Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_02_20_2020

THURSDAY 20th February, 2020

' No.105916

Economy grew by 4.7% in 2019 SEE PAGE 03

‌Jordan says growth highest recorded since 2014

--rice, construction and tourism responsible for performance

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, on behalf of President David Granger on Wednesday commissioned a $64.5 million water supply system in Paramakatoi, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), which is expected to bring much-needed relief to approximately 1200 residents. The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Paramakatoi Village Council signed an agreement in 2017 to source potable water, after residents identified two springs near the Paramakatoi Mountain, as a possible solution to their water woes. In this Ministry of the Presidency photo, Mrs. Granger fills a bottle of water from the newly-commissioned system. Minister of Communities, Mr. Ronald Bulkan (fifth from right) and Regional Chairman, Mr. Bonaventure Fredericks (sixth from right) are among those looking on

Sod turned for US$100M 20 Hilton Hotel at Ogle PAGE

President commissions $20M staff quarters for GPHC 15 PAGE

Exxon says spent over $45B on local business to date 02

Guyana can now test for Coronavirus

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Exxon says spent over $45B on local business to date

ExxonMobil has reported that from 2015 to present, it has spent GY $45.7 billion on hundreds of local vendors with more GY$24 billion being spent directly on over 700 Guyanese vendors in 2019 alone.

In a release on Wednesday, the oil company noted that the 700 vendors benefitting in 2019 provided goods and services ranging from food to engineering and the figure spent represents a 74 per cent increase in expenditure compared to GY$14 billion in 2018.

The company also disclosed that the number of Guyanese supporting ExxonMobil Guyana’s exploration,

development and production activities has grown by 77 per cent in 2019, representing more than half of the total workforce.

“There are now nearly 1,900 Guyanese supporting the company’s activities,” the release stated.

Much of this was made possible through the Centre for Local Business Development (Centre) established by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd, an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation in collaboration with DAI Global, LLC. Recently, the Center released a list of planned 2020 tenders to provide goods or services related to Exxon-

Mobil Guyana and its prime contractors.

The list was uploaded to the Centre’s Supplier Registration Portal and supplements ongoing efforts to provide Guyanese businesses information regarding upcoming opportunities available in the oil and gas industry.

The act is comparable to the request in Guyana’s recently completed Local Content Policy that Operators provide an annual procurement plan ahead of schedule so that Guyanese contractors can position themselves, in advance, to benefit.

Planning is underway for another Supplier Forum later

this year which will allow for direct engagement with ExxonMobil Guyana and its prime Contractors.

“Local suppliers are important to the success of our operations, and through the Centre, we continue to strengthen the capabilities of Guyanese businesses; improving their competitiveness and the country’s overall industrial base,” President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Rod Henson said in the release.

ExxonMobil stated that the Centre continues to be a reliable resource for information on safety, technical standards, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and project-specific

information. It also provides mentoring, access to financial support services and business-to-business networking opportunities. It was established in 2017, to assist small and medium-sized Guyanese businesses build capacity and improve their competitiveness and more than 2,100 Guyanese business are registered through the Center to date.

In keeping with its mandate, the it has provided coaching and mentorship to more than 450 businesses. Currently, 15 Guyanese companies are receiving mentorship for ISO 9001 compliance, while four companies were certi-

fied and one company has reached compliancy. “Using a multi-tiered approach, ExxonMobil focuses on building workforce and supplier capabilities as well as strategic community investment. Continued growth of local content is exactly what we want to see as we continue to partner with Guyana,” Henson indicated. He expects that a steady phased approach to future development projects such as Liza Phase 2 and potentially Payara will help further progress local content in Guyana.

Two homeless after Campbellville house collapses TWO women are now homeless as a result of the collapse of their two-storey dwelling at First Street, Campbellville, around noon on Wednesday.

According to initial reports given to the fire service by neighbours, the 65-yearold occupant of the home, Florence Barker may have been trapped in the rubble.

However, during the process of sorting through the rubble, it was confirmed that the woman was in fact safe at the home of a relative.

One of the neighbours said that the house collapsed “in the wink of an eye,” stating that although it was expected because the house was old and had been leaning for some time, no one could have predicted that it would have happened when it did.

Divisional Fire Officer

Divisional Fire Officer with responsibility for Operations, Gregory Wickham, on a call from Florence Barker, confirming her safety – Delano Williams photo

with responsibility for Operations, Gregory Wickham, spoke to reporters at the scene, saying, “We received a call that a structure had collapsed and two persons were said to be in the structure.

“On arrival, those first responders, they began searching manually and

then we managed to get the aid of an equipment from a private contractor to remove some of the overburden; and when that overburden was being removed, we got a phone call that the individual, was not in the structure, but [was] with some relative,” Wickham said.

The remains of the two-storey structure – Delano Williams photo

Several remanded for illegal possession of firearm -- robber who raided headteacher’s home also remanded SIX persons have been remanded for possession of firearm and ammunition without licence. The men remanded are Clive Davis called “Gary”, 37, of No. 76 Housing Scheme; Suresh Kumar, 49; Paul Wilson called “Lil Buck”, 22, a labourer; Vishaul Persaud called “Sono”,27, a fisherman; Kwame Bhagwandin, 36, a labourer; and David Melville called “Melville”, 43, a labourer. The latter five are residents of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam.

They appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore, on Monday, at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court and were

remanded to prison until March 19 when they are expected to face several other charges.

The arrests stemmed from an intelligence-led operation at a roadblock at Number 51 Village on the night of February 13.

During a search of the vehicle, police discovered hoodies, rubber and latex gloves.

An unlicensed pistol, with nine live ammunition, was disposed of by one of the six occupants of the vehicle.

According to reliable sources, one of the suspects later confessed to investigators of committing a robbery under arms on the Chenick’s Super-

market, East Canje, where six armed men with guns, including high-powered weapons, stormed the business place and carried away a safe with an undisclosed sum of cash.

During the ordeal, the owner, along with his young nephew, was brutalised. The robbers reportedly discharged 25 shots during their raid.

Meanwhile, Ryan Odel, 19, of Rose Hall Town, has been charged with the robbery committed on Lancaster headmistress, Shireen Ali, on February 13, at her residence. Some $2.4 M worth in jewellery was stolen from the woman.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Economy grew by 4.7 % in 2019 …Jordan says growth highest recorded since 2014 --rice, construction and tourism responsible for performance

FUELLED by the investments in the new oil and gas sector and the performance of traditional industries, the local economy continues to grow and has recorded positive economic growth of 4.7 per cent for 2019, the highest domestic growth since 2014.

While there has been positive growth from 2015, economic growth has been cumulative since 2017, moving from 2.1 per cent in that year to 3.8 per cent in 2018 and to 4.7 per cent last year.

The growth recorded last year was more than the projected 4.6 per cent.

“The 4.7 per cent growth that we had last year was in spite of poor performances of sugar and bauxite…sometimes the negative reports overshadow what is positive,” said Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, as he shared the ‘positive’ performance with investors and officials during the sod-turning exercise for the Hilton Hotel, aback Ogle, on Wednesday.

Guyana has been dependent on the performance of a few commodities over the years, but Jordan said there seems to be a shift in this dependence, since the positive growth was due to successes in the rice, construction and tourism industries.

The ability of those sectors, to fuel economic growth, shows that the economy has been moving away from traditional products and into a new direction.

“We need to recognise the performance of those sectors…it comes on the heel of positive performances in spite of yearly challenges…

Guyana continues to grow and with the exception of the year we had one per cent growth, every year we had growth

in excess of three per cent,” said Minister Jordan, noting that this performance was as a result of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition government’s strategic plans and investments.

The minister said government had established a regime that will be attractive enough to both local and foreign investors. Investments have been continuous over the past year despite the current political conditions.

Jordan said investors have flooded the local market despite the political conditions and this, he said, is surprising because investors like political stability and they would often wait for the “dust to settle.”

“I am, however, happy that we are attracting investors…as you look around you can see development and continued investments…those features are all around, 10 days before elections,” said the minister, adding that it shows that the coalition government has laid the foundation for investments to flow.

In pointing out some of the recent investments, the minister said the sod was recently turned for the construction of Hilton and AC Marriott hotels at Ogle; and First Bauxite will be opened today at Bonasika.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath-London, also highlighted some of the impending investments during his remarks at the sod-turning exercise.

Heath-London said prominent Guyanese businessman, Danny Shaw, who was responsible for the Windsor Estate Providence development, will soon turn the sod for the

Windsor Estate East Coast Development.

Additionally, local Cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen, is leading a group of Guyanese doctors who will be investing in a state-of-the-art specialty

CEO of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London

hospital complex, which is geared at offering several specialised services. Some of the services which will be offered are cardiac, cancer and urology, all geared at ensuring that Guyanese are no longer forced to seek certain specialised treatment abroad.

“This certainly is a testimony that NICIL continues to deliver…it reinforces the point that Guyanese investors are continuing to have a part of the pie,” said Heath-London.

Heath-London’s point about benefits for locals was reinforced by Minister Jordan, who said none of those projects will utilise taxpayers’ money.

“We are not taking taxpayers’ money and building hotels and borrowing loans that attract commercial interest, to build hotels…this was the case with the Marriott Hotel under the previous administration, when they sold off the profitable shares in GTT, borrowed

US$30M from Republic Bank and used taxpayers’ money,” said the minister, adding that the coalition government inherited the bill and it is taxpayers’ money that is repaying the loan.

Jordan said such a model is not one which the coalition government will replicate, and they will instead create conditions to ensure that businesses make profits, but at the same time establish regulations that will protect the environment, protect workers and grow the economy.

New York-based stock market, NASDAQ, had listed Guyana as the fastest growing economy in the world. According to NASDAQ, Guyana’s projected growth rate from 2018-2021 is 16.3 per cent.

The stock market said that with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) size of $3.63B (2018 Rank: 160), a growth rate of 4.1 per cent in 2018 and 4.6 per cent in 2019, Guyana’s economy is expected to grow by 33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

Those projections are contained in a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which stated that Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by approximately 86 per cent in 2020, almost 20 times more than the projected 4.4 per cent growth for this year.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has also forecasted a staggeringly-high growth rate for Guyana next year. ECLAC noted that Guyana’s growth rate is pegged at 4.5 per cent for this year, while next year it will be 85.5 per cent.

A report from Bloomberg

Several remanded for illegal ...

Odel appeared before Magistrate Moore at the Whim’s Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday when the charge was read to him. He was remanded to prison and is expected to return to court soon to face an additional charge for possession of house-breaking implements.

Odel, along with three others, was

arrested by police on February 14 on the Tain Public Road after their vehicle was searched and a ski-mask, cutlass and a crowbar were found.

Based on information received, the suspects allegedly relayed information which led to the arrest of a Rose Hall Town businessman and his son, who is said to be a vendor of stolen items

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while the son is alleged to have been using the father’s licensed firearm to commit robberies.

Several items were found in the son’s bedroom which he could not give account for during a search by police. Several persons detained by police were released on bail pending charges.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (Adrian Narine photos)

stated that with such figures, Guyana’s GDP will grow 14 times as fast as China’s next year.

Further projections by the IMF showed that real GDP will grow by 4.8 per cent in 2021, 20.6 per cent in 2022 and 26.2 per cent in 2023.

Guyana’s $4B annual GDP is also expected to expand to about $15B by 2024, said the IMF. The financial institution said the commencement of oil production will substantially improve Guyana’s medium and long-term outlook. Guyana is projected to be among the world’s largest per-capita oil producers by 2025.

The oil sector is projected to grow rapidly, accounting for around 40 per cent of GDP by 2024 and supporting

additional fiscal spending annually of 6.5 per cent of non-oil GDP on average over the medium term, which will help meet critical social and infrastructure needs.

ECLAC said the Guyana Government will receive approximately 14.5 per cent of all oil revenue in 2020.

In addition to potential oil revenues, there has already been a notable increase in the Foreign Direct Investments here. According to ECLAC, Guyana took in US$495M in FDIs in 2018, which was more than double what it had received in 2017.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 20, 2020

Julian Assange: Trump ‘offered pardon for Russia denial’ A witness in Julian Assange’s extradition hearing will claim President Donald Trump offered the Wikileaks founder a pardon if he said Russia was not involved in leaking emails during the US election.

Assange’s barrister revealed the claim at Westminster Magistrates’ Court ahead of an extradition hearing next week.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled the witness’s evidence admissible.

The White House said the claim is “a complete fabrication and a total

lie”.

Assange is facing extradition to the US on 18 charges over leaked diplomatic cables.

He faces up to 175 years in prison if found guilty.

His barrister, Edward Fitzgerald QC, told the court there was evidence alleging that former US Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher made the pardon offer.

Mr Rohrabacher visited the Ecuadorian embassy in August 2017, where Assange was staying, he said.

Mr Fitzgerald said a

statement from Assange’s lawyer Jennifer Robinson shows “Mr Rohrabacher going to see Mr Assange and saying, on instructions from the president, he was offering a pardon or some other way out, if Mr Assange... said Russia had nothing to do with the DNC leaks.”

Responding to the claims, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said: “The President barely knows Dana Rohrabacher other than he’s an ex-congressman.

He’s never spoken to him on this subject or almost any subject.

“It is is a complete fabrication and a total lie.”

A series of embarrassing emails leaked from the Democratic National Congress (DNC) and the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign were hacked before being published by WikiLeaks in 2016.

The US Department of Justice later charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with the hack.

The 18 charges faced

by Assange include conspiring to commit computer intrusion, and relate to the publication of hundreds of thousands of classified documents leaked by former US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning a decade ago.

His extradition hearing is due to begin at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, beginning with a week of legal argument.

It is then due to be adjourned before resuming on May 18 with three weeks of evidence.

Assange has been held on remand in Belmarsh prison since last September, after serving a 50week jail sentence for breaching bail conditions.

