Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_02_28_2020

FRIDAY 28th February, 2020

' No.105924

'Coalition rallies women's support' SEE PAGES 02&03

...talks up advancement of women's welfare ...First Lady lays out path for reelection of President Granger

Elections Day declared 20 public holiday PAGE

Aurora gets $40.3M modern 21 police station PAGE

‘No compromise on private polling places’ …major parties, GECOM undertake to address polling places complaint

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 28, 2020

‘You’ll achieve greater heights’ ‘Don’t us gomadeback to the darkof women days’ …coalition’s women leaders talk-up let progress to advance welfare

By Svetlana Marshall ADDRESSING a massive sea of yellow and green supporters at Parade Ground, Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams spoke to the significant progress made in empowering women and girls across Guyana under the current A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government when the coalition held its Women’s Rally on Thursday.

Williams, to loud cheers, said women, like never before, are being empowered, elevated to high offices, financially equipped and recognised for their contributions to the development of the country. “Under the David Granger Administration women will continue to be empowered and women will achieve greater heights under the APNU+AFC,” Minister Hastings-Williams assured the crowd of predominantly women.

Cognizant of the contributions women continue to make to the economic and social development of the country, Minister Williams said the APNU+AFC Government has ensured women in Guyana receive equal pay and opportunities. “APNU+AFC has started to empower women and we will continue to empower women. We will empower them to take their rightful place in high positions,” she iterated.

Even as the massive crowd roared with excitement, Minister charged Guyanese to vote overwhelmingly for the APNU+ AFC Coalition c o m e MonMinister of State Dawn day, HastingsWilliams

March 2 when the nation heads t o the polls in t h e highly anticipated General and Regional Elections. Noting that the APNU+AFC is a party for all Guyanese, the State Minister said it is important that the governance of the country remains in the hands of the coalition, which has to date demonstrated prudent leadership.

Minister Hastings-Williams, however, was keen to note that flags and party paraphernalia will not return the APNU+AFC coalition to power. “Flags do not win elections; green jerseys do not win elections, green caps and green shoes do not win elections, women it is your votes that count, so make sure you vote the right way and the correct way and in the correct place,” she charged the massive crowd while lobbying their continued support for the Granger Administration.

Transforming lives of women Meanwhile, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, who upon appearing on stage flaunted her customised APNU+AFC

hand bag while modeling to the calypso “Woman is Boss,” said the rally was a significant event ahead of General and Regional Elections.

Like Hastings-Williams, Lawrence said President David Granger, since taking office in May 2015, has taken strategic steps to enhance and transform the lives of women, regardless of their geographical location, colour, race, religion or creed.

“We can stand here tonight with great pride, heads held high because of his (PresMinister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, addressing a massive crowd of supporters at Parade Ground on Thursday.

ident Granger’s) respect for women. The voice he has given us, irrespective of colour, creed or ethnicity, and his resolve to implement initiatives and interventions of all kinds to improve our lives. He wants to maximize our potential and to empower us so that we can move forward together,” Minister Lawrence said.

Importantly, she said, safety and security have been restored in Guyana after experience close to a decade of crime and violence. Pointing to the reduction in the Trafficking in Persons (TIP), Minister Lawrence noted that more and more Guyanese women and girls are being provided with equitable opportunity to ensure they access to education at the nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary levels. In 2019, Guyana has, for the third consecutive year, maintained its Tier 1 ranking in the United States (US) State Department Report on Trafficking in Persons

(TIP). The country was praised for the significant efforts made in combating Human Trafficking while providing protective care for victims.

President Granger and the First Lady were also recognised for restoring families by the granting of presidential pardons, in addition to the steps taken, through the B’s Initiatives, to increase school attendance among school-aged children. Added to that, the Public Health Minister noted that women continue to benefit through Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED), Women of Worth and the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS).

Between 2017 and 2018, 3,038 women benefitted from the HEYS Programme. “That programme was also provided to girls and of the lot, 1,347 girls benefitted,” she added. In the Health Sector, she said since 2019, 453 Registered Nurses, 150 midwives, 298 Nursing Assistants and more than 500 community health workers were trained and deployed across the length and breadth of the country.

Importantly, she noted that there has been a sharp reduction in maternal deaths due to better health care services.

Statistics show that there has been a 75 per cent reduction in maternal deaths.

Addressing them as women and girls in the vanguard, the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Chairman, took the women back to the period of Guyana’s history when Guyanese endured heightened criminal activities compounded by extra-judicial killings, low wages and under development. Guyana, she posited, should never return to such a period. It was on that note she urged Guyanese to throw their support behind President Granger and the APNU+AFC coalition.

A section of the thousands of Ministers Lawrence supporters that attended the and Hastings-WilWomen’s Rally at Parade Ground. liams were among the key speakers for the Women Rally. Notably, the thousands of supporters w e r e kept on their feet by Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency, Simona Broomes, who chaired the programme, which was enriched with cultural displays

by Guyanese talent.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

First Lady lays out path for reelection of President Granger

By Svetlana Marshall WITH less than four days away from the highly-anticipated General and Regional Elections, First Lady Sandra Granger on Thursday made a strong case for the return of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, as she pointed to the significant strides made in safeguarding the rights of women and girls.

Addressing a multitude of supporters at the Parade Ground on Thursday during the APNU+AFC Women’s Rally, the First Lady, in the presence of her husband, President David Granger, and other senior functionaries in the ‘Coalition’, said that prior to 2015, women in Guyana were dismissed by the then PPP Government, even as they endured varying levels of domestic violence and suppression.

“You remember the cussing out? You remember how they threatened to slap us and strip our sister? You remember the lies and deceit?” the First Lady asked, as the thousands of women responded with a loud “Yes!” The person to whom she was referring was Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, who, while serving as Minister of Public Health under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration, verbally abused activist, Sherlina Nageer. He had threatened to slap her less than one month away from

the May 2015 elections.

Mrs. Granger also criticised the PPP/C Admin-

ing in a class, he or she must not be automatically allowed to move on to the next grade.

erty, a trend he intends to continue upon his re-election to office.

Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams presenting President David Granger with a certificate for his contributions towards the development of women and girls.

A simple gesture was made to the First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger.

istration’s “No-Child Left Behind” initiative. For her, such an initiative was a recipe for disaster in the education sector. The Automatic Promotion Policy, popularly called the “No child left behind” programme was promoted under the leadership of former Minister of Education Shaik Baksh, in a bid to correct what was said to be the adverse effects as a result of Grade Repetition initiative.

However, the policy was rejected by the masses, educators in particular, who felt that if a child is not perform-

Educators had explained that the policy created gaps, whereby a child is unable to successfully achieve the basics from an earlier grade, and is thus unable to build upon what it is he or she is supposed to know.

Mrs. Granger said that unlike the PPP/C Administration, the APNU+AFC Coalition respects women and children, and understands their needs. The First Lady said that with her husband at the helm of the government, women, men and children have been lifted out of pov-

Mrs. Granger noted also that significant strides were made in the health sector in less than five years, even as she recalled the days when mothers had little or no choice but to ‘double-up’ on a single bed in the Maternity Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

“We have more water ambulances; we have people who are now able to go to their regional hospitals and get their tests done… We have improvements in our Mental Health Services, and over 90 per cent vaccina-

tion coverage, so that we no longer fear our children contracting polio, tetanus and tuberculosis,” she pointed out.

That aside, the First Lady challenged supporters to compare the steps taken by the past and current administration to foster gender equality. She said the record would show that the Granger

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increased, she posited.

The APNU+AFC Government, the First Lady pointed out, too, has increased public assistance to vulnerable women and children. These women, she posited, have also been exposed to a range of entrepreneurial programmes, in a bid

First Lady Sandra Granger addressing APNU+AFC supporters at the Parade Ground

Administration has put systems in place to foster gender equality. Reference was also made to the increase in Old Age Pension (OAP).

The Old Age Pension was increased on February 1.

Additionally, in November 2019, the minimum basic salary in the public service climbed to $70,000 from $64,200. And between July 1, 2015 and January 1, 2019, the government increased the minimum wage by more than 76 per cent. The salaries and allowances of teachers and nurses have also been

to increase their economic independence.

In the area of Education, Mrs. Granger said major emphasis has been placed on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and even robotics. The First Lady also noted that improvements have been seen in the areas of Public Infrastructure, Housing, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Public Services, Entrepreneurship and Youth.

Nursing director back on the job at GPHC

MINISTER of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, on Thursday, confirmed that Director of Nursing at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has returned on the job, while GPHC CEO, Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis, said he would not be commenting on the outcome of the investigations into the allegations against the director for inappropriate conduct against a nursing staff.

Lawrence had confirmed last month that the investigations had concluded and that the sanctions, if any, were expected to be subsequently handed down.

However, the nursing director, in a letter through his lawyers, has indicated that the director and other

staff were not found culpable of several allegations of mistreatment made by the nursing staff, who alleged that she was made to disrobe and have her underwear inspected by a senior staff on December 5, 2019, for proof of her menstrual cycle.

The accusation alleged that the action was carried out based on instructions from the nursing director.

The director had been sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“An investigation was done and an investigative report was submitted. Persons were briefed on the investigation and wherever necessary, any action would have already been initiated,” Lewis explained.

However, when asked if

the nursing director and other

on what is the findings of the

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

staff were acquitted of the accusations, Lewis would only offer: “I would not say that.”

Lewis said he considers the issue concluded.

“Why is the media pursuing this matter? The HR would have called in all persons involved, briefed them

report on the situation from

GPHC CEO, Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis

investigations, that was done some time ago, more than two weeks ago,” Lewis said.

Minister Lawrence, however, noted that she only found out about the nursing director returning on the job through unofficial channels and is awaiting an official

the hospital’s board.

“I was told, unofficially, a couple days ago that he was back on the job. I am waiting for the [GPHC] Board [of Directors] to now send something to me based on the report and the findings of the report. I am not aware that there has been a board

meeting since that receipt of the report,” Lawrence noted.

The allegations by the nurse became public after an anonymous post was shared by social media personality Melissa Atwell.

Atwell was earlier this month sent a “cease and desist” letter from law firm which claimed to be representing the nursing director, which informed that the director was not found culpable of any of the allegations against him.

“We are instructed that a full investigation into these allegations was done by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and there was no liability found on the part of our client or any other staff member of the GPHC,” the letter read.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 28, 2020

Jamaica to host high-level debate on investment opportunities, energy resilience

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, CMC – The Organization of American States (OAS) says Energy and Climate Ministers of the Americas, including the Caribbean, will on Thursday begin debating in Jamaica investment opportunities and energy resilience.

The OAS said the Fourth Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) Ministerial Meeting will be held

through Friday in the western city of Montego Bay, under the theme: “Energy Resilience and Investment Opportunities.” “The meeting will be an opportunity to foster dialogue among leaders of the private sector and the governments of the Americas on priorities, challenges and opportunities for economic development and growth, the consolidation of energy security and renewable en-

ergy objectives,” said the OAS in a statement.

It said discussions will focus on issues related to financing mechanisms for clean and renewable energy, investment opportunities in energy efficiency, electric mobility, as well as strategies to increase private sector participation in the development of energy infrastructure. The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, and the OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro, along with Energy Minister , Fayval Williams, will be among the speakers at the opening ceremony. Jamaica

assumed chairmanship of ECPA in September 2017. “Jamaica’s acceptance of the Chairmanship of ECPA is in line with its commitment to furthering the hemispheric and regional development agenda,” the ECPA said.

“The hosting of the Ministerial Meeting presents a valuable opportunity for Jamaica to highlight the progress made on the national level in its energy security and diversification efforts. “It also presents an opportunity to demonstrate Jamaica’s leadership in promoting regional energy cooperation, strategic partnerships

and open dialogue on energy related issue,” it added.

ECPA said Jamaica’s Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), is leading the effort for the hosting of this High-Level meeting, which is expected to see Energy Ministers from the 34-member countries of ECPA and other regional dignitaries being present in Montego Bay for the twoday event.

“C on s id erin g th a t

Latin America and the Caribbean countries are conscious of the significant opportunities for economic growth and resilience that de-carbonization can create through expanded renewable energy use, greater energy efficiency, and the transition toward electric mobility, the Ministerial allows for greater dialogue on experiences, policy options, and technologies to ignite sustainable solutions in the Americas,” the statement said.

Two Caribbean countries impose additional travel restrictions due to coronavirus BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Feb. 27, CMC – Health authorities in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have imposed more travel restrictions to four more countries which have cases of COVID-19.

During a press conference on Thursday, Jamaica’s Minister of Health, Dr. Christopher Tufton said the travel restrictions will be placed on Italy, South Korea, Singapore and Iran.

He told reporters that the decision to place the restrictions was based on risk assessment of the coronavirus in these countries. The government is also reviewing the situation in Japan to determine if travel restrictions should be placed on that country.

In the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, restrictions were also imposed on persons traveling from the same countries. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, during a press briefing on Thursday said persons from Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Singapore will be denied entry to the country for 14 days. Also attending the briefing was Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley who warned of the knock-on effects caused by the virus overseas, adding that it could affect trade and the manufacturing industry.

The Prime Minister said while there were measures in place to screen foreigners, returning nationals will not be denied entry. ”We cannot deny access to nationals of Trinidad and Tobago if they choose to return to Trinidad and Tobago, we have certain protocols in place,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 28, 2020

Coronavirus threatens global economy as experts warn no country will be spared GENEVA/DUBAI (Reuters) - All countries need to prepare to combat the coronavirus, the World Health Organization said on Thursday, as authorities raced to contain the epidemic’s rapid global spread and Wall Street looked set for its biggest weekly fall since the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

With new infections reported around the world now surpassing those in mainland China, World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said even rich nations should prepare. “No country should assume it won’t get cases, that would be a fatal mistake, quite literally,” Tedros said, pointing to Italy, where 17 people have died in Europe’s worst outbreak.

In addition to stockpiling medical supplies, governments ordered schools shut and canceled big gatherings, including sports events, to try to halt spread of the flu-like disease known as COVID-19 that emerged in central China more than two months ago from an illegal wildlife market.

The death rate appears to be around 2 percent, although it could be lower if there are many mild, undiagnosed cases, experts say. By comparison, seasonal influenza has a case fatality rate of around 0.1%, said Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, ahead of a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence, who has been put in charge of coordinating the U.S. response. “So therefore

you have somewhat of a serious potential for morbidity and mortality,” he said, adding, “We’re dealing with a serious virus.”

There is particular concern over a case in Japan in which a woman tested positive for the virus for a second time. Second positive tests have also been reported in China and could imply contracting the disease does not confer immunity.

Scientists warned that much remains unknown about this new virus. The head of the WHO’s emergency program, Dr. Mike Ryan, said discussions were being held with organisers about the fate of the 2020 Olympics, scheduled for July in Tokyo, although no decision was expected soon.

Their cancellation or relocation would be a massive blow for Japan, which said it was closing its entire school system for the next month in a bid to prevent spread of the virus. The virus has so far mainly battered China, causing nearly 80,000 infections and more than 2,700 deaths, according to WHO figures. It has spread to another 46 countries, where around 3,700 cases and 57 deaths have been reported.

“This virus has pandemic potential,” Tedros told reporters in Geneva. He said Iran, Italy and South Korea were at a “decisive point,” but still short of sustained community transmission.

MARKET SELLOFF Spooked by the impact on China, the heart of corporate supply chains, and the increasing effect

on other countries, stocks sank deeper into the red on Thursday and oil prices fell. [MKTS/GLOB] Global equity markets have dropped for six straight days, wiping out more than $3.6 trillion in value .MIWD00000PUS. The S&P 500 .

SPX finished 12% below its Feb. 19 record close, marking its fastest correction ever in just six trading days, while the Dow registered a record one-day points drop, which was also its fourth 1,000-point decline in history and the second this week. Jeremy Farrar, a specialist in infectious disease epidemics and director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, urged finance institutions to commit an initial $10 billion funds to fighting the virus. “What we are really missing is tangible, high-level funding and support from global financial institutions,” he said in a statement. “The possible impact of this coronavirus is far beyond a health emergency - it’s a global crisis with potential to reach the scale of the global financial crisis of 2008.”

Traders are betting the U.S. Federal Reserve will move aggressively to cut borrowing costs in coming months in response to the effects of the coronavirus on the economy. Politicians are also scrambling to respond. President Donald Trump’s administration was considering invoking special powers to rapidly expand U.S. production of protective gear, two officials told Reuters. California’s governor complained that the state was monitoring over 8,000 people but had only 200 test kits. President Emmanuel

Macron attempted to rally the nation as France’s number of reported cases doubled.

