the outbreak, he said.

UN Undersecretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Liu Zhenmin said that he joins the secretary-general and heads of all UN system entities in recognizing the resilience and effort China is making to combat this global health challenge.

"We, in the UN system, are prepared to offer strong support to the people and government of China in their fight against the outbreak of

Photo taken on Feb. 7, 2020 shows a painting with words of encouragement to China painted by 13-year-old Valeria Castellano and her 11-year-old little brother Javier Castellano, in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Photo by Alexander Pena/Xinhua)

the coronavirus. We are con-

fident that they will succeed

in curbing the novel corona-

virus very soon," said Liu. Gbolie Desire Wulfran Ipo, chair of the 58th session of the CSocD and deputy permanent representative of Cote d'Ivoire to the United Nations, expressed appreciation and full support to the high-level political commitment and extraordinary efforts made by the government of China to fight the outbreak, and called for international solidarity and cooperation.

The G77 at the United Nations is a coalition of developing countries with an aim to promote its members' collective political and economic interests in the world body. China participates in the G77 but does not consider itself a member. Although there were 77 founding members, the group has expanded to more than 130 members.

World leaders show support for China's fight against novel coronavirus epidemic

BEIJING, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- More state and government leaders and heads of global institutions have expressed their sympathy to China over the novel coronavirus outbreak and voiced support to the country's fight against the epidemic.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India highly appreciates China's effective measures to fight the epidemic, and is willing to provide support and assistance to China in the battle.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain fully supports the prevention and control efforts of the Chinese government, and is willing to work side by side with China and continue to provide assistance.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa extended sympathy to China and wished it an early victory in the battle against the epidemic.

Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos extended deep condolences to the Chinese people and expressed the hope that China's resolute measures

and unremitting efforts will contain the epidemic in a rapid manner.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that

combat the epidemic have positively contributed to the global and regional public health security.

Ethiopian President Sah-

measures, said that his country stands ready to provide China with any assistance within its capacity.

China has made great ef-

Medical staff pose for a photo at a temporary hospital converted from "Wuhan Livingroom" in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Xiong Qi)

under the strong leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China will eventually contain and eliminate the epidemic.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said that tremendous efforts made by the Chinese government to

le-Work Zewde expressed her appreciation of and firm support for China's commitment and efforts to prevent and control the epidemic.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, praising and supporting China's anti-epidemic

forts against the outbreak, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, adding that the UN firmly supports the measures taken by the Chinese government and people to tackle the epidemic, and hopes that

all countries work together to deal with the outbreak in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation.

President of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad-Bande said that the resolve and resilience of the Chinese people are admirable, while expressing his confidence that under the strong leadership of Xi, China will defeat the epidemic soon.

China's efforts to control the source of the virus and contain its spread have bought valuable time for the rest of the world, said World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, adding that without China's efforts, the number of global cases would be much higher.

The global health agency firmly supports China's efforts to prevent and control the epidemic, and will send a team of specialists to work with Chinese experts, the WHO chief added.

Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga, Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal

Bolkiah, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Zambia's President Edgar Lungu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Moldova's President Igor Dodon, Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, President of the Federated States of Micronesia David W. Panuelo, Samoan Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, Malian Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Angola and Norway, as well as the head of the United Nations Development Program, the International Civil Aviation Organization Council president, secretary-general of the UN Industrial Development Organization and other people in charge of various international and regional organizations also extended their support and sympathies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

US$75M AC Marriott Hotel for Ogle

-NICIL, Trinidadian investor to turn sod today THE National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and Trinuyana Investments Incorporated of Guyana will, today, turn the sod for a world-class, select service, internationally-branded Hotel – AC Marriott Hotel on the Ogle Airstrip Road.

NICIL signed the agreement with the firm headed by

Trinidadian, John Aboud, recently, a release from NICIL said. The sod turning ceremony is expected to see Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and CEO of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London, speaking at the event which is expected to provide an initial 400 plus jobs during construction and some 200 permanent jobs upon completion.

NICIL’s Privatisation Specialist, Racheal Henry, is quoted in the release as saying that the hotel that will be constructed is the AC Marriott, which is expected to have some 150 rooms and will be constructed over four floors.

She disclosed that her agency and the CEO of Triniyuana Investment Inc. (Guyana and Trinidad), John Aboud, held

lengthy discussions before arriving at the decision to construct the hotel. Henry said that the eagerly-anticipated hotel will have several amenities. Among the facilities are conference rooms, offices and some state-of-theart living facilities, which he said would be integrated into the hotel complex. “This is the culmination of negotiCEO of Triniyuana Investment Inc., John Aboud

ations that NICIL had with this company and the result is a major brand-name hotel coming to Guyana so that all can benefit from it as it certainly will boost our tourism and ultimately our country’s revenues,” Henry is quoted as saying.

For his part, Aboud said that he is excited over the fact that the project will finally be rolled out, stressing that the work of NICIL was significant in ensuring that the hotel project becomes a reality. He disclosed that he was very impressed with the manner in how NICIL and their team conducted the discussion, stressing that NICIL sought to secure the best possible deal for Guyana.

“The discussions were very lengthy and at times challenging but ultimately we understood as they wanted the best deal for Guyana and that is fine as every agency and or business wants what’s best for them,” he said.

He disclosed that he was eyeing Guyana for a number of years but about three years ago, he felt confident enough to move ahead with the project. He pointed out that while they don’t have major personnel on the ground as yet, he foresees this being a reality in early March, noting that they anticipate construction commencing in a few months.

Aboud, who heads a major investment company in Trinidad and Tobago, pointed out that he fell in love with the numerous opportunities that exists here. He stated that Guyana is poised to benefit significantly from what he dubbed as its rapidly-growing tourism market.

“After visiting here a few times and seeing the numerous opportunities that exists, I decided to invest in buying sone land as I see that there is a need for such investment to further propel Guyana’s tourism,” Aboud said.

He said that the first-

class hotel will cater for both business and tourism-related visitors. He revealed that the first cost would be to the tune of US$75M, stressing that another significant amount of monies is expected to be pumped into the hotel as they seek to take it to the acceptable international standard.

Aboud further revealed that the hotel, which will contain 150 rooms, is a five-star hotel, noting that the new brand is one that is fresh, and is the latest being managed by Marriott. He noted that the 150-room hotel will serve further in boosting the tourism agency development, especially around the Marriott hotel.

He added that the hotel site is a strategic location for the future, stressing that the hotel’s presence will further enhance and greatly boost the economic activity taking place at Ogle. He said that with regard to negotiations, there were several challenges but is very thankful as like them, NICIL wanted to secure the best possible deal for the Guyanese people.

“I had a lot of significant confidence in the investment opportunities that currently exists in Guyana and is determined to maximise those investment opportunities, thus we are seeing the reality of this hotel right now,” Aboud said.