He went into the Ecuadorian embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden on allegations of sexual offences, which he always denied and which were later dropped. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 20, 2020

US blacklists Russian oil firm for helping Maduro The US has sought to increase financial pressure on Venezuela by blacklisting a subsidiary of Russia’s state-controlled Rosneft oil giant.

The move freezes any US-held assets of the Switzerland-based Rosneft Trading SA and its chairman, Didier Casimiro.

The firm is accused of helping President Nicolás Maduro to evade US sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry.

The US accuses Mr Maduro of leading a corrupt and brutal regime, a charge

he has repeatedly rejected.

Oil dominates Venezuela’s economy, accounting for almost all of its export earnings. But oil production in Venezuela has collapsed in recent years, and the country is in a deep economic crisis.

The US is backing opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who last year declared himself interim president.

Earlier this month, the US imposed sanctions on Venezuela’s state-run airline Conviasa, saying the company was being used

to “shuttle corrupt officials around the world”.

Meanwhile Russia, a key backer of President Maduro, has pledged to boost economic and military co-operation with the government in Caracas.

The sanctions were announced by the US treasury on Tuesday.

“Rosneft Trading SA and its president brokered the sale and transport of Venezuelan crude oil,” Trade Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

“The United States is determined to prevent the

looting of Venezuela’s oil assets by the corrupt Maduro regime,” he added.

The statement said that the US sanctions “need not be permanent and are intended to change behaviour”.

“The United States has made it clear that we will consider lifting sanctions for those who take concrete, meaningful, and verifiable actions to support democratic order in Venezuela,” the statement said.

Rosneft and Rosneft Trading SA were already the subject of US restric-

EU puts Cayman Islands on tax haven blacklist

The European Union has added the Cayman Islands, a UK overseas territory, to its tax havens blacklist.

It joins Oman, Fiji and Vanuatu, which have also been accused of failing to crack down on tax abuse.

Oxfam, which lobbies for tax reform, said the EU’s move was “encouraging” but many more places should be blacklisted.

As well as the Cayman Islands, additions this year include Panama, Palau and the Seychelles.

The EU said the Cayman Islands, which has no income tax, capital gains tax or corporation tax, does not have “appropriate measures” in place to prevent tax abuse, allowing firms to register there despite having minimal presence in the

territory.

The jurisdiction was previously on a ‘’grey list’’ that gave it time to introduce new laws to tackle tax deficiencies.

But it did not implement the “economic substance” reforms by the deadline as promised, the EU said.

Cayman Islands’ Premier, Alden McLaughlin, said the government

has approved many reforms sought by the EU and has already contacted the EU about the process of being removed from the blacklist.

A lobby group for the

Cayman financial services industry said it is hopeful a reversal will happen in the “not too distant future”. (BBC)

tions relating to Russia’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine that erupted in 2014.

Neither Rosneft nor its trading arm have so far publicly spoken on the issue.

But the Russian foreign ministry condemned the sanctions.

“Russia categorically does not accept unilateral restrictive measures by which the US, striving for global hegemony, is trying to subjugate the whole world to its will,” the ministry said in a statement (in Russian).

It added that the sanctions would not be able to influence Russian policies

towards Venezuela or any other country.

Mr Maduro narrowly won a presidential election in April 2013 after the death of his mentor, President Hugo Chávez.

He was elected to a second term in May 2018 in an election seen as flawed by international observers.

Venezuela has experienced economic collapse - inflation was 800,000% last year - and three million people have left the country.

Mr Guaidó has accused President Maduro of being unfit for office. He has won the support of many in the country as well as US and EU leaders. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 20, 2020

Addressing squatting and needs of depressed communities PRESIDENT David Granger recently announced his government’s intention to set up a squatter resettlement commission to, among other measures, relocate citizens living in slums and ultimately lift them out of poverty which might have afflicted them for years. There are scores of squatter settlements across the country, all of which sprung up under the PPP/C administration, especially during the presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo.

Incidentally back in May 2001, then Opposition Leader Hugh Desmond Hoyte and the then President Jagdeo signed an agreement to, among other things, address the needs of identified depressed communities. While the country may have had an economic programme at the time, it did not have a direct, positive impact in communities across the country, thus giving rise to the need for special attention to the under-served to improve their socio-economic circumstances.

Oftentimes, tackling poverty alleviation, though it may form part of a national programme, requires a focused approach that would result in conceptualising and planning programmes to meet unique needs. , President Granger’s announcement of the squatter resettlement and his stated intention to ensure that every family has a roof over their heads, fits into this thinking. For instance, of primary importance to Plastic City which is a depressed, thrownup community, would be a Relocation Programme or as announced by the President, a Resettlement Commission to identify house lots for the construction of homes. The needs of Buxton, on the other hand, which was one of the identified communities as well as Non-Pareil/ Enterprise, De Kinderen and Meten-Meer-Zorg, would more likely be addressing the hindrance to farming.

Unfortunately, then President Jagdeo never honoured the May 2001 agreement in its entirety and in the absence of the needed attention, conditions in these communities deteriorated. Since 2001 several other communities have fallen into the depressed category.

Government, in collaboration with Food For The Poor, recently removed dozes of families who were living in squalor on Lombard Street to a more habitable community along the East Bank of Demerara. In failing to tackle poverty and its concomitant social ills in a concerted manner, the deprivations would be more severe.

Inaction on the part of the PPP/C government meant that the communities at reference have been allowed to become dependent on other communities that directly benefit from the macro-economic programme. In the case of Buxton, much of its farmlands had become idle due to poor access roads and drainage. Consequently, this had impacted the community’s ability for self-sufficiency in food, resulting in villagers becoming dependent on other communities to provide them with what they are quite capable of providing for themselves.

The under-utilisation of lands had created other disadvantages in areas such as employment and economic opportunities, which in turn have implications for development for self, community, and nation. The challenges residents in Plastic City face have a far-reaching impact on the nation’s health. In this community, which has sprung up in Vreed-en-Hoop in response to a housing crisis, residents are living in shacks and on the shoreline.

As the sea tide rises, the water runs under their homes, taking with it wherever it goes whatever faeces it picks up along the way.

There is not only an absence of running water, but the likelihood of contracting water-borne diseases that can escalate into a health crisis. President Jagdeo has had a decade in office since signing the agreement and could have used the opportunity to develop these communities. When attention is paid to some communities while others are ignored, development is not only lopsided, but the environment is being created to nurture anti-social behaviours, forced migration, increased poverty and its attendant consequences.

Government must never be seen as being far removed from the realities around it, or insensitive and uncaring to the needs of the least and most vulnerable among us. Since the coalition came into office the Guyana Water Inc has taken potable water to Sophia and scores of Indigenous communities and the Ministry of Infrastructure has constructed a number of roads in the communities which were also considered depressed.

That these things have happened and are happening under the David Granger/ Moses Nagamootoo government can only be seen as steps in a progressive direction. If the government is being guided by the agreement that then President Jagdeo had refused to honour, this would be a constructive approach to governance. If, however, this is not the case, it may be opportune to dust off that agreement and seek to address a plight that is more than a decade overdue and by extension has escalated the deprivations 10-fold. Where Mr. Jagdeo, as President of Guyana, has failed the depressed communities that the government and opposition have both agreed deserve attention, the APNU+AFC government could find it worthwhile to pursue.

Department of Labour affirms justness of Blairmont factory workers protest Dear Editor THE Department of Labour on (Wednesday) February 12 finally delivered its findings and recommendations regarding claims by workers of Blairmont factory over what they felt was discriminatory treatment meted out to them. In October, last year, the workers protested after a former manager, who was re-employed as an artisan, was promoted and capable and able factory workers with several years of service were bypassed for promotion.

While the workers hadn’t any aversion to the promoted worker, they contended that the long-standing system for promotion was deviated from and they sought that the system be adhered to in the interest of fairness.

The union had pointed out that the corporation disregarded its own Personnel Manual which clearly spelt out the process for promotion. The GuySuCo in response,

astonishingly, said it has a right to ignore its own policy. Apart from that, the GAWU demonstrated that the Recognition and the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes was also disobeyed by the corporation. Notwithstanding what we felt were convincing and rational arguments, the sugar company adamantly refused to budge. The situation saw the workers taking protest action as they, undoubtedly, felt they were in the right. The continued action by the workers resulted in the intervention of the Department of Labour which convened conciliatory proceedings.

At the conciliatory level, the union reiterated what it said at the bilateral level and contended that the company was clearly in the wrong and the workers themselves have been wronged. After several months and a number of reminders from the union, the Labour Department on Wednesday invited the parties to present its findings. The conciliator Francis Carryl in his report found that the corporation did not abide by its

own policy. Furthermore, he concluded that the GuySuCo disregarded the legally binding agreement between the union and the corporation. Using several precedents, the conciliator was critical of the corporation’s actions and recommended that the promotion of the worker in question be rescinded. The GAWU, which has just received the full report of the conciliator, is currently considering his findings and recommendations.

Prior to the Labour Department making its views known, the corporation, without any explanation, has transferred the worker in question to Albion estate.

Indeed, the Labour Department through its findings, has upheld the justness of the workers’ struggle to be treated equitably and fairly. For the GAWU, it was upsetting that the workers again must struggle in order to be treated with respect and for the system developed in their interest to be embraced. It is yet another reminder of the dim regard some have for workers’ principled concerns. We

sincerely believe the entire episode could have been avoided; however, the corporation, though having no valid rationale, held on adamantly to what has not been found to be deemed a wrong stand. For us, we cannot comprehend why the corporation went to such lengths, though it must have known that its position could not have stood even the flimsiest film of scrutiny? It would be interesting to know what were its motivation/s.

As we consider the entire incident, we recalled the GuySuCo, according to the January 03, Stabroek News, was critical of the workers of Blairmont Estate for their stance. However, as time has ultimately demonstrated, it was the corporation that should accept wrongdoing and responsibility for the entire state of affairs.

Regards Seepaul Narine General-Secretary, GAWU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 20, 2020

Questionable qualifications of a presidential candidate cannot be ignored

Dear Editor,

THE issue of the PPP’s de facto presidential candidate, Mr. Irfaan Ali’s, qualifications continues to be a major mystery. It is the first time in the history of the republic that the qualifications of a presidential candidate is suspected to be counterfeit.

While the PPP and their friends seem to have no problem with Ali’s questionable qualifications, I consider it a very serious issue.

This is an issue that speaks to the credibility, integrity and moral character of the candidate. Equally, it brings into question the character of the PPP and those who anointed Ali. Let me make it pellucid, I do not claim to know Mr. Irfaan Ali. I have any animosity towards him as a person, and therefore I have no ill feelings or dislike for him. I am sure he must be a good father and husband. Like every other Guyanese who satisfies the constitutional requirements, he too can run for president.

However, I do have a problem with someone who presents himself/ herself as a candidate for political office with a purportedly fraudulent list of credentials/ qualifications. So, I have serious problems with Mr. Ali’s candidacy for this very important reason: the reportedly fraudulent qualifications. The Guyana Constitution is silent on the issue of academic qualifications for presidential candidates, so Mr. Ali had no reason to boast about qualifications he cannot yet prove, he obtained via legitimate scholarly means. There are tons of news reports about him not attaining a first degree but suddenly turning up with a Masters’ Degree. When the cover was blown he claimed to have obtained that first degree from a questionable school on the West Bank of Demerara.

Now, you are hearing that the first degree came from some other foreign university that came into existence some eight years after it is alleged that he attended same. What confusion!

Legitimacy Since Ali claimed the presidential spot of the People’s Progressive Party, he has been burdened by questions regarding the legitimacy of the qualifications he claimed to have earned. These questions will not go away! Ali is not auditioning for a comic show, he has thrown himself up as a presidential candidate for

Guyana, therefore, public scrutiny would be the order of the day. Running for president is serious business, and the office itself must be taken seriously!

Honesty and character matter!

If Mr. Ali cannot be honest with the people on this issue, how can the people trust that he will be honest about matters regarding their livelihoods!

The PPP, Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali have a moral obligation to come clean on this disgraceful charade. To allow Ali to evade this matter and refuse to answer questions by the press regarding same, amounts to a grave insult to the Guyanese people.

This kind of political malpractice is a blatant disrespect to voters and an assault to an intelligent and decent people. Politically, Ali would not survive this scandal in any progressive democratic society. Ali’s qualifications predicament raises serious questions about his candidacy and the moral compass of the People’s Progressive Party.

How can a party subscribe to such a debased moral code! Is this the best the PPP can do?

Is Ali the party’s only choice for president, are the others so unfit for office that they must select someone with such questionable character? I think not, but why have the decent minded members of the PPP remained quiet while Ali is presented as the ultimate “gold standard” of the party! Guyanese must know that while Ali might be the PPP’s “gold standard” or their perception of a model citizen, you do not need to accept him, and your children do not have to emulate him! Cheating is wrong!

Qualifications debacle Editor, Irfaan Ali’s qualifications debacle present both legal and moral challenges for Ali, the PPP and Guyana. However, since the legal challenge is now before the courts, I will stick to the moral implications. Firstly, it is a national disgrace to continue to promote someone for president, with this huge question mark on his character. In a truly democratic party, the PPP would have had to withdraw Ali’s candidacy. The question of when the party became aware of this apparent “fraudulent conversion” is quite pertinent to any investigation. For instance, if Jagdeo and the PPP knew of Ali’s qualifications conundrum prior to his selection, then the party is complicit in this specious scam on the Guyanese people.

