Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_02_25_2020

TUESDAY 25th February, 2020

' No.105921

'Boosting credibility of polls' PAGE

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...Ramjattan, several others back GECOM's move to reduce use of private residences for voting

Commonwealth Observer Group arrives in Guyana

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Motorcyclist killed on Adventure Public Road

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GDF ranks released from burns unit 13 PAGE

Mock polls in full swing! In preparation for General and Regional Elections, GECOM carried out mock polls throughout the country on Sunday. In this photo a young lady is ‘casting’ her ‘ballot’ as she goes through the electoral process in a mock exercise.

(Adrian Narine photo) (see story on pg 9)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

GWI to replace old network in Georgetown ...several new wells to be drilled as the water company acquires rigs

By Navendra Seoraj THE household chores of Georgetown residents have often been interrupted or disrupted because of “water outages,” often caused by breakages in the “aged” water network (pipes), something which the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will soon be replacing.

Just December, residents of Kitty, Campbellville, Subryanville, Bel Air, Queenstown, Alberttown, Bourda, Lacytown, Cummingsburg, Wortmanville, Lodge, Thomas Lands, Charlestown, and Albouystown were affected because of ruptured pipes at Church Street.

The breakage of the transmission line was, at that time, the latest, in a number of breakages, which had occurred to the Church Street and other transmission lines, throughout 2019. The breakages were as a result of the aged state of the transmission lines which constitute the Georgetown network, which

was installed over 100 years ago.

In 2019, Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van

but government has afforded us the opportunity to purchase the requisite pipes to replace the lines,” said Dr.

Flashback: GWI staff hard at work to ensure water was restored to the affected central Georgetown communities

West-Charles, had said that a $51M replacement of the Church Street water transmission line was expected to commence in the first quarter of 2020; and, it was expected that the other replacements will follow.

“There have been many breakages in Georgetown because of an old network,

Van West-Charles during his remarks at the recent commissioning ceremony for a US$6M Uitvlugt Water Treatment Plant.

Additionally, Dr. Van West-Charles said, GWI purchased two well-drilling rigs, which will arrive this month, TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

'Boosting credibility of polls'

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...Ramjattan, several others back GECOM's move to reduce use of private residences for voting

By Lisa Hamilton PRIME MINISTERIAL Candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, approves of the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) decision to reduce the use of private residences as polling stations, stating that it would put Guyana in a better position for credible elections.

The matter of private residences as polling stations is the most recent to be taken up by political leaders as the Opposition is calling for the reduction to be reversed while the government applauds the move.

It comes following a decision taken by GECOM, in principle, that private residences ought not to be used unless unavoidable.

It recently received the full support of all on the Commission but, mere days before Elections, Opposition-nominated Commissioners are creating a stir about the changes.

The Opposition believes that the private residences being changed to public buildings or GECOMmanned tents come primarily from their main support areas.

Meanwhile, others believe that no party should be pushing for the restoration of a relatively avoidable system which caused much conflict and doubt amongst the electorate for years.

GECOM IS IN CHARGE As has been previously pointed out in the media, Ramjattan told the newspaper on Sunday that international observers to

Guyana’s past elections, noticing the flaws within the electoral process, had encouraged GECOM to “ensure that citizens can cast their ballots in a neutral environment free from intimidation”.

“That was the recommendation of a number of international bodies that it must be moved away from certain private residences that have specific political partisanship and we had indicated, as the Alliance For Change, when we were not in the coalition government, that indeed these things should be reduced,” he said.

“I believe --- and this is just my opinion --- a lot of mischief was done there, especially during the PPP’s tenure where they got a number of votes as a result.

We should not be disadvantaged by that and indeed the judgement call should be left exclusively on a majority decision of GECOM.” He said this decision includes by how many private residences should be reduced and in which areas this can be accommodated.

The PM hopeful said that he strongly doubts that there is any merit to the Opposition’s claims that the changes are being made in “predominantly PPP/C areas” thereby affecting the party’s support.

He believes that the Party foresees a loss to the APNU+AFC and is therefore

clutching at anything which would stir up its traditional support.

He stated: “They want provocation; they want violence in the society because it is only when there is provocation and violence and all of that that they get back their base support and that is what they want here.”

Even so, Ramjattan maintained that the decision on the matter must come from the seven-mem-

same results and the same criticisms.”

Prime Ministerial Candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan

Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis

ber Commission and not from the interference of the PPP/C. THREAT TO CREDIBLE POLLS The APNU+AFC PM Candidate said that he can still recall the days in when a large number of polling stations as private residences were used only to the detriment of the electorate.

“I have seen some of these PPP stronghold areas whereby the AFC scrutineers in 2006 and 2011 were literally chased out [from private residences],” Ramjattan recalled.

“It happened in several of these areas that we are arguing the private residences should be reduced. Because they [the scrutineers] were not known to be the forceful type, the bullyism got the better of them and they did not stay there in their location and all of a sudden you see the PPP votes jump up to almost 99 per cent in these parts.”

Meanwhile, Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis, who has witnessed several of Guyana’s elections also gave the account that skepticism regarding credible polls have been high in the

Carter Center 2015 Preliminary report (https://www.cartercenter.org/resources/pdfs/news/peace_publications/election_reports/guyana-prelim-statement-052815.pdf)

GWI to replace old network in ... one of which will be sent to the hinterland and the other will be utilised in Georgetown.

These rigs, he said, will see wells being drilled at Farm, East Bank Demerara and Central Georgetown, among other areas. After the new wells are drilled, persons in those communities will have a “24/7” water supply.

“We are moving apace to ensure there is a level of redundancy and that all productive areas are going to be on a 24/7 basis…we also have set standards whereby water should be reaching the second floor of a house about 15 feet,” said Dr. van West-Charles, noting that it is a standard which the utility

past when it came to private residences.

“There’s always the claim that when you do balloting at private residences, parties have been involved in shenanigans and shady business [regarding] ballot boxes,” Lewis said.

“It must stop. We must move away from it. That’s as simple as it is…let us don’t go at private residences and these things; let us try as far as possible to avoid it. Efforts are being made to avoid this; to minimize it but there are people who want to remain in that era to keep the status quo in play. You can’t have that.

We have to change as we go along, we have to stop this whole process where we are encouraging agencies to continue doing the same things and getting the

STAKEHOLDER INTEREST PEAKS Now, Private Sector Commission (PSC) is calling for the Carter Center to “immediately publicly make the Center’s position clear on this matter”.

The PSC wants confirmation that the Center did indeed urge the Commission to ensure voting is conducted in a neutral environment and even called for the “the last minute and abrupt changes” to be reversed.

The Carter Center, in a preliminary statement on May 27, 2015 and under the heading ‘Location of polling stations’ stated: “Because of the lack of state establishments in some areas, 166 (or seven per cent) of these stations were located in private buildings and residences.

While the establishment of polling stations on private property did not seem to negatively influence public confidence in the electoral process, The Carter Center recommends that GECOM take steps in future elections to ensure that citizens can cast their ballots in a neutral environment free from intimidation.”

company is working hard to attain throughout the system.

By augmenting and improving its systems, GWI is hoping to also phase out “black tanks” because most times the quality of water, stored in those tanks, is not up to standard. According to Dr. Van West-Charles, the water, which flows from GWI’s plants, meets the standards outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“So there is no need in these communities for black tanks because we will increase our pressure…you will only have to use electrical pumps if you’re living in the fourth storey of a building,” said the managing director.

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency,

Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West Charles

Joseph Harmon said recently that water is an essential part of the good life, which government speaks of, because “water is life,” and access

FROM PAGE

to good, quality water is a human right.

“You have a right to high and good quality of water… it is a human right and it is enshrined in international documents…it is one of the SDGs, which is set for countries to achieve by 2030… but the CEO (GWI) has given himself up to 2025, which is commendable,” said the Director-General.

Harmon was satisfied with the pace at which GWI is going and believes that GWI could actually ensure there is universal access to quality water by 2025.

“I say we have increased and improved quality of life, and created the good life in many different ways…for

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instance some people living in an unregulated community now have the joy of turning on a pipe and getting running water which is clean,” said the Director-General, noting that GWI is executing its projects in a way to ensure that there is water at the lowest levels.

On Sunday it was reported that 20,000 persons, who reside within the catchment area of the Tuschen/Uitvlugt Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), will benefit from ‘pure’ and ‘clean’ water through GWI’s US$6M Uitvlugt Water Treatment Plant.

It will provide residents of Hague Back, Cornelia Ida, Anna Catherina, Leonora, Stewartville, Uitvlugt,

Zeeburg, De Willem, Meten-Meer-Zorg and De Kinderen, with 24-hour access to treated water. It was built by Sinohydro Corporation.

The project was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU).

The beneficiaries are receiving improved water quality, quantity and continuity of service. This includes schools and health facilities.

The plant’s peak treatment capacity is 15,000 cubic meters of water per day and the water produced is free from iron, pathogenic organisms and other contaminants. It is safe for drinking purposes and household usage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

'Namaste Trump': Modi holds huge rally for president's visit

AHMEDABAD, India (Reuters) - Donald Trump was cheered by more than 100,000 Indians at the opening of the world’s largest cricket stadium on Monday, promising “an incredible trade deal” and “the most feared military equipment on the planet” at his biggest rally abroad.

Indians wore cardboard Trump masks and “Namaste Trump” hats to welcome the U.S. president at the huge new Motera stadium in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s own political homeland, the western city of Ahmedabad.

Modi, a nationalist who won re-election last year and has shifted his country firmly to the right with policies that his critics decry as authoritarian and ethnically divisive, touts his relationship with Trump as proof of his own global standing.

U.S. officials have described Trump’s visit as a way to counter China’s rise as a superpower. “You have done a great honor to our country. We will remember you forever, from this day onwards India will always hold a special place in our hearts,” Trump said to thun-

U.S. President Donald Trump embraces with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the "Namaste Trump" event at Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, in Ahmedabad, India, February 24, 2020. REUTERS/Al Drago

derous applause. India is one of the few big countries in world where Trump’s personal approval rating is above 50%. It has built up ties with the United States in recent years as Wash-

Tuesday, February 25, 2020 05:00hrs

ington’s relationship has become strained with India’s foe Pakistan.

“As we continue to build our defense cooperation, the United States looks forward to providing India with some

of the best and most feared military equipment on the planet,” Trump said. Trump said the two countries will sign deals on Tuesday to sell military helicopters worth $3 billion and that the United States must become the premier defense partner of India, which relied on Russian equipment during the Cold War. Reuters reported earlier that India has cleared the purchase of 24 helicopters from Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) worth $2.6 billion.

But in a sign of the underlying political tensions in India, violent protests broke out in Delhi - where Trump is due on Tuesday over a new citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims and is a further attempt to undermine the secular foundations of India’s democracy.

Vehicles were set on fire in the eastern part of Delhi, metal barricades torn down, and thick smoke billowed through the air as thousands of those who are supporting the new law clashed with those opposing it. In his speech Trump extolled India’s rise as a stable and prosperous democracy as one of the achievements of the century. “You have done it as a tolerant country. And you have done it as a great, free country,” he said. Trump planned to raise the issue of religious freedoms in India with Modi, an administration official said last week.

VERY BIG DEALS In Ahmedabad, Modi embraced Trump as he stepped off Air Force One, along with his wife, Melania.

Folk dancers carrying colorful umbrellas danced alongside the red carpet as drummers, trumpeters and other musicians performed at the airport to welcome Trump and the U.S. delegation. Crowds lined the route along his cavalcade, many taking pictures on their phones.

The two sides did not manage to hammer out a trade deal ahead of the visit, with differences remaining over agriculture, medical devices, digital trade and proposed new tariffs. Trump said he was going to discuss economic ties with Modi, describing him as a tough negotiator. “We will be making very, very major, among the biggest ever made, trade deals. We are in the early stages of discussion for an incredible trade agreement to reduce barriers of investment between the United States and India,” he said.

“And I am optimistic that working together, the prime minister and I can reach a fantastic deal that’s good and even great for both of our countries - except that he is a very tough negotiator.”

Modi, who has built a personal rapport with Trump, is pulling out the stops for the president although prospects for even a limited trade deal during the visit are seen as slim. “There is so much that we share, shared values and ideals ... shared opportunities and challenges, shared hopes and aspirations,” said Modi at the rally.

Trump, who faces his own re-election campaign this year, has frequently praised Modi for his crowd-pulling power. Last year, Trump held a “Howdy Modi” rally with Modi in Houston, drawing 50,000 people, mainly Indian Americans. At the time, Trump likened Modi to Elvis Presley as a draw for crowds.

Later, Trump and his entourage which includes daughter Ivanka and sonin-law Jared Kushner flew to Agra to see the Taj Mahal at sunset. Children lined the route cheering and waving flags as his convoy drove past. Trump and Melania posed for pictures at the Taj, the 17th century monument to love. “It’s incredible,” he told reporters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

ST. KITTS PM insists coalition stronger and united BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Feb 24, CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris has acknowledged that the last five years has been challenging and difficult for his coalition administration, but mantains that the government has achieved much as it prepares for a general election constitutionally due in August.

Harris told a Thanksgiving Church service that his coalition, comprising his People’s Labour Party (PLP), People’s Action Movement (PAM) and Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) that formed the gov-

ernment in 2015, was “strong and united. ” Over the last five years, we have faced our share of challenges and difficulties, and we are standing today strong as a team committed to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Harris told the congregation that included Cabinet members and other senior government officials.

Prime Minister Harris said that the Cabinet had a shared belief and faith in God and the power of prayer.

“At each Cabinet setting, we ensure that every member of the Cabinet, by rotation, gets

Five Caribbean countries eligible for United States H-2A and H-2B Visa Programmes

the opportunity to invoke God and to bless the efforts of our administration on behalf of the people.

“I want to leave behind a legacy of having given every waking moment in furtherance of the agenda of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and to leave the Federation a better place than I had inherited it.”

Harris said that he had adopted a new cohesive approach to governance that has translated to a significant improvement in the relationship between the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and the Federal Government.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, CMC – The Trump administration in the United States has listed five Caribbean countries among 84 countries worldwide that are eligible for H-2A and H-2B visa programs that allow US employers to bring foreign nationals to the US to fill temporary agricultural and nonagricultural jobs, respectively.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), said the five Caribbean countries are eligible to participate in the programmes in 2020.

The Caribbean countries are: Barbados, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

But USCIS said while the Dominican Republic is eligible to participate in the H-2A programme, it is not eligible to participate in the H-2B programme.

For 2020, USCIS said the acting DHS has determined, with the concurrence of the Office of the Secretary of State, that the countries designated as eligible in 2019 will remain unchanged.

“DHS maintains its authority to add countries to the eligible countries list at any time, and to remove any country whenever DHS and DOS determine that a country fails to meet the requirements for continued designation,” said USCIS in a statement.

It said examples of factors that could result in the exclusion of a country or the removal of a country from the list include fraud, abuse, denial rates, overstay rates, human trafficking concerns, and other forms of noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the H-2 visa programs by nationals of that country. Typically, USCIS said it approves H-2A and H-2B petitions only for nationals of countries that the DHS secretary has designated as eligible to participate in the programs.

However, USCIS said it may approve H-2A and H-2B petitions, including those that were pending as of the date of the Federal Register notice, for nationals of countries not on the list on a case-by-case basis “only if doing so is determined to be in the interest of the United States.”

USCIS said the list does not affect the status of H-2 beneficiaries who currently are in the United States, “unless they apply to extend their status.” It also said that the list does apply to nonimmigrants changing status in the United States to H-2A or B. “Each country’s designation is valid, subject to removal for failure to meet the requirements for continued designation, from Jan. 19, 2020, until Jan. 18, 2021,” USCIS said.

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris addressing congregation

“We have heard it from the leaders themselves that in the short of five years, we have succeeded in putting that relationship at the strongest point it ever has been and we have been able to do in the short of five years so much more for the people of Nevis and the Nevis Island Administration than any other Federal Government before us,” Harris said.