Aboud went on to express excitement about the deal being wrapped up, stating that the relevant agencies responsible for a number of decisions are expected to make several decisions shortly, thus further helping to boost the planned construction of the hotel, which he said will help to enhance and market Guyana’s tourism product immensely.

Meanwhile, Heath-London congratulated John Aboud and team, noting that the people can expect NICIL pursuing a number of opportunities that will yield significant revenues and benefits for the country. He stressed that his team had engaged Triniyuana and is satisfied that their investment is ideal and most importantly timely. “We are very pleased with the investment that Mr. Aboud and team would be bringing to Guyana and are very confident that the government and people of Guyana will certainly benefit from this major hotel investment,” Heath-London stressed. The construction of the hotel is expected to take some 30 months.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Chief Justice dismisses Gaskin's action against Trotman, ExxonMobil

ACTING Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire on Wednesday at the High Court dismissed the application filed by local activist Ramon Gaskin against the Minister of Natural Resources, ExxonMobil’s subsidiaries and two of its partners The companies listed as respondents in the case are Esso Exploration and

Production Guyana Limited, CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Ltd. (Nexen) and Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd (Hess).

The state was represented

by Solicitor General Nigel Hawke and Deputy Solicitor General, Deborah Diane Kumar. Attorney-at-law Edward Luckhoo SC, Andrew Pollard SC and Nigel Hughes represented the respondents.

Gaskin, who was represented by international lawyer Melinda Janki and Trinidad-based Guyanese Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam, had challenged the state, more specifically the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, for giving authorisation to both Nexen and Hess, to conduct oil exploration in Guyana.

Gaskin had questioned the

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

legality of the permit granted, explaining that the two companies were not issued separate licences; in fact, they are said to be covered by the environmental permits issued to ExxonMobil through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited on June 15,2017.

But the activist highly disagrees, and as such is seeking to block the companies from proceeding with their exploration.

He was seeking an order of certiorari directed to the Minister of Natural Resources to quash the granting of petroleum production licences (PPL) to the oil companies.

Gaskin was also seeking a further order prohibiting the said Minister from granting a PPL to Hess Guyana Exploration LTD and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Ltd, until an environmental authorisa-

Local activist Ramon Gaskin

tion was granted to the two companies in accordance with provisions of the Environmental Protection (EP) Act. “In my view the PPL was properly issued. I agreed with the submission on behalf of the respondents that the EP was issued in relation to a project and it was not necessary for it to be issued to each company which is a party to the PA for the execution of the project,” the chief justice said during her ruling.

She further agreed with submissions on behalf of the respondents that where liability is joint and several parties have jointly and individually promised to carry out the same promise or obligation, that there is only one obligation by which they are all bound.

Thus, the various instruments therefore clearly set out the obligations of the licensee

which ensue that the EP is binding on all of them.

The chief justice noted that she does not agree that the effect of the joint and several obligations of Esso, Hess and Nexen mean that each had a separate obligation to comply with the EP Act by each obtaining same, since they are all bounded to comply with the EP that was issued to Esso by virtue of the PPL and the PA. “I also do not agree with the submission on behalf of the applicant [Gaskin] that the additions of Hess and Nexen violated the provisions regarding transferring or assisting the EP to another person or entity. There is no evidence of this,” the chief justice declared.

As such, Gaskin’s orders were refused and the application was dismissed. The judge awarded the Minister of Natural Resources $100,000 in costs, which is to be paid

by Gaskin.

In 2018, the application for the orders sought was initially refused by Justice Franklyn Holder, who ruled in favour of the oil companies. Justice Holder’s decision was appealed to the Court of Appeal which allowed it. The case was then placed before the chief justice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

IDPADA-G to host major youth conference Saturday THE Arthur Chung Convention Centre will come alive on Saturday when the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly holds its youth conference under the theme, “African Youth in Guyana’s New Economy : Opportunities for success”. Organised by the Youth Committee, the aforementioned conference seeks to further empower Afro-Guyanese youths, not only with the knowledge of their powerful history, but also to inform them about the fast-changing Guyanese economy and the many opportunities being offered to them.

Organisers said the conference will allow participants to learn more about and explore education, career and business opportunities that will be available to them in the plan for the Decade of Development, crafted by the current administration. Participants are expected to meet with leaders in the new oil and gas sector and learn more about t its wide-ranging ripple effects, this is said to foster encouragement for them to capitalise on opportunities given.

Youth entrepreneurs participating in this conference will also be allowed to display their merchandise or products during the event’s proceedings. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Public Relations Officer, Stephon Gabriel, noted that it is expected that after the conference, young Afro-Guyanese will further extend their knowledge about their roles in Guyana’s democracy. Gabriel further noted the tremendous input of the committee to plan the conference, by stating, “our planning process took the form of several committee meetings with executive members. We have been busy planning the budget and organising speakers with the guidance of the IDPADA-G Chair, Ms. Olive Sampson.”

President David Granger is listed as one of the speakers of the forum.

10 advance to Calypso Monarch 2020 finals

SUNDAY evening, the Bartica Community Centre Ground came alive with the heated competition among the Calypso Monarch semi-finalists who vied to secure a spot in the top 10.

It was a close competition, and in the end, the best 10 were selected.

Those selected were Karen Bennett, who goes by the stage name “Queen Makeeba”; Roger Hinds known as “Young Bill Rogers”; Linden Mantis called “Mighty Breeze”; Joel “Messenger” Gonsalves; Daria Barrow called “Queen Dairy”; Lester Charles known as “De Professor”; Jovinski Thorne; Linden “Mighty Smoker” Stewart; Quincy “Ego” Lacon and Omaiah Hall.

These 10 persons will take on the defending champion Kenroy Fraser called “Mighty Believer” on Friday evening, for the ultimate title of Calypso Monarch 2020.

This year saw several new faces in the competition who outperformed seasoned campaigners like Diana Chapman and others. One of the crowd’s favourite was 18-year-old Omaiah Hall. With her entry “Tell Me How Come”, Hall won the Junior Calypso Monarch and is shaking the feet of the contestants in the senior category.

Her exceptional star quality was evident on stage Sunday night as she moved the crowd with her song and energetic performance.

She told Guyana Chronicle that her song is a raw, bold political statement.

“This song is asking the questions that I need to be answered.

This year, being my first year voting, I had to do some major research and what I found was shocking. So the song speaks to what I found out and the questions that I want to be answered,” she said.

Noting that her dream is to win, she said she is ready to take on the ‘big guns’ in the senior finals on Friday.

It has been 10 years since a junior competitor made it to the senior finals.

This event is hosted annually as part of Guyana’s Republic celebrations, and much emphasis is being placed on the execution of these activities this year since it is the country’s 50th anniversary.

This weekend will also see other activities and competitions like the Film Festival, 592 Soca Monarch Competition, Panorama and more. Leading up to the big celebration on February 23 are many events and everyone is urged to participate fully.