“We have a crisis before us. An epidemic is on its way,” Macron said. Germany, too, has warned of an impending epidemic. And Greece, a gateway for refugees from the Middle East and beyond, announced tighter border controls. There is no cure for the coronavirus, which can lead to pneumonia, and a vaccine may take up to 18 months to develop.

MISINFORMATION ‘EPIDEMIC’ Iran extended closures of cinemas, cultural events and conferences for another week and called off Friday prayers in some cities. The WHO’s Ryan said Iran’s outbreak may be worse than realized. It has suffered the highest death toll outside China, with 26 dead, suggesting there are likely many more cases than the 245 reported, which includes some senior officials.

Italy, desperate to stave off a probable recession, warned that an “epidemic of misleading information” could do worse harm than the virus itself. The coronavirus has played havoc with global aviation and tourism as airlines cancel flights, countries ban visitors from hot spots and nervous passengers put off travel. Chinese authorities said the number of new deaths there stood at 29, its lowest daily tally since Jan. 28. There were 439 new cases in mainland China as of Thursday, the WHO said, compared to 746 elsewhere.

A Delhi neighborhood divided by a highway and now hatred

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The Hindu area of Bhajanpura and Muslim quarter of Chand Bagh face each other across a wide thoroughfare running through the northeastern part of India’s capital, New Delhi.

After days of deadly riots between members of the two communities, neighborhoods that lived happily together for years are now divided by far more than a road. Mutual fear and suspicion have replaced generally cordial relations, a change that could make it harder to defuse tensions between India’s Hindu majority and its sizeable Muslim minority that have worsened during months of street protests.

Some residents are trying to understand how a peaceful part of the Indian capital became a battleground virtually overnight.

By mid-week the main road was strewn with broken glass, bricks and the charred remains of destroyed cars. At least 32 people died in the clashes, hundreds were wounded and buildings were torched in the worst sectarian violence in Delhi in decades.

An uneasy calm had settled over the area by Thursday.

“I have lived here for 35 years,” said Santosh Garg, a Hindu who described a narrow escape on Monday when a mob of Muslim men set her house alight. “I have never had a problem, never had a complaint,” the 52-year-old told Reuters, referring to her mostly Muslim neighbors across the way. “I still can’t

understand what happened.”

Garg said she lowered her two grandchildren from a balcony and into the arms of police officers to get them away from the blaze. She herself jumped on to an adjoining terrace. In the Muslim quarter a few hundred meters away, Rubina Bano said she was at an anti-government demonstration when police fired tear gas to break up the protest and a Hindu crowd started throwing stones. Bano, who is three months pregnant, said she was beaten by police and needed 20 stitches in her head.

Delhi police did not respond to requests for comment for this story. On Tuesday evening, the force issued a statement saying it was doing its utmost to control the violence and urged people to maintain the peace.

‘WE MUST DEFEND OURSELVES’ Like hundreds of thousands of Muslims across the country, Bano had spent weeks protesting against a new citizenship law that gives non-Muslims from three neighboring countries a fast-track to Indian citizenship.

Many Indians say the law is discriminatory and against the spirit of the country’s secular constitution. The country’s Muslims also fear that a proposed national citizens register could render many of them stateless.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which critics say has pursued a stringent

pro-Hindu agenda since being re-elected last year, says the new law is necessary to help persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

ADVERTISEMENT It also denies any bias against India’s Muslim population of more than 180 million people. When protests began in December, clashes were mostly between anti-government demonstrators and police. At least 25 people died that month, mainly in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. This week in Delhi, the violence was largely between Hindus and Muslims, raising fears that large-scale communal bloodshed that has erupted sporadically since India’s independence could return.

In northeastern Delhi, the risk is clear. Tempers are running high even as riots subside. Near a badly burned fuel station in Bhajanpura, a group of Hindu men fumed at the damage suffered by their community. “If this is what the minority can do, wait till you see what the majority can do when it picks up arms,” Ajay Choudhary, a yoga instructor, loudly declared to applause and cheers, as he pointed to burned buildings.

India is 80 percent Hindu, with Muslims making up 14 percent of the 1.3 billion population. “We had to do something to defend ourselves. They were lusting for blood,” said Ashish, a 21-year-old Hindu student who

only gave his first name.

LACK OF TRUST Faith in the ability of politicians and police to contain the unrest is wearing thin among local residents. “This is all the work of politicians who don’t want the communities to stay together,” said Bano, injuries visible on her head, arms and legs. During recent local elections in Delhi, some members of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) described the protesters, most of them Muslims, as “traitors”. Junior finance minister Anurag Thakur encouraged a crowd to chant “shoot the traitors” during a rally.

Amit Shah, India’s home minister and Modi’s right-hand man, criticized the remarks in an interview several weeks after his BJP party was routed in the New Delhi polls. “These

statements shouldn’t have been made. The party has distanced itself from such comments,” Shah said in an interview earlier in February. On Thursday, another BJP leader, India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, said it was opposition parties that had fanned the violence during months of protests against the citizenship law.

“This is not about the violence that’s gone on for two

days. For two months, people have been provoked,” he said.

Some local residents pointed the finger at the police for failing to do enough to protect them from attack. The Delhi force is controlled by Shah’s Home Ministry. Kalam Ahmed Khan, a Muslim in Chand Bagh, said police should have done more to prevent the clashes this week. “All this has happened under the police’s nose,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

THE POWER TO VOTE

MOST citizens are, by now, aware of a viral voice note which was making its way around social media over the past few weeks.

The voice note warned that a certain political party was in the process of employing tactics to undermine citizens’ right to vote, particularly younger citizens. The voice note alleges that money has passed hands in order to ensure an environment of fear and intimidation is created with the overall goal being to dissuade electors from exercising their right to vote.

The allegations have not been verified by any official investigation so they remain allegations. It might seem conspiratorial to attach credence to the allegations in the voice note but such allegations are nothing new when it comes to how politics is played in our democracy and indeed many others around the world. Nonetheless, voter intimidation tactics are nothing new and are certainly not unusual in some nations with traditionally weak systems of governance or dictatorial regimes. In this regard, Guy-

ana shares a common history with many other developing nations where elections often attract the interest of international groups who monitor elections to ensure that they are free and fair.

The purpose of the elections is to ensure that citizens are able to exercise their constitutional right to freely and fairly elect their government representatives from a list of suitable candidates. Consequently, the right to vote is exercised when electors select their chosen candidates by voting on a ballot paper. According to Merriam-Webster, the word vote means “a usually formal expression of opinion or will in response to a proposed decision; especially: one given as an indication of approval or disapproval of a proposal, motion or candidate for office.” Therefore, citizens are formally giving their approval or disapproval of our presidential candidates when they chose to exercise their right to vote. Key emphasis should be placed on the citizens, i.e. electors will formally express their opinions. It might seem elementary to overstate the process in

this manner but its relative simplicity in rhetoric is often overshadowed by our nations’ ability to pragmatically execute the electoral process thus.

Until the 2015 elections, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was elected to office in Guyana for a total of 23 years. Their track record in office has been the topic of many conversations, debates and reports and continues to come under scrutiny by citizens locally and the international community at large. There have been numerous scandals and allegations of corruption and impropriety at the highest levels of office for years under that administration. In May 2015 when Guyanese chose to elect the A Party for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition government, they expressed their will quite clearly.

Guyanese, again, need to tap into our power to vote and make our collective will be known on March 2, 2020. It might seem trite to state the importance of acting in the upcoming elections but there is truly a lot at stake. In the time

since the incumbent administration has taken office, Guyanese have been able to see progress in areas where there had been longstanding stagnation. Key sectors such as security, healthcare, infrastructure, telecommunications and tourism have all received investment which had led to palpable changes for Guyanese throughout the nation. The government has been able to establish a track record in a relatively short tenure.

Young Guyanese in particular should be minded to stand guard against those who might seek to circumvent their will to elect who they truly wish to see take the highest office in the land. We have to secure a future for all Guyanese regardless of race, class, creed or any other differentiator. The need to move forward in unity towards prosperity and development is being felt in Guyana.

Citizens must answer that call by exercising their right to vote. It is a powerful right and one that does not come around often but when it does, it has the ability to truly shape our future for generations to come.

It would be wise for Guyanese to return President Granger and the Coalition to government Dear Editor, ON Monday March 2, the Guyanese people will vote in an election called as a result of a no-confidence motion that was successful because of the defection of MP Charandass Persaud.

The defeat of the Coalition government was not expected, and should not have happened. The no-confidence motion was ill-advised and a betrayal by Mr. Persaud.

However, the Guyanese people well know the CCJ’s ruling on the matter, and in a few days will give its verdict on that no-confidence motion and, more importantly, the performance of the Coalition in its first term in office. The Coalition took over from the PPP/C after a 23-year run that started magnificently with the election of the highly-respected Cheddi Jagan as president.

Jagan was a principled socialist, strongly committed to democratic principles and a very decent human being. The country made significant progress under his guidance, as the economy grew and the standard of living improved, partly as a result of debt forgiveness and a new sense of hope. How-

ever, the death of Cheddi Jagan towards the end of his term in office led to new leaders taking over the PPP, and that party losing its ideological grounding. Jagan’s widow took over the presidency that eventually went to Bharrat Jagdeo, and then Donald Ramotar, whose government was defeated by the Coalition in 2015. By that time, some of the PPP’s top leaders had left the party.

Moses Nagamootoo became Prime Minister in the Coalition, Khemraj Ramjattan became a minister, and Ralph Ramkarran is now contesting in a new party, ANUG. The Jagans’ only child resident in Guyana is now a fierce critic of the PPP, and is campaigning with the Coalition as it seeks re-election. The departure of these four former PPP stalwarts and others underline the decline of the party from a principled socialist movement to an opportunistic grouping lacking in principles, and being heavy-handedly led by Bharrat Jagdeo.

This culminated in the selection of Irfaan Ali as the presidential candidate for the March 2 election. That this was a retrograde move would be an understatement.

Ali was the architect of the Pradoville scam, and is facing 19 criminal charges se-

rious enough that the Canadian Government has barred him from visiting that country.

Moreover, his academic qualifications have come under severe criticism, with claims that they are fake to being outright fraudulent. His resume is full of Online diplomas and a highly suspicious degree from a non-existent school on the West Coast of Demerara. Moreover, there is credible information suggesting that the University of the West Indies is investigating the circumstances surrounding the granting of a degree from its Faculty of Engineering to Ali. As many have observed, degrees aren’t required to run for president, but skulduggery in that regard may be indicative of overall dishonesty. Many traditional PPP supporters will have difficulty voting for a ticket headed by Irfaan Ali. However, even if he had no baggage, he would not have been a better candidate than the incumbent David Granger.

The PPP has been desperately trying to paint the Coalition as being incapable of running the country, but nothing could be further from the truth. The economy has grown under the current government, unemployment has fallen slightly, and cor-

ruption in the public sector has decreased.

On the latter score, in its 2019 ranking of countries, Transparency International singled out Guyana as having made significant strides in reducing corruption. And, most significantly, the Coalition oversaw the rapid development of Guyana’s new oil-and-gas industry. This has the potential to contribute to a dramatic improvement in the standard of living of the Guyanese people, as several global agencies have projected Guyana to have the fastest growing economy in the world in 2020. Moreover, President Granger has been a good, courageous and dignified leader who, despite having to fight a bout with cancer and the no-confidence motion has emerged as the person best positioned to manage the new revenues flowing from oil and gas.

Additionally, the Coalition’s record in government has been well above average.

Therefore, from this writer’s perspective, it would be wise for the Guyanese electorate to return President Granger and the Coalition to government.

Regards, Jang B. Singh, Ph.D.

Op-Ed

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

FELLOW Guyanese, brothers and sisters, for years I am known to say it as it is. In my heart I cannot stray, nor can I fail you now.

We are at the crossroads of our lives where we have to make a decision which direction our steps must take us in order to produce the kind of environment that we can live, grow and prosper peacefully as a united people. One where we are bound by not only a common history but a common today. One that will shape a tomorrow that is brighter and better for generations to come. I urge each of you to put aside what divides us and focus on what unites us for unity is strength. Focus on a better Guyana where governments and leaders can and must be held accountable.

We must approach March 2 with a vision of equal opportunities and even-handed development

Lincoln Lewis endorses coalition

7

… says no mask can hide what Jagdeo did to Guyana

throughout our communities and regions.

Mr. Jagdeo cannot offer us that. Leopards do not change their spots or tigers their stripes. We must vote against his track record for it is he who is priming himself to run Guyana using Irfaan Ali’s face to his own. No mask can hide his reign of unmatched corruption; relentless, organised blood baths in our beloved country.

NO MASK CAN MAKE US FORGET THE BLOOD OF MINISTER SATYADEO SAWH and his family, businessmen, policemen, convicted and unconvinced criminals, the rich, the poor, old, and young, Indians, Blacks and others flowing through the streets of our beloved country as Guyanese FELT TERROR AND FEAR, mothers, wives and children wept.

No mask can hide what Jag-

deo did to Guyana –RAPIDLY TRANSFORMING the country into a ‘NARCO’ MILITARISED STATE with a GOVERNMENT-ASSOCIATED DEATH SQUAD involved in ‘narco’ turf wars, WHILST MAKING POLITICAL MILEAGE. WE MUST NEVER FORGIVE A LEADER WHO SHOWED NO VALUE FOR HUMAN LIFE AND DIGNITY. Outside of the judicial system NO leader, NO government must determine WHO lives and WHO dies. No crime must BE BETTER than any other. Each alleged criminal must be entitled to his or her day in court.

The ‘X’ you make is for YOUR future, that of your CHILDREN, your COMMUNITY and GUYANA. IT IS FOR YOUR LIFE, YOUR DIGNITY AND FOR

YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S LIFE WITH DIGNITY whether that neighbour is NEXT DOOR, IN ANOTHER COMMUNITY OR REGION, WHETHER THEY LOOK LIKE OR DON’T LOOK LIKE YOU. OUR SAFETY, OUR PEACE lies in the safety and peace our neighbours are allowed to enjoy.

Let us give the Coalition Government one more chance to continue the progress they have embarked on. We see clearly where Guyana is HEADING as much as we KNOW AND RECALL the depths of criminality, fear and bloodshed where we came from. Let your ‘X’ truly count to move Guyana forward.

I am Lincoln Lewis, trade unionist and this is my message to all workers of Guyana and their families.

Lincoln lewis

The decline of sugar production and the equalising of opportunity THE European Union (EU) had given the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, as former colonies of the European powers, preferential market access under the EU-ACP Lomé (1975) and Cotonou (2000) preferential trade arrangements for the importation of sugar, rice and bananas, inter alia, into the EU markets.

This, to a large extent, has characterised the monocrop exports of the ACP States, and created their dependence on the EU preferential markets. In Guyana’s case, it was sugar. Then came the creation of the WTO multilateral framework in 1995, and the case against the EU preferential prices to the ACP States was bought by Australia, Brazil and Thailand (2003); the WTO ruled that this was a violation of the General Agreements on Tariff and Trade (GATT). This pressured the EU to institute a new WTO- compatible agreement with the Caribbean region, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which was signed in 2008.

The problem the ACP States face, including Guyana, is that their structural vulnerabilities is as a direct result of their monocrop export dependence on the EU markets, which dates back to the mercantile system under colonial rule.

In effect, they did not effectively insert their economies in trade liberalisation.

With the EPA, the Caribbean States are now required to give EU products market access to their economies while their preferential market to the EU phases out in 2033. The EPA must translate to 90 per cent fully liberalised bilateral trade between the EU and the ACP to become a WTO-compatible agreement. In 2007, seven interim agreements between the EU and the ACP grouping were negotiated, and the Caribbean EPA was signed in 2008 (CARICOM Secretariat; Dawson 2013, p.2 Heron; EU).

With a signed EPA, the region was able to offset the European Development Fund (EDF) for trade capacity building in technical assistance in hard and soft

infrastructure to facilitate competitive trade globally (Fontagne et al 2010, p.1).

Guyana has received, during 2006-2013 G$34B for the restructuring the sugar industry for competitive trade on the world market, given the phasing out of the preferential trade arrangements.

This background is given to point out that there exists external factors for the decline of the sugar industry, and that this was known since in the early 2000s by the government of the day.