Harris’ coalition will face the main opposition St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) headed by former prime minister Dr. Denzil Douglas on the upcoming elections.

Haiti’s Foreign Minister says CARICOM unity is under strain KINGSTON, Jamaica, Feb 21, CMC – Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Bocchit Edmond, says it was unfortunate that the 15-member regional integration movement, CARICOM, are divided on the issue of Venezuela and the election of a new secretary general for the Organisation of American States (OAS).

In a newspaper column, published in the Jamaica Observer newspaper on Thursday, Edmond said that for decades, despite the geographical and political differences, CARICOM has worked together with cohesion on matters of domestic, regional and foreign policy. “Working by consensus has always been crucial to our success.

It is unfortunate, therefore, that on the occasion of the 31st Intersessional Conference of Heads of Government, in Barbados, we are divided on the two major foreign policy issues of 2020,” said Edmond. According to the communique issued at the end of the summit on Wednesday, Haiti was the only CARICOM country not represented by anyone at the two-day meeting.

In his column, Edmond said that any political union, almost by design, is under continuous strain. “Joining together groups of people under diplomatic frameworks to fight for common interests is a constant work in progress which requires compromise and patience. “CARICOM, the group of 20 Caribbean states, has been a case study of a union that genuinely works. It is a remarkably successful project that has allowed us Caribbean states to punch above our weight on the international stage. For decades, despite our geographical and political differences, this family of nations has worked together with cohesion on matters of domestic, regional and foreign policy.”

But he said the issue which is causing friction in CARICOM is the ongoing political situation in Venezuela, where the United States, backed by several countries, is seeking to remove President Nicolas Maduro in favour of the Opposition Leader Juan Guaido. CARICOM has in the past maintained its policy of non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of the South American country. Edmond acknowledged that some “nations support Maduro’s claim to power, and others supporting Guaido.

“For Haiti, our decision is rooted in a desire to see democracy and self-determination for the Venezuelan people, who have for too long been denied the right to select their leader. We have chosen to recognise Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader of Venezuela in line with the country’s constitution. “What happens in Venezuela matters profoundly to all Caribbean nations as our futures are interconnected. It’s right that we focus attention on the issue. CARICOM countries are united on principles of non-intervention and a commitment to a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political crisis of legitimacy.

“We cannot allow this issue to drive a wedge between us. It is our belief that all of CARICOM’s member states will benefit from a peaceful, swift, and democratic resolution which follows the will of the Venezuelan people.”

The Haitian Foreign Minister wrote that CARICOM is also divided over the issue of the new leadership of the OAS, with the elections for a new secretary general due in May. “The OAS plays a crucial role in developing ties between the Caribbean and the rest of the Americas, and in promoting democracy and stability across the region. In the past, CARICOM has been

in broad agreement on the leadership of multilateral organisations and in rallying as one around the best candidate. However, this time we can’t agree. “Some CARICOM member states are supporting former Ecuadorean Minister of Defence María Fernanda Espinosa or Ambassador Hugo de Zela of Peru in a bid, as they see it, to reform the organisation and make it more representative.

“We, in Haiti, by contrast, believe that the best person to lead those reforms is current Secretary General Luis Almagro of Uruguay. He is running for a second term, having ably led the OAS in facilitating dialogue and promoting democracy and human rights across the Americas.

“Although we agree that the OAS must adapt in some important ways, we believe he is in the best position to bring it forward, commanding broad support and carrying with him unparalleled experience,” Edmond said. He said that the strength in CARICOM “has always been our unity. “And with so much to do in and for the region, including building a single market, reducing or eliminating tariff barriers in our neighbourhood, and urgently increasing resilience to climate change, we should focus on the actions, approaches, and people that will propel us forward.

“Our delegation to the summit, representing the biggest population in CARICOM is seeking to forge unity and to build consensus on both these matters. We must use this opportunity to redouble our commitment to one another and remember what we are here to do,” he wrote.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 25, 2020

The example of the high voter turnout of the Armed Forces

WE have editorialised before about the importance of citizens exercising their right to vote. Towards that end, we stressed how essential it is for voter turnout in the coming elections to be considerably improved. It is for that reason that we are heartened at the reports that voter turnout surpassed the 80% mark at the just concluded early voting by the armed forces. While the armed forces represent a relatively small subset of the electorate, it is not completely out of place to conclude that their high turnout could well tell us something about what to expect on March 2.

An almost 82% turnout by any segment of the population is good news for the democratic process. Democracy thrives on wide citizen participation and is undermined by reduced engagement. As we observed in an earlier editorial, low voter turnout in the wider Caribbean region has been a problem. We cited the recent election in Dominica where voter turnout was a mere 53.7 per cent as the perfect example of this growing problem. If half of registered voters stay away from the polls, then something is radically wrong and should be fixed.

Some have linked voter turnout to confidence in the larger political process. There is much validity to that claim, and this may well be the case here in Guyana. In fact, one

of the arguments that leaders of the Coalition have been making is that it was their government that restored the nation’s confidence in a broken political system. They have charged the now opposition PPP with undermining public confidence in the system and inducing a heavy dose of alienation. Thus, it is understandable that the Coalition would argue that the higher than usual voter turnout by the armed forces is due to their confidence in the current government.

Whether one agrees with that assessment or not should not deter us from recognizing the positiveness in the outcome under discussion.

On the other hand, it is worth noting that the PPP has not made much of the issue. Maybe that party is less interested in what happens among a segment of the electorate that they perceive to be outside of their natural constituency. Whatever the reason, it is quite unbecoming of a major political party to fail to laud a positive development such as improved voter turnout. The problem of narrow partisan interests over national concerns continues to be a major shortcoming of that party. At some point the rank and file of the party must ask whether such a party effectively serves their interests.

In any case, it would be remiss of this publication to not use the example of the armed forces to urge the wider electorate to flock the polls on polling day. We join the rest of

Would they be pouting like this if gov’t had granted them their sought-after personal recognition Dear Editor: OF course, people are free to vote as they please. And a person’s voting preference is a personal choice, as impregnable a right as freedom of speech or religion. But when someone publicly announces the political party or presidential candidate he or she supports or rejects, that person invites public scrutiny of their views. More so, if we, the public, suspect that the open touting of one’s voting preference is meant to sway others.

In that context, I have in mind the letter by Christopher Ram (in SN February 23rd, titled ‘Why I cannot support David Granger’) as well as the numerous assaults on the coalition government by Freddie Kissoon. It cannot be by chance that the anti-coalition rhetoric of these gentlemen coincided with that point in time when they personally felt they were rejected or

ignored by the government. Immediately after that instant, their politics became a personal vendetta, an act of vengeance no less. With Ram, that moment dawned when President Granger deemed him not ‘fit and proper’ to be chairman of GECOM. For Kissoon, that instant came when he suspected that the government most likely believed that placing him anywhere near his beloved UG would be an act of destruction.

Since then, it has been obvious how personal bitterness has driven and poisoned the comments of these gentlemen.

In reading their emotional criticisms, one constantly asks, would they have been pouting like this if the coalition government had granted them their sought-after personal recognition and accolade.

Yours Faithfully Sherwood Lowe

the nation in commending the members of the armed forces for setting a positive tone for the rest of the society to follow.

We are thankful . If these elections lead to a rekindling of a greater civic participation in the future, Guyana would be eternally grateful to you.

As a national institution, our interest is in the larger picture. We urge voters to emulate the example of the members of the armed forces and keep our fledgling democracy alive.

For those who are more alienated than others, we respectfully urge you to rise above your doubts and give your country another chance. Remember the heroic sacrifices of your ancestors whose long struggles in the valley were also for the right to vote and to determine who governs.

Voter participation is essential to electoral justice.

Citizens should not allow others to determine for them who governs. By staying away from the polls, you are ceding your right to decision-making to those who show up. If you vote, you are more likely to take responsibility for the outcome of the collective vote. You are also giving yourself a better chance of holding accountable your representatives, both in and out of government. In the last analysis, the vote is a tool in the hand of the citizen to craft a future not only for themselves but also for their children who cannot now vote.

Ram still smarting from being rejected to chair GECOM

Dear Editor

I had great difficulty reading one of the most politically slanderous letters, carried in the media, titled “Why I cannot support David Granger” in the Stabroek News dated February 23, 2020. The challenge came about, not because of the shock and surprise that such descent to depths of criminal defamation could have been concocted, by any person. But that they had the boldness to actually offload such poison, using all the cleverly written style that sought to appeal to the subliminal, in efforts to prove truth.

But yet again, I reminded myself that this trenchant vested interest representative, is now a full-blown associate of the PPP/C, that confirmed its public fact, with his nomination by the PPP/C as a possible candidate for the then chairperson of GECOM, but became a full-blown fact when he gave his legal representative services to the party in the now historical No Confidence Motion case that was decided on by the Caribbean Court of Justice(CCJ), and with other secondary aspects of the case, that was heard in the High Court. But enough of this introduction to the shocking somersault of Christopher Ram,

already known, especially by the man in the street, as one who has realigned himself with ethnic politics, bought for a pint of oil.

Editor, this is a particularly undisputed conclusion, which Ram would be hard pressed to defend, as he had once been considered one of the voices of the national conscience, who condemned the corrupt and politically lascivious PPP/C, even becoming the target of Bharat Jagdeo, whilst president, who branded him in a very derisive manner.

But since this response is to his obnoxiously written “Why I cannot support David Granger”, this purpose must be attended.

First, it is unbelievable that Ram would dare accuse the President of the Cooperative Republic, of not doing anything for “healing and consideration’’, accusing the gentleman, of being more ‘’divisive than disappointing”, complaining that instead of policies and strategies to bring the communities closer…a tendency towards narrow ethno-centric policies.

Correctly, Ram makes reference to the fact that the coalition secured just a one-seat majority in a “hugely bifurcated society”.

Of course, he is correct. But it is a situation which President Granger immediately recSee page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 25, 2020

Christopher Ram, Apaan Jaat is long dead and thankfully so

Dear editor,

THEY seem to have formed a tag team to attack H.E President Granger. Freddie Kissoon was first out in skin-fitting shorts which I can tell you was not a pretty sight.

Full of energy and anger, he launched a full scale attack but our President, forever lean, fit and proper, dealt with him with his usual dignity and class which infuriated the failed academic. With blood-red eyes he attacked Mr. Granger below the belt on several occasions. The spokesman at Ministry of The Presidency intervened at the underhand tactics by the now exhausted Freddie, voicing serious concerns about his unsportsmanlike conduct. As a result, in hyperventilating state, he decided to tag his partner.

And he entered the ring, looking worse for wear, with silver fox hair and red shorts which cut a sight that would give the most formidable mentally, enduring nightmares. His attacks were threefold, reflecting his three failed professions. His first line of attack was a feeble uppercut of oil and gas. The electorate listened to his incomprehensible mumblings and quickly reminded him that it would take more than a one year sojourn at Reading University to convince them that he understands the basics of oil and gas. Embarrassed and emasculated, he tried a straight right on legal issues pertaining to oil and gas. The electorate dealt with it more aggressively and with the disdain it deserves.

In no uncertain terms they said they will not listen to a geriatric junior attorney on matters of the law. The spokesman for the group shouted, “it’s either Nigel Hughes, a Senior Counsel or a Queens Council. Anyone else would just have to suck it up.” So the man universally known as Christopher Ram, aptly named after the grass-eating mammal, tried his final trick.

He confabulate some numbers but by this time the stadium was empty apart from his coach, Glenn Lall. With no spectators, he sauntered home a dejected old man. You see, Christopher Ram never recovered from being in a cohort of six that Mr. Granger considered not fit and proper. Mr. Granger was referring to the group and Christopher took it personally. The group was selected by the Champion of Oil when he was tasked with selecting six fit and proper nominees for the President.

REASONS FOR RE-ELECTION Today, the vexatious Christopher Ram presented himself in the Stabroek News stadium in full battle gear with the inscription, “Why I cannot support David Granger” emblazoned across his chest. That’s fine Christopher, the majority of the electorate will and here are a few reasons why.

1. Guyana is one of the fastest growing economy in the world.

2. Over 100 major companies in America are breathlessly waiting to invest in Guyana 3. Guyana is one of the top-rated countries in terms of corruption reduction 4. There is massive improvement in the health service in terms of infrastructure. Health centres being built, hospital being built, doctors accommodation being built with a $285M GPHC staff quarter opened last week. Water ambulances for the Hinterland. Maternity homes pregnant mothers in the hinterlands.

Waiting times at A&E decreased. Infant mortality decreased. Maternal mortality decreased.

Oncology service being developed. And much

more [in] the field of public health.

5. Infrastructure development at a record high. Roads being built in the hinterlands. Road development throughout Guyana. Newly-built passport services in Berbice and other regions.

Newly-built post office services in Berbice and other regions. Overhead bridge on the East Bank. Bridges in the hinterland.

6. Public servants enjoying a 75% increase in pay. Increase in pension.

7. No extrajudicial killings. No phantom squads. Guyanese feel free than they have felt in 23 years. Guyanese are alive and not shot dead by phantom squads.

8. Taking the judiciary to the rural areas.

Courts being built including rape courts. Victims do not need to travel to Georgetown for justice.

9. Electricity supply in areas of Guyana that never had electricity. Bartica now enjoying a better electricity supply. Many communities are also. Potable water in many communities that never had.

10. Improvement in examination in all areas but moreso the hinterlands. School buses and school boats for free transport with family saving thousands of dollars per month. Free school meals. New schools built especially in the Hinterlands. Chris, and there are many more.

So those are some of the reasons why Guyanese will throw their resounding support behind Mr. Granger. Shall we examine Christopher ram reason not to? Essentially, Christopher is on a hormonal rant with no specifics. As a result, I would struggle to address the issues raised, but I will try. In the first two paragraph of rants, Christopher was focused on race and race issues. He labelled Mr. Granger as divisive. This is rich coming from a man who was caught on tape saying disparaging things about Afro-Guyanese, something that Mr. Granger never did about Indo-Guyanese.

AN EXAMINATION OF CHRISTOPHER RAM Christopher, on his race rant and lies stated, and I will quote him verbatim, “His administration has retained all Afro-Guyanese permanent secretaries inherited from its predecessor while removing all the rest.” This statement is a blatant lie and an implied lie. It is a blatant lie that this administration selectively kept Afro-Guyanese Permanent Secretaries while terminating the contracts of others. That’s a blatant and disgusting lie and I challenge Christopher Ram to provide name and numbers of PS who were retrained and fired. Also, I would challenge Chris to provide any evidence of steps he took to address these allegations that he is now making e.g. reporting to ERC. I would also challenge Christopher Ram to provide evidence of any legal case taken against this government by such PS who he claims were racially discriminated and were unlawfully dismissed. Christopher is also implying that the previous administration, which predominantly looked like him, had significant numbers of Afro-Guyanese which were retained by this Government. That’s a lie since only a small minority was Afro-Guyanese. The fact is that under PPP, the permanent secretaries were predominantly of one race but of course Christopher would not say that was divisive because those PS under PPP looked like him. And

Christopher, I can remember PS Brotherson being dismissed by this Government, so surely your argument that all Afro-Guyanese were retained by this government is falling apart.

Christopher, let’s look at divisive politics.

Under PPP, there was never an Afro-Guyanese ambassador overseas for twenty-three years. That was not divisive Chris because they looked like you. For state contracts, Christopher, those that received them looked like you. That was not divisive because they look like you. GPHC, where I was employed, I saw a complete clean-up of the hospital hierarchy. That was not divisive Chris because they looked like you. The Berbice Bridge and radio licences only one group dominated Chris but then again that was not divisive because they looked like you. Christopher, what about the scholarships offered that UNDP wanted to investigate but the PPP kept the data from them. Chris, most of the recipients of those scholarships looked like you so that was not decisive [sic]. The same apply to fellowships Chris, the majority of the recipients looked like you, so that was not divisive. Those over 1000 murdered under PPP were predominantly Afro-Guyanese but then again the victims did not look like you, so it was not divisive. Based on your racist position, the more Afro-Guyanese murdered would make you a happy man since your type dominates. Chris, who said, “let us take our country back” and what was the racial makeup of the group he was addressing? Let me help you race blind Chris, they looked like you so that was not divisive? And Chris, the permanent secretaries under PPP were predominantly of one race. That’s not divisive Chris because they look like you.