On the other hand, if the party found out about Ali’s qualifications woes after he was elevated to the presidential candidate spot, then a decision ought to have been taken to withdraw his candidacy. The PPP’s failure to act accordingly makes the party equally culpable for this moral disgrace! What message are we sending to our children when we refuse to address this matter seriously! Further, what are we saying to politicians generally? Are we promoting fraud, are we endorsing people with unprincipled character? Is the message to our children one which says to them that it is ok to cheat in an examination, you will still be promoted? If for some strange reason Ali becomes president, what will a minister of education in an Ali government do to address any complaint of widespread cheating in national and regional examinations, by the nation’s children? Can he/she honestly denounce such an occurrence, when the head of government himself would be a suspect of committing such acts! It is sad that the interest of the nation’s

children is not even considered when dealing with this shameless situation. Guyana has to be careful with the standards it sets for its leaders, regardless of party affiliation. As a people we are better than this!

Scandal Secondly, this Irfaan Ali qualifications scandal may have lasting implications for Guyana. Can you imagine Ali as president of Guyana with this shameless cloud over his head! Such a reality would make Guyanese the ultimate laughing stock of the Region and the world! To elect a man with questionable qualifications and 19 fraud charges as president may question the moral character of the nation! How would regional and world leaders, view and interact with Ali, with the question mark qualifications and 19 fraud charges! Imagine the apprehension and the questions that may linger in their minds. If a man cannot be honest about his own qualifications, how can he honestly conduct business in the interest of his nation?

Guyanese, this is a very se-

rious matter! Unlike some, I do not take it lightly as I am too concerned about the lessons our children will be learning from this scandal and the precedents being set.

We have to be mindful of the moral barriers we are prepared to lower in the interest of partisan politics. This issue is bigger than Ali. There are many PPP supporters who are decent-minded people; they love their children, as I love mine. They will want their children to subscribe to high moral values, like I hope for mine. I know that they do not endorse cheating or acquiring qualifications by fraudulent means. They are not like some of the party’s supporters on social media who are claiming that the matter of Ali’s qualification is not important. They are the minority. I therefore, call on the majority of PPP supporters to put your children first, put them before any political candidate’s personal interest.

Your children matter, the children of Guyana matter!

We must be concerned about the realities we present to

our children and the stance we take on matters of such grave moral import! Truth matter! Morality matter!

Your silence on this issue may send the wrong messages to your children. Don’t wait when you may want to run for president to denounce Ali, because your non-response now will be judged against you at that time. Ali has to come clean on his qualifications. I am sorry that the court may not hear the matter on this important issue until after March 2, 2020. If he is cleared and there is proof that he has obtained his qualifications via non-fraudulent means, I am prepared to recant my views here. Until then, I still see him as a candidate with a huge moral baggage, not fit to be the standard bearer of Guyana. I will leave the 19 fraud charges for another time. However, that too is a disqualifying. One charge is too many! We can do better than this!

Regards Lurlene Nestor

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Irfaan’s qualifications…

Jagdeo asks High Court to strike out citizens' application

By Clestine Juan

THE People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) General-Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo has filed an action in the High Court for an order to strike out an application which was made by two citizens for him to provide the qualification antecedents of PPP/C presidential candidate Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The application, which will be heard by Justice Franklyn Holder, was filed by attorney-at-law and PPP/C party member Anil Nandlall against the two citizens Dianna Deravinee Rajcumar and Phillip Marcus.

On February 7, 2020, attorney-at-law Stephen Lewis on behalf of the two private citizens, had filed an application seeking a declaration that they are entitled to know the qualification antecedents of candidate Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The PPP/C presidential candidate is allegedly being accused of academic fraud.

It is alleged that he used a fake transcript to pursue a Master’s degree programme at an Indian university and the University of Sunderland.

The respondents in that case are Jagdeo, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM.) and the Attorney

General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams.

Another order is that Jagdeo produce Ali’s first degree certificate and transcripts for any first degree; information pertaining to the name of the university or institution from which he obtained his first degree; information concerning the nature of study completed in relation to any first degree; information setting out whether the candidate Mohamed Irfaan Ali was issued with a certificate of graduation, which states that it was issued by the Business College, West Demerara Chamber of Commence within seven(7) days of the date of the Order.

Additionally, Jagdeo must also produce within seven days a copy of any transcript issued by the said Business College, the West Demerara Chamber in respect of a BA Degree in Planning; information on whether any degree was obtained by Irfaan Ali from the University of Sunderland; a copy of the certificate, along with a transcript from the university.

The two citizens are also seeking an order against GECOM to confer the above documents, which was conferred on the candidate Mohamed Irfaan Ali, which will be examined by them.

The two citizens have listed 11 grounds for their application to the High Court.

The two citizens had ob-

PPP/C General-Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, and presidential candidate Irfaan Ali

served several articles in the daily newspapers, wherein Irfaan Ali refused to be forthright in his answer to questions and the provision of information surrounding his qualifications. Thus, they are now requesting clarification on his qualifications.

Additionally, they claim that they are entitled to know the education antecedents of the candidates to assess, process and interpret along with others with information, before deciding to vote for a candidate.

The application is also contending that GECOM is empowered with the respon-

Exercise greater vigilance for inappropriate content …GNBA to broadcasters CONSEQUENT upon some citizens making inappropriate remarks during live call-in programmes, the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is urging broadcasters to be especially vigilant during the elections period.

The GNBA in a press release said that it is cognisant of the reality that during the elections period tensions and emotions are heightened.

Thus, it is the responsibility of broadcasters to ensure that broadcast content reflects the principles and core tenets outlined in the Broadcasting Act of 2011.

The GNBA added that it continues to record instances when callers make inappropriate remarks during live call-in pro-

grammes and programme moderators fail to caution callers against inflammatory content or to immediately discontinue such calls.

The authority reminded radio stations of the need for stations to incorporate a delay mechanism to screen inappropriate content. Broadcasters are reminded also that they are accountable under the Broadcasting Act and Broadcasting Licence for all content that is broadcast.

Further, the GNBA has observed recently that some stations are airing live political rallies; it is also cognisant of the provision for freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of Guyana, together with the accepted understanding that election campaigns provide an occa-

sibility to exercise general direction and supervision over registration of the electors and the administrative con-

sion whereby political views and positions on governance are freely expressed as part of the democratic process.

However, utterances that are designed to, or are likely to incite public clamorous behaviour, racial mistrust and misinformation, should be avoided by broadcasters.

Airing live political meetings leaves the broadcaster exposed to broadcasting violations under the Broadcasting Act, which does not cater for the latitude of language used at live political rallies.

Finally, the GNBA said that it remains optimistic that broadcasters will incorporate the necessary systems and practices at their respective stations to ensure that broadcast content is effectively reviewed before screening during this sensitive period in the country.

duct of elections of members of the National Assembly, and to take such action as appears to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness, and compliance with the provisions of the constitution of Guyana or any act of Parliament, and therefore has the authority to require information from and in relation to candidates.

However, Jagdeo and his lawyer wasted no time and moved to the High Court and quickly filed an action seeking an order striking out the Fixed Date Application filed by the two citizens, which they claim does not disclose

any reasonable ground for bringing such claims and is “scandalous, frivolous and vexatious and is an abuse of the court’s process.”

Nandlall is arguing in his action that Ali is duly qualified by virtue of Article 90 of the Constitution of Guyana to be elected President and that the GECOM has already accepted the PPP/C List of Candidates for the March 2, 2020, National and Regional Elections on which list Mr. Ali is identified as the party’s presidential candidate. He is also a Citizen of Guyana by birth.

The application also contended that Ali is also qualified to be elected as a Member of the National Assembly and indeed, was a member of the Ninth, 10th, and 11th Parliaments of Guyana. He is also a former Minister of Housing, Water, Trade and Industry and he was also the Head of the Public Accounts Committee of the 11th Parliament of Guyana.

“If the Respondents/Applicants are of the opinion that Mr. Ali is an unsuitable candidate, then they have the right and freedom under the Constitution not to vote for him and indeed, to vote for another presidential candidate or political party of their choice,” the application read.

Against this background, Nandlall is also arguing that Jagdeo has no duty in law to produce to the two citizens any of the documents requested for their perusal and also the two citizens are not entitled in law to any of the reliefs claimed in their application.

The application comes up for hearing on February 27,2020.

Ali has been accused of defrauding the state of some $174M for his role in the notorious Pradoville land-sale scandal. The case is before the Georgetown Magistrates’ court.

The ex-minister was slapped with 19 counts of fraud last November and the charges were laid indictably. The charges read that between 2010 and 2015, Ali conspired with persons unknown to defraud the Government of Guyana when he acted recklessly in presenting the value of 19 plots of state land situated at Plantation Sparendaam and Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, and sold the said lands at a grossly undervalued price without first obtaining a valuation to determine their true value.

Guyana can now test for Coronavirus GUYANA has now joined the list of just a few Caribbean countries able to test for the existence of the coronavirus with the presence of a virologist from the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) in the country.

This was announced by PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow on Wednesday.

“I am happy to let you know that…we are one of the few countries to be able to do our own coronavirus [testing] as of today,” he stated. “He came yesterday and he came with all the [equipment] that he needed and, from today, we can do our own coronavirus testing.”

The virologist is located at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory and medical equipment brought along can also test for yellow fever. The Ministry receives daily updates and advice from PAHO/WHO on the global status of the virus. Dr. Adu-Krow commended the

Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow

government for the proactive preventative measures taken to date.

“The main thing that we advised government is make sure that you are able to find cases early, contain them and manage them. I think the government has done a pretty good job so far. All vehicles and all planes coming from through any of our port of entries staff have been trained [to assess these],” he said.

Since the outbreak, port health authorities at the main official points of entry had

commenced screening of all travellers from high-risk countries. Dr. Adu-Krow is pleased that, to date, there is no case in Guyana and that prudent management is being taken regarding a few persons who recently returned to Guyana from China and were placed under “home monitoring”.

Among the menu of measures put in place by the Ministry of Public Health officials are follow-up assessments via telephone calls and through daily visits over a two-week period on all persons who travelled from China to Guyana over the last month to check on their state of health.

“The government is doing very well with that,” he said.

“The fact that we don’t have a case and we are vigilant and our ports of entry have been tightened is good enough for me.”

He urged Guyanese not to be alarmed about the individuals simply coughing as it is now the flu season and there is no case of the coronavirus in Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

All hands on deck necessary to advance region’s agenda – LaRocque SECRETARY-GENERAL of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said combined and coordinated efforts are needed to advance the region’s agenda when he addressed the 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Barbados on Tuesday.

“Whether it is the imperative of making significant progress with the Single Market and Economy; securing our financial sector; safeguarding our fiscal sovereignty; enhancing our technological capability and capacity; protecting the health and security of our people; expanding our foreign outreach - it is with one goal in mind. We have to build a resilient Caribbean Community,” Ambassador LaRocque told the heads of government.

He said issues such as the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) are critical to the process of further consolidating regional integration, noting that once addressed, the Re-

gional Bloc would be better positioned in an increasingly complex and challenging

Chair of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley

global arena.

However, Ambassador LaRocque warned that significant progress would only be made if all hands are on deck. He said what is needed is an all-inclusive approach that embraces the skills, talents and resources of the public and private sectors, labour, civil society, youth and indeed the entire society.

“It also requires co-operation and assistance from our friends in the International Community. These

combined and co-ordinated efforts will serve us in good stead, as we strive to build that resilience to combat the challenges that we face, most particularly, the existential threat of climate change,” he submitted.

Ambassador LaRocque noted that the decision by the heads of government to engage regularly with the private sector, labour and civil society is an indication of the region’s determination to be more inclusive in its deliberations.

“How can we benefit from the CSME and successfully conduct trade negotiations with third countries without the involvement of the private sector and labour? How can we maximise the use of technology for our development without the innovation and dynamism of the youth?

How can we combat the scourge of crime and violence without the input of ideas and actions from civil society,” he questioned.

In the area of health, the CARICOM Secretary-General challenged the Member States to play their part in

staving off the epidemic of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases and the spread of the global viruses that threaten to engulf us. The latest of these, the coro-

CARICOM SecretaryGeneral, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

navirus, has been deadly, claiming more than a thousand lives globally thus far, he noted, but made it clear that there are no cases in CARICOM. “Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) has deemed the risk to the Caribbean to be low, we adopted a pro-active ap-

proach and convened an emergency meeting of the Ministers of Health on the virus, with participation from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). The Regional Security System has also played a critical role in transporting samples for laboratory testing at CARPHA,” Ambassador LaRocque reported.

Meanwhile, incoming Chair of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, in urging the Regional Leaders to band together to find solutions to the challenges facing the community, recalled that movement across the region in the 1930s faced common challenges and without the benefit of political organisation or labour movements, the people persevered.

Meanwhile, outgoing Chair and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Allen Chas-

tanet, in addition to updating the Regional Leaders on the advances made in addressing issues such as de-risking, reported that a team from the Community observed last December’s general election in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

“We are pleased to see that efforts are underway to resolve contentious issues which arose there in the lead up to the voting,” he reported. He said likewise, a CARICOM delegation will be on duty in Guyana for the upcoming election.

“No doubt, we will, as is customary, provide support to the five other Member States which will be holding elections during the course of 2020. These postings are crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process,” Prime Minister Chastanet said.

The 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM will continue today in Barbados.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 20, 2020

Starkey mission continues to give hope to people with hearing loss

HEARING helps to improve the lives of individuals, their families and communities. It is against this belief by the United States-based Starkey Hearing Foundation that over 300 individuals –children, youths and adults with hearing impairment, were, on Monday, February 17, 2020 outfitted with free hearing devices.

The two-day exercise conducted by a 22-member

team from the Foundation headed by Kurt Richards, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, was held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Carifesta Avenue. They were assisted by volunteers from the Lions Club of D’Urban Park.

Richards, speaking exclusively with the Guyana Chronicle said that the Foundation has been providing hearing aid services and giving the gift of hearing, since

1984, across the world. The service was extended to the Caribbean within the last three years, with Guyana being one of nine counties in the Caribbean where the mission does service.