• Guyana is not the only country with job loss in the sugar industry The EPA liberalised agricultural export- rice, sugar and bananas in Europe market, in phased reduction of 10, 15 and 25 years. The Caribbean countries have, however, struggled to engage with the international trading system because of their economic vulnerability (export concentration and production instability) which is difficult to change in the short run. In Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Kitts and Nevis, the restructured

sugar industry production cost remained high and ultimately shut down, leaving thousands of farm workers without livelihood. In Barbados there was a mismatch between processing capacity and cane supply which saw a dysfunctional industry restructuring with redundant workers who were not absorbed into the service sector (Richardson, et al. 2013). In Saint Lucia, Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines the liberalisation of the EU banana MFN market access have impacted devastatingly on the market share of banana and they have been unable to compete in open markets (Bishop, 2011).

Only Guyana managed to remain in production of sugar albeit at lower production levels for exports.

Sugar production fell from an average 320,000 tonnes between 2002 and 2004 to below 250,000 tonnes in subsequent years.

In 2003, production fell to its lowest See page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

The decline of sugar production ...

From page 7

since 1940, with only 186,000 tonnes being produced. The industry’s cost of production rose much higher than the market price for sugar, totalling over $50B in losses between 2010 and 2014 (Guyana Chronicle, September 17, 2019).

Most of the Islands countries have transformed their plantation lands into golf fields and massive hotels for the tourism industry, of which trade in services is covered under the EPA. These statistics show that Guyana is not the only country who has had to right-size the sugar industry with attendant loses to thousands of farm workers.

It must be reiterated that the closure of sugar estates was inevitable and also the closure of four sugar estates preceded this administration for the same reason – sugar was not profitable with the loss of the EU preferential prices and our own dependence on a monocrop export market.

• All is not loss – equalizing opportunity with conditional cash transfers Our people share a unique culture that was shaped by the incidences of colonialism, slavery and indentureship which institutionalised centuries of plantation life as a primary means of survival. To a large extent, the communities close to sugar estates have continued working the plantation fields in primary production; and we have not diversified nor modernised the sugar industry in the era of competitive trade and globalised market. Needless to say, we were hard hit with open trade as with other sugar producing states in the ACP- Guyana is no exception.

This economic means of survival has accommodated generations to work the plantation fields as the main income earner, in estate areas which is an inherent practise with unequal opportunities. Our young boys were conditioned to follow the path of their fathers and grandfathers to seek estate jobs; and our young women were conditioned to support this economic structure by becoming housewives. What this has done and what has been happening is the fostering of an inter-

generational transmission of poverty when sugar became unprofitable and jobs were lost.

The world has changed drastically from the mercantile system and job opportunities in Agriculture as a science and other areas in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) are available for our young people and their generations to come.

We have allowed the plantation fields to take away from the innovative and creative abilities of thousands of persons who passed this on to their generations. They were not given an equal opportunity to study and work in the formal sector. The APNU+AFC Manifesto Conditional Cash Transfer is intended on equalising the opportunity for citizens who are affected in such conditions: • Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) based on a feasibility or pilot study including, but not limited to, Nutritional Support; Housing Support; Public Transport and a Single-Parent Support Programme; vouchers for day-care and elder-care services and adult remedial classes and training; increased stipends for students attending Technical Institutes, Nursing Schools, School of Home Economics, Guyana School of Agriculture; • Cash transfers through the Public Education Assistance Service (PEAS) and, • Cash Transfers for the purchase of essential items.

This is a redistribution policy for equalizing opportunity - that an extra dollar of income means more to the poor (better welfare, increases utility) than for the rich. In effect, an extra dollar of income is worth more to a poor person than a rich person through redistribution policies such as social safety nets including conditional cash transfers that could reduce inequality.

If we value democracy and we value social welfare, we will place a heavy value on equality which correlates with the decrease in crime, increase health and happiness in a population.

Regards, Dianna Rajcumar

Forget self-party. Make your voice and vote a constructive one Dear Editor, WHILE Muslims are not an insignificant minority in Guyana, they behave as such.

For the upcoming elections, the Muslim community must take action for the betterment of their community as well as the betterment of Guyana. Muslims in Guyana are a minority;120,000 in a total population of 800,000 people. We are not insignificant.

Even if there is only one Muslim left in Guyana, he would not be insignificant.

Every Muslim should be proud to be a Guyanese who can exercise his birthright to help choose his country’s political leadership.

In previous elections, we Muslims advocated a choice of candidate, which was due mainly to us being guided, instructed and sometimes bullied by our main organisation into voting for one main political party. This time around, I simply encourage every registered Muslim to vote; our vote and our voice matters. We can be an agent for change, if we choose to be. We have no right to complain about what is wrong with our country if we don’t vote.

We are citizens who work hard, pay taxes, send our children to school, and participate in community activities. In short, we are Guyanese to the bone, like ‘Cuffy’, Burnham and Jagan and Stephen Campbell. Unfortunately, we often don’t act this way.

We Muslims behave as if we are insignificant. Muslims voices are not heard enough concerning drugs, violence, abuse of teachers, domestic violence, racism, murders, crime and corruption. This is so because we Muslims; (1) Lack faith in the message of Muhammad (SAS) (2) Lack the proper understanding of our role as Muslims. (3) Completely under-

estimate our strength when dealing with the powers that be. (4) Are dis-united; and (5) Do not have a proper strategy in dealing with the wider public.

If we want our place in Guyanese political life, we have to earn it. If we want our voices to be heard, we should not need prominent citizens such as Pastor John Smith of the ERC to defend Muslim identity. We should rise up leaders from among ourselves who are capable of outstanding public service to our country; as Guyanese first, not as Muslims who happen to live here. Only then can we make a valid case for the issues that uniquely affect us.

I appeal to all Muslims to do their duty to the rest of the society, if we are to positively change the environment in which we live. We Muslims are not on insignificant minority in Guyana; no political party can win an election in Guyana in the foreseeable future without the support of Muslims. This why we Muslims should vote for the APNU+AFC Coalition so that we can exert greater influence towards building closer bonds of brotherhood and unity in our society; so that we can use our political influence to fight corruption, mismanagement, nepotism and the abuse of power.

Finally, as you my Muslim brothers and sisters ponder your choices these elections, I urge you to put Guyana first; to think about the large problems our country faces and how we, living here, can be catalysts for change.

I urge you to Vote APNU+AFC Sincerely Yours, Tayab Alli

Closure of Municipal Abattoir until further notice Dear Editor, THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown wishes to inform the general public that the Municipal Abattoir, located at Water Street, South Cummingsburg, will be closed from Friday, February 28, 2020 until further notice.

This is due to an accident that has damaged several sections of the building.

On Thursday, February 27 at approximately 14:50hrs, a crane belonging John Fernandes Company Ltd fell onto the roof of the abattoir. The roof, walls and windows of the kitchen area were severely damaged.

Also, the roof of the slaughtering chambers was damaged.

The Meat and Food Inspectors will be engaged in on-site inspections on the usual slaughtering days, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at a section of the abattoir. This

is to facilitate the inspection of carcasses of animals coming from the areas outside of the City. This is necessary to ensure that wholesome meat reaches the consumers. The Food Hygiene Section and Municipal Abattoir falls under the Ministry of Health (MOH) Medical Officer of Health Department. The functions of the Section includes: The slaughtering of bovine, porcine and ovine animals; inspection of animals for communicable diseases; and disposal of unsound meat.

The Council views this accident as unfortunate, and regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the business community, and persons who use the facility.

The Council is currently evaluating the damage.

Regards, Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 28, 2020

Gov’t commissions new-look East Coast Road

9

--in bid to make travel from Better Hope to Belfield more user-friendly

By Naomi Parris

AFTER years in the making and a multitude of challenges along the way, the Better Hope to Belfield leg of the multibillion-dollar East Coast Demerara road-widening and improvement project on Thursday during a simple, yet significant ceremony at the Montrose Bridge, one of seven bridges reconstructed during the course of the project.

Delivering the feature address at the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo spoke at length of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance for Change (AFC) government’s untiring commitment to improving the lives for the people of Guyana, saying that the widening and improvement project is a prime example of that commitment.

In light of the many challenges which dogged the project at hand, Minister Nagamootoo felt compelled to commend the contractors for their timely delivery and a job well done given the circumstances.

Giving a background of the proj- amicable agreement with ect, which commenced in August them so as the project 2017, Minister Nagamootoo recalled could be completed and that one of the many challenges with at the same time provide which the government was faced a safe and clean enviwas having to relocate those vendors ronment for the vendors who occupied the tarmacs at the to continue to ply their Mon Repos and Lusignan Markets trade. to accommodate the expansion and As the prime minister improvement of the roadway, as recalled, aside from the well as their concerns as to where relocation of the vendors, they would be relocated to and how they would provide for their families during and after the completion of the project.

Needless to say, he said, having to address the foregoing issues did create a slight delay in the project, but following several discussions and meetings with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo the vendors, the addressing the gathering at the government was East Coast Road Commissioning able to reach an ceremony on Thursday

A section of the completed road along the East Coast corridor

roadways during working hours, but thankfully, commuters opted to use the railway embankment which is accessible from Enmore to Georgetown. Contractors also worked at nights to

roads, but, as Minister Nagamootoo stated, “For every gain, one writer said, there must be pain. That was a small price to pay for the progress; the achievement that we have seen now.”

THE DRIVING FORCES The Prime Minister, in commending the China Railway First Group Limited for the completion BACKGROUNDER of the project, also commended Minister of Finance Winston Jordan; Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Jaipaul Sharma and Chief Works Officer, Mr. Jeffery Vaughn for the pivotal role they played along the way.

“I’d like to take this opportunity in public… When I’m in Cabinet, I’m not known to be generous with compliments, but I want to today Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson ad- identify Minister of Finance, dressing persons gathered at the road Commission- Winston De Costa Jordan as the ing ceremony on Thursday (Photos by Adrian Narine) driving force behind the public investment programme,” he the contrac- avoid traffic congestion in the early said, adding: “We spent money t o r s w e r e mornings and late afternoons during to take care of the needs of our Helping Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo cut the traditional ribbon to officially declare open the en- a l s o f a c e d rush hour. people… You could see the transhanced East Coast Public Road are, from left, China’s Ambassador to Guyana, His Excel- with the isIn the last half of the completion formation; not only change… You lency Cui Jianchum; her husband, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of Finance sue of traffic of the project, the government also see the transformation in every Winston Jordan; Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson; and Minister within the c o n g e s t i o n had to deal with several complaints single part of Guyana, in every a l o n g t h e of excessive dust from the brick single community.”

Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma

Drink water, live healthier THE National Non-Communicable Diseases Commission has decided to host its “Water Wednesday” initiative twice a month to highlight the health benefits of drinking water.

Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Holly Alexander told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the organisation has a vital role to play in the advocacy, promotion, and awareness of the benefits of healthy living, and that ‘Water Wednesday’ is one of the ways it would employ to do so.

“Wednesdays, for the rest of your life, should be called ‘Water Wednesday’. We are asking persons not to drink the sweetened Advocating the health benefits of drinking water are, from left, Chairperson of the National sugary beverages on Wednesdays, but use water instead,” Dr. Alexander said, adding: “The Non-Communicable Diseases Commission, Dr. Holly Alexander; Commissioner Shawana Blaize; Secretary, Lanceann Bishop; and Commissioners Rhonda Godfrey and Dr. Ronald Aaron cost of drinking soda is higher when you get older, because then you will have to be paying the exercise, and the Commission will reach impact of the initiative. the doctor and using tablets and all that.”

The Commission hosted the first ‘Water Strategic locations are to be identified for out to donors and partners to maximise the

Wednesday’ on February 19 at the corners of Camp and Charlotte Streets.

Passersby were informed about the advantages of drinking water, including the fact that it regulates the body’s temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, and gets rid of waste through urination, perspiration and bowel movement.

They were also encouraged to choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages, since substituting water for one 20-ounce bottle or can of soda saves a person approximately 240 calories.

Commission members and staff from the Ministry of Public Health’s Chronic Diseases Unit distributed bottled water, along with brochures, bumper stickers, and key rings with the simple message to choose a healthier lifestyle.

The activity also marked the re-establishment of the Commission, with a new chairperson and extended life of tenure.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

Corentyne businessman murdered, – three held for questioning body dumped in bushes THE battered body of a businessman was discovered in a clump of bushes on a farm at area ‘AA’, Portuguese Quarter, Port Mourant, on Thursday morning, a short distance from his home.

Lomenzo Jhonny called “Sham”, 49, a grocery store owner of Lot 11, East Side Line Dam, Portuguese Quarter was last seen alive at around 19:30hrs on Wednesday as he went out for his usual evening jog.

His remains was discovered around 07:45hrs with his feet tied with a black lace, severe wounds to his head, injury to the left eye and strangulation marks on the neck. Wounds were also seen on his back and bruises to the hands.

About four feet away from his body, a red and black sneakers, a pair of scissors and a piece of wood, about three feet in length, were found. After committing the act, the killer/s took the key to Jhonny’s home where they went and ransacked the premises and carried away a safe.

His cellphones and an electronic tablet device were left untouched. Police subsequently found a .25 auto pistol with 28 live rounds of ammunition in a bedroom of the home.

As news spread of the incident, residents of the neighbouring Rose Hall Town flocked to the scene, expressing shock while others broke down in tears as they described Jhonny as a calm, caring and quiet individual.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, an employee of the grocery shop, Ena Alexander, recalled she came to work expecting to start a normal day when the news she received made her very sad.

She related that when she arrived at work, she noticed the shop was not opened but the gate was

The home and business premises of the deceased

Dead: Lomenzo Johnny

Residents at the scene of the gruesome discovery

left ajar. Crates that are usually stocked each other were removed and placed in the yard.

She thought her boss was unwell and he went over by a friend to seek help. She and a co-worker ventured over to the friend but much their disappointment Jhonny was not there.

The woman recalled moments later that she and the other worker returned to his home and continued calling for him but received no response.

“At first, I thought like he not well and his pressure went up so he went by one of his friend to check it but when we went there,

they said he didn’t come by so we walk back and we hearing the phone ringing inside, so little bit after a relative came and saw the door wasn’t bolted so when he went inside, the whole house ransacked so he called the police,” Alexander related.

Soon after, she said

someone passed and mentioned that a body was found and moments after her worst fear were confirmed.

“I still can’t believe it. He didn’t deserve that, imagine, I am still shaking.

He was a very good man that usually helps people,” Alexander said.

Meanwhile, a neighbour, Mahendra Budhoo, related that when Jhonny

returns from his usual exercise, he would reach with persons along the street and would “gaff” on his way down.

“Pastor George see him when he passed so I say I going to wait for him, sometimes we stand up here and talk for a long time about politics, religion and anything. Never in my wildest dream could I believe that Sham would have dead like this. We live so good. This man is very peaceful, gentle and nice.

This morning when I went to the scene, I couldn’t get up. I just break down, I get weak, weak,” the neighbour said.

Police have arrested several persons for questioning as they continue their investigations into the incident.

Eccles Landfill worker further remanded ON Thursday, February 27, 2020, Eccles Landfill worker, Ryan Lowe, was further remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly, at George-

town Magistrates’ Court.

Lowe was remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan last Tuesday, November 26, 2019, having been charged with

‘attempted murder’.

It was alleged that, on November 23, 2016, at Dumpsite Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he wounded Leroy Cum-

mings, with intent to commit murder.

When he made his court appearance on Thursday morning, Magistrate Leron Daly further

remanded Lowe to prison until April 6, 2020.

The matter was transferred to court 11.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

Lands and Surveys opens $36M Crane office

THE Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, on Thursday, commissioned a spanking new $36M sub-office and living quarters at Nouvelle Flanders (Crane Public Road), West Coast Demerara.

The opening is coming months after a similar facility was commissioned in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six last year. The opening came at a time when the commission is making changes to provide 21st century land administration, mapping, surveying, and other services to the Guyanese people, the commission said in a release.

The facility is also specially designed to accommodate persons with disabilities.

Delivering remarks at the opening of the office, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon, said that he is happy to note that the commission has been responding to the vision of the President by taking government services to the people. “When I looked at this building when I arrived, I recognised that the GLSC has taken the question of service to the people seriously. They did not provide a building where it is air-conditioned only for staff and the public is seated in the hot sun; the staff and public will enjoy the same level of comfort,” he stated.