The Ministry of Cohesion has formulated a special committee which is putting much effort to ensure these cultural activities give every person the opportunity to showcase, celebrate and embrace all things Guyanese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Rape accused to face new trial following ‘hung’ jury RAPE accused Dexter McIntosh will have to stand a new trial after a 12-member jury failed to reach a verdict on Wednesday.

McIntosh, a 37-year-old mini-bus driver, was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Sexual Offences Court of the High Court, Georgetown, accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in January 2015.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was represented by attorney-at-law Clyde Forde.

The jury was unable to reach a verdict for the indictment which resulted in

Dexter McIntosh

McIntosh having to be retried at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes and will remain on bail.

According to reports, the

victim would frequently travel to school with McIntosh.

McIntosh reportedly went to the victim’s home and grabbed her while she was outside. He then took her to an abandoned house and had sex with her.

The girl’s father noticed that she was missing and went looking for her; while he was calling out for her McIntosh was seen running away.

The father gave chase and could not catch him.

The matter was reported to the police and McIntosh was arrested.

Aircraft crashed while attempting to land at MARDS ON Wednesday a S2R-T34 Turbine Thrush aircraft with registration 8R-AAG belonging to AG Air Inc., reportedly flipped while attempting to land at the Mahaica Abary Rice Development Scheme (MARDS) Airstrip at Burma, Mahaicony.

The accident occurred between 14:46hrs and 15:07hrs, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority said in a release. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was conducting aerial work and was being

flown by Captain John Bart. The pilot was rescued and transported to a city hospital where he is said to be in a stable condition. Captain Bart was the only person in the aircraft at the time. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority said it has commenced investigation and a team will be dispatched to the airstrip today.

Air Traffic Services sent out a NOTAM advising of the closure of the MARDS Airstrip until further notice. More details will follow as it becomes available.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Ali promises massive investments in Region Six PPP/C presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali

PRESIDENTIAL Candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Irfaan Ali has promised that new investments will be coming to Region Six once the party regains power after the March 2 elections.

Speaking to supporters at a

rally in Main Street, New Amsterdam on deep-water harbour project, bridging of the Corentyne River and making New Amsterdam a business hub.

He posited that these plans will ignite a new set of growth and job creation for the people in New Amsterdam and Region

Six. “We must invest in a deep-water port in Region Six and we will be doing it, let the search be over, the investment will come to Region Six. The building of a deep-water port and the bridging of the Corentyne River are two massive pieces of infrastructure that will transport, ignite and excite the economy of Region Six. You will see here the expansion of commerce because you will have container traffic , the town will become a logistics hub, you will have new businesses and opportunities in shipping,

Supporters at the PPP/C rally held in New Amsterdam

marketing, technical services, hotel, entertainment, logistics insurance, brokerage, finance services, warehousing,” he said.

Ali noted that these projects will help create jobs in the region but training is required. He explained the PPP/C will provide training and certification so that youths can access jobs.

“These are areas that will enable new opportunities but for us to ensure you benefit from these areas, we have to do a few things unlike this government – we have to prepare you for the opportunities that are coming. We have to ensure that the young people are trained; they have the certification to ensure that they have the knowledge; we have to ensure that we give the private sector the incentives so they

will get expanded businesses and prepare for the opportunity that will come their way.”

He added that the PPP/C will also provide government services in the region as well as build a state-of-the art multi-purpose sporting facility to attract international sports, especially cricket. He further mentioned that the PPP/C will seek investments in the field of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to provide more job opportunities for youths.

Some of the plans outlined

by Ali have already started under the coalition government. The decentralisation of the major services such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Passport offices are already functional in Region Six. A synthetic track and field facility is under construction a short distance from where the PPP/C’s meeting was held while the Board of Industrial Training has been leading the way nationally with several training programmes for persons of all ages.

The delivery of health services, creation of new jobs, implementation of higher pension, free tertiary education, reversal of several taxes and cash grants for students were also promised by the PPP.

50 Guyanese to be honoured

by New York Mayor

Caribbean Life- February 11,2020- Mayor of the City of New York, Bill de Blasio, and First Lady, Chirlane McCray, will on Feb. 27, honor 50 Guyanese citizens who have made outstanding contributions to their homeland, and the diaspora, during an exciting presentation to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Republic Jubilee.

The Awards Gala and cultural presentation, (invitation only) being hosted in collaboration with the Guyana Republic Jubilee Committee, and Three Counties Foundation, CEO James Richmond, will be held at Gracie Mansion, in New York City, from 5:30 pm.

Honorees are: Judge Ingrid Joseph Claire Goring, Aminta Kilawan Narine, Mark Anthony Benschop, James C. Richmond, Dr. Linda Felix-Johnson, Jonnel Doris, Ingrid Griffith, Harold Miller, Dr. Juliet Emanuel, Dave Narine, Patricia Jordan-Langford Courtney Noel, Mahadeo Shivraj, Mohamed Hack, Arsalan Mohamed, Doris Rodney, Dr. Terrence Blackman, Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, Cheddi Jagan Jr., Vishnu Mahadeo, Roger Gary, Tony Singh, George Michael Harry, Monica Sanchez, Sherif Barker Fraser, Errol Lewis, Menes de griot ,Verna Walcott-White, Viburt Bernard, Pamela Bruce, Dr. Ivelaw Griffith, Pam McKenzie, Khyume Khan, Rhonda Bovell O’Reilly, Randolph Holder, Deodat Urpersaud, Peter Kong, Romanee Kallicharran, Shoan Sampson, Hugh Hamilton, Tangerine Clarke, Adrian Dutchin, Ryan (GucciBoss) Lynton, RKHTY, Trevon (Vibes) Shury, Zamal Sankar, Mark Arthur, Brian Roberts and Joan Bakiriddin.

Special recognition & honour will go to cultural icon, Jimmy Hamilton and late West Indian Cricketer, Basil Butcher. The South American country, that became a Republic on Feb. 23, 1970, and is celebrated with several annual Mashramani parades across Guyana, will be commemorated in a big way at the civic building where a wide cross-section of Guyanese will celebrate in unity. Prominent Guyanese expected to attend are, Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman, Ambassador of Guyana to the United States, Riyad Insanally, Permanent Representative and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guyana to the United Nations, Rudolph M. Ten-Pow, Consul General of Guyana to New York, Barbara Atherly, and others.

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MVP Sports backs ... FROM PAGE 27

continue to train and practise. Practising is one thing, but playing games is actually a big part of the development of any sport; so this is good,” Ramdeo said.

“We would like to thank our customers; without their support, we would not be able to support sports and athletes in Guyana.”

The final four teams would go head-to-head on Saturday from 20:00hrs at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, with the main aim of qualifying for the grand final and staying

in the hunt for the $600 000 first prize.