“What we are doing is a programme where we are providing a full-care service to those who want to be a part of the pilot programme and fitted with hearing aids, thus choosing to better their lives by being more independent

Tamiann Young, Regional Logistics Coordinator

with the gift of hearing,” Richards stated.

Touching on the aftercare service, he said the beneficiaries will be required to visit the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) or the regional health centres on a monthly basis for a check-up, to ensure that the devices are functioning effectively and to be refitted with new batteries if needed, along with additional counselling.

In cases where devices are broken, Richards said those would be sent to the Starkey headquarters in Minnesota to be repaired or replaced and returned to Guyana.

Mr Kurt Richards, International Development Director for the Caribbean, Starkey Hearing Foundation, who heads the team conducting the mission in Guyana

This female patient is being fitted with a hearing aid

A section of the patients awaiting their turn.

(Photos by Carl Croker)

He said the goal is to continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Public Health to provide hearing aids for those who cannot afford them. The foundation has however gone beyond that and is seeking to partner with other organisations, such as Digicel, as they seek to expand, he disclosed.

Dr. Alana Parris, a Government Medical Officer attached to the Audiology Department, Ministry of Public Health, explained that the department is the main unit; however, there are other satellite clinics established in all of the administrative regions of the country, with the exception of Region Eight. A clinic is to be set up there very soon.

According to Dr. Parris, the ministry which has been partnering with Starkey since 2016, is very appreciative of the work by the Foundation and its help in providing the

Dr Alana Parris, Starkey Country Coordinator, Guyana/ Government Medical Officer (GMO) attached to the Audiology Department, Ministry of Public Health

devices to persons who cannot afford.

The mission targets over 650 patients from Georgetown and other regions who were previously identified by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) with hearing loss but could not have afforded to purchase the costly device.

Along with the hearing aid, each patient is given a pouch containing batteries for lifetime use of the device.

Should patients encounter any trouble-shooting issues afterwards, Starkey Foundation has set in place an on-going after-care service.

The pouch is also to be used for safekeeping of the hearing aid when the patient is sleeping.

To allow for the smooth execution of the exercise, the tarmac and the main building of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall were utilised. On the tarmac several tents were mounted for registration and

patient education purposes.

At the latter, the patients were briefed on the various stages they were required to go through before being outfitted with a device.

At the patient education and counselling stations, sign language interpreters were on hand to translate the spoken word to the deaf, some of whom were not accompanied by a relative.

In the main building ear screening, Otoscopy (addressing issues such as wax or infection), hearing and fitting with hearing aids, counselling on the use and care of the hearing-aids and earmold/s were conducted by other officials.

Head of the Audiology Department, Dr. Ruth Quaicoe, in expressing appreciation for the service offered

by Starkey in collaboration with the ministry, cautioned persons about being exposed to excessive noise.

The mission which started work in Guyana in 2016 and was last here in 2018, will, on Friday, February 20, travel to Lethem to conduct a similar exercise.

Starkey Hearing Foundation is a global non-profit organisation founded by William F. Austin, which gives the gift of hearing to people in need in the United States, the Caribbean and other counties around the world.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 20, 2020

Education key for development of Indigenous People

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…ministerial adviser, Mervyn Williams tells NTC/APA candidate forum

...Shuman, LJP shun event THE coalition APNU+AFC during its time in governance has plugged education as key to the development of the country’s indigenous people and with more government support, the rights of the nation’s first people will be better off.

This was noted by Former APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Mervyn Williams during a candidate’s forum organized by the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) in conjunction with the National Toshaos Council (NTC).The event was held at the Regency Suites on Hadfield Street on Wednesday night.

Several political parties, including the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the New Movement (TNM) , the Citizenship Initiative (TCI), Change Guyana and A New and United Guyana (ANUG) participated in the event.

During opening remarks by the candidates, Williams told the gathering that the APNU+AFC government has been “pushing for education as the main plan for development of this country.”

He said that the results of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations have supported the contention of the David Granger-led administration that the sector is worth more investment. ”We believe the indigenous people will be able to better their right to self-determination,” Williams told the gathering.

He also noted that land titling was another issue which government addressed and, according to him, contrary to what has been voiced in some quarters, 10 villages were titled in a process which was addressed in a holistic manner.

He said that the coalition has long acknowledged the contributions of indigenous people to Guyana over the centuries and has accorded the appropriate level of respect in that regard. He said that this respect for rights of the Indigenous people has led to the commencement of the consultative process for the revision of the Amerindian Act of 2006 which was passed in the National Assembly under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration.

He said following the consultations on the revision process, a report was compiled following which it will be put in the public domain and this will lead to reformation of the legislation.

Williams said that since the

life of the government was cut short as a result of the December 2018 no-confidence motion, the process was affected.

The first question raised at the forum by Dr. Laura George of the APA also spoke to the revision of the act and the need for this to be done with urgency.

Williams said that during the consultative process, there were 14 cluster consultations, one of which involved state agencies. He said the plan of the author-

Participants at the forum on Wednesday night

Former APNU+AFC MP, Mervyn Williams as he addressed the gathering. (Carl Croker photos)

ities is to have another 7 being undertaken in a short time, noting that the process had to be taken “from the ground to the top”, noting that the move to bring the indigenous village leaders to a central point eased the process.

He said that there was a push by indigenous communities for the establishment of district councils such as the South Rupununi District Council. This leads to the leaders speaking for a wider area, and, according to him, the coalition has been responding and facilitating this process.

George also posed the question to the PPP regarding the reformation of the Amerindian Act. PPP spokesperson Gail Teixiera noted that the party has made it clear to the NTC from 2016 to 2019 that it is not against changes to the act but she noted that such must be done on a broad consultative basis involving

all communities. She did not support the government or an NGO undertaking a topdown approach on the issue.

On Wednesday night, the issue of environmental destruction caused by mining was also put to the floor and Teixeira noted that it was a complex one which requires a balance. She said that there are many indigenous communities which are also involved in mining and as such, she noted, that it was not a matter of “they against us.” She said that the issue needs to be addressed by a team effort.

During the forum, the smaller parties, many which will not be contesting in the Hinterland regions, provided their support to indigenous issues being put on the front burner.

Presidential Candidate of ANUG, Ralph Ramkarran told the forum that his party will give to the indigenous people, “everything” that the coalition and the PPP has promised. The former PPP

NTC chairman, Nicholas Fredericks, in a section of the gathering at the event.

Executive who parted ways with the party in 2012 after several decades, said that he has checked the manifestos of both the coalition and the PPP and according to him, they have not fulfilled their promises. ”We are not going to win the elections by votes, but we are going to attain in another way,” he said.

Dr. Danial Kanhai of TNM noted that his party was a young group of professionals with visions and goals to address the populace. He said that the party views indigenous people as being neglected and he noted that the party wants to make

the country diverse with all Guyanese being included in its developmental plans.

Rhonda Lam, Presidential candidate of the TCI spoke of the rights of the indigenous people not being respected. She said the party felt that not only indigenous culture must be celebrated, during one month, but on a more long-term basis, with emphasis placed on cultural preservation.

Change Guyana’s candidate, Nigel Hinds, told the gathering that his party believes that there are lack of opportunities for indigenous people. He said education and

health issues are also in need of being addressed while he noted that telecommunication is absent in many indigenous communities.

Many persons on social media and other members of the public were expecting active participation of the LJP led by Shuman which has been touting itself as a group representing the rights of indigenous people. However, at the forum on Wednesday night, the organisers mentioned that Shuman travelled to the Rupununi and that his party was campaigning in that area.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday February 20, 2020

City Hall seeks 1B to rebuild iconic structure

…launches ambitious restoration Trust Fund The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Wednesday launched a trust fund for the restoration of City Hall and has already received pledges amounting to $5.2Million.

The largest was from Impressions Branding which promised a contribution of $5Million following Wednesday’s launch. The cost to repair the iconic building is estimated at some $1Billion.

Mayor of Georgetown, His Worship Pandit Ubraj Narine noted that a Special Committee was set up to manage the fund. He explained that there would be three statutory signatories to the checking account; the municipality’s Treasurer, and representatives from the private sector and the National Trust. “It bleeds my heart when I see that one of our historic buildings is falling apart and I believe that we all as Guyanese must work to build City Hall,” Mayor Narine stated.

He called on the private sector, civil society, the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce, stakeholders and Guyanese abroad to play an integral role in saving the famous landmark.

According to the Mayor, the intention is to establish accounts in various banks countrywide where persons could make contributions toward the project. Currently, deposits can be made into account number 4023313 at Demerara Bank.

Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union (EU), His Excellency Ponz Canto remarked that City Hall was an example of the nation’s architectural patrimony and potential richness. The EU had contributed some $60M (300,000 euros) for the feasibility study which was completed in 2018 and Ambassador Canto pledged their continued sup-

port. The EU and the National Trust had partnered on a Comprehensive Restoration and Sustainable Conservation Management Plan which was presented to Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton, in July 2018.

Key findings indicated that City Hall could be restored in single or multiple phases, and that income could be generated from commercial usages such as a gallery or museum.

While several attempts were made in the past to have the City Hall building restored to its pristine state, Narine is of the view that the latest effort being piloted by him will have results. “The EU report was submitted to me when I took office and I decided to work on it,” Narine told the Guyana Chronicle in an interview last week. The mayor has said that he is unaware of all of the previous restoration projects

that were launched, and will today launch a new one at City Hall. “I believe in the Chinese proverb that only a spark is needed to cause a fire, and I decided to form a restoration committee that includes the private sector, national trust, chambers of commerce, NICIL, Tourism, civil society and the general public,” the mayor said.

He informed that the terms of reference have already been crafted, and that a new bank account number was set up. In addition, drop boxes will be placed all across the country for donations towards the project.

Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle had in the past told the Guyana Chronicle that following inspections on City Hall building in 2015, certain recommendations were made. He had said that urgent steps are needed to rectify the problems there.

His Worship Pandit Ubraj Narine, His Excellency Ponz Canto, The building has gotten worse Mayor of Georgetown Ambassador of the Delegation of from 2015 to now, to the point the European Union (EU) where even from a layman’s view, there are clear signs of structural deficiencies. Gentle had said the current state of the building can pose a danger not only to M&CC staff, but to citizens going to pay their bills as well.

Some sections of the building have rotten boards which tend to come loose and fall off from time to time. The possibility of someone falling through the floor doesn’t exist in Council Chamber, where statutory meetings are held twice per month, City Engineer Colvern Venture had clarified some time ago. The likelihood of that happening, he said, is in the Concert Hall, located just above the Council Chamber on the third floor of the building, where persons are no longer allowed to go.

A section of the gathering at the ceremony

CSEC as an assessment tool for work, higher education questioned -- at Inaugural Campus Conversation

By Tamica Garnett THE applicability of examinations offered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), particularly, the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, to prepare individuals for the world of work and higher education, was at the centre of discussions at the Inaugural Campus Conversation held at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) on Wednesday.

The event saw Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Edward Greene, delivering a presentation at the event themed: “Re-tooling, re-skilling, re-fitting, for the 21st century demands: The Education Imperative.”

Greene stressed the need for the incorporation of curriculum in the school system that digress from being largely focused on academics, and

involve more practical and cultural aspects such as technical training, and teaching of the arts.

The former WHO/PAHO adviser on Health and Human Development said education must focus on skills that create the basis for students to be aware of emotional intelligence, and make assessments not only based on group learning but help them to analyse and innovate.

“It is important to investigate the systems and see how relevant those systems are to the learning systems here and the goals we are trying to achieve,” Professor Greene said.

Even as the validity of CXC subjects in preparing the students for the world of work or higher education was questioned, one student pointed out that it still remains a vital yardstick by which entry into higher education and the job

market is measured.

Responding, Professor Greene said there is need for all stakeholders to get involved, including the private sector, to tackle the changing landscape of the education system.

He also urged teachers to champion the cause and push for the greater inclusion of sports and other technical aspects in the curriculum.

Given massive expected growth of Guyana’s economy, with the advent of the oil and gas industry, now, more than ever, the country’s education system must be assessed on its readiness to align the country’s human resource with its developmental needs.

“How does Guyana manage its wealth and what are the priorities, especially as it relates to this topic? It is important to prepare individuals for the changing dynamic workplace, individuals informed about the important issues and able to

understand the complex world in which we live,” Greene said.

The former CARICOM deputy secretary-general questioned the relevance of the education systems not only at the CSEC and CPCE levels but even at the university which he heads.

WHY NOT CLUSTER “Do we need 127 courses at UG to turn out capable people?

Why not cluster, where we train people across business and culture combined, or agriculture and education combined. I put those models to you,” he said.

The informative discussion saw attendance of trainee teachers from the college’s Turkeyen and Vreed-en-Hoop campuses while those from the Rose Hall and New Amsterdam campuses were able to take part virtually via video conferencing.

During an interactive question and answer segment following Greene’s remarks, some of the trainee teachers shared that CSEC subjects did not sufficiently prepare them for studies at CPCE level.

To this, Greene said: “There is a discussion now which CPCE must re-examine the CXCs, as a real tool that will judge the competence of incoming students.

[Is it] important for persons to get 20 ones, when the world is moving towards more clusters of education?”

CSEC is offered to fifth form secondary school students across the Caribbean where they sit any number of subjects of their choice. Top performers often write as many as 20 subjects in one year, creating conversations over the years on the relevance of so many subjects in practical life.

Entry into CPCE requires applicants to have a minimum of five CSEC subjects with grades 1 - 3, inclusive of Mathematics and English. The college offers two and one year programmes, where students can study for an Associate’s Degree in Education or a Trained Teachers Certificate.

CPCE Principal, Viola Rowe, acknowledged that some

students accepted into the institution nonetheless struggle to grasp key concepts in the introductory courses.