Mr. Harmon said that the

The new GLSC sub-office and living quarters located at Nouvelle Flander (Crane Public Road), West Coast Demerara

lands commission has been leading by example, and as result, clients are responding well to the improved services. “All over the country the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, there is almost a movement of trying to improve the quality and the standard of facilities for the staff and for clients.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Mr. Trevor L. Benn, said that the construction of this new building serves as a part of the commission’s efforts to improve its infrastructure to

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon

Commissioner and CEO of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Mr. Trevor L. Benn

Woman kills husband in drunken brawl

A 41-year-old man succumbed at the New Amsterdam Hospital, on Wednesday morning, after he was reportedly chopped by his reputed wife during an argument According to reports, the deceased, Anthony Permaul called “Banks”, a labourer of Clifton Settlement and his wife, Danmattie Seenarine, called “Sato”, 52, a housewife, were imbibing on Monday last when an heated argument started between them.

It is alleged that Permaul punched the woman and continued to assault her when she

Dead: Anthony Permaul

retaliated and chopped him on the hand with a cutlass.

The following day he was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital by his reputed wife, who was still heavily intoxicated,

The house where the incident occurred

but was later transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he succumbed on Wednesday morning.

A report was subsequently made to the police by the brother of the

deceased and Seenarine has since been arrested and is assisting with investigations.

Neighbours related the couple are alcoholics and would regularly argue and fight.

efficiently roll-put its improved operations.

“When I arrived at the commission, the buildings across the country were more or less in a dilapidated state.

Our staff endured really substandard working conditions for a long time.” Mr. Benn said.

According to Mr. Benn, the upgrading of the commission’s office countrywide is just the beginning of what is to come for the commission. “We are committed to ensuring that our services are deployed in an efficient and transparent manner and in addition to the new buildings

that we are constructing, we are working to ensure that our facilities, equipment, and materials which are to provide quality services to our people, are also of high standard.”

Commissioner Benn also announced that the commission is working with the University of Twente in the Netherlands to help train the commission’s staff to have a more comprehensive database so that the commission can better manage their client base. “The system is to ensure that in the not-too-distant future, our clients do not need to come to our offices for services, but these services can be accessed online” Mr. Benn said.

Board Member Ms. Kim Stephens, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Board of Directors, said that the board continues to be impressed by the work of the commission and will lend its support when called upon.

“As a board, we remain committed to working with the commission to achieve its mandate in an efficient and effective manner. I encourage the staff who will be stationed here to provide quality service to the citizens of this region.” Ms. Stephens urged. Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Hon. Keith Scott, also delivered brief remarks at the opening.

Man accused of killing Police Sergeant for trial March 3 FOUR years after Police Sergeant Leonard La Rose was killed in the line of duty, the trial into his murder commenced on Thursday, February 27, 2020, before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury, at the Demerara High Court.

Dennis Marks, a farmer of Matthews Ridge, North West District, in Region One, is currently on remand for the offence.

Marks denied the charge which read that, on March 1, 2016, at Holes, Matthews Ridge, he murdered La Rose.

Dennis Marks

The trial was adjourned until March 3, 2020.

According to reports, LaRose and a party of policemen, at Matthews Ridge, went in search of Marks, who was wanted over an allegation of rape.

However, when the police approached Marks, he allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked them.

During the ordeal, he reportedly stabbed LaRose to the neck and two other ranks to their chest and hands.

Marks made good his escape on foot and the injured policemen were rushed to the hospital. La Rose was pronounced dead on arrival at the Matthews Ridge Hospital. Marks was later arrested and charged.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

‘No compromise on private polling places’ …major parties, GECOM undertake to address polling places complaint

REPRESENTATIVES from the coalition and the main opposition party visited areas on Thursday where claims have been made that electors would be affected by congestion and distance due to the reassigning of polling places.

The visitation came after Executives of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) were made aware

that representatives of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) and the People's Progressive Party (PPP) had gone about on a similar visitation unknown to and without the APNU+AFC. The party's campaign manager, Joseph Harmon, updated the media on these developments following a meeting with the commission on Thursday. He was accompanied by APNU+AFC Chief

Whip, Amna Ally; Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, and party consultant, Mark Kirton.

Harmon said that the commission had advised that based on complaints made by the PPP related to congestion and the distance at polling places at Foulis and Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), a review those polling places was necessary.

However, he said the his

Government Chief Whip, Amna Ally, and APNU+AFC Campaign Manager, Joseph Harmon

a photograph has been circulating on social media which shows that PPP/C supporters recently had political meetings at a private residence in Aroaima selected as a polling place. “We are not about to accept things of this nature at all and so we are asking the commission to take a hard look at it. We are advocating that we must move away from private residences and go to public spaces whether it is tents or public buildings,” she said.

Meanwhile Harmon

The polling place at Aroaima where the PPP has held meetings

party found it “disturbing” when it was made aware that the Office of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) and only PPP elections agents had visited the locations in search of alternative venues for the polling places. “We found that to be unusual and we said that we will not accept any changes made based on that formula,” Harmon said. The decision was therefore made that the elections agents from both parties for the East Coast area would go with GECOM to revisit the areas of which claims of congestion and distance have been made.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, is the agent responsible for that area, but

Harmon noted that he would also be present. Commissioner Vincent Alexander told the newspaper later that day that should the party representatives disagree on whether changes should or should not be made, a decision will be made by GECOM. He anticipates that the commission will come to a decision by the end of today.

NO COMPROMISE In his interaction with the media yesterday, Harmon said he and other representatives also made it clear that there would be no compromise for the returning of any private residence as a polling place recently removed. Minister Ally raised the concern that

added, “We respect the decisions of the commission; we support the commission in its work to deliver credible elections in Guyana. What we want to do is to help the commission to ensure that there polling places and polling stations are in places where people can exercise their will; their right to vote without any fear or any intimidation whatsoever.” He assured that the commission will also put measures in place to ensure that electors are made aware of any possible changes made.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

Ali’s questionable qualifications still in focus “ACADEMIC qualifications are not a requirement for being President or presidential candidate.”

This is according to People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) party member and former attorney-general Anil Nandlall.

At the time Nandlall, a prominent attorney, was making reference to the court action which was filed by PPP/C General-Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo for an order to strike out an application which was made by two citizens, Dianna Deravinee Rajcumar and Phillip Marcus, for him to provide the qualification antecedents of PPP/C presidential candidate Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The application was, on Thursday, February 27, 2020, heard in chambers by Justice Franklyn Holder.

On February 7, 2020, attorney-at-law Stephen Lewis on behalf of the two private citizens, had filed an application seeking a declaration that they are entitled to know the qualification antecedents of candidate Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The PPP/C presidential candidate is allegedly being accused of academic fraud. It is alleged that he used a fake transcript to pursue a Master’s degree programme at an Indian university and the University of Sunderland.

The respondents in that case are Jagdeo, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM.) and the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams.

Another order is that Jagdeo produce Ali’s first degree certificate and transcripts for any first degree; information pertaining to the name of the university or institution from which he obtained his first degree; information concerning the nature of study completed in relation to any

first degree; information setting out whether the candidate Mohamed Irfaan Ali was issued with a certificate of graduation, which states that it was issued by the Business College, West

The two citizens had observed several articles in the daily newspapers, wherein Irfaan Ali refused to be forthright in his answer to questions and the provision of information

require information from, and in relation to, candidates.

However, Jagdeo and his lawyer wasted no time and moved to the High Court and quickly filed an ac-

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

Demerara Chamber of Commerce within seven(7) days of the date of the Order.

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

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

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

surrounding his qualifications. Thus, they are now requesting clarification on his qualifications.

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

The application is also contending that GECOM is empowered with the responsibility to exercise general direction and supervision over registration of the electors and the administrative conduct of elections of members of the National Assembly, and to take such action as appears to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness, and compliance with the provisions of the constitution of Guyana or any act of Parliament, and therefore has the authority to

tion seeking an order striking out the Fixed Date Application filed by the two citizens, which they claim does not disclose any reasonable ground for bringing such claims and is “scandalous, frivolous and vexatious and is an abuse of the court’s process.”

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

The application also contended that Ali is also qualified to be elected as a Member of the National Assembly and indeed, was a member of the

Ninth, 10th, and 11th Parliaments of Guyana. He is also a former Minister of Housing, Water, Trade and Industry and he was also the Head of the Public Accounts Committee of the 11th Parliament of Guyana.

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

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

After Thursday hearing, Nandlall told reporters that the application filed by the two citizens is bad in law and frivolous and should never have been filed.

“Academic qualifications is not a requirement for being president or being a presidential candidate” Nandlall said.

He also stressed that Ali was chosen as presidential candidate by PPP/C since 2019 and election is days away.

“It will obviously have no relevance to these elections. It may guide us in terms of the future… so it’s a case of academic importance now… it has no practical or pragmatic value anymore” Nandlall said.

The case is adjourned until March 19.

Woman killed, Linden's ‘Spoil child’ injured in shootout A shooting incident in Amelia's Ward, Linden, on Thursday afternoon, has left a woman dead and her reputed husband, former cop Teon Allen, known as ‘Spoil Child’, nursing a single gunshot wound to his shoulder at the Linden Hospital Complex.

The dead woman has been identified as 27-year-old Colissa Hunte of Rainbow City, Mackenzie. She succumbed to gunshot wounds she also sustained in her right upper arm. The incident occurred around 13:00hrs at Lover’s Lane, where Allen and Hunte were residing at the time. This newspaper understands that unknown gunmen cornered the flat one-storey concrete house and fired shots through a window, hitting both Allen and Hunt. They men then made good their escape.

The couple, who has a child together, was rushed to the LHC, where Hunte later succumbed. Doctors were able to retrieve the bullet from Allen's upper right arm and he is said to be in a stable condition under police guard at LHC. Up to late Thursday evening, ranks from Region Ten were combing the scene for evidence.

Divisional Commander Hugh Winter, said that ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department Head Quarters, journeyed to Linden to assist with the investigation, but no one has been arrested thus far. He said there was no forced entry at the house.

While he did not make a connection with the shooting being gang-related, residents of Linden are of the opinion that Allen continues to be targeted by a Cayenne-based gang; the two parties have

engaged in violent confrontations in recent times. The latest of these incidences

directly to the Cayenne gang, since a car belonging to one of its members was left on

Deceased: Colissa Hunte

Ex-policeman Allen was seriously injured during the shooting

occurred in December 2019, when Allen's rented apartment was burnt down. In September, the cousin of Teon Allen, Eon Williams and his girlfriend, were shot execution style; Williams succumbed to his wounds.

Police linked the incident

the scene. Several members were wanted by the police but are yet to be detained and charged for the crime.

Following that incident, members of the gang attempted to shoot Allen in the East La Penitence Market and one

of the members, 23-year-old Renard Caesar, was remanded to prison for attempted murder of Allen. The gang war started when members of the Cayenne gang allegedly bullied one of Allen's workers. When Allen approached the gang members and asked about the incident, some members returned and physically assaulted the workers.

Since then, the two parties have been back and forth with each other. Allen's car was also burnt and another residence of his was bombed.

Allen, too, was charged for shooting the mother and another relative of an alleged gang member, Denise Grant.

In November, he was shot and injured by police after trying to evade a road block on the East Bank and fired a shot at the police. He was charged for the incident.

Allen has also been charged

several times for gun-related incidences. Residents of Linden are calling for police to do a thorough investigation on the matter and to put an end to the gun-related incident, since it continues to drive fear in the community.

Meanwhile, the Linden community was plunged into a state of mourning for Hunte, a young mother of two. Her mother, Youlanda Johnson, was inconsolable when approached by the media. She explained that she often told her daughter about getting out of the relationship with a character known to have several brushes with the law, but she never listened and was bent on staying with Allen. She was described by family members as a quiet, easy-going young woman who focused on her children.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

NICIL meeting with RUSAL over dividends

NATIONAL Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has been meeting with executives of the Russian aluminum giant, RUSAL, to discuss dividends owed by its subsidiary, Bauxite Company of Guyana Limited (BCGI), in which the Guyana Government has a 10 per cent share.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, meanwhile, has criticised claims by RUSAL executives that the company has not been making a profit during the 15 years that it has been operating in Guyana.

Head of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London, said NICIL last met with the company last Thursday, and is expected to meet again next Wednesday as the discussions continue.

“We are now in discussions with RUSAL. I cannot elaborate on those discussions but you would know

in due time what has materialised out of those discussions,” Heath-London said.

Heath-London said that it was out of the consideration of the government’s shares in BCGI that prompted NICIL to, last week, pay the 326 Guyanese employees that were fired by the company their February salaries.

“NICIL is a shareholder in [BCGI] and it is important that we ensure that while the discussions are going on that they [the workers] are looked after,” Heath-London related.

He said that the venture, which cost over $30M, was a one-off payment and not something that NICIL is looking to continue on a long term basis. The employees were fired on February 2, without notice by BCGI, which at the same time, suspended operations at its Kurubuka mines in Region 10.

The employees for one

month now have been vigilantly maintaining a blockade across a section of the Berbice River which prevents the company from shipping any material or equipment from the mines. The employees have long since been convinced that the company is shutting down its operations entirely, and is attempting to ship as much as possible out of Guyana before doing so.

BCGI has not responded to an email for a response on the allegations.

Aside from NICIL, over the past year BCGI has come under investigations by the Department of Labour, for labour and union-related issues, as well as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which had been investigating the company for abuses of tax concessions.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Guyana Geology and Mines Commis-

Head of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London

sion (GGMC) have also been looking into operations at the company as part of a wider assessment of the country’s entire bauxite industry.

Heath-London relayed that he is “not aware that RUSAL has been paying dividends, if there are dividends to be paid,” during the time he has been at NICIL, upholding statements made by BCGI Executive, Vladimir Permyakov, last year February, that BCGI had not been paying dividends to the government on its shares. At the time Permyakov had said that the company was not making any profit, notwithstanding operating in Guyana since 2006.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, however says he does not buy those claims of

BCGI Executive, Vladimir Permyakov

no profit.

“That statement has always been made by a number of investors coming to Guyana. Some who have eventually left, they say ‘oh we’ve operated 15 years and we haven’t made a profit’. We don’t buy that nonsense. Profit seekers aren’t that giving, you won’t stick around 15 years and you aren’t making a profit,” Jordan stated. He noted however, that monies from the bauxite industry does not come under the remit of the Ministry of Finance as it is not paid over to the consolidated fund. Jordan acknowledged, however, that greater monitoring of the bauxite sector is needed to ensure that the companies are remitting to Guyana what is owed.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

“When it comes to our own oversight and supervision, we haven’t been very great in that department. And partly being because of human resources issues,” he explained.

BCGI is one of three foreign-owned bauxite mining companies in Guyana that have been granted licenses to operate; the other two being the Chinese-owned Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. in Linden and the newest company, Guyana Industrial Minerals (GINMIN), a subsidiary of American company, First Bauxite.

NICIL’s meetings with RUSAL comes months after Bosai was noted for remitting US$3M to NICIL on dividends owed.

ERC cites parties, media houses for ‘unhelpful utterances’ THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), as of February 25, 2020, had officially written to a few political parties contesting the upcoming March 02 General and Regional Elections, citing them for public utterances, behaviours and advertisements deemed unhelpful to the process of promoting harmony and tolerance.

In a statement, the body said through its elections monitors, whom have so far monitored a high percentage of the public meetings of all the political parties, it has been observed that the use of ethnically-divisive language and the use of religion to disparage, racial and political profiling/ stereotyping and disruption, were generally found to be used on various occasions.

From the numerous incidents flagged, twenty-one warranted official responses; eleven to Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon, General Secretary of APNU (for both APNU+AFC) and eight to Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the PPP/C. In addition, two incidents are under active investigation.

The commission said too that through its Media Monitoring Unit, (MMU), it monitored the Facebook Pages of various news agencies, print media and television

programmes. It was found that numerous persons made ethnically offensive comments under the posts made by the various news agencies. The commission, in response, cautioned those persons for making such comments and has called on the Editors-in-Chief of INEWS, Demerara Waves, HGP TV Nightly News and NCN News to stringently monitor their Facebook Pages so as to ensure ethnically-offensive comments are removed in a timely manner.

In addition, A New and United Guyana, (ANUG), has been written to regarding one of its advertisements that was deemed to be unhelpful to ongoing efforts to eliminate inherited racial stereotypes.