Chris, which racial group was making most complaints of discrimination? That’s okay Chris, they did not look like so it was not divisive.

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW Chris, you said that Mr. Granger was in breach of the constitution. Look what, I do recognise that as a geriatric junior lawyer your understanding of the law is limited but let me share this with you. To simply state the constitution was breached without stating which aspect of the constitution was breached and which legal experts in constitutional law who supported that position along with providing sound legal arguments, would be as useless as this piece of racist garbage you called a letter.

What I do know is [that it is] illegal to throw court papers over your shoulder, but of course you do not think that was divisive, since those in power looked like you. Chris, and what about the 1997 elections which Justice Singh vitiated; I am no lawyer but I do know that if something is invalidated then it has to be changed. In this case it was the election so a new election was required. That never happened Chris, but of course for you that is not divisive since those in power looked like you.

The disheveled Christopher Ram then continued his impotent argument. He complained that Cecil Kennard and Prem Persaud were retired because of age while Justice Patterson was appointed GECOM chair and Prof Clive Thomas was appointed to SARA. Christopher Ram, you forgot to mention that Mr. Hamilton Green

was also retired but that does not play into your racist narrative. You also forgot to mention that Justice Claudette Singh was appointed GECOM chairwoman after she retired. You also forgot to mention that Cecil Kennard was appointed to lead the CoI into the Mayor and City Council and the person who replaced Kennard at the Police Complaints Authority is an indo-Guyanese, Justice William Ramlall. Chris, if you were not looking at it through jaundiced and racist eyes you would have seen other possible reasons why this happened. Firstly, it was not down to race since an Afro-Guyanese was also affected by it and presently there is an Indo-Guyanese as Georgetown Mayor. Secondly, it has to do with promoting professional mobility of young lawyers to Judges. Cecil Kennard and Prem Persaud were in their 80’s hence they had to resign to give way to younger judges which did include Indo-Guyanese. Being the chairman of a CoI or GECOM requires experience which, unfortunately, cannot be faked. It is for this reason that these retired judges can be appointed there ahead of younger inexperienced lawyers. Most importantly, they are generally for a shorter period which suits a retired judge well. So that’s the reason Christopher. It has nothing to do with race.

FIT AND PROPER The rest of Christopher humbug narrative I will just ignore since it was him blowing off steam for being in a group that H.E President Granger, using legal parlance, said it was not fit and proper. Having said that, I will briefly address the issue pertaining to Raphael Trotman. Christopher is hooked up on Raphael Trotman but in the very report he is referring to, there were accusations labelled against Robert Persaud and Donald Ramotar. Of course, Chris would not be harsh on them because they look like him.

He will attack Raphael Trotman because he does not look like him but moreso he looks like the man he racially abused which was caught on tape. Christopher Ram, you are not an oil and gas expert, far from it, as a result I would suggest that you go read other articles on the very subject matter that get a comprehensive and balanced view. Also, I would suggest that you speak to experts and you may realise that the world we live in is not black and white. The world is not a single Global Witness report. In concluding, I will say that Christopher Ram is a pitiful geriatric junior lawyer. He is very vindictive and holds a grudge against Mr. Granger for the incident that occurred during the GECOM chair selection process. He is petty. He is a relic of the past. He is stuck in the 1960’s of apaan Jaat era. Most of us have moved on from those divisive days. Look at the diversity of the crowds at the APNU-AFC rally. Look at the love shown by all races to Mr. Granger wherever he goes. Christopher Ram, we are in 2020 and not 1960. Get out of our sight with that racist agenda. You are divisive and a bitter old man. You would not speak of the contracts you got under this government. You will never mention that because it does not fit your racist narrative.

Stop appealing to race and let this elections be on record.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 25, 2020

Relatives suspicious of investigation into Venezuelan biker’s death

- one week on, driver still on station bail ONE week after the death of Venezuelan motorcyclist, Veijay Jesus Idrogo, who was involved in a vehicular accident, relatives are expressing concerns over an alleged cover-up.

Idrogo died on February 16, 2020, one day after he was involved in a vehicular accident on the De Kenderen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Idrogo’s sister, Ammy Idrogo said days after the accident police returned to the scene to place new markings on the accident scene.

“We have photos of the original scene of the accident; now we learn that new markings were placed to

indicate an area where my brother and his motorcycle were not truly located. We would like the police legal adviser and the commissioner of police to look into this matter properly, and just don’t take it for granted because my brother is a Spanish speaker,” the grieving woman said.

She said too that there is also a voice recording of an interview she had done with her brother before he died about what really happened.

“He said he was standing at the side of the road when the car lost control and hit him down, and the driver apparently didn’t know what

he hit and reversed over him while he was on the ground,” the frustrated woman said.

An autopsy done on the body, on Wednesday last, revealed Idrogo died from multiple injuries.

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

Idrogo, 39, of Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast of Demerara (WCD), died at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) one day after the accident.

According to the police, on Saturday at about 03:00hrs, motorcar PWW 8179, driven by a 39-year-

Dead: Veijay Jesus Idrogo

old resident of Leonora, WCD, was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of the road and 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.

According to the police, Idrogo 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 released on station bail as investigations continue.

Motorcyclist killed on Adventure Public Road AN accident on the Adventure Public Road on the Essequibo Coast has left a father of one dead and has thrown a family into mourning. Dead is Suresh Arjune, also known as Vishal, 35, of lot 3 Adventure Public Road.

According to information reaching Guyana Chronicle, the accident occurred around 20:50 hrs on Sunday on the Adventure Public Road. It involved motor car bearing registration PMM 2260 and motorcycle, CJ 4350.

Information revealed that the car was driven by a 27-year-old who was said to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He is presently in police custody.

An eyewitness, who was on the road at the time, said they heard a loud impact and imme-

diately rushed to the scene to assist.

“We were right in front of the Chinese restaurant and we saw and rush, the motorbike get a bad accident. We hurry and put [the rider] in a car and send him away,” the eyewitness related.

The wife of the deceased, Samantha Mangal, said she received the news from a resident.

Still traumatized, she related that her husband was a loving person and she is still trying to come to grips with his death. He was an employee attached to Banks DIH and was a father of one. His body is currently at the Suddie Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Police are currently investigating the accident.

Ram still smarting ...

ognised in one of his very early addresses to the nation. Commenting on this fact, he pointed out, without any attempt at allowing the coalition’s victory to cloud his judgement, as to what such a very narrow margin of a win means, he said that It clearly illustrated how divided a country “we are’’, and that as a result, he was extending an invitation to the political opposition for unity talks.

One is certain that Ram is aware of such a statement, and Jagdeo’s subsequent rejection, especially on the grounds, alleging that since the government had been persecuting Indo-Guyanese members of his party, such a proposal was not feasible. Now, this was rather dishonest of Jagdeo who may have hoped that the president abandoned the auditing exercises, and prosecution of those fingered in the numerous auditing reports. But that was part of the new morality which became a fact during the degutting of the nation’s material resources, during which those who stole, expected not to pay for their criminal deeds.

Let me travel further to expose the dan-

The mangled car

DEAD: SURESH ARJUNE

The accident scene

FROM PAGE 6

gerous duplicity, hypocrisy and pretense of a political weathercock. Ram should know, as one is certain that he does, that any discussion of unity in a deeply divided society has to involve especially both sides of the major political divide, and inclusive of the allied cultural stakeholders. This has to be part of the larger whole of a national conversation that involves every region, and communities within; since no one-half can expect to do it alone. This is a fact which Jagdeo fully understands; but being uncooperative, continues to suit his political purpose and agenda of divisive behavior, since he is a master of using this to foment ethnic insecurity, as a means of holding his party’s support base.

In fact, Ralph Ramkarran is on record in one of his Sunday columns around the same period, of applauding President Granger for such a positive suggestion, going on to suggest that should Jagdeo refuse the offer, then the President should take the issue directly to the people. And did not Ram, on many occasions, during the PPP/C regimes

of Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar, condemn the unfair treatment of discrimination meted out to Afro Guyanese? And did he expect such a dangerous ideology to change, especially against the background of Jagdeo party’s defeat at the 2015 polls?

Secondly, in supporting the constitutional dictates of Local Government Elections, President Granger not only saw this very seminal instrument as returning the power of decision-making to the communities and their citizens; but also as a process whereby, working together, irrespective of ethnicity/ political affiliation, Guyanese in every region will gradually become appreciative of each other, understanding that such diversity, actually makes for a better cohesive society.

It further explains why, at the insistence of President Granger, that there exists a Ministry of Social Cohesion, that have been instrumental in taking many national initiatives, to the different administrative regions, for a better togetherness of all our peoples.

Let it be said, that even among PPP/C supporters, there is deep appreciation, if not, grudging respect for a president who has never uttered a word of racism or

attempted to heighten ethnic insecurities among our different ethnic groups. All through the nasty provocations, especially via the social media trolls, and the treacherous NCM, despite being aware of who were the major political criminals in this now infamous Judas affair – President Granger led Guyana, without resorting for any kind of comfort, or garnering support from such a dangerous reservoir such as race. Instead, he has continued to encourage our people to strive for a better Guyana, through unity and peace. Ram, for all of his propaganda, which is seeking to give public endorsement to a party which has practiced racism by marginalizing an ethnic group of Guyanese, led by a candidate of immense dishonest proportions, should be ashamed of his unfounded crap and PPP/C propaganda. Let Christopher Ram tell this nation, through any media, what has Jagdeo ever done, especially since 2015, to foster a better, unified Guyana. But this is what oil has done to a lot of masqueraders, mercenaries and pretenders – further corrupt their souls.

Regards Carla Mendonca

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Mock polls in swing

---as GECOM gears up for elections ON Sunday, hundreds of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) temporary staff, for Elections Day, participated in mock polls across the country to ensure that election is smoothly executed on March 2, 2020.

Over at Christ Church Secondary, there were approximately 51 personnel gathered for training from 11 stations within the North and South Cummingsburg Division.

At the time this newspaper visited, the polling day

staffs were going through the process on how to deal with voters without Identification (ID) Cards.

“No hiccups so far. We’re doing general mock polls and we’re doing it according to how they will be working on Elections Day,” Marlon Laing, Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) for South Cummingsburg, said.

Pointing to the team on stage at the time, he said the polling day staff was going through the steps of the voting process.

“They’re getting accustomed to their various roles and responsibilities. After

GECOM temporary staff going through a mock voting process at Christ Church Secondary (Adrian Narine photo)

Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) for Saint Sidwell’s Primary, Joslyn Frank (Adrian Narine photo)

GECOM temporary staff at Lodge Secondary (Adrian Narine photo)

the staff is appointed, we do continuous mock polls in terms of preparation,” Laing explained.

Still in Region Four and over at Lodge Secondary School, this newspaper was able to capture the process of how GECOM staff would deal with the mixing of ballots from members of the joint services, who voted on February 21, 2020.

There are over 100 temporary staff who will participate

in the mock polls daily leading up to March 2, 2020.

In the school’s auditorium, DRO for Saint Sidwell’s Primary, Joslyn Frank, was seen assisting with organising the photographs of the temporary staff which would later be placed on identifying badges for elections day.

The badges will include the staff’s name, photograph, polling station, the signature of the individuals and the official approval signature of Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield. “[This is] so that everybody can get a feel of their position so that they’ll know when it’s happening, how all the operations at the polling

stations are actually being conducted,” Frank said.

The session was conducted by three DRO’s from the area inclusive of Frank, along with their Clerks.

By the time this reporter was leaving, the staff present were about to go through the process of the counting of ballots.

Added to this, GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward said, on Sunday: “We’re currently completing the packing of the ballot boxes in the headquarters compound and that should be wrapped up by tomorrow and other than that, we’re preparing all the time.”

Commonwealth Observer Group arrives in Guyana AN 11-member Observer Group from the Commonwealth has arrived in Guyana to observer pre-election, polling day and post-election activities to ensure that they are in keeping with Guyana’s laws, and its regional and international commitments.

The team, led by Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group, former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur, arrived in Georgetown on February 23, 2020 and began their briefing programme on Sunday.

On February 19, staff from the Commonwealth Secretariat arrived in advance of the Group to observe the early voting of the disciplined services on February, 21, 2020.

Over the next three days, they will all continue to meet with key stakeholders including the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), political parties, civil society, the media, the police, citizens and other international observers.

In a release, the former Prime Minister stated that the group was constituted following an invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in November.

The team comprises 11 eminent persons drawn from

across the different regions of the Commonwealth including

then report on whether it has been conducted in line with

significance of these elections to the people of Guyana and

Speaker of the House of Representatives in Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Gerald A. Watt KCN, QC, (Liberty Radio photo)

Former Foreign Minister and Tribunal Judge and Senior Counsel in Belize, Lisa Shoman (San Pedro Sun photo)

Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group, former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur (Barbados Advocate photo)

Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific. They bring a wealth of experience from across the social and political spectrum with expertise in the fields of politics, election management, laws, the media, gender, civil society and human rights.

“Our mandate is to observe and evaluate the electoral process independently and impartially. We will assess the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the post-election period and consider the various factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole. We will

Guyana’s national legislation, as well as the country’s regional and international commitments,” the observer group said.

This marks the seventh consecutive election that the Commonwealth has observed in Guyana. It believes that its presence affirms the support of the Commonwealth to this country and its democratic processes.

On Elections Day, the Group will observe the opening, voting, closing, counting and the results management processes.

On this note, Arthur advised: “We are aware of the

we call on all stakeholders to demonstrate commitment to a peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive election.”

The Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group stated that following Elections Day, an interim statement on the Group’s preliminary findings will be issued on March 4, 2020.

Meanwhile, a final report will then be prepared and submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, QC, and subsequently shared with relevant stakeholders and the public. The group will leave

Guyana on March 9, 2020.

Arthur said he is greatly honoured to have been asked by the Commonwealth Secretary-General to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group to Guyana’s General and Regional Elections.

Those on his team include: Lebrechtta Nana Oye Bayne, Social Economist and Gender Expert (Antigua and Barbuda); Sir Gerald A. Watt KCN, QC, Speaker of the House of Representatives (Antigua and Barbuda); Lisa Shoman, former Foreign Minister and Tribunal Judge and Senior Counsel (Belize); Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer (Belize); John Hendra, former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General (Canada); Gitobu Imathiu Imanyara, former MP (Kenya); Mitra Vasisht, Ambassador of India (Retired) (India); Sarah Fradgley, Media Expert (New Zealand/UK); and Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Alternatives (Sri Lanka) and Stephen John Hiscock, Retired Diplomat (UK).

Legal Aid had more than 11,000 divorce cases since 1994 ACCORDING to statistics provided by the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, since the establishment of the clinic in 1994, divorce cases are the most prominent, since it has the highest number of 11,749 for advice and representation.

The Guyana Legal Aid Clinic has provided its services to 25,784 persons spanning four regions between March 1994 and December 2019.

During that period 44,757 persons were interviewed and only 17,988 were for advice only. However 985 were ineligible for legal advice.

The Guyana Legal Aid Clinic (GLAC) predominantly dealt with civil matters including divorce, domestic violence, Deeds Poll and Affidavit, property disputes, injunction, tenant, bigamy, personal injury/death claims, division of property, custody and access, trespass, employment, among others.

Criminal matters included: narcotics, assault, threatening language, rape, carnal knowledge, murder, manslaughter, robbery, theft, disorderly behaviour and firearm possession.