Still in with a chance of being crowned 2020 champions are Bent Street, Rio All-Stars, Kingston and Leopold Street. Two exhibition games would be played before Rio All-Stars confront Leopold Street and Bent Street face up to Kingston in the feature clash.

The runners-up of the tournament will pocket $400 000, while third-placers will collect $200 000 and fourth-placers $100 000 along with trophies.

Reports: Kobe, Gianna Bryant laid to rest KOBE Bryant and his daughter Gianna were buried in a private funeral service in Southern California last week, multiple outlets reported late Tuesday.

Citing Kobe Bryant’s death certificate, Los Angeles Fox affiliate KTTV reported the remains of the former Lakers star and his daughter were transferred to Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary in Corona del Mar. Kobe and Gianna were laid to rest in a private ceremony there last Friday.

According to KTTV, the death certificate cited Kobe’s cause of death as “blunt trauma” sustained in a “commercial helicopter crash.” It also said his death was “rapid”.

Corona del Mar is a community within Newport Beach, where the Bryant family lives.

Kobe, 41, and Gianna, 13, were among nine people killed when the helicopter they were in crashed on a hillside in Calabasas, Calif., northwest of Los Angeles, on January 26.

Orange Coast College base-

ball coach John Altobelli, 56; his wife, Keri; and their daughter Alyssa, 14 - who played on the same club basketball team as Gianna Bryant - also were killed.

Christina Mauser, a 38-year-old who was the top assistant coach of the Mamba girls basketball team, was also killed in the accident, as were Sarah Chester, 45; her daughter Payton Chester, 13; and pilot Ara Zobayan, 50.

A public memorial service for the Bryants will be held February 24 at Staples Center, beginning at 10:00hrs PT. While the date - 2/24 conveniently falls between two Lakers’ home games, it still could have been chosen symbolically. Gianna - one Kobe and Vanessa’ four daughters - wore No. 2 on her basketball jersey while Kobe was No. 24 for part of his 20-year-tenure with the Lakers, and his retired jerseys - he also wore No. 8 - hang at Staples Center.

The Los Angeles Times reported that “entry is expected to be severely restricted” at the venue despite Staples Center’s capacity of about 20 000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Maxwell’s return to Australia side short lived due to elbow surgery MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Glenn Maxwell’s return to Australia’s national side has been short-lived with the all-rounder ruled out of their limited overs tour of South Africa to have elbow surgery.

Maxwell, who was replaced by top-order batsman D’Arcy Short, was only recalled to the Australian team earlier this month after taking a break last October to deal with mental health issues.

He will have surgery today and be out of action for between six and eight weeks, Cricket Australia said in a statement yesterday.

“We are disappointed to lose Glenn this close to the tour as we were looking forward to welcoming him back to the national side in both the T20- and 50-over formats after his break during the summer,”

national selector Trevor tour of South Africa on Hohns said.

February 21 with the first “Unfortunately, the pain Twenty20 in Johannesburg, he has experienced in the before the one-day series elbow in the latter stagstarts in Paarl on Februes of the Big Bash ary 29 and concludes increased over the with further match weekend and he will es in Bloemfontein and have surgery immePotchefstroom in early diately to rectify the March. situation.”

Australia’s Qantas Maxwell said Tour of South Afhe was disaprica 2020 pointed to Australia withdraw from T20 squad: the squad but Aaron Finch having surgery (c), Sean Abbott, was the right A s h t o n A g a r, decision.

Alex Carey, Pat “I was not Cummins, Mitch confident that I Glenn Maxwell is due M a r s h , J h y e to undergo elbow could perform Richardson, surgery today at international Kane Richardlevel with my son, D’Arcy elbow in its current state and Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell have decided to undergo sur- Starc, Matthew Wade, David gery straight away to fix the Warner, Adam Zampa issue,” he said.

Australia ODI squad: A u s t r a l i a s t a r t t h e Aaron Finch (c), Ashton

Agar, Alex Carey (v-c), Pat Cummins (v-c), Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa First T20: February 21 at Johannesburg. 03:00hrs AEDT (February 22), Fox Cricket & Kayo Second T20: February 23 at Port Elizabeth 23.30hrs AEDT, Fox Cricket & Kayo Third T20: February 26 at Cape Town. 03:00hrs AEDT (February 27), Fox Cricket & Kayo First ODI: February 29 at Paarl (D/N). 22:00hrs AEDT, Fox Cricket & Kayo Second ODI: March 4 at Bloemfontein (D/N).

22:00hrs AEDT, Fox Cricket & Kayo Third ODI: March 7 at Potchefstroom. 19:00hrs AEDT, Fox Cricket & Kayo.

Aurora Knight Riders, Bacchus Bulls to clash in South/Central T20 final CONVINCING victories for Aurora Knight Riders and Bacchus Bulls will see the two challenge each other in the final on Sunday at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance.

In the two semi-finals played last Sunday at the Imam Bacchus ground, Aurora Knight Riders rode their way to an emphatic 58-run win against Affiance Sports Club. The Riders were led by a superb half-century by

Quasie Reedon who fashioned 6x4 and 2x4 in his 52.

Other contributors were Roddy Spencer 31 (3x6, 1x4) and Garfield Phillips 21 (2x4) as the Riders posted 154-9 from their 20 overs.

Off-spinner Amit Persaud 4-20 from 4 overs bowled impressively while there were 2 wickets each for Badesh Parsotam and Yaseer Mohamed.

the other match at the same venue, the hosts secured a 50-run triumph against Invaders Masters.

Bacchus Bulls rallied to 134-9 on a slow pitch with former national Under-19 batsman Yogeshwar Lall striking a composed 40 (4x4). He was supported by a robust 24 (5x4) from national Under-17 captain Sheldon Charles.

Medium fast bowler

1x6 in his top score of 26 while Seenauth Balbadar made 18 (2x4) being the only two meaningful contributors in the Masters total of 84-9 when their overs expired.

The two winners will now meet in the final while the third-placers will be between the two losers. The umpires for the final will be Deva Dass and Wazeer Dhanraj.

Cash incentives and

Guyana squad reduced to 15 players for CONCACAF U-20 Qualifiers

GUYANA has been forced to reduce its squad at the CONCACAF U-20 Men’s Qualifiers to 15 players as a result of the Nicaraguan authorities’ refusal to accept the International Yellow Card presented.

Five Under 20 players were denied entry into Nicaraguan by the immigration authorities there. Upon arrival, the immigration authorities informed the Staff that a quarantine period of 10-days was required for the Yellow fever vaccine.

The U20 contingent did not satisfy that condition.

Strangely however, 10 players with the exact vaccination date were permitted entry into the country.

The Under 20 Team Manager also complained about the hostile reception the team received from the Nicaraguan immigration authorities, who subjected the players and staff to several layers of security checks that lasted for hours.

This development has resulted in one goalkeeper, two midfielders and two defenders being refused entry into the country and thus exiting the tournament.