In all of the cases that necessitated a response, the commission reiterated the need for a more responsible approach by all parties and the need for collective effort to aid the process of fostering national harmony.

In January this year, the commission established a temporary Swift Response Committee, specifically mandated to review the findings of our elections monitors and the Media Monitoring Unit.

To date, the Swift Response Committee dealt with thirty-four incidents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

APNU+AFC officials brief observer missions

APNU+AFC team with Commonwealth Observer Team; PM Arthur next to Mr. Joseph Harmon at centre

THE APNU+AFC Coalition Campaign Co-Managers have, this week, met with and briefed four missions here to observe the March 2nd General and Regional Elections, the party said in a release on Thursday.

A coalition team, led by

Co-Chairs, Lt. Col. Joseph Harmon and Raphael Trotman, along with Campaign Administrator, Dr. Mark Kirton, met with the Commonwealth and Organization of American States missions on Monday, February 24th and Wednesday, February

26th respectively.

The Commonwealth Observer Mission is headed by former Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Honourable Owen Arthur.

The OAS delegation is led by former Jamaica Prime Minister, the Honourable

Bruce Golding. Co-Chairs Harmon and Trotman also met with representatives of the CARICOM observer mission, while Harmon and Campaign Executive David Patterson met with the European Union Observer Mission representatives

on Wednesday. The APNU+AFC executives briefed the various teams on various matters related to the elections and reaffirmed the Coalition’s commitment to free, fair and peaceful elections in Guyana, while reiterating their commitment to

the Ethnic Relations Commission’s Code of Conduct.

The officials also expressed, to the various missions, the Coalition’s reservations on the issue of polling stations being located at private residences. All four sessions were cordial and interactive.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

‘Unforgiveable what PPP did to this country’ …Lincoln Lewis urges support for coalition

IN iterating his support for co-governance in Guyana, Veteran Trade Unionist, Lincoln Lewis, said while governments are likely to err, some mistakes are simply “unforgiveable” as he referenced to the periods in Guyana’s history that were marred by high rates of extra-judicial killings, murders, and drug trafficking.

Explaining that labour is not limited to issues relative to wage and salary increases, Lewis, in a frank discourse on Guyana Chronicle’s online programme – Vantage Point – said that crime affects the social and economic wellbeing of a society, and as such, directly impacts the working class, at times crippling its ability to effectively function.

“It is unforgiveable for any government to set up [a]

death squad to take the lives of the people. It is unforgiveable, let us understand that,” Lewis said, while underscoring that political and social issues that impact the wellbeing of members of the working class cannot be ignored.

During the period 2000 to 2011, there were three massacres: Lusignan, where 11 people were killed; Bartica, where another 12 were killed, and Lindo Creek, where eight miners were slaughtered.

Besides, there were countless extra-judicial killings – with some activists estimating that around 400 Afro-Guyanese males were gunned down.

Between 2003 and 2006, convicted drug lord, Roger Khan, had set up a criminal network here including active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly

to go after criminals, but at the same time, protecting his ‘narco’-trafficking interests. Although the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government had sought to distance itself from Khan, the drug-trafficker stated publicly, in an advertisement in local newspapers, that he had been fighting crime on behalf of the Bharrat Jagdeo-led government. The PPP/C had been in office from 1992 up until May, 2015 when it was defeated by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition.

On the basis of his comparative analysis between the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC, Lewis is inclined to support the principles upon which the ruling coalition exists.

“I endorse co-governance. I endorse no extra-ju-

Veteran Trade Unionist, Lincoln Lewis.

dicial killings,” the trade unionist iterated. Lewis said while he has been critical of the current APNU+AFC Administration, when the two sides – APNU+AFC and PPP/C – are compared, it is found that the coalition engages in better governance, and has been responsive to the needs of the people.

In offering a comparative analysis, the trade unionist pointed out that under the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which was initiated under the Desmond Hoyte Administration in 1989, a number of agencies were placed on the “chopping block”, among them the bauxite and sugar industries.

“In 1992, when the PPP Government came to power, they embraced the Structural Adjustment Programme but what they did, they took sugar off of the chopping block and they left bauxite,” Lewis

recalled.

He said when the PPP/C Administration took the decision to privatise the Linden Mining Enterprise (LINMINE) and the Berbice Mining Enterprise (BERMINE), the workers with the backing of investors, had planned to purchase the bauxite company in Berbice, but they were unsuccessful due to lack of support from the then administration.

“The bid was thrown into the box at the Privatisation Unit, we were never called.

We were never called,” he recalled while noting that the government subsequently undermined the union’s intention to purchase the company.

“You telling me, a government that is prepared to undermine, to circumvent the trade union, bruk it up, don’t want to talk with the trade union, you telling me, when I look at a government that is responsive to the cries of workers, how do I treat with them,” he reasoned.

He said while the PPP/C Administration sought to undermine the work of unions in Guyana, the APNU+AFC Administration has been more responsive to the concerns of the working class. Alluding to the recently-sacked Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. – RUSAL workers, Lewis noted that the government, on being approached, agreed to pay the February 2020 salaries for the 326 affected workers, in part. He noted that while

government did not agree to pay the salaries in full, workers were offered grants.

“This government is responsive. They are responsive.

In the case of the previous government, they were not responsive to us,” Lewis posited.

Though the government has not heeded to his calls for the establishment of the Ministry of Labour as against the existing Department of Labour, Lewis said he is satisfied enough to cast his vote in favour of the coalition, which has demonstrated better governance of the country.

Ahead of the March 2, General and Regional Elections, the trade unionist said it is important for eligible Guyanese to go out and vote overwhelmingly. “I want to call on every Guyanese to come out and cast a ballot.

It is important as a society we remember the history, people have given their lives, people have given blood, people have given all kinds of sacrifices for one man, one phone in this country, and we cannot allow the struggles of those who preceded us to go in vain. The fight for it we must uphold it, we must respect it,” the trade unionist urged.

More than 600,000 Guyanese are expected to vote in the pending General and Regional Elections billed for Monday, March 2, 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

Heal Guyana calls for violence-free elections

HEAL GUYANA, a registered civil society organization, is watchful for instances of misconduct among citizens, political activists and politicians as Election Day draws closer, and even in the post-election period.

The body told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday that Guyanese in support of the various parties are encouraged to temper themselves and act in a law-abiding, responsible way, to allow the electoral process to properly unfold.

Founder of Heal Guyana, Sharon Lalljee-Richard, in recent engagements with President David Granger and Presidential Candidate for the People’s Progressive Party, Irfaan Ali, took note of various sentiments made by both of them, for a number of ‘peace building’ videos that Heal Guyana wants to develop.

Both politicians, ac-

cording to Lalljee-Richard, has denounced the practices of race-hate, hate speech and violence as viable methods of expressing and influencing support for their respective political parties.

The recorded exchanges with the political leaders were in response to the organisation’s ‘Call for Peace and Unity’ initiative which seeks to foster a spirit of social cohesion and peace among all Guyanese, especially during the pre- and post-election period.

Heal Guyana quoted President Granger as saying, “There is no need for violence. Violence is not going to make you win the election. It is not going to increase your take of the electoral pie. It can only alienate or irritate people who might have been attracted to your party. I cannot see that a serious voter who supports the policies of a particular party… would be encouraged to intensify

President David Granger, PPP Presidential, Candidate Irfaan Ali and founder of Heal Guyana, Sharon Lalljee-Richard that support because the party is violent. Violence is stupid! You can see that in the amount of wars and conflicts around the world and it’s pointless in Guyana. I have lived through some periods of violence and there is no winner.

All you have is a legacy of hatred and people remember these stories (some of them false) and that is used as a sort of

legend to justify hating ‘the other’ group’”.

NO HATE Within the context of social media, Heal Guyana said Mr. Ali stated, “The party (PPP/C) would like to see that all Guyanese understand what is at stake.

All Guyanese make their decision and their choices based on facts, based on a plan, a programme, a vision, an understanding of where their life will be in the future, and do not react to each other or sentiments that are hateful because that only adds to the dilemma.”

He also said, “We can be the best use to our party if we present our opinion, we present the facts, we present our message, in a way that is respectful, and in a way that draws people to it and does not turn people off.”

AVOIDANCE OF VIOLENCE Lalljee-Richard said President Granger expressed that the credibility of the election is directly linked to the avoidance of violence.

In advising his supporters of the APNU/AFC Coalition not to get involved in any violent situations or confrontations, he said, “Just avoid them and go about campaigning. Let’s have a good turn-out at election. Let’s have a credible election.”

She said Mr. Ali also expressed the long-term economic ramifications of poor conduct and civil unrest by saying, “If we fail to act in a way which promotes peace, investors’ confidence can be affected, the private sector can be affected, investors would look at us differently, democratic processes can be affected and this can have

a great international impact on us.”

“We trust that the vociferous supporters of the two historically divided political parties, in particular, will see the wisdom in heeding the words of their leaders.

We trust that they will not cause themselves to be liabilities to the parties they support, at this volatile time when victory is dependent on public and international scrutiny. We encourage citizens to be wary of fake online news, fake social media accounts and provocations of all kinds. Be your brother’s keeper and remain cognisant of your own conduct in the process,” remarked Lalljee-Richard.

She said those who are interested in accessing the audio and visual recordings of the two politicians mentioned above, can do so at ‘Heal Guyana’ on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

Commonwealth Observer Mission calls on President Granger PRESIDENT David Granger received a courtesy call from Head of the Commonwealth Observer Mission currently in Guyana, the former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur, at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday.

President Granger expressed confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in its preparations for Monday’s General and Re-

gional Elections.

“I have every confidence that the elections will run smoothly,” the President said.

Mr. Arthur, who was accompanied by Mr. Martin Kasirye, Dr. TresAnne Kramer and Ms. Sonali Champion, said the Commonwealth Observer Mission is pleased with the stage of preparations.

“The team is pleased.

We have been meeting stakeholders, civil society, GECOM...,” the

Former Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr. Owen Arthur (seated centre right) makes a point to President David Granger (seated centre left) during a courtesy call at the Ministry of the Presidency. Also photographed are Dr. Mark Kirton, Political Adviser to the President (seated left); Director-General Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon (seated second left), Mr. Martin Kasirye (seated second right) and Dr. Tres-Anne Kramer (seated right) (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

President David Granger (right) greets Head of the Commonwealth Observer Mission and former Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr. Owen Arthur (left) at the Ministry of the Presidency(Ministry of the Presidency photo)

former Barbadian prime minister said.

President Granger was accompanied by Director-General, Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Political Adviser, Dr. Mark Kirton. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Top Cop needs to give assurance on polling place protection – Jagdeo OPPOSITION Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, said he expects the leadership of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to give the public the necessary assurances pertaining to their readiness to protect polling places across the country, while maintaining law and order.

At a press conference hosted Thursday at his Church Street office, Jagdeo said: “I pointed out to the observers that when there is fear about the readiness of the security forces to maintain law and order and protect the polling places, that they too have an obligation to secure assurances from the leader-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo ship of both the army and the police,” Jagdeo noted.

Jagdeo noted that the reason he knows of these protocols is because he headed an observer group

in Sri Lanka. “I had to meet with the head of police, and the head of the army to get these assurances and so I have urged them to do the same thing…”

Jagdeo said he also intends to write Police Commissioner, Leslie James, directly on the issue. He explained that the police must say what training has been done, whether they will use rural constables or police only and the state of police vehicles to respond to incidents.

The opposition leader said that the public expects and will judge the police based on their professionalism during the election activities in the coming week.

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Wanted bulletin issued for suspect in fatal accident

THE Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for 21-year-old Balram Nellie in connection with causing the death of 17-year-old Kwon Trotz, during an accident on the Farm Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Police said that Nellie’s last known address is St. Lawrence, EBE. Trotz, a labourer of Farm, EBE, was struck down on the road at around 23:00hrs on February 14, a short distance from his home.

The driver, alleged to be

Nellie, fled the scene while Trotz was pronounced dead on arrival at the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

Last weekend, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) discovered a damaged silver-grey motorcar that was allegedly involved in a fatal accident on Valentine’s Day. The vehicle, PYY 2003, was found hidden in a container.

Reports indicate that the vehicle was the one involved in the death of Trotz.

Police said the CANU ranks discovered the hidden

vehicle inside of a container at Da Silva Beach, EBE, while the damage to the vehicle was consistent with those from the accident scene that claimed the teen’s life.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Balram Nellie is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers, 226-6978, 225-8196, 2262870, 226-7065, 227-1149, 226-7065, 226-9834, 2682298, 226-2222, 689-6175735, 268-2600, 268-2328, 911 or the nearest police station.

Wanted: Balram Nellie

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

19-year-old miner of Mahdia placed on $50,000 bail ON Thursday, February 27, 2020, nineteen-yearold, Dwight Lewis, was placed on $50,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Lewis, a miner of Mahdia, was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan last Wednesday February 19, 2020, on a robbery charge.

The charge alleged that, on February 15, 2020, at 111 Miles Mahdia, Lewis, while in the company of others, robbed Aaron Augustus of $80,000 cash, and, immediately before, or after, used personal violence towards the said Augustus.

When he made his second court appearance on Thursday morning, Chief Ann McLennan placed the defendant on $50,000 bail, under the condition that he reports every Friday to the Mahdia Police Station until the matter is completed.

This case was adjourned until April 14, 2020 and was transferred to the Mahdia Magistrates’ Court.

Elections Day declared public holiday

VICE-PRESIDENTand Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, has designated March 2, 2020, the day for the holding of General and Regional Elections across Guyana, a public holiday.

The declaration was made on Thursday, February 27, by the Ministry of Public Security under the Public Holidays Act and will be in the official gazette.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has published the Official List of Electors (OLE) for the March 2, 2020,

General and Regional elections with 660,998 names.

Chapter 1:03 of Representation of the People Act states: any employer who, directly or indirectly, refuses, or who, by intimidation, unduly influences, or, in any other way, interferes with the granting to any elector in his employ of the period for voting prescribed by section 81, shall, on summary conviction, be liable to a fine of thirty-two thousand five hundred dollars or to imprisonment for six months.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

Aurora gets $40.3M modern police station

Police ranks and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan standing in front of the Aurora Police Station

The audience at the commissioning

The police station that was commissioned at Aurora on Thursday

By Indrawattie Natram PUBLIC Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, on Thursday, commissioned a state-of-the-art, two-storey police station at Aurora, Region Two. The station was constructed at a cost of G$40.3 M and is equipped with additional rooms to deal with domestic violence cases and for witness protection.

Addressing members of the Guyana Police Force, staff from the Region Two Administration and residents, the minister said the commissioning of the station is yet another promise delivered by the Coalition Government.

He said the Government of Guyana is committed to investing in the Guyana Police Force capital work programme aimed at providing effective policing throughout Guyana.

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Security, was happy to partner with the Inter- American Development Bank through the Citizens Security Strengthening Programme to construct as well as rehabilitate police stations throughout Guyana.

According to the minister, G$380M was expended to improve the environment around 18 police stations countrywide, noting that

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan speaking at the commissioning ceremony

only 12 are completed to date. In Region Two, the Suddie Police Station was also rehabilitated at a cost of $14.7M with G$6M being spent to furnish the two stations.

The Parika and Baramita Police stations are expected to be rehabilitated soon under similar programmes.

The minister, therefore, congratulated all

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James addressing the audience

major stakeholders who were involved in the completion of the police stations and called on police ranks to maintain the building. He also called upon residents to co-operate with the police as they discharge their duties to society.

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, during his address, said the Guyana Police

Force is satisfied with the remodelling of the stations. He said the entire Guyana Police Force is undergoing a transformation geared at providing a safer environment for citizens.

He also called on police officers within ‘G’ Division to continue to serve Essequibians with the same zest as before.

Commander of ‘G’ Division, Cystral Robinson, said the remodelling of the Aurora Police Station was awarded to Rajubir and Sons Contracting Service.

Robinson said the station has an Identification Parade room, equipped with a oneway mirror, a waiting area for victims, living quarters for female and male police ranks, a case management room, CID area, a traffic department and rooms for female prisoners.

The ID parade room, she said, has a one-way mirror, the first of its kind for ‘G’ division. This method assures comfort and security for the victims seeking justice. According to the commander, this will help CID ranks to effectively conduct their investigations in a more comfortable manner; hence, avoiding anyone tampering with witnesses.

The building will be powered by solar panels.

Also attending the commissioning ceremony was Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran.