The cases that carry the highest number for civil matters are divorces numbering 11,749, domestic violence numbering 2,202, custody access numbering 1,234 and deeds poll and affidavits and letters numbering 1,061.

Meanwhile the cases that carry the highest number for criminal matters are assault numbering 745, robbery and theft numbering 400, murder and manslaughter numbering 210, narcotics 91 and rape and carnal knowledge 87.

In cases where persons did not qualify for legal aid, they were referred to the private bar.

Guyana Legal Aid Clinic (formerly Georgetown Legal Aid Clinic) is a non-governmental, non-profit making, non-partisan organisation that provides legal aid to persons who cannot afford to employ the services of a member of the private bar.

GLAC opened its doors in March 1994 and receives an annual subvention from the government for the provision of attorneys-at-law, rentfree space amongst others. It also receives donations from other bodies.

The GLAC has four offices: King and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown, Region 4; Anna Regina Essequibo, Region 2; Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice, Region Five; and Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, Region Six.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Political parties promise to champion LGBTQ rights

By Lisa Hamilton AT a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender + (LGBTQ+) Human Rights Town Hall meeting on Sunday, representatives of seven political parties put forward their plans, which they said will ensure the rights of the minority group are advanced and protected.

This is the first time that such a forum was held locally amongst political parties, and it was made possible through collaboration between the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD Guyana) and the Guyana Press Association (GPA).

It was held at the Georgetown Club and saw the attendance of Presidential Candidate of The New Movement (TNM), Dr. Asha Kissoon; Minister of Public Telecommunication, Cathy Hughes; former Minister of Education in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Priya Manickchand; Assistant Secretary of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Kian Jabour; Campaign Manager of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Yvonne Cole; Executive Member of The Citizenship Initiative (TCI), Ruel Johnson and representative of the United Republican Party (URP), Rawle Aaron.

When the lengthy discussions began, the Guyana Chronicle took note of some of the key questions and a few of the notable responses.

GROUNDS FOR DISCRIMINATION Kick starting the conversation, the representatives were questioned on whether their parties believe that sexual orientation and gender identity should be included as grounds for discrimination in the laws of Guyana.

Johnson said during his former years in the media, part of his time was spent looking at the issue of how homophobia affects access to health and employment in Guyana.

He stated that the party’s strong push for Constitutional Reform can be viewed as its commitment to ensure that changes which end discrimination in the LGBTQ community are enacted.

In her comments, Minister Hughes said that one of the first things the Govern-

ment did after taking office was to put together a group that addressed the recommendations for Constitutional Reform.

She said that through consultations, a report was then written and laid in Parliament, and while under normal circumstances such discussions would have taken place at the parliamentary level, it must go on record

third force in government to advance change.

He agreed that persons in Guyana are generally uneducated when it comes to human rights, and said that part of what ANUG sets out to do is to criminalise hate crimes; bring about awareness and guarantee justice.

Similarly, Dr. Kissoon said that, all complaints aside, discrimination on the

the matter remains a human rights issue.

“I think consensus is important but I don’t think we can leave it up to the nation to get to consensus by itself.

I think we have to be aggressive in educating around reaching that consensus,” she said.

She assured that the PPP/C is open to the repeal of the laws against buggery

to international education standards.

Adding her party’s position to the mix, Minister Hughes said that the Government believes that all forms of bullying is unacceptable and one must look at the root of such problems which often begins in the home.

Johnson said the right government elected should also look at the influence

(From left): Guyana Press Association (GPA) President, Nazima Raghubir; TNM’s Presidential Candidate, Dr. Asha Kissoon; Assistant Secretary of ANUG, Kian Jabour; Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes; Campaign Manager of LJP, Yvonne Cole; Executive Member of TCI, Ruel Johnson; former Minister of Education PPP/C, Priya Manickchand; representative of the URP, Rawle Aaron and Head of SASOD Joel Simpson (Adrian Narine photo)

that the Opposition refused to participate.

“I know it’s going to sound as though I’m complaining but it is just a fact.

They refused to participate in any of the parliamentary committees and here I’m talking on things as simple as the Committee of Appointments,” Minister Hughes said.

She added: “When you have a parliament that is not working and representatives within the parliamentary structure that are not at least willing to sit down and discuss [you will be set back].”

The Minister reminded that a two-third majority is needed for constitutional changes but committed that if re-elected, the government will increase its push for more vibrant consultations on the issue.

Meanwhile, Jabour said that the gridlock highlighted

by Minister Hughes is the very reason that small parties are important to form a

grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity should have been established as law in Guyana years ago.

LAWS AGAINST BUGGERY The representatives were also asked whether their parties plan to repeal the Criminal Law (Offences) Act which speaks against buggery and whether they plan to champion the cause in or out of parliament.

In responding, Aaron said that in the repeal of any law there must be consensus from the length and breadth of Guyana.

He assured that with the URP in government, Guyanese can rest assured that the views of the population will guide the decisions made by the government.

However, Manickchand rebutted that while she believes that having consensus is essential, there must be some amount of advocacy, on the government’s part, as

in the cases which apply to consenting adults.

Johnson agreed when he stated: “What two consenting adults do, once it’s not harming anybody, once there’s no grave effect in society, it’s their business. There’s a hypocrisy that I see in keeping this law in place.”

Meanwhile, Cole said that the LJP would repeal laws against buggery as the terrible words which persons use to describe buggery are simply “two men making love” or even females in other instances.

She said that education is needed to ensure that Guyanese understand this and why such changes are necessary.

BULLYING IN SCHOOLS Asked, if elected, how their parties will tackle LGBTQ bullying in schools, Jabour said that his party would push for LGBTQ education in schools which would bring the country up

of teachers and parents at schools who may encourage bullyism. He also encouraged a creative arts outlet to contribute to the humanisation of those who identify as LGBTQ. Meanwhile, Manickchand stated that while children have been known to be “particularly cruel”, until Guyana can move in unison on its stance on the value of every person despite their sexual orientation, acts of bullyism will continue.

She too recommended the re-training of teachers as a means to safeguarding against the same.

On the other hand, Aaron recommended integrated communication and an efficient marketing strategy.

Comprehensive sexual education The discussions took a sharp peak when TNM’s Kissoon spoke strongly against the education of children on Comprehensive Sexual Education before they are

“sexually mature” at the age of 16 or 18.

“Before you can introduce a child to Comprehensive Sexual Education they need to be sexually mature, the parents need to sign a consent form giving permission for their children to receive this. It should not be forced onto the children by the government as compulsory,” she said.

Cole first rebutted to compare Guyana to Finland where she stated that children are taught about sex from as early as age four.

“It does not make you suddenly a sexual predator when you start teaching children about sex,” she said.

However, rebutting both of the positions, Manickchand said that while she believes that it is the duty of the government, through consultation with citizens to determine how and what is taught, Comprehensive Sexual Education must be age appropriate.

Aaron stated that one must also consider the difference between the socio-background Finnish and Guyanese as the socialisation of Finland may not be the same as Guyana’s.

Another request put forward to the representatives was to state their position on which they view as more important: fundamental rights or the consensus of political parties.

In response, Hughes reminded that political parties are made up of individuals who bring their own views to the table but on such human rights issues one should not vote by party lines but vote for what they genuinely believe is right.

Meanwhile, Manickchand said that while the PPP/C is not prepared to say that same sex marriages will be allowed under its government, it can say that no law will be implemented that discriminates against the LGBTQ community.

Speaking to the newspaper subsequently, Head of SASOD, Joel Simpson, said that such a discussion was the request of its membership which wants to ensure that they make the right decisions come March 2, for the parties which will best represent their interest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Child in Matthew’s Ridge accident for treatment in the city …doctor issues referral following advice by police FOLLOWING the advice of police traffic ranks, a six-year-old child, who was ‘ran-over’ by an intoxicated official of the Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), is scheduled to receive treatment in the city, after she complained of severe pain in her head.

The accident occurred at Matthew’s Ridge on Friday night.

On Friday night, Shemika Griffith was in the company of her grandmother, walking back to their home from a shop, around 20:30 hours, when they heard the sound of a motorcycle in the distance.

The child’s grandmother, Sonia Griffith, said that she heard the motorcycle and since it was raining at the time, she told her granddaughter to cross the roadway and walk in the corner. She said soon after, she saw the motorcycle approaching at a fast rate and seconds later, the man rode into the child.

The child was rushed to the hospital but was discharged.

Reports are that, on Sat-

Shemika Griffith

urday evening, the child was taken back to the hospital at Matthew’s Ridge, after she complained for pains to her head. Reports are that the child was subsequently admitted to the hospital by medical staff there.

On Monday, this publication was told that traffic ranks investigating the accident noticed the child’s face was

Police nab pensioner with loaded gun at ECD home

The firearm and ammunition

A 68-year-old farmer of Logwood, Enmore, East Coast Demerara, is currently in police custody after he was busted by police on Monday, February 24, 2020, with a loaded firearm at his home.

According to reports, at about17:15hrs on the day in question, police, during an intelligence-led operation, arrested the pensioner at his Enmore, East Coast Demerara residence for possession of a firearm and ammunition without being the holder of a licence to possess same.

The unlicensed pistol with ten live rounds of ammunition was found concealed in the premises. The elderly man is presently in custody and assisting with the investigation.

swollen as well as cuts to her head which she sustained during the accident. As such the officers told the doctor stationed at the Matthew’s Ridge Hospital that the child needs urgent treatment. It was then that the referral was made and the injured child is expected to travel to the city today.

According to reports, the

NDC official has been trying to contact the family to settle the matter; however, Griffith’s family refused the man’s offer.

The child’s grandmother told the Guyana Chronicle that as persons came to their rescue at the scene of the accident, the man, who allegedly is not the holder of a driver’s licence, told residents that he was “untouchable” due to him being a member of an Opposition party. He reportedly told residents that nothing will come out of the case. “He said nobody can do him anything,” the child’s grandmother related.

The man was seen earlier in the afternoon imbibing at a shop in the area.

When the child was initially taken to the Matthew’s Ridge Hospital, to the family’s horror, a nurse informed them that no doctor was on duty and that the injuries the child sustained were minor.

As such, she sent them away.

The family is now awaiting word from the police on the investigations into the accident.

PRP Presidential Candidate robbed on Mash Day PRESIDENTIAL candidate for the People’s Republic Party (PRP), Dr. Valerie Leung, was, on Mashramani Day, Sunday, February 23, 2020, attacked and robbed, after leaving the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at Barrack Street, Georgetown.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Dr. Leung explained that she had just come out of the GECOM headquarters, at Barrack Street, at about 16:13 hours, on Sunday, and was walking along High Street.

At the time she was on her cell phone while her handbag was hung over her shoulder.

While walking, she felt a hand tugging on her handbag, after which she was attacked and thrown onto the ground with force.

While on the ground, she was relieved of her cell phone and handbag which contained cash and other personal documents.

People’s Republic Party (PRP), Dr. Valerie Leung

The robber got on a waiting motorcycle, which was ridden by his accomplice.

The matter was reported to the police, who are expected to review Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras from nearby businesses.

Dr. Leung said that she received bruises and hit her head when she was thrown on the ground by the bandit, but is grateful to the almightily for being alive.

Sophia teen killed in motorcycle accident A MOTHER of nine lost her youngest child in the wee hours of Monday morning after the motorcycle he was travelling on crashed into a car along Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Dead is Isaiah Cordis, 15, of Lot 28 Dennis Street, ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown. He was the pillion rider on motorcycle CK 2209.

Reports indicate that the accident occurred about 2:30hrs as Cordis and his friend, 23-year-old Richard Thunderus, were heading home along Dennis Street.

At that time, the motorcycle was in the vicinity of the Beepat’s Bond and Thunderus attempted to overtake a motor car but the driver al-

The dead teen Isaiah Cordis

legedly made a sudden turn.

As a result, Thunderus lost control of the motorcycle and slammed into the car.

Both rider and pillion rider fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries about their bodies.

They were picked up and

taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for emergency medical treatment.

The teen, who was in an unconscious state, was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical institution while Thunderus received minor injuries and was treated and sent away.

Thunderus and the driver of the motorcar were tested for alcohol but the tests were negative.

Both are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

According to the mother of nine, Kim Carroll, she last saw her son on a speeding motorcycle while being a pillion rider.

“I last see my son on a motorcycle with the rider

wildly moving in a crowd at Durban Park. I then run towards the motorcycle but the speed with what they were going plus is a whole set of other motorcycles that were riding in the crowd. Then a couple minutes after, I go to the phone to call my other son to tell him what I just saw at Durban Park and ask what he was doing there,” the mother said.

Further, she explained that her phone battery subsequently died, but when she charged her phone she received a call from her son requesting that she visit the hospital since Isaiah was involved in an accident.

“By the time I reach the hospital, he died.” An autopsy is expected to be done Wednesday.

Tuschen man found dead Mash night POLICE are awaiting an autopsy after a 59-yearold man of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, collapsed and died on Sunday night at Haley Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

Dead is Cyril Harold of Lot 2414 Tuschen Housing

Scheme, East Bank Essequibo. Reports indicate that the man was found lying on Haley Street at about 20:55hrs.

Harold was rushed to a medical emergency tent at Durban Park, which was in close proximity, but was pronounced dead on arrival

by a doctor on site.

When contacted, the police said robbery was ruled out as a motive due to the fact that the man’s valuables, including his wallet, jewellery and cell-phone, were found in his possession.

Noting that there was no

psychical injury, police said that there was blood in the man’s mouth that appeared to be as a result of an internal issue. As such, they are waiting for an autopsy to be conducted to determine the cause of death.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

‘Serve with integrity’ ...National awardeees hail recognition for service to country

By Navendra Seoraj PERSONS are conferred with National Awards because of their contribution(s) to society among other things, and this year’s National Awardees believe that serving with “integrity and honesty” will always pay off.

As part of the celebrations for Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary, some 66 persons were named as recipients of national awards.

President David Granger had said that the conferring of national awards is recognised as a mechanism, provided under the Constitution of Guyana, to give due national recognition to outstanding citizens.

And this year, among the awardees was former Assistant Police Commissioner, Paul Slowe, who was named as one of the recipients of the Cacique Crown of Honour.

Slowe, who joined the Guyana Police Force in 1974, said he felt honoured for being given such a prestigious award.

“I am overjoyed and humbled by this award…I have had several memorable moments during my years in the force and I have always given my best. It was a joy serving in the force and now I am being recognised,” said the former assistant commissioner in an invited comment, on Monday.

In light of his award, the former assistant commissioner believes that hard and honest work pays off. He encouraged young officers and individuals to always serve with honesty and integrity because they will be recognised in the end.

One person who also believes that serving with integrity and honesty will bear fruit is former President of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Pastor Richard James, who was named as a recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement.

“I see myself as someone who has served with integrity and honesty… I have always served for God’s glory and maintained honesty and integrity,” said Pastor James, noting that prior to becoming a minister in the religious circle, he served in the public sector at the then Inland Revenue and at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Speaking about his experience at Inland Revenue and how he maintained his integrity, Pastor James said: “At Inland Revenue, bribe was offered to me and I refused…back then persons had to get tax exits and ensure that eight years of their outstanding balances would have been taken care of before they could travel. So persons with outstanding balances would often offer tax officers money, but I was not a person who accepted money and being honest paid off... I have

always lived a life of honesty and I continue to do so because it is always right to practice what you preach.”

Owing to the results of his honesty, Pastor James urged persons to work honestly

I conquered that mountain. This award will further motivate me to continue to give of my best to fellow army veterans, who, due to circumstances beyond their control, depend upon me to look after their welfare. My fam-

Veteran Soldier, Beverly Ann Somerset

Former Assistant Police Commissioner, Paul Slowe

Pastor Richard James

African Rights Activist, Catherina Penda Guyan

and faithfully, noting that once persons work ‘well’ they will always make progress.

Despite being well aware of his contributions to society and his accomplishments, he said he was honoured to be named as a recipient of such an award. Pastor James said he appreciated the fact that the conferral of awards is not done based on resume virtues alone, but also considers character virtues.