“We have started a conversation in-house about the validity of CXC. Is it adequate? Is it really addressing the needs of the Caribbean or is it time for CXC to do some retrofitting as well,” she commented.

Rowe noted that Campus Conversation Forum came about as a result of the need to explore and raise awareness of issues in education, rooted in the desire to make the college a powerful learning institution.

“Campus Conversation 2020 reaffirms the college’s commitment to remaining relevant and current, to become more responsive to the learners, as well as the needs of our society in the interest of national development, hence, the theme. There is no better time than now, in this dawn of new era,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

President commissions $20M staff quarters for GPHC

PRESIDENT David Granger, on Wednesday, commissioned a new $280M Medical Staff Quarters for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) which will save the GPHC some $20M annually in expenditure.

The Staff Quarters is located at Quamina and Waterloo Streets, Cummingsburg, Georgetown and replaces the previous ‘Doctors’ Quarters’ which was exclusively for doctors and housed 19 apartments. The new building now houses 41 apartments inclusive of 16 one-bedroom apartments; 18 two-bedroom apartments; 7 three-bedroom apartments; a laundry area; 8 antennas for Wi-Fi and a high-tech telephone system while future developments will see the installation of solar panels.

At the improved facility, in addition to doctors, other categories of staff, such as nurses, will be catered for as well as medical brigade members from countries such as Cuba and China which have assisted Guyana’s health sector for years.

HEALTH CARE FOR ALL In his key address, President David Granger said that with the rise of a range of epidemic diseases over the last decade, Guyana must ensure that the fundamental right of universal health coverage for all citizens is met. However, he noted that the quality of healthcare Guyana receives is dependent on the quality of its medical personnel.

“Many doctors work ‘on call’ and it is always desirable if they can reside somewhere where they would be able to respond faster to their ‘calls’.

The Staff Quarters, just a short distance away from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, will make it easier for the doctors to respond more quickly to emergencies,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also recognised the “immeasurable contributions” of the medical brigades from China and Cuba, stating that Guyana greatly values their contributions to providing care to those in need.

The Head of State reminded that under the current Administration, investment and expenditure in the public health sector moved from 3.19 per cent of nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2014 to 4.10 per cent in 2019.

For the corresponding period, it moved from 9.6 per cent of total public sector expenditure to 11.32 per cent.

The President committed that investment will be increased even further during the Decade of Development 2020-2029 to surpass the PAHO-WHO target of 6 per cent of GDP, by the end of

the Decade.

Through the Ministry of Public health, he also pledged that the government will accelerate efforts to fight diseas-

are available at the GPHC, the Bartica Regional Hospital and the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital. “The health sector has benefitted tremendous-

seek to improve the services we offer to our patients, we have not forgotten the persons who provide that service: our doctors, nurses, other medical

President David Granger and others applaud the commissioning of the Medical Staff Quarters (Adrian Narine photo)

One of the two-bedroom apartments of the Medical Staff Quarters (Adrian Narine photo)

es such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria and the country’s high rate of suicide.

“Our government will establish a more inclusive public health system over the decade. Attention will be paid to ensuring access and delivery of quality healthcare to at-risk and vulnerable persons and groups such as women, children, adolescents, the elderly, hinterland communities and the disabled,” the President said. “Our government will continue to ensure that primary health care will remain the priority for universal health coverage.”

ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES Meanwhile, also making remarks was Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, who said that for the past four and a half years the government has been pursuing the path of building capacity in all facets of the health sector.

Giving examples, Minister Lawrence said that in the past there were no dialysis units; only one Computerized Tomography (CT) scan and only one Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine available in Guyana.

However, there is now a Dialysis Centre at the GPHC and a Dialysis Department in Region Six and CT scanners

ly from government support, enabling the sector not only to upgrade its delivery of health care services but to bring on stream additional services with a strong focus on better access and quality of service offered,” she said.

She assured that the government will also continue on expansions such as the new Medical Staff Quarters to ensure that the needs of medical staff are met for the improved administration of health care.

IMPROVED QUALITY OF SERVICE Providing the figures, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis said that the construction and renovation were divided into three blocks, for which awards were granted at the cost of $131.4M; $100.8M and $50M. He said that the facility will alleviate some of the housing challenges encountered by GPHC staff members.

While previously known as the ‘Doctors’ Quarters’, he expressed his appreciation that the facility, formerly in a poor state, is now brand new with inclusive efforts undertaken by the government to recognise all categories of health workers. “As we

staff and other supporting staff,” Lewis said.

On behalf of the GPHC Board, Chairperson Kesaundra Alves thanked the government for its vision and the GPHC team for bringing the project to fruition. She reminded that health workers

are the most valuable resource to public health and expressed her gratitude that the quarters will no longer be exclusive to doctors but to crucial health workers such as nurses. Alves urged the pending occupants to take care of the facility and

Members of the audience who turned out to the commissioning ceremony (Adrian Narine photo)

A section of the new Medical Staff Quarters (Adrian Narine photo)

treat like home as it took a “labour of love” to ensure that every aspect was just right.

The event was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the China and Cuba brigades; officials from the Ministry of Public Health and Finance and PAHO/WHO representatives. At the end of the ceremony, President Granger unveiled the plaque and sign to the building and took a tour of the new facility along with other invited persons.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Modern asphalt plant 98% complete THE Eco 2000 Batch Mix Asphalt Plant is in its final stage of completion, according to information from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on February 17, 2020. Works commenced on the installation of the plant on January 7, 2020.

The $488 Million plant arrived in Guyana in July 2019 and once completed, will be able to produce 160 tonnes of material per hour.

This is in contrast to the present plant in operation which produces only 30 tonnes of material per hour.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, expressed satisfaction with the exceptional standard of work done to date, and he anticipates commissioning of the project within the stip-

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, visiting the nearly completed asphalt plant. – MoPI photo.

ulated timeframe.

Minister Patterson visited the construction site at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara and was accompanied by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kenneth Jordan.

The state-of-the-art ma-

The soon- to-be commissioned Eco 2000 Batch Mix Asphalt Plant – MoPI photo.

chinery at the plant will also be able to use plastic bags and bottles as well as used tyres to pave roads. This new technology has been proven to be cheaper and more durable, as well as time-efficient. It will also mean that more roads can be built faster with the use of the new plant.

The installation team was led by Mr. Rawlston Adams, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), along with 23 local DHBC staff and two German technicians.

It was noted that the mechanical installation of the plant is currently about 98% complete, while the electrical aspect is approximately 80% complete.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

ANUG launches ‘creating the balance’ manifesto -- to collaborate with TNM and LJP to oversee Joint Services vote on Friday

By Naomi Parris WITH two weeks away from the March 2 polls and members of the Joint Services set to cast their ballots on Friday, A New and United Guyana (ANUG) on Tuesday launched its manifesto.

The party’s presidential candidate, Ralph Hari Narayen Ramkarran told reporters that ANUG’s aim is to not allow the PNC or PPP to have a majority of seats in Parliament.

During the launch that was held at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Ramkarran, along with executive members of the party Mark France and Timothy Jonas, said The New Movement (TNM), the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and ANUG will collaborate with each other to oversee voting by members of the Joint Services.

France, who is the party’s coordinator, related that he had a meeting with the Guyana Elections Commission Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield to assess how the smaller parties will have representatives at polling stations on Friday.

Since these parties are small in numbers, the trio who have vowed that if they should win a seat in Parliament to never coalesce with the two major political parties in Guyana, will collaborate with each other to dispatch executives at the various polling stations.

Ramkarran also said that while ANUG’s manifesto may appear smaller compared to other smaller political parties, it is the only one with a realistic, unique and revolutionary plan for

Guyana.

He noted that based on Guyana’s history of ethnic voting, ANUG does not expect to win the 2020 elections; thus, the party’s plans and promises are based on what it can deliver to the Guyanese people if it wins a seat or two in Parliament.

“We have one central issue which is containing the vision which we set out on page three (of the manifesto), that vision is the existence of consensual, shared governance in a democratic political system in Guyana, where all social groups are proportionately represented and political leaders are accountable to the electorate,” he told reporters.

He added that ANUG’s mission is to win enough seats in the National Assembly to prevent a majority government in Parliament and to compel the two major political parties to formally or informally co-operate with each other.

The first and main priority, he noted, is constitutional reform to introduce a consensual democratic regime representing the interests of all Guyanese without preference or exclusion.

Meanwhile, France related that the party has also set out plans to accommodate members of the LGBTQ community.

He noted that should ANUG have a say in Parliament, they will push for laws to protect the LGBTQ community.

“This is a very important voting block and A New and United Guyana has in their plans whereby we can have effective representation of this voting block and it is

Man sentenced to two years for illegal firearm

ON Wednesday February 19, 2020, at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, a thirty-one-year-old man was sentenced to two years in prison for possession of an illegal firearm.

Roalston Rowe called 'Caesar' of Newtown Kitty, appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh and was found guilty at the end of the trial.

The Magistrate stated that sufficient evidence was made out against him by the prosecutor, hence she sentenced him to two years in prison.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on July 16, 2019, at Campbellville Avenue, Georgetown, he had, in his possession, a firearm without being the holder of a licence.

According to information, on the day in question, the police, acting on information, went to Campbellville.

There they met a young lady who had allegedly reported that she was being threatened by her boyfriend who was in possession of a gun. She informed the police that the defendant (Rowe) had pointed the gun to her head.

The police arrested him and he admitted that the gun belonged to him. Investigation was carried out and, based on the investigation, he was charged.

The court heard that Rowe was recently released, after spending two years in prison for robbery under arms.

A New and United Guyana (ANUG) presidential candidate, Ralph Hari Narayen Ramkarran (centre), along with executive members of the party, Timothy Jones (left) and Mark France (right) with a copy of the party’s ‘Creating the Balance’ manifesto during the launch on Tuesday

very important to include everyone and ensure that their rights as governed by the Constitution of Guyana are well represented.”

Guyana, like many Caribbean countries, is not the most tolerant when the topic of homosexuality is raised; hence, most Guyanese frown upon members of the LGBTQ community.

ANUG, France said, is a party for all Guyanese and no one should be afraid of casting their ballots for the party.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Loud music damages the ear -Minibuses and other public transportation operators among the guilty

THE playing of excessively loud music in some public and private transportation, along with the current trend by mostly teenagers of listening to music by way of ear-plugs or ear-phones, is of concern and can result in irreparable damage to the ear nerve of not only the listeners but others as well.

For some individuals,

the Caribbean. The main purpose of the mission is to outfit, with hearing aids, persons who cannot afford to purchase the devices which are very costly.

Each beneficiary was given two hearing aids and enough batteries to last two months. A hearing aid is a medical device designed to improve hearing by making

A web screen grab of the inside of an ear

loud music may have benefits for them, particularly in terms of social integration and an enhanced sense of wellbeing and fun.

However, Head of Audiology, Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Ruth Quaicoe, is concerned over the upward trend and is therefore urging persons to take good care of the ear.

She made the plea on Monday, February 18, during the first of a two-day `hearing-aid’ fitting mission conducted by the United Statesbased Starkey Hearing Foundation, in collaboration with the audiology department, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Carifesta Avenue.

The exercise which concluded on February 19, saw in excess of 600 patients, who were identified by the ministry as suffering from hearing impairment, outfitted with hearing aids. A similar exercise is to be held in Lethem on Friday.

Hearing impairment, deafness, or hearing loss refer to the total or partial inability to hear sounds.

The beneficiaries were previously screened at the audiology department, either at the main unit or at satellite centres established in the various administrative regions of the country, with the exception of Region Eight where a unit is soon to be set up.

The Starkey Foundation team consists of 22 members and is headed by Kirk Richards, who is the International Development Director for

sound audible to a person with hearing loss.

Addressing the loud music issue during an invited comment, Dr. Quaicoe told the Guyana Chronicle that the ear is a very sensitive part of the human body as our normal activities require hearing. She lamented that some people take hearing for granted thus playing scant attention to it.

According to the audiology physician, with her being cognisant of the upward trend and the danger it presents, her department has begun advising drivers and conductors of minibuses of the damage, such a practice, done constantly, can do to the ear and too, the ears of travelling public.

She also cautioned that persons working in a factory with a generator installed need to protect their ears by wearing hearing protection.

Mothers should, too, desist from the practice of cleaning the ears of children, she said, adding that the ear cleans itself.

Dr. Quaicoe also urged persons to avoid using the popular Q-tips that are sold in stores, to clean the ears.

She pointed out that, as has occurred, persons run the risk of the cotton bud becoming detached and left in the wall of the ear and need medical intervention to have it removed.

On this note, she further advised, that persons with an ear that is itching or running, should immediately visit the

audiology department for help.

“We try to tell people to take care of their ear, don’t clean it”, even as she reiterated that individuals who enjoy listening to music at high decibels and love to use earphones, should lower the sound as it can cause irreparable damage to the ear nerve.

“If you have on a headphone or an ear-plug while

Head of Audiology, Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Ruth Quaicoe

listening to music and the person next to you is hearing what you are listening to, it means that the volume is too loud for you”, Dr. Quaicoe added.

The standard noise levels above 110 decibels strip insulation from nerve fibers carrying signals from the ear to the brain. Loss of the protective coating, called myelin, disrupts electrical nerve sig-

nals. Loud noises can also lead to hearing problems such as temporary hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and even permanent hearing loss.