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Kandytopia WE HAVE a love affair with sugar. Sweet treats bring us joy and make the world feel brighter, if just for a moment in time. Now Guyanese have a new option to satisfy their sweet tooths with the opening of Kandytopia.

Kandytopia had its grand opening on Saturday, February 22 at MovieTowne Guyana. The new venture is a natural extension of founder and owner Natalya Thomas’ event planning business. In a conversation with The Buzz, Thomas related, “My customers, especially the ones that travel, know about the candy buffet station which entails different candies in the same colour scheme.” Thomas, realising the customer demand, searched locally for candy that would meet the needs of her event planning. When her efforts proved futile, she decided to bring in her own. Thomas’ first efforts garnered positive responses from customers and inspired her to expand on them. Thus, the idea for Kandytopia was born.

AOne Events, Thomas’ event planning enterprise, is the foundation on which her endeavours Kids Fest 592 and now Kandytopia are built. She explained that AOne Events and Kandytopia are directly linked with customers contacting them regarding the candy buffet station for parties, weddings and anniversaries. Those customers who visit Kandytopia can expect to find unique candies, according to Thomas.

Event bookings can also be made at the store. “Later on we’re looking to add party supplies right at that location,” Thomas said.

Kandytopia’s launch turned out even better than Thomas expected. Mascots were present to greet attendees and pose

for photos with children and their families. The opening was launched with prayers and the cutting of the ribbon to declare the store officially open. Speeches were made by Thomas’ family, friends and other well-wishers. The event benefitted from a large turnout of eager patrons. “Everybody had something good to say about the store,” said Thomas.

Though the store is not large, Thomas noted that customers commented on the fact that it is unique, cozy and nicely designed.

Today, many of us are health-conscious and weight-conscious. Kandytopia is designed with customers of all kinds in mind. Thomas related, “The good thing about Kandytopia is that we have a sugar-free candy section so [we] cater for everyone.” There is also a section in the store that targets adults exclusively. That section has a selection of cocktail-enhanced candies, such as gummy bears in various cocktail flavours. “We’ve catered for everyone – the UG students, the small kids, the persons on diet restrictions, etc.”

Our country is taking big leaps, according to Thomas, and it is for this reason that businesses such as Kandytopia are so important. “There is a need to bring something new to the table that hasn’t been there before,” she pointed out. She added that the idea of having unique candies that can be used to enhance events sets Kandytopia apart from other local candy stores. She noted the exciting prospect of customers being able to have candy buffet stations with the same theme colours as their events.

opens its doors

Natalya Thomas, Kandytopia’s Founder and Owner cuts the store’s ribbon

(All photos courtesy of Natalya Thomas)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 28, 2020

Parika Backdam girl looking to restart stand-up comedy Plans to re-launch ‘Sauce it up’

LEZA ‘Radika’ Singh is currently working to resuscitate her stand-up comedy career, and to re-launch her radio programme which created quite a buzz, “Sauce it up.”

The ‘Parika Backdam’ character is no stranger to the entertainment industry here in Guyana, and even abroad, and keeps getting better with her art. In fact, thanks to the skills she has been acquiring, Leza was able to take over the direction of the well-loved play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at the last minute.

When the planning started for this full-length play, Leza had no idea that she would eventually become its director. She’d never directed any

plays before! But she was thrown right into it, and came off quite successfully.

“It was a bitter-sweet experience for me,” Leza told the Buzz on Thursday, because even while a little apprehensive, she was dealing with a well-seasoned cast who had lots of experience in the field, and more so, were friends to her.

“Directing is a big task, so I’m glad I had the support. To me, it was a team effort,” she expressed. In the future, though, she looks forward to being able to have lots more time with her play.

Meanwhile, the first play she directed was a parody of Romeo and Juliet, one of the most popular Shakespeare plays

that depicts the story of two lovers and the terrible strife between their families.

The ‘Signature Productions’ play, which Leza had to take over at the last minute, went down at the National Cultural Center last February 14. This version of the play had put a Guyanese twist to it with the two families being that of Bharrat Persaud (played by Michael Ignatius) and David Blackman (played

by Mark Luke Edwards).

While all of the characters were fictional, they did draw elements from real situations in Guyana. The play was written by Leza, along with Maria Benschop and Clemencio Goddette who are

no strangers to theatre and comedy as they are some of the faces behind the very popular ‘Nothing to Laugh About.’

The play addressed some serious issues and it utilized comedy, sarcasm, drama, farce, dark humour and satire to achieve it.

The cast included Michael Ignatius, Clemencio Goddette, Ladonna Kissoon, Aleena Hoalim, Mark Kazim, Charles Adrain, Mark Luke Edwards, Sophera Waldron, Denzil Jones, Yohance Koama, Andre Phillips, and Nirmala Narine.

Leza ‘Radika’ Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday February 28, 2020

Carnival is culture A

By Vishani Ragobeer

Carnival in Trinidad, by every definition, is culture.

Whether it is the fete after fete (after fete, after fete), or the tangible pieces of Trinidadian heritage preserved each year through Mas, Trinidad is the place to see exactly how culture is the beating heart of any society.

This year’s carnival was my first, and I know for a fact, this is the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between me and the Twin Island Republic.

While I was back in Guyana, I believed that Machel Monday (usually held the week before Carnival Monday) was the kickstart to carnival celebrations in Trinidad. I could not be more wrong. As I came back in mid-January, the festivities had already begun. Trust me when I say, fete is as normal as waking up and going to school every day.

And if you think living on a student budget was tough, imagine living on a student budget in the ‘feteland’.

Nevertheless, if there’s a will there must be a way and I was able to thoroughly immerse myself in almost all aspects of carnival. Naturally, I had to find myself in a fete (or two… or a few). This year, the King of Soca, Machel Montano sang his Machel Monday swansong, as he got married in a style aptly befitting a king, i.e., on his stage in front of thousands of his fans. I may have missed the final Machel Monday, but I was ready for Kes’ Tuesday on the Rocks, which, by the way, was an out of this world, magical experience! I say no more.

These were just two of the wildly popular fetes, though. But while fete is ‘part ah life’, this culture of partying and the ‘good vibes’ is but only a small part of the culture that envelopes Trinidad. The celebrations have very strong, though not readily discernible, underpinnings in the country’s history.

Carnival was a celebration engaged in by the formerly enslaved Africans, adapted from the elaborate masquerade balls engaged in by the French Catholic planters as a “farewell to the flesh” before the Catholic Lenten season. This was a ‘high-class’ celebration, but the formerly enslaved took adapted this as a means of defiance and rebellion and transformed it into a rich cultural celebration encompassing aspects of their African heritage.

In Trinidad, in particular, carnival had its genesis in “Canboulay”. According to writer Ray Funk, Canboulay represented a ceremony of resistance in which African dance, theatre, and music combined in street theatre as part of Carnival, with stick fighting, drumming, singers and flambeaux (‘blowing fire’).

At 4:00hrs the Friday before Carnival Mon-

day, Piccadilly Street was filled with people eager to see the reenactment of the Canboulay Riots. Waking up and travelling to Port-of- Spain for this in the wee hours of the morning was a struggle, but definitely worth it.

The Canboulay riots occurred in February 1881 in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and in the southern cities of San Fernando and Princes Town in February 1884, after the British tried to crack down on aspects of the Trinidadian carnival. Then, just as you must know in the present day, you don’t come between Trinis and their carnival.

At this reenactment of the riots, the other traditional aspects of the Trinidadian carnival were highlighted as well. Whether it was the fiery Jab Molassie (or, the blue devils as they are better known), the alluring Dame Lorraines, the graceful but towering Moko Jumbies, to even the Black Indians, these characters are all tangible pieces of the dynamic Trinidadian culture. And carnival presents an annual opportunity for Trinidadians to participate in and preserve their heritage. It is truly amazing to see how involved so many people are in the perpetuation of their culture.

Other parts of the traditional aspects of carnival include the Dimanche Gras (the magnificent showcase of the intricately designed King and Queen characters and costumes) and Panorama. Now, I spent a lot of my time going to parades that were open to the public for free so that I could photograph these traditional characters, so no trouble there. However, it is truly a blessing to be living C five minutes away from the Exodus panyard. For most of the past month, I listened to Trinidad’s 2020 anthem “Dear Promoter” being played on the sweet pan, an instrument that also has historical groundings for Trinidad.

Trinidad basically told me “Yuh want culture? Is culture in ya skin!”

Finally, my carnival experience started to wind down on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, because I did not go to Jouvert (next year’s adventure though!) nor did I play Mas. I did, however, travel to POS and got to watch a bit of the parade. And with Carnival Monday and Tuesday being held on the days after Guyana’s Mashramani, the parade helped with the feelings of nostalgia and longing for Guyana.

After soaking up all that culture this first time around, I can say that Trinidad carnival is an experience you should have. And, for future reference, undoubtedly, the hardest part of carnival is waking up on Ash Wednesday for a three-hour lecture that starts promptly at 9:00hrs (worse yet, if it’s at 08:00hrs).

A ‘Blue Devil’ reenactment at the University of the West Indies (UWI)’s Department of Creative and Festival Arts ‘Old Mas’ exhibition (Vishani Ragobeer photos)

Stickfighting at this year’s reenactment of the Canboulay Riots in Port-of-Spain

A traditional Indian (First People) portrayal on Carnival Tuesday parade in Port of Spain

An older man in his Moko Jumbie character parades through the streets of Port-of-Spain as school children, who are learning about this character, do the same

(Photos by Vishani Ragobeer)

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Guyana made commendable progress in forest monitoring –– report commissioned by Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation finds

A MID-TERM Review (MTR) has found that Guyana, in the past decade, has made much progress and has developed solid systems for monitoring forest area and forest carbon monitoring – as well as for promoting its applications.

The report commissioned by Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) was prepared by LTS International Limited (LTS, part of the NIRAS Group).

According to the report, Guyana has become a laboratory for other countries and has been instrumental in helping Suriname and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to get the right REDD+ multiyear imagery. Guyana has also developed the system of hotspots to follow up on the ground, which is now being replicated in other countries.

However, the MTR report cautioned that “the need for climate change mitigation will not go away and Guyana’s forest will continue to be a precious asset both for its own needs and for those of others”.

I m p o r t a n t l y , i t a cknowledged the expanding role of the Monitoring Report and Verification System (MRVS) and pointed out that “an increasing range of institutions within Guyana have started to use MRV data, and this, in the long run, is likely to prove the strongest argument of all for maintaining the ability to keep the MRVS in place.”

Within the country, “there has been a tremendous evolution in recognising the value of the MRVS, over the last decade.”

In discussing the efficiencies of the MRVS in informing natural resources management in Guyana, the MTR highlighted “the reliability and credibility of the Guyana forest monitoring system is not in doubt.

All of the international consultants who have worked on the forest monitoring system with Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) have been struck by the excellence of the data generated and by the commitment of the GFC MRVS team, a release from the forestry commission said.

NO PROBLEMS “Seven audit reports for financial years 20112017, became available in 2019.

They were all conducted by Edwin Aalders,

(DNV-GL) and his team.

He was the architect of the original auditing protocol.

No problems were found with any of the reports, and the audits were unqualified.

Indeed, as the auditor said, after three audits, the GFC team was working to about 98 per cent accuracy and was so focused on high quality that he was suggesting that a lower accuracy level would be quite adequate,” the release said.

The GFC said for use in reporting beyond the Norwegian agreement, it was pointed out that while more effort is needed, “the MRVS is on the cusp of becoming of much greater value to many other bodies”.

It identified the need for the data to be made more publicly available, as well as the need for more persons to be trained in the use of the MRVS’ data.

With regards to the efficiency (both cost-efficiency and time-efficiency) of Conservation International, Guyana’s performance in administering the project funds, the MTR’s assessment found that “…the background of the senior staff members in the department are well qualified and experienced. It also noted that the CI Guyana finance and banking systems appear to work well in practice.

Overall, CI Guyana seems to have been proven an effective partner,” the release said.

WELL EMBEDDED On the issue of institutionalisation of the MRVS, the MTR observed that the MRVS is well embedded within Guyana’s institutions and plans.

It noted that among the policy documents that the MRVS have been formally embedded is the Revised National Forest Policy Statement 2018.

In Annex 3, it is stated that “GFC is responsible for enforcement of forest laws and regulations, monitoring and control of social and environmental impacts of operations within the State Forest Estate, collection of revenues from forestry activities and implementation of the national Monitoring Reporting and Verification System for country-level land-use and forest change monitoring”.

More importantly, the MRT highlighted a key aspect that “…must not be squandered, is the way in which it has linked indigenous people and the national level.”

The MRVS has allowed

for the training of communities in Monitoring, Reporting and Verification at the community level, called CMRV. The report noted that CMRV has “…created a link between remote communities and the capital which is very important.

The opportunity provided by the CMRV for people to demarcate their own territories and to report on the kinds of land use within them along with other local

data, has been symbolically extremely important. Local people have been involved, for the first time, in linking their own natural resource management practices to what goes on nationally.

Some have had the opportunity, as well, to learn more about sustainable forest management, reduced impact logging and conservation.”

BACKGROUND The climate and forest

partnership between the Government of Guyana and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway was initiated in 2009.

It is one of the first national-scale initiatives to Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, as well as conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+) in the world. Norway agreed to provide up to US$250 mil-

lion in performance-based payments to help Guyana transition to a low-carbon green development path. As a follow- up to the Norway-Guyana agreement, Norway has supported Guyana through the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) in developing a Monitoring Reporting and Verification System (MRVS) for REDD+.

This support covers the period 2016 to 2020 (Years 6- 9 of the MRVS).

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ARAB EMIRATES RACING TIPS Riyadh 08:20 hrs Dayaan 08:45 hrs Shaaki 09:15 hrs Moshaghebah 09:45 hrs Nassohah 10:15 hrs Shadawah 10:45 hrs Makhbour 11:30 hrs Karim Maan 12:00 hrs Tal ‘ Aet Albadr AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 First Degree Race 2 No Deal Race 3 Mills Race 4 Papa Jim Race 5 First Line Race 6 Lucky Move Race 7 The Caretaker SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 10:27 hrs Gold Lightning 11:00 hrs Matterhorn 11:35 hrs Blue Flower 12:08 hrs Kapen Pride 12:43 hrs Duchess Of Malfi 13:20 hrs Powered Beauty 13:55 hrs Mohican 14:30 hrs Johnny Black ENGLISH RACING TIPS Doncaster 10:00 hrs Minella Examiner 10:35 hrs Goobinator 11:05 hrs Pichelot 11:40 hrs Miss Heritage 12:10 hrs It’s Probably Me 13:15 hrs Royal Crown NEWBURY 10:10 hrs Iconic Muddle 11:15 hrs Indian Brave 11:50 hrs Iti Sure Is 12:20 hrs Roccowithlove 12:55 hrs Dorking Copck 13:25 hrs The Kicking Queen NEWCASTLE 13:10 hrs Top Power 13:45 hrs Lexington Force 14:15 hrs Klopp 14:45 hrs Dream Game 15:15 hrs Watheer 15:45 hrs The Bull IRISH RACING TIPS Dundalk 13:00 hrs Wild Shot 13:30 hrs Able Jack 14:00 hrs Bal De Rio 14:30 hrs United Front 15:00 hrs King Of Athens 15:30 hrs Major Power 16:00 hrs No Needs Never 16:30 hrs Briseuse De Coeur

Sir Everton Weekes strides to 95 not out CRICKET West Indies (CWI) on Wednesday sent greetings to the great Sir Everton Weekes, who celebrated his 95th birth anniversary.

He is the oldest living West Indies cricketer – and a much loved and revered member of the West Indies cricket family.

As a member of the Three Ws – alongside Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Clyde Walcott – he paved the way for the development of West Indies cricket.

He is a true icon of the game and is respected everywhere cricket is played or spoken about all around the world. As a batsman, he was full of class and had an outstanding career.

He has contributed immensely to this great game and is a true West Indies hero. “We want to wish him a happy 95th birthday”, CWI said in a statement.

Speaking from his home in Barbados on Wednesday morning, Sir Everton said: “I want to thank CWI and the people in cricket for their kind words and well-wishes. I played my cricket for the people and it is very good to know they respected me. I hope I made people happy with the way I played.”

Sir Everton is one of several West Indies greats in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

During his career, he made 4 455 runs in 48 Tests, at a remarkable average of 58.61 runs per innings, including 15 centuries. He made his Test debut against England at Kensington Oval in 1948 and played his last Test match against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad in 1958. (SOURCE- Cricket West Indies)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday February 28, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) AUST won by 107 runs (2) Ashton Agar

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the result of the second T20 International of the recent AUST/SA series?