Another person, who is honoured by being named as a recipient of a national award is Veteran Soldier, Beverly Ann Somerset.

“I am elated, I feel proud just as when

ily is also proud of my achievement,” were the sentiments of Somerset.

Listed among the 2020 National Awardees, Somerset is one among 23 persons who have been bestowed with the Medal of Service (MS).

She is a retired Staff Sergeant of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who currently functions as the Veterans Welfare Officer – a job that is dear to her heart because some of her charges are physically challenged.

When Somerset nicknamed `Thriller’ retired from the GDF, she left a distinguished

record behind, of not only being among the early set of females to venture into a traditional male arena, but has been a renowned training officer. In addition to being the longest female training officer, Somerset is known to have trained several of the females who subsequently obtained high status in the army.

One of her memorable feats is being the first woman soldier to conquer Mount Ayanganna in 1992.The mountain is located 85 kilometres east of Mount Roraima with a height of 2,041 metres.

The lone female among 11 men, the expedition to climb Mount Ayanganna was part of the army’s activities to commemorate Guyana’s Republic Anniversary that year.

Such is the deftness of Somerset who wanted to prove to her male counterparts that she was no walkover as a female soldier.

Another female, who is being awarded for her contributions to society, is African Rights Activist, Catherina Penda Guyan.

She was named among the 20 persons who were conferred with the Golden Arrow of Achievement.

Guyan said she has championed the rights of Afro-Guyanese for many years, noting that she is a member of the steering committee of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) and the President of the Ghana Day Organisation.

She is also a commissioner of the local reparations committee, which had been seeking to make a strong case for reparative justice, since the enslavement of Africans was a grave crime against humanity.

The Guyana Reparations Committee, in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has been working ‘tirelessly’ to correct the historical wrongs by presenting a case based on law. And, Guyan has been a key contributor to the work of this committee.

In addition to her work and contributions to the Afro-Guyanese community, Guyan has served as the Chairperson of the Mourning Families and Friends in White Committee which was formed with the intention of seeking justice for “the State-sponsored Right Wing Death Squad murders” that occurred under the People’s Progression Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration led by Bharrat Jagdeo.

“Given my work and contributions, I am so elated and I am really happy that I have been named for such an award…I am very grateful,” said Guyan, who is also a longstanding member of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R).

Man found dead in Mahaica trench

A MAN, who was last seen playing dominoes at a shop on Saturday, was found dead, in a trench at Belmont, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Dextroy Barker, 38, called “Limpy” of Lot 24 Second Street, Jonestown, Mahaica.

Reports indicate that his body was discovered at 9:54hrs on Sunday.

According to reports, Barker was last seen alive on Saturday night around 21:00hrs playing dominoes with a friend. He later left with his bicycle, telling friends he was head-

ing home, but he never reached.

After time had elapsed and there were no signs of the man, his mother visited the Mahaica Police Station and filed a missing person’s report.

It is believed that he may have suffered a seizure after leaving the shop, which may have led to his demise.

Relatives told Police that Barker usually suffered from bouts of seizures which started some three years ago.

On Sunday morning, a construction worker made the discovery. He found Barker lying in a trench clad in a white T-shirt and a pair of blue

jeans.

At the time of the discovery, the now dead man was wearing two gold rings and had cash in his pocket. Police noted that there were no marks of violence on his body.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

GDF ranks released from burns unit

SIX of the seven Guyana Defence Force ranks of the 21 Artillery Company, who were hospitalized, after being injured on Saturday in the pyrotechnic explosion, have been released from the burns unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

According to reports, while Terrence Neils remains in the ward of the burns unit, Gordon Cornette, Isiah Gordon, Trevon Joseph, Victor Low, Atto Cort and Delroy Baird have been released from the burns unit.

It is uncertain if they have been transferred to another section of the hospital or have been sent home.

This latest update represents good news about the situation since Sunday’s sad announcement that 31-yearold Seon Rose died due to burns he sustained as a result of the incident.

Rose sustained third degree burns to 90 per cent of his body and was listed as critical when he was admitted to GPHC on Saturday.

Reports are that he suffered

a heart attack while being treated for his injuries.

Rose and several other ranks of the 21 Artillery Company were preparing for the fireworks display — scheduled for Saturday night — in light of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary, when there was “spontaneous com-

21331 Corporal Seon Rose (deceased)

bustion” at approximately 13:30hrs. The pyrotechnics were aboard a truck when it exploded.

“They’re saying Seon is the one that got the most

burns because he was in front,” reported Rose’s cousin, Tinnisha Perry.

calling for him and he didn’t say anything but they said that he was ok at the moment

by midday on Sunday, the family got the news that Rose had passed away. Rose leaves

President David Granger expresses sympathy to the relatives of the injured GDF ranks while Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West (left) looks on (MoTP photo)

Perry last saw her cousin alive on Saturday when she visited him at the hospital.

“When I saw him he was very burnt. I don’t know if he was hearing but we were

and stuff like that,” she said.

Perry said her cousin was still responsive up to Sunday morning when his wife, Tamika Hiles-Rose tried to speak with him. However,

to mourn his wife, father and three siblings.

When news of Rose’s death met his family, they were distraught. Many relatives and friends took to

social media to share photographs of their memories with the deceased.

“Seon is a very good person and a very peaceful person,” Perry expressed as she spoke of her cousin that she had known all her life.

On Sunday President David Granger expressed heartfelt sympathy to Rose’s wife and other relatives, friends and the entire GDF fraternity during a visit to GPHC where he met with some of the injured.

The President also expressed his appreciation to the staff of the GPHC for their tireless efforts to save Corporal Rose’s life and for their continued treatment of the other injured ranks.

Corporal Rose enlisted in the GDF on September 7, 2008 and joined the 21 Artillery Company on November 14, 2008.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and GDF are expected to assist with a Board of Inquiry (BoI) that has been ordered to determine the cause of the explosion.

$2M for City after-Mash cleanup exercise IMMEDIATELY after the Mashramani Costume and Float Parade came to an end, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council deployed approximately 50 sanitation workers to clean the city – an exercise that costs approximately $2M. The Mashramani Costume and Float Parade, as customary, was held on Republic Day (February 23).

The parade commenced at the junction of Camp and Lamaha, and proceeded along Camp Street onto CARIFESTA Avenue, then onto Vlissengen Road before culminating at Durban Park.

This year’s Mashramani saw an increase in the amount of waste produced. However, it also saw a better culture of garbage disposal by patrons, according to the City Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine.

Narine explained that this year the Mayor and City Council (MCC) placed six garbage receptacles along the parade route and distributed approximately 2,000 garbage bags, and all were utilized.

He said this was an improvement from the previous year, when more than double that amount of garbage recepta-

cles were placed along the

for midafternoon. Meals were provided for the sanitation workers who would be paid separately for the cleanup exercise.

The City’s cleanup exercise was conducted in two

mediately after the parade, and the second phase beginning from 04:30hrs on Monday.

On Sunday, the sanitation workers followed behind the last float of the parade clean-

and followed the route north on Camp Street, east on Carifesta Avenue and south on Irving Street and Vlissengen Road up to Thomas Lands.

On Monday, the cleanup focused on the latter half of the route beginning from Durban Park and Square of the Revolution, and moving north along Irving Street

and Vlissengen Road up to Thomas Lands. Narine noted that the cleaners would also have to go up Homestretch Avenue to the National Cultural Centre, as some activities took place along that area and garbage was littered along that street as well.

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City Director of the Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine

route, and none was used.

“I saw an increase in garbage but I also saw a change in behaviour which I am very, very happy about. We would’ve put out 15 bins last year and none was used, so we were cautious this year and put out six and I am very happy that they were used. It says they’re willing to change. So it encourages me that next year we plan better and have far more receptacles,” Narine said as he supervised cleanup activities along Irving Street on Monday.

Narine estimated that cleaning of the entire area would have been completed

A section of CARIFESTA Avenue (above) and Vlissengen Road on Monday after sanitation workers were done cleaning

phases, with the first phase taking place on Sunday, im-

ing from the parade assembly point at Camp and Lamaha,

Sections of Irving Street before and after clean up (Photos by Adrian Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Mashramani 2020 lived up to expectations - thousands enjoy the spectacular floats, celebratory atmosphere

By Clestine Juan MASHRAMANI is an Amerindian word which means “Celebration after hard work” and it is a day where families spend quality time together and watch the different revellers and bands in their vibrant colours as they march down the streets and into Durban Park in celebration of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary.

Despite the early morning rain, families on Sunday, February 23, 2020, were out in their numbers as they watched in amusement and danced to sweet Soca music which was playing from almost every street corner.

The aroma of different Guyanese cuisines lingered in the air, as Barbecue stands were almost at every corner and little tents with all the delicacies lined off on a plastic table. There were, among others, plantain chip vendors to men with their pushcarts selling snow cones.

Families, friends, and couples ‘flooded’ the sidewalks, which sometimes resulted in revellers having to battle with some patrons for space to carry out their routines.

For the Johnson’s, it is a family tradition to watch the floats as they pass. Mrs. Johnson explained that she would get up at 05:00 hours and start cooking so that her

children ages 4 and 10, can get something to nibble on while they wait for the floats. “ I normally make Spanish rice, baked chicken, cook-up, stuff eggs, and some other things… but the hardest thing on Mash day is going early to secure a nice spot” the woman said.

Meanwhile, Rayon and her family were seated along Vlissengen Road watching the floats as they go.

The woman explained that she and her family came out early and braved the rain which only lasted a few minutes. Rayon explained that she prepared food for her family, the traditional Homestyle Guyanese’s way.

Other families, however, walked with their grills and barbequed along the roadsides and danced with the revellers as they passed down the road.

Meanwhile, there were numerous tourists from the United States, Venezuela, Brazil, and Cuba.

A Venezuelan national also had her hot dog stand out which was sold out by the end of the day.

“I love how everyone is united together and enjoying themselves. I feel right at home,” said a US national as he danced down the road enjoying the Soca music.

Barbequing for the family on Mash Day

This Juice vendor provided freshly-squeezed cane juice.

Rayon and her family

Tourists walking down the Parade route ( Elvin Croker Photo)

At almost every corner there was a snow cone vendor ready to provide a cold, icy cone.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Guyanese patriotism brought alive during Republic Celebration - country’s thriving agri, mining sectors highlighted

By Tamica Garnett VLISSENGEN Road and CARIFESTA Avenue were buzzing with excitement on Sunday when Guyanese of all ages, ethnicities and varying backgrounds came out in massive numbers to participate in the highly anticipated Mashramani Costume and Float Parade in celebration of the country’s Golden Jubilee Republic Anniversary.

The participants, drawn from both governmental and non-governmental organisations, bought to the fore strong themes that addressed areas of unity, diversity, and development.

Even the country’s two major political parties – A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) were not to be left out of the celebration of unity and togetherness.

The float of the East Corentyne-Berbice Region

Revelling with the APNU+AFC band, Berbician Parmanand Ram described the day as a very exciting one. Also with that band was Quincy Jones, who noted that the revellers were encouraged to be a part of the APNU+AFC ahead of the March 2, 2020 Elections.

“The supporters are hyped and they’re very proud of

the accomplishments of the APNU+AFC government,” Jones said.

With some 60 revellers in tow, the East-Corentyne Berbice (Region 6) Mash Band was entered in the medium band category, and took the opportunity to showcase some of that district’s economic activities.

The band’s representative

Godwyn Allicock boasted that the group secured the top spot in the category for the past two consecutive years, and was out looking to defend its title.

“We have on show our main produce in Berbice, which [are] sugar cane and rice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Guyanese patriotism brought ...

FROM PAGE

promoting domestic farming for some time now, and it continued in that stride in its theme for its Mash band.

“You could see the arch where we have the bora vine.

Then there are pods where we get the seedlings. We have pepper, tomato, cal-

The MoIPA was entered in the small bands category, and celebrated under the subtheme “energy generation.”

“We are depicting all of what Guyana has to give in terms of the way of life of the Indigenous peoples. The ‘King’ float shows the indig-

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sustainable mining.

“We know that the natural resources sector is the extractive sector and we want to ensure that we not only explore, and develop but sustain our nation’s patrimony. Sustainable mining practices are what

The Ministry of Agriculture used its Mash band to promote kitchen garden, an illustration of which is depicted in one of their floats

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA) revellers performing a dance during the parade (Photos by the Elvin Croker)

A float from the Guyana Water Inc. parade

We have some of the revellers in gold and green, while most of our revellers have all five of the colours of our national flag,” Allicock shared.

Also from the Berbice

Region was the Mash Band for the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council which paid homage to the Golden Arrowhead.

The Ministry of Agriculture had many onlookers

joining in for one of their choreographed dance that went along with their band as they trekked the distance from CARIFESTA Avenue to the Durban Park.

The ministry has been FROM PAGE

$2M for City after-Mash ...

“We would’ve noticed an increase in garbage this year compared to last year but that was because it’s the 50th anniversary and it was a bit more festive this year. We have it under control but we want to impress upon citizens not to litter and use the receptacles that they have,” Narine said.

Some drivers stopped to commend the cleanup team as they passed. Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine was also out on Monday assisting workers in the cleanup exercise.

The exercise represented a vast improvement by the municipality as com-

pared to previous years when garbage from the activity could still be seen along the side of the roadway days after the activity ended.

The Mayor said he was satisfied with the approach the municipality had been taking to restore the City after these major events.

“The employees are out with one goal and that is to ensure by a certain time, if one passes along this route there must be no evidence that we held such an enormous event yesterday,” Mayor Narine told the Department of Public Information (DPI) as he raked a plastic bottle from

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the nearby trench.

According to the Mayor, over the years the council has adopted an “instant clean-up approach” after the annual Mashramani Costume and Float Parade.

“This is a measure that we will continue to implement,” he added.

Though satisfied with how the cleanup went this year, Walter noted that there was still room for improvement.

“I’ve picked up some things that we could’ve changed if we had planned a little better,” Narine said.

laloo. And we have a little kitchen coop that represents livestock,” one of the band’s representatives shared, as she described one of the band’s main floats.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA) also had a well-choreographed dance that went along with its band, which also received much praise from the spectators.

enous hunting, eating and preparation. I came up with the idea for entertainment so I used the words of the songs to create dance moves, and incorporated some indigenous dancing,” noted a representative from that Ministry.

Stephon Gabriel, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), said this year the Ministry’s band focused on

we’re focusing on heading into a Decade of Development. In the float today we have the guardian which is the ‘Queen’ float. That’s our gift to Mother Nature.

For sustainable energy resources we have our solar energy, wind energy and we harness these energies and present them to Mother Earth,” Gabriel shared.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

‘Little Johnny' scores 103 not out

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric WITH much anticipation, he looked forward to celebrating his 103rd birthday, when his children would make much fuss over him.

He loved being spoilt. He loved the attention, the warmth, the love outpoured by his children, some of whom travelled from distant lands to celebrate with him.

Victor Lewis, called ‘Little Johnny’ or ‘Old Police’, was born on February 25, 1917, to James Lewis, called Johnny Lewis, and Rachel Albert, at Eversham Village, which is a short distance from his present location.

He was nurtured by his paternal grandparents, James and Mary Lewis, at the very place he calls home.

At his Brighton Village, Corentyne home on Saturday, villagers and relatives will be decked in the colour green which will match the décor for the gathering at the special commemorative event, during which ‘Little Johnny’ will be honoured for being a committed father, and the oldest man in the community.

He credits his Creator for sparing his life, even as he urged youths to honour their parents so they, too, can have very long lives.

In presenting her father with a symbolic arrangement, daughter Brenda Lewis highlighted that the hat and boot, along with the carpentry and joinery tools, were used

daily to feed, clothe and house the family from sunrise to sunset.

Mention was also made of his industriousness, by further supplementing the family’s income through the rearing of dairy cattle and the cultivation of coconut trees from where many products were derived.