The GFF has since informed the parents/caregivers of the players in question about the situation and will ensure their safe return to Guyana.

The GFF will be making a formal complaint to CONCACAF once all the details are presented by the Management team.

The CONCACAF U-20 Men’s Qualifiers will be held in Nicaragua from February 15 to 23.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Wayne Dover had said he is pleased with the overall performance of the team during their preparatory period.

The team played four training matches; three against the Guyana-based Senior Men’s National Team and one against River Views FC from Region 7.

Dover said the objectives of the training matches were achieved as the players were exposed to some competitive fixtures.

According to Dover, the performance of the team was commendable in the matches played, given the fact that he saw the implementation of many areas worked on and also saw areas which needed more attention.

The National U-20 coach stated that “after each game, we fixed some of the problems identified. The toughest opponents were definitely the senior team. They played against us as if it were the final Gold Cup Qualifying game that they need to win.

That was the kind of test needed to make a proper assessment of the team.”

Meanwhile, Development coach and National midfielder Anthony Benfield has been assigned as assistant coach following a motorcycle accident injury to Calvin Allen.

Guyana have been placed in Group A with St Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, US Virgin Islands and hosts Nicaragua.

Guyana will kick off their campaign against Montserrat on Saturday, February 15, followed by a clash with St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday, February 17. Both matches are set to start at 17:30hrs.

The Guyanese will then face US Virgin Islands on February 21, and an encounter with hosts Nicaragua on February 23 will see Dover’s men wrap things up in the Central American country.

MVP Sports backs Magnum Mash Cup ... Semi-finals on this weekend

Aurora Knight Riders celebrate their win to the final

Garfield Phillips had an excellent all-round game

Affiance SC were then erratic in their stroke play and were eventually all out for 96 in 18 overs. Only Eshwar Singh 26 not out and Yasser Mohamed with an unbeaten 20 salvaged some pride.

Phillips had a good allround performance by grabbing 4-22 from his 4 overs as the Riders secured victory. In

Richie Bishop had impressive figures of 5-14 and national all-rounder Ricardo Adams 4-16 to keep their team in the hunt.

However, Bulls steamrolled their opponents on the strength of accurate seam bowling from Punraj Singh 3-23 and Lalbachan Narine 2-17 from their 4 overs each.

Adams returned to hit 2x4,

trophies will be presented along with prizes for some outstanding performances including two hat-tricks for Kumar Dass in the competition.

Officials from the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) including Autto Christiani, Prince Holder and Andy Ramnarine will be among the guests.

THE third annual Magnum Mash Futsal competition, which continues this weekend with semi-final action, received a major boost yesterday when MVP Sports agreed to sponsor the third place cash incentive.

Ian Ramdeo, Managing Director of the Sportswear Store located in the Giftland Mall, presented the $200 000 prize to organisers Esan Griffith and Edison Jefford at a simple ceremony.

Both organisers expressed appreciation to Ramdeo and his entity for supporting the community-based

competition, which is now down to its final four teams.

Ramdeo, whose company has been an active partner in several local sport organisations and events, said he is committed to ensuring sports men and women have an opportunity to showcase their skills in a competitive environment.

“We look forward to continuing this support. We are very happy to see different tournaments, different settings for our local athletes happening, so that they can TURN TO PAGE 26

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Formula One Chinese Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus

By Abhishek Takle

BAKU, Azerbaijan (Reuters) - Formula One’s Chinese Grand Prix in April has been postponed due to the recent outbreak of coronavirus in the country, organisers said yesterday.

The race, in an important market for Formula One, was originally set to be held in Shanghai on the 19th but the governing FIA and Formula One said they had jointly agreed to postpone it.

“As a result of continued health concerns and with the World Health Organisation declaring the coronavirus as a global health emergency, the FIA and Formula One have taken these measures,” the two bodies said in a statement.

“All parties will take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for the Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.”

The flu-like virus has killed more than 1 100 people and infected more than 44 000 in China after it first emerged in the central city of Wuhan late last year.

A host of international sporting events have been

cancelled due to coronavirus, including the all-electric Formula E motor racing series that abandoned plans for a race in the Chinese city of Sanya next month.

back into an already packed calendar with few spare weekends would pose a challenge, however.

“At this point it’s tough to make too many specific

FLASHBACK:

Formula One F1 - Chinese Grand Prix - Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, China - April 14, 2019, Haas’ Romain Grosjean in action during the race. (REUTERS/Aly Song/File photo)

Formula One chairman and chief executive Chase Carey said fitting the race

plans when there are so many unknowns around it,” he told Reuters at a conference in the

BCB/RHTYSC, GBTI Region 6 Inter-Secondary School tourney launched

SECONDARY School students in Region 6 are set to welcome the game of cricket to their neck of the woods, following the recent Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) U-19 launch.

The unveiling took place last Friday where the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, (RHTYSC) launched the event for the 17 secondary schools in Region 6. The relationship between RHTYSC and GBTI has been ongoing for several years but this tournament would be the second with the BCB.

won by J. C. Chandisingh Secondary School, who defeated Berbice High School in the final at the Area H Ground in front of a large and colourful crowd.

The 17 schools participating this year are: Line Path Secondary, Skeldon High, Tagore Memorial, Black Bush Secondary, Central Corentyne, Winifred Gaskin Memorial, Manchester High, Corentyne Comprehensive, J. C Chandisingh, Port Mourant Secondary, Lower Corentyne Secondary, Canje Secondary, New Amsterdam Secondary, Berbice Edu-

be at the venue at 09.45hrs for the spinning of the c`oin.

The BCB head is urging the youth cricketers to take advantage of the school tournament and to perform well, so that the BCB Selection Committee can consider them in their 2020 selection.

Players like Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Lucas Arthur, Jeremy Sandia, Gourav Ramesh, Kumar Deopersaud, Zeynul Ramsammy, Leon Cecil, Rampertab Ramnauth, Hemendra Gurdyal, Salim Khan, Vittore Latchman, Sanjay Al-

GBTI’s Naveta Narain hands over donation to Leslie Solomon of BCB in the presence of Robby Kissoonlall and Tyrone Pottaya of RHTYSC

BCB president Hilbert Foster, who is also the Secretary/ CEO of the RHTYSC, stated that the support of GBTI has played a major role in the development of youth cricket.

For the first five years, the GBTI-sponsored tournament was played for schools in the Lower Corentyne but was expanded to include schools in Region 6 in 2019.

Last year’s tournament was

Azeri capital and Formula One host Baku.

Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul, speaking at a team launch event in Paris, welcomed the fact a decision had

cational Institute and Tutorial Academy.

Foster disclosed that the date of birth cutoff point would be the 1st of September, 2001 while all players should be registered register students of their respective schools with an attendance rate of 80 percent.

The tournament would be played 30 overs-per-side and captains are expected to

goo, Avishkar Persaud, Isiah Thorne and Abdul Ramsammy are expected to be participating in the tournament.