(2) Who was declare Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

Champions League battle adds spice to Everton v Man United clash

By Simon Evans MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - The tight and unpredictable battle for Champions League places provides Everton and Manchester United with some extra motivation for their Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The top three places in the table look secure for Liverpool, Manchester City and Leicester City, but the fourth spot, currently occupied by Chelsea, remains tantalisingly within reach of several clubs including Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United.

Adding to the intrigue, Manchester City’s two-year UEFA ban from European football, which they are appealing, could allow fifth place to claim a spot in the continent’s premier club competition.

United are current-

ly fifth, just three points behind Chelsea, and although Everton are 11th, they could reduce the gap to United to just two points with a victory.

Everton’s Brazilian forward Richarlison says that the Champions League was a definite target for the team and remains so despite Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Arsenal.

“Since the start of the season, our objective has been to qualify for the Champions League,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“With the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti we have improved.

Unfortunately we lost an important game against Arsenal and we wanted to use that game to climb up the table.

“But on Sunday we have another important game, against a direct rival for one of these positions, and we are going to give our all in this game to try and climb the table,” he said.

Everton’s Theo Walcott scores their fourth goal v Manchester United - Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain April 21, 2019. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff. (File photo) United are desperate to get back among the elite and despite some ups and downs this season, as Solskjaer bloods youngsters and

Women’s T20 World Cup India beat New Zealand by three runs to secure semi-finals place INDIA survived a late scare to edge past New Zealand by three runs in a thrilling finish to secure their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Shafali Verma has scored 114 runs in three innings so far at the T20 World Cup. India reached 133-8, with Shafali Verma, 16, again impressing with 46.

Amelia Kerr’s magnificent 34 from 24 balls then gave New Zealand hope, but they fell just short.

India are two points clear at the top of Group A with a maximum six points from their first three games.

They play Sri Lanka in their final group game in Melbourne tommorrow, with New Zealand facing Bangladesh at the same venue today.

Asked to bat first by New Zealand, India, who had beaten Australia and Bangladesh in

their first two group games, once again got off to a fine start thanks to Verma.

The teenager continued her impressive tournament with her 46 coming off just 34 deliveries, featuring four fours and three sixes, though she was dropped twice on 25 and 32.

India looked well set at 80-2 after 11 overs, but the spin of Leigh Kasperek (1-19) and Kerr (2-21) helped to drag the match back into New Zealand’s favour, with India losing five wickets for 31 runs in the middle order.

New Zealand struggled early in their reply, with Poonam Yadav claiming the key wicket of captain Sophie Devine - who had reached 50 in her last six innings - for 14.

But, after being reduced to 39-3 from eight overs, Maddy Green (24) and Katey Martin (25) rebuilt the innings.

When Martin went, leaving New Zealand 90-5 with three-and-a-half overs remaining, it looked like being a comfortable victory for India.

However, Kerr’s late flurry gave New Zealand hope and left them needing 16 to win off the final over.

Kerr and batting partner Hayley Jensen struck 11 off the first five deliveries to leave them needing a boundary off the last ball to force a super over, but they could only run a scrambled single after an excellent yorker by Shikha Pandey.

Player-of-the-match Shafali Verma: “I’m very happy with the performance; I just want to keep doing it for the team.

Even though they were not giving me easy runs, I was just waiting for the loose balls, which is one of my strengths. (BBC Sport)

tries to rebuild the side, they remain in contention.

“We’re a big club, have got good finances but the longer you’re out the more

you suffer,” Solskjaer said this week.

“So it’s an ambition to get back into the Champions League – for footballing

reasons and financially it’ll help the club,” he said.

Leaders Liverpool could set a new top-flight record for consecutive wins if they beat Watford away tomorrow.

Monday’s victory over West Ham United equalled Manchester City’s record of 18 straight Premier League wins between August and December 2017.

“It’s so special. The numbers are incredible, so difficult.

I said we wanted to write our own stories, create our own history,” said manager Juergen Klopp.

Another game with potential implications for Champions League places sees Spurs take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday while Chelsea travel to struggling Bournemouth tomorrow.

Manchester City are in action against Aston Villa on Sunday in the League Cup final.

Richardson to remain in South Africa as Aussies name ODI squad to face Black Caps JHYE Richardson has been named in Australia’s squad for the three-game ODI showdown against South Africa, though he will sit out the series with New Zealand.

Richardson returned to the international mix for three Twenty20s in South Africa, where the third and final game will be played on Wednesday, though the paceman has been overlooked for the first two clashes.

However, Richardson could feature in the 50-over format following his selection in Australia’s ODI team to face the Proteas, starting in Paarl tomorrow.

Richardson, 23, will remain in South Africa after Australia announced their 14man squad for a three-game series against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand from March 13 to 20.

“It has been a pretty tough road to get back, a few ups and downs, a few plateaus here and there. Just being here around everyone and this setup again is fantastic. Everyone is in a great frame of mind and extremely positive,” said Richardson, who suffered a shoulder injury prior to last year’s Cricket World Cup. “I am absolutely ready to go. I feel I am bowling as well as I have for a long time.

Hopefully there’s an opportunity.”

National selector Trevor Hohns added: “Jhye is performing exceptionally well, as we saw throughout the Big Bash. He has slotted back into the T20 squad in South Africa and is pushing for a place in that side.

“We are very fortunate to have such a deep pool of fast bowlers. Jhye has earned his place after the hard work he has done to get

Australia pacer Jhye Richardson back into his best form after serious injury.

“Keeping him in South Africa with the one-day squad gives us another exceptional fast bowler who is ready to go.”

Australia will face New Zealand in backto-back ODIs at the SCG in Sydney on March 13 and 15 before hosting the Black Caps in Hobart on March 20.

Australia ODI squad to face New Zealand: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

Kiwis have few selection concerns as they seek Test series win

By Greg Stutchbury WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - The only selection issue facing New Zealand as they head into the second match against India at Christchurch is likely to be whether pace bowler Kyle Jamieson, so impressive on his Test debut at the Basin Reserve, bats higher in the order.

Jamieson made a big impression in the hosts’ 10-wicket victory in the opener of the two-Test series, capturing 4-39 in the first innings and then scoring 44 in rearguard action.

The 25-year-old is almost certain to retain his place in the team for the match, starting tomorrow at Hagley Oval, despite the return of Neil Wagner, who missed the Wellington game due to the birth of his first child.

“What you saw with Kyle is that he has the capability to bat higher,” coach Gary Stead said this week. “The way he played I thought was out-

New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson reacts during his Test debut. (REUTERS/Martin Hunter) standing. He did a really Five different spingood job for us.” ners - Mark Craig, Todd With New Zealand Astle, Mitchell Santner, only needing a draw to Ish Sodhi and current secure a sixth successive squad member Ajaz Pahome series victory, Stead tel - have taken just one has moved to dampen wicket between them, expectations they would while swing bowler Tim take four seamers into the Southee has been manmatch alongside all-round- of-the-match for the last er Colin de Grandhomme. three Tests.

A decision is not exThe best return from a pected until they get a New Zealand slow bowllook at the pitch. er has been from captain New Zealand’s front- Kane Williamson’s partline spin bowlers, howev- time off-spin when he took er, have had little success 1-17 against Australia in at Hagley Oval in the six 2016. previous Tests there.

India’s batsmen will

have to adjust to what is expected to be pace-friendly conditions and tight New Zealand bowling, and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said they would be more positive in Christchurch.

“It’s important to trust ourselves and not think about the last Test match,” Rahane said yesterday. “We just have to have fresh mindsets and it’s all about being in the present.”

India were unbeaten in their seven previous matches in the International Cricket Council’s World Test Championship and lead the standings on 360 points.

Rahane added it was imperative they won in Christchurch to continue their march to the final at Lord’s in 2021.

“We all know that 60 points are at stake,” Rahane said. “If we win the Test match then we will be far ahead (of second-placed Australia).

“It’s not (always) about winning the Test series.”

Sunrisers Hyderabad name David Warner captain for IPL 2020 SUNRISERS Hyderabad have announced David Warner as their captain for the upcoming IPL that starts on March 29.

Warner takes over from Kane Williamson, who led the side in 2018 and 2019. Williamson was named captain in 2018 after Warner had been barred from participating in that season of the tournament in the aftermath of Australia’s ball-tampering controversy, which occurred before the start of the league that year.

Williamson led the Sunrisers to the final in 2018, where they lost to the David Warner celebrates a Chennai Suhalf-century in his final IPL 2019 per Kings in game. (BCCI photo) Mumbai, and was the tournament’s leading scorer with a tally of 735. Last year, the Sunrisers lost to the Delhi Capitals in the eliminator, after finishing fourth on the points table.

Warner had earlier captained the side between 2015 and 2017, and had led them to the title win in 2016. Warner has led the Sunrisers in 45 matches overall, with 26 wins and a win-loss ratio of 1.368. Williamson, in comparison, led the side to 14 wins in 26 games with a win-loss ratio of 1.272.

With Williamson not the captain anymore and Warner a sure starter, Sunrisers have the option of rotating their overseas players for the other three slots in the XI. They already have match-winners Jonny Bairstow, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan in their squad and Mitchell Marsh, Fabian Allen and Billy Stanlake among the other non-Indian names.

When Williamson was captain, they were forced to pick Warner and Williamson in the top order, leaving only two overseas slots open. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Women’s T20 World Cup

Australia cruise to victory over Bangladesh BETH Mooney and Alyssa Healy shone as Australia thrashed Bangladesh by 86 runs in their Women’s T20 World Cup group match in Canberra.

Mooney struck an unbeaten 81 and Healy an astonishing 83 as the two shared a brutal 151-run opening partnership.

Healy was the only batter to fall for Australia, but Ashleigh Gardner’s unbeaten 22 from nine balls powered the defending champions to 189-1 at Manuka Oval.

Bangladesh could reach only 103-9 from their attritional 20 overs, with seamer Megan Schutt taking 3-21.

Australia are close to qualifying for the knockout stages, thanks to their emphatic margin of victory in Canberra and India’s win over New Zealand earlier yesterday.

The hosts’ final group game is against New Zealand in Melbourne on Monday, while Bangladesh play the same side tomorrow, also at Junction Oval.

Australia stumbled with the bat against Sri Lanka but Healy attacked from the off, driving the first ball of the innings to the ropes.

Healy’s form has been up and down during the Australian summer but this was a timely reminder of the power she has, with the wicketkeeper striking 10 fours

and three sixes from 53 balls.

She hit back-to-back sixes to reach her half-century the second, a huge flog over cow corner that cleared the advertising boards - and reaching triple digits felt almost inevitable.

Healy was left fuming, however, after she cut a nondescript delivery from Salma Khatun to the waiting fielder at point.

Bangladesh were poor on the field - there were several easy dropped catches, including Mooney, who was put down at long-off on 56 - but Mooney played strongly around the ground, while Gardner’s three fours and one six ensured Australia ended the innings with a bang.

In truth, Bangladesh were never in the chase, and it took until the 12th over for them to start hitting out.

Fargane Hoque Pinky top-scored for Bangladesh with 36 from 35 balls, but the total was always out of their grasp, and a chaotic final over summed up their approach.

Two run-outs in two balls, including one where the captain Salma Khatun was left standing in the middle Openers Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy shared a of the pitch, unaware of where the ball was, capped off a brutal 151-run opening partnership. (Getty Images) disappointing finish for Bangladesh. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

GCB /RUBiS U-17 inter-county cricket

Essequibo beat Select U-15 by 2 wickets ESSEQUIBO chalked up a tense 2-wicket win over the Select U-15, thanks to fifty from Aryan Persaud when action in the GCB/ RUBiS U-17 Inter-county tournament continued yesterday.

Persaud played a captain’s knock by grafting 51 off 143 balls with 2 fours to end not out.

Essequibo, chasing 182, ended on 153 for 8, thanks to Persaud and a brisk 45 from Ronaldo Scouten who hammered 3 fours and 4 sixes; as spinner Salim Khan snatched 3-22 for Select U-15.

Batting first, the U-15 XI were again tested by their much older opponents. Jarred Allicock was the tormentor, bagging 4 for 28 in reply to opener Rampertab Ramnauth, who smashed 8 fours and a six in his top knock of 78, with the next best score being 13.

At the Everest ground,

… Dindyal sets up crushing win for Demerara

Man-of-the-match Alvin Mohabir Demerara surged to an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Berbice in their second-round encounter.

Berbice, batting first,

Jamaica U-20 girls defeat Canada to advance to round-of-16 in World Cup qualifiers GOALS from captain Jody Brown, Lacey Murray and Marlee Fray spurred Jamaica to a 3-1 victory over Canada in the CONCACAF Women’s U-20 World Cup qualify-

Jody Brown opened the scoring for Jamaica’s U20 women against Canada. ing championship in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.

The win also means that Jamaica have topped Group C and advanced to the round of 16 where they will face Bermuda tomor-

row.

At the Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal, Jamaica emerged convincing victors despite having only 37 per cent of the possession against the Canadians who had eight of their 24 shots on target.

Jamaica. who had 11 shots on goal, were much more efficient, scoring three of their four shots on target with Brown opening the scoring in the 20th minute.

Canada continued to dominate possession against the junior Reggae Girlz but somehow the score remained 1-0 until the 80th minute when Lacey Murray doubled the Jamaicans’ lead.

Marlee Fray added a third in the 89th minute, which sealed the victory for the Jamaicans.

Canada got a deserved consolation a minute into stoppage time when Tanya Boychuk pulled one back for her team that finished second in the group with four points. (Sportsmax)

were destroyed by man-ofthe-match Alvin Mohabir who bagged 5-19 from 10 overs. Romel Datterdeen chipped in with excellent

Demerara’s Mavindra Dindyal plays a stroke during his unbeaten 51 yesterday at Bourda. figures of 3-18 to help keep the home team to 108 all out.

In reply, Demerara reached 111 for 2 after

National Youth batsman Mavindra Dindyal stroked an unbeaten 50 off 52 balls with 8 fours and a six.

Support came from Jaime Campbell who hit 6 fours and a maximum in his 45 not out, ending the match in just 21.5 overs.

‘Bloody-mindedness’ made Inter Miami MLS dream a reality - Beckham DAVID Beckham has told BBC Sport his “perseverance, stubbornness and bloody-mindedness” are why he always believed his club Inter Miami would play in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The dream, which began in 2014, will come to fruition on Sunday when his Miami franchise travel to Los Angeles FC for their first MLS match.

The former England captain expressed his delight in reaching this point and highlighted the importance of having the full backing of his family.

“Victoria (his wife) has seen me go to Miami, be happy and then come back a little bit deflated,” said the 44-year-old, who co-owns the franchise with construction magnates Jorge and Jose Mas, Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure and Korean-Japanese entrepreneur Masayoshi Son. “It’s been a rollercoaster ride during the past few years. I’ve had a huge amount of support from the family, as you can imagine.

“They’re just so emotional about the whole thing. We’re the same as owners - to see what we’ve gone through and to see what has happened ... good, bad. Victoria has witnessed that with me - she’s so proud and so excited for us.

“The fact this is now happening, the fact I look at our stadium … the white lines are down and the goals

are up. That for me is an exciting moment.”

‘I’m not nervous at all’ The saga began prior to 2014, when Beckham exercised an option in the deal which brought him to LA Galaxy in 2007 to own a franchise.

Since then he has endured issues over stadium location and planning and has had to remain patient for the all-important green light from the MLS. “My wife talks about my stubbornness and I tend to agree with her on this point,” the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder added.

“Over the past seven years I could have walked away, do another city or something else. I knew deep down this was the right thing.

“Perseverance is something I talk to the kids about - working hard. This says it all about what’s happened in the past few years - the perseverance, stubbornness and just bloody-mindedness, knowing that this was the right thing to do.”

Inter Miami will play in the former Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale - 30 miles from Miami before the club expects to relocate to the proposed Miami Freedom Park in 2022.

The first home fixture of this season will be, fittingly, against his former side LA Galaxy on March 14.

“Excitement more than any-

thing,” he responded when asked how he felt before the opening match.

“Someone asked me ‘how nervous are you?’ and actually I’m not nervous at all. One thing I learnt as a player is if you prepare yourself well one week before, then when the game comes at the weekend you’re ready.”