During a discourse earlier, the centenarian recalled growing up with his cousin, Eric.

“He was my cousin. We were children of two siblings. My grandparents were farmers. They cultivated ground provisions, corn, and bananas. We were never hungry, but if we were, we would just go to the farm, pick a few ripened bananas off the sucker or parch and pound corn before eating it with sugar.

“Life was not as it is now. People farmed and the villagers, despite their ethnicity, lived in unity. In those days, if an African family had a function and did not invite their East Indian neighbour, that would be a big problem, and the uninvited person will inquire what was the reason for him or her not receiving an invitation. Life was so good, without the politicians,” he said, whilst clasping his hands between his legs.

The bespectacled gentleman, during his formative years, attended the Eversham Primary School when James Henry was the Headmaster.

However, while he completed his schooling, he was unable to take the

Victor Lewis, called ‘Little Johnny’

then School Leaving Examination, which was held at Rose Hall Scotts School in Rose Hall Town.

“I cannot now remember what prevented me from going to write the exams, but my now deceased friends, Albert King and Marth Douglas, they were successful at the exams and had pursued higher learning resulting in them being educators. I became a carpentry apprentice, under the stewardship of ‘Brother Grant’ of Phillipi Village.

“As a small boy, I had visited

the village shop and had observed Brother Grant, doing some carpentry, and he asked me whether I was interested, and after responding in the affirmative, I started to learn the trade, and have since specialized in all areas of carpentry,” he said.

According to the widower, his trade took him to many areas locally, including the mining town of Linden and Matthews Ridge, and his marking is on all the multilateral schools, and other learning institutions, across the country. However, he was quick to add that as soon as he received his wages, he would hurry off to the nearest post office, where he would send the money to his now deceased wife, Monica, to assist in the maintenance of their eleven children, namely, Denzil, Eon, Victor Jnr, Eldon, Fay (now deceased), Wendy, Patricia, Brenda, Kim, Yonnette, and Denise. He has also fathered a son, Leon, who reside overseas.

“I used to give towards the upkeep of my home, wife and children. I have not remarried although my wife died over thirty years ago.

When you have a wife you have to give, and I am not able with that now…” he said with a chuckle, whilst tilting his head backward.

Along with the maintenance of his family, Lewis, an elder of the Brighton Presbyterian Church, said church attendance was not an option for his family.

“We had to go. Sunday is the

day to serve the Lord. We have to look to our Maker for everything. In these days, parents asking children if they would like to go to church.

But, I was never taught that it was an option. It is a necessity,” he said.

The centenarian was quick to point out that, as a youth, he was a member of the Boys Scouts organisation, which would instill values, just in case it was not instilled in the home.’

“Trust, loyalty, helpfulness, brotherly love, to be courteous, kind, obedient, smiling, thrifty, pure,” he said.

The village of Brighton, which is bordered by Eversham and Kiltern, was known for its horse racing, but with time, the passion for the game has dwindled since, according to Lewis, the young men are not committed.

“They want money and more money, but they are not committed when it comes to enhancing community relations, so with time, the interest in horse racing has gone,” he said.

However, although he has not left his home, as his feet cannot take his weight, and he needs assistance in putting on his shoes and other garments, he is updated with current events: local, regional and international, and concluded that deeds of kindness, and words of love, can make this world a better place.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Canada-based Guyanese urged to reflect on sacrifices made to secure republic …at flag-raising ceremony

By Frederick Halley GUYANA’S Consul-General to Toronto, Anyin Choo, has urged Guyanese to take the opportunity of celebrating 50 years of Republican status to reflect on the sacrifices and the selflessness of our nation’s founding fathers “who displayed patriotism, resilience and unwavering commitment to severing our final official ties to colonial rule.”

Addressing an appreciative and diverse audience at Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary flag-raising ceremony and inter-faith service, held at the Scarborough Civic Centre in Toronto last Saturday, the consul general pointed out that “choice, and not chance, determined our destiny. It was the choice taken by our two political leaders, the choice to ser aside their differences and embrace each other for the common good of all Guyanese and for the future of Guyana and the attainment of Republican status.

Choo said the cooperative spirit is what is required more

than ever today to consolidate and further advance Guyana’s development as a nation in an increasingly globalised world, “where we, as a nation, are faced with challenges to our territorial integrity, national security, economic development, trade liberalization and globalization, where the harsh reality is that one size does not fit all and climate change which threatens our very existence.”

According to the consul general, “as we face these challenges as a nation, we must recognise that we can only overcome them as a united people. As diverse as we are, our strength lies in our unity and our ability to achieve unity in diversity will be our greatest challenge as a nation going forward, and so I wish all Guyanese to let us embrace each other and work in unity to overcome the challenges that lie ahead as a nation, just as our founding fathers have taught us.”

Choo described the Guyanese in the diaspora as shining examples of what is possible with hard work and dedication. “Despite being

away from home, you have continued to connect with that special Guyanese heritage and have given back to your country of birth.”

Choo alluded to the fact that “for a country with a population of less that one million people, Guyana has produced many world-class professionals who have excelled in their respective fields, including Sir Shridath Ramphal, the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; Ambassador Patrick Gomes, current Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group; Catherine Pollard, the Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance at the United Nations, and the late Judge, Mohamed Shahabudeen, who served as arbiter in the International Criminal Court of Justice in The Hague. These are just a few examples of outstanding Guyanese who have achieved international recognition.”

The consul-general reminded the audience that this Republic celebration is special for Guyana. “It’s our 50th Golden Jubilee Republic Anniversary and it comes at a time when Guyana has just

APNU+AFC condemns PPP’s desperate fake news campaign THE APNU+AFC Coalition, on Monday, condemned the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for allegedly spreading propaganda through fake articles.

In a statement, the ruling coalition alerted Guyanese to the proliferation of fake news and false propaganda reportedly being distributed by the PPP/C and its agents.

“The PPP and their agents have launched a vicious and nasty disinformation campaign and are smothering Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media and messaging services with a barrage of absolutely fake news in an effort to mislead the Guyanese electorate,” the coalition said in a statement.

It said this is a clear indication of the extreme desperation by the PPP/C as its “weak and fanciful campaign promises” fail to resonate with the Guyanese populace.

According to the APNU+AFC, the PPP/C has resorted to lies, propaganda and fake news as a last resort with less than one week to Elections Day. “The APNU+AFC Coalition condemns these dirty tactics by the PPP and calls on

all Guyanese to remain vigilant and alert and not to succumb to, or be alarmed by, the PPP fake news campaign. We implore all Guyanese not to be distracted and to remain focused on March 2nd, 2020 and exercising their constitutional duty in an atmosphere free from fear, intimidation and propaganda,” the coalition urged.

Notwithstanding the increasing number of fake news being peddled against it, the APNU+AFC said it is encouraged by the overwhelming demonstration of support by the masses. As such, the coalition said it is confident of a resounding victory at the polls come Monday. Such victory will see President David Granger returning as President.

“We thank the Guyanese people for their support and confidence in His Excellency and his inclusive and caring government and we look forward to serving all Guyanese for a second term post-March 2nd,” APNU+AFC said while iterating that it will continue to transform Guyana.

Guyanese held in TT for allegedly killing woman A 58-year-old Guyanese national has been detained for questioning after he was named the main suspect in the death of a 50-year-old mother of three on Sunday.

Police said that they had responded to domestic disturbance report and found the suspect in the house in a bloody state. They said that,

on entering the building at El Dorado, east of here, they found Nicole Hackshaw lying in the bedroom. Police said a piece of wood was found nearby. The police said they had been called to the house after being told of an argument between a couple.

(CMC)

The hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead by members of Guyana Ex-Soldiers of Canada

assumed chairmanship of the G77 Group at the United Nations and the Organisation of American States (OAS) Permanent Council and at a time when Guyana is actively participating in proceedings at the International Court of Justice, which will, in the end, bring about a definite judicial settlement on the territorial controversy with our western neighbour. It also comes at a time when Guyana is on the verge of an economic transformation, with the discovery of eight billion plus barrels of oil, which will bring us prosperity and further our social and economic progress.”

Urging Guyanese to live

in unity, Choo said, “as we accept that we are diverse in our religious beliefs, culture, ethnicity and political affiliations, we should continue to aspire to live in unity and use our rich cultures and experiences as building blocks for the advancement of our society as we strive for excellence as One People, One Nation and One Destiny; united we stand, divided we fail…”

Among those in attendance were Jim Karygiannis, Councillor for Scarborough-Agincourt, who brought greetings on behalf of his constituency; Guyana-born Ashmeed Khan, Councillor for Ajax, who did

likewise and Guyana-born Ingrid Berkely-Brown, Deputy Chief of Police for Peel Region.

Prayers were led by Patricia Rollox on behalf of the Christians, Dave Ramoutar (Hindus) and Shaykh Imran Ally (Muslim) while a medley of national songs was performed by The Ensemble Group of Guyanese singers.

Members of the Guyana Ex-Soldiers, led by president Gordon Winter, hoisted the Golden Arrowhead following which the audience recited the National Pledge.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 25, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 25, 2020

Lady Jags roar to 3 – 1 win over Nicaragua

THE Lady Jags opened their FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup qualifiers with a 3 – 1 win over Nicaragua on Sunday evening in the Dominican Republic.

Guyana, playing in their first Group D match, led 1 – 0 at the half way mark, after Audrey Narine scored in the 19th minute to give the Lady Jags the lead.

Five minutes upon resumption of the second half, Jade Vyfhuis extended the lead for the Guyanese women, while Serena McDonald made it 3 – 0 in the 60th minute to place the match in the hands of the Lady Jags.

Nicaragua scored in the 64th minute,

but by then, the match was already in the bag for the Guyanese, who held on to secure three points.

Guyana now sits on top of their group with a superior goal-difference than Mexico, who defeated Puerto Rico 2 – 1.

With a chance of tightening their grip on the group, Guyana will play Puerto Rico today from 16:00hrs.

American Racing Tips Mahoning Valley Race 1 Gentle Kiss Race 2 Ailis Race 3 First Distinction Race 4 Let’scalliteven Race 5 The Donner Race 6 Swivel Race 7 Sandlot Sam Race 8 Foolish Equation South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:15 hrs Ladle Wylie 08:50 hrs Tambora 09:25 hrs Bernie 10:00 hrs Velvet Dawn 10:35 hrs Radiant Love 11:15 hrs Big Suze English Racing Tips Lingfield 10:30 hrs Calidus Mirabilis 11:00 hrs Palavecino 11:30 hrs Wildomar 12:00 hrs Dark Vader 12:30 hrs Bythebay 13:00 hrs Come On Bear Catterick 10:45 hrs Dincerely Resdev 11:15 hrs Ashutor 11:45 hrs Saint Sonnet 12:15 hrs Ask Paddy 12:45 hrs Sweet Vinetta

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 25, 2020

New Zealand restore pride byt hrashing India in first Test

By Greg Stutchbury WELLINGTON (Reuters) With a dark cloud hanging over New Zealand cricket since last month’s humiliating 3-0 defeat in Australia, Kane Williamson’s side delivered the perfect response to their critics with a 10-wicket win over India in the first test on Monday.

The victory was New Zealand’s 100th since they began playing tests in 1930. It came against a side unbeaten in their last nine tests and one that had won all seven of their previous World Test Championship matches.

The return of New Zealand pace spearheads Tim Southee and Trent Boult and the introduction of 2.03m-tall debutant Kyle Jamieson proved crucial against the tourists, also the world’s top-ranked test side.

They exploited a tricky Basin Reserve wicket to bowl India out for under 200 twice with Jamieson’s height and delivery angle providing plenty of problems.

Virat Kohli’s side lost their final six wickets for 47 runs as Boult and Southee combined to rip through the lower middle order and then finish off the tail.

Southee completed his 10th five-wicket haul in tests with

5-61.

Tom Latham finished seven not out while Tom Blundell was on two as they knocked off the nine runs needed for victory in just 10 balls after the visitors were dismissed for 191 in their second innings.

“It was a great win and to beat a quality Indian side is very pleasing,” said Southee, named man of the match for figures of 9-110.

Jamieson’s emergence as a pace bowling threat who can also bat — he scored 44 in New Zealand’s first innings — could create some selection issues with Neil Wagner coming back for the second game starting at Hagley Oval on Saturday.

“The performance across the board was a very good one,” captain Williamson told reporters. “We know we have good days and bad days but guys came back ... and really focused on the areas we needed to move this team forward.

“That was the most pleasing performance.”

‘NOT THE END OF THE WORLD’ Kohli held his hand up and conceded his side had not been good enough but added that it was only one defeat.

“Some people might want it to be the end of the world, but it’s not. For

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings 165 New Zealand 1st innings 348 India 2nd innings Prithvi Shaw c Tom Latham b Trent Boult 14 Mayank Agarwal c BJ Watling b Tim Southee 58 Cheteshwar Pujara b Trent Boult11 Virat Kohli c BJ Watling b Trent Boult 19 Ajinkya Rahane c BJ Watling b Trent Boult 29 Hanuma Vihari b Tim Southee 15 Rishabh Pant c Trent Boult b Tim Southee 25 Ravichandran Ashwin lbw Tim Southee 4 Ishant Sharma lbw Colin de Grandhomme 12 Mohammed Shami Not Out 2 Jasprit Bumrah c (Sub) b Tim Southee 0

us it’s a game of cricket,” he said. “We lost and we move on, we keep our heads high.”

On the plus side for the visitors, Ishant Sharma took 5-68 in New Zealand’s first innings after returning from a torn ankle ligament and was especially effective when they reduced the hosts to 2257 on day three.

India had started the day on 144-4, still 39 runs behind, and their hopes of setting a decent target rested with the last recognised batsmen — vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari — seeing out the first session unscathed.

But Boult, in his second over, enticed an edge from Rahane when he was on 29 and wicketkeeper BJ Watling completed an easy

Extras 0b 0lb 0nb 0pen 2w 2 Total (81.0 overs) 191 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-27 Shaw, 2-78 Pujara, 3-96 Agarwal, 4-113 Kohli, 5-148 Rahane, 6-148 Vihari, 7-162 Ashwin, 8-189 Sharma, 9-191 Pant, 10191 Bumrah Bowling:Tim Southee 21 - 6 - 61 5, Trent Boult 22 - 8 39 - 4, Colin de Grandhomme16 - 5 - 28 - 1, Kyle Jamieson 19 - 7 - 45 - 0 ( 2w), NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings Tom Latham Not Out 7 Tom Blundell Not Out 2 Extras 0b 0lb 0nb 0pen 0w 0 Total (1.4 overs) 9-0 Bowling : Ishant Sharma 1 - 0 - 8 - 0, Jasprit Bumrah 0.4 - 0 - 1 - 0

catch. Vihari had not added to his overnight score of 15 when he was bowled by Southee in the next over.

Southee then had Ravichandran Ashwin trapped in front for four to reduce India to 162-7.

After taking India past New Zealand’s first innings with a four off Jamieson, Ishant (12) was then trapped in front by Colin de Grandhomme in the next over before Southee had Rishabh Pant caught by Boult at fine leg for 25.

Southee wrapped up the innings on the sixth delivery with the second new ball when Jasprit Bumrah was caught in the slips for a duck.

Kohli said being dismissed for 165 in the first innings had been crucial.

Williams edges out strong field to win Burnham Memorial Two-Stage Cycling Race A FIRST-place position by former Caribbean Senior Road Racing champion, Marlon Williams, in Stage One was enough to give him an overall victory against a strong field yesterday in the Forbes Burnham Memorial Two-Stage Cycling Race.

Forty-two of the country’s top cyclists competed from Linden to Georgetown yesterday morning, before 30 of them (those who did not complete the first stage could not start the second) rode from Carifesta Avenue to Belfield on the East Coast of Demerara and back for the finish.

Team Evolution cyclist, Williams, who clocked 2:59:50 from Linden to Georgetown, but who faded to sixth position in the afternoon leg, had still done enough to finish with an overall time of 4:14:28.