Branch Manager of GBTI Port Mourant branch, Mohamad Azim, stated that the bank strongly believes in fulfilling its corporate responsibilities and does so via several avenues including investments in sports, culture and education.

come before sea freight was sent next week.

“The fact we know this

week will avoid unnecessary aggravation from a cost perspective,” he told Reuters.

“The Chinese race is an important race on the calendar and China and the U.S. are the two strategic priorities for (Formula One’s commercial rights holder) Liberty Media and we support that,” he added.

“We hope that there will be another slot even though I know it will be challenging to find one this season.”

RICCIARDO REACTION Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo said he had mixed feelings.

“Personally I really enjoy the circuit, had success there, I had a win (with Red Bull) in 2018 and got my first points with Renault there last year,” he told reporters.

“I feel for the fans and everyone that’s going to miss out but more importantly I feel for China and what they are going through at the moment.

On the flipside, I’m glad some initiative has been taken and we’re not putting anyone else at risk.”

Carey said the sport was also keeping an eye on the spread of the virus outside

China, with Vietnam set to host its first race on April 5.

“The reality of today, in most other countries, the number of people affected is a handful,” he said. “But we don’t know what it will be in a week or two.”

The last race to be cancelled was the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix, due to social unrest in the island Kingdom.

In that case, the country still paid the hosting fee, reportedly $40 million.

If China cannot be rescheduled, the calendar will be pared back to 21 races from a record 22 with a four-week gap between new addition Vietnam and the returning Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on May 3.

Asked about the possibility of a one-off race elsewhere in place of China, Carey said Formula One was evaluating all contingencies.

The time available is short, however, and organisers would also likely expect their hosting costs to be underwritten.

“We’re not going to do something that isn’t good for us or the teams,” said Carey.

“We like the 22-race calendar (but) we’re fine with a 21-race calendar.”

No. 73 Young Warriors beat Scottsburg United … retain Trophy Stall, UCCA U-19 50 Overs Trophy

DEFENDING champions No 73 Young Warriors defeated Scottsburg United to win the second edition of the Trophy Stall and Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) Under-19 Inter-club 50-overs cricket competition.

ha Singh and Eton Odell taking 2 each.

No. 73 Young Warriors in reply batted solidly to race to 195-2 in 31.4 overs to win by 8 wickets. All-rounder Sarwan Chitnarine hammered an unbeaten 80 (10x4,

Two-time defending champions No. 73 Young Warriors show off their silverware

In the final which was played at the Crabwood Creek Ground, Scottsburg United made 194 in 31.5 overs with Clifford Embrack 50 (5x6, 3x4), Brandon Nandalall 27, Ashton Nohar 25 and Trevon Sukhoo 21.

Bowling for No 73 Young Warriors Sarwan Chitnarine picked up 3 wickets with Nira-

1x6) and was supported by Nicholas Tahal 44 and Singh with 24.

At the presentation ceremony that followed Young Warriors received cash incentives and the Trophy Stall trophy from a representative of the Trophy Stall Port Mourant Branch.

The individual priz-

es were swept by players of No. 73 Young Warriors team. Sarwan Chitnarine was adjudged the man-ofthe-match for his all-round performance.

Niradj Singh was adjudged the player with the most runs and also most valuable while Paul Jabbar was named the player with the most wickets in the tournament.

The tournament was sponsored by Trophy Stall Port Mourant Branch through its General Manager Ramesh Sunich.

The other teams that participated in the competition were 43 Cricket Club, No. 66 Cricket Club and No. 73 Mandir and No. 52 Cricket Club.

The Trophy Stall, with its head office in Bourda Market, is one of the leading sponsors of sporting activities in Guyana. It is also one of the leading sports and trophy stores in the country.

General Manager Ramesh Sunich was happy to give back to the people of Berbice for their unstinted support over the years. He is happy with the way the competition has been organised so far and has committed to continue the sponsorship.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

2020 PCL Regional 4-Day tournament

Barnwell, Chanderpaul, Hemraj among leading run-getters as 4-Day tourney enters half-way stage

By Clifton Ross

… Permaul, Smith feature in the top-10 bowlers

WITH the 2020 Regional 4-Day tournament at the half-way stage, defending champions Guyana Jaguars have been making individual strides as a number of their players top the stats in both the batting and bowling charts.

Round 5 bowls off today with three matches and looking at the top-performers to date, the Jags despite being in second place have still managed to make an impact in both departments; as a number of their stars were able to break into the top-10 ranks for bowlers and batsmen.

With hundreds seemingly hard to come by this year, Jaguars batsmen have failed to register a triple-digit score to date. Despite three of their batsmen being featured in the top-10 run-getters list following the end of 4 rounds, it is likely that they could wrap up the season among the top overall performers.

All-rounder Chris Barnwell, who has been one of Jags best batsmen since the Super50 last year, leads with 265 runs from the 4 rounds played. The ex-West Indies T20 all-rounder hit 2 half-centuries with a top score of 82 and currently sits in 5th place for the most runs scored to date.

Sixth place goes to gritty opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul who comes in a run behind his teammate with

264 points. Chanderpaul has crafted three 50-plus scores and averages a healthy 44.00 but will need to up his strike rate as he advances.

ries and a hundred.

While the batting has been mixed, Jaguars basically own the bowling department with the wily Veerasammy Permaul

Ngidi bowls South Africa to thrilling T20 win as England collapse EAST LONDON, South Africa (Reuters) - Seamer Lungi Ngidi defended seven runs in the final over to bowl South Africa to an unlikely one-run victory, as England folded at the death in the first Twenty20 International yesterday.

Arguably one of the fastest and more effective pacers this season, newbie Niall Smith is Guyana’s next best bowler behind Permaul in 4th

South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi celebrates the wicket of England’s Ben Stokes (REUTERS/Rogan Ward)

Chris Barnwell

Niall Smith

Veerasammy Permaul

The last Guyanese to feature in the top-10 is left-hander Chandrapaul Hemraj who currently owns the number 8 position. The Windies Test opener has a pair of fifties to his name and with his record of more than 600 runs under his belt a few seasons ago; he could easily end this season as one of the leading run-getters for his country and possibly the League.

Meanwhile, tournament table-leaders Barbados Pride also occupy the number one spot with regard to batting, as middle-order batsman Kyle Mayers sits comfortably with 361 runs, averaging a whopping 60 with four half-centu-

bagging truckloads of wickets as the rounds progress.

The left-arm spinner sits comfortably at the top of the hill with 26 victims with a best of 6-50 from 4 games.

The Guyanese is followed by second place Akeal Hosein (20 wickets) of the Trinidad Red Force as the only two bowlers, most notably spinners with more than 20 wickets so far.