Loud music played on earphones causes hearing loss by having a similar effect on nerves as multiple sclerosis, research has found.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Sod turned for US$100M Hilton Hotel at Ogle -investment includes miniature golf course, solar farm

By Navendra Seoraj IN response to the demand for accommodation amidst a growing economy, Energy Real Estate Solutions (ERES) and the Caribbean Marketing Enterprises Incorporated (CMEI) will be constructing a US$100 million Hilton Hotel at Ogle, on land which was once owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Cognisant of the growing tourism industry here and the influx of investors and visitors due to the local oil and gas sector, the CMEI has set out to establish a stateof-the-art facility, which will include all the necessary amenities. The CMEI team headed

by Guyana-born, Edmond Braithwaite, will be constructing a flagship hotel which will include a miniature golf course, a clubhouse, an entertainment centre, a swimming pool and a solar farm. The land for the hotel was acquired from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

“The hotel will add to the portfolio of the green econ-

The investment is an indication of trust in the local economy, said the minister, noting that it will create jobs and even build the capacity of the locals. It is also happening at a time when Guyana is becoming a renowned ecotourism destination. Tourism and hospitality is an important part of government’s agenda and an ‘important’ contributor to local economic growth.

“So this is a momentous occasion which seems simple, but it is momentous for the government…in the last four and a half years this government has endured many things, a very tiny bit of it due to our own making, but a lot we inherited.

“We want to turn the inherited into rose-smelling events…when you were locked out for 23 years, you pretend you know what is going on, but you don’t know until you get in,” said Minister Jordan.

For instance, the minister said no one knew that GuySuCo- the previous owners of the land where the hotel will be built- was broke. There was $89 billion in “red ink,” he

through innovation and prudent investments.

As part of the “restructuring” of the industry, GuySuCo-owned lands were handed over to NICIL, lands which are now being leased and sold for various developmental projects.

“Sugar is experiencing withdrawal symptoms…it is tough but you have to take bold measures that will clean

said. The coalition government had to find $12 billion and a further $36 billion to keep the sugar industry afloat. Considering the turmoil in the sugar industry, government had to also take drastic measures which included reducing the labour capacity at the various sugar estates. Government has since embarked on a project to restructure the industry

Head of CMEI, Edmond Braithwaite (Adrian Narine photo)

Breaking ground! From left: Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; CEO of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London; CEO of ERES, Mike Elliott; Head of CMEI, Edmond Braithwaite; and Director General of the Department of Tourism, Donald Sinclair (Adrian Narine photo)

A section of the gathering at the sod-turning ceremony, aback Ogle, on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

omy with the use of solar energy, by way of a solar farm and a green space…I am also looking forward to the other amenities which will accompany the hotels and the influx of guests and visitors that will follow,” said Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan during a sod-turning ceremony at the potential construction site, on Wednesday.

example, the minister said: “a new community will rise from the swamp and ashes…

Guyana is on the rise and Guyana is open for business, we are not discriminatory, we will welcome both foreign and local investors.”

CEO of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London said confidence in the local economy is contagious and the investment was testimony to that. “The unbe-

out your system and bring you back to being a responsible member of society…sugar was profitable in the days, but it is asking for help and the medicine has to be one that will bring it back,” said Minister Jordan, noting that the diversification of the industry seems to be working.

Citing the potential construction of the hotel as an

lievably humongous scale of these stunning developments, coming so quickly one after another, has surprised and or terrified the faint-hearted among us,” said Heath-London, noting that it was the second for three major branded hotels in one week.

He said the agency is confident in its ability to make strategic decisions which are in the best interest of the country.

Speaking about NICIL’s ability, Heath-London said: “These were all reflected over the last two weeks when we sealed several multimillion dollar deals with our international partners changing the physical and social landscape of our country; modifying global perceptions of Guyana; and will create hundreds of temporary and permanent jobs for local families in our exciting quest of national development.

“We must be mindful that out transportation, food in relation to farmers, agro- processors, hospitality and other important sectors must be put on guard as there are numerous

opportunities that with the construction of these two additional hotels willing to bring to Guyana.”

NICIL plans to “tolerate” investments in ambitious, “high-end” enterprises. And, so far the Guyanese Diaspora continues to contribute to local national development. Instead of doing it solely through remittances, they have added world-class hotel investments as a demonstration of their long-term commitment.

CMEI’s Braithwaite continues to campaign among overseas-based Guyanese and wealthy foreign entrepreneurs to invest here. Braithwaite is very cognisant of ‘giving back’ to a nation that contributed to his development in the past. And, as such, he intends on giving back through interventions such as grants to educational institutions, scholarships, fellowships and mentorships to the people of Guyana.

“Overseas-based Guyanese, such as Mr. Braithwaite, have not abandoned their love or their commitment to helping develop their motherland. Mr.

Braithwaite and the CEMI team have been visiting here constantly, seeking opportunities to spend money,” said Heath-London.

CEO of Energy Real Estate Solutions (ERES), Mike Elliot also confirmed that CMEI has agreed on a social programme for locals, which includes offering grants to educational institutions and scholarships.

ERES is a real estate services, investment and development company headquartered in the United States with 7 offices internationally.

“We are focused on emerging markets throughout North and South America with an emphasis on energy markets; and are currently working on several projects in the Caribbean Basin region.

“This is a very exciting project for our team. As you have heard, the process to get to where we are today has been a long one. Although the approval process was extremely difficult, we appreciate the professionalism NICIL has brought to the project and we have enjoyed working with Colvin Heath-London and Racheal Henry,” said Elliott.

It is the company’s vision that this site will be a focal point for the Ogle area and will be the ground for a well-designed, mixed-use commercial project. The company anticipates two internationally flagged hotels with associated amenities.

“We will also be seeking office and retail users and will develop several buildto-suit properties to ensure a well-balanced project. It is our hope that this development activity will not only help in the growth of the tourism market of the county but fill the demand of the business and population growth currently taking place,” said Elliott.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Banks treats 630 senior citizens …in keeping with its corporate social responsibility

SIX-HUNDRED-ANDTHIRTY seniors, including the company’s pensioners and members of benevolent organisations, were treated by Banks DIH Limited at its annual Senior Citizens Luncheon on Sunday at Thirst Park.

Chairman and Managing-Director of Banks DIH Limited, Mr. Clifford Reis, said that Banks DIH continues to take its corporate social responsibility seriously by giving back to the communities in which it operates.

Mr. Reis highlighted the company’s programme for the current fiscal year and for Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary being observed

on February 23, 2020.

He said that Banks DIH Limited is “Celebrating Education” in observance of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee as a republic by providing financial grants to vocational and technical institutions across the country.

This initiative was launched last Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Mr. Reis also disclosed plans for the expansion of Citizens Bank in Georgetown and Bartica and for construction of the company’s automotive division and for modernised parking at Demerara Park. There was also a cultural presentation, which included veteran calypsonian the Mighty Smok-

A section of the invitees at the Banks DIH Limited annual Senior Citizens Luncheon

er, among other performers.

Members and residents of the following organisations were in attendance: the Guyana Red Cross; the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL); theSalvation Army men and women’s hostels; the David Rose Centre, West Ruimveldt; the Guyana Society for the Blind; the Guyana Association for the Visually Impaired; Uncle Eddies’ Home; Archer’s Home; and the St. Vincent de Paul Home.

The attendees were provided with meals, refreshments, hampers and financial assistance.

Teen accused of robbery remanded A 19-year-old miner, was, on Wednesday February 19, 2020, remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a robbery charge.

Dwight Lewis of Mah-

dia appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court and denied the charge, when it was read to him.

It is alleged that, on February 15, 2020, at 111 Miles Mahdia, Lewis, while

Miner accused of larceny remanded

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Wednesday February 19, 2020, remanded a 21-year-old miner to prison on a larceny charge.

Elis Calder of Mahdia appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge, when it was read to him.

It is alleged that, on January 1, 2020, at Mahdia, he stole one gold band valued $45,000 and $11,000 cash, property of Ray Singh.

The Police Prosecutor told the court that, on the day in question, around 09:30hours Singh and Calder were at a shop consuming alcohol, when Singh went to the washroom.

Shortly after Calder followed him and threw a liquid substance in his face. Calder then took the band off of Singh’s hand, pushed his hand in his pocket and took out his money, then made good his escape.

The matter was reported and Calder was arrested weeks after.

The Prosecutor added that Calder had a pending matter of similar nature at the Mahdia Magistrates’

Court and, while he was out on bail, he was not

Elis Calder

attending court.

Calder, after hearing what the Prosecutor said, told the court, “I was not too healthy to attend court, and I went in the Backdam to complete my pit”.

The Magistrate, after listening to the Prosecutor and Calder, told Calder that she wouldn’t grant bail since he was not attending court while he was out on bail and due to that he was considered a fight risk.

The Magistrate remanded Calder to prison and adjourned the matter until April 14, 2020. The matter was transferred to the Mahdia Magistrates’ Court.

being in company of others, robbed Aaron Augustus of $80,000 cash, and, immediately before, or after, he used personal violence towards the said Augustus.

The Police Prosecutor

objected to bail being granted to Lewis and told the court that he was charged for possession of firearm and break and enter and larceny.

The Prosecutor added

that, after the incident, Lewis dealt Augustus several punches to his face and body then made good his escape, but was apprehended shortly after, while his two accomplices were still

on the run.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the prosecutor, remanded Lewis to prison and adjourned the matter until February 27, 2020.

Prison Service Venezuelan biker died of multiple injuries Officer remanded

PRISON Service Officer, George Selman of Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, was, on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, remanded to prison by Magistrate Faith McGusty for threatening language and breech of protection order.

Selman appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the two charges.

The first charge alleged that, on Sunday, February 2, 2020, in Georgetown, Selman allegedly used threatening language to a female.

The second charge alleged that, on the same day, in the same location, he breeched a protection order which was made against him by the female.

Selman’s lawyer made efforts to request bail. The request was not granted.

The request for bail was denied by the Magistrate, based on the fact that Selman was aware of the order, and had failed to honour the conditions of the order by going within 50 feet of the victim and also touching her hand.

The Magistrate remanded Selman to prison and adjourned the matter until Wednesday, February 26, 2020.

– autopsy AN autopsy done Wednesday on the body of Venezuelan motorcyclist, Veijay Jesus Idrogo, who died Sunday last in a vehicular accident on De Kenderen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), revealed he died of multiple injuries.

Idrogo, 39, of MetenMeer-Zorg, West Coast of Demerara (WCD) who collided with a car, died one day after at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

According to the police, on Saturday, about 03:00hrs, motorcar PWW 8179 driven by a 39-year-old resident of Leonora, WCD, was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of the road and

Dead: Veijay Jesus Idrogo

was negotiating a turn when the accident occurred. On the turn was motorcyclist, Veijay Jesus Idrogo, riding CJ 4677 which was proceeding east along the northern carriageway.

He reportedly lost control and collided with the right side front of the car.

One doctor noted that based on his findings, a vehicle rolled over the mid-section of Idrogo, resulting in severe damage to his body.

Police said the driver, who passed a breathalyser test, was, on Sunday, released on station bail.

Idrogo’s sister, Ammy Idrogo, said her brother’s body was badly damaged and most of his internal organs were crushed in the aftermath of the crash.

She is calling on the commissioner of police to ensure justice prevails and the matter is placed before the court since she is of the opinion that a cover-up is happening.

20-year-old fraud accused to know fate February 25

COME February 25, 2020, Magistrate Rhondel Weever, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, is expected to rule on two fraud-related matters against a 20-year-old woman.

The woman, Renika Rajbance, is currently on bail and failed to make an appearance,

on two occasions, for the trial.

The first charge alleged that, on November 1, 2018, at Charlotte Street, Rajbance obtained from Waleima Singh $3M, by falsely pretending that she was in a position to sell a property at Lot 186 Prospect, East Bank Demerara, knowing same to be false.

The second charge alleged that, on July 31, 2018, at Eccles, with intent to defraud, Rajbance obtained a sum of $1M from Amanda Sooklall for the property at Plantation Friendship, pretending that she was in a position to sell the property, knowing same to be false.

The Magistrate, however, will make her ruling in the matters on February 25, 2020.

In February 2019, Rajbance and her 57-year-old ‘child-father’ Rajeshwar Persaud, called Raj Persaud were hauled before the court and slapped with several fraud-related charges.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Wilder vows to surpass ‘idol’ Muhammad Ali

DEONTAY Wilder vowed to surpass his “idol” Muhammad Ali by knocking out Tyson Fury on Saturday night to land another defence of the world heavyweight title.

The 34-year-old American looked focussed on a chaotic Tuesday in Las Vegas, where Fury arrived in an open-top Ferrari for a grand welcome ceremony attended by hundreds of fans.

The Briton, 31, continued to promise a knockout in Saturday’s rematch, while his rival eyed moving beyond legend Ali’s mark of 10 consecutive defences of the heavyweight title.

“It will be an amazing feeling, my 11th consecutive defence,” said Wilder.

Speaking to the 5 Live Boxing with Costello & Bunce podcast, he added: “It was a basic plan for me to get into boxing, become a journeyman and make a few dollars for my daughter.

“I never thought about being heavyweight champion of the world and being tied with

my idol Ali. “Once I’ve beaten Fury with a devastating knockout, I will go on even further to break the record and do more amazing things.”

FANS TURN OUT AS MEDIA DEMAND INTENSIFIES Wi l d e r w o u l d t r a i l only the likes of Joe Louis, Larry Holmes and Wladimir Klitschko on the list of heavyweights with the most consecutive defences of the world title if he beats Fury 14 months on from their controversial draw in Los Angeles.

The American is focussed on that piece of personal history, and Tuesday’s healthy grand arrival turnout showed that fans are already captivated by events in Las Vegas.

The MGM Grand hotel, which stages the fight in its 17,000-seat arena, already has an unprecedented three boxing rings set up on its ground floor, which is hosting television broadcasters.

US sports networks are

Axed Ramdin accuses ... point in time – the guidance of the younger players to do certain things, but our coach at the moment, I don’t think he wants me around,” he charged.

“I believe he just wants a young group of guys that he can dictate and use them to go forward, but this FourDay Tournament you need senior players around so that when pressure comes

you’d be able to handle it a lot better.”