Curtis Dey, who finished third yesterday morning and fourth in the afternoon, was two seconds behind in the overall count at 4:14:30, while Marcus Keiler, who won the Courts Mashramani 50-mile Road Race on Sunday in Berbice, placed third overall.

Keiler had made ground in the afternoon with a thirdplace finish. He tallied 4:14:34.

Christopher Griffith won the East Coast leg in 1:14:30. He was followed by Andrew Hicks and Keiler; with Dey, Kemuel Moses and Williams making up the top six.

Hicks placed fourth overall in a time of 4:14:35, while Paul DeNobrega finished fifth (4:14:36) and Stephano Husbands sixth (4:14:38) Meanwhile, Paul Cho-Wee-Nam won the veterans battle ahead of Alex Mendes and Jaikarran Sookhai, while Mario Washington was the overall Junior winner. David Hicks finished second and J. Thom third.

The race was organised and sponsored by the Forbes Burnham Foundation and supervised by the Flying Stars Cycling Club.

Zimbabwe lose two after Mushfiqur Rahim’s 203*, Haque 132 MUSHFIQUR Rahim hit his third Test double century as Bangladesh declared their first innings with a lead of 295 Monday in their one-off match against Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh ended their innings on 560 for six in the final session before spinner Nayeem Hasan then claimed two wickets in two balls in the first over in Dhaka.

The visitors reached nine for two at stumps on the third day, still needing 286 runs to make Bangladesh bat again on a wearing pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Mushfiqur, who became the highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in Tests, hit an unbeaten 203, while skipper Mominul Haque made 132,

after the hosts resumed on 240 for three.

Mushfiqur and Mominul added 222 for the fourth wicket, while wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das made 53 to give the hosts their highest-ever total against Zimbabwe.

Mominul declared the innings soon after Mushfiqur reached the 200-run mark after Ainsley Ndlovu past extra cover for a boundary.

Nayeem struck with the second ball of the innings, bowling Prince Masvaure for a duck, before dismissing nightwatchman Doland Tiripano.

Bangladesh made Zimbabwe wait until the second session of the day for their first success, when Ndlovu took a brilliant reflex catch off his own bowling to dis-

miss Mominul.

Mominul had brought up his ninth Test hundred off 156 balls, joining teammate Tamim Iqbal as Bangladesh’s most prolific century-makers in the five-day format.

Mominul, unbeaten on 79 overnight, struck 14 fours in his 234-ball innings -- his first hundred since becoming Bangladesh Test captain in November.

Mushfiqur, who resumed on 32, was one run short of his century at lunch but did not take long after the break to bring up his hundred, cutting Ndlovu for a boundary through cover point.

Ndlovu removed Mohammad Mithun for 17 to give Zimbabwe hope and slow the Bangladeshi scoring rate.

Mithun got a bottom edge as he tried to cut Ndlovu as wicketkeeper Regis Chak-

abva took his fourth catch of the innings.

Liton fell to off-spinner Sikandar Raza trying to cut a ball that was too close to his body as Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva completed his fifth catch in the innings.

After Liton’s dismissal, it was Mushfiqur all over as the senior Bangladesh campaigner attacked in pursuit of his double century.

At 195 runs he also overtook Tamim to become Bangladesh’s highest run-getter.

He now has 4,413 runs from 70 Tests, with Tamim scoring 4,364 from 59.

Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine top-scored with 107 in the visitors’ first innings of 265, while Bangladesh paceman Abu Jayed and Nayeem claimed four wickets each.

SCOREBOARD

ZIMBABWE 1st innings 265 Bangladesh 1st innings(o/ n240-3 Tamim Iqbal c Regis Chakabva b Donald Tiripano 41 Saif Hassan c Regis Chakabva b Victor Nyauchi 8 Nazmul Hossain Shanto c Regis Chakabva b Charlton Tshuma 71 Mominul Haque c&b Ainsley Ndlovu 132 Mushfiqur RahimNot Out 203 Mohammad Mithun c Regis Chakabva b Ainsley Ndlovu 17 Liton Das c Regis Chakabva b Sikandar Raza 53 Taijul Islam Not Out 14 Extras 8b 3lb 5nb 0pen 5w 21 Total(154.0 overs 560 decl Fall of Wickets : 1-18 H assan, 2-96 Iqbal, 3-172 Shanto, 4-394 Haque, 5-421 Ali, 6-532 Das Did Not Bat : Chowdhury,

Hossain, Hasan Bowling : Donald Tiripano 30 - 6 - 96 - 1 (4w 2nb),Victor Nyauchi 27 - 3 - 87 - 1 (1w 2nb), Sikandar Raza 30 - 2 - 111 - 1 (1nb),Charlton Tshuma 25 - 2 - 85 - 1, Ainsley Ndlovu 42 - 4 - 170 - 2.

ZIMBABWE 2nd innings Prince Masvaure b Nayeem Hasan 0 Kevin Kasuza Not Out 8 Donald Tiripano c Liton Das b Nayeem Hasan 0 Brendan Taylor Not Out 1 Extras0b 0lb 0nb 0pen 0w 0 Total (5.0 overs) 9-2 Fall of Wickets : 1-0 Masvaure, 2-0 Tiripano To Bat : Ervine, Maruma, Butt, Chakabva, Nyauchi, Ndlovu, Tshuma Bowling : Nayeem Hasan 3 1 - 4 - 2, Taijul Islam 2

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 25, 2020

From Page 27

`He was my everything’: NBA’s Kobe Bryant mourned at Los Angeles arena

Vanessa Laine Bryant reacts during a public memorial for her late husband, NBA great Kobe Bryant, her daughter Gianna and seven others killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S., (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

By Rory Carroll

L

OS ANGELES (Reuters) - A gallery of basketball legends joined thousands of Kobe Bryant fans in Los Angeles on Monday to pay homage to the transcendent NBA star, his daughter and seven others who died last month in a helicopter crash that sent shockwaves through the world of sports and beyond

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and former Bryant teammate Shaquille O’Neal were among the attendees at the “Celebration of Life” memorial at the Staples Center, Bryant’s home arena during most of his storied, 20-season career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The event, which opened with a performance by singer Beyonce and a montage of Bryant’s basketball highlights, featured an emotional address by Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, who spoke about losing her 13-yearold daughter Gianna and the husband she called her “soulmate.”

He was mine. He was my everything,” she said of the man she began dating when she was 17.

Vanessa Bryant recalled how Gianna loved to watch Disney movies with her sisters and enjoyed baking for her family.

“Gianna Bryant is an amazingly sweet and gentle soul,” Vanessa told the crowd through tears. “Her smile was like sunshine. Her smile took up her entire face.”

Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmell cried as he read out the names of all of the deceased and expressed the shock and misery felt by loyal fans of the self-proclaimed “Black Mamba,” who dazzled the Los Angeles communi-

ty well beyond his time on the court.

“This is a sad day, but it is also a celebration of life, of their lives, and of life itself in the building where those of us who are Lakers fans and Kobe fans celebrated so many of the best times of our lives,” said Kimmell, who had Bryant on his show many times.

Bryant, 41, and the others were killed in the crash while en route to a youth basketball tournament at which Kobe was planning to coach his daughter and her teammates.

Vanessa Bryant filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the operator of the helicopter, according to a report on Monday from the Los Angeles Times. The pilot was one of those killed in the crash.

Fans gathered outside the arena hours before the event started, many of them clad in Lakers purple and gold.

“I have been a Kobe fan for a long, long time. It is so sad, especially with the children. But it has really brought the city together,” said Bubacar Drammeh, who stood outside the venue and planned to watch the memorial on TV. SOMBER MOOD Inside the Staples Center, the mood was somber.

Concession stands were closed and cell phone use discouraged. Attendees were not allowed in if they arrived late and were not allowed to leave early.

Bryant, who joined the National Basketball Association at age 18 straight out of high school, was a five-time NBA champion and fourth-highest scorer in league history with 33,643 points.

The Lakers, where he spent his entire career, retired both of his jersey numbers - 8 and 24, which hang from the arena’s rafters.

Tributes to Bryant have appeared across the city, with his numbers displayed on the Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel, city buses bearing “RIP Kobe” signs and purple and gold lights added to the pylons at LAX airport.

“Kobe was like a brother to all of us, he was family and this means a lot,” said Henry Martinez, 37, from Los Angeles. “Even though I didn’t get in and the tickets are tight, I’m still going to come out here and show my respects to Kobe Bryant.”

During the annual NBA All-Star weekend three weeks after his death, the league announced its AllStar Game Most Valuable Player honor would be permanently named for the late superstar.

Foster urges Berbice Under -17 players to maintain County’s rich tradition “WE have invested heavily in your preparation as we strongly believe that it is the only way to success. As you leave Berbice to represent the Ancient County, please remember at all times that you are the current stakeholders to the rich legacy of legends like John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Roy Fredricks and Alvin Kallicharran.

Do not disappoint us and always, always strive for excellence in everything you do on and off the cricket field”. Those were the words of Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) president, Hilbert Foster, MS, as he addressed a special meeting for members of the Berbice Under-17 team and their parents at the St. Francis Community Developers Conference Hall.

The Berbice team under the leadership of

Zeynul Ramsammy would be playing in the Guyana Cricket Board Under- 17 Cricket Tournament from Tuesday against Essequibo, Demerara and the Guyana Under-15 select team.

Foster, at the meeting, spoke of the importance of discipline in the Berbice cricketing culture and warned the players that no form of indiscipline would be tolerated.

The BCB president called on the attentive parents to place more emphasis on the personal development of their children and to turn up at venues to support them. He stated that while he strongly believes that education is the key to success, sports is also a crucial aspect of a child’s development as it teaches them about discipline, dedication and working in a collective environment.

Foster pledged that as long as he remains head

of the BCB, special emphasis would be placed on the development of youths while every youth would be given equal opportunity to fulfil his/her potential.

Foster handed over Berbice caps to each of the players and also unveiled several incentives for the players including Man-of-the-Match prizes for each match and special gifts for the Most Valuable Player if Berbice wins. Each of the players received a youth information booklet on Berbice cricket.

The full Berbice squad reads: – Zeynul Ramsammy –(Captain), Jonathan Rampersaud- (Vice-captain), Leon Cecil, Naresh Veersammy, Mahendra Gopilall, Jeremy Sandia, Hemendra Gurdyal, Mahendra Ramcharitar, Sa-

tya

BCB president Hilbert Foster

France, Tomani Caesar, Savishkar Sobhai, Christopher Deroop, Isiah Thorne and Pavendra Ganesh. Surendra Kissoonlall is the Manager and former national player Delbert Hicks is the coach.

Women’s Twenty 20 World Cup

Australia avert elimination as India dominate Bangladesh

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Defending champions Australia returned from the brink of elimination to pip Sri Lanka but India underlined their title credentials with their second successive victory in the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup in Perth on Monday.

Australia were stunned by India in Friday’s tournament opener and the hosts looked patchy again as they edged out Sri Lanka by five wickets to keep alive their hopes of a fifth title.

Later at the same WACA Ground, India were much more clinical in their 18-run victory against Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Atapattu had led from the front with a belligerent 50 to help her

team post 122-6 after electing to bat.

Free-scoring Atapattu smacked two sixes and seven boundaries in her entertaining 38-ball innings before falling to Nicola Carey (2-18).

Umesha Thimashini (20), Anushka Sanjeewani (25) and Nilakshi de Silva (18) were unable to convert their good starts into match-winning contributions.

Australia, in reply, ran into trouble early and were reeling at 10-3 in the fourth over after Alyssa Healy, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney departed in quick succession.

It was the 95-run stand between Rachael Haynes (60) and skipper Meg Lanning (41 not out) that rescued the hosts.

Sri Lanka did not help their

Rachael Haynes leaves the WACA Ground after a successful knock of 60 against Sri Lanka. ( Getty Images photos)

own cause by dropping Haynes and burning their reviews which meant they could not challenge the not-out decision after Lanning had edged behind.

“World Cup tournaments aren’t easy. You have to keep winning, that’s the nature of the beast,” player-of-the-match Haynes said after Australia won with three balls to spare.

“I’m sure there were a couple of nerves today but to be able to get over the line right at the end will hopefully create some momentum for the rest of the tournament.”

Put into bat in the later match, India posted a competitive 142-6 with opener Shafali Verma putting on a six-hitting display in her 17ball blitz.

Playing without regular partner Smriti Mandhana, who missed the match with fever, the 16-year-old sensation Verma smashed four sixes before falling for 39.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur disappointed again but Jemima Rodrigues scored a breezy 34 and Veda Krishnamurthy made a quickfire 20 not out even though the 150-mark eluded India.

Poonam Yadav’s 4-19 had destroyed Australia on Friday and the 28-year-old tormened Bangladesh too with her loopy leg-breaks to claim 3-18.

Opener Murshida Khatun (30) and Nigar Sultana (35) batted fluently but Bangladesh could never really accelerate and eventually managed 124-8.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 25, 2020

Fury versus Joshua ‘will happen’, says promoter Hearn LONDON (Reuters) - A fight between British champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury for the undisputed world heavyweight title “will happen” and could be the biggest in the history of the sport, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said on Monday.

Hearn told Sky Sports television he would do everything possible to agree a deal, and both sides would be “clowns” and “idiots” if they did not make the fight happen.

He warned, however, that while both men would want the fight to be in Britain, the money coming from overseas might be too much to turn down.

Joshua, whose last fight was in Saudi Arabia, holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts while Fury annexed the WBC belt with a seventh round

British boxing champions Tyson Fury (left) and Anthony Joshua stoppage of American Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas on Saturday.

“Everybody is very clear on this. Everybody wants this fight — Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, MTK, Top Rank, Frank Warren, Matchroom,” said Hearn, referring to those involved on both sides.

“There are some hurdles to overcome on the broadcasting, but nothing too much.

“I promise you this fight will happen.”

Talks are ongoing for Joshua to fight mandatory IBF challenger Kubrat Pulev, of Bulgaria, next, with Hearn saying this month it was likely to be at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London in June.

Fury is also likely to face Wilder again for

the third time as part of a rematch clause, with the American having 30 days to decide whether to exercise his option.

“If we have to fight Pulev, we’ve got to beat Pulev, and if he (Fury) has to fight Wilder, he’s got to beat Wilder again,” said Hearn. “Both of those things will happen. Fury will beat Wilder again and Joshua will knock Pulev clean out.

“You will get this fight. We will do everything that it takes to make this fight. Last time, you had us and Team Wilder and we were locking heads.

“Right now, you have two guys and two camps that genuinely want this fight, that genuinely will do everything that they can to make this fight. It is the only fight.”

West Indies fined for slow over-rate in ODI series opener COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, (CMC) – Already bruised from their loss in the One-Day International (ODI) series opener on Saturday, West Indies were slapped with a fine for maintaining a slow over-rate in the match against Sri Lanka.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement Sunday that the Caribbean side will have to give up 40 per cent of their match fee for the infraction.

Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanctions after Kieron Pollard’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Pollard accepted the proposed sanction, so

there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Paul Wilson and Ruchira Palliyaguruge, third umpire Marais Erasmus and fourth official Lyndon Hannibal levelled the charges.

West Indies suffered a narrow one-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in a tense opener of the three-match series at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground here on Saturday, despite Shai Hope securing his ninth ODI hundred.

West Indies made 289/7 from their 50 overs while the hosts ended 290/9 in 49.1 overs.

The two sides will face each other again tomorrow in the second ODI at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. The third match is scheduled for Sunday, March 1 at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.

West Indies need to win the remaining matches in order to clinch their first-ever ODI series win on Sri Lankan soil

West Indies captain Kieron Pollard

Liverpool fight back against West Ham to continue winning streak

(REUTERS) - Runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool had to come from behind to beat lowly West Ham United and maintain their 100% home record with a battling 3-2 win on Monday.