Permaul,, who currently averages a stingy 11.57, crossed the 500-wicket mark a few rounds ago, and is one of 2 bowlers (Barbados Pride pacer Chemar Holder 3rd place 19 wickets), who have 10-wicket hauls this season.

place with 18 wickets including two 5-wicket hauls with a best of 5-87. Jags senior pacer Keon Joseph missed the top-10 ranking, coming in at 11th place with 11 wickets.

The race for the best individual performers is the next best thing to winning the championship and given the slight equilibrium with top performers in both departments, Jaguars will not only be aiming for their 6th title but also having a number of their players finish in the upper ranks of the runs/wickets contributors; over the course of the remaining 5 rounds.

England needed seven from their final seven balls with five wickets remaining, but collapsed in the face of Ngidi’s off-cutters on a slow wicket to add five runs for the loss of four wickets.

South Africa had posted 177 for eight in their 20 overs, a record score in East London, but England were cruising when Jason Roy blasted 70 from 38 balls and captain Eoin Morgan an excellent 52

1500m Medley, Open 4x100m and Open 4x400m.

With favourable weather, the races went smoothly as planned and finished on time.

The students of the Physical Education class worked

along with the Competition Committee (Aaliya Singh, Renuka Ramcharan, Kelliann Sauers, Roland Hamilton and Jade Atwell), the Physical Education teacher (Mr Keith Smith), Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) officials

The fifth form CSEC Physical Education class of Marian Academy who planned the project

and fourth form Physical Education class as volunteers.

“On behalf of principal, Sr Marie Harper O.S.U, Mr Keith Smith declared the commencement of the project.

Last year’s winners, The Business School, again ran away with the championship honours. They were followed by Charlestown Secondary and Chase Academy,” the school said in a release.

The release stated that “once again, the CSEC Physical Education students, that are preparing to sit the 2020 May/June Examinations, extend their gratitude to their sole sponsor - Strategic Recruitment Solutions - and all those who contributed to the project.”

from 34.

The visitors lost their nerve at the finish, though, in what will be a tough lesson at the start of the buildup to the Twenty20 World Cup to be played in Australia in October.

Opener Roy provided the power at the top of the England order with superb straight hitting that included seven fours and three sixes.

He was out with England needing 46 from 34 balls and with seven wickets in hand, a simple enough equation on a docile pitch.

Their cause was strengthened when Morgan took up the mantle to take them to the brink of victory in the final over, but Ngidi (3-30) showed excellent skill and control to steer the game South Africa’s way.

Having earlier picked up the key wicket of Ben Stokes (4), he removed Tom Curran (2) and Moeen Ali (5), before Adil Rashid (1) was run-out on the last ball going for a second run that would have tied the game and led to a super over.

South Africa’s score of 177 for eight in their 20 overs was boosted by Temba Bavuma’s 43 from 27 balls, his runs coming in an unfamiliar opening position.

Jamaican Williams to stand in Women’s T20 World Cup

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – West Indies umpire Jacqueline Williams is among a record six women match officials named by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for this month’s Women’s Twenty World Cup in Australia.

Marian Academy dubs Inter-school Mixed Relay Championship a success MARIAN Academy is calling their recently hosted Inter-school Mixed Relay Championship, which was held at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary a major success.

The project is a component of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations for the fifth-form students who are preparing to write the 2020 Examination, and was solely sponsored by Strategic Recruitment Solutions (SRS) Inc. There were 14 races of a total of 11 events, which included U-14 4x100m, U-16 4x100m, U-18 4x100m, U-14 4x400m, U-16 4x400m, U-18 4x400m, U-14 800m Medley, U-16 1500m Medley, U-18

29

West Indies umpire Jacqueline Williams

The 43-year-old Jamaican, who has already stood in five One-Day Internationals and six T20 Internationals, joins fellow umpires Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Claire Polosak and Sue Redfern, with India’s GS Lakshmi poised to become the first women’s match referee at a global ICC event.

Williams will stand in the high-stakes tournament opener on February 21 in Sydney between reigning champions Australia and

powerhouse India.

Adrian Griffith, the ICC’s senior manager for umpires and referees, hailed the historic development, noting it was a massive step for the women’s game.

“This is the largest complement of women match officials at a single event, and the progress we have made is heartening,” said Griffith, the former Barbados batsman and West Indies Test opener.

“We have endeavoured to provide opportunities to women officials based on merit, and it is because of their skillset and hard work that they have graduated to the top level.

“We appoint the best match officials for an event and are pleased we have the right mix. I wish all match officials at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup the very best and am confident we will have smooth adjudication of the matches.”

Williams is one of two West Indies umpires down to officiate during the February 21 to March 8 tournament, with Barbadian Gregory Brathwaite also included.

The 50-year-old Brathwaite has stood in 44 ODIs and 28 T20Is.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

Taylor urges Windies to repeat 2016 intensity

Australia players celebrate with the trophy after defeating India in the women’s T20 Tri-series final in Melbourne

Australia beat India by 11 runs to win women’s tri-series final MELBOURNE, Australia India opener Smriti Mandhana’s 37-ball 66 went in vain as Australia claimed the tri-nation women’s T20 series with a gritty 11-run win following a sensational five-wicket haul by spinner Jess Jonassen here yesterday.

Set a target of 156, India were all out for 144 after being 115 for three in the 15th over.

Seasoned left-arm spinner Jonassen was the star of the show with brilliant figures of 5 for 12 in four overs, making her only the third Australian bowler to return a five-for in the women’s T20 format.

“It was a really good all-round performance.

Getting Mandhana was the game-changer, she was

whacking us all over the park,” said Australian captain Meg Lanning.

Opting to bat, Australia managed to post 155 for six in their stipulated 20 overs.

Chasing a challenging target, Mandhana was up to the task at hand and smashed 12 boundaries in her knock at the Junction Oval.

However, Mandhana’s dismissal in the 15th over, caught brilliantly by Nicola Carey in the deep mid-wicket, turned the match in Australia’s favour as they put the brakes on India’s scoring while at the same time taking wickets.

It was the departure of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, in the 16th over, which dashed India’s hopes of a victory.

“In the last three overs

we couldn’t take the pressure and ended up losing wickets,” said Harmanpreet, reflecting on the loss.

Earlier in the day, India’s Rajeshwari Gayakwad leaked 19 runs in the last over to let Australia off the hook and post a challenging total.

Opener Beth Mooney, who was adjudged playerof-the-series for her 208 runs in the event, top-scored for the hosts with an aggressive 71, off 54 balls, hitting nine boundaries at the Junction Oval.

At the end of the 19th over, Australia were finding it difficult to free their arms at 136 for five.

However, Mooney and Rachael Haynes (18 off 7 balls) hit out in the last six balls to prop up Australia, ruining left-

arm spinner Gayakwad’s day.

Opting to bat, Australia were dealt an early blow when Alyssa Healy (4) was dismissed in the very first over of the summit clash by Deepti Sharma, extending the wicketkeeper’s woeful run with the bat.