Red Force are going into the next round of the sixteam tournament in fifth place, on 46.6 points. Barbados Pride lead the standings with 84.2 points, ahead of defending champions Guyana Jaguars on 60.8 points.

They are followed by Jamaica Scorpions on 57.4 points and Windward Islands Volcanoes on 50 points. Leeward Islands Hurricanes round up the bottom with 32.6 points.

In addition to Ramdin, four others were dropped from the Red Force squad, led by Yannick Ottley.

Ramdin, Yannic Cariah, Keagan Simmons, Kissoondath Magram and

awash with build-up, while promoters Top Rank are selling tickets at $100 (£77) apiece for fans to watch the fight on big screen televisions at five venues in the city.

“To someone who has been here many times, this feels massive,” said BBC Sport boxing correspondent Mike Costello.

Wilder has chosen to base himself in a suite at the MGM Grand, while Fury is stationed at a house a few miles from Vegas’ famous strip.

Both fighters continue to be swamped by media commitments, with Fury telling fans he was “on fire” for a bout he regards as the biggest since Ali fought Joe Frazier in an event dubbed the “fight of the century” in 1971.

“We are going to pressure and pressure, put him on the back foot from round one and keep him there,” Fury told BBC Sport.

“It’s going to be an early night. I’m coming for the knockout.”

FROM BACK PAGE

Daniel St Clair have been replaced by fast bowler Anderson Phillip, veteran leg-spinner Imran Khan, spinner Khary Pierre, batsman Isaiah Rajah, and former West Indies Under-19 batsman Cephas Cooper.

RED FORCE SQUAD: Yannick Ottley (captain), Jeremy Solozano, Isaiah Rajah, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Mohammed, Imran Khan, Akeal Hosein, Bryan Charles, Uthman Muhammad, Anderson Phillip, Terrance Hinds, Cephas Cooper, Khary Pierre. Mervyn Dillon (coach), David Furlonge (manager).

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28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Man City could be in next year’s Champions League if ban frozen

By Simon Evans

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester City could play in next season’s Champions League despite a two-year UEFA ban from European competition if they ask for the suspension to be frozen by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) during their appeal, sports law experts say.

UEFA ruled on Friday that City had committed “serious breaches” of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and failed to cooperate with its investigation, handing them a European ban and a 30 million euro (£24.9 million) fine.

City, who have denied any wrongdoing, said they intended to appeal the decision to CAS in Switzerland and when they do they could ask for “provisional measures” which in effect would suspend the ban until a full hearing into the case is heard.

The Premier League champions have not indicated if they will ask for such measures and CEO Ferran

Soriano said in a statement yesterday that he hoped for a swift end to the case.

“We are looking for an early resolution obviously, through a thorough process and a fair process, so my best hope is that this will be finished before the beginning of the summer and until then for us, it is business as usual,” he said If City do not ask for provisional measures then they risk having the ban kick in during the appeal process, after the draw for next season’s Champions League has taken place.

The competition’s preliminary round draw is scheduled on June 9 and the group stage draw is set for August 27.

PROVISIONAL MEASURES “It is very likely indeed, practically certain, that City will seek ‘provisional measures’ from the CAS,” leading Sports Law Barrister, John Mehrzad told Reuters.

“That is their only way at present to seek such a stay of the disciplinary sanction since

CAS has, at present, exclusive jurisdiction over the appeal under the UEFA Statutes.”

City are currently second in the Premier League and on course to qualify for the Champions League.

Their legal team would be

keen to avoid a scenario where they successfully overturned the ban but had already suffered the cost of a season out of the competition.

The only other way a decision could be made before the start of the Champions League

“That is the most likely as it would give City some certainty while they prepare for a full hearing without risking their chances of being in the Champions League next year.

“It would be a calculated gamble, though, as if they are

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FA Cup Fourth Round - Manchester City v Fulham - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - January 26, 2020 General view inside the stadium before the match (REUTERS/Phil Noble)

process is if the case were expedited.

Christopher Flanagan, managing editor of the International Sports Law Journal, said that would give both parties less time to prepare their arguments so City would be more inclined to press for provisional measures.

unsuccessful a full non-expedited hearing may not take place until after the Champions League cycle is underway,” he said.

Given CAS’s normal timeframe for scheduling hearings, City’s case might not be heard until early next year, although waiting times for hearings vary.

If the case was to be expedited then it could be heard by July.

FINANCIAL COST Missing out on a Champions League season would cost City as much as £100 million in prize money and broadcast revenue, as well as match-day and other revenues.

If City won a ‘stay’ but CAS then upheld UEFA’s ban, after the 2020-21 season was underway, then the club’s two-year suspension would take effect in the following two seasons.

While neither UEFA nor City have made many details of the case public, the decision of the CAS panel would offer an early indication of their view on the strength of City’s appeal.

“It will be very revealing to see what CAS does in terms of an application for provisional measures, as one of the factors that the president of the panel will take into account when deciding whether to grant provisional measures is the likelihood of success on the merits of the case,” said Mehrzad.

City have 10 days from the receipt of UEFA’s full reasoning of their decision to put in an appeal.

The CAS panel would then have to decide whether to accept any request for a ‘freeze’ on the ban from City, a decision which could be made by the end of March.

I play the game to get guys like Virat Kohli out - Trent Boult FIT-again Trent Boult is “very excited” at the prospect of bowling to Virat Kohli in the two-Test series starting Friday, and has already set the India captain’s wicket as his prime target, as New Zealand look to bounce back after a 3-0 series defeat in Australia late last year.

Boult is back after suffering a broken hand during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, and is set to be reunited with Tim Southee and Neil Wagner to spearhead the pace attack in the Tests in Wellington and Christchurch.

“I’m very excited to bowl to Virat again,” Boult said. “He’s an exceptional player. Everyone knows how great he is. That is personally why I play the game, to get guys like that out and test myself against them, so I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Boult had missed the first Test of the Australia series in Perth because of a side injury but had recovered in time to play in Melbourne.

But he fractured his hand while batting at the MCG

and was ruled out of the rest of the tour as well as the limited-overs leg of India’s tour.

“I suppose breaking a hand, you don’t really know how much you use it until it’s broken,” he said.

“Everything has gone well but catching would be the biggest issue for me at the moment. I’m 100% fit and hungry.

Pacer Trent Boult in action (Getty Images)

“It’s been nice just to be able to bowl. I had some time away from the game and having my second son a couple of weeks ago, it actually came at quite a good time, but I’m

hungry to be here and can’t wait to get back in the whites and get the red ball moving around.”

While fast bowlers, especially with the new ball, will be key at Basin Reserve, of late the surface has tended to dry out quickly and tilt in favour of the batsmen.

And considering they are facing the No. 1 Test side, Boult is expecting an even contest despite New Zealand’s home advantage.

“I’m preparing for a solid wicket. It generally is very good here and goes the full distance (five days),” Boult said. “I do enjoy playing here, the history that’s involved, and it’s going to be an exciting week building up. I can’t wait to get out there.

“They (India) are a great side and they are leading the ICC Test Championship. They are very clear on how they wanted to play the game. It was a tough learning curve in Australia but it’s going to be good place to see where we are in terms of bouncing back from the defeat in Australia.”

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

England lose to Sri Lanka in final warm-up game

FIFA’s Wenger wants offside law changed, but no change imminent

By Simon Evans (REUTERS) - FIFA’s head of global development Arsene Wenger wants to see a change in the offside law which could end a run of contentious decisions in the game since the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) but no decision is imminent.

Wenger, who was manager of Premier League club Arsenal for 22 years, wants a player to be deemed onside if any part of his body which can legitimately score a goal is level or behind the last defender.

It will flip the current rule which states the player is in an offside position if any part of his body he can score with

Lauren Winfield was run-out for one as England lost wickets at regular intervals in Adelaide

CAPTAIN Heather Knight was disappointed after England suffered a shock 10-wicket defeat by Sri Lanka in their final T20 World Cup warm-up game.

After winning the toss, England were restricted to 122-9 with off-spinner Shashikala Siriwardene taking 4-22.

Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Atapattu then hit an unbeaten 78 in reply to seal victory inside 13 overs in Adelaide.

“It was a disappointing performance, but I’d rather we got it out of the way ahead of the World Cup,” said Knight.

“Their spinners bowled well and drove it into the pitch and we probably didn’t adapt to that quickly enough, and when you add in a few run-outs it gets more difficult.

“Chamari batted really well for Sri Lanka and she just took the game away from us. It might give us a little kick up the backside, which might not be a bad thing.”

Knight’s side were without all-rounder Natalie Sciver, who has a medial ligament injury to her right knee and was not risked at the Karen Rolton Oval, but is expected to be fit for their first World Cup game against South Africa at the Waca in Perth on Sunday.

Earlier at the same venue, Australia beat South Africa by four wickets in their final warm-up game, the hosts’ captain Meg Lanning top-scoring with 47.

Defending champions Australia open the World Cup against India at the Sydney Showground tomorrow.

Smith happy back in S. Africa, first time since Sandpapergate

By Nick Said JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - Australia batsman Steve Smith says his reception in South Africa has been “lovely” on his first tour since the infamous ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal, but expects that to change when he steps onto The Wanderers tomorrow.

Australia take on hosts South Africa in the first match of a three-game Twenty20 International series at a ground nicknamed ‘The Bull Ring’ for its hostile atmosphere, where England’s Ben Stokes had an altercation with a fan as recent as last month.

Smith and team mate David Warner were banned

by Cricket Australia for a year, and Cameron Bancroft for nine months, after their involvement in an attempt to alter the state of the ball using sandpaper during a Test tour of the country in March 2018.

“It’s nice to be back play-

ing in South Africa,” Smith told reporters on yesterday.

“The last time I was here things didn’t end overly well, but I’ve also got really fond memories of playing here.

for a year now. I’m really enjoying it and I feel like I’m playing well. I’m in a nice place.”

Smith says there have been no signs of animosity

Australia batsman Steve Smith

“Just walking into the hotel in Sandton, initially I was like, ‘the last time I left here it wasn’t pretty’. It wasn’t the best time in my life. But I’ve moved on from that and learned a lot.

“I’ve been back playing

from South African fans off the pitch. In fact, quite the opposite.

“Everywhere I have been the people have been lovely.

Guys have come up and taken some photos and been really nice,” he said.

“It’s been normal, the

same as compared to when I’ve been here previously.

It’s a terrific place to tour and I’m glad to be back.”

But he expects that to change once the games begin, especially at one of South Africa’s most intimidating venues.

“I think they’re hostile here at the best of times,” he said.

“It doesn’t bother me too much. (coach) Justin (Langer) said the other day that we had the dress rehearsal in England (last year). There was a fair bit going on there.

“I don’t notice it, particularly when I’m batting.

Maybe a little bit when I’m fielding, but then again, it’s just words, it doesn’t affect me. It’s about getting on with the job.”

The Twenty20 series starts in Johannesburg, before moving to Port Elizabeth on Sunday and finally Cape Town next Wednesday. The sides will then clash in three ODI matches.

FIFA head of global development Arsene Wenger

is beyond the line of the last defender.

However, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football’s lawmaking body, does not have any concrete proposal for a law change on the agenda for their February 29, Annual General Meeting.

IFAB’s general secretary Lukas Brud told Reuters that any discussion of changes would be a general one and ruled out an immediate change.

“This particular proposal is not on the agenda

for the AGM,” said Brud, adding that any changes to the laws need to go through a consultation process and trials before any concrete change is considered.

“We are not going to take a decision on something like this in 10 days,” he said.

IFAB may discuss ideas for changing the offside laws at the meeting, in general terms, but no decision on a concrete proposal will be made, Brud added.

The use of video review has been a source of constant criticism since its recent introduction, including concern about the time to take decisions and the precision with which offsides are judged.

The system sparked another controversy last week in the Premier League when Wolverhampton Wanderers had a goal ruled out against Leicester City after Pedro Neto’s heel was adjudged to be fractionally offside in the build-up.

“You will be not offside if any part of the body that can score a goal is in line with the last defender, even if other parts of the attacker’s body are in front,” Wenger told British media.

“That will sort it out and you will no longer have decisions about millimetres and a fraction of the attacker being in front of the defensive line.”

Wenger later said in a FIFA statement that he was not making a formal proposal but mentioning a possibility that might be worth thinking about.

“My objective is to continuously think about ways to improve our game and we shouldn’t be afraid to debate them in public,” he said, adding he was well aware of the IFAB process for introducing law changes.

Curacao, Guadeloupe impress ...

FROM BACK PAGE

gave their side a total of six reasons to smile, while Belize ended the encounter with nary a goal to show for it.

In the day’s second match, Curacao blanked Saint Martin 5-0, with Joshua Zimmerman scoring a hat-trick in the first 10 minutes.

Zimmerman struck in the second, fourth and eighth minutes before yielding scoring duties to Tyrese Noslin, who added the fourth 13 minutes into the game.

It was a goal by Lentini Caciano in extra time that capped the victory for the hosts.

Guadeloupe and Curacao each earned three points for their wins, to share top place in the standings of Group C. Today, Guadeloupe and Saint Maarten will go up against each other in the first match of a doubleheader at the Ergilio Hato Stadium that includes a face-off between Belize and Curacao.

Two days later, Belize and Saint Martin will compete on the field, before Curacao and Guadeloupe do battle as Group C matches continue.

In Group A, Nicaragua and Guyana lead on six points each, having both won their two games. St Vincent and the Grenadines, US Virgin Islands and Montserrat are not yet off the mark.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Karunaratne back as Sri Lanka captain for West Indies ODIs

AS many as ten players opted out of Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan last year, the last time they played ODI cricket, and Sri Lanka have included many of them in a strong squad, led

by Dimuth Karunaratne who was one of the players to withdraw - for the threeODI series against West Indies starting Saturday.