‘EMOTIONS WILL BE HIGH’ Despite reports linking Inter Miami with big-name players like Paris St-Germain striker Edinson Cavani, the current squad does not feature any household names.

“Have we got aspirations of bringing big-name players? Of course we do,” Beckham added.

“If we have the opportunity to do that then great, but we’re more than happy with the roster we have.

We have young players and a couple of experienced players. But going forward, who knows?”

In the meantime, Beckham is content to finally see his club up and running.

“The fact we are a few days away from starting the season is very exciting,” he said.

“But I think the moment where we kick a ball in our stadium on March 14 - that would be when the emotions will be running very high. We are very excited.” (BBC Sport)

50

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

Mayers unbeaten 121 pulls Barbados Pride out of trouble BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Kyle Mayers closed in on 500 runs for the season with his second hundred of the campaign to lift leaders Barbados Pride out of trouble and help them dominate Thursday’s day one of their sixth round match against Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Sent in at Kensington Oval, the hosts were tottering on 132 for five after lunch before recovering to reach 357 for seven at the close, with the left-handed Mayers unbeaten on a splendid 121.

He faced 135 balls in 3-¼ hours and struck 16 fours and three sixes. Ironically, his first hundred of the season – the maiden one of his first class career – also came against Volcanoes at Arnos Vale last month.

Mayers, in his first season for his native Barbados after spending several season with Volcanoes, received support from all-rounder Kevin Stoute who made a breezy 46 and tailender Kemar Roach who struck a cavalier 41.

Justin Greaves chimed in with 38 while opener Shayne Moseley got 36 and Test batsman Shamarh Brooks, 33.

The day, however, belonged to Mayers, who carried his tally for the season to an impressive 498 runs.

Kyle Mayers cuts en route to his second first class hundred on Thursday.

He featured in two key partnerships, and a six off just 52 deliveries. putting on 96 for the sixth wicket with Arriving at the crease with Pride Stoute and adding a further 92 for the fighting back on 128 for four, Mayers was seventh wicket with Roach. unbeaten on 14 at tea to help the hosts Stoute faced 68 balls and struck five fours move to 153 for five, and brought up his and a six while Roach belted half-dozen fours half-century off 77 balls with an all-run

four off speedster Josh Thomas.

Mayers eventually raised three figures off 124 deliveries with a gentle drive for a single to cover off leg-spinner Keron Cottoy with the close beckoning.

He found an ally in Jomel Warrican (10 not out) late in the day to post 37 in an unbroken eighth wicket partnership.

Pride had earlier made a stuttering start even though Moseley put on 40 for the first wicket with struggling Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite who managed just five.

Thomas, who finished with two for 57, removed both in the space of five overs.

Brathwaite perished for his fifth single digit score this season, caught at second slip defending while the left-handed Moseley played around a good length ball and had his off stump hit.

Stumbling on 47 for two, Greaves stabilised the innings in a 50-run, third wicket partnership with Brooks before putting on a further 31 for the fourth wicket with Shane Dowrich (12).

Pride were beginning to take control of the game when Both Greaves and Dowrich fell in successive overs with just four runs added, to leave Mayers and the lower order with the task of reviving the innings.

Permaul rips apart Scorpions with seven for 59 to give Jaguars edge

Red Force batting fails again to finish on 161 for 7 on day one

FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica, Left-arm pacer Raymon Reif(CMC) – Veerasammy Permaul’s er got the breakthrough when he 28th five-wicket haul in first class squared up the left-handed Campbell cricket helped cripple Jamaica Scor- and had him caught at the wicket, a pions on the opening day of the sixth dismissal which sparked a slide that round encounter here Thursday. saw three wickets fall for 20 runs.

The 30-year-old Williams folleft-arm spinner lowed in the next snared seven for 59 over, losing his as the hosts, sent off-stump to Perin at the Trelawny maul after missing Multi-Purpose Stadia forward defenum, were dismissed sive prod and Paul for a disappointing Palmer was also 216 in their first inbowled by the same nings. bowler for four, Test batsman driving at a good J erm a in e B la cklength delivery. w o o d t o p-s cored Blackwood then with 59 – his third came to his side’s half-century in four rescue, posting 58 It was Veerasammy Permaul’s 28th innings – while for the fourth wickfive-wicket haul in first class cricket wicketkeeper Denis et with Nkrumah Smith chipped in Bonner (15) to take with 23 but no other Scorpions bats- Scorpions to lunch at 80 for three. man passed 20.

Afterwards, Blackwood paired At the close, Guyana Jaguars were with Smith to put on another 38 for yet to get off the mark in the two overs the fifth wicket before becoming Peravailable to them. maul’s fourth wicket in the sixth over With impressive victories in their after tea, lbw pushing forward to a last two outings, Scorpions started straightish delivery at 156 for five. strongly when captain John Campbell There was no recovery for Scor(20) and Alwyn Williams (12) put on pions, however, as they lost their last 40 for the first wicket. five wickets for just 44 runs.

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC )– Belea- steering Louis to gully where Montcin Hodge guered Trinidad and Tobago Red Force took a low catch. struggled with the bat on the opening day Left-hander Rajah then helped repair the of their sixth round contest against Lee- damage, first by adding 33 for the second ward Islands Hurricanes here Thursday. wicket with captain Yannick Ottley (12) Lying fifth in the six-team standings with and then by putting on a further 51 in a third just one win this seawicket stand with Moson, Red Force failed hammed. to overcome their All told, the woes and finished 26-year-old Rajah the day on 161 for faced 102 balls and seven, following a struck four fours and a delayed start at Warsix before he was third ner Park which saw out, caught low down play start 1-½ hours by wicketkeeper Jahlate. mar Hamilton diving to Isaiah Rajah, in his left, off Berridge in his first four-day the third over after tea. appearance in two Ottley had earlier years, top-scored perished at the hands with 41 while Joshof seamer Nino Henry ua DaSilva stroked before the interval, slap37 and veteran rightping a rank long hop to hander Jason Mocover. hammed, 30.

Mohammed faced 78 Isaiah Rajah … top-scored with 41 for Fast bowler Jer- Red Force. deliveries, counting two emiah Louis spearfours and sixes but failed headed the attack with three for 32 while to build on the start when he was bowled by new-ball partner Sheno Berridge support- Louis, offering no shot and losing his off ed with two for 50. stump.

Bidding to turn their disastrous season DaSilva then attempted to shepherd the around, Red Force suffered an early blow middle order until he was the day’s final when they lost Jeremy Solozano for six with victim, drawn into a false stroke by Louis the score on seven in the sixth over of the day, and taken behind by Hamilton.

51

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 28, 2020

AP Invitational added to World Athletics Continental Tour

By Rawle Toney GUYANA’S Common wealth Games 400m gold and silver medallist Aliann Pompey will now see her June 6 AP Invitational part of the recently structured World Athletics 2020 Continental Tour.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said the impetus for creating the Continental Tour was to provide more competition and earning opportunities for more athletes.

The Continental Tour will be divided into three levels – Gold, Silver and Bronze – whose status will be determined by the quality of competition and prize money on offer.

World Athletics is investing in the Gold level meetings, which will each offer US$200 000 in prize money, to increase the num-

Aliann Pompey ber of high-quality competitive opportunities available to showcase our sport’s best athletes.

Area associations will be responsible for managing the Silver (US$75 000 prize money) and Bronze level

competitions (US$25 000).

There will be ten Silver and up to 50 Bronze meetings.

Those disciplines that are not included in this year’s Wanda Diamond League final – 200m, 3000m steeplechase, triple jump, discus - will be core events in the Continental Tour Gold meetings, as will the hammer throw. Each will have guaranteed prize money of US$20 000 at each meeting.

Performances in those events will attract the same level of world ranking points as the core Diamond League disciplines, and the overall tour winners will receive wildcard entry to the World Athletics Championships Oregon 2021.

Pompey, a four-time Olympian, will hold the Invitational for the fifth time this year at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora.

FLASHBACK! 2012 Olympic Games gold medallist Kirani James crosses the finish line to win the Men’s 400m at the 2018 AP Invitational. He’s so far the highest profile athlete to compete at the event.

The inaugural meet hosted 11 athletes who went on to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity not just for the Aliann Pompey Invitational, but for Guyana and athletics in the

region,” Pompey said.

According to the Guyanese, who is an assistant coach for the St John’s University Track team, the AP Invitational will be one of two events that will be held in South America; the other – the Brazil Grand Prix.

“I think this speaks to the commitment of the meet’s sponsors. For the past four years, they’ve supported the vision for the meet and its importance to the development of sports in the country and in the region. This is a collaborative effort with so many pieces,” Pompey added.

The 2020 Continental Tour will span across six continents and offers athletes the opportunity to receive world-ranking points that will count toward the 2020 Olympic Games and World Championships.

‘We were very, very poor’, laments Windies captain Pollard HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka (CMC) – Captain Kieron Pollard has slammed West Indies’ performance in Wednesday’s second OneDay International as “pretty, pretty poor” and has taken full responsibility for the manner of defeat which saw them concede yet another series on Sri Lankan soil.

The Caribbean side produced a lack-lustre effort in the field as Sri Lanka piled up 345 for eight off their 50 overs, courtesy of hundreds from Man-of-the-Match Avishka Fernando (127) and Kusal Mendis (119).

Facing a difficult run chase, West Indies rolled over with hardly a whimper, bundled out for 184 in the 40th over, to suffer a 161run defeat – their heaviest ever to Sri Lanka.

“It was the sort of start we were looking for, getting a few wickets early but I think after that it all went pearshaped,” a despondent Pollard said following the defeat.

“It started with me; that catch off Kusal Mendis – it would have been three wickets down then after that I don’t think we stuck to the plans long enough. Overall, we were outplayed by Sri Lanka.

“At the end of the day we’re here to play internation-

West Inides captain Kieron Pollard listens during a media conference following Wednesday’s second ODI. al cricket of a high standard and I don’t think we were up to that standard today and at the end of the day if we had to rate this performance I think we were pretty, pretty poor.”

Mendis was put down on two at first slip by Pollard in the third over off pacer Jason Holder and went on to post his second ODI hundred.

Along with Fernando, Mendis helped post a record 239-run third-wicket stand, capitalising on loose Windies bowling to take command of

the contest at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.

When the Windies chased, only Shai Hope with a top score of 51 off 65 balls and Nicholas Pooran with 31 off 41, showed any resistance. At one stage, the visitors were 130 for three but lost their last seven wickets for 54 runs.

Pollard said the performance was made even more disappointing especially with the Windies trying to get back into the series after losing last Saturday’s opener.

“In all three departments we weren’t here … and I think that’s disappointing for us. We’ve put in a lot of hard work and it didn’t show, and in a game like today’s where you want to win and level the series, I don’t think we showed up as a team,” Pollard lamented.

“We can pinpoint a lot of little things but you don’t want to go into finer details.

There’s a place for that – we’ll do that internally.

“But overall as a team, we’re very, very disappointed, even with my performance today as well and not being able to rally the boys. I cop this one on the chin, I take this one and we move on to Kandy (for the series finale).”

Pollard said even

though the series was lost, he was still expecting a professional effort from the Windies in tomorrow’s

last ODI. “Yes, we can’t win the series but every time we get the opportunity to play

cricket you want to come out and do it the right way and win cricket matches,” the all-rounder stressed.

JFF expresses regret over killing of former national footballer Irvino English THE Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), the Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) have released statements of condolence in the wake of the tragic death of former national football player Irvino English.

English, 42, was gunned down in his community of Waterhouse in Kingston on Wednesday night.

At the time of his death, the former Waterhouse FC midfielder was an assistant coach at Wolmer’s Boys High School and at Premier League club Arnett Gardens FC. The news has left a pall hanging over Jamaica’s football fraternity.

“The Jamaica Football Federation is deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely loss of former national player Irvino English who at the time of his pass-

ing was Assistant Coach at Wolmer’s Boys School (Manning Cup team) and Arnett Gardens FC Premier League team,” the JFF said in a statement on Thursday.

“English was a member of the National Reggae Boyz squad (youth and senior); past captain of Waterhouse FC and was a respected goal scorer in the National Premier League.

“The JFF extends sincere condolences to his family, friends, teammates and the Wolmer’s and Arnett Gardens football fraternity and the Waterhouse community.”

Meanwhile, KSAFA also issued a statement expressing their regret at English’s death.

“English has been a part of the KSAFA family for a number of years and most recently, Arnett Gardens FC, as a coach,” the KSAFA

Former Jamaica national footballer Irvino English statement said.

On behalf of the Kingston & St. Andrew Football Association’s family, please join us in extending our deepest sympathy to the Arnett Gardens Football Club’s Family, family members of the late Irvino English, friends and well-wishers.”

(Sportsmax)

Government rescues Olympic hopeful boxers with $25M

Director of Sport Christopher Jones (L), presents the Government of Guyana’s $2.5M cheque to GBA president Steve Ninvalle, towards sending five boxers and officials to the Olympic Qualifiers in Argentina. (Adrian Narine photo)

By Rawle Toney THE Government of Guyana, through the National Sports Commission (NSC),

has come to the aid of the country’s top boxers, who are all aiming to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Yesterday, at a simple, yet significant

presentation ceremony, Director of Sport Christopher Jones handed over a cheque valued $2.5M to president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle. The donation will go towards sending Colin Lewis, Desmond Amsterdam, Keevin Allicock, Dennis Thomas and Canadian-based Taveena Kum to the March 26-April 3 Olympic Qualifying tournament in Argentina.

On Tuesday GBA in a press release said that they were ‘on the ropes’ as it related to gathering the US$11 000 needed for the boxers’ accommodation, as well as the US$1800 per person towards getting them to Argentina, especially after they had missed the February 24 deadline given.

Jones told reporters at his Homestretch Avenue Office, that initially, the NSC had told the GBA upon their previous request that based on the unavailability of a budget they were unable to assist the team’s trip to Argentina.

The Government of Guyana had combined with the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) to send a team of four boxers and coach to Cuba for a three-month stint as part of the GBA’s plans to properly prepare them for the up-coming qualifying tournament.

According to Jones, it would have

been inhumane for the NSC, and by extension the Government, to not come to find a way to rescue the association.

Jones pointed out that despite the circumstances surrounding acquiring funds, the NSC “had to do what is necessary to ensure that our boxers stay focussed and not have to worry about anything or be distracted about whether or not they would be unable to participate in the Olympic qualifiers.

“The four boxers and coach who are in Cuba, we want them to be focussed … we are confident, based on the work we’ve seen the boxing association has been doing over the years, that our boxers will make it to the Olympics.”

Ninvalle praised the Government for their late, but yet timely intervention, noting that he was certain, this time more than ever before, that Guyana will be represented in the field of boxing at the Olympic Games this year, and will also return with a medal.

The GBA president said, unlike before, the boxers are better prepared, thanks to the collaborative effort between Government and the GOA. Terrence Poole MS, Sebert Blake and Francisco Roldan are the coaches travelling with the boxers to Argentina.

Alabama Trading donates team, referee benches to Petra THE support for the Milo schools football tournament continues to grow, with Alabama Trading being the latest contributor.

The company yesterday handed over a quantity of benches for referees and teams at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Proprietor of Alabama Trading, Wooed Phillips said, “Alabama is pleased to be associated with the enhancement of football. Giving back is one of the hallmarks of Alabama

Trading and as a former footballer myself, it’s good to know the football standard will be raised in some way or the other with this.”

While the benches were already tested during the ongoing Milo Under-18 schools football tournament, the official handover was .made yesterday.

On the other hand, Petra co-Director Troy Mendonca expressed heartfelt gratitude to Phillips and his establishment, reiterating the positive impact that it will have

Little Winner Phillips officially hands over the team benches on his father’s behalf to Troy Mendonca in the presence of Mark Alleyne and Lawrence ‘Sparrow’ Griffith. on the game.

“On behalf of Petra and the entire football fraternity, we want to thank you for such a valuable donation to the Petra organisation. I just want to let you know that a gesture like this adds value and capacity-building to the organ-

isation and allows us present our tournaments in a better manner that aids in the development of the sport,” Mendonca stated.

The tournament continues this weekend with three matches each tomorrow and Sunday.

Sir Everton Permaul rips apart Scorpions with seven for Weekes strides 59 to give Jaguars edge to 95 not out See story on page 50

See story on page 46

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Sir Everton Weekes.

(Photo: Cricket West Indies) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020