Mooney found an ally in Ashleigh Gardner (26), with whom the opener added 52 runs for the second wicket, and then Lanning, who also made 26 during a 51-run third-wicket stand.

Deepti, who opened the bowling, finished with impressive figures of 2-30 in her four-over spell, while Gayakwad had 2-32.

India’s 16-year-old Richa Ghosh made her first appearance for India, scoring 17 off 23 balls.

(Times of India)

Home team Enmore CCCC to clash with Lusignan SC in Banks Beer 100-ball final THE Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) will host rivals and defending champions Lusignan Sports Club on Sunday in the final of the Banks Beer 100-ball bash.

The competition, which was held over from 2019, will culminate under lights.

According to information from the club, Sunday would be a packed day for cricket at Enmore. Prior to the final, which is scheduled for a 19:00hrs start; Enmore Masters team will battle Floodlights XI from 12:00hrs, followed by the competition’s third-place clash between Lusignan East and Strathavon SC at 14:30hrs.

Meanwhile at 18:00hrs, East Coast Cricket Committee will host an award and presentation ceremony.

SEMI-FINALS The two teams, who also met in the 2018 final, claimed relatively easy victories last Sunday at the same venue, in the semi-finals of the competition.

Enmore CCCC defeated Strathavon SC by 61 runs and Lusignan SC got the better of Lusignan East by eight wickets in their respective semi-finals.

In the inaugural competition, Lusignan SC defeated Enmore CCCC, but since both teams have been unbeaten in this

competition, Enmore will no doubt fancy their chances, especially after having defeated a strong Lusignan team in the final of the 40-over format earlier this year.

This competition com-

menced last October among 20 teams on the East Coast of Demerara.

Enmore had raced to 1457 from their 100 balls in the final-four battle, with Imran Hassan hitting 61, V. Ram-

ECCCC captain B. Ramkelawan (left) and Lusignan SC captain Shazam Ali will both fancy their chances in the final

lakhan 27 and B. Ramkelawan 23; M. Ronald took 4-34 for Strathavon SC, who were then dismissed for 84 in the final over.

For ECCCC, Chaitram Balgobin took 2-14 and Satash Jainarine 2-11.

In the second semi-finals, Lusignan East were bowled out for 96 in the final over. T. Persaud scored 33 while K. Amsterdam added 21. V. Doodnauth, C. Ramraj, V. Ramjeet and R. Williams each took two wickets for Lusignan. Lusignan SC’s run chase was led by an unbeaten 64 from Robin Williams and an unbeaten 25 from Ramjeet. A. Sammy took 2-14 for Lusignan East.

For the final, ECCCC team includes: B. Ramkelawan (capt.), Yuvraj Dayal, Satash Jainarine, Amir Khan, Imran Hassan, Ranjeet Hiralall, Rudolph Singh, Vishwanuth Ramlakhan, Chris Surat, Navindra Gobin, Hemraj Garbarran, Chaitram Balgobin and Vivikanand Ishwardin.

Meanwhile Lusignan SC consists of Shazam Ali (capt.), Rajpaul Basdeo, Robin Williams, Vishnu Ramjeet, Gavin Boodwah, Kumar Bishundial, Azad Mohamed, Vickram Doodnauth, Chaterpaul Ramraj, Somnauth Bharrat, Steve Ramdas, Jadesh Dowlatram and Deokarran Kumar.

BRISBANE, Australia (CMC) – West Indies skipper Stafanie Taylor says her side need to repeat the intensity of their title-winning campaign four years ago, in order to prevail at the Twenty20 World Cup starting later this month.

The Caribbean stunned multiple-time champions Australia in the final of the 2016 tournament in Kolkata to lift their first-ever world title.

“I have played a lot of games over the years but the memories of India 2016 stand out so much,” said Taylor.

“Looking back on it, I’m just hoping that we can replicate it again this year - both the feeling that we had as a team and the impact that individual players had on the tournament from start to finish.”

She added: “Four years ago was a perfect storm for us. We really wanted to win, and I think we left all we had on the field throughout the tournament, especially in the final against Australia.”

Captain Stafanie Taylor hoping for intensity from her West Indies side

West Indies Women failed get out of the group stage of the inaugural tournament in 2009 but were good enough to reach the semi-finals the following year at home before losing to New Zealand.

They were beaten by the Aussies in the semi-finals of the 2012 tournament in Sri Lanka, suffered the same fate two years later in Bangladesh, before achieving success in 2016.

“We had never made it beyond the semi-finals before, while they (Australia) were looking to win the title for the fourth successive time, so we

knew it would be a really big challenge for us,” Taylor explained.

“But we went out there and did it for our country, creating memories that we won’t forget.”

She continued: “This time around, we just need to do that again, play our game and push until the last ball to see how far that can take us. Winning the title and bringing the trophy back to the West Indies would be success for us.”

West Indies failed in the defence of their title at home in 2018 after losing to Australia in the semi-finals.

The Windies’ fortunes have taken a turn for the worse of recent, however, losing nine of their last 11 T20 Internationals while also failing to win a single game during that period.

They received a boost for tournament with the inclusion of world-rated all-rounder Deandra Dottin who has not played international cricket in a year due to injury and subsequent surgery.

Taylor believes Dottin’s return and that of the new-ball pair of Shamilia Connell and Shakera Selman – both have recovered from injury – will improve the Windies’ performances.

“We have some exciting players in the team. Deandra Dottin is back after a long time out injured, and we have seen what she is capable of producing at previous T20 World Cups,” Taylor pointed out.

“She is a very important player with both bat and ball, she gives you all the options, and her experience is something we’ll be looking for.

“We also welcome back some other absent players.

Shamilia Connell and Shakera Selman had both been sidelined with injuries.”

West Indies will do battle in Group B alongside the likes of England, Pakistan, South Africa and minnows Thailand, and Taylor said she expected the campaign to be a competitive one.

“These are the best teams in the world that are all set for an exciting competition,” she noted.

“It’s going to be a challenge, we as a team know that, but we need to make sure that we focus on ourselves and not what is going on around us. That will be the way for us to be successful over the next few weeks.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, February 13, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK

BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

(1) NZ/PAK/BANG/IND (2) PAK & NZ

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who scored most runs in the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2020?

(2) Who took most wickets?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 13, 2020

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National U-20 midfielder Javier George on the attack against River’s View FC in the final training match

Guyana squad reduced to 15 players for CONCACAF 27 U-20 Qualifiers PAGE

MVP Sports backs Magnum Mash Cup

PAGE

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... Semi-finals on this weekend

From left: Troy Lambert, Ian Ramdeo, Esan Griffith, Edison Jefford and Kevin Layne

Reports: Kobe, Gianna Bryant laid to rest 26

July 27, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kobe Bryant is pictured with his daughter Gianna at the WNBA All Star Game at Mandalay Bay Events Center (Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports/File photo)

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020