The 15-man squad also sees the return of Niroshan Dickwella, who last played an ODI in March 2019 before being dropped for the home games against Bangladesh in July. He also chose not to travel to Pakistan, as did Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera and Angelo Mathews, all now back in the squad.

The seam bowling attack

for the series comprises Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara and Isuru Udana, but is without senior bowler Suranga Lakmal, who played in the World Cup last year, but has been omitted from ODIs since.

There were no surprises on the spin front: Wanindu Hasaranga, who impressed in Pakistan, and left-arm wrist-spinner Lakshan Sandakan, are the frontline options.

The off-spin of de Silva is also there as support. Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera and Mathews are the secondary seam bowling options.Opener Danushka Gunathilaka, meanwhile, missed out on selection due to injury, with the selectors instead going with Shehan Jayasuriya. Upul Tharanga, another opening

candidate, did not make the squad despite hitting 120

Niroshan Dickwella brings out the scoop (Getty Images)

against West Indies in a practice match on Monday. Asela

Man City see off West Ham as fans take aim at UEFA

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne scores their second goal (REUTERS/Phil Noble)

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester City showed no signs of letting their off-field problems distract them as they comfortably beat relegation-threatened West Ham United 2-0 in their re-arranged Premier League game on Wednesday.

City took the lead on the half hour from a well-worked corner routine, Rodri rising to meet Kevin De Bruyne delivery with a superbly angled header at the near post.

De Bruyne doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, squeezing in a right-foot shot at Lukasz

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Gunaratne, who also did well in that match, misses out as

Fabianski’s near post after a swift exchange with Bernardo Silva.

UEFA handed City a twoyear ban from European football on Friday for serious breaches of their Financial Fair Play regulations. The Premier League champions deny the charges and are appealing against the decision.

While manager Pep Guardiola deflected pre-game television questions about the issue, City fans had no such reticence, shouting chants aimed at UEFA, including one which ended with “we will see you in court”.

City are second in the league but are 22 points behind leaders Liverpool while West Ham remained in 18th position, deep in the relegation battle.

The game was originally scheduled for Feb. 9 but was postponed due to stormy weather.

well.

“Whoever misses out,

it doesn’t mean they’re not good enough to play for the national side,” SLC Chief Selector Ashantha De Mel told ESPNcricinfo. “But it’s a difficult balance to give players a prolonged run in the side, while at the same time giving fringe players a chance.

“In the end these are decisions that are not just taken by the selectors, but also the coaches and captain.”

Lahiru Thirimanne had led Sri Lanka in the ODIs in Pakistan, but he was dropped for the upcoming games after scoring 36 and 0 in the two completed games in Karachi, both of which Sri Lanka lost.

Minod Bhanuka, Oshada Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Sadeera Samarawickrama

and Angelo Perera were some of the younger players who made the trip to Pakistan but missed out this time, with the return of the high-profile players.

The three ODIs will be played on February 22 and 26 and March 1 in Colombo, Hambantota and Pallekele respectively, before the teams contest two T20Is. Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt.), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Niroshan Dickwella (wkp.), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara. (ESPN Cricinfo)

GCB/Dave’s West Indian Imports U-15 tournament

Fireworks expected as third round bowls off today FOLLOWING two exciting rounds of Under-15 cricket in the ongoing Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Dave’s West Indian Imports inter-county, round three promises to be a battle of the braves as Demerara tackle President’s XI while Essequibo lock horns with the unbeaten Berbice today.

DEMERARA VS PRESIDENT’S XI AT BOURDA Demerara will be wary of their opponents, President’s XI, who, despite being hammered by Berbice in Round 1, managed to turn their fortunes around in the second round by handing Essequibo a sound 8-wicket thrashing.

Led by skipper Stephon Sankar, who played an MVP match-winning role with bat and ball against the Essequibians, President’s XI seem to have found their mojo following their last game.

Should Demerara look to relegate the Sankar-led side back to losing ways, it will take a ton of work from their batsmen, who failed terribly in the previous encounter against Berbice; losing by 76 runs in a lopsided affair.

With an in-form batting

line-up that includes spinner Ali Budhoo, Sankar’s team will be entering Round 3 with their tails up while Demerara will need to tap into their talent in order to avoid a successive loss.

County.

Spin showed up the Essequibo batsmen in the last game as all-rounder Adesh Das showed grit with two wickets and 46 runs but was unable to save his team.

ESSEQUIBO VS BERBICE AT LUSIGNAN GROUND

Berbice spinner Matthew Pottaya

President’s XI skipper Stephon Sankar could be a handful again today

Rampertab Ramnauth, Berbice captain is in spectacular batting form, following up his first game half-century with a match-winning 27 against a woeful Demerara side warming up for today’s clash against the Cinderella

Should Essequibo chalk up a win today, they will need to overcome Berbice’s duo of Salim Khan and Matthew Pottaya; who dominated with the ball.

With today’s round being the penultimate one before Saturday’s final, all four teams will be keen on bringing out their A-Game come today, when action bowls off at 09:00hrs at both venues. (Clifton Ross)

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

Windies focused on winning matches and public support in Sri Lanka series

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, (CMC) – Manager of the West Indies team Rawl Lewis says the Caribbean men will not be underestimating Sri Lanka in their three-match One-Day International (ODI) series starting here Saturday, but will be focused on winning the series and regaining the support of fans across the region.

Five years after a 3-0 whitewash in their last tour there, a “fit” West Indies team will be trying to secure their first ever ODI series win in Sri Lanka.

West Indies lost their opening warm-up match in Colombo on Tuesday, going down by two wickets to a Sri Lanka Cricket

XI. And they will take on a Sri Lanka Board President’s XI Thursday in their last tour match before facing a strong Sri Lanka side in the opening

ODI. Speaking on the Mason & Guest radio show, Lewis said he is satisfied with the preparation ahead of this weekend’s game and

West Indies team manager Rawl Lewis has high hopes for the Caribbean side in their ODI series in Sri Lanka

believes the 15-man squad is ready for the task ahead.

“All personnel have been working hard to prepare the team. We have no concern at this time. I really think that everything is in place. We have a few days to continue our preparation leading up to the first match. Everyone seems to be in high spirits, everyone is fit and ready,” the former West Indies leg-spinner said.

He added that it was important for the Keiron Pollard-led team to end the series on a winning note, particularly to get people rallying around the West Indies again.

“We have been playing very good cricket lately.

Nedd hopes to form nucleus of national volleyball team after 2020 IGG … says players gelling nicely

Local volleyball players going through their practice sessions ahead of the 2020 IGG which starts on February 25

By Clifton Ross AHEAD of the 3rd annual Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) which gets underway from February 25 in French Guiana, national volleyball coach Levi Nedd said he wants to use the games to assess the next crop of players who will form the core of the national team.

Nedd, who is also the president of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) told Chronicle Sport yesterday, that he was quite optimistic about the Guyanese players giving a good account of themselves, come next week when the IGG commences.

“I feel confident in the males and I know the females will do better this year. We are strong with our attack and I’m excited over the males because I’ve seen some improvemmts in them. We did a lot of gelling and we had training sessions which we went through to make sure everyone is ready,” Nedd stated.

The two teams, 12 males and 10 females have undergone weeks of preparation in Berbice and in Demerara.

Nedd, regarding the possibility of the females playing better than the previous years said he expected good per-

formances from this batch of ladies.

“I think the females will do well this year because they have continued their training and developmental works in order to improve their game. I think we have everything in place, I just want us to work on our attack and service reception while the other areas like blocks will come into play,” the coach pointed out.

A former Guyana volleyball player in his youthful days, the GVF president said overall, this year’s IGG will be used as a measuring stick for players who could possibly be the next batch of national stars for Guyana going forward; especially with the GVF heavily scouting for players.

“It’s extremely important that the next generation for Guyana stars to get proper nurturing and with this team this year, I’m really looking forward to making them the nucleus of Guyana’s volleyball team for the future,” Nedd ended.

Meanwhile, the coach said the players will continue their individual training in Berbice and in the city as they prepare to wing out for French Guiana next week ahead of the 2020 IGG which ends on March 1.

We went to India and we didn’t win every match… but we competed well with India which is a very powerful team. We are never going to underestimate Sri Lanka. We played Ireland in the Caribbean; we won.

We want to continue to win cricket. We need to develop this habit of winning matches and winning series.

We would want to win every match that we play, and we understand that winning would bring back the fans to cricket, would encourage the people of the Caribbean to play more cricket.

“So we need to continue to win as the senior team and just make sure that we get people back supporting West Indies cricket. As long

as we keep winning, they keep supporting,” he said.

The Grenadian, who first managed the team during their successful ICC T20 World Cup run in India in 2016 before returning to the position in February 2018, stressed that the management of the Caribbean side would keep fighting to get West Indies cricket back to where it needs to be.

“We will never give up hope on West Indies cricket. We are here, we are working every day, we do whatever we need to do to ensure the players are well prepared to represent West Indies at the highest level. So we want to win every match, no doubt about it,” he assured.

Reggae Boyz striker Darren Mattocks accused of insurance fraud in USA

PENNSYLVANIA, United States (CMC) – Reggae Boyz striker Darren Mattocks has found himself offside the United States legal system, facing insurance fraud charges related to a car accident he was involved in back in January 2019.

U.S. media reports indicate that the 29-year-old, who is in his second season with Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit FC Cincinnati, is accused of making a false, fraudulent or incomplete insurance claim, and theft by deception.

According to ESPN which obtained the Affidavit of Probable Cause from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, the felony charges stem from a car accident that occurred on the morning of January 20, 2019.

Mattocks and a passenger had been travelling in his BMW X6 from New York City to Cincinnati on State Route 70, near Monongahela, Pennsylvania, when he lost control of the vehicle as it went over an ice patch. The car went over an embankment and flipped over.

The affidavit stated that at the time of the accident, the car’s insurance had lapsed, but Mattocks took out a new policy later that day and filed a claim three days later.

It added that when contacted by the insurance company, Mattocks said the accident had occurred around noon and he had acquired the insurance policy at 05:00hrs. that same day. However, the insurance company investigated further and discovered inconsistencies in Mattocks’ story, and he was subsequently charged.

However, his attorney David J. Shrager has issued a statement claiming that the issue was a “misunderstanding.”

“My client respects the laws of both his native country and the United States. He has never been in any kind of criminal trouble whatsoever in his life and this matter is merely a misunderstanding regarding insurance laws here in Pennsylvania.

“We look forward to clearing up this matter. We have been cooperating with the courts and continue to do so. We look forward to resolving this matter expeditiously,” he said.

According to court documents, Mattocks last appeared in court on the matter on January 29, the same day he missed his club’s friendly against Phoenix Rising FC. His absence had been explained by the team as being due to a personal matter.

The FC Cincinnati forward is scheduled to return to court for a formal arraignment on February 27, three days before his outfit kick off their 2020 MLS regular season with a match against the New York Red Bulls.

Mattocks is currently on US$50 000 bail.

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Deontay Wilder (left) and Tyson Fury will clash at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas on Saturday night

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 20, 2020

s s a p r u s o t s w ilder vo uhammad Ali ‘idol’ M

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Axed Ramdin accuses T&T selectors of disrespecting senior players

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Axed the others. He ended last season with 348 runs, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force wick- including two half-centuries, at an average of etkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin has almost 22. blasted the team’s selectors and has gone Ramdin admitted being “shocked and as far as accusing coach Mervyn Dillon of surprised” at being dropped, adding that not wanting him around. the chairman of selectors had told him to In an interview on the Mason & Guest ra- “play club cricket”. dio show here Tuesday, the former West Indies “Our system is very strange. They will call captain said the disrespect of senior players you and let you know when you get dropped, by the selectors and the uncertainty team but when you get selected you have to read members were feeling were affecting morale. it in the news. It’s very disrespectful,” he The veteran cricketer, who chairman of told radio show hosts Andrew Mason and Dr selectors Tony Gray said had been omitted Andrew Forde. from the 13-man squad for the sixth and “I’m not sure what message they’re seventh rounds of the tournament because of sending to the younger players because at a lack of form, added that there was a serious the moment they have players who think problem in communication between players that if you get a low score you’re going to and management. be out the next game, so guys are not com“They’re not respecting our fortable in the game. They’re scratching senior players. They are doing here, they’re scratching there, they’re their own thing, basically,” the wondering ‘if I don’t make runs this former Red Force skipper said, game, I’m gone the next game’.” adding that he was not the only Ramdin said he would have loved experienced player who has to captain the team for one more seabeen overlooked. son, to give the younger players “Ravi Rampaul was available guidance, but believed he was for the whole season and they just not appreciated or wanted bypassed him. When you look

by Dillon, with whom around there’s no one who can he said he did not “see bowl faster than this guy. He eye-to-eye”. helps the younger players.” “ T h a t ’s w h a t In the two matches he we’re lacking in the played for Red Force this Caribbean at this season, Ramdin batted three times and scored just 16 in TURN TO one instance and two ducks in PAGE 23 Denesh Ramdin

Curacao, Guadeloupe impress in CONCACAF Under-20 qualifiers

The Guadeloupe squad that secured a 6-0 triumph over Belize in the opening match of 2020 CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championship Qualifying, Group C

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao (CMC) – Curacao and Guadeloupe impressed in their opening matches of 2020 CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championship Qualifying on Tuesday, earning clean sheet wins to open Group C at the Ergilio Hato

Stadium here.

Six different players contributed to Guadeloupe’s 6-0 thrashing of Belize in their match, the first of the day.

Dustin Bourgeois started the scoring in the 18th minute, followed by scores from Willcyd Janky in the 33rd, Menael

Lorquin in the 38th and Josue Casimir in the 42nd to give the French-speaking nation a 4-0 halftime lead.

Goals from Aymerik Kissy and Yoann Lunion, in the 57th and 78th minutes, respectively, TURN TO PAGE 25

24 ►Windies focused on winning in Sri Lanka

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020