It looked like business as usual for Liverpool, unbeaten in the league and with a 22-point advantage at the top, when they went ahead in the ninth minute as Georginio Wijnaldum headed home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s whipped cross from the right.

Three minutes later, though, 18th-placed West Ham drew level with Issa Diop’s angled header from a Robert Snodgrass corner beating keeper Alisson Becker, who should have kept it out.

Virgil Van Dijk headed against the bar for Liverpool but Anfield was stunned in the 54th when Hammers substitute

Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates scoring their first goal with Roberto Firmino Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff Pablo Fornals turned a low cross from Declan Rice into the far corner.

Facing the possibility of their first defeat of the Premier League campaign, Liverpool inevitably

piled on the pressure but their usually deadly frontline was misfiring.

Only an awful error from West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski that allowed Juergen Klopp’s side to get back on level terms — Mohamed Salah’s tame shot from an Andy Robertson pull back creeping through the legs of the Polish keeper.

Fabianski was at fault again when he came off his line but failed to stop Alexander-Arnold looping the ball over him to Sadio Mane who slotted home.

Mane had the ball in the net again in the 86th minute but his effort was ruled out for offside after a swift VAR review.

Liverpool’s win ensured they equalled Manchester City’s record of 18 straight top-flight wins.

Pride and Jaguars duo penalised for CWI Code of Conduct breaches

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Barbados Pride and the Guyana Jaguars’ Leon Johnson and Nial Smith have been penalised for breaching the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Code of Conduct during the first half of the Regional Four-Day Championship, CWI confirmed on Monday.

Pride were fined for maintaining a slow overrate against the Jaguars during their second-round match at Kensington Oval, from January 16 to 19.

Johnson, the Jaguars captain, was fined while pacer Smith was reprimanded for Level 1 breaches of the Code – displaying behaviour that could be deemed as showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by action or verbal abuse – during the fourth-round match between Jaguars and Jamaica Scorpions at the Guyana National Stadium from February 6 to 9.

Pride were reported by field umpires Danesh Ramdhanie and Christopher Taylor, as well as reserve umpire Troy Tudor, for being three overs short of their target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

Under the regulations, minor over-rate offences occur when a team fails to bowl one to five overs short of their target in the allotted time.

The fine for a captain is 10 percent of his match fee for every over his side fails to bowl in the allotted time. Other team members are penalized five percent of their match fee for every over the team fails to bowl in the allotted time.

As a result, Pride captain Kraigg Brathwaite was fined 30 percent of his match fee and the other members of the squad were fined 15 percent of their fees.

Brathwaite pleaded guilty to the offence after the match and accepted the proposed sanction from CWI match referee Stephen Proverbs.

Johnson and Smith also admitted to their respective offences and accepted the sanctions after being reported by field umpires Zahid Bassarath and Deighton Butler, and reserve umpire Ryan Banwarie.

Match referee Colin Stuart fined Johnson 15 per cent of his match fee for the breach of Section 2.4 of the Code during the Jaguars’ second innings, when he was dismissed. The umpires reported that he stood his ground before leaving the wicket and waved his hands in anger while walking away, when he was given out lbw in the 16th over.

Stuart gave Smith a reprimand for the same breach of the Code, which also occurred during the same innings, when the pacer was dismissed.

The umpires reported that Smith stood his ground before leaving the wicket and made a questionable remark, when he was adjudged lbw in the 85th over.

The sanctions that could have been imposed on Johnson and Smith for their Level 1 breaches were: an official warning/reprimand and/or fine of up to the equivalent of 50 per cent of player or team official’s match fee.

CWI also announced Monday that Scorpions off-spinner Peat Salmon was suspended for having an illegal bowling action in the same match against Jaguars.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 25, 2020

FA outlaws primary school children from heading in training (REUTERS) - Heading the ball in training sessions has been outlawed for primary school children under the age of 12 in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland as part of the Football Association’s updated “heading guidance” for the game.

The English, Northern Irish and Scottish Football Associations said in a statement here on Monday that they are also set to use a “graduated approach” to headers for 12 to 16-year-olds at grassroots level with immediate effect.

The heading guidelines follow last year’s publication of Football’s Influence on Lifelong Health and Dementia Risk (FIELD) study undertaken by Glasgow University, which found former professionals were at more risk of dementia.

The FA said the new guidelines will take effect immediately but it will not recommend an end to headers during youth matches.

“This updated heading guidance is an

evolution of our current guidelines and will help coaches and teachers to reduce and remove repetitive and unnecessary heading from youth football,” FA chief executive officer Mark Bullingham said.

“Our research has shown that heading is rare in youth football matches, so this guidance is a responsible development to our grassroots coaching without impacting the enjoyment that children of all ages take from playing the game.”

The FIELD study did not state that heading a ball was the reason behind the increased prevalence of degenerative neurocognitive disease among footballers but the FA said the decision was taken to mitigate any potential risks.

The FA confirmed the updated heading guidance has been produced in line with UEFA’s medical committee, which is seeking to publish Europe-wide guidelines later this year.

Dr Carol Routledge, director of re-

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Napoli v Liverpool - BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Britain - July 28, 2019 Children play football outside the stadium before the match Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

search at Alzheimer’s Research UK, welcomed the new guidelines but said the sport’s governing bodies must go further to find any potential links between football and dementia.

“The recent FIELD study highlighted an increased dementia risk for ex-professional footballers in Scotland,” she said.

“While we don’t yet know the cause or causes of this increased risk, limiting un-

necessary heading in children’s football is a practical step that minimises possible risks, ensuring that football remains as safe as possible in all forms.

“We need to see more research in order to unpick any link between football and dementia risk but until we know more, making sure the nation’s best loved game is played as safely as possible is a sensible approach.”

Hope aims to repeat performance and lead Windies to series win

HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka, (CMC) – Shai Hope, who made his ninth ODI hundred in the series opener which the West Indies lost to Sri Lanka, is aiming to repeat his outstanding performance but hoping for a different result when his side takes on the hosts in their second match on Wednesday.

The wicketkeeper-batsman scored 115 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo – the highest score for the Windies in Sri Lanka, surpassing the 110 made by Adrian Barath at the same venue in 2011 – to lead the Windies to a competitive 289.

Shai Hope put in an outstanding performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka.

He reached half-century off 77 balls at the start of the 26th over, before reaching his ton in the 43rd over off 128 deliveries – his second in his last seven innings.

“I had to ensure that I came out and stamped my authority on the first game.

Unfortunately, it didn’t come out to be a wining effort, but it was still nice to get some runs under my belt,” Hope said.

“I think there were some key moments, where we could’ve probably put our foot down a bit more. The run out [between myself and Bravo], we probably could’ve gotten a lot more out of that partnership,” he added, looking back on the opener.

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India defeated Australia by 17 runs Poonam Yadav (IND)

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Who was declared Player of the Match?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Shai Hope put in an outstanding performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka.

As the Windies arrived here ahead of their second match, the 26-year-old was hoping his heroics would lead to a series win over Sri Lanka.

West Indies need to win both of the upcoming matches – the other scheduled for Sunday – to achieve the goal of winning their first ODI series in Sri Lanka.

“It’s now do-or-die for us. We’re 0-1 down and we have two more games to make amends. I’m sure the guys have what it takes

to come out and turn it around,” Hope said.

West Indies entered the series one point behind Sri Lanka in the ICC ODI rankings and are looking to move ahead of the hosts. Securing back-to-back wins in the ongoing series will be necessary to achieve that feat.

Wednesday’s day/night contest will be played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium here. First ball is 2:30 p.m.

(5 a.m. Eastern Caribbean Time/4 a.m. Jamaica Time).

Haiti and T&T secure big wins to kick off Women’s U-20 Championship SAN CRISTOBAL, Dominican Republic, ( C M C) – H a i t i a n d Trinidad and Tobago demolished their opponents as Group F of the 2020 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship kicked off here on Sunday.

Haiti secured a massive eight-goal win over Cayman Islands while Trinidad and Tobago comfortably beat St Kitts and Nevis 6-0.

Melchie Dale Dumornay of Haiti (centre) scored five goals to lead the victory over the Cayman Islands in Group F of the Concacaf U20 Women’s Championship.

The day started with Trinidad and Tobago’s impressive display in

Melchie Dale Dumornay of Haiti (centre) scored five goals to lead the victory over the Cayman Islands in Group F of the Concacaf U20 Women’s Championship.

which the Soca Warriors got a four-goal performance from Afyiah Cornwall. Also etching their names on the scoresheet for Trinidad and Tobago was Aaliyah Prince and Maria Frances-Serrant.

The second game of the day in the group saw three players bag braces for Haiti, including 16-year-old MF Melchie Dumornay.

Valentina Ornis and Florsie Joseph also scored two goals on the day, while Dayana Pierre Louis and Flero Dina Supris rounded out the scoring with one goal each.

Next up for Trinidad and Tobago will be a clash today with the Cayman Islands, while Haiti will meet St Kitts and Nevis.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 25, 2020

Golden Jaguars Head Coach emphasizes long-term succession development AS the Golden Jaguars, the country’s senior men’s national football team, continue preparation ahead of their important March 26 and 31 encounters against Barbados, head coach Márcio Máximo, is touting a youthful team, changed mentality and an emphasis on long-term succession development as the key areas of focus.

In a recent interview, the Brazilian coach pointed out that is was very important for him to not only reduce the average age of the senior team but also change the mentality of the players to one that is competitive, displays good commitment, professionalism and with a desire to proudly play in the senior national team.

Máximo said there are currently three or four experienced Guyana-based players over 28 years old among those who are engaged in daily training ses-

Golden Jaguars head coach, Márcio Máximo, engaging members of the locally-based senior squad at a recent training session. (Photo compliments: GFF)

sions but to realize sustainability of the team, age and desire for personal and

team success are key for development.

He added that “of course their

(older players) experience is very important for our group but we also need to refresh the team, put new ideas and players who have ambition to play in the development leagues, pursue international clubs and academies, help the local clubs to improve…if we don’t have the continuation of the senior team, we’ll lose the group again.”

“We have been able to recover some players (22 – 23 years old) who had lost interest due to the absence of a senior team programme. Now, they have the option to continue if they are selected, of course. We now have a pool of 60 players,” the usually candid coach revealed.

Máximo announced recently that 12 players from the National U-20 team, which wrapped up their CONCACAF U-20 Championship qualifiers campaign on Sunday, will be integrated into

the senior team following their return from Nicaragua.

Coach Máximo sees the step as “a good opportunity for the players to keep their ambitions to play at a professional level, have a chance to be attached to international academies, if age permits, and we will endeavor to provide the fuel for them to achieve their highest goal.”

Guyana is aiming to make their second appearance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but, in order for Máximo and his men to reach the 2021 CONCACAF showpiece, the Golden Jaguars will have to go through regional rivals, Barbados, in a home and away fixture.

The first match of the two-round qualifier is scheduled for Barbados on March 24 at 19:00hrs, while Guyana will play host to the Bajans on March 31 at the National Track and Field Centre at 20:00hrs.

Nicaragua edge Guyana 1 – 0 in final

CONCACAF U-20 Championship Qualifiers Group A match

GUYANA ended the CONCACAF U-20 Championship qualifiers in Nicaragua with a heartbreaking 1 – 0 defeat to the host nation on Sunday evening at the Nicaragua National Football Stadium.

Coach Wayne Dover and his troops went into the match needing a win to advance to the June 20th – July 5th CONCACAF U-20 Championship in

Honduras, but at the end of 90 minutes, Guyana picked up their first and only defeat in the tournament.

Guyana had a sensational run in the qualifiers – whipping Montserrat 6 – 0 in their opening game of the qualifiers, then they returned to outplay St Vincent and the Grenadines 3 – 0, and then played to an impressive 2 – 0 win against the US Virgin

Islands, before going down hard to Nicaragua in their final game.

After the game, Dover said it was a “tough day at the office last night in our final game which we loss 1- 0 to the host nation…these lads needed every handson-their-shoulder to tap them and say well done. They fought with heart to get the result to take them to the champion-

ship in June. They didn’t get the results and it’s the end of the campaign.”

“As the coach of the team, let me lead the way. On behalf of the entire Executive Committee members and staff of the GFF, the Technical Department staff members, and the Technical Staff of the team, we say a big thank you for your effort. You’ve done it throughout with discipline, dedication and great de-

termination,” an emotional Dover stated.

Meanwhile, Nicaragua, by virtue of finishing as the top team from the Group A qualifiers, have advanced to the round-of-16 of the CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where they await the winners of the Championship’s Group H that comprises Honduras, Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba and Guatemala. (Rawle Toney)

Topp XX’s Keon Hall walks away with MVP Award CAPTAIN Keon Hall, of Bakewell Topp XX, with two crucial strikes, the first in the semi-final which saved the game for Topp XX against Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection, and the other, which was the winner in the final versus Coomacka, was voted the Most Valuable Player of the Jermine and Family Linden MASH Cup football championship Friday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Hall, for his efforts, collected the Alwin Bynoe MVP Trophy, a king or queen size bed from McRae’s Hardware and General Store and a football boot from Jerry Faucett.

The Most Goals Award of a football boot from former National player, Rickland ‘Tallo’ Hutson, was won by another Topp XX player, Travis Waterton, of Bakewell with four goals, beating three other players to the award who netted

three each.

Coomacka’s custodian, Kellon Major, was voted the Best Goalkeeper for his acrobatic and brilliant showing and he got a

smart-phone which was donated by Melville’s Variety Store of Wisrock. The best defender was Delroy Conteh of Coomacka; he won a trophy.Shamyah Samuels

Businessman Jermine Alllicock (at right) poses with Keon Hall (centre) of Topp XX and another official at right.

was named the youngest player and received a bicycle from Snooks Variety Store.

The four coaches from champions Bakewell Topp XX, Coomacka, Botafago and Haynes and Lewis

Winners Connection each received a food hamper compliments of Edward B Beharry.

Williams edges out strong field to win Burnham Memorial Two-Stage Cycling Race

Michael Jordan pays tearful tribute to ‘little brother’ Kobe Bryant

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27

Cyclists battling in the second stage at Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara.

Lady Jags roar to 3 – 1 win over Nicaragua 26 PAGE

--Guyana to play Puerto Rico today

Goal scorer, Serena McDonald, battles Nicaragua’s Lesbeth Moreno in the midfield, during Guyana’s 3 – 1 win in the CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship. (Photo compliments of CONCACAF)

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Michael Jordan said a piece of him died when his close friend Kobe Bryant and his daughter were killed in a helicopter crash last month.(Getty Images photo)

MICHAEL Jordan has given an emotional, moving eulogy for his late friend Kobe Bryant.

The 57-year-old former basketball player stood on the stage at the Staples Center in LA with tears streaming down his face as he paid tribute to Bryant and his daughter Gianna.

“Kobe left nothing in the tank,” Michael Jordan said. “He left it all on the floor.

“Kobe was my dear friend. He was like a little brother,” he added. The NBA hall of fame star then mentioned how people often tried to compare the two basketball players.

“Everyone always wanted to talk about the comparisons between he and I. I just wanted to talk about Kobe,” Mr Jordan said.

“Now I have to look at another crying meme for the next....” the basketball player said while tears streamed down his face.

He referenced a past meme that circulated showing the NBA star crying during his Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2009.

“I told my wife I wasn’t going to do this because I didn’t want to see this for the next three or four years but that is what Kobe Bryant does to me,” Mr Jordan added.

Bryant died in a helicopter crash on 26 January, along with his daughter Gianna and seven other people.

His wife Vanessa Bryant, who also gave a moving eulogy during the service, teared up during Jordan’s speech, as did singer and actor Jennifer Lopez.

The two women were seen in camera footage wiping their eyes while Jordan spoke about his love for Kobe Bryant.

“When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died,” he said.

“Those are the memories that we have to live with and learn from. I promise you from this day forward I live with the memories of knowing I had a little brother ... Rest in peace little brother.”(Independent